Rotary the networker District 9800

Edition 14 Inside this issue: Open Day at Donations in International Assembly

Kind San Diego

District Governor 2020-2021 Honours for announced District Rotarians

World of Difference 2018 District 9800 News District Peace Scholars Rochester ROCAN supper Reflections and call for

applications Camp Getaway Kitchen reno VALE David Wittner

Open Day at Donations in Kind

Donations in Kind was a hive of activity with Bob Glindeman and Laurie Fisher all smiling and cheerful as they greeted the many visitors to the new Shed 39 on February 24th. District Governor Peter Frueh and Anne, District Governor Elect Bronwyn Stephens and Mark and several of the District Leadership Team provided commentary and information.

Supported by the many regular volunteers and support clubs, those who came along to view the new premises and space were amazed at the facilities and organization. David Dippie, Andy, Ian Salek, Austen Burleigh, Gordon Cheyne, Jack & Dawn Watson and the Computers4Kids team all helped out and Anne Peace and Greg Penno brought a team down from Bendigo.

A number of clubs had already contributed to sponsoring/ naming the new racking and others made contributions on the day.

The Rotary Club of Flemington provided the sausage sizzle and Jama Farah and son from the Rotary Club of Foot- scray supplied a range of delicious African food and Cinnamon tea.

Peter Cribb, Allan Bruno, Marg Bruno, Len Seddon, Jama Farah and son with the African banquet & Ted Frank from the Rotary Club of Flemington

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Di Gillies reports on her recent trip to Warrnambool. David Bourke, Cherie Osborne and Marianne Potgeiter

DONATIONS in KIND OPEN

DAY February 2018

District Conference fills the seats

District Conference Chair Di Gillies and her team from the Rotary Club of Balweyn were beaming as she announced that registrations for the District Conference in Warrnambool had closed with a record full house.

The free 2018 Conference app for Apple and Android devices is available from your favourite app store. Search for conf9800

With an exciting and inspiring range of presenters, attendees will experience an inspiriting, educational and enjoya- ble conference with a vast range of activities to round out the experience. Master of Ceremonies Mandy Drury will once again keep us entertained and on task as speakers Sonja Dawson, Michael Crossland, Sherree Marris, Bernadette Schwerdt, Michelle Benstead, Chris Herman, John Sherwood, An- drew Paton and Dr Ron and Dr Carlyn Sproston and Warrnambool Mayor Robert Anderson address us. District 9800 Director of Public Image and Communication Mandi Wendt and former GSE Team member James Mepham speak about Rotary matters.

PDG Brian Hall, is the Rotary International President’s Representative and is a member of the Rotary Club of Covington, Louisiana. He has served his Club, District and Zone in many positions and was District 6840 Governor in the 2014-2015 Rotary year.

Sponsorship has been strong with significant contributions from Avalon waterways, the City of Warrnambool, Haronvale Digital Media and Subaru. http://www.rotaryconference.org.au/sponsors.html

Rotary International President Ian Riseley

Ian H.S. Riseley President 2017-18

This month marks 50 years since the first Rotaract club was chartered, in 1968. In this special Rotaract issue, you'll meet some impressive Rotaractors from around the world and see some of the incredible ways they are Making a Difference.

In the half-century since Rotaract began, the world has seen profound changes, and young people have felt the greatest impact of those changes: the rise of technology and the information economy, the spread of education, and the tremendous influence of the internet. When Rotaract was founded, it would have been almost unthinkable for a teen or 20-something to have been an entrepreneur or a CEO. Today, young people have an unprecedented capacity to achieve – and Rotary needs their ideas and enthusiasm as never before.

For many years, Rotary has done Rotaract a disservice by looking at our youth and young adult programs as mere precursors to Rotary membership, and not as valuable and productive programs in their own right. But Rotaractors are truly partners in Rotary service.

Today, an estimated quarter of a million Rotaractors serve in over 10,000 clubs, in nearly every country where Rotary clubs exist. The impact of their service is particularly impressive when contrasted with their resources. Rotaractors achieve an amazing amount with far less money at their disposal than the average Rotary club. Their energy and vision bring something wonderful to our Rotary family and to our communities, and we value it very much.

