Talking to many Rotarians and clubs in the District, I’m incredibly moved by the amazing array of projects that are undertaken to help those in need, or improve the lives of others. Bringing projects to fruition requires considerable effort, and influence! This in turn places emphasis on those in our networks who can help us to achieve our project goals. I recently read an article on this topic, which highlighted the importance of identifying and cultivating three specific social types who can help us to bring about success: Connectors—people who like to make introductions that will aid your network growth; Informational Powerhouses—people who have strong knowledge of Rotary as an organisation and the broader business/community; and, Influencers—those who help to get things done outside of your scope. With these three types of people in your network, you will have what it takes to make your project ideas happen. To read more about these types, click here.
I’m delighted to advise that a new satellite club will be chartered next Tuesday, 24th November. The Rotary CEO Satellite Club of Southbank is a new concept, bringing together a team of senior leaders from corporate, not-for-profit, research and government backgrounds whose aim will be to develop strategy to influence key stakeholders to support nominated projects; and, to adopt the United Nations’ Four Principles for Social Investment and drive corporate social responsibility. This club complements the already-established Rotary Millennial Satellite Club of Southbank with the added aim of the CEO Club members mentoring and supporting the future leaders within the Millennial Club. These two clubs accommodate the flexibility needed to attract new members to Rotary and allow us to build for the future.
By Past District Governor Keith Ryall, Chair 2017-20 Post Graduate Global Grant Scholarships
Through Global Grants, Rotarians support future leaders in fields related to our seven areas of focus:
Peace and conflict prevention/resolution
Disease prevention and treatment
Water and sanitation
Maternal and child health
Basic education and literacy
Economic and community development
Supporting the environment
Global Grant scholarships fund graduate-level coursework or research for one to four academic years. A key feature of Global Grants is the partnership between the district or club in the study location (host sponsor) and the district or club in the scholar’s home country (international sponsor). There is no cost to a club nominating a graduate for these scholarships—they are funded entirely by the Rotary Foundation.
Applications are invited each year from persons normally resident in Victoria and must be made through a Victorian Rotary club.
The prestigious Global Grant Scholarships are valued at USD 30,000 each. When selecting suitable scholars our interview panel look for:
Excellent leadership skills and potential
A proven record of success in his or her academic field or vocation
A commitment to community service
Well-defined and realistic goals
Concrete ideas for advancing within his or her chosen field
Sincerity about maintaining a lifelong relationship with Rotary after the scholarship period.
This year, District 9800 interviews took place on 15th April. In a first for our district they were conducted via zoom. The successful candidates were:
Katherine (Kat) Oborne, sponsored by Rotary Melbourne, who plans to complete an Executive Master of Public Administration at Syracuse University in New York State. Her Area of Focus will be Basic Education and Literacy
Dr Elina Ziukelis, sponsored by Rotary Carlton, who plans to complete a Master of Science in Clinical and Therapeutic Neuroscience at Oxford University in England. Her area of Focus will be Disease Prevention and Treatment
Both Kat and Elina have received multiple offers from universities in the USA and the UK, a testament to the quality of their applications.
Kat is currently a Senior Consultant-Strategy with the Pinnacle Group. Elina is a medical registrar at St Vincent’s Hospital where she is undergoing her physician training to become a neurologist. Both have achieved outstanding academic results in their university studies to date: Kat in Arts/Law at the University of Adelaide; Elina in Science (Neuroscience major) at the University of Melbourne and a Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery at Deakin University.
The District 9800 Global Grant Scholarships are designed to enhance the profiles and careers of our brightest and best graduates and they affirm the underlying strength of graduates from Australian universities. This is what our 2020 applicants had to say when asked what receiving the Rotary Scholarship means to them:
Kat: “I am so grateful to be one of the recipients of the Rotary GG Scholarship. This funding has greatly reduced my financial burden and will enable me to continue to build a career through which I can create positive change for young people. I want to enable young people, particularly those who experience disadvantage, to live their best lives through improving educational opportunities and outcomes. This grant allows me to dedicate my focus to my studies and to take all the opportunities that a year in the US presents.”
