Last weekend’s Multi-District Impact Summit in Horsham had plenty going for it—good company, lively conversations, and some genuinely engaging speakers. But the session that stayed with me most was the panel with Past RI President Jennifer Jones, our own Dennis Shore, and Jessie Harmon.
It reinforced something that most experienced Rotarians already know, but don’t always remember.
Rotarians reach their most ambitious goals through the combined efforts of the individual, the club, and the Foundation.
It starts, as it always has, with the individual. Someone notices something that could be better, or has an idea worth pursuing. That’s the spark. Rotary doesn’t manufacture that - people do. Indeed, each speaker at the conference, a Rotarian or not, was spurred into action by observing a need or through sometimes tragic lived experience. The difference between the Rotarians and the non-Rotarians is that the Rotarians had Rotary's power behind them to help them meet the need.
7 April: Easter Tuesday, No meeting 14 April: Club Meeting at Kooyong - TBA 21 April: Annual Service to Seniors Award, Ben Rogers, CEO COTA, Seniors Rights Victoria 28 April: Zoom - George Hulse / Jimmy Thomson, joint authors of First ANZACs 5 May: TBA 12 May: TBA 19 May: Laraine Stephens, “Crime With a Twist Of History” at Kooyong
CLUB ANNOUNCEMENTS
From our Bunnings barbeques to our monthly ‘Volunteers in Action’ days at Donations in Kind, there’s been plenty happening across the club recently. If you’re able to lend a hand from time to time, it would certainly help.
Dennis Shore, in his role as RI Foundation Director, presented President Ian with a ‘mini’ Peace Pole at today’s meeting. A simple reminder of the central place of peace in the Foundation’s work, in the outcomes of Rotary projects, and in our own Strategic Plan. The Peace Pole will be on display at meetings as a regular quiet reminder of our purpose.
Current and upcoming club activities
We’ve got a great run of events coming up over the next few months—plenty of chances to get involved, have some fun, and support the work of the Club. From the Bunnings BBQ on Sunday 31 May, to our Business Breakfast on Friday 21 August, the “Lift the Lid – On the Pandemic” Lunch on Friday 2 October, and the GWS Community Raffle, there’s something for everyone—so please pop these in your diary.
Our newest member, Min Bell, replied to a request by DG Peter Shepheard for travellers to the Summit Conference at Horsham to take suitcases packed with children’s clothes and toys to 30 children desperately in need of a “Hope in a Suitcase” donation.
Min discovered 27 “Hope in a Suitcase” cases at her front door and needed to find Rotarians to take a suitcase with them. Unfortunately, due to many Rotarians carsharing, there were no travellers with space.
Min would not give up, as the thought of little children missing out on some comforts was too much for her.
Katrina Flinn reported that she was instrumental at DIK packing a container bound for Cambodia. This shipment has been made possible through the support of multiple clubs, led by Stuart McIntyre, District International Chair of District 9800, and Bronwyn Stephens, Past District Governor of 9800, along with a $10,000 grant from the Rotary District Foundation—so it was an early start to the day.
Over the past few weeks, sponsoring clubs have been working hard at DIK’s warehouse, packing, washing, and consolidating items. All of that effort came together last week with the loading of the 40-foot container.
WHO AM I?
Clue 1: I am a passionate Rotarian especially regarding “Who Am I?”
Email or message David Pisterman (pisterman41@gmail.com with your answer to this month’s Quiz. A bottle of the best is waiting for the winner at our lunch meeting 21 April donated by the last prize winner.
Be afraid! Do not incur the wrath of DP!
BOOKWORMS
Geraldine Brooks Year of Wonders
By Jane and Ian Bentley
The Bookworms gathered last week at Pam and Andrew’s house to discuss Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks.
Pam led the group with some guiding questions that explored the novel’s structure and its depiction of a community under extreme pressure in the English village of Eyam during the 1660s.
Andrew shared a photo of the village church as it is today, discovered during his research.
What Happens at Conference – Stays at Conference or Does It?
Two Past Presidents at the Conference!
David has since told me he can cross this one off his “bucket list”!
YOUR CLUB BULLETIN NEEDS YOU
Editor's note: Please send a travel story, project update, story of interest and photographs to Editor, Dorothy Gilmour by Sunday afternoon, and you will be Bulletin celebrity and know you have made a difference by contributing!
DID YOU KNOW?
President Noel McInnes (1995-96) after completing three big years in Rotary, including the Sydney Conference followed by club President, wrote in his Annual Report: “David Pisterman our Club Secretary, and for these past years has been my loyal and hardworking deputy.
In his spare time, he works on District Committees. David never says “no”, and nothing is ever any trouble.
This Club is better for his membership - David, I thank you warmly.”
Dennis Shore, in his role as RI Foundation Director, presented President Ian with a ‘mini’ Peace Pole at today’s meeting. A simple reminder of the central place of peace in the Foundation’s work, in the outcomes of Rotary projects, and in our own Strategic Plan. The Peace Pole will be on display at meetings as a regular quiet reminder of our purpose.
Children's Surgical Centre Phenom Phen
President Noel McInnes (1995-96) after completing three big years in Rotary, including the Sydney Conference followed by club President, wrote in his Annual Report: “David Pisterman our Club Secretary, and for these past years has been my loyal and hardworking deputy.