Yet only 27 percent of Rotary clubs sponsor a Rotaract club, a figure that has remained fairly stable over time. And far too few Rotaractors ultimately do move on to Rotary membership. As we celebrate this anniversary with Rotaract, I encourage all Rotary clubs to consider sponsoring a Rotaract club or to strengthen their ties with the clubs they already sponsor. Schedule regular joint meetings, run joint service projects, and reach out to Rotaractors – not only to ask if you can help, but to find out how you can work together. Know your Rotaract clubs and their members – and make sure that every Rotaractor knows that a Rotary club is waiting to welcome them.

For half a century, Rotaract has given young people a way to find the same connections with their communities, and the same value in service, that Rotarians find in Rotary. Rotaractors are connecting us to the Rotary of our future, while helping us build the Rotary of today.

The Rotarian https://rotarianmagazine-us.rotary.org/rotarian/march_2018/MobilePagedReplica.action? sub_id=PWBAXqGCyOZj&pm=2&folio=Cover#pg1

District 9800 News

Congratulations to PP Phillip Archer {and Tricia} of the Rotary Club of Southbank who has been selected by the District Governor Nominating Committee to be District Governor 2020-2021. Clubs may challenge this nomination before 11th March in writing to the District Secretary. On behalf of all Rotarians in District 9800, I extend our warmest congratulations to Philip and Tricia on this nomination.

Amanda Wendt of the Rotary Club of has been invited by Rotary International President Elect Barry Rassin to join the RI Communications Committee. This is a 3 year term with annual meetings in Evanston. Amanda will take up this position on 1st July

Past District Governor Julie Mason has been selected to serve on the Zone 8 Public Image and Marketing Committee, as Assistant Chair responsible for coordinating districts in Victoria and Tasmania.

Two current D9800 Board members Philip Archer and Neville John have agreed to move to their roles for 2018-19 now rather than in July. These roles are: Neville John - Membership Philip Archer - External Relations

This is being done now recognising the important roles that Philip is undertaking beyond our District. He is leading a team to develop a One Rotary platform for use by Australian Districts and Clubs. The team is very busy now in pilot mode. Philip will also be supporting the bid by District9800 and the Melbourne Rotary Club to host the world Rotary International Convention in Melbourne in 2023. Philip will continue to be involved closely with the Member- ship team.

Newton Langford has taken over the role of MUNA Chairman from Neville Page. Chris Don will be Secretary General of MUNA. Newton is a member of the Rotary Club of Glenferrie.

Rochester ROCAN Supper at Echuca

On a balmy summer evening of Saturday 3rd February, Rotarians from clubs across the District from the city to the country came to the historic Echuca Wharf, beside the majestic Murray River to enjoy supper together in support of the continuing work of funding towards the completion and use of ROCAN cancer wellness centre

Supported by partners and community members, all in attendance had a great night of fellowship and fundraising, whilst listening to the dulcet tones of easy to follow and dance to, local band, The Healers.

Teal being the theme colour for the night in recognition of Ovarian Cancer month, a long table was set up down the centre of the Wharf along the line that marked the state border between Victoria and New South Wales.

There being no borders at all regarding the commencement and spread of cancer of any sort. The ROCAN cancer wellness centre, to be situated in the west with close proximity to hospitals and treatment centres, will be available for individuals and families needing support and accommodation whilst needing specialist care in this field when too far from the comfort of their own homes.

ROCAN stalwart Yvonne Moon OAM from Williamstown Rotary had much pleasure in welcoming and thanking all those in attendance for coming along to make the night the success that it was.

Current president of Rochester Rotary, Bryan Griffiths was most honoured to accept the invitation from Yvonne to become Regional Ambassador for the ROCAN cancer wellness centre.

A similar event is planned for a country location on a regular basis in support of this project along with keeping the community updated in ways that they may come involved to assist people in need to avail of this service.

Bryan Griffiths. President, Rochester Rotary.

Dictionaries funding Donations in Kind

This “win win” is so unusual I am following it up by email with you after our meeting at DIK last night. It is a great opportunity to connect with their schools with the gift of a beautiful and very special offering, all the while supporting our Donations in Kind store.

