Welcome to a bumper issue of Networker. This last month has seen many wonderful achievements across our District as members in clubs and our District Team members continue their endeavours to “Do Good in the World.” Walk With Us End Polio Campaign, the Membership Seminar - Show 'n Grow, ESG Leadership Forum, and the Jumbo Tennis event raising money and awareness for mental health - and these are just a few examples of what was a very busy October for District 9800.
Club visits remain a highlight for Deb and me and I’m really encouraged by the positive attitude of people as we all take on the challenges of spreading our kindness through our efforts.
Over the month of October, District 9800 Rotarians again took to the parks, pavements and walking machines to raise money towards ending Polio in the world. A huge thank you to everyone who participated; walking and raising money during October for our End Polio Campaign. Sixty-five individual walkers in 18 teams raised just over $47,000, with Robert Fisher from Rotary Melbourne topping the individual fundraising leaderboard and the DG Team topping the teams’ category.
Rotary Flemington Kensington has funded the second car for Moonee Valley Council’s L2P Program (Learners to Provisional) which assists learner drivers in fulfilling the pre-licence test requirement of 120 hours supervised driving. This car increases capacity and access for learners and mentors living in Ascot Vale and Flemington where many young people do not have access to either a car or a supervisor driver.
Did you know that a portion of the proceeds from the sales by your club becomes a Foundation credit allocated to your club? How great is that! Chris from Melton Valley does an amazing job managing all the orders of Fruit Cakes and Puddings that are sold as far away as Darwin.
Last year $27,000 was raised and donated to The Rotary Foundation. With your help, we can double that figure to do even more good in the world.
What would you do if you walked into a supermarket toilet to find a woman who looked just like you washing her hair in the sink? And as your eyes meet, you learn her story. She’d long thrived; things turned tough; she managed most of the time by house sitting or staying with friends. Sometimes, though, there was nowhere but the car. This was one of those times, the supermarket toilet was where she had to wash her hair. She was worried about being judged and was keen to add that she was OK.
The sixth annual Hobsons Bay Rotary Teacher Awards held in early October, saw seven of the region’s best teachers recognised for their work furthering education. The Awards comprised three Encouragement Awards (for early career stage teachers), an Achievement Award for a more experienced teacher and a Team Award where a team had collaborated effectively to address an important new development for a school.
Through its support of the local Op Shop Pantry, Rotary Flemington Kensington has extended its community partnership with JobFind which provides the Op Shop with volunteers who, over the past 12 months, have had an opportunity to learn on-the-job experience in retail and community. Whilst working in the Op Shop volunteers identified a need for toiletries to supplement the food items available through the food pantry. A commitment to a toiletry drive through all JobFind Centres has been an outstanding success.
In the vibrant heart of Richmond, Rotary Richmond recently lit up the night with an exceptional celebration. Eight extraordinary Rotarians, whose combined service spanned an inspiring 302 years, took centre stage in a display of pride and joy. The ambiance was a blend of professionalism and delight with heartfelt speeches, laughter-inducing anecdotes, and a sense of camaraderie.
On World Mental Health Day 10th October, Rotary Yarraville members were joined by Rotarians from Port Phillip, Altona, and Port Gellibrand to raise funds and awareness of mental health in the community. The evening raised $450.00 for the Australian Rotary Health Foundation. It was a remarkable evening beginning with a heartfelt toast to Rotary International delivered by district governor nominee, Peter Shepheard. A number of inspirational speakers followed.
Our People of Action Facebook Group has been converted to a Private Group for security reasons. Some very unpleasant and inappropriate posts by non-Rotarians was the main reason we had to do this. In order to make our group a safe place for our members and visitors to view and share what is happening around the district, all new members will be asked to answer 3 questions. Posts will also need to be approved. We get this is frustrating however in this world of active scammers, we have no choice but to play it safe. For anyone who is not yet a member of our District 9800 Facebook page, please join us:
Looking for a guest speaker for your Club Meeting or event? Know of a speaker that you would recommend to other Clubs?
We have two speakers from Speaker Bank to feature this month: Darren Park, forensic accountant, and CEO 'Pathfinders Forensic, and Hunter Leonard, award-winning marketer and founder of 'Silver & Wise'
Add a week in Cambodia to your RICON Singapore trip and immerse yourself in daily life in Siem Reap. Soak-up experiences that will last you a lifetime and see Cambodia as you have never seen it before - from the inside and with locals!!
Hosted by the inspirational Volunteer Experience members of the Rotaract Club of Siem Reap and supported by Rotary Passport Melbourne, you will spend your days joining empowered hands-on community projects and experience iconic Angkor Wat, local markets and the floating village – all with the Rotaractors who grew up there.
We have received news via our 2022-23 Rotary Foundation Trustee Chair, Past Rotary International President Ian Riseley, of the wonderful collective efforts of Rotarians worldwide in respect to the fundraising efforts that make such a difference to the work we do and to the lives of others.
Foundation programs for years to come will be enhanced by the $427 million raised through gifts and commitments across 2022-23.
Networker would love to feature stories from your club. Simply use the Networker Template to record the relevant information, including a couple of good-quality photos, and our Editors, Cheryl, Rosemary, and Sandi will give your article the final touches. Email your featured article to: Networker@rotary9800.org
To order your Rotary Fruit Cakes and Puddings to raise money for The Rotary Foundation open this document: 
