Castello's Cucina, 123 Fisher Street, Fullarton SA
President John Peacham 0431 618 359
Next week are SAILING
Last Meeting
Venue: Castello's Cucina, Living Choice
Event: Visit of District Governor Craig Dowling
Guests: AG Di Clements, John Smith, Katie Simpson, Rob's assistants Eucabeth Mokaya and Jeza Bucog
Attendance: 22 members and 6 guests
Opening
Rachel performed the invocation in fine style. Jerry Casburn, standing in for President John, welcomed our guests and honorary member Reno. There are 3 functions which he would wish members to support:
the working bee at RARE (formerly Donations in Kind) next Sunday at Salisbury, starting at 9.30am with BBQ lunch being cooked by the District Governor.
the walk down King William St on Saturday 25th November "Say NO to Domestic Violence". Members are urged to register but that should not stop late deciders to come. See advert below.
the Centenary celebration of Rotary in Australia on 4 February 2024 at the Adelaide Oval.... a great time guaranteed.
District Governor Craig Dowling
By way of introduction, Jerry gave a neat synopsis of the career of Craig who spent 22 years in the army, serving in Australia, Europe, South Africa and South Pacific. An executive management career followed. In 1992 he joined the Rotary Club of Ginninderra in Canberra and became President in 1995, followed by a stint at the Rotary Club of Laverton Point Cook. Craig and his wife Kiki retired to SA Riverland in 2017 and joined the Rotary Club of Loxton. He has served as an Assistant Governor and on a number of District Committees. He is blessed with 3 children, 2 stepdaughters and a bunch of grandchildren.
Craig apologised that Kiki could not join us as she is a full-time nurse at the Riverland General Hospital. He is in the process of visiting all 90 clubs in District 9510.
At the beginning of his term as DG, Craig showed an 18-minute video of his aims for the year. He decided tonight to communicate the major messages via a simple power point. He did not intend to pursue membership targets.....that is in the hands of each club.....but if help is required from District, it can be provided. We should not become obsessed with numbers as it is the character and effectiveness of each club which is important. We joined Rotary to serve communities and that ability is built on Fellowship.
Now to his 4 main aims for his 2023/24 term as DG!
International Service Rotary exists in 230 countries. We have unique opportunities with economies of scale to embark on programs across the globe in collaboration with other clubs and Districts, and through Rotary International. Please support Rotary International generously.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion It is common to consider this topic in terms of divergence from the classic anglo-saxon image. But that is all wrong and we should be applying the second of Rotary's four way tests, namely 'Is it fair to all concerned?' Craig exampled one of his training sessions where video screens were strategically placed for all to see but 3 participants were functionally blind and had not been catered for.
Say No to Domestic Violence Zone 8 comprises 20 Rotary Districts, 1300 clubs across 16 countries. We can get the message of the impact of coercive control, and how it needs to be addressed, to a vast population. Exertion of this coercive force takes away safety and comfort. It is NOT OK! Often the perpetrators and the victims have grown up in just such an environment and do not understand the serious ramifications. We all know someone in this situation. He quoted how this is being tackled by the Rotary Club of Ballina-on-Richmond. In 2021 they embarked on an anti-domestic violence campaign in their 9500 strong community. The program resonated and club membership rose from 33 to 80. 100 businesses have become partners in the campaign. Purple Friday has Rotarians and business staff members wearing anti domestic violence t-shirts....see next door and refer to www.stopcoercivecontrol.au.
DG Partner Project
It is common for the partner of each new DG to choose a District project which they would wish to be supported by the clubs. This year Craig's wife Kiki has designated an Aboriginal Chronic Disease Prevention Project. Life expectancy among our First Nations' people is 14 years below the Australian average......and it is all due to chronic diseases like diabetes, kidney and heart. It is planned to fund 2 PhD scholarships costing $280k over 3.5 years. Special attention is being paid to suitable candidates who will succeed and who will feed back into their communities. There is a desire that our club contribute $500 for each of the next 4 years. If effective it can be duplicated in a range of other countries.
Craig's last 2 wishes were for our club to turn up in droves at the Centenary celebrations on 4 February next year (Cost $80pp) and to get hold of his club's exciting District conference program scheduled for 15-17 March in Loxton.
Craig was thanked by acclamation for his clear and concise messaging.
SPOTS
Jerry Casburn announced that $2117 had been banked from the Thrift Shop last week....2 weeks in a row of good results.
Paul Duke announced that the Christmas dinner is to be held on December 12. A debate ensued as to whether it be held at the Bombay Bicycle Club or here at Living Choice. Most opted for Living Choice, with an appropriate menu.
