Welcome to all members of District 9640 to Education and Literacy Month. In District 9640 we take basic education, literacy and numeracy skills for granted. A basic education is available free to all in our society. This is not the case however in so many other countries. In addition we find that education is an early casualty in countries torn by conflict. In Syria today after three years of civil war over 2 million of Syria’s 4.8 million school aged children are not in school as a result of the conflict. Syria had a good basic education system and education was free. Prior to the war more than 90% of primary school aged children were enrolled in school. Today nearly half the primary school population are not in school as a result of the conflict and more than half a million Syrian refugee children living outside of Syria are also not in school.

Education is a basic building block of a society that seeks to free itself of conflict and strife. Peace cannot be achieved without the basic building blocks which includes the provision of health and education. Therefore of grave concern to all of our society is the plight of those who are suffering in war torn communities or who are refugees from their own homes and communities as a result of war and conflict. It is the responsibility of all of us to ensure their safety and the provision of the most basic services including education. As Rotarians worldwide we strive to ensure that a basic education is a right of all and not just the domain of those communities that enjoy the privilege of peace. Now more than ever the world needs Rotarians to step up to the mark. If we want to achieve worldwide peace then a very good way to start is through the provision of basic education and the meeting of basic human needs of those families ravaged by war and conflict. Yours in Rotary Anne Egan

District Governor 2015/16 anne@egansimpson.com.au

0418 489 836

www.facebook.com\RotaryDistrict9640

District Governor’s Message

Proper Plumbing & Sanitation in East Timor

Welcome New Members

Food Plants Solutions Action Group

2016 Rotary International Convention

Beatriz’s War – Film Night

Rotary Global Rewards

RI Director Meets District Leadership Team

Unwanted Books Required

Ashmore Rotary – What’s Cookin’

Rotary Against Malaria Conference

Key Dates and Events

Official DG Visit Schedule

Rotary International President’s Message

Rotary Magazine Highlights

www.rotary9640.org

Monthly Newsletter of Rotary District 9640 | Edition 3 | September 2015

September 2015 | Page 2

Rotary Club of Southport key in multi club effort to provides improved services The Bairo Pite Clinic (BPC) in Dili is a major contributor to healthcare services in Timor-Leste with patients travelling from all corners of the country to receive essential healthcare. While heavily dependent on donations from individuals and organisations, it is this commitment to provide continuous, reliable, free healthcare to the people of Timor-Leste, often during arduous circumstances and with little or no additional support. For those who have visited BPC you will know that the Clinics sanitation and plumbing is very substandard. The septic system is poor and the drains are open. There is no running water in any of the Clinic wards to wash hands. The water for the clinic is from tanks (which were recently fixed) , local supply and bore water. To fix the remaining sanitation & plumbing issues, three Rotary Clubs (Richmond VIC, Braeside VIC and our own Southport Club) raised a lot of money through concerts, donations and bequests until, finally, they were able to hit the GO button. The project is currently underway and includes the following tasks – Remove one of the septic tanks and replacing it with a much larger one. Re plumb the entire site using existing drainage where possible and new underground drainage where necessary. All three toilet bock to be renovated (including using some equipment for the ex Gold Coast Hospital – a previous Rotary

Southport Project). All rooms to be fitted with hand basins and plumbed to existing drains. Maternity toilets to be raised to ensure the correct fall for solid waste and plumbed into new drainage. Sawyer Product water filtration units and regulators to be plumbed into the exit point of water storage to provide safe

drinking water. What this means to BPC – With proper hand washing facilities, flushing toilets and showers they will be able to treat the sick under proper medical

conditions and stop the spread of disease. These improvements will ensure that the staff can practice medicine safely. The 50 + inpatients patients will have the best chance at getting better. Their visitors will have a better change of staying healthy. Their staff will be provided with a safer work environment and better equipment to treat patients properly. This project is the underpinning of all other projects that they need to undertake at the Clinic. The BPC offers a massive thank you to the partnering Clubs and to Daryl Mills OAM in Dili for overseeing the project

To find out more about BPC, visit their website https://bairopiteclinic.org/

During July and August we were pleased to be able to welcome the following new members in to our District –

Rotarian Action Group getting results Further donations sought Helping to reduce hunger and encourage diversity in diets is the aim of this Rotarian Action Group which uses a database of over 250,000 plants documented by Tasmanian agricultural scientist Bruce French. World population has increased from 3 billion to 7 billion in the 50 years since Bruce French began his work and that means there are a lot more mouths to feed but it also means that we will all have to eat “lower on the food chain” so everyone benefits, Bruce maintains.

