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We meet

Sydney Rotary
Tuesdays at 12:30 pm
Various Sydney Venues & Virtually. See Upcoming Events.
GPO Box 1523
Sydney, NSW 2000
Australia
Tuesday lunch remains our standard meeting time however check Upcoming Events & Rotary News for variations & booking links. The Club meets at various Sydney venues, virtually & has a wide range of social events. Contact us: office@sydneyrotary.com
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Other News, Celebrations......
 
Immediate Past President, Charlie Allen joins Board of Safe Steps.
 
Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre is an Incorporated Association governed by a Board of Directors who are responsible for ensuring strategic direction, implementation of governance policies, adherence to regulatory obligations and oversight of performance and management activities undertaken by the CEO.
Peace Fellowships Certificate program | Rotary International
 
 
Club Member joins the Business Elite
Our Youth Committee Chair, Kaila Cruz, was honoured at the Business Elite Awards 40 under 40 Australia 6 months ago. Amongst 39 inspiring entrepreneurs, Kaila was recognised as one of Australia's Top business leaders.
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The Rotary Club of Sydney is proud to have such notable Business and Community Leaders as members of our club.
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RCS President Receives Robert M Fels Peace Award
The advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace are among Rotary’s primary goals.
Rotary Sydney President, Charlie Allen, has been recognised by Rotary International District 9800 for his accomplishments sin this field.
 
The Robert M Fels Peace Award for 2024 is another demonstration of Charlie's commitment to peace building efforts around the world. 
 
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James Allen with DG Janice Hall receiving a Service Above Self Award at the RI 2024 Convention District Dinner in Melbourne
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John Randall reminisces about PP Ros McLeoad at the Birthday Banquet
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Liudmyla Olkhovska, PP of RC Kyiv (a prospective RCS member), introduces other Rotarians from Ukraine on their way to Melbourne at the club luncheon
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Simon Martin and Tony Lewis before their song and dance number at a past club luncheon
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Celebrating Our Members
Member Birthdays
Garry Browne AM
February 13
 
Joe Botta
February 14
 
Anniversaries
Geoffrey Little
February 14
 
Join Date
David Kellaway
February 1, 1972
53 years
 
John Randall
February 1, 1985
40 years
 
Wayne Costin
February 1, 1986
39 years
 
Natalie Ward
February 9, 1999
26 years
 
Fleur Hourihan
February 18, 2018
7 years
 
Sy Lagaaia
February 21, 2023
2 years
 
Happy birthday to all members.
 
Congratulations on your Rotary anniversary and thank you for  the work you do in Rotary and in your community.
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Rotary Club of Sydney Newsletter - 1st Sept 2024
 
In August we held 2 lunches at the Castlereagh Hotel and the month ended with the 24 hour Multiple Sclerosis Megaswim. As the Megaswim ran over the weekend of 30th August to the 1st September I will feature it in my next Bulletin but, for now, a big thank you to all the volunteers who helped out and the Riverview Butchers and Figtree Bakers who provided produce at excellent rates! A special call out to Roni Corne who turned up to swim at 1 AM on Sunday and continued through to midday Sunday whilst also helping out on the BBQ!
 
As your club representative I attended the Rotary District 9675 Community Group One workshop and the Presidential Meeting during August, more on these later in this bulletin. It was also my great pleasure to transport 13 students to/from RYPEN and to attend the Certificate Presentations to all the students who undertook the IEP/PCYC/Rotary Sydney Positive Peace program funded by Multicultural NSW.
 
We have several members travelling the world and we look forward to hearing of their travels and reading about some of the highlights of their trips in our next bulletin.
 
August must be a quiet month for many as we have not received news of any achievements, celebrations or other noteworthy events that our members have enjoyed in August.
 
Don't be shy, share your stories with your fellow Rotarians.
 
On the subject of being shy, it seems that your credit cards may suffer from a little shyness. Times are tough, finances are being stretched but please consider donating a few dollars to:
 
>  The Rotary Sydney & PCYC Youth Encouragement Scholarships (YES) - click here
 
> The Rotary Sydney benevolent Fund - click here
 
Whilst you have your cards out please register for the Rotary NSW Police Officer of the Year Awards Gala Dinner, Friday 1st November, Hyatt Regency, Sydney. Support NSW Police and the tremendous work they do and help raise funds for Police Legacy.
 
