World Understanding Month

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February is World Understanding Month, a chance for every club to pause, plan and promote the Fourth Avenue of Service - Rotary s continued quest for goodwill, peace and understanding among people of

It is our service and our international fellowship that ultimately will be the most beneficial tool to help us build a peaceful tomorrow.

Many clubs arrange international speakers, invite Youth Exchange students and international scholars from schools and universities to club meetings, plan programs featuring former Group Study

1 Rotary District 9700 Newsletter February 2012 February is World Understanding Month RI Theme Former Beatle John Lennon sent an Acorn to every world leader and asked them to plant it to remind them of the importance of Peace in our World. February is World Understanding Month, a chance for every club to pause, plan and promote the Fourth Avenue of Service - Rotary s continued quest for goodwill, peace and understanding among people of the world. It also includes the anniversary of the first meeting of Rotary on 23 February 1905, now designated World Understanding and Peace Day. It is our service and our international fellowship that ultimately will be the most beneficial tool to help us build a peaceful tomorrow. In World Understanding Month, Rotary Clubs all over the world reach across borders and cultures in the name of service and fellowship. Many clubs arrange international speakers, invite Youth Exchange students and international scholars from schools and universities to club meetings, plan programs featuring former Group Study Exchange team members and hold a Peace Day ceremony. In 2012 there will be community Peace Ceremonies in Wagga on 19th and Forbes on 23rd February. We are planning for the arrival of Group Study Exchange teams from northern Scotland and Oklahoma, USA and looking forward to the cultural and vocational exchanges that come with involvement in GSE. In our District, Clubs in Bathurst, Leeton-Narrandra, Orange, Wagga and Young celebrate Rotary s Birthday with the screening of a pre-release film to support Polio Plus and eradication of Polio in the world. Participating in a Friendship Exchange is an ideal way to celebrate World Understanding and we currently have a Friendship team visiting District 3040 India. Let us celebrate the Birthday of our wonderful organisation in some way that contributes to a better future in our world. Ian Simpson District Governor, Photo below: Planning for Forbes Peace Celebrations on 23rd February (from Left) Leo Butler, John Selah and President Chris Finkel

Cowra Peace Bell Cowra has created a culture of reconciliation that resonates throughout the town during the Festival of International Understanding.

friendship. The bell is a replica of the original Japanese Peace Bell located in the inner court of the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

2 Cowra Peace Bell Cowra has created a culture of reconciliation that resonates throughout the town during the Festival of International Understanding. In 1992, Cowra was selected as the site for the Australian World Peace Bell in recognition of its unique contribution to international understanding, promotion of peace and as a centre of world friendship. The bell is a replica of the original Japanese Peace Bell located in the inner court of the United Nations Headquarters in New York. Like the original, this bell is cast from melted down coins and medals from member countries of the United Nations in the hope that world peace will be realised. The Bell is the focus of Cowra s World Peace Day commemorations on the 3rd Tuesday in September each year, when Peace Bells throughout the world ring out to mark the opening of the Disarmament Session in the United Nations. World Peace Bell in Cowra one of 20 in the world In accordance with the Family theme of RI President Kalyan and Having fun goal from DG Ian Simpson, Young Rotary held a January family picnic meeting at the local Chinaman s Dam recreation area. Families enjoyed being bare foot, venting the muscle for a tug of war and of course reverting to childhood school picnics with a three legged race. The Hamblins, with three generations attending, won the Most Family Attending category. This is part of a growing trend in our District to have a relaxed and family focus for meetings in January. Photographed is Young Pres Elect Jenny Somerset with grandson Makenzi enjoy the Rotary family picnic

Rain, hail or shine our communities can always depend on Rotary being there on Australia Day.

