Rotary District 9830 Tasmania District Governor’s Newsletterrotary9830.org.au/DGNews20162017/DGNewsNovember2016.pdf · Rotary District 9830 Tasmania District Governor’s ... offered

Rotary District 9830 Tasmania

District Governor’s

Newsletter

November 2016

Head for Smithton for the District Conference 2017

Explore Twenty Seventeen with DG Gerard and Fiona.

Book Accommodation now for March 31 – April 2.

Hat Day 2016 Tasmanian Rotary clubs supporting Australian Rotary Health

November 2016

Head for Smithton for the District Conference 2017.



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Dronefest was the brainchild of Rotarian Bob Hardy. As an agricultural scientist, he saw the potential of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV’s) or drones for agriculture. UAV’s offered a new perspective for farming, looking down on crops or livestock. Bob successfully applied for a grant under the Inspire Australia Program to stage Dronefest, the first exhibition of its kind in Australia. Bob convinced RCs Bellerive and Howrah to take on the organisational responsibility for Dronefest. Sponsorship was obtained from Pennicott Cruises and Open Number 2 View, specialists in real estate photography. Fourteen organisations in fields like surveying, aerial photography and mapping exhibited at the event at Lauderdale Primary School. Outdoor demonstrations showed the extreme versatility and manoeuvreability of drones which are becoming more powerful and more sophisticated. $700 will buy you a fairly advanced drone. Dronefest is light years ahead of traditional Rotary projects in term of innovation. Congratulations to Bob Hardy and RCs Bellerive and Howrah on their initiative.

A drone on a demonstration flight at Dronefest

The Rotarian who came up with the

innovative concept of an exhibition of

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles or drones, Bob

Hardy of RC Bellerive.

Close up view of a drone in flight.

Talking to the experts at Dronefest.

November 2016




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From DG Gerard

As November is Rotary Foundation Month let us take a little time to reflect upon our own charity and the amazing work it does throughout the world. The Foundation was created as an endowment fund at the 1917 convention, by RI President Arch Klumph “for doing good in the world.” In 1928, it was renamed The Rotary Foundation. We will celebrate this centenary during this Rotary year. A timeline of the Foundation makes for interesting

reading on its development into a major contributor to

educational and humanitarian aid throughout the world.

Decade

1930’s The Foundation awarded $500 to the

International Society for Crippled Children.

1940’s Institutes for International Understanding were

run.

Rotarians donate 1.3 million dollars in Paul

Harris’ memory on his passing in 1947.

1950’s The Paul Harris Fellow recognition begins.

1960’s Matched District Programs established.

Matching Grants Programs established.

1970’s Health, Hunger and Humanity Grants (3H)

begin.

Rotary immunise 6 million children against

polio in the Philippines.

1980’s Rotary commits to eliminate polio from the

world.

The Endowment Fund is established.

Multi-year Polio Plus Campaign raises $247

million.

1990’s Rotary Peace Centres are founded.

2000’s Bill and Melinda Gates join the fight against

polio.

2010’s Global and District Grant model goes into

effect.

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New Meeting Day

For RC City Central Hobart

RC City Central Hobart has changed its meeting day from Monday to Wednesday. It meets at the New

Sydney Hotel on Wednesdays at 6.00pm for 6.30pm in the Chapel Room.

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The MOU with White Ribbon has now been signed and is receiving good exposure through the media. I am heartened by the positiveness from the clubs regarding this and look forward to assisting as forums and information sessions are arranged. As previously mentioned we can access Ambassadors for any presentation (I am now one, and if free, am only too willing to present).

So, why does White Ribbon focus so strongly on

men?

1. Men’s violence against women is not just a

women’s issue. It’s a social issue. It’s also a

men’s issue.

2. It’s a men’s issue because they need to play a

pivotal role in helping to stop men’s violence

against women.

3. It’s a men’s issue because men are in a unique

position to speak out and step in when male

friends and relatives insult, abuse or attack

women.

4. And it’s a men’s issue because a small

minority of men treat women and girls with

contempt and violence, and it is up to the clear

majority of good men to create a culture in

which this is unacceptable.

5. All forms of violence are wrong. White Ribbon acknowledges this, as do I and we also acknowledge that men can be victims too. However, because different types of violence have different causes and effects, White Ribbon has a central focus. There are organisations working to prevent violence against men. Hopefully their work will one day result in an end to all forms of violence. If you feel like you need any support or advice, or you know someone that does please give MensLine Australia a call. They’re available 24/7 on 1300 78 99 78

DG Gerard

November 2016




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The Science and Engineering Challenge National Final in Hobart

Students from Georgina Molloy Anglican School in Western Australia taking part in the “Who gets the

water?” challenge with PDG James Wilcox as timekeeper

The Science and Engineering Challenge National Final was held at the University of Tasmania campus in Hobart on Friday 21st October. Eight teams (from every State and the ACT) competed, culminating in a bridge building exercise as the final challenge. As the host state, Tasmania was entitled to enter a second team (Mt Carmel College) as a wild card entry, as well as Launceston Christian School which won the Tasmanian challenge. Teams competed over a series of challenges like a project to show how water flows, culminating in a final project to construct the strongest possible bridge from balsa wood, sticky tape and other craft materials. Team members held their breath as they watched a model train wagon laden with increasingly heavier weights roll over their bridges. Will the bridge support the weight or will it crumple? That is the question! Runaway winner of the National Final was the team from St Mary’s High School in Newcastle. Tasmanian teams acquitted themselves very well with the Tasmanian schools, Launceston Christian School and Mt Carmel College, finishing first and second runner up teams respectively. The Science and Engineering Challenge for Year 10 students is run by the Universities of Newcastle and Tasmania. Rotary in Tasmania supports the Challenge by providing volunteer Rotarians to run the various challenges. RC Hobart members assisted with running the challenges at the National Final.

