District 9705 is arranging a visit from 9 – 12 September for 15 Rotary Foundation Peace Fellows currently studying at the University of Queensland for a master’s degree in international relations, sustainable development and peace and conflict resolution.
The purpose of their visit is to give them exposure to a range of Canberra-based organisations and people, both government and non-government, that are involved in peace and conflict studies, so that they have a broader understanding of Australia’s approach to these critically important areas.
On Monday the 11th of September at 6.30 for 7.00pm there will be a Gala Dinner for the Fellows at the Hellenic Club in the City at 13 Moore Street, Canberra. This dinner will provide the opportunity for Rotarians and Rotaractors from around the District to meet and dine with the Fellows, to hear of their journeys and achievements, and their aspirations for the future. You can be assured that you will leave the function in awe of these young men and women and incredibly proud of what The Rotary Foundation has achieved and, continues to achieve, through the Peace Fellows Program.
The cost of the dinner is $50 comprising an entrée and main course, coffee/tea. Drinks may be purchased at the bar. Dress for the function is smart casual.
Time is short and seating limited so please register to attend via the article on the district website home page.
Registrations will close at midday on Tuesday 5 September if not already fully subscribed by then.
Through academic training, practice and global networking opportunities, the Rotary Peace Centres’ programs at universities in the USA, Sweden, UK, Japan, Uganda and Australia develop the capacity of peace and development professionals to become effective catalysts for peace. The fellowships cover tuition and fees, room and board, round-trip transportation and internship and field-study expenses. Further information on the program can be found at
https://www.rotary.org/en/our-programs/peace-fellowships.
Since the program began in 2002, the Rotary Peace Centres have trained more than 1,600 fellows who now work in over 140 countries. Many serve as leaders in governments; NGOs; education and research institutions; peacekeeping and law enforcement agencies; and international organisations like the United Nations and the World Bank.
We look forward to seeing you at the dinner and helping us welcome the Fellows and celebrate a great Rotary program.
If you have any queries, please contact Bruce Osborn on 0404 850 638 or Rosemary Everett on 0408 301 850. Or our Club member Michael, who will be attending this dinner.
District 9705 Conference, 20-22 October 2023
MOMENTS THAT MATTER: AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND & PACIFIC ISLANDS VIRTUAL CONFERENCE - 28 & 29 OCTOBER
Time is running out to secure your ticket for the 2023 'Moments That Matter' Rotary and Rotaract conference.
With a speaker list jam-packed, audiences will hear inspirational stories from business and community leaders and experts in their fields.
Key note speakers include Rotary International President Gordon R. McInally and Rotary International President-elect Stephanie Urchick.
For more information and to purchase tickets head to the
conference website.
South Pacific and Philippines Office Support Team
Regionalisation Pilot: heads up - get ready for new club groupings: a message from District Governor-Elect Rob Uhl
As part of the Regionalisation Pilot, a new way of grouping Rotary and Rotaract clubs will soon be introduced to participating Districts, with each group known as a Rotary Community Group (RCG).
RCGs are designed to foster greater collaboration among clubs so they can work more effectively and at a larger scale than they could on their own.
Working together, clubs will be supported to:
- Establish larger scale partnerships
- Increase community impact
- Build a stronger public profile
- Attract new club members
- Increase club member engagement and satisfaction
RCGs will be based on what clubs have in common, such as geography, type of club or shared language. They will meet in person, online, or a combination of both, and will choose how often they meet.
Club Presidents and Secretaries will shortly receive a link via email to an online form through which they can specify how they would like to be grouped with other clubs. Each club will submit one form. Some key points to note:
- Clubs will be able to nominate both a primary and secondary way they prefer to be grouped. Secondary groupings are optional, will mainly be online and will be based on themes such as the environment; youth; diversity, equity and inclusion, etc.
- Club input is an essential part of putting RGCs into place. District leaders and the Regionalisation team will use the information provided by clubs to form groupings, accommodating club preferences as much as possible.
- We encourage clubs to have open discussions about how they would like to be grouped before their preference is submitted.
Reminder: Regional Council Expressions of Interest now open
Are you passionate about making a difference, have a deep understanding of Rotary’s values and have strong leadership skills? If so, you should consider submitting an Expression of Interest to join the Regional Council. We are looking for enthusiastic, experienced Rotarians and Rotaractors to apply for nine elected Regional Council roles.
Position descriptions and selection criteria for each role are available
here. Please read these carefully to ensure you are eligible and suitable for your chosen role.
Submit your Expression of Interest by Monday 4 th September 12pm AEST
here.
Learn more
Multiple webinars will be held via Zoom to answer questions about RCGs and the Regional Council election. These sessions will be held on:
• Tuesday 29 August at 1pm AEST - Register
here
• Wednesday 30 August at 6:30pm AEST - Register
here
• Saturday 2 September at 10am AEST - Register
here
If you have any questions, please contact Leigh Robinson (District Regionalisation Representative (DRR). Phone: 0418 400 090 or Email: leigh@ircoach.com.au
DGE Rob Uhl
A way with words
A truck loaded with thousands of copies of Roget's Thesaurus crashed yesterday losing its entire load. Witnesses were stunned, startled, aghast, taken aback, stupefied, confused, shocked, rattled, paralyses, dazed, bewildered, mixed up, surprised, awed, dumbfounded, nonplussed, flabbergasted, astounded, amazed, confounded, astonished, overwhelmed, horrified, numbed, speechless, and perplexed.
Meanwhile, those waiting for the shipment were at a loss for words.
Courtesy Facebook