There must have been 1000s of sausages, eggs & bacon, pieces of toast cooked or bread rolls prepared by the Rotary army on Club barbecues and devoured by ravenous members of the public attending

In some towns and cities, the local Rotarians also provided Rotarians Celebrate Australia Australia Day Awards 2012 Photo above - That s my Winner 2012 Boorowa Duck Race Photo left - Blayney BBQ

3 Rain, hail or shine our communities can always depend on Rotary being there on Australia Day. Congratulations to all the Clubs and Rotarians who provided breakfasts for their communities on Australia Day. There must have been 1000s of sausages, eggs & bacon, pieces of toast cooked or bread rolls prepared by the Rotary army on Club barbecues and devoured by ravenous members of the public attending Australia Day Celebrations arranged by the local Councils and Committees. In some towns and cities, the local Rotarians also provided Rotarians Celebrate Australia Australia Day Awards 2012 Photo above - That s my Winner 2012 Boorowa Duck Race Photo left - Blayney BBQ Kings Evan Leitch & John Power cook for the Australia Day masses Photo right - Coffee served by Blayney Brains-Trust of Pres Elect Suellen Kennedy, Pres Alex Kruczaj and PDG Ian Tooke entertainment for the children with jumping castles, face painting and other activities. Boorowa Rotary ran the annual Australia Day duck race in the Boorowa Recreation Park with over 200 entries - a great Rotary event and fundraiser. This is the public face of Rotary - assisting the community celebrate our National Day in the Australian way. Great stuff and give your selves a well-earned pat on the back.

4 We congratulate all those who received Australia Day Awards. Well done and we are proud of your achievements. Blayney Geoff Bottom was recognised for his community roles with the award of Blayney Citizen of the Year. Boorowa Rotarian and Town Clock Coffee Shop owner Sharon Meere received the Boorowa Business Award Forbes Forbes Rotary Publicity Officer Peter Bennett did a sterling job with his Ambassador award presentations especially with Lily Lewington Ambassador of the Year award Griffith Avanti Oscar Bandiera (partner of Rotarian Margaret) received a certificate acknowledging his contribution to basketball for over 50 years. Leeton Rotary Roz Thompson won the Leeton 2012 Achiever of the Year award for her outstanding efforts on behalf of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, including personally raising some $18,000 mostly through her involvement in the annual car rally. President Anthony Morton accepted on behalf of Leeton Club the Events Nomination Award for the inaugural Leeton MS Swimathon convened by Brian Munro - outstanding effort by Rotary members. Rotarians Celebrate Australia Day Rotarians receiving Australia Day Awards Orange Daybreak Rotary Orange Daybreak received the Community Group of the Year Award at the Australia Day Celebrations in Orange. They staged the Experience Orange Expo in 2011 in which 128 community groups displayed their hobbies, interests, and passions to the wider community West Wyalong Genevieve Dignan (wife of Rotarian John Dignan) took on Australian Citizenship during the Australia Day Celebrations. Wollundry-Wagga Wagga Former member Graham Finney OAM for service to the community of Wagga through a range of charitable organisations Griffith Babs Donaldson (wife of PDG Bill) was honoured with the Community Service Award for a longterm commitment to volunteering in Griffith at the National Volunteer Awards in December. Babs is known for her volunteer work over many years to establish Country Hope to ensure that sick children receive the best possible care. Country Hope is a country based, family centred support organisation for children diagnosed with cancer and other life threatening illnesses. Photo below - Sharon Meere receives the Boorowa Business Award from Katrina Hodgkinson MP

Boorowa Rotary Achiever of the Year Award Bianca Horne lived all her early years in Boorowa and attended St Joseph s Primary school, where she was always involved in any sporting activities the

She was ranked first in her Year 12 Personal Development, Health & Physical Education (PDHPE) and this encouraged her to become a teacher.

Byrne Rides for Polio Rotarian Rob Byrne from Grafton called through our District while cycling from Cairns to Melbourne, raising awareness and funds for PolioPlus.