Rhonda Hoare asked that club members strongly support our Youth Night on November 28 when those we have sponsored for RYPEN, RYLA and the Sailing Challenge will be presenting.
Finale
Bob Mullins declared that he and Genese would be celebrating their 62nd wedding anniversary on Saturday......platinum star Genese.
Bob Mills won the filthy lucre and Rachel the chokkies. And Jerry managed a better than average Biblical story to finish the meeting on a high note
The meeting finished at a well ordered 7.51pm.
Advert for Rotary - Say No to Domestic Violencecommencing at Victoria Square on 25 November and walking to the Pioneer Womens Memorial Garden (opposite the Adelaide Festival Theatre). Dial up the Rotary 9510 website for registration.
By Jeeten Bhambri, president of the Rotary Club of Chandigarh Midtown, India
Members of the Rotary Club of Chandigarh Midtown pose in front of the new bathrooms they helped build at Singhpura School on the outskirts of town.
In a heartwarming celebration on India’s Independence Day, I witnessed something truly remarkable. Singhpura School, nestled on the outskirts of Chandigarh, began a journey of transformation thanks to the dedicated efforts of members of the Rotary Club of Chandigarh Midtown.
The school had been operating with just two rooms and inadequate sanitation facilities. That day, 15 August 2023, marked a turning point.
In just 15 days, club members brought new, much-needed toilet facilities to the school. The transformation, led by our past president Ashok Puri, was swift and breathtaking.
What made the day even more special was the infectious enthusiasm of the students. They performed patriotic songs and vibrant dance routines, showcasing their unshakable spirit and unwavering determination. The joy on their faces was palpable, reflecting the hope that this day marked the beginning of a brighter, better-equipped future.
It wasn’t just about dreams for the future, though – it was also a celebration of the present. The children enjoyed an array of refreshments, bringing smiles to their faces and a sense of camaraderie that was heartwarming to witness.
This project is an ongoing journey. Our club took another step recently and began construction on new classrooms and a room for the principal and staff. It is expected to be completed within three months.
In that time the school will have gone from a place with considerable limitations to one poised for progress. The students now have access to the tools and environment they need to shape their destinies. It’s a promise of a brighter future and a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together with determination and heart. We eagerly await the next chapter in this incredible journey of transformation.
Coffee Chat at Impressa, Unley Shopping Centre
10.30 am on the first Friday of the month is good for a chat with Rotary friends and a caffeine fix - Next one is Friday 1 December 2023
Upcoming Meetings
Tuesday 21 November 6 for 6.30pm Castello’s Cucina
Guest Speaker - Don Will - The One and All Project
Greetings Team: Paul Duke & Ken Haines
Tuesday 28 November 6 for 6.30pm Castello’s Cucina
Guest Speakers - Presentations by our participants in District Youth Programs
Greetings Team: Ken Haines & Geoff Hill
Apologies and Meeting Enquiries to: Secretary Greg McLeod on 0417 811 838 or email to secretary@unleyrotary.org.au
Venue Set-up Enquiries to: Bulletin Editor Stephen Baker on 0403 687 015
Saturday Thrift Shop Roster
Early Shift: 10.00am to 1.00pm Late Shift: 1.00pm to 4.00pm
Week 1: 2 December 2023
Early: Jerry Casburn & Paul Duke (Haydn Baillie) | Late: Rachel Randall (Robyn Carnachan) & Leonie Kewen
Early: David Middleton & Nathan White | Late: Vera Holt & Rhonda Hoare
Week 4: 25 November 2023
Early: Stephen Baker & Judi Corcoran | Late: Jason Booth & Vera-Ann Stacy
Week 5:
Early: Bob Mullins & Wendy Andrews | Late: Virginia Cossid & Paul Duke
Rotarians, who are unable to attend as rostered, please arrange a swap or as a very last resort contact: Vivienne Wood 0408 819 630; e-mail: vwood@ozemail.com.au
Mitre 10 and Bunnings Barbeques
The Mitre 10 BBQs are the first and third Saturdays of each month. Morning shift 8.30am - 12 noon; afternoon shift 12.00 - 3.30pm, then clean-up.....next one is Saturday 18 November 2023.
ALL the Bunnings Mile End Barbeque shifts are from 8am to 5pm
We have been allocated the last Monday of each month.....next one is a special on this Sunday 19 November followed by the regular on Monday 27 November 2023.
The Tale End.....
Jerry's contribution to your everlasting enjoyment. Twould be good if more members chanced their arms at funny contributions......subject of course to the editor's quality check.
Moving right along from irrelevance to first class education