Welcome to another bumper issue of Networker. Where is the time going? September has been a very full month with so many wonderful events and experiences. Our District Team has been very active in their respective areas of responsibility and feedback from clubs suggests we are achieving our aim of providing the levels of support to enable clubs to fulfil the Rotary Foundation’s mission to ‘Do Good in the World.’ This month, Deb and I visited a further 11 clubs as we undertake the official DG visit program and our enthusiastic Assistant Governors supported us in this. In most cases, I also held talks with the Boards of the respective clubs and it’s not until you experience the sharing through these occasions that you really appreciate the incredible array of service work being completed in District 9800. I’m now keenly looking forward to the other half of our program across October and November.
My congratulations to PDG Grant Hocking and his Victorian Committee on the conduct of the inaugural Rotary Emergency Services Community Awards. This was an inspiring night and further embeds Rotary as a key partner in making our communities safer and better. Well done everyone!This month also saw two significant club anniversaries with RC Echuca-Moama celebrating 75 years and RC Daylesford reaching 70. Both were wonderful occasions recognising the significant contributions of Rotarians and community members alike.
Please keep an eye out for the materials being circulated in the coming weeks relating to our District 9800 District Recognition Awards. Club Service Chair, Graeme Hope, is doing some marvellous work in preparation for these and I strongly encourage all clubs to consider recognising the endeavours of their members. We’re all volunteers and good work deserves a pat on the back.
Let’s now get behind Jane Pennington and the ‘End Polio’ team as we put our walking shoes on throughout October. Several events have been planned across the District. Hopefully, we can raise significant dollars and have lots of fun along the way.I have been informed that our District Environment Chair, John McCaskill, has experienced a significant setback in his recovery from recent health challenges. The discovery of an infection for which John is now being treated resulted in a few days in the Intensive Care Unit. Regrettably, John will need to step down from any involvement at all in an official capacity with Rotary Australia. Hopefully, however, he will be back on deck in some capacity in the time ahead. At present John’s daughter Genevieve is managing his communications, so messages of support can be sent to john@jmcresources.com.au. I’m sure John would love to get a few words of encouragement from his fellow Rotarians. On behalf of the District, we wish John a very speedy recovery.
Ron
DG Ron Payne