5 Boorowa Rotary Achiever of the Year Award Bianca Horne lived all her early years in Boorowa and attended St Joseph s Primary school, where she was always involved in any sporting activities the school offered. She then attended Hennessy Catholic College in Young for her secondary education and was elected by her peers and teachers as School Captain in She was ranked first in her Year 12 Personal Development, Health & Physical Education (PDHPE) and this encouraged her to become a teacher. In 2011, Bianca graduated with honours from Charles Sturt University in Bathurst and is now teaching in Broken Hill Photo - Boorowa Rotary Young Achiever Bianca Horne with President Stephen Meere Rob Byrne Rides for Polio Rotarian Rob Byrne from Grafton called through our District while cycling from Cairns to Melbourne, raising awareness and funds for PolioPlus. While in Wagga he visited Sunrise and Wollundry Rotary where he was the guest speaker. Wollundry Rotary was the 82nd club he has visited on his journey south. So far, he has raised $50000, and is targeting $100,000. Rob is passionate about polio eradication and his bike is recumbent style that makes it easier and far more comfortable to ride. Our District clubs are supportive of the Polio Eradication Campaign but we need to get the message out about the role of Rotary in ridding the world of Polio to the wider community. Photo - Grafton Rotarian Rob Byrne with Sunrise members Peter Gissing and Bill O Rourke & Marie Wood (right) GSE with Love It isn t very often the Editor has a chance to write a love story, but here s his chance to wax lyrical. In 2010, District 9700 selected a team to visit the Philippines. At one of the Rotary meetings in Manila the only single person in the Team was observed chatting to a very attractive member of the local Club. It was interesting that this female Rotarian then began turning up at various functions the D9700 Team were also attending. On 17th December 2011, Tuesday Quiller married Frank Dyrssen in Griffith. The happy couple will be living in Narrandera where Frank is the new water engineer. On behalf of the District (and the Editor) Congratulations Frank & Tuesday Dyrssen

Vocational Service Projects recognised Rotary International has recognised three D9700 Clubs for their successful and innovative Vocational Service Projects in 2010-11.

In 2007, Brendon Sturgeon, who was not a Rotarian, oversaw the building and landscaping of a new house for the Club, including persuading tradespeople and suppliers to donate time and products to the

Brendon died suddenly in 2009 and the scholarship was set up to honour his memory and his assistance to the Club.

6 Vocational Service Projects recognised Rotary International has recognised three D9700 Clubs for their successful and innovative Vocational Service Projects in Orange Daybreak: The Brendon Sturgeon Scholarship supports local students in their vocational studies and honours the memory of a local builder who had provided outstanding assistance to the club. In 2007, Brendon Sturgeon, who was not a Rotarian, oversaw the building and landscaping of a new house for the Club, including persuading tradespeople and suppliers to donate time and products to the project. The house was later sold and the proceeds donated to provide accommodation for families of children receiving treatment for cancer in Orange. Brendon died suddenly in 2009 and the scholarship was set up to honour his memory and his assistance to the Club. The Scholarship is awarded annually to a student who has successfully completed the first year of his/her studies in Certificate IV in Building Studies at the local TAFE and represents the value of the first year course fees. Students are nominated by their relevant teacher and the award is judged by a panel consisting of College Staff and Club representatives. Bathurst Daybreak: The Carillon Coolamon s Shop Locally Campaign Business Awards celebrate businesses in Bathurst and publicly acknowledge, promote and reward business excellence. The support of local business and the community assists the nominated charity and represents an important investment in our young citizens. The general public nominate their favourite business in one of the 13 categories. All businesses that accept their nomination are listed in a public voting form published in the local paper and on the local paper and radio station s web-site. They also complete key criteria for the nominated category, which goes to an independent panel of judges. The awards culminate with a gala presentation dinner - a night of glitz, glamour and entertainment. The nominated charity in 2011 was Veritas House, which for more than 25 years has helped disadvantaged young people and their families get their lives back on track. The 46 businesses that were nominated in 2011 also benefited from the prestige and community recognition. This is an initiative of Coolamon Rotary in collaboration with the Shire Council.The club has invested $3000 in the Shop Locally campaign banners currently flying in the streets of Coolamon. Blayney: Business Network - the primary aim was to engage and support the local business community. Major sponsor, Nestle Purina Pet Care sponsored two functions. The first was attended by 97 people from local businesses and the guest speakers focused on marketing initiatives and the effectiveness of the actual marketing spend. The General Manager of Blayney Shire Council also outlined initiatives that benefit the business community. The second function was attended by 67people and the guest speakers focused on Customer Service. Donations to local charities were made after each function. PDG Neal Fogarty presenting certificate to PP Jill Everett Orange Daybreak An additional $600 will be spent on banners for the Ganmain township. The banners will be left up for 6 months at a time to remind locals and visitors to Shop Locally. Well done Coolamon Rotary!

