What's happening in Rotary, inside our own club, and around the world?Prioritising Mental Health This year, we’re prioritizing projects that aim to support mental health. This effort is deeply personal to me. I know what it’s like to see someone close to me suffer in silence. I have also witnessed the power of personal connections, the value of discussing emotional and mental well-being, and the lifesaving impact of preventive care and treatment. Research shows that performing acts of kindness is one of the most effective steps any of us can take to protect our well-being and make us more resilient to all the challenges we encounter in life. And by building peace within, we become more capable of bringing peace to the world. How can you take action? Download the Prioritizing Mental Health brochure to learn how you and your club can support mental health. Also consider connecting with the Rotary Action Group on Mental Health Initiatives. As we begin this journey together, I take inspiration from Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns, who in the 18th century spoke of all the world becoming kin, promoting “Sense and Worth, over all the earth.” This has long been my call to action, and I share it now with you. Let us build peace within and spread it freely. Let us create belonging and imagine the future of Rotary afresh. Let us work together joyously as we Create Hope in the World. R. Gordon R. McInally - RI President, 2023-24 |
District 9800 Governor Ron Payne and Deb
Ron first joined the Rotary Club of Eaglehawk in 2002, took a break after a few years and then rejoined in 2009. In that time, he has been a Board member for most years, serving as club President in 2013/14 and again in 2016/17. Other club roles undertaken have been as Treasurer and Foundation Chair. Ron joined the District team in 2019 taking on the role of Assistant Governor within Goldfields North and is currently a member of the District Recognised Programs Review Committee. In 2021/22 Ron also assumed the Executive Assistant Governor Mentor role.
Ron spent 47 years employed with the Department of Education, Victoria serving as a teacher, Principal and Regional Manager. He looks back with satisfaction on an enjoyable career in which he had a positive influence on many students and made lasting connections with families in many rural communities.
Now retired, Ron and Deb enjoy travelling and like to spend as much time as possible with their daughters Michelle and Melanie and their families. Ron’s other interests lie with photography, pottering in the garden at home, lawn bowls, recreational cycling and supporting Rotary.
July is Maternal and Child Health Month
Members of the Rotary Club of Wyndham Harbour have created a great project to celebrate motherhood. On the 13th of May 2023, club members, joined by Rotarians from other clubs and friends of Rotary, came together to assemble 400 birthing kits.
In so many parts of the Third World (particularly in the remote areas) there are many women living in poverty who give birth in filthy, unhygienic places without any professional medical help. Often, well-meaning friends and relatives cut the umbilical cord of the newborns with unclean objects such as a piece of bamboo.
Infection during delivery threatens both the lives of the mothers and babies. The six items contained in the birthing kit (gauze, scalpel blade, gloves, plastic sheet, soap, and pieces of cord) can assist in providing clean and safe births for at least 400 babies.
Through Birthing Kit Foundation Australia the kits are sent to communities most in need.