Leaders of the winning school team, St Mary’s High School from Newcastle, speaking at the

presentation ceremony.

Captains of the first runner up team, Launceston

Christian School, with DG Gerard at the presentation ceremony.

The second runner up team, Mt Carmel College,

from Hobart. (Photos courtesy of Reg Emmett)

November 2016




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The partnership between Ravenswood Heights Primary School and

RC Central Launceston

Since October 2015, RC Central Launceston has been providing volunteers to assist Ravenswood Heights Primary School with its Breakfast Club and Guided Reading during school terms. When the program began, it was a common belief among the Rotary volunteers that many of the children at the school had tough home lives which meant they may come to school hungry, and more often than not, they weren’t read to at home. It is well known that Ravenswood is one of Tasmania’s greatest area of socio-economic disadvantage and this is reflected in literacy rates.

Our brief was to quietly support the inspiring efforts of Principal Zac Taylor, Deputy Principal Prue Sturgess, their hard working staff and some fabulous parent volunteers. Zac and Prue were passionate about the difference that one extra one-on-one reading support session could make to the children.

Through the guided reading sessions, literacy rates are on the rise. The children are working so hard and we couldn’t be happier about the improvement in literacy levels. It is a reminder about the power of giving of your time. And the moments when the children have a breakthrough with their learning; well it’s just golden.

During the reading sessions, there have been moments that can’t be forgotten in a hurry. A little girl in grade one, on being told she had done a wonderful job with her reading replied, “No I didn’t.” Maybe she simply doesn’t get positive feedback at home.

There have been some inspiring moments with the Breakfast Program. To quote veteran Rotarian (and PDG), Lew Pretorius, “A young girl arrived in a wheel chair with her mother and when I offered the girl some fruit, she said, ‘Yes Please.’ Then a little fellow I had served previously, returned and offered to help the girl in the wheelchair should she want anything.”

So our work continues and the club and its members remain strongly committed to the program. I am very proud of this partnership because to me, it goes to the heart of what Rotary is: Service above self in your community. Contributed by Jodie Lowe, RC Central Launceston

Rotary Foundation Global Grant secures Gamma Probe for North-West hospitals

Dr James Roberts-Thompson (left) and PDG John

Dare with the gamma probe.

Rotary has strengthened cancer diagnostic services on the North-West Coast by donating a gamma probe which will enable cancer specialists to determine if a cancer has spread to the draining lymph node. This can enable patients to survive longer.

Gamma probes don’t come cheaply, at around $58,000. RC Devonport North kicked off the fundraising and they were supported by RC’s Smithton, Somerset, Ulverstone, Devonport and Devonport South East.

To cover the gap in funding to secure the gamma probe, an application was made to The Rotary Foundation for a Global Grant. Most successful Global Grant applications by Australian Rotary clubs have been for overseas projects, so this one is different in benefitting Australians. Rotary District 9980 in the South Island of New Zealand were large financial contributors to the grant.

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Once in 50 years is probably excusable! Adrian Kok simply had to taunt his clubmates at RC Launceston after the Bulldogs took out the flag. It was becoming a bit predictable with the Hawks!

November 2016




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Rotary Cares for Circular Head Farming Community

A drought impacting on the Circular Head farming community prompted RC Smithton to obtain funding to build the mental health resilience of those impacted by the drought. Unlike a lot of drought-affected regions, the most severe impact in Circular Head was during the following winter when hay and silage normally cut in the previous summer were not available. RC Smithton used the $11,700 funding received to purchase care packs locally.

Unfortunately, many in Circular Head found the impact of the drought was compounded by fires, floods, and then the downturn in milk prices.

The club made up 200 Care Packs (called Rotary Cares) and believe every dairy farmer received a pack. Approximately $11,700 was spent locally gathering the items for the boxes. Each box contained personal care items, laundry detergent, lollies for children, and a selection of either socks, sunglasses or gloves. Included in the Care Packs were letters outlining the project and detailing 24-hour mental health assistance contacts, brochures for local mental health providers and a CD “Mate Helping Mate (initially developed by RC Dubbo South).

A total of 166 volunteer hours went into the project. Many recipients were stoic and felt there were others struggling more than they were – but we pointed out that the information was important. Some great feedback has since been received.

From a Rotary perspective, it was a privilege to manage the Care Pack project – too often we are viewed as an organisation with an international humanitarian focus; when in fact most of our work is done locally and quietly. Contributed by Julie Bernhagen, RC Smithton.

