So What Happened At the Rotary District 9810 Presidents Meeting on Friday 12 August

Last night I drove over to the Mulgrave Country Club and wondered why something didn't feel quite right. Of course, I just happened to be at the wrong venue so drove around the corner and up Jells Road to turn into the Best Western International Hotel where I should have come in the first place! But this little setback didn't deter me as I was there in plenty of time for a glass of wine so everything was alright in the world. Presidents from the District's clubs gathered to hear updates by various Rotarians on projects that need assistance or support; items that we should be thinking about in our clubs and of course, talking about the District Conference. Some items were interesting in that our club could directly get involved with community service - but in particularly, not just our Club Members, but everyone part of our extended Rotary Family. Here's the rundown:

District Conference in Melbourne on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 April

Due to the high cost of holding the event at the Melbourne Convention Centre, the venue has been moved to the Peninsula Room at Shed 14, Central Pier at Docklands which is by far, a much better menu and right in the heart of all the action. The venue has been inspired by the London Tate's museum and the group that runs the catering won many awards this year for its catering for functions so it promises to be an event that is sparkling with wonderful food and in a state-of-the-art venue. The historian in me likes it because it is a place of historical significance so it's got to be good. Parking and hotels are plentiful and all nearby -also it's a short walk from the Spencer Street station trains so there's really no excuse not to come along for the weekend! If you want to see the website: http://www.peninsulaagv.com.au/

The cost will be $385pp but this includes the event registration and the Saturday night 3 course dinner which is kept secret but promises to be exciting.

It was mentioned that conference attendance that registrations have dropped considerably over the years but now being that it is in Melbourne, and on a weekend, every effort has been made to get as many people over to the conference next year. They are also looking at other costing options for those partners who may not want to attend the full conference but only the Saturday night event. More information will be provided over the coming months.

Go Back to Where You Came From (Part 2) - A Proposal By Rotary

Bill Sutherland proposed an excellent idea to the Club Presidents last night. I don't know if anyone saw SBS's superb documentary on how a group of hard core Australians who were dead set against refugees and migration, be put through the test by going through the experiences that refugees have to go through to get to Australia. They were put through the ringer, emotionally, physically and mentally and by the end of the program we saw that this experience had changed their outlook, attitude and made them more aware of the plight of these people who risk death to come to this country for a better life. During that program there was an African family who was separated with half of them living in Australia and the other half in Africa.

Bill saw this and had the idea, "what if Rotary can help to get the family back together again?" This started many phone calls to SBS, Australian Immigration and eventually, back to the actual family. This weekend, he will be writing letters to the officials in an effort to support this family back to Australia. If successful, there will be another television show produced about the lives of these people and Rotary will be promoted. So this is an opportunity not only to help out a family in need to be connected once again with their loved ones but to promote what we do across Australia.

Walk for Life. How do you change a child's life forever with just $200?

This presentation was moving and emotive. In Bangladesh, due to the lack of vitamins and basic health care, many children are born with club foot and left untreated, it affects their lives. This charity promotes that with $200 a child can have this club foot treated (without the need for surgery) so that the feet turn to the correct position. Through the use of continual massage and wearing casts and then a brace (see the photo below) where the childs feet are put in this position for a long time to train the feet to stay in position, the condition can be rectified.

They are now looking for clubs and supporters who can assist by partnering with them for matching grants. Their aim is to get 385 of these treatments completed when the grant moeny comes through but they are always looking for more support from the clubs.

Check out their website on: http://www.walkforlife.org.au/

Applying for District Simplified and Matching Grants

A presentation was made regarding how easy it is applying for grants and how the money can be increased substantially when we partner with other clubs and get District funding as well. It's also the time to put in applications for District Simplified Grants as applications close on 17 October 2011. You can find out more information and how to apply here: http://operations.9810rotary.org.au/files/2010/07/2011-12-DSG-Application-Guide.pdf

Community Service: Volunteers Needed - Eastlink Bike Race on Sunday 13 November (Open to all Rotarians, partners and Rotary Family)

Here's a wonderful opportunity to get out there as a club with our extended Rotary Family. Steve Liston is looking for 180 volunteers to line the Eastlink Freeway during a bike race that will see 6000 competitors participating. Volunteers will be placed 200m apart and their role is to communicate any issues that occur during the race to the officials. All volunteers will get a Rotary cap, a tee-shirt, sunscreen, and a cut lunch. This is a great opportunity to promote and showcase Rotary and the clubs participating will be allocated that part of the freeway closest to their club.

Community Service: Volunteers Needed - Paws for a Cause Walk on Sunday 9 October at Nortons Park Wantirna South (Open to all Rotarians, Partners and Rotary Family)

Here's another great opportunity for our club to get involved to promote Rotary. Mandi Hyland from the Bridges Connecting Communities organisation is seeking volunteers as marshals for this dog walk event. It will be on 11am until 2pm on Sunday 9 October at Norton's Park Wantirna South. If our club would like to participate just get in contact with her asap.