The Rotary Club of The Hills-Kellyville (Facebook page) is a small but extremely enthusiastic and active band of like-minded Rotarians, providing service and goodwill to its community and to the World.
The club is proud that through the leadership of International Director and Rotary Foundation Director, Mr Haran Ramachandran, it has established strong, close relationships with service oriented organisations within its community, who have supported the club's International objectives.
Haran will be visiting us next Tuesday to present one of the club's projects - Women's Bio Toilets in Urban Slums in Bhubaneswar. The Rotary Club of Caloundra is looking to financially assist the project.
Fresh after a two week break holidaying in Tasmania, it was time to get back to business. A nice toasty, warm morning it was too.
Greeted by Bernie and Judy at the Desk, taking our hard earned, a good crowd of Members was present.
Genta, our Club's Rotary International Director was the man in the Chair, and began proceedings after the dull roar of the crowd was silenced by Sergeant Deb's bell. Oh what control she exudes.
Following Rotary Grace and the Toast to Australia, PDG Alan OAM, sent us in the direction of Haiti, in Rotary District 7020, to the Rotary Club of Port of Prince. If you'd like to read more about this interesting Club, or you'd just like to check up on Alan's memory of statistics, follow this link.
I must mention a couple of important guests present. Judy brought along her mother, Merle, who is a picture of health. Nice to see you Merle and thanks for keeping Judy under control. Our retired Rotarian, Alf, looks very much like he may be coming out of retirement and re-joining our gang of merry men and ladies. We all hope this does eventuate, Alf, as you're Rotary experience and enthusiasm from the past is still invaluable. Welcome back, Alf !
Rachael (note the spelling), one of our two latest members joined us again. Welcome Rachael. I promise you will receive your name badge next week and you will recognise the spelling.
Our semi-retired member, Mark W, has just returned from another holiday. Welcome back, Mark, and thanks for being so organised and presenting us with a pictorial diary of your trip to the Philippines.
The 3 Minutes on Me Segment belonged to Judy. Thankfully having her mother Merle present, meant she wasn't able to waver from the truth.
The RYDA road safety education program is delivered to local High School students by the Rotary Club of Caloundra as part of the Caloundra Road Safety Education program which is a joint effort of four Rotary clubs in the area – the Rotary Clubs of Caloundra, Caloundra Pacific, Glasshouse Mountains, and Kawana Waters.
RYDA is designed for 16-18 year old students who are approaching that crucial time in their lives where they start to drive independently or are travelling as passengers of novice drivers.
Since the advice below about the Australia Day Honours List,it has come to light that another member was also recognised.
Collin Myers, from Brisbane Mid-city Club, became a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his service to community through health, business education, youth, music and charitable organisations.
His citation listed achievements stretching back to 1969, a well deserved award. Congratulations Collin, another hard working Rotarian.
Two members of Clubs in our District received awards in this years Australia Day Honours List.
Dr Dennis Young from Toowong Club, became a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his service to community health in Queensland through alcohol and drug treatment support programmes, and to the community .
Terry Welch from Maroochydore Club received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his service to the community of Maroochydore including Rotary.
Two Rotarians from our neighbouring District 9640 were also recognised. Past District Governor Ian Yarker OAM and Past District Governor Anne Egan OAM both for service to the community including Rotary.
Anne had unfortunately passed away but her award was given posthumously.
According to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, at the end of 2016, 65.6 million people had been displaced by conflict, violence, or persecution. Rotary members refuse to accept conflict as a way of life and are committed to pursuing projects that address its underlying causes, including poverty, inequality, ethnic tension, lack of access to education, and unequal distribution of resources.
Rotary projects often include training that fosters understanding and equips communities with skills for resolving conflicts. During February, Rotary’s Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution Month, you can build peace and mitigate conflict:
Incorporate conflict resolution and mediation strategies into service projects that involve schools, orphanages, workplaces, and community centres.
Support marginalized groups at risk of violence or persecution and provide relief to those who have fled areas of conflict.
Participate in fellowship and service activities with Rotary clubs in other parts of the world to promote international understanding.
Recruit candidates for a Rotary Peace Fellowship. Up to 100 fellowships are offered annually at Rotary Peace Centres in universities around the world.
Please follow this link to register for the 2018 Class XV Peace Fellows' Seminar to be held on 24 March at the Women's College at The University of Queensland.
Please come to this free event and support our wonderful cohort of Peace Fellows.
On 26 October 2017 on behalf of District Governor John Lane, I put out the call to qualifying Rotarians, to be part of the Nominating Committee to select the District Governor for 2020/2021. I can now announce that the committee will comprise the Rotarians listed below.
The committee has been formed in accordance with the district standing procedures Article 3B.
Category 1, District Governor John Lane – Rotary Club of Ashgrove the Gap
Category 2, District Governor Elect Wendy Protheroe – Rotary Club of Brisbane High Rise
Category 3, Immediate Past District Governor Alan Stephens ( Committee Chair) – Rotary Club of Pine Rivers
Category 4, Recent Past Committee Chair PP Tony Freeman – Rotary Club of Alexandra Headland ( cat 4 can be either a recent AG or a recent District Committee Chair)
Category 5, Recent Club presidents having been presidents during the past 5 years: three were required.
PP Marcel Vogt – PP Rotary Club of Hamilton 2014-15
PP Linda Morrell – PP Rotary Club of Cooroy 2015-16
PP Bernard Van den Bergen – PP Rotary Club of Kippa Ring North Lakes.2016-17
All members are well qualified to complete this incredibly important task.
Also in attendance at the Nominating Committee Interview day, will be District Governor Nominee Darryl Iseppi, as an observer.