Elina: “I am tremendously grateful for both the opportunities this Scholarship unlocks and the confidence it shows in my leadership potential. My gratitude adds further impetus to my commitment to the course of study. It strengthens my resolve to become capable of rigorous and transformative research. I feel empowered to realize my full potential. I hope to honor the support of Rotary by shaping a career with enduring and global impact.”
Congratulations to Kat and Elina on being awarded these valuable post-graduate scholarships.
A little-used concept, sometimes inviting tough honesty, is that of ‘Dilemmas’, a tool Rotary clubs can use when faced with challenges.
By considering trade-offs, impacts and possible solutions for some issues, you can often find break-through approaches for your club. This brief article will outline some of these, but you can involve your members in a discussion about the specific dilemmas your club might be facing and what to do about them.
Let’s look at some of dilemmas:
Community projects | Older members
As members age, we have fewer who can undertake physical work. Can we therefore consider also undertaking passive projects, such as reading to Primary School children and mentoring elderly citizens?
International Projects | Local Projects
Some members adhere to the “charity begins at home” philosophy. Rotary helps communities everywhere. Can we strike a balance?
Volunteers | Performance accountability
Businesses recruit staff for specific purposes and can demand performance. Volunteers cannot be subjected to the same scrutiny. Can we develop a skills matrix in the club that enables better task/capability matching?
Revenue from BBQ’s needed | Rotary’s Image
Many non-Rotarians have no idea of the extensive scope of Rotary activity beyond sausage sizzles. What other highly visible activities can we undertake in our community? Should we send our club bulletin to local residents?
Need for Funds | Limited opportunities
Charities compete for the same dollars and clubs find it hard to raise sufficient funds to make worthwhile community service contributions. Can we form partnerships with cluster clubs, local council, churches, schools, local traders, sporting clubs and other organisations to discover new opportunities?
Weekly Meetings | Limited time
Some members value regular fellowship. Others have family, work and other commitments and can only attend meetings sometimes. Can we cater for varying attendance needs and still maintain a cohesive and happy club?
What dilemmas does your club face? Is it worth devoting a meeting to review them?
With the Festive Season just over a month away, now is the time to plan what you can do as a Club to bring joy to those less fortunate or are experiencing loneliness.
To help elderly citizens:
Many elderly people living at home or in aged care facilities are lonely. Why not talk to the support service organisations assisting these people and identify what their needs might be during the Christmas/New Year period.
Following are some options you might consider for the elderly:
Help them write and post their Christmas cards and decorate their home/room
Have school children write cards, perhaps accompanied by a Rotarian
Implement a handy task based on their needs
Arrange outdoor carolling at seniors’ homes, perhaps with school children
Give them with a Christmas card and a seedling to grow, or shortbreads, mince pies (being mindful of food allergies), puzzles or board games
See if school children will make decorations for tree/mantelpiece displays.
To help children in need:
Collect toys from members and distribute them through an appropriate charity e.g. Empower Australia, who are looking for donations of children’s gifts for distribution this Christmas.
Murray Chessell, who has enjoyed 48 years at the Rotary Club of Kew, is a softly spoken man whose intelligence, goodness and depth shine through.
Raised in Camberwell, Murray attended Wesley College, and then went on to study Law at Melbourne University.
It was love at first sight for Murray and Del when they met at dancing class, and they have now been married for 53 years. Del has been an English Literature lecturer at the University of Melbourne.
Murray practiced Law for 40 years. He enjoyed helping clients prosper, but laments a rise in the pursuit of financial rewards, sometimes at the expense of professionalism, courtesies, respect and integrity.
Whilst at Wesley College, Murray discovered gymnastics and was selected for the Victorian team at a young age. He went on to become the only Australian male gymnast at the 1968 Mexico Olympic Games and, in the mid 1990s, was appointed President of the Australian Gymnastics Federation for nine years.
Passionate about classical music, Murray became fascinated by violin and decided to take lessons. His children followed suit, two becoming violinists and one a cellist. Murray even made two violins himself!
Murray joined Rotary Kew, being near to home, through some members he knew from business. He viewed the club as thriving and well regarded, with a strong focus on social interactions and local projects. Student exchange was a bonding project as was the Club’s flagship project, Garden Design Fest. Murray became Club President in his early-30s, and says he has gained far more from Rotary than he has given.