Food Plant Solutions has partnered with the Priscilla Hall Memorial Foundation of the Rotary Club of Gen Innes to produce a field guide “Potentially important Food Plants of Indonesia” in Bahasa, the local language. The distribution of these field guides will provide information that will enable people to make informed decisions about what to grow in order to feed themselves. Field guides, handbooks and posters have been also been produced for the Solomon Islands, Timor Leste, Papua New Guinea, Vietnam, Cambodia as well as many countries in Africa; more than 30 countries in all. Value adding to existing programs has seen six villages in China erect hot houses so a variety of food plants can be grown to combat “Kashin-Beck Disease” which is prevalent in fifteen provinces in China, SE Siberia and North Korea. In northern Thailand there is a hostel for children from the Hill Tribes where they are growing garden vegetables. A Rotary Club in Australia is working with a Rotary Club in Chiang Rai to supply tools, plants and seeds. In order to produce these materials, funding is needed and resource people are required to work in these countries. As DG partner in 2011-12, I was supported by clubs to help the Learn Grow program which is now Food Plant Solutions and $7000 was raised. I hope Rotary Clubs in our District 9640 can once more donate to this great Rotary program. Marion Jones If you would like to donate or find out more about what you can do to help this great cause, check the website www.foodplantsolutions.org.

September 2015 | Page 3

Club Name

Beaudesert

Lauren Hanser

Harry Macleod

Broadbeach Lachlan Bode

Coomera River Laura Dobson

eClub of NextGen Qld John Bee

Estelle McCabe

Sabrina Simoes

Hayden Smith

Glen Innes Sam Price

Goondiwindi Stephen Marschall

Doug Scott

Grafton Anne-Alece Johnston

Hope Island

Bron McDowall

Catherine Palin-Brinkworth

Kingscliff Elizabeth Terrill

Lismore Cheryl Hicks

Ron Weir

Neil Woods

Murwillumbah Central Anthony Thompson

Runaway Bay Bryan Connelly

Eric Lewis

Southport Ian Craig

Stanthorpe Kim Thorburn

Tweed Heads South James King

Louanne King

Kenneth Kingsford

Marie Kingsford

29 May – 1 June 2016 in Seoul, Korea Book now for the best rates “Touch the World in Korea” from 29 May to 1 June 2016. As Rotarians, we are travellers – often trying to spend our kids’ inheritance Next year, why not enjoy the excitement of an Asian trip and plan it around the International Convention in Seoul, Korea. Enjoy the diversity of the country – the culture, the architecture, the people. Come see for yourself – spend five days out of your life to meet with other Rotarians from over 200 countries and geographical regions. Hear World leaders speak and attend informative workshops. Enjoy the fantastic world class entertainment that Rotary International will provide. In addition, be part of the fabulous shows and events that are being organised by the host city. Book your trip to Seoul by clicking on the register link on the image above, visit www.riconvention.org or simply contact PDG Brian Heaton via email on val.22@bigpond.com or mobile on 0409 007 848.

Screenings on 9th and 10th October Fundraising for East Timor and Ossu Projects

Burleigh Heads Rotary is screening Beatriz's War on Friday 9 October (7pm evening session) and Saturday 10 October (2pm afternoon and 7pm evening session) as a fundraiser for 3 RAWCS East Timor projects at the Marymount Theatre in Burleigh Waters. The film is Timor's first film and was made guerilla style by the men and women who fought in the armed resistance during the country's 24 year war with Indonesia.

It tells of one woman's conviction to remain true to the man she loves and the country for which she fought, after her husband disappears during a massacre. Sixteen years later he returns, but she was doubts about whether is it her husband or an imposter. Both the Friday & Saturday evening screenings include wine and nibbles and tickets are $20 (pre booked) or $25 at the door. For the Saturday afternoon session, afternoon tea is included and tickets are are $20 (pre booked) or $25 at the door ($15 for seniors). To pre-book tickets please visit the booking website at www.trybooking.com/153213 or for more information email burleighheadsrotary@gmail.com

Over 6,100 Rotarians have already accessed Rotary Global Rewards since it was introduced on 1 July to access discounts on car rentals, hotels, dining and entertainment...and lots more. As well as the discount, on some items Rotary receives a percentage back in return for your purchase. The system is super easy to use and you can find out more at these links -

CONNECT WITH KOREA – TOUCH THE WORLD

September 2015 | Page 4

Video Introduction https://vimeo.com/129263576

FAQa http://is.gd/fhCYoe

Download (Computer) http://is.gd/6LrESf

Download (Mobile) http://is.gd/uG88j9

September 2015 | Page 5

DG Anne was delighted to welcome RI Director Guiller and Lettie Tamangan to our District recently. To welcome them to our district, Guiller and Lettie were guests of honour at a dinner hosted by Burleigh Heads Rotary. Guiller met with the District Leadership Group prior to the dinner and answered questions. During his address to the gathering, he delighted everyone with his informality, warmth and passion for Rotary and its work. He praised the projects he'd seen in our district and spoke about how important it was to support the youth of today and encourage younger people to join Rotary. He also spoke about Rotary's work in his home country of the Philippines and the cultural differences between the two countries. To see snapshot of his address to the dinner on YouTube visit http://is.gd/VbLgwtg

