Rotarians in action to 'End Trachoma"
Posted by Sam McCurdy
 
(Photo courtesy of Rotarian Maureen Scott.)
 
On Saturday, 9th January, a group of volunteers from the Rotary Club of Berwick got together at Alameda Homestead Nursery in Devon Meadows, for the final packing of 53 Kits for the ‘End Trachoma’ project.  This is one of the Rotary Districts of Australia projects - Building Healthier Communities.
 
This project was driven by Rotarian Jane Moore and there has been plenty of work put in to make it happen.
 
The 53 kits of hygiene products were packed up by the busy band of volunteers and are now ready to be shipped to Papunya (Northern Territory) some 240 km north-west of Alice Springs. They will be given to school children under 10.
 
The kits are designed to supply everything needed including an instructional card. Improving the day-to-day hygiene of the children should help to prevent them from contracting Trachoma during their lifetime.
 
Australia is the only first-world country left that has not controlled Trachoma.  It is a serious but preventable disease that can lead to permanent blindness. Prevention is the best method of control and that is why this project is so important. Knowing basic hygiene and having the right equipment to carry it out is the key.
 
The packs contain toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, combs, hairbands, face washers and hand towels as well as shampoo and conditioner. A letter for each bag from a local primary school was included.
 
This is Rotary in Action. It takes a lot of work by members such as Jane to get projects such as this one up and running. It gives all the members at the Rotary Club of Berwick great satisfaction that their Club is making a difference.
Rotary means business
Posted by David Button on Jan 02, 2021
January is Vocational Service Month on the Rotary calendar. Vocational Service is at the heart of Rotary, which was founded on the classification system of membership. Business and professional life are the bedrock of Rotary, and Vocational Service is a major force in developing and mentoring young professionals.
 
A Short History Lesson in honour, integrity, and trustworthiness in business.
Originally only one representative from each business or profession was invited to join a club. Rotary's founder Paul Harris, felt that if several members of the same profession were to join, they would either sit together and “talk shop” or compete against each other for other members’ business. The idea of “trade-boosting” was gradually eliminated and by 1912, Rotarians were no longer required to exchange business with one another. Many members of the Rotary Club of Berwick are or have been local business people using their connections to help the community. Rotarians must trade with high ethical standards in business, so by dealing with a Rotarian you expect to get a fair trade and good service. Remembering Rotarians give back to the community also means that your money may end up helping others in the community.
 
The Forgotten Avenue of Service
Of Rotary’s five Avenues of Service* – Club, Vocational, Community, and International – Vocational is difficult to define, so it is sometimes called the “Forgotten Avenue of Service”. One reason is Club, Community, International and Youth Service activities usually involve groups of Rotarians. They enjoy the fellowship of Club Service, the satisfaction of serving the needs of their communities, and the hope that their International Service promotes world peace and understanding. But Vocational Service – the second Avenue of Service -- is generally conducted by individual members.
 
A name badge from the 1928 Rotary International Convention features Rotary’s mottoes.
Service Above Self
Rotary’s early leaders often cited the Golden Rule – “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” – as the guiding principle of Rotary’s Vocational Service. By the time the National Association of Rotary Clubs held its first convention in 1910, the networking emphasis had begun to shift. The majority of clubs told the new Civic Committee that Rotary should move from being a booster club to improving their communities. The concept of “he profits most who serves his fellows best” became “He profits most who serves best”. This idea morphed into “Service, not Self” and finally, it became the Rotary slogan we know today -- “Service Above Self”.
 
In 1940, Rotary International defined the Object of Vocational Service “to encourage and foster: high ethical standards in business  and professions; the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations; the dignifying by each Rotarian of his occupation as an opportunity to serve society.” Today’s Rotarians still pride themselves on being able to use their professional stature and knowledge to make things happen worldwide, wherever there is a need for change.

The Rotary Code of Ethics
Back in 1912, Glenn Mead succeeded Paul Harris as President of Rotary International. He recommended a code of business ethics be formulated to contribute to the advancement of business morality. At that time, there were no consumer protection laws, or truth-in-advertising statutes. Fraudulent and deceptive business practices were the norm. The unwritten law was caveat emptor, “Let the buyer beware.” Since the adoption of the Rotary Code of Ethics in 1915, at least 145 national industrial codes of conduct practice have been adopted as a direct result of the influence of Rotarians.
 
