Written by Jed Castle, reflecting on the District 9780 Conference 2024.
This was my third Rotary International District 9780 Conference, and once again it proves to be the highlight of my year. Hosted in beautiful Mount Gambier, on the brink of the blue lake, I had the best time revisiting old friendships and creating new ones.
It was an amazing experience to be able to MC this brilliant weekend alongside the amazing and spectacular Safari Smith. Many late late nights of writing speeches, slightly delusional over google docs and the pronunciation of names. I couldn’t have asked for a better co-host. I feel so privileged to have shared that stage with you.
Also, special shoutout to Kayla Adams and to Alex Lapina. Genuinely amazing people that I loved hanging out with over the course of the weekend. All previous RYLArians, it really demonstrates the beauty of RYLA. Swipe to see some photos of Safari and I absolutely losing it when Alex makes a joke so good we all break into hysterics.
Over the weekend, we heard from some amazing keynote speakers including Natalie Cook OAM OLY, Kirrily Dear, Uncle Ken Jones, Professor Lorimer Moseley AO, Nic Newling and Professor Michael Sawyer. The theme of Celebrating Rotary’s Difference and Making change in the world shone through in our projects, especially preventing family and domestic violence, and supporting mental health.
The walk for Polio on the Saturday morning was amazing, seeing a sea of Red throughout the streets of Mount Gambier. We are so close to EndPolioNow, with the last reported case of Wild Polio Virus being reported on the 21st of February 2024 in Pakistan (@Global Polio Eradication Initiative, 2024). The World Health Organisations requires there to be no cases for three years to consider a virus eradicated. The clock has started. Let’s get to the finish line.
Thank you so much to Ian McKay, and the rest of the amazing conference committee. This brilliant wouldn’t have happened without your hard work and dedication.
Rotary has this unique way to bringing likeminded people together, and weekends like this really demonstrate that in Rotary, no one feels like a stranger. I can discuss, laugh and really be my authentic self around these people. I know that wherever life takes me, I’ll have friends in Rotary to support me every step of the way.
World Immunization Week — 24-30 April — is a perfect opportunity for Rotary clubs to share the incredible progress we’ve made toward eradicating polio.
This year features significant anniversaries to celebrate:
10 years since the World Health Organization (WHO) South-East Asia Region was certified free of polio
30 years since the WHO Americas Region was certified as polio-free
50 years since the launch of the Expanded Programme on Immunization, which ensures equitable access to vaccines (including polio vaccines)
As a Rotary member, you have a critical role in helping us achieve important milestones like these.
We know our work isn’t done until we end polio forever. During World Immunization Week, raise awareness about the fact that vaccines work and give as proof examples of what Rotary and our partners have accomplished in reducing polio cases worldwide.
How to support #EndPolio during World Immunization Week
Explore the World Immunization Week Toolkit to find graphics and sample posts that you can share on social media with the hashtags #EndPolio and #VaccinesWork.
Use a club meeting as an opportunity for members to learn about Rotary’s polio eradication efforts.
Host an event to raise awareness and funds for PolioPlus.
Start an online fundraiser usingRaise for Rotary and share it with your networ
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is an intensive leadership experience that Rotary members organize to give youth a chance to develop leadership skills while having fun and forming lasting friendships!
It is that time of year again where the RYLA committee are looking for applications - and we need your support for this amazing program to continue!
At the moment we have less than 5 applications for the 2024 program! We need your help! We can hold up to 55 participants so it would be a shame if we cannot make the most of what RYLA has to offer.
Did you know that over 2 million people are impacted by domestic violence in Australia? The figures are confronting. It’s 1 in 6 women and 1 in 16 men have experienced domestic violence by the age of 15. It’s a complicated situation, that is impacting many. As part of the Say No To Domestic Violence working group in Rotary, we have been made aware of DV Safe Phone. Their vision is to get a safe phone into the hands of every victim of domestic violence in need. They have helped 5,500 people in need in their first 3 years and looking to positively impact 20,000 by 2026.
During his recent visit to the Philippines, Don met with clubs from 3 other districts:
Rotary Club of Multinational Manila (District 3810), who installed 1 x playground in Alfonso,
Rotary Club of Binan (District 3820), who installed 3 x playgrounds in the Laguana region (with 1 still to be installed),
Rotary Club of Angeles Kulit (District 3790), who are soon to receive 13 playgrounds for the Subic Bay/Angeles/Pampanga area.