Fundraising for Lifeline (Youth Suicide Prevention)

From 22 - 24th January 2016, the Rotary Club of Broadbeach will be holding its inaugural, annual Book Sale at the Albert Waterways Hall, Mermaid Beach (near Pacific Fair Shopping Centre). Donations of Books , Magazines ,DVDs ,CDs, Puzzles and board games are being solicited from the public on two occasions before the sale (the first three weeks in each of September and January 2016) and also unwanted books from Libraries and Hotels on the Gold Coast. If any Rotarian’s and their friends or relatives have any books etc that they may want to donate it would be much appreciated.

The major beneficiary will be Lifeline, Gold Coast and the monies donated to Lifeline will be applied towards setting up the “Youth Suicide Prevention Programme”. The programme is a joint initiative of Lifeline and the Broadbeach Rotary Club. This involves meetings with Year 11 students, their Teachers and Parents, at which Lifeline Councillors will talk on depression , youth suicide and the warning signs to watch for and a system for referral to Lifeline of anyone demonstrating such symptoms. A similar joint programme in Gosford has saved over 50 young lives in the past two years. The balance of the monies will be used to assist the homeless and disadvantaged on the Gold Coast and other local charities. For more information on the Book Sale, public collection points and contact details please head to http://www.broadbeachrotary.org/booksale/. To become more closely involved in the project please email broadbeachrotarybooksale@gmail.com.

Earlier this year a meeting was arranged with Sven, a Professor at Bond University, to enable Ashmore Rotary to become a “client” of his students as an assessable component of their field of study. The “brief” was to effectively target the 18-30 year olds (Millennials) with a view to increasing membership in our club. As a first step, the six “firms” had to create a workable strategic plan with a budget of $0 to address any issues they had identified. Feedback was sought from the “clients” to assist in the assessment process. All available members of the Board & PR/Membership Committee attended the student presentations - with copies being provided to the Board. The 3 major initiatives from these presentations were regarding social media, internships and community engagement / campaigns. The next step in the Ashmore Rotary / Bond University partnership is to create an implementation plan, in January 2016, and we envisage our social media re-design and internship components to be addressed during this phase. - continued next page -

continued from previous page In the meantime, we are not sitting idly by… We will now up the ante on Community Engagement campaigns! Dawn on Sunday morning saw the Ashmore Rotary gang turn out to feed the masses at the Gold Coast Relay for Life. Much fun was had by us and the cold and tired fundraisers for the cancer council were very happy with the fare donated by Coles. Excess bananas (9 boxes) were donated to worthwhile local charities on the day. All in all – a fantastic outcome !

With my new role for 2015-2016 as District RAM Chair, Sandy and I attended the weekend conference and found it most interesting & stimulating, so expect to hear more from me. One of the highlights at the Saturday night dinner was witnessing our very own District 9640 member PDG Richmond Manyweathers being acknowledged with a RAWCS Humanitarian Service Award for his contributions in so many areas of service to Rotary. PDG Richmond has displayed an example of a very high standard of “Service above Self “. Sam Doumany

To mark World Polio Day, we will again be hosting a live-streamed global status update from New York on 23 October. The event will recognize recent milestones we’ve achieved in the fight to end polio, as well as focus on the work that remains to be done. You can help us observe World Polio Day and raise awareness of our polio eradication efforts –

Take part in the live event Go to the Livestream page and add the event to your

calendar. Watch the live update on 23 October.

Follow the live event on social media and share it with your networks and join the conversation during the event on the Facebook and Twitter End Polio Now pages

Host a viewing party

Get the word out Download the World Polio Day toolkit for sample

tweets and Facebook posts to share.

Embed the Livestream video player on your club or district website. Follow the End Polio Now Twitter account and Facebook page and share your posts.

Create your own World Polio Day Event Host a community event like an End Polio Now

lighting.

Organize a fundraising event and remember funds will be matched with two dollars from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

September 2015 | Page 6

Mark your diary for the following key dates, including training dates. Don’t forget you can get more details on these events as well as what else is going on, via the District Website.