Working in the CBD, Murray still kept up the discipline of attending the club’s lunchtime meetings. “The weekly meetings with good friends was therapeutic, and I never regretted making the effort to attend,” he said.
In December 2000, Murray was awarded the Australian Sports Medal in recognition of his services to gymnastics, and in 2002, he received the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the administration of gymnastics and to the community.
Murray was a very committed member/contributor on the major fund-raising team for the establishment of the Rotary Bone Marrow Donor Centre.
“I think Rotary is a great organisation. I love it,” Murray has said. “The introduction of women was positive and Rotary has modernised in many ways—rules, formalities, and attendance requirements now appropriately reflect changes in society.”
Murray now spends time outside Rotary with grandchildren and at a hobby farm at Melton.
Murray’s message to Rotarians is: “As life pressures threaten availability, involve members in activities they can manage.” He believes Past District Governor Neville John put it really well ”Expect of Rotarians what they can do.”
John has recently retired after 31 years as an Obstetrician Gynaecologist in Wodonga. In 2011, he took a year’s leave from his practice to teach at the Fiji School of Medicine in Suva. During this time, he was astonished to see how much second-hand medical equipment was trashed because the biomedical engineers at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital did not have the funding or support to repair or maintain the equipment.
John’s involvement with Rotary was through Donations in Kind (DIK), as he was looking for a solution to send some second-hand medical equipment to Papua New Guinea. By teaming up with DIK, he was able to solve the issue by piggybacking the equipment on a container destined for PNG. At the same time, he was introduced to the world of Rotary, and in his words, “its impactful projects and fabulous energy.”
John‘s early ambition as a Rotarian is to try and list the medical equipment available at DIK so that needy hospitals can shop online and better meet their needs. He believes this might require setting up a database and a user-friendly website.
A love of the outdoors, John can be found bush walking, riding his mountain bite, fly-fishing or skiing. He is a keen reader and has an emerging interest in birding.
Inducted to the Melbourne Passport Club on 8th September this year, John is still learning about Rotary and the club’s virtual meetings.
The poor state of the primary school facilities in Vanuatu, particularly in the more remote parts of the country, became apparent to Woodend Rotarians Allan and Shirley Cann whilst they were working there and in other Pacific Island nations as business training volunteers.
During the Canns’ subsequent discussions with the Vanuatu Ministry of Education and Training (MoET), the need for a new and better-appointed school building was identified at Mwast, a remote village on the island of Espiritu Santo. The existing school was severely over-crowded and in disrepair.
An agreement with the MoET and the Mwast community was finalised, under which Rotary undertook to purchase all the materials required, the MoET undertook to supply the drawings of the proposed double classroom and office building, and the Mwast community undertook to provide all the labour.
The Rotary Club of Woodend readily backed the project and gained great financial support from the Rotary Clubs of Wendouree, Swan Hill Sunrise (District 9780), Werribee, Yarra Bend, Kardinia (District 9800) and Santo (District 9910), as well as from Districts 9800 and 9780 District International Grants.
Work on construction of the new school was commenced in October 2019 and was about 50% complete when COVID-19 restrictions closed borders and schools. Then, Cyclone Harold hit early this year, devastating almost the whole of Mwast. It was so fortunate however, that the work done on the new school was not damaged.
The new building will comfortably accommodate 80 students and two teachers and be cyclone resistant.
In addition to the completion of the school building, a facility to supply a steady flow of water to the school precinct to service wash stations, flushing toilets and teaching aids will be provided. Once completed the school children and teachers will enjoy a much-improved environment.
That’s the personal maxim of what Past District Governor Neville John calls “self-kindness.” Neville has lived up to that exactly throughout his very full family, business and Rotary life.
Neville grew up in Reservoir. He was the second of five children—four boys and a girl. He attended primary school at Reservoir West then Preston Technical College for his secondary years. Neville considered becoming a Vet, but instead completed a Diploma of Business Studies at RMIT University, majoring in Accounting and Computer Science with minors in Law and Economics instead.