In my opinion and from what school professional friends tell me, if Rotarians come to a school with an open and receptive willingness to get involved, there are exciting ways to be of help in the school community. For example, Phil Rowell and his friends at the Rotary Club of Brighton North help in the class rooms listening to children read. Phil listened to a little boy last year for an hour a week and his reading levels shot from 6 to 21. Homework clubs, breakfast clubs, environmental awareness programs and of course our youth scholarship and programs are all exciting possibili- ties. These then create friendships between Rotarians and teachers, parents and the possibilities go on.

These brand new dictionaries (with a complimentary digital edition) donated by OfficeMax have a retail value today on the internet of $90.

What a stunning gift to take to a School Principal as a conversation starter between a Rotary Club and a School, particularly at the start of the school year. In the left of the fly leaf will be Rotary’s four way test, and on the right a fitting acknowledgment of the gift from the Rotary Club to the school.

Clubs can contribute what they will for such an elegant and eloquent tome. Every dollar they do will fund running costs of their own Donations of Kind warehouse.

We have 120 dictionaries donated by OfficeMax and if Clubs were to purchase them for $50 each $6000 would be in DIK kitty… if Clubs were to purchase them for $100 each $12000….WOW! That would be a month’s operating costs covered.

Bronwyn Stephens

Rotary Club of Melbourne South District Governor 2018-2019

Victorian Premier's Volunteer Champions Awards

Congratulations to the following District 9800 Rotarians who have been recognised In the 2017 Victorian Premier’s Volunteer Champions Awards:

Susie Cole of the Rotary Club of Prahran was recognised under the category of Leadership for her pivotal role in community support, diversity and homelessness.

Highly Commended under the category of Service were Leon Scott and Graeme Lock from the Rotary Club of Eaglehawk.

www.volunteer.vic.gov.au/about-volunteering/victorian-premiers-volunteer-champions-awards

Camp Getaway Kitchen completed We have seen 4 District Governors come and 3 go, so it has been a long haul. Monies raised were about $202,000 and expenditure was about $204,000. The Corporate sector have been most generous. A full list of donors will be drawn up shortly This kitchen was built by about 14 regular volunteers, with only a small amount of paid labour. Most of the volunteers had very little building experience to start with. It is a credit to all that a first class building was constructed, one which we can be justly proud of. Site safety was always paramount and the volunteers were very aware of the requirements, and over the 3.5 years there were only very few scratches and grazes. There was no requirement for any hospital or ambulance attention. Each of our volunteers can feel very proud of the job they did and the hours of volunteer service they put in to help the Camp be a better place for the kids and people of the future Thank you everyone for your support over the 3.5 years

Exchange student Victor Saelens was hard at work with Leon Scott, Victor Graham Neivandt and Clive Hughes

Leon Scott Project Supervisor Rotary Club of Bendigo Strathdale

Model United Nations Assembly

The dates for the 2018 MUNA are from Fri 25th May 2018 to Sunday 27th May 2018 and the venue is the district’s own Camp Getaway in Axedale.

For those that don't know what MUNA is, it stands for Model United Nations Assembly, which simulates the workings of the UN Assembly by having teams of two students represent a particular UN country in debates on matters of world political and social concern. The students dress to represent their country and they always have a stimulating and fun time.

The program targets year 10 and 11 students.

The MUNA committee now encourages any Rotary Exchange Student who may like to participate by allowing them to be added to form a 3rd member of a team at a special discounted price.

Depending on the number of teams participating either 1 or 2 winning teams will be sent on to the National Assembly held each August at the Old Parliament House in Canberra. Over recent years our district’s teams have had excellent success there. The cost of that prize to Canberra is fully covered by the initial entry fees so if your team does win the District 9800 MUNA you do not need to contribute any further funds for the Canberra Assembly.

There are quite a few clubs that participate each year by sponsoring a team from a school they have developed strong relationships with. There are also clubs that have rarely or never participated in this great program and we suspect that in some cases that it is because they have difficulty in seeking out a team.

We would love to get clubs involved that have not participated in recent years so if finding the students is your prob- lem then let us know and we may be able to help out.

Application Form http://rotarydistrict9800.com.au/images/DistrictSecretary/MUNA_2018_REGISTRATION_FORM.pdf

Chair: Newton Langford Rotary Club of Glenferrie

100 fellowships for fully funded university training in peace and conflict resolution, are now available

Through application of their training, study, networking, and practice Rotary Peace Fellows become leaders and catalysts for peace and conflict resolution.