We visited the playgrounds originally from Barwon Valley School, Girton Reserve and Ibis Reserve.
The meeting was facilitate so that the Rotary Club of Angeles Kulit was able to learn from the experience of the other clubs – what worked well & what they would do differently next time.
Of particular not is that the Australian playgrounds are larger than the land allows, and where possible, the playgrounds are being split into multiple playgrounds. Therefore the 5 playgrounds sent will be able to be installed in 8 or 9 schools.
He also met with the District Governor & District Secretary of District 3810, who were keen to explore the possibility of more playgrounds, along with the Principal of Alfonso Central School (which includes the regional Special Education students), who was keen to receive playgrounds.
Every year for the last several years the Rotary Club has donated $1000 to provide food for the very poor in the Philippines, and Don took part in many of these food distribution activities, which included:
Dec. 12 (Tuesday)
Fishgate Foundation Amuyong, Alfonso – rice for 16 poor families assisted.
Social Welfare Department, Alfonso and rice/canned goods/hygiene products support to 4 Children under her care (orphans).
Dec. 13 (Wednesday)
Brgy. Amuyong Daycare X'mas party - 43 poor families assisted.
Dec. 14 (Thursday)
Special Education (disabled) X'mas party, Alfonso Central School - rice to 120 families – educational toys for the school.
Tartaria, Silang - rice to 100 former farming families who were thrown off their land (after 6 generations) as no land titles.
Dec. 15 (Friday)
100th Sheep Foundation X’mas party in Dasmarinas – support to 80 families.
Rice, toy and financial support to Esther's family in General Trias.
Dec. 16 (Saturday)
Brgy. Taywanak Ibaba, Alfonso X'mas - rice to 71 families.
Dec. 17 (Sunday)
Visit Aeta community in Batangas - rice to 76 families.
Dec. 18 (Monday)
Tondo High School, Metro Manila X'mas party - rice to 100 families.
The above activities supported 608 families, so our $1000 (along with donations from others) was made to go a long way in the Philippines to help families in need.
Recently we extracted 3 playgrounds & moved them to storage awaiting shipment overseas. These playgrounds were from Woady Yaloak Primary School Campuses at Snake Valley, Scarsdale & Ross Creek. Thank you to the members & friends who assisted. We were assisted by Rotarians from Ocean Grove & North Bellarine Clubs.
Rotary Overseas Relocated Playgrounds would like to share a update on one of the Playgrounds that has successfully been reinstalled!
The Playground was
donated by the City of Greater Geelong,
extracted by the Rotary Club of Bellarine North,
transported to storage & shipment facilitated by the Rotary Club of Geelong Central, and
installed by the Rotary Club of Port Moresby.
It is now located at the Kwikila Family Sexual Violence Unit (FSVU) & Transit Centre (operated by the Royal PNG Constabulary) in Port Moresby. The FSVU is a refuge for mothers & their children to escape domestic violence.
Thank you to the citizens of Geelong from the mothers of children who will use this playground for many years to come, providing them with some enjoyment during the traumatic time that leads them to seeking safety at FSVU.
The Rotary Club of Geelong Central recently celebrated the Australian Rotary Health Hat Day, to raise awareness for mental health! The day also doubled as the official launch of Rtn Gary Robinson's Movember campaign!
Gary has raised $660 dollars so far for Movember! You can view and support his fundraising efforts here!
The Rotary Club of Geelong Central will have its final meeting for the year on the 19th of December at Quest Apartments, and then we will break until the 23rd of January with Geelong Food Relief, and our first formal meeting on the 6th of February also at Quest Apartments
Don't forget the Market on the 4th of January and our Coffee Catchup on the 30th of January.
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Every 4th Tuesday of the Month, the Rotary Club of Geelong Central volunteer at Geelong Food Relief. This has been a great way to connect as a club and support the community! To show our support, President Don presented a cheque of $2,500 to Geelong Food Relief, to assist with the continued running of this amazing service.
We thank Geelong Food Relief for the amazing opportunity and look forward to continuing volunteering with them in 2024!
In Australia, Domestic and Family Violence is disturbingly common. It is one of the drivers of homelessness among women, children and men. Domestic and Family Violence crosses all boundaries, race, age, financial status, education, sex and the suburb you may live in.
Many victims of Domestic and Family Violence will never report their experience. With many incidents unreported, Domestic, and Family Violence may be much worse than we think.