Let us do John Given, see last article, and our club proud and fill at least 4 tables, I am confident that members of the Rotary Club of Sydney can rustle up 40 family members and friends between us!  Book here.
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6th August, A Boardroom Dialogue - Lets talk about Young Onset Dementia

Our Rotary Club was recently privileged to host Steven Davison, a distinguished psychologist and seasoned disability advocate, who delivered an incredibly informative and enlightening talk on a subject that deeply resonates with our community, young onset dementia, and access to crucial NDIS services.

Steven’s extensive experience in advocating for Australians with disabilities shone through as he shared his profound insights into the challenges faced by those with young onset dementia. He highlighted the unique difficulties encountered by individuals and their families, often exacerbated by a lack of awareness and appropriate support services tailored to younger people experiencing dementia.

Special Guest Speaker Steven Davison with Rotarian Victoria Hollick
P.P. John Randall giving the Vote of Thanks to our guest speaker
Excellent service, as always, from the UBS Team

Throughout his talk, Steven emphasized the importance of ensuring that people with young onset dementia receive the right supports and services in ways that genuinely work for them.

What made Steven’s presentation particularly impactful was his ability to connect with our audience on a personal level. His passion for ensuring that every Australian with a disability receives the support they need was palpable, leaving us all with a renewed sense of purpose in our collective mission to support these vulnerable members of our society.

For those who attended, Steven's talk was a reminder of the power of informed advocacy and the difference that dedicated individuals can make in the lives of others. His insights not only deepened our understanding of young onset dementia but also reinforced our commitment to championing access to necessary services for all Australians with disabilities.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Steven Davison for sharing his knowledge and experience with us. His work is a testament to the Rotary spirit of service above self, and we look forward to continuing our efforts in supporting those with disabilities in our community.

 

From L. to R. P.P. John Randall, Beverley Randall, Victoria Hollick, Steven Davison and P.P. Mark Dyer
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9th to 11th August, the Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment (RYPEN)

Rotary Sydney recently sponsored 13 students from the Conservatorium of Music High School to attend the Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment (RYPEN). This experience offered the students a unique opportunity to develop essential life skills in an environment that encourages personal growth, leadership, and teamwork. Throughout the program, they engaged in a variety of challenging activities designed to push them beyond their comfort zones, fostering resilience and self-confidence.

The students found the program to be both inspiring and transformative. They were able to connect with like-minded peers from diverse backgrounds, sharing ideas and experiences that broadened their perspectives. The collaborative environment of RYPEN helped them to better understand the value of teamwork, communication, and the importance of supporting one another to achieve common goals.

Beyond the immediate skills and insights gained, the students left RYPEN with a renewed sense of purpose and motivation. Many expressed a deeper commitment to applying what they learned to both their personal and academic lives. The experience has not only enriched their current endeavors but has also equipped them with tools to face future challenges with confidence and determination. Not least they have developed an understanding and appreciation of Rotary and we can be confident that within this cohort are future Rotarians.

If you are wondering how we raised the funds for this endeavour give me a call!

The impressive troupe of 13 students from the Conservatorium of Music High School farewell the RYPEN experience.

The students and staff from the school will be featured at an upcoming club lunch and students will delight us with a selection of classical and contemporary music and also talk to their experiences of RYPEN.

 
Date to be announced soon.

 

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17th August, the  first Rotary Community Group workshop for the Rotary Sydney Alliance

Several years ago, the District Governors of our Zone decided that this generation of Rotarians would not stand idly by and watch our zone continue to decline. They petitioned Rotary International to explore new ways of being a Rotarian, which aligned with Rotary International’s own efforts to investigate alternative models. Due to the strong initiative and drive within Zone 8, it was chosen as one of only two Zones globally to pilot a new model for Rotary. We are a vital part of that pilot.

Everything you wanted to know about Rotary Community Groups but are afraid to ask!
A core belief driving this initiative is the urgent need for an energy boost within Rotary. One immediate way to achieve this is through collaboration, which can significantly increase our numbers and vitality. By working together purposefully, we can enhance the impact of our Rotary Community Groups (RCGs), raise Rotary’s profile, and attract and engage new members.

To this end District 9675 has been organised into 5 groups. The Rotary Club of Sydney is in Group One along with Bondi Junction, Botany Randwick, Maroubra, Kings Cross, Rose Bay, South Sydney, Sydney Cove, Syndet Darling Harbour and Sydney Inner West.