Many go on to careers in national governments, NGOs, the military, law enforcement, peace education, media, international organizations like the United Nations and World Bank, and grass roots organisations working in communities. Rotary International is committed to this program. Since 2002 more than 1,100 graduates have been trained.

THE ROTARY PEACE FELLOWSHIP INCLUDES: • Tuition and fees • Room and board • Round-trip transportation • Internship/field study expenses • Bursary for living expenses

TWO YEAR MASTERS DEGREE Up to two years of fully funded graduate study at an internationally recognised program in England (University of Bradford), Japan (International Christian University), Sweden (Uppsala University), or United States (Duke and University of North Car- olina at Chapel Hill).

THREE MONTH PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CERTIFICATE Designed for mid-career professionals already working in the field of peace and conflict resolution. This fully funded course at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok offers a mix of theory and practical skills in both a classroom environment and in the field.

ELIGIBILITY AND SELECTION CRITERIA Applicants for Rotary Peace Fellowships must have the following: • A strong commitment to peacebuilding demonstrated through professional and academic achievements • Excellent leadership skills • Proficiency in English • For the master’s program, a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, plus three years of full-time relevant work experience • For the certificate program, a strong academic background, plus five years of full-time relevant work experience

HOW TO APPLY Rotary Peace Fellows are selected through a competitive worldwide process. REVIEW: The entire application online at www.rotary.org/en/peace-fellowships SPEAK TO: A Rotarian that you know CONTACTS: Rob Helme at [email protected] or 0402 299 492 Charles Allen (Peace Fellow alumni 2010) at [email protected] or 0457 504 495 Bob Fels at [email protected] or (03) 5989 2455

DISTRICT 9800 District 9800 has recruited and mentored more successful Rotary Peace Fellow applicants than any other district, worldwide.

On-line applications for study require District endorsement and close on 15th May 2018.

Is there someone that you know who might benefit from this program? Please circulate this flyer to them.

5 ways to improve water quality and access to water

By Rotary Service and Engagement

According to the United Nations, there are still 663 million people around the world that don’t have access to clean drinking water.* When people, especially children, have access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene, they lead healthier and more successful lives.

Rotary members integrate water, sanitation, and hygiene into education projects. When children learn about dis- ease transmission and practice good hygiene, they miss less school. And they can take those lessons home to their families.

During March, Rotary Water and Sanitation Month, take action to provide clean water and sanitation in your communities: We encourage members to work towards Rotary’s goal of providing everyone with safe water, sanitation, and hygiene by 2030.

1. Improve sanitation facilities by providing toilets and latrines that flush into a sewer or safe enclosure. 2. Promote good hygiene habits through education. Proper hand washing with soap and water can reduce diarrhoea cases by up to 35 percent. 3. Implement rainwater harvesting systems to collect and store rainwater for drinking or recharging underground aquifers. Build wells to extract groundwater from underground aquifers. 4. Provide home water-treatment capability through the use of filters, solar disinfection, or flocculants, to make drinking water safe. 5. Promote low-cost solutions, such as chlorine tablets or plastic bottles that can be exposed to sunlight, to improve water quality.

Schools can be a key factor in initiating change by helping develop healthy hygiene habits. Good hygiene behaviour learned at an early age can lead to lifelong positive habits. School children can also influence the behaviour of family members, both adults and siblings, and positively influence the community as a whole.

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Add your club’s water and sanitation project to Rotary Ideas to find support or post your completed projects on Rotary Showcase. Join the conversation in the Water and Sanitation discussion group!

*http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/water-and-sanitation

Cross Egypt Challenge

Dear fellow Rotarians around the world,

We have appreciated the support of various Rotarians and clubs around the world who have written back to us in the past few years or joined our Cross Egypt Challenge initiative and helped support the economy and tourism of our beautiful country, Egypt. The members of the Rotary Club of Alexandria Cosmopolitan - District 2451 – Egypt are happy to renew their invitation to you and the members of your prestigious and respectful club to learn more about, and share our Rotary organized initiative, "Cross Egypt Challenge" that aims to promote tourism to Egypt and to prove that Egypt is still safe for tourism.