The 16th days of activism runs from the 25th of November to the 10th of December. The Rotary Club of Geelong Central's market theme will be themed around Say No to Domestic Violence.
You are also welcome to join us at Cook and Conversation! Held at the Lotus Kitchen in the Cloverdale community centre, 5:30-7:30pm on Wednesday the 6th of November.
On 1st of June a group of Filipino Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Angeles Kuliat visited Geelong, where President Don showed them around Geelong, including two playgrounds they will be receiving in the next shipment (in situ prior to their extraction). Then followed a trip down the Great Ocean Road to the Twelve Apostles. That evening we had a wonderful & informal dinner at Taste of Philippines Restaurant & Takeaway, which was also attended by Rotarians from Bellarine North & Highton Rotary Clubs, in addition to several of our own members.
On Thursday the 18th of May, President Don Shields had the honour & privilege of representing the Rotary Club of Geelong Central at the 30th anniversary celebration of the Probus Club of Geelong Central, which our club sponsored in 1993.
Probus started in 1965 in the UK and came to Australia in 1976. There are 300,000 Probus members in 4,000 clubs in 63 countries. Probus Clubs must be sponsored by a Rotary Club. They meet monthly for fun & fellowship.
The second in our series of Environment Small Acts to help our environment was a visit to Councils composting site in Anakie. Really interesting and pleasing to see such positive actions by CoGG. Keep an eye out for the third event - a visit to Sparrovale Wetlands in June
Sunday’s Rotary Waterfront Makers & Growers’ Market was a huge success – bringing out a crowd of 10,000.
In recent months the market has witnessed an increased variety of products.
The next market on the Geelong waterfront will be on Sunday, May 7 from 9am to 2pm.
Leopold Primary student, Tilly Thom, has developed a side business with Aura Jewels. Tilly was one of 120 stall holders at the April 2nd Market. Well Done, Tilly!
Part 1 of our fun enviroment workshops series was the building of native bee hotels. You can see the smiles of happy builders below. Thanks to our venue hosts, Barwon Timber. Our next activity is the tour of the CoGG composting site at Anakie on 15 April.
Kudos to Gary, who source approximately 300 pairs of glasses, which were donated by Lifeline Op Shop Grovedale. Gary sorted, cleaned & repaired the glasses which were donated to the End Trachoma Project. Helen also sourced 50 from Volunteering Geelong members.
Jane also donated two toiletry kits for those in need and some stamps.
Thanks Gary, Helen & Jane for your support of this project!
Please RSVP and pay by 4th April: by return email and deposit $30 per person into the Club administration Account BSB 633 000, Account # 128 056 512, don’t forget to add your name to the payment.
On the 25th of March, we completed our Queens Jubilee Tree Project with the unveiling of the plaque at the Beckley Park Market. Chairman Richard represented the committee and spoke highly of all those involved in the project. Cr Kylie Grzybek kindly unveiled the plaque and praised the work we are undertaking at Beckley Park and the interaction we are having with the community. Kylie is a great supporter of Beckley Park and we are extremely grateful for her ongoing support.
This was a simple but enjoyable ceremony that was attended by representatives from the Rotary Clubs that supported the project, Chris and Bernie from the Harness Club who help us care for the trees, and members of the BPCoM.
Our thanks must go to Chairman Richard Oakley, Max Findlay and Gary Beckley in their efforts to have this project completed.
I will now follow up with the Planting of Trees for the Queen's Jubilee Team from the Dept of Industry, Science and Resources to submit our final report on the unveiling of the plaque and to finalise the terms of our agreement regarding the project.
The February Market was a smash hit this month, even with the overcast in weather. A very successful market saw over 120 artisans, markets and growers selling their products. Including 10-year-old grade 4 student Max Russell, from St Margaret's Primary School in East Geelong, selling his selection of universe inspired paintings! Well done, Max!
The Next Makers and Growers Market is on Sunday the 5th of march.
On Tuesday the Rotary Club of Geelong Central heard from the Lazarus community centre manager on the wonderful work the Lazarus community centre does in our community.
The Lazarus Community had the following to say about their mission. “In 2013 a group from The Wesley Centre for Life Enrichment visited the Prahran Mission in Chapel Street. 18 months later in February 2015 the three city Churches in Geelong – St. Mary’s (Catholic Church), Christ Church (Anglican) & Wesley Uniting Church in Yarra Street reviewed social needs in Geelong and focused efforts on addressing homelessness and social isolation.