The Four-Way Test
Rotary’s current code of ethical conduct – The Four-Way Test – was developed during the Great Depression, by a Rotarian, Herb Taylor, from the United States, as a four-part ethical guideline that helped him rescue a beleaguered business. The code’s four points are simple and direct – “Of all the things we think, say or do:
  1. Is it the TRUTH?
  2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
  3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? 
  4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?”
The Four-Way Test was officially adopted by Rotary in 1943 and has been translated into the languages of over 100 countries. It appears on highway billboards, in schoolrooms and on the walls of businesses, in labour contracts, courtrooms and halls of government. It’s even on the moon, in the form of a Four-Way Test pin planted on the surface by an astronaut.
 
Please consider supporting your local Rotary businessman, so that they can continue to support the community. Rotary has a lot of work to do in the City of Casey If you have a business, business skills or a strong link to the community that will help Rotary make a stronger impact, please step forward and help us. Please contact David Button by email david.button@rotaryberwick.org in the first instance.
2020 Benevolent Society's Christmas Collection
Posted by Sam McCurdy
 
The Rotary Berwick & District Benevolent Society works in close collaboration with Casey North Community Information Service (CNCISS) in Narre Warren, with PP Gus Dominguez as our club representative on their Board. Each year before Christmas, the ‘Benevolent Society’ organises a collection of non-perishable food items and toys from local schools and supermarkets for distribution via CNCISS.  This is a project of the Rotary Club of Berwick.
 
Nossal High School students
 
The 2020 Christmas Collection began on 1st December with generous donations from Nossal High School and Berwick Market Square Supermarket. The collections continued this week with donations from Kambrya College, Beaconhills College, Berwick Grammar School and St Margaret’s Senior and Junior Schools.  The efficient pick-up team consisted of Rotarians Laury Gordyn, Mark Caulfield, Isobel Caulfield and Sam McCurdy.
 
The collection from St Margaret’s Senior School was particularly notable, since it was the culmination of work done by the students of the newly formed Rotary Interact Club at the school. The Club was formed under the sponsorship and mentorship of the Rotary Clubs of Berwick and Emerald.
 
From left to right:  President Annabelle Morton, Sam McCurdy,
Mark Caulfield, Isobel Caulfield, Laury Gordyn and Sanya Verma
 
Interact clubs bring together young people ages 12-18 to develop leadership skills, while discovering the power of the Rotary motto ‘Service Above Self’. They organise at least two projects every year, one that helps their school or community and one that promotes international understanding.
 
The donated items from all collection sites were passed on to CNCISS, where they are packed into Christmas hampers for distribution to those in need within the local community.
 
From left to right: Vanessa Shillito, Isobel Caulfield,
Laury Gordyn, Susan Magee, Sam McCurdy and Mark Caulfield
 
Although the storage room at CNCISS looks fit to burst, CEO Susan Magee confirmed that it will empty very quickly once they start giving out the Christmas hampers to the 90 or more families in need, within the local community.  The donated items will be greatly appreciated by the recipients, making their 2020 Christmas so much easier and happier.
 
This week was the final week of collections for 2020 and involved donations from Berwick College, Timbarra P-9 School and Berwick Market Square Supermarket.
 
 
Berwick College reports that the Year 9 English class has just completed reading the novel 'Six Impossible Things' by Fiona Wood, which follows the adversity and financial struggles experienced by a family. This has provided the students with a context for the Christmas Collection.
 
In their own words, “The themes presented throughout the novel include adversity and misfortune due to the protagonist's family experiencing great financial hardship. The class developed much empathy for people who face such hardship and wanted to donate imperishable items to the less fortunate for Christmas through the Berwick College Rotary Christmas Appeal. Each student within the class donated 3 or more items, and many used their own money to do so. It was a very moving moment for us all!" 
 
Their teacher, Miss Rees, is very proud of the kindness demonstrated by her students.
 
Thank you to everyone who contributed to the 2020 Christmas Collection and to all those involved in the collection and distribution process.
 
The 'End Trachoma by 2020' project
Posted by Sam McCurdy on Nov 13, 2020
 
 
Australia is the last developed country with a trachoma problem, as it is still present in remote Aboriginal communities. How can this be?
 
Trachoma is an eye infection. Repeated infection can lead to permanent blindness. The infections can be treated  quickly, effectively and even prevented by improving personal and community hygiene.   The World Health Organisation has a global goal to eliminate trachoma by 2020. 
 
The work of the Australian Government, the Fred Hollows Foundation and Indigenous Eye Health to treat trachoma infections has seen rates in affected communities reduced substantially. But now, we need to ensure that hygiene practices and the community environments are improved to completely eliminate the disease.
 