Cowra Host Eastern Region RAWCS The Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS) Eastern Region met recently in Cowra.

Cowra Rotary supported the RAWCS Dinner and the 105 attending were fascinated by local historian Lawrence Ryan telling the story of the Cowra POW Breakout by Japanese on 5th August 1944 and how this

It is a wonderful example of the benefits that flow when the ideals of peace, respect and international understanding are enacted.

Photo Top - DG Ian, Lawrence Ryan, RAWCS Chair Alan Chesworth & Pres Harry Howard at East Region Meeting Cowra Photo Below - Model B17 Bomber made of fruit tins by Japanese POW & given to 6yr old son

7 Cowra Host Eastern Region RAWCS The Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS) Eastern Region met recently in Cowra. The District briefing on RAWCS Projects was arranged by District Chair Alan Chesworth and local Committee member Mike Holloway and attended by 65 Rotarians. Cowra Rotary supported the RAWCS Dinner and the 105 attending were fascinated by local historian Lawrence Ryan telling the story of the Cowra POW Breakout by Japanese on 5th August 1944 and how this started the reconciliation process that has led to a strong association between Cowra and Japan. It is a wonderful example of the benefits that flow when the ideals of peace, respect and international understanding are enacted. It s a spirit of reconciliation and understanding that continues to this day! Photo Top - DG Ian, Lawrence Ryan, RAWCS Chair Alan Chesworth & Pres Harry Howard at East Region Meeting Cowra Photo Below - Model B17 Bomber made of fruit tins by Japanese POW & given to 6yr old son of Australian Camp Guard Showcasing Boorowa to the world Boorowa Rotary s first meeting of the year was a wonderful cultural experience with the visit of six students from Samoa, American Samoa and Tonga as part of the Pacific Australian Cultural Exchange (PACE) program. The cultural exchange program displays the Australian way of life. The group visited a property at Rugby and enjoyed a barbecue where they each performed their own national anthems. The group also had time to kick a footy, donated by the Boorowa Goldies Rugby Union Club. Photo - Pacific Australian Cultural Exchange students with Boorowa Rotarians You re Invited to our Annual Conference Young Rotary invites you to attend the Annual District Conference to be held in Young From Friday, 23rd to Sunday, 25th March Young is central in our District so make it a day trip if you can t get there for the weekend. The interesting Speaker Program and the Registration Forms has been circulated to all Clubs. View the Gnome Convention.

8 New District Website/Database District 9700 has officially announced the opening of their new dynamic website/database. The address is easy to remember... rotary9700.org.au The site has a clean crisp look with significant communications and organizational improvements. There are two distinct parts to the website one which is open to the public and one which is restricted to members. All district Rotarians can login to the restricted site and view all district information. Members also have the ability to edit their personal details. District Rotarians are strongly encouraged to login to the site and have a look around. Check that your address is correct and insure all other information is current. To login, just click on the login link at the right of the home page, and when the login box appears, click on I forgot my password. The system will walk you through the process. NEW Rotary Resource Some of the features of the new site include: Centralize Club and Member Information on a Single Database Automatic reporting to the RI Database to eliminate duplicate data entry Updateable club and district executives listing Clubs can log in and manage their own data independently Monthly attendance reporting Event Registrations and Online Payment Dynamic District Directories and Reports Message Centre & Groups Club Presidents, Secretaries, District Directors and Assistant Governors have already begun using the site and have made significant updates to the member s database. The goal of the district is to have one centralized database with accurate and complete information on every member. This information is necessary for the publication of the District Directory. The site was developed under ClubRunner program which is the world s largest provider of Rotary websites. The cost for the site is approximately one dollar per Rotarian per year. If members are having any problems logging in to the new site, just click on the online help link on the login box. Additional help is available from your club President or Secretary or the District IT Committee. Committee members are Paul Murray, Julie Stott and Paul Weston. Classifed Advertisement POSITION VACANT DISTRICT 9700 GOVERNOR APPLICATIONS are open for the Position of District 9700 Governor for ELIGIBILITY Open to any Rotarian who has been a: WHAT S INVOLVED SKILLS REQUIRED INTERVIEWS APPLIATIONS CLOSE

Cowra Rotary Hosts the National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) Travellers Science is the living tree of opportunity that has its roots in the disciplines of study at school and university.