The world as we knew it is rapidly changing, and Egypt has been suffering from bad media and is being looked at recently as a dangerous place to visit. However, the reality of things is: Egypt remains a very safe country to visit.

Unfortunately the media focuses on action taking place in neighbouring countries and generalize. This affects Egypt largely, a country depends highly on tourism as a main source of income. We as Rotarians from this side of the globe feel it is our duty to let our fellows worldwide know that Egypt is still a marvellous and safe place to travel to, and to enjoy some of the best sights in the world. We send a strict and honest assurance message to our fellows everywhere that the situation in Egypt is very safe and we invite you to experience this first hand by taking part in our initiative: Cross Egypt Challenge which was also featured in the January 2017 issue of the international "Rotarian Magazine" -

Cross Egypt Challenge is an international cross-country motorcycle and scooter adventure tour conducted throughout the majestic and fascinating Egypt. Participation is not only open to Rotarians but also open to any interested rider, their accompanying spouses and friends from around the globe who wish to visit and explore this marvellous country in a unique way.

This amazing Rotary project started in 2011 and for the past 7 years, Rotarians and riders from over 40 countries took part in the adventurous challenge. This year the challenge will start on October 11 and will last for 10 days and will include some of Egypt's top attractions and off the beaten track destinations. A normal practice we conduct during Cross Egypt Challenge is an annual "Sahara Rotary Meeting" where visiting riding Rotarians along with Rotaractors from our organizing team conduct an official Rotary meeting in the Egyptian Desert – please view attached image -, a practice that we happily repeat at each new season.

Cross Egypt Challenge provides a very rewarding and challenging experi- ence for participants from around the globe as it combines the best of ad- venture travels and extreme sports. The 2018 season of Cross Egypt Chal- lenge will include one of the best routes in the history of the challenge and will pass through many of Egypt's finest spots including modern cities, coastal resorts, historical sites, Egyptian western and eastern deserts and Egypt's Nile Valley.

I invite you, your club and the members of your club to support our initiative by: • Register for the rally, and ride or join a fellow rider in our chase vans this October in Egypt to enjoy a once in a life-time experience (a motorcycle and scooter rental option is available for international participants). Direct link to the registration applica- tion which can be completed in 10 minutes is: www.crossegyptchallenge.com/registration.html • Share the news about Cross Egypt Challenge with your fellow members and even friends in your cicrcles, and them to ride and explore Egypt this October. • Spread the news out to your local community and local press to promote this Rotary initiative, and the image of Rotary worldwide.

For more information or to register, please visit our website: www.CrossEgyptChallenge.com and LIKE our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/CrossEgyptChallenge

We look forward to hearing back from you, welcoming you as a rider in Cross Egypt Challenge 2018 and host you in our annual Sahara Rotary meeting. For any more information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Ahmad Elzoghby, PHF, Phone: +20 (100) 721-0000 Rotary Club of Alexandria Cosmopolitan Web: crossegyptchallenge.com Rotary International – District 2451 Instagram: instagram.com/CrossEgyptChallenge Alexandria, Egypt YouTube: youtube.com/CrossEgyptChallenge

Did you know?

http://public-image-action.blogspot.com.au/2012/09/

If volunteers were a nation, they would be at least the ninth most populous country in the world. It would be a world without at least 140 million people, the global economy would lose around 400 billion dollars, our GDP would diminish by 3-7% and millions third sector employees would lose their jobs.

The Governor of Victoria, The Honourable Linda Dessau AC, will host Rotary International President Ian Riseley and Mrs. Juliet Riseley at a reception at Government House on Tuesday March 13 2018.

Rotary Club Presidents from all over Victoria were invited to attend the reception and were asked to nominate to accompany them three Rotarians from diverse backgrounds to represent their clubs and Rotary in Victoria.