Called 'Rotary Sydney Alliance" we have the opportunity to mount major membership drives and make our club more attractive and welcoming, to plan multi-club projects to engage our members.

 

The Rotary Sydney Alliance - imagine the synergies!

I will not delve into any more detail on the Rotary Community Groups or the overarching Regionalisation project here. Instead I have invited our Rotary Community Lead, Stephen Lovison, to come to our club on the 1st October at the UBS Meeting Rooms to present, answer questions and engage in a dialogue with all of our members.

Following this information and discussion session we have the task of deciding whether we want to be part of the generation that stands by and watches as our Zone continues to free fall or be the generation that steps up to arrest the decline.

We all care about the future of Rotary so clear your calendars and reserve lunchtime on the 1st October for this important event.

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19th August - Multicultural NSW Positive Peace Program wrap up
It's a wrap - School Principals, Teachers, PCYC Staff, NSW Police and Rotarians attend the certificate presentations ceremony.
Our thanks to PCYC City of Sydney (Woolloomooloo) for hosting Staff and Students from the Alexandria Park Community School, Conservatorium of Music and High School and Sydney Secondary School, Leichhardt. We hosted the students who had completed the Positive Peace Workshops run by the Institute for Economics and Peace and funded by Multicultural NSW and presented them with their Certificates of Completion.
 
Rotary Sydney was a delivery partner in this program and our involvement included providing volunteers that helped with Workshop activities for the Alexandria Park Community School students who are also PCYC South Sydney (Redfern) members. I had the pleasure of being part of the team that went on camp with a group of indigenous youth from PCYC Redfern and also transporting students from the Conservatorium High School to/from the RYPEN camp.
 
Finally, we sponsored 13 students for RYPEN the costs covered by the Multicultural NSW grant.
 
We look forward to continuing our relationships with the PCYC Clubs and the schools involved in this program.
 
If you are interested in learning more of our involvement with Youth Programs contact or seek out Kaila Cruz at our next club meeting to find out more about the Youth Committee's work, they are always looking for more volunteers to help with numerous initiatives. We make a huge difference to young peoples life though programs like this, our Youth Encouragement Scholarships (YES), sponsoring youth to attend RYPEN and RYLA and much, much more. 
 
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20th August, Discovering "What's in it for Me" at Our Rotary Membership Luncheon

At our recent Rotary Club of Sydney luncheon, P.P. Mark Dyer delved into the heart of a question that resonates with both new and seasoned members alike: "What's in it for me?" This one-hour discussion was not just an exploration of personal motivations but a journey into understanding why Rotary has continued to thrive in Australia for over a century.

 
Prospective members Vanessa Kuo, Ching-Mei Maddock, and Joshua Chang engaging with Rotarians Gillean Wilbow and myself.

The luncheon provided an engaging platform for members and prospective Rotarians to learn firsthand the myriad benefits of joining this global network dedicated to making a positive impact. Participants discovered that Rotary offers far more than just community service opportunities. It is a gateway to expanding professional connections, contributing to meaningful projects, and finding a community of like-minded individuals committed to service above self.

Throughout the discussion, attendees shared their own experiences and insights, illustrating how Rotary has become an integral and fulfilling part of their lives. From the satisfaction of making a tangible difference in the community to the joy of forming lasting friendships, the luncheon highlighted the diverse rewards of Rotary membership.

For those considering joining Rotary or seeking to deepen their engagement, this event was a powerful reminder of the personal and professional growth that comes from being part of such a dynamic and impactful organization. As we continue to grow and evolve, the answers to "What's in it for me?" are as varied and inspiring as our members themselves.

We look forward to welcoming new faces into our Rotary family and continuing to make a positive difference together.

 
Our thanks to Christine Yen, who standing in for our Sergeant at Arms Geoffrey Little, did a terrific job!
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22nd August, District 9675 Presidents Meeting
I was invited to attend the District 9675 Presidents Meeting at the Banks Town Sports Club on 22nd August.
 
On the agenda were presentations on behalf of ROMAC, NSW Police Recruitment Drive, End Polio Now and other initiatives.
 