Our Club's 'End Trachoma' Champion is Jane Moore. Jane will be asking us all to get some supplies to assemble into 45 hygiene kits for Aboriginal children in the Northern Territory.  Please contact Jane on Jane@cinet.com.au if you can help.
 
The Hygiene Kits cost $50, or you can shop for the items yourself. The shopping list to get going is:
  • Face washer (colour match face washer & hand towel - variety of colours)
  • Hand towel (colour match hand towel & face towel - variety of colours)
  • Bar of soap (full size)
  • Soap container
  • Toothbrush (please wait until we know the age of children)
  • Toothbrush holderToothpaste (family size)
  • Shampoo (family size)
  • Conditioner (family size)
  • Comb/brush
  • Deodorant (non aerosol) (please wait until we know the age of the children) 
  • 1 litre reusable drink bottle (ability to write child's name on bottle)
  • hair scrunchie (optional)
  • Something special e.g. photo of Club members or school kids, words of encouragement, a letter or drawing from a school student etc  Feel free to be creative and put a smile on their faces 😊.
Please have a look at the video and also visit the End Trachoma website: https://www.endtrachoma2020.org.au/ to learn more about how a simple hygiene kit will end Trachoma in Australia.
 
 
Rotary Walk with Us
Posted by Mark Caulfield on Sep 25, 2020
October is Polio month.  Let's get our club together, even though we are separate and form a team for the 'Rotary Walk With Us' for those who can’t.  https://www.rotarywalkwithus.org/fundraisers/TheBerwickRotaryBoomersShakers
 
The challenge to walk, run or roll 10, 20 or 50 Km throughout the month and raise vital funds that will help eradicate and prepare us for a Polio free world.  As a club, we have been asked to raise $1,500 for the Polio Plus fund.
 
In recent months we have all had to find new ways to stay fit and healthy. 'Rotary’s Walk With Us End Polio Walk' is also a fitness challenge that you can complete from October 1st to 31st to reach your target in a COVID safe way.
 
Polio is the world’s forgotten disease and something that should have been made history a long time ago. Polio is a crippling and potentially fatal infectious disease. There is no cure, but there are safe and effective vaccines. The strategy to eradicate polio is therefore based on preventing infection by immunizing every child until transmission stops and the world is polio-free.
 
The Rotary Club of  Berwick will form a team that you, your family and friends can join.  We can start walking, running or rolling, log it in and get some fundraising happening.  All money goes to The Australian Rotary Foundation Trust and every donation over $2.50 is tax-deductible for Australian residents.  Even if you don’t want to walk, you can still donate. Please remember that every dollar raised is matched 2:1 by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, so your dollar becomes 3!
 
What we do need is a catchy name for our team.  Some suggestions are Berwick Stompers & Chompers or The Boomers & Shakers of Berwick.  Any ideas for our team name, please let Mark know.  Once we have a name, we will register and it will up and running.  Let’s go for it.
 
#walkwithus
 
When you walk with us this October you will be helping us to reach our fundraising goal of $50 million this year, so we can work to safely reach all children with the polio vaccine. 
 
Two drops, every child, every time...
About Us
The Rotary Club of Berwick is a group of men and women who take action locally and globally. Each week club members work together completing projects that have a lasting impact.
Locally we support and work alongside community programs and a not for profit organisations in supporting those less fortunate. Our club is engaged in Rotary leadership and educational programs for young people.
Together as Rotarians …
  • We see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves. Driven by a desire to create opportunities, strengthen communities, and find solutions to the tough challenges that affect people
  • We bring together leaders who use their combined expertise to tackle some of the toughest challenges facing our communities.  We find a place for your expertise and passion. Whether you want to lead a project or participate in one, the Rotary Club of Berwick welcomes your involvement.
  • Many members are involved in hands on projects in our community or in international projects in creating opportunities through sustainable educational development, clean water or disease prevention in helping to break the cycle of poverty.
The Rotary Club of Berwick is part of a global network of 1.2 million men and women - neighbours, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who join together to make a difference in our communities. If you would like to give back to your community, get to know a new group of people and are interested in joining us, please contact us.
Hybrid meetings keep all members engaged

By Patrick Eakes, Zone 33 Rotary Coordinator

Patrick Eakes

In our area, the global pandemic arrived like an unwelcome dinner guest. Within a matter of days after the first local case of COVID-19, my Rotary club’s meeting location closed, and gatherings of 50 or more people were prohibited (my club has over 100 members). Face-to-face Rotary meetings came to an almost immediate halt.

