THE ROYAL COMMONWEALTH SOCIETY “The Gables”, 15 FINCH ST, EAST MALVERN, VICTORIA , AUSTRALIA Phone: 03 9571 5688 FEBRUARY- MARCH 2019 COMMONWEALTH NEWS A history in common, a future in progress The Royal Commonwealth Society founded in 1868, is constituted by Royal Charter. A self funded, Not for Profit Society committed to improving the lives and prospects of Commonwealth citizens. Through youth empowerment, education and advocacy, the Royal Commonwealth Society promotes the value and the values of the Commonwealth. We champion human rights, democracy and sustainable development across the 53 member states which are intrinsically linked through their common history and shared values. Worldwide Patron: HM the Queen. Victoria Patron: Her Excellency the Honourable Linda Dessau AC, Governor of Victoria 150th Anniversary - 26th June 2018 – London 100th Anniversary – 08th February 2021 – Victoria LUNCHEON: 2019 Calendar of Events Thursday 28th FEBRUARY 2019 Day time rd Luncheon time: 12.00hr for 12.30hr 23 May GUEST Speaker nd 22 August GUEST Speaker th Speaker: Euphemia Harahwa 28 November GUEST Speaker Topic: Emigration from Zimbabwe and the Night Time – Dates. Themes based Challenges of that Journey” around Who we are, what we do and what affects you. th RSVP by WEDNESDAY 20 February 12 FEBRUARY Cancelled. th Thursday 14 March Cost $45 00 Members $55.00 Guests GUEST SPEAKER - the Commonwealth, World Issues , International Peace & Security COMMONWEALTH DAY - DINNER: th 11 April, Thursday 14th MARCH 2019 GUEST SPEAKER - Community, History and Fellowship 13th June, TIME: 630hr – Drinks & Canapés 2 Course Dinner & GUEST SPEAKER - Culture, Human Rights Dessert . Tolerance, Respect And Understanding th 12 September SPEAKER: Mr. Reginald Hodgson GUEST SPEAKER - Sustainable Consul for Fiji and Solomon Islands Development & Protecting The Environment TOPIC:- Update on Commonwealth and Australia's th 10 October relations with the Pacific Islands GUEST SPEAKER - Equality , Rule Of Law, Access To Health, Education, Food And th RSVP: by TUESDAY 5 MARCH Shelter th 12 December COST: $65 Members $ 75 Members Guests End of Year wrap up – how we did and what is to come, as well as Fellowship Other dates to be advised as interesting speakers and Topics present themselves. The next luncheon is on Thursday 28th February when we look forward to welcoming Euphemia Harahwa who is known for her interesting presentations. Please support the luncheon and, as always, you are most welcome to bring guests. The dates for the next 3 luncheons are, Thursdays 23rd May, 22nd August and 28th November BIOGRAPHY Born in Zimbabwe 1979, was educated at boarding schools in Zimbabwe at both primary and secondary levels. Migrated to Australia 20 years ago and completed High School in Melbourne. I have worked in both public and private hospitals as an Intensive Care Nurse before transitioning into Aged Care. My life journey so far has been directed towards personal and professional goals which l have achieved through hard work, dedication and discipline. I have been the beneficiary of a national culture that provides opportunities and rewards hard work. I am passionate about Women’s Affairs, Education, Public Health, Aged Care and Voluntary Work. Volunteering: Since 2009 I have been a Member of Soroptimist International (Brighton & Southern Districts Inc.), a Global Volunteer Movement that transforms the lives and status of women and girls through education, empowerment and enabling opportunities. Its vision is for Women and Girls to achieve their individual and collective potential, realise their aspirations and have an equal voice in creating strong, peaceful communities worldwide. WOMEN’S GROUP On behalf of the Women’s Group Committee, I wish you all a very happy New Year. May you have good health, happiness and success in all you undertake. The Lunar New Year heralds in the Year of the Pig. The Pig is the symbol for prosperity. We look forward to introducing interesting speakers at the luncheons. CHARITABLE GIVING The Women’s Group, under the auspices of the Society, look to raise funds for the Society’s charitable giving. *************************************************************************************** PUBLICATIONS & NEWS & BLOGS Commonwealth VOICES RCS magazine - December 2018 Download ******************************************************************************** Commonwealth Conversation Brexit: Challenges and Opportunities This report summarises the fifth in a series of discussions on the challenges and opportunities for the Commonwealth associated with a United Kingdom exit from the European Union, a ‘Brexit’. It was attended by High Commissioners and diplomatic staff in London as well as the Cyprus Minister of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment, Mr