Rotary International Service Seminar

Held at International House, Sunday 15^th July 2012,  President Ngaire, PE Gordon Cheyne: Foundation Director, David Corrigan, Richard Groom and Ian Macfarlane were present at this annual seminar which was very well attended and very informative. The number of worthy projects being undertaken by so many clubs was truly amazing and very inspirational.

Speakers included; DG Dennis, PDG Keith, representatives from RAWCS and several project speakers.

Many clubs had set up project information stalls including our impressive Lille Fro project set up by President Ngaire.

Of particular interest to Hawthorn were our 2012 project conversations with;

• Deputy Head of International House: Deputy Head of College Peter Cole with a view to inviting students to participate in our club activities and to be guest speakers at one of our meetings as well as to attend the annual student fund raising Café International cabaret. It will also be our intention to participate in the TREAD Project: Thai Rural Education and Development program of activities which we have successfully done in the past.
• Jill Forsyth: RC Kew is the local contact for the Maternal and Child Health program with the Alola Foundation and its involvement in Timor-Leste (East Timor). The Foundation was established in 2001  by Australian Kirsty Sword Gusmao, wife of Xanana Gusma the Timor East Independence Leader. A guest speaker is currently being organised.
• Donations in Kind which Hawthorn financially supports also provided information regarding the many activities we can support including; collecting library books and “back to School” exercise books.

We  enjoyed the opportunity to learn about these projects and importantly look for opportunities to combine resources.

All Rotarians are most welcome and indeed encouraged  to attend this Annual District Seminar held in July.