David Stovall and Stephanie Urchick, Rotary International Directors, and Director-elect Peter Kyle immediately set up online meetings for all Rotary members in Zones 33 and 34 to attend. They held these meetings twice each week and posted recordings on social media, setting an explicit example for district and club leaders of how they could maintain and strengthen the engagement of Rotary members even during a pandemic.

David, Stephanie, and Peter also demonstrated that a challenge can be an opportunity, as clubs could now book dynamic speakers from well outside their club’s geographical area.

The Zone 33 Rotary Coordinator team surveyed clubs and districts to be sure no club or member was left behind. Our team helped dozens of clubs make the transition to online meetings, loaning them meeting software licenses, providing training, and presenting programs at their meetings.

We recognized that helping clubs and members stay connected was imperative, so clubs could continue to serve their communities at a time of heightened need. Membership is truly a team sport, and it was inspiring to witness our districts and clubs respond in creative ways to maintain the engagement of their members.

Hybrid meeting guide

I stay in close contact with my colleague and partner in Zone 34, Rotary Coordinator George Robertson-Burnett. By mid-March, George had already developed a helpful resource, the Coronavirus Response Guide, which included guidance for clubs to maintain member engagement. In our conversations through April and May, George and I discussed that the next challenge for Rotary clubs in our zones would likely be staying connected to members who were unable or unwilling to attend in-person meetings when restrictions started to ease.

Keeping members engaged with your club is vital to your club’s overall health and impact.

Zone 33 Assistant Rotary Coordinator Terry Weaver recognized that same challenge and developed a solid written plan to assist clubs with holding hybrid meetings, using that term to indicate meetings set up to allow both in-person and virtual attendance and participation. Several leaders in Zones 33 and 34 provided input on Terry’s plan, and Terry published the Hybrid Rotary Meetings Technology Guide early in July. The guide was introduced and explained in multiple video meetings and training events, and it was posted on the Zones 33-34 website.

The guide provides a cookbook approach to set up readily available audio-visual equipment to produce hybrid meetings. It includes instructions and diagrams for four hybrid meeting scenarios. These scenarios range from quite simple to advanced, so clubs can choose the appropriate level of features that match their club’s resources and their members’ technical expertise.

Keeping every member engaged

Communities across the world are in various stages of reopening. Some areas that have gained the upper hand on COVID-19 are moving closer to normal operation, while some hot spots are re-instating restrictions. Regardless of your community’s situation, it is likely that there are members in your club who will not return to in-person meetings until a safe vaccine is developed and is readily available. Keeping those members engaged with your club is vital to your club’s overall health and impact.

Because of the pandemic, club presidents in 2020-2021 face a challenge previous leaders haven’t. But it’s also an opportunity. Rotary International President Holger Knaack’s theme Rotary Opens Opportunities, can serve as a reminder that all clubs will have to change the way they operate to thrive during and after the pandemic. I encourage you to use the Hybrid Rotary Meetings Technology Guide as a valuable resource to keep all of your members engaged with your club.

Editor’s note: This is the latest in a series of posts for Membership Month which Rotary celebrates in August. Find resources to strengthen your club on My Rotary.

You matter, I Care
Posted by Jane Moore on Aug 29, 2020
Wondering how you can help 2019-2020 Bushfire affected people during Covid restrictions?
 
Try the Bushfire recovery support initiative: “You Matter, I Care”
 
The recovery phase of the 2019-2020 bushfires is far from over, not only for those directly affected by the fires, but for any bushfire affected person – those personally impacted, volunteers and workers – everyone matters!
 
A small but meaningful project has been developed by Rhonda Abotomey who lost three family members in the Black Saturday fires in the Latrobe Valley.  In the wake of the 2019-2020 fires, Rhonda created and launched packs of 12 postcards to be posted to a chosen recipient once a month for 12 months.
 
The post card fronts carry an image and a positive message.  The card back is blank for your own message if you wish. Each kit contains instructions for the sender and a message card to the recipient to accompany your first postcard.
 
The Rotary Club of Berwick members and friends can help by simply sending 12 “You Matter” cards – one card a month.  Cost? 12 postage stamps!  The kits are supplied for free. 
 
How? Once you decide you would like to be involved, contact Jane: jane@cinet.com.au.  She has three kits ready to go with access to as many packs as we need.  Recipient contact details are with the East Gippsland Rotary Fire Aid Committee. A name and contact details will be forwarded to you with your support kit. 
 
This initiative was brought to Rotary by District Emergency Management Chair Janne Speirs during Adrian’s Governor year and was advertised through the District Newsletter.  All credit to Janne and her team.
 