Date Details (Location) Type

12 Sep – 13 Sep YEP – Inbounders Camp (Lake Ainsworth) Youth

13 Sep College of Governor’s Luncheon (Spinnaker’s Restaurant, Tweed Heads) Event

03 Oct High Tea Fashion Show (25 Rokeby Court, Nerang) (RSVP to Marcia on 0413 730 820 or Saskia on 0421 382 519)

Event

09 Oct – 10 Oct Beatriz’s War Movie Screening (Marymount Theatre, Burleigh Waters) (for bookings visit www.trybooking.com/153213)

Events

10 Oct Rotary Surfers Paradise Charity Race Day (book via Sue Brown on 0400 480 357 or visit www.surfersparadiserotary.org)

Event

24 Oct Kyogle Bush Turkey Charity Ball (New Park Fields, Kyogle) (book through Leanne on 0432 330 952)

Event

30 Oct RYTS Applications Due (for details refer to http://rotary9640.org/SitePage/ryts) Youth

31 Oct Pre-PETS Training (32 Hinde St, Ashmore) Training

08 Nov Quarterly District Leadership Meeting & AGM (Ocean Shores Country Club) Meeting

28 Nov – 04 Dec RYTS Camp (Tyalgum Ridge) Youth

05 Dec – 06 Dec YEP – Outbounders Camp 2 (Lake Ainsworth) Youth

13 Dec College of Governor’s Christmas Luncheon (Greenhills Reception Lounge) Event

05 Mar 16 PETS Training (Saint Stephens College, Coomera) Training

06 Mar 16 District Assembly (Saint Stephens College, Coomera) Training

06 May - 09 May 16 District Conference Event

Listed below are the dates for upcoming official DG visits to clubs around the District for the rest of September. There are significant changes to previously advised October dates and updated dates will be discussed with individual clubs.

Date Club

16 Sep Nerang

21 Sep Grafton

22 Sep Yamba

23 Sep Grafton Midday

23 Sep Alstonville

28 Sep Coomera Valley

30 Sep Goondiwindi

September 2015 | Page 7

There was once a strong young man who was offered a job as a woodcutter. He set about his task with energy: The first week, he turned 18 trees into firewood. The second week, he worked just as hard, but was surprised to find he had chopped only 11 trees. The third week, despite working nonstop from morning till night, the number was six, and he went despairingly to the foreman to offer his resignation. "I am losing my strength. I can no longer cut as many trees as I once could." The foreman looked at the young man, who seemed to him in fine health. "Have you thought of sharpening your ax?" he asked. "Sharpen my ax? Who has time to sharpen an ax?" the young man asked indignantly. "I have been too busy chopping wood!" When we aren't making the kind of progress we feel we should be making, the natural response is to redouble our efforts. Sometimes, though, the better response is not to work harder, but to work smarter. Look at your tools. Analyze your processes. Are you directing your resources in the most effective ways? Or are you pouring all your strength into chopping wood with a dull ax? For the last 20 years, we have relentlessly beaten the drum of membership in Rotary. We set goals and launch campaigns,

all focused on bringing in more and more members. And yet, our overall numbers remain the same. It is time to sharpen our tools. Instead of focusing on the question, "How can we bring more members into Rotary?" we should be asking ourselves, "How can we add more value to Rotary membership, so that more will join and fewer will leave?" One way we are doing that is with the new Rotary Global Rewards program, which launched in July. This innovative program allows Rotarians to connect with, and receive discounts and concessions from, businesses and service providers around the world. Individual Rotarians may submit their own business to be included alongside those with which Rotary has already negotiated relationships; the most appropriate offers will be added to the listings. We have also created the option of allowing businesses to return a percentage of their profit on each transaction to our Rotary Foundation, and several companies have already been locked into this part of the scheme. Each month we will update the list with additional offers that we may receive. I urge all of you to try it out by signing up on My Rotary at Rotary.org now. The more Rotarians participate, the stronger, and more beneficial, the program will be. Much more than another loyalty program, Rotary Global Rewards is a new way to benefit from being a Rotarian, and being part of the Rotary network. It is another way to combine business and service. And it is yet another way to add value to Rotary membership. We cannot forget that our potential members will be asking themselves, "What's in it for me?" We need to demonstrate the value of Rotary by showing that becoming a Rotarian will enrich their lives, as it has ours.

www.rotary.org/myrotary/news-media/magazines/rotarian

The Sharon Chan appeal Family tragedy sparks massive outpouring of generosity

Living for the moment Turia Pitt wins Rotary admirers

The big red bus A holiday lifeline for dialysis patients

Stitching up a better future Sewaid changing lives in third world countries

http://digitaledition.rotarydownunder.com.au/#folio=1

Conversation with Aseefa

Bhutto Zardari Pakistan's progress: Snapshots

from the polio campaign Convention: Hear the music Peak performer scales

Kilimanjaro Jay Cook helps young people

through Rotary Youth Exchange

To please in a pod(cast) The fun in dysfunction

September 2015 | Page 8