Once District has sent me the presentations I shall make them available to all members.
There was a significant announcement made by Dr. Janice Hall whereby Rotary District 9675 is proud to announce that Reconciliation Australia has formally endorsed our inaugural Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), marking a significant milestone in our district's ongoing commitment to fostering reconciliation, respect, and inclusion.
 
The report co-authored by Dr. Sonu Bhaskar, District 9675 Chair of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Co-Chair, Rotary Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and Founder, Rotary Belonging Festival and Ms Katrina Filewood, First Nations Representative & Aboriginal Advisor to Rotary District 9675’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Committee Co-Chair, Rotary Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
 
I highly recommend you read the RAP, click here. You will be pleased to see the Rotary Sydney managed Soukup Scholarship is highlighted along with work we have done with Tribal Warrior.
 
The co-authors of and the District RAP Working Party have been invited to speak to our club on the RAP. I will keep you posted as to when and where.
 
A very important presentation on End Polio Now was given highlighting the recent flare up of Polio cases in Gaza requiring drastic measures to try and deliver Polio Vaccines. Our fight to end polio is not over as we enter into a new and frightening phase. Phoebe Alexander is in the process of organising a special event to raise awareness and need your support, read on.
 
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Would you be interested in attending a showing of this documentary as part of an awareness and fund raising campaign?
Our events lead, Phoebe Alexander, is passionate about ending Polio as many Rotarians are. Phoebe is planning a showing of the documentary "End Polio Now - Fly from Everest" with the aim of raising awareness and funds to "End Polio Now".
 
Until we know how many of our members and friends will rally to this cause we cannot organise the event. If this is to be a fundraiser we must know that the numbers attending will cover costs and more! Are you behind us? 
 
Not sure? Not feeling motivated enough? Then read on.
 
The Gaza Health Ministry has confirmed a 10 month old has contracted Gaza’s first case of polio in 25 years.  
 
Type 2 polio virus has been detected in 6 wastewater sites in late June in Khan Younis and Deir al-Balah – governorates of Gaza. Type 2 was declared eradicated in September 2015, now its back!
 
Indications are virus has been circulating for some time. The numbers of infected children are unknown.
 
WHO and UNICEF request all parties to the conflict to implement humanitarian pauses in the Gaza Strip for seven days to allow for two rounds of vaccination campaigns to take place. 
 
Our fight to end polio is not over. Will you support Phoebe's initiative?
 
Reach out to Phoebe or myself and let us know.
 
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John Given OAM - all ready for Chemo!

Following the distressing announcement that John Given has been diagnosed with lung cancer and has been undergoing extensive chemotherapy and pain management we have now received some uplifting news from his wife, Helen. 

Helen says "Hi everyone, just advising that I'm breaking John out of hospital this afternoon 29/8, now that his pain is under control.

He had his 2nd chemo/immunotherapy four days ago & is feeling good (no nausea etc) He's looking forward to:
* NOT having to keep up with a "hospital schedule"  and
* some R&R & fresh air"
 
Helen and John also posted the pictures featured here! The tag lines are all their own work and it's great to see his humour remains the same!
 
Starting the weekend early.  'Bravehart' Scottish Heavy Ale, my own recipe and can design.
Delivered today, also available in IV format for those hard to get out bed days.

John has been a cornerstone of our club, dedicating many years to organising the NSW Police Officer of the Year Awards, which has significantly contributed to our community and our club's standing.

During this challenging time, John and his family need our support and understanding. I have been in contact with the John's wife and they kindly request that you refrain from calling the family directly. Instead, please send your messages of support and encouragement via text. This will allow them to manage communications in a way that is less overwhelming.

Let us come together as a club to support John and his family, reflecting the strength and unity that defines the Rotary Club of Sydney.

Regards Glenn

 
What's Happening In Our Club
Upcoming Events
Wheels to Woolloomooloo, a PCYC Fundraiser
The Cellos Room, Castlereagh Boutique Hotel
Feb 18, 2025
12:30 pm – 2:00 pm
 
Sydney Rotary Member & Prospective Member Social Night
Club York
Feb 19, 2025
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
 
Sydney Rotary - Wheels of Aid to Ukraine
The Cellos Room, Castlereagh Boutique Hotel
Mar 04, 2025
12:30 pm – 2:00 pm
 
Sydney Rotary Member & Prospective Member Social Night
Club York
Mar 19, 2025
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
 
View entire list
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