9 Cowra Rotary Hosts the National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) Travellers Science is the living tree of opportunity that has its roots in the disciplines of study at school and university. Every January, for the past 8 years Cowra Rotary has been supporting the National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) program by providing lunches to students travelling to & from Queensland and Northern NSW to ANU Canberra. With the support of local businesses Cowra Rotary makes the occasion and meals a great success. Cowra Rotarians like being involved and meeting the Science Leaders of Tomorrow. DG Ian conducted a random survey of 34 students on their return journey and this highlighted the importance of this National Program. In answer to a question on what influence the Forum had on your future studies and chosen career path the following summarises the written responses: Really opened my eyes to the opportunities there are for me in science (Matthew, Brisbane) Allowed me to gain more confidence with which to pursue a science future (Lauren, Bathurst) Gave me the chance to sample various careers in areas I had never thought about (Annabelle, Brisbane Qld) Dates for your Diary Reinforced my love of science and cemented a desire to study science at university (Callum, Murwillumbah) Helped solidify my choice of robotics as a career path (Justin, Buderim Qld) Given me confidence - without the forum, I would have gone into my engineering degree having no drive or vision for my future. (Jessica, Buderim Qld) Changed me as a person, given me a new meaning to life, and friendships and experiences that ll always stay with me. (Sanam, Gold Coast Qld) Opened my eyes to many different disciplines of science and given me a new passion and enthusiasm to not only study hard but to make the best out of every opportunity and enjoy life. (Manik Cairns Qld) Confirmed and strengthened my love for science, it has set me on my ever-changing career path. ( Oliver, Townsville Qld) Fantastic experience with many thanks to Rotary for giving me a faultless opportunity (Anthea, Orange) Photo - Meet the future - Travelling North and stopping in Cowra for lunch - National Youth Science Forum students from northern NSW & Queensland -

fundraising movie, the sensational British comedy The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. It will be a lot of fun and raise dollars for the End Polio Campaign.

10 Welcome to Our New Members We hope you enjoy Rotary as much as we enjoy having you! Keri Priest Orange Gary Want Orange Jill Hodgson Grenfell Stacey Miller Forbes Craig Bromley Wollundry-Wagga Polio Fundraiser Movie promises to be the best yet Don t miss this years End Polio fundraising movie, the sensational British comedy The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. It will be a lot of fun and raise dollars for the End Polio Campaign. The dates available to us are from Thursday, February 23rd through until Sunday, February 26th and as this movie will not be released in Australia until March 22nd, Rotary has really scored a genuine sneak preview. Options are for clubs to make the Thursday night their meeting night for the week but for those that prefer something else, the Friday, Saturday and Sunday are available. Have you registered for the 9700 Conference at Young? 23-25th March Paul Harris Fellow Presentations Congratulations to Rotary for recognising hard working members of clubs and communities with the award of a Paul Harris Fellow. Gail Macdonald - Parkes Vale... PP Kevin Warden, PHF Foundation Member of the Kooringal Rotary Club in 1969 Kevin gave forty-two years to Rotary and he was a proud Rotarian who gave outstanding service to the community. It would take many pages to describe Kevin but the most precious memory will be that he was one of natures gentlemen. PP Maurie Condon Rotary Club of Griffith Joined - 26 August 1980 President Maurie was a hard working, contributing Rotary member to the club and community welfare for 31 years. He was a successful farmer and a strong and active supporter of local farming interests.

We are calling the event the District 9650 Muster in honour of the town of Tamworth where the event will be held.

We are calling the event the District 9650 Muster in honour of the town of Tamworth where the event will be held. Why not apply for a Rotary Foundation District Grant? (Formerly District Simplified Grant ) In 2013-14 under the new Foundation Future Vision Program, it is easy to apply for a District Grant, and there