Interestingly, Preston Tech’s motto was ‘Service and Goodwill’, which was drummed into Neville. His parents set the bar high by demonstrating what being a good neighbour meant, no matter your nationality. He was in the local municipal band and played at hospitals, an aged care home and similar venues. Christmas carols and ANZAC days were always busy.
Neville’s professional life for thirty years was with the Melbourne-based Chartered Accounting practice, Mann Judd, first as an employee, then Partner and finally, Managing Partner. On retiring in 2002, he was asked by four of his long-time clients to assist them in developing their businesses.
Neville joined the Rotary Club of Central Melbourne-Sunrise (now Central Melbourne) in 1995 and served in many capacities, including Club President in 2002-2003. At District level, he was Group Study Exchange Team Leader to District 1160 in Ireland in 2003, GSE Committee Chair, Rotary Leadership Institute Facilitator, Assistant Governor (Riverside Cluster), Youth Service Chair, and District Governor in 2016-17.
Neville believes a good Rotarian is anyone with the heart and mind to help others. Experience leads him to believe that Rotary can be improved by streamlining the structure nationally so that decisions to change the platform for doing things can happen more quickly to suit our region.
Neville is grateful for the encouragement in life his parents gave him. He is happiest when spending time with his family and tending to his magnificent garden.
The Rotary Radio Show Facebook and Website page will advertise the full Radio Interview with Neville John on 94.1FM 3WBC.
For many decades, following the VFL side South Melbourne was hard going. But each rare home victory would certainly put a spring in the steps of battle-scarred ‘Bloods’ fans who’d quickly exit the Lake Oval and ‘beeline it’ to the Clarendon Street pubs, ever mindful of the 6 o’clock closing.
The old South Melbourne was a suburb with a football team and the harrowing weekend fortunes were an intrinsic part of a close-knit community. Many residents were born, schooled, married, produced and died there…workers mostly, linked to industries in the immediate area and in nearby Port Melbourne.
But that was the old ‘South’, and it has certainly ‘kicked on’ since then. The splendid proximity to the CBD was realised, and professionals moved in to enjoy easy access to the city, St Kilda Road and Port Phillip Bay. Workers’ cottages and the larger Edwardian dwellings underwent structural rebirths, chic eating options opened up and a coffee culture flourished.
And, sadly, the mighty ‘Bloods’ moved to Sydney.
The Rotary Club of Melbourne South, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Melbourne, was chartered on 5th August 1952. In 2017, it incorporated the Rotary Club of St Kilda and widened the immediate area of its activities.
The Club has provided District 9800 with two district governors: Rob Dunn in 1993-94 and Bronwyn Stephens in 2018-19. Notable in the Club’s history is Joan Daniels, the first female Rotarian to be inducted into our District (on 1st July 1989).
Rotary Melbourne South is a ‘fun club’ with a 50/50 gender mix of members, employed and retired, and a commitment to inclusion of the LGBTQI community.
The Club’s projects are varied. One unique scheme is providing isolated international seafarers on container ships with care packs including homemade beanies (over 1,000 so far) as well as personal hygiene products via Stella Maris Seafarers Centre.
Supporting the opening of the St. Kilda Gatehouse Greeves Street Op shop has been a boon for the disadvantaged community in St. Kilda. The Days for Girls project provides production education and clean packaging of sanitary products for women in developing nations. Locally, care packs are supplied for the Alfred Hospital Mental Care Unit with Christmas hampers also given to the health workers at the Unit who have performed so magnificently in the current health crisis. Support for the endeavours of Donations In Kind (DIK) continues and a Christmas concert at St. Stephen’s Church, Brighton helped raise awareness and much-needed funds for the prevention of youth suicide.
Post-COVID, President Pam Dittmer and her enthusiastic crew at Melbourne South look forward to returning to their base at The Emerald Hotel in Clarendon Street, on the 1st and 3rd Mondays each month at 6 for 6.30 pm.
In historical terms, the development of railroads has occurred relatively recently. The need for good, reliable transport of coal for the Industrial Revolution provided the impetus. During 1825 in the United Kingdom, George Stephenson applied the steam technology of the day and created the world’s first successful locomotive, which was authorised to carry both freight and passengers. Thereafter, railroads were constructed throughout Europe, the US and many other parts of the world.