For the next 18 months the three Churches gathered together to form a planning & management group: Wendy Leigh, Michael Nolan, Gary McIlvena, Des Younghusband, Peter Gador-Whyte (minister at Wesley), Colin Hastings and other reps attended. Visits were made to the St Kilda Mission, Prahran Mission & the St Mary’s House of Welcome in Brunswick to inspect operational structures & how to do things well.
Our Mission: To provide a safe and welcoming place for people to meet and be supported as valued members of our community.
The Lazarus Centre is a place for people to feel safe and welcome. Somewhere where they can take a shower, wash and dry their clothes, have a light lunch, participate in activities, meet with volunteers and receive support from specialist homelessness staff.
All people are welcome whether they are homeless or not.”
President Don and PDG Jane presented Jan McGowan and Ruth from the Christchurch Meals Program with a cheque from sales of Milo tins which were generously provided by Nestlé. Our Club has been assisting this worthy program for over 22 years. Jane also donated a tin to the program. We look forward to further association with the Meals Program.
The January Market was a smash hit this month with a crowd of 10,000 people attending. The Public Holiday market, held at Steampacket Gardens was attended by 104 stall holders.
Stall Holder Kerri Symes has been a long-standing market vendor, selling her range of baby clothes, cushions & dog mats.
The next Makers and Growers Market will be on Sunday the 5th of February.
Each year, the Rotary Club of Geelong Central donates $2,500 to Australian Rotary Health, sponsoring the Indigenous Health Scholarship. These Scholarships support Indigenous students to undertake tertiary training in nursing, physiotherapy, psychology, dentistry and other health related degrees at university. These scholarships help Indigenous students to overcome barriers to tertiary study and qualification.
Australian Rotary Health - Indigenous Health Scholarship
On September 21st, Rotary Celebrated International Peace Day. Each year, Rotary awards up to 130 fully funded fellowships for dedicated leaders from around the world to study at one of our peace centres. Since the program began in 2002, the Rotary Peace Centers have trained more than 1,500 fellows who now work in over 115 countries. For more information, contact our District Peace Fellowship Officer Jenny Acopian and see the District Page and the RI Page.
This On the 10th of September members loaded a 40ft container with 9 playgrounds plus school supplies supplied (from DIK) ready to ship to The Rotary Club of Port Moresby, who will have them installed at the General Hospital (Childrens Ward), Police Station (Domestic Violence Unit – to occupy children whilst mum is interviewed), Ella beach, and at 5 schools.
The Mallacoota Bush fire book “When the fire comes by” is a beautiful collection of Artwork and poetry developed after the Mallacoota bush fires. All proceeds go to the Mallacoota Arts Council
Last week we had the District Governors Official visit to the club. DG Kathy Rivett is from RC of Alfredton, Ballarat. She commenced by inducting our three newest members: Jonathan Hines, Vic Hope & Cath Powell.
Kathy presented to the club, challenging us to bring fun to our meetings & club activities. She is looking forward to our members attending her District Conference in Ballarat in March and has given the club a jigsaw piece to bring along (President Don was able to change it from Mongolia to New Zealand). She also recommends members attend the Rotary International Convention in May, as it won’t get any closer. She presented on this year’s theme, Imagine, and asked us to imagine the changes we could make in the world. She ran through some of the programs of Rotary, including ROMAC, RYLA, RYGEN & RLI.
Kathy was impressed that our club is on the right track in lots of ways, including removal of impediments to visitors & new members being made welcome in the club. We have long ago abolished the old-fashioned things that don’t fit modern society, such as fines sessions, invocation/grace, and singing the national anthem.
The Geelong Waterfront Makers & Growers’ Market on Sunday, August 7 was a big day for the majority of stall holders. Whether it was cakes, soaps, jewellery or gem stones, the 7000 strong public attendance made the most of the clear 14 C temperature.
Remember the next market will be on the waterfront on Sunday, September 4.
On Tuesday the 5th of July, we celebrate the conclusion of a Rotary year and the beginning of another with our annual changeover dinner.
As we reflected on the year, we looked back at the contributions we have made. Overall, we donated $42,816.61 to various causes. You can see the full breakdown here
On the night, President Don made some award presentations to those doing outstanding work in the community.
We presented Ken Petzerides with a Paul Harris Fellowship, for his fantastic work with Shoulder to Shoulder
We presented Jan McGowan with a Paul Harris Fellowship, for her work with the Christ Church Meals program for the homeless.