This is a great honour for RIP Ian Riseley and for all Rotarians in Victoria as they honour another Australian RIP. $600,000 of Dick Smith’s $1 million donation is still in the RAWCS vault waiting t be claimed.

http://rawcs.org.au/projects-2/rotary-australia- benevolent-society/dick-smith-matched-funding- 2018 RDU Editorial List

Are you working on a project relevant to any of the topics below? Please send a brief outline to us at [email protected] for our consideration

 Rotarians helping infants  What happens when you step outside your club?  Feeding the world  Helping the agricultural industry  Bullying  Youth driving awareness  Rotaract/Interact  Science  Unusual club projects  Rotary heling the disabled  Rotary fellowships  Education  Membership

Around the Clubs ….. Welcome new Rotarians

President Ginny Bilson with new member Marisa Sanna at the Rotary Club of Keilor East.

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The Rotary Club of Flemington welcomed Above: President Sam Nicol with Anne Heyes {Classification two new members this month. Arts} and her sponsor Lesley McCarthy. Above: Fabiola Pantea {Classification Digital Media Marketing} is welcomed by her sponsor Lyn Borghouts.

The Rotary Club of Hawthorn welcomes new member Helen Kavnoudias (Classification: Medical Research) She is pictured with President Katrina Flinn and her sponsor Hans Carlborg.

New member at the Rotary Club of Melton, Anthony Spiteri is welcomed by Kevin Harris.

Around the Clubs ….. In our District

The Rotary Club of Point Gellibrand inducted Chris Scott as a new member. He is picture with his partner Cindy and President John.

Rotary Club of Melbourne Park President Jacinta Walker welcomed new member Chris

The Rotary Club of Hoppers Crossing recently inducted Gloria and Vance, who both have extensive previous Rotary service in several other Rotary Clubs across the country. They are both Paul Harris Fellows. Gloria will join the Community Committee whilst Vance goes into Youth and Vocations

Happy Birthday to the Rotary Club of West Footscray. Pictured their charter members

Former Rotary Youth Exchange Student from Brazil, Rayssa Coimbra, spent six weeks of her University break here in Melbourne with former host family, Yvonne and Greg Osborn of the Rotary Club of Keilor East She is studying Veterinary Science in Rio De Janeiro so was keen to see the little penguins and the Australian fur seals. Rayssa is extremely grateful for the opportunity Rotary offered her to travel, learn English and to experience a different culture. We wish her well for the year ahead

Cleaning up the Highway. At Bendigo South.

The Rotary Club of Altona City recently inducted two Honorary Members: Past President Dermot Heron and PHF Merv Lincoln.

Peter Gray, Chairman of the Youth Committee at the Rota- ry Club of Camberwell was recognised with a Royce Ab- bey Award for his work.

District 9800 VALE - READ THE FULL TRIBUTES at rotarydistrict9800.org.au/content/4/latest-news Rotary suffered a huge loss with the death of John James Meehan OAM on February 14, aged 79. His services to District 9800 were recognised in 2001 with a Rotary International “Service Above Self” award. These go to only 150 Rotarians annually worldwide.

John retired from banking and insurance with Westpac in 1993, when he was 55. He spent most of his long retirement on high-level Rotary work, including meticulous attention to reforms in governance.

David Rosback, D9800 Governor 1994-95, says, “We could never persuade John to become a District Governor. He wouldn’t give a reason – I think he wanted the time for Lorraine.” Even Royce Abbey, then RI president, couldn’t persuade him. Lorraine says, “John just thought being governor was not his cup of tea. He liked to work behind the scenes.”

In 2012 John was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for more than 20 years Rotary work.

The Rotary Club of Eaglehawk mourns the passing of their Past President John Haugh. John joined the Rotary Club of Eaglehawk on Wed May 2nd 1973 and was still a member at the time of his passing on 9 Feb 2018 – a member for almost 45 years - and his classification was Auto Painting.

He was President in 1988/89 when David Wills was District Governor and when Katja Patajoki from Finland was our exchange student and the kindness and support offered to Katka by John and Mary is well remembered .

John was awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship in 1995. He served as Director in the roles of Club Service, Rotoract and Youth, Vocational Service and International Service. He was treasurer for three years.

The Rotary Club of Balwyn mourns the passing of Charter Member, Hugh Wirth AM. Hugh was an animal welfare advocate and respected veterinarian. In 1997 he was named , and was the first Australian awarded the George T Angell Humanitarian Award from the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

The Rotary Club of Essendon advise of the passing of David Manning who served as President of the Rotary Club of Essendon in 1967-68. David was a very good friend of Royce Abbey's, was heavily involved in establishing the Rotary Youth Leadership Award program and was the recipient of a Paul Harris recognition. David's widow, Audrey, now lives in Ballarat.