Welcome to New Rotary members

Member Club “Coco” Yu He Hobart

Lois Catchlove Deloraine

Congratulations to new Paul Harris Fellows

Recipient Awarded by Margaret Sutherland Sullivans Cove

Tony Brown (Sapphire)

Spring Bay

Phillip Page Longford

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New Skate Board Park at Dunalley

Dunalley has a new skate park, made possible by a donation of $100,000 from the Rotary Bushfire

Fund as the major donor for the project. It provides a facility for young people in the area to

enjoy when so much of the Dunalley area was destroyed by the bushfires in January 2013.

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Pabina Devkota from Nepal is making every post

a winner in her six month stay, hosted by RC Huon Valley. She has integrated well into school and did the same at the first Youth Exchange (YE)

Orientation Camp. Pabina will join with the YE inbound students on their Tassie tour. From left:

Host father Bob Thompson, Marcia Walker, President of RC Huon Valley, PAG Gill

Whitehouse and PAG Else Phillips.

ABC News

November 2016




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fter a year of immense change. TH,

Mental Health Gala Dinner

RC Ulverstone West and beyondblue organise a Gala Dinner focusing on mental health each October, in conjunction with the Health and Wellbeing Expo in Ulverstone. This year’s Gala Dinner was a sell out with 235 people attending, some from as far away as Melbourne, Launceston, Smithton and Kingston.

Heart transplant recipient, Fiona Coote telling

gala dinner guests about her battle with depression.

Guest speaker, Fiona Coote, spoke of her experiences of being Australia’s most successful heart transplant patient, receiving her transplanted heart at age 14. At the time, Fiona was told her heart would last for five years. Thirty years on, she’s defying the odds. Fiona spoke passionately about organ donations and the experience of being under the care of world renowned surgeon, the late Dr Victor Chang. Fiona also spoke about her own battle with depression. Following a tough break up with her partner, she didn’t move outside her apartment for a year. Her battle with depression was one of the reasons she joined beyondblue as a Director.

Health and Wellbeing Expo 2016

RC Ulverstone West President Penny Smith talking to one of the exhibitors at the Health and Wellbeing

Expo

RC Ulverstone West organises the largest health and wellbeing expo in Tasmania and Victoria each October. This year, it was staged at the Gnomon Pavilion in Ulverstone. People attending the Expo could have their eyes tested, their hearing checked and their blood pressure measured, plus have their blood sugar level screened for diabetes. Natural therapies and feet and hand massages were also on offer.

Visitors to the Health and Wellbeing Expo could access a diverse range of medical and mental health advice with free brochures on a wide range of topics.

The Australian Rotary Health Hat Day competition was a feature of the Expo. Many of the hats were sponsored by local businesses who displayed the decorated hats at their local businesses.

The decorated hats in the Australian Rotary Health

Hat Day Competition

November 2016




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Rotary District 9830 and White Ribbon Australia sign Memorandum of

Understanding on Domestic Violence

Delia Donovan, Senior Executive of White Ribbon Australia and DG Gerard signing a Memorandum of Understanding on raising

awareness of domestic violence in the community.

DG Gerard Blizzard signed a Memorandum of Understanding with White Ribbon Australia on domestic violence on October 7th in Hobart. This is the start of an initiative by Rotary in Tasmania to raise awareness in the community about domestic violence. “Women are three times more likely than men to experience violence from an intimate partner. Most Australians will be shocked to hear that the single greatest reason for homelessness of women and children is domestic violence. And research has shown that the combination of these two traumas creates increased risk of mental health, behavioral and learning difficulties in children.”

White Ribbon Day is on 25th November. Rotary clubs in Tasmania now have an opportunity to stage an event to mark White Ribbon Day.

Rotary Foundation “comes to the rescue”

A Rotary Foundation District Grant has enabled the Ben Lomond Ski Rescue to upgrade its rescue equipment. The Patrol is funded through National Parks for operational purposes only during the ski season. There is no funding for the purchase of new equipment. This is where the Rotary Foundation “came to the rescue.” The Ben Lomond Ski Patrol has three rescue/recovery sleds that are called “akjas” that needed upgrading. A Rotary Foundation District Grant provided the solution. RC’s Central Launceston and West Tamar each contributed $750. The Rotary Foundation matched that with a donation of $1,500, giving a total grant from Rotary of $3,000. With that $3,000 available, the Ben Lomond Ski Patrol purchased from European suppliers the following equipment:

Three Tyromont akja covers which shroud the

ajkas (sleds) when stored outside e.g. when left

at the top of the chairlift. The covers prevent the

sleds from filling up with snow and ice or rain.

Three Tyromont Injured Protection Bags. These

bags have temperature isolation layers which

prevent heat loss and protect from wind and rain.

The protection bags (above) protect injured persons from the hostile environment you can expect to experience on Ben Lomond. Importantly, the bags can prevent the onset of shock and hypothermia.

Documents

Rotary District 9830 Tasmania District Governor’s Newsletterrotary9830.org.au/DGNews20162017/DGNewsNovember2016.pdf · Rotary District 9830 Tasmania District Governor’s ... offered