I would like to extend my best wishes for a year that is more peaceful and stable as we serve our communities.
As we start 2021, many of us are meeting face to face in a COVID-safe way, and I’m looking forward to the opportunity of catching up with you in person. It is now the time to consider being bold and creative about embarking on “whole of club” projects. There is no doubt that when every member takes part in a particular special club project, no matter how big or small the participation, the best results are achieved. The camaraderie and unified sense of purpose and achievement gained from giving back to our communities is what binds Rotarians together and cements our commitment to service above self. And don’t forget to involve potential new members, community partners, Friends of Rotary, and of course family members in your “whole of club” projects so that they too can share that unique sense of what being a Rotarian is all about.
We have a great opportunity for our whole Rotary network across Australia to join together on 26th January for Australia Day, as we reflect, respect and celebrate. Please join the festivities being live-streamed at 12.30 pm AEDT by booking online at: https://events.humanitix.com/rotarydownunder_100_national_australia_day_event
With Australia soon to embark on its COVID-19 vaccination program, Rotary has much to offer the effort to stop this virus. Rotary International is encouraging all clubs to use our collective knowledge of vaccine safety and efficacy gained through our polio eradication experience to support vaccination education and outreach in our communities. Clubs are also encouraged to engage with our current polio eradication partners WHO and UNICEF at the country level where applicable to offer Rotary’s support to COVID-19 response activities, and to partner at the local level with health departments and other agencies. You can also let the Rotary world know what your club is doing to support COVID-19 vaccine introduction efforts. Please share your efforts and projects on Rotary Showcase.
Finally, in January, we focus on Vocational Service as the essence of Rotary and the foundation from which we serve our communities around the world.
Welcome to 2021 and have a great week everyone!
Rotary District 9800 Governor Philip Archer