District 9800 VALE Garry William Le Get was a member of the Rotary Club of Balwyn for 36 years and our president in 1992-1993. We offer our condolences to Wendy and their three children Rohan, Naomi and Ashley.

In 1996 he was the leader of a Rotary group study Exchange Team of four young Business and professionals to Rio Grande do Sul, the southernmost state of Brazil. The tour lasted one month and the team was home hosted. Their presentations were made in Portuguese which had a stun- ning and emotional effect on their hosts.

Garry MC’d the 40th anniversary of Rotary Club of Balwyn held in the Windsor Hotel in 2012. was the guest speaker. Garry served on various District committees for 12 years including Foundation, Environment, World Community Service, Club Service and GSE: He wrote the District program for visiting GSE teams for six years and Wendy assisted the District committee with outgoing District team selection. He was also an Assistant Governor.

Honing in on Refugee Mental Health According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, more people than ever have been forced out of their homes as a result of conflict or war. It is this harsh truth that inspired PhD candidate Rebecca Blackmore to focus her research on refugee mental health, particularly in the perinatal period.

Rebecca and her team at Monash University are working on a mental health screening pro- gram in the antenatal clinic at Dandenong Hospital, Monash Health, with plans to expand the program to other pregnancy services. “As Monash Health is located in a major area of refugee resettlement, this PhD project pro- vides a significant opportunity to have a positive impact on a vulnerable group of women,” Rebecca said.

Rebecca is positive about the year ahead, planning to publish the results of a comprehensive systematic review she conducted on the prevalence of mental illness in refugees and asylum-seekers resettled outside their country of origin. “The review has looked at children, adolescents and adults and the prevalence of mental illnesses such as de- pression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.” “I have been fortunate to work with an expert in this field, Associate Professor Mina Fazel from Oxford University, who had conducted a similar review in 2005.”

After these results are published, Rebecca hopes to travel and present the research and the work of the mental health screening project at an international refugee health conference. “The Ian Scott PhD Scholarship has allowed me the opportunity to conduct research in a field I feel very passion- ate about. It has also provided me with the opportunity to travel and share the results of my research.” “Such a trip provides excellent networking opportunities, essential for establishing future collaborations and high- lighting Victoria as a leader in the field of refugee mental health.” Looking ahead, Rebecca would love to see the mental health screening program rolled out into standard care across all pregnancy services in Australia.

She would also like to pursue another research passion, looking at ways to strengthen and maximise the devel- opmental outcomes for the children of refugees and asylum-seekers in Australia. https://australianrotaryhealth.org.au/

A TASTE OF HARMONY 2018 ~ March 19 - 29 ~ www.tasteofharmony.org.au

A Taste of Harmony is Australia's largest cultural diversity campaign. For two weeks in March, Rotary Clubs across Australia and New Zealand will be invited to host an event celebrating cultural diversity in their community.

“I have been involved in many A Taste of Harmony events and have seen first-hand the value of sharing stories over food to strengthen community understanding and build new networks. Promoting A Taste of Harmony within Rotary clubs and communities is yet another great way to continue to build on the success that the program is experiencing” Del King, Community Service Chair, Rotary District 9800

When: Host an event anytime between March 19 – 29. How: There’s no cost to be involved and it’s quick and easy to register online. What: Clubs are encouraged to get creative with A Taste of Harmony . Rotarians can share a plate of food from their cultural background and invite a speaker to talk about the importance of social cohesion and why a program like a A Taste of Harmony matters.

Rotarians are also invited to host A Taste of Harmony event in their own workplaces. In 2017 over 6,200 workplace events were held across the country involving over 347,000 people. 2018 is the 10th anniversary of A Taste of Harmony.

What next? It’s important to register your event online at www.tasteofharmony.org.au to access fantastic event resources and ideas for your A Taste of Harmony event.

If you have any questions contact Gail Virgona at A Taste of Harmony. [email protected] or call 0411 420 019

Notices and Events . . rotarydistrict9800.com.au/content/36/club-events

Did you know we have Rotary Radio? Fridays 6pm – 8pm http://3wbc.org.au/live/