Nicos Kouyialis. Download What has been happening at our Local level? The Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition LOCAL AWARD Winners' 2018 held on the 27th November at “The Gables’ East Malvern What another great event. Over 80 attendees – Students, Teachers, Parents enjoyed a cocktail reception followed by the giving of Awards in the Junior and Senior Categories with Winner, Runner-up, Special Commendation and numerous Merit Certificates. Prizes this year were increased in value from previous year to not only recognise the achievement but to give aspiring literary students a goal to enter the International Competition and be eligible for the RCS Victorian Local Awards. Students who achieved International and Local acclaim: LOCAL Winners & Runner-ups. Junior Lauriston Girls' School WINNER Maxine Fan Kilvington Grammar Noah Senior School WINNER Kanapathippillai Kilvington Grammar Junior School RUNNER-UP Blake McDonald Alexandra Junior Rutherglen Primary School RUNNER-UP Grantham Melbourne Grammar Senior School RUNNER-UP Bo Sergeant Rochester Secondary Senior College RUNNER-UP Olivia Dimovski Junior Kerrimuir Primary School RUNNER-UP Pearl Southgate Please encourage all young students you know to enter. Royal Commonwealth Society ( Victoria) Membership 2019 We have again decided to maintain the same yearly subscription fee for this coming year DUE 1st January 2019. NO INCREASE Annual Member subscription fees will be: Sole $50.00 per year Dual $80.00 per year Country $30.00 per year Country Dual $ 45.00 per year Youth under 18 years $ 0.00 per Year - Young Member 18 - 25 yrs $5.00 per Year Names:......................................... Postal Address:................................ Contact Telephone...............................E-mail address:...................................... RCS Membership: single//dual//country/other.............................RCS Number:....................... If you wish to consider a Donation to assist with repairs and maintenance of the Gables, the day to day running and our charitable projects, your Society would be appreciative. AMOUNT: Subs $......................Donation: $...........................TOTAL:.................. Make the cheque payable to – Royal Commonwealth Society and send to: PO BOX 31, Caulfield East Victoria 3145 Or Pay by Direct Debit: Bank Details: BSB 013 326 Account: 4992 04087 Description: Subs 2019 – “Your Name” Please complete the information above - TEAR OFF and return with your cheque Commonwealth in Focus: Fiji Region: Pacific Did you know: The Commonwealth Local Government Forum has its Pacific regional office in Suva, where it works to promote and strengthen democratic local government and encourage the exchange of good practice in the Pacific region. The country is an archipelago of about 300 islands (100 inhabited) and 540 islets, spread over three million sq km, and has some 1,130 km of coastline. Key facts Joined Commonwealth: 1970 (rejoined in 1997 after ten-year lapse) Population: 881,000 (2013) GDP: 1.2% p.a. 1990–2013 UN HDI: world ranking 88 Official language: English Timezone: GMT plus 12 Currency: Fiji dollar (F$) Geography Area: 18,333 sq km Coastline: 1,130km Capital city: Suva Population density (per sq. km): 48 The Republic of Fiji lies 1,850 km north of Auckland, New Zealand, and 2,800 km north-east of Sydney, Australia. It consists of about 300 islands (100 inhabited) and 540 islets, spread over three million sq km. It is surrounded by the island groups of (clockwise from north) Tuvalu, Wallis and Futuna, Tonga, New Caledonia, Vanuatu and Solomon Islands. The largest islands are Viti Levu (‘Great Fiji’), Vanua Levu, Taveuni and Kadavu. Main towns: Suva (capital, pop. 194,900 in 2010, comprising Nasinu 88,600 and Lami 20,600), Nausori (55,500), Lautoka (55,200), Nadi (47,000) and Ba (16,200) on Viti Levu; and Labasa (28,400) on Vanua Levu. Transport: 3,440 km of roads, 49 per cent paved. The network is vulnerable to flooding and hurricane damage. A coastal road encircles Viti Levu, linked by smaller roads to the villages of the interior. Lautoka, in the north-west of Viti Levu, is the main port; others are Suva, Levuka and Savusavu. Ferry services operate between the larger islands. The main international airport is in western Viti Levu, at Nadi. Nausori, near Suva, is the hub for inter-island flights, and receives some international services. Most islands have airports or landing strips. International relations: Fiji is a member of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States, Non-Aligned Movement, Pacific Community, Pacific Islands Forum, United Nations and World Trade Organization. Topography: Much of Fiji is volcanic in origin, with the larger islands featuring heavily populated coastal plains and uninhabited