Don also presented PDG Phil Beasley with his 5th PHF Sapphire pin & Richard Oakley his 3rd PHF Sapphire pin. Don also presented a Paul Harris Fellow to his wife, Loida Shields.
We thanked Phil Beazley for his service to the club over many years and said that although he has transferred to RC of Torquay, he will always be a Geelong Centralarian as far as we are concerned, and he is welcome back at any time.
Finally, Ken Petzerides presented the club with a Certificate of Appreciation for the Fuel Safety Cabinet we presented him.
This wonderful night of celebration was a great end to a wonderful rotary year. Thank you to everyone involved for their hard work and dedication.
District Conference at Port Fairy features a powerful presentation by Dr Louise Harper about genital prolapse prevalent in Nepal. Dr Harper spoke about the impact Rotary has had on their fundraising to build a hospital to train local medicos and treat young mothers suffering with this easily treated malfunction.
Geelong Central is investigating a local event to raise awareness and funds, to complement District’s efforts. Watch out for more details and check out this site for more information about the hospital. Australians for Women's Health
It’s hard to overstate the importance of bees. Out of the 25,000 bee species in the world, only four make honey. Producing honey and beeswax is just the tip of the iceberg. Although many species of insects pollinate plants, honeybees contribute to the pollination of 84% of the crops grown for human consumption (a third of all the food we eat) as well as many crops grown for livestock.
Have a look at Rotarians for Bees Website for an update on the current Varroa situation- https://rotariansforbees.org/
From Saturday the 24th of July to Sunday 31st of July is DonateLife Week! Run by the Australian Government’s Organ and Tissue Authority and supported by DonateLife agencies across every state and territory, DonateLife Week is a public awareness initiative that encourages Australians to register as organ and tissue donors.
This year, we want up to 100,000 more Australians to register as organ and tissue donors and join The Great Registration Race for DonateLife Week. We know 4 in 5 Australians support donation, yet there are around 13 million Australians aged 16+ who are eligible to register as an organ and tissue donor – but haven’t.
It only takes one minute to sign up at donatelife.gov.au or just three taps in your Medicare app.
Join the #GreatRegistrationRace with us and encourage 100,000 Australians to become registered organ and tissue donors by the end of #DonateLifeWeek. Together, we can help turn this number around. 1,750 Australians are currently on the organ transplant waitlist. You could help save a life one day and change someone’s life forever.
An evening of great Jazz and wine (BYO) with an ensemble from Kardinia College and a quartet from St. Joseph's College plus a six person band of professional musicians.
A light supper will be served by students from North Geelong Secondary College. Tea and coffee available.
BYO drinks only and bring your own glasses plus snacks.
This Rotary Club of Geelong fundraiser is an initiative to specifically support the mental health of youth who may be in need of support or professional help. The mental health of youth is a paramount concern. Many of our young are suffering mental anguish and too many have dropped out of education altogether. We must support our young.
All the proceeds of the evening will be directed to Headspace Geelong, Ocean Mind and The Power In You Project.
As we move into the next year, take a moment to Imagine Rotary! Dream Big, harness connections. Imagine, a would that deserves our best!
As we reflect on the past year, a massive shoutout to DG John Clue, and everyone at District Level, working like a well-oiled machine to create an amazing and wonderful year for us all. We welcome in DG Kathy Rivett from the Rotary Club of Alfredton to the position of District Governor and wish her all the best!
The next Geelong Waterfront Makers & Growers Market is This Sunday! Should be a great day with Music from Jose Diaz. Looking forward to seeing you all there!
On Monday the 6th of June, Rotarians from clubs 9 and 10 gathered to Celebrate World Environment Day. Hosted by a powerhouse of team, the event was a massive success and was attended by 102 Rotarians from across the District.
A scrumptious 2 course meal, Environmental Bingo, and a myriad of presentations from groups including OZ FISH, Rotarians Bees and Lids for Kids resulted in a educational, enlightening and entertaining event.
Jennifer Jarrad, the Regional Coordinator for Lids4Kids, and Vicki Perrett, the President of Geelong Sustainability challenged us to think about how we can help benefit the planet.
Massive Congratulations to Maggie Isom and Rhonda Anchen (RC Torquay), Barb Sheehan (RC Highton), Aileen Brown (RC Bayside), Stephen Ywedall (RC Geelong West), Beryl McMillan (RC Geelong), and our very own Linda Carr!
