The last Morning Tea with the DG for the Rotary year was on Saturday and I would like to thank all those who helped put it together, as well as the 130 participants on the day. We had a lot of fun, were entertained by great performers and heard from fantastic speakers. I have thoroughly enjoyed the Morning Teas over the year – seeing so many Rotarians from the District and other Districts join us online has been a real privilege for me.
Presentations from Dorothy Gilmour on Rotary Safe Families, Dr Suresh Marcandon on Australian Rotary Health’s Lift the Lid and Fabienne Nichola on the Environmental and Sustainability projects in the District were exceptional and a wonderful reminder of Rotary’s incredible impact. Partnering with other organisations is also something Rotary does so well and Terry McAleenan’s presentation on The Fathering Project struck a chord with many. I encourage Rotary clubs to reach out to Terry and see how you can work together on this exciting and worthwhile initiative for youth.
I congratulate Rotary Melbourne and President Marion McLeod for an incredible year, and in fact the Club’s century of achievement. Her presentation on the year that has been for the Club highlighted so many truly wonderful projects and events.
As it is the Centenary of Rotary in Australia, becoming a Rotary Centurion is a fantastic opportunity to support our giving tree, The Rotary Foundation. Our resident ‘Roman Centurion’, Gabe Hau, whilst a little wobbly on his chair, encouraged everyone to take up the Centenary Centurion Challenge and donate $100 for 100 years of Rotary for 100% of your Club. Doing so will also put you in the running to win The Centurion Shiraz, something we think Roman Centurion Gabe may have been sampling during his presentation, as he was certainly sampling something!
As everyone may be aware, we are even closer now to eradicating Polio with only two cases being recorded, one in Afghanistan and one in Pakistan. Tragically, the rise of the Taliban in Afghanistan has seen six vaccine volunteers killed over recent weeks. All Rotarians worldwide share in the grief for these incredibly brave people who have lost their lives whilst working to save others and rid the world of an insidious disease. Our thoughts go out to all those who do such valuable, selfless work.
On a final note, both incoming District Governor Dale Hoy and I have decided to move the date of the District Changeover to 10 July due to the recent lockdowns and current restrictions. If you have already booked, you will be emailed about the change of date and your booking will be reregistered for the 10th. If this date is no longer possible for you, a refund will be issued. For those who haven’t booked, you can do so via this link or via the District website. I hope to see you on the 10th.
Have a great week in Rotary service everyone.
Rotary District 9800 Governor Philip Archer