The International Fellowship of Railroading Rotarians (IFRR) is made up of Rotarians who have an interest in railroading in any format, type, size or related interest. This may consist of steam, diesel, electric, model railroads, rail fan photography, rail travel, railroad collectibles, private rail cars, trolley cars and whatever related interest there is from the membership. The Fellowship arranges railroading activities and events according to the desires of the membership. Activities may range from organising or providing assistance for train travel, both international and national, to sharing tips and ideas for model railroads.
The Fellowship has its own regular newsletter, Smokestack, to keep members well informed. As with other Rotary Fellowships, the Rotary International Conventions are a wonderful way for members to meet up with each other and share their passion for all things railroading.
November is Rotary Foundation Month. It is the month that our clubs and districts educate Rotarians about our amazing Foundation programs and seek the financial contributions needed to make the world a better place. What will you and your club be doing to acknowledge Rotary Foundation month?
Rotary District 9800 is looking for volunteers to fill two roles to ensure that a high level of communication is maintained and Rotary’s message is promoted across the District and broader community.
Assistant District 9800 Webmaster
This important position will support the District Webmaster in ensuring that the District website, Networker, social media and other associated websites are maintained with up-to-date information.
Ideally you should have experience maintaining websites, managing data relating to user information and have an appreciation for data consistency across multiple sites and platforms. The role also requires intermediate experience with HTML editing, strong IT technical expertise and the capability of supporting non-technical people at District and Club levels when needed.
Social Media Officer
This role is responsible for ensuring that the District’s social media platforms are kept up-to-date, as well as monitoring them to ensure they are compliant, relevant and appropriate. With expert knowledge on the use and management of various social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc), you also have excellent communication skills and an understanding of audience engagement.
Rotary District 9800 Inc.
To view our privacy policy, click here.
Comments / Questions & Support in producing Networker and keeping our club and district websites
up-to-date are always welcome. Contact us at networker@rotarydistrict9800.org.au.
Talking to many Rotarians and clubs in the District, I’m incredibly moved by the amazing array of projects that are undertaken to help those in need, or improve the lives of others. Bringing projects to fruition requires considerable effort, and influence! This in turn places emphasis on those in our networks who can help us to achieve our project goals. I recently read an article on this topic, which highlighted the importance of identifying and cultivating three specific social types who can help us to bring about success: Connectors—people who like to make introductions that will aid your network growth; Informational Powerhouses—people who have strong knowledge of Rotary as an organisation and the broader business/community; and, Influencers—those who help to get things done outside of your scope. With these three types of people in your network, you will have what it takes to make your project ideas happen. To read more about these types, 
Friendliness knows no bounds; it surmounts all barriers; it navigates all seas.
By Past District Governor Keith Ryall, Chair 2017-20 Post Graduate Global Grant Scholarships
Kat: “I am so grateful to be one of the recipients of the Rotary GG Scholarship. This funding has greatly reduced my financial burden and will enable me to continue to build a career through which I can create positive change for young people. I want to enable young people, particularly those who experience disadvantage, to live their best lives through improving educational opportunities and outcomes. This grant allows me to dedicate my focus to my studies and to take all the opportunities that a year in the US presents.”
Elina: “I am tremendously grateful for both the opportunities this Scholarship unlocks and the confidence it shows in my leadership potential. My gratitude adds further impetus to my commitment to the course of study. It strengthens my resolve to become capable of rigorous and transformative research. I feel empowered to realize my full potential. I hope to honor the support of Rotary by shaping a career with enduring and global impact.”
By Rowan McClean, D9800 Club Service Chair
By Rowan McClean
By Jaqui O’Donohoe
By Allan Cann
By Ian Salek
By Helena Wimpole
November is Rotary Foundation Month. It is the month that our clubs and districts educate Rotarians about our amazing Foundation programs and seek the financial contributions needed to make the world a better place. What will you and your club be doing to acknowledge Rotary Foundation month?
Rotary District 9800 is looking for volunteers to fill two roles to ensure that a high level of communication is maintained and Rotary’s message is promoted across the District and broader community.