In bringing to notice an aspect of what Rotary is doing around the world, I brought to the attention of the assembled at our last club meeting (by way of delivering a toast) the incredible bravery of Rotarians in a particular war zone.

 

I said that I'd spent some weeks in both Israel and Lebanon, both travelling around each country and of course in Beirut and Tel Aviv, the respective capitals, some 50 years ago, and that I'd nearly fallen off my chair when I realised how long ago that was. At the time I’d needed separate passports to travel to each, as they weren’t talking to one another.

 

Since the region is very much in the news lately, although for particularly dreadful reasons, I thought I would check to see how Rotary is faring in both countries. I was surprised to find that both countries have a number of Rotary clubs.

 

In searching Lebanon, incredibly I found that the Rotary Club of Beirut Cosmopolitan is organising a 25-seater bus for its members to travel from an undisclosed location in Beirut to an undisclosed location in Byblos, a town to the north along the coast about an hour and a half's drive away, on Saturday 12 October to hold their fortnightly meeting, to discuss holding a fundraising event for community assistance!

 

They’re doing that in a major war zone, with massive bombs going off all around them! I think that takes extraordinary courage and a belief in the basic goodness of human beings, even amongst displays of the worst aspects of human nature. 

 

Our next Club meeting will be held on Thursday, 17 October 2024, at the Mercure Canberra (corner of Limestone and Ainslie Avenues). Come along to hear Dr Jo Johnson speak about the early years of Australia’s National Antarctic Expeditions.

 

To see the program of future meetings, visit: Rotary activities Spreadsheet.

 

If you are not able to perform your allocated duty, please arrange a replacement and advise President Russell (cc Bulletin Editor Stephen). Please advise Stephen of any planned absences to avoid being rostered on while away.

 

Therese and Andrew are back again and promise to keep us on our toes for another great night of Trivia – Wednesday 27 November!!! This has proven to be a fantastic evening with the extra bonus that proceeds support our efforts with poor farming communities in eastern Indonesia.

• Join friends and supporters of the NTA for a fabulous evening
• Just $20 per person. Bring a table of 8-10, a friend or simply come along and join a table!
• Great raffle and trivia prizes are included.