Nominations for a 'Shine On' Award
Posted by Sam McCurdy
 
It is "Shine On Recognition" time again, when the Rotary International “Shine On” Committee invites you to nominate a volunteer with a disability or chronic illness, so that their community spirit and efforts can be celebrated. 
 
The Event is comprised of two levels, Certificates of Commendation and Awards Trophies.  In addition, there are awards for two age brackets, 15-25 years and over 25 years, and can be for any field of endeavour.

Anyone can nominate a person, who has either a permanent injury; a mental health disorder; an intellectual and/or physical disability, and yet contributes to their community by doing volunteer work.

  • Places to start looking for your candidate are Local Disability Support Services, Advocacy Services or place a short advertisement in your local paper.
  • A Rotarian must then assist the nominee to complete the Nomination Form and sign off on behalf of their club.
  • The Nomination Form can be accessed through the District website, Facebook or by contacting Lara Barrett - See  Lara's details below.
The three-member selection panel is composed of people from medical, paramedical, disability services or prominent persons with a disability.  They are given the selection criteria and determine if a nominee stands out sufficiently to receive a trophy, as well as a citation to recognise their community work.
 
Nominees and their families are invited to the ceremony, where a Guest Speaker/s is invited as well as the local Mayor, state and federal MP’s, media and a professional photographer.
 
Citations are read and presentations are made by the District Governor.  Each nominee receives a certificate and/or trophy and afternoon tea is provided. 
 
Contact: Lara Barrett - (M): 0416262615 - (E): lara.barrett@secretary.net
 
It's official, Zimo is our 2021 NYSF Student
Posted by PDG Tim Moore
 
As many of our members would remember, Zimo Zhu, was nominated by the Rotary Club of Berwick to attend the 2021 National Youth Science Forum in January.  She was interviewed by our District 9820 panel last week and was successful. 
 
This is a sought after and well regarded training program for students with a strong interest in science.  The 10 days of activities include mentoring with senior scientists and their peers.  It is held in Canberra and Brisbane, usually in the January holiday break, prior to beginning their Year 12 studies.   Zimo is a student at MLC and lives in Upper Beaconsfield.   We sponsor our candidate for 50% of the cost of the program.
 
We wish her all the best, hopeful that the program will still run next year as our borders reopen, and we look forward to her presenting to us about her experience in the future.  Well done Zimo!
COVID-19 and Malaria
Posted by Sam McCurdy on Aug 21, 2020
'Rotarians Against Malaria' (RAM) is a volunteer-run organization working to eliminate malaria.  
People who get malaria are typically very sick with high fevers, shaking chills, and flu-like illness. Although malaria can be a deadly disease, illness and death from malaria can usually be prevented. COVID-19 is a coronavirus pandemic that has spread quickly to all corners of the globe, presenting an emerging threat to millions of families at risk of malaria, fragile health systems in malaria-affected countries and decades of progress against malaria.
In the 1900s, malaria was pandemic in the world. Fifteen years ago, malaria killed a child every 30 seconds! 
However, considerable progress has been made in preventing, diagnosing and treating malaria. As a result, deaths have fallen by 60 percent. Now, the aim is to reduce malaria cases and deaths by a further 90 percent by 2030.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the fight against malaria.  Key factors that could impact the delivery of malaria prevention interventions include:The shutdown of malaria prevention campaigns, reducing access to life-saving prevention tools, such as insecticide-treated mosquito nets and hindering early diagnosis and treatment, leading to increased severe malaria cases, and more deaths;
  • Lack of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to protect and enable frontline health workers fighting malaria to treat people safely at health clinics;
  • Disruption to the supply chain of antimalaria interventions, such as long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS);
  • Limited access to essential health services and community health workers prevented from conducting testing at the local level and providing antimalarials that lead to early diagnosis and treatment of malaria;
  • Reluctance or inability of people with a fever to seek life-saving treatment, resulting in a higher number of malaria-related complications and even deaths
The global malaria community's coordinated response to COVID-19 must sustain malaria control efforts to prevent, detect and treat malaria and avoid unnecessary cases and deaths while preventing the spread of COVID-19.
 
Disaster Aid Australia
Disaster Aid Australia (DAA) was founded in 2003 as a project of the Rotary Club of Endeavour Hills.
 
The Rotary Club of Endeavour Hills has merged with the Rotary Club of Greater Dandenong, so the organisation is now a project of the Rotary Club of Greater Dandenong & Endeavour Hills.  
 
It has members/volunteers from across Australia and is a member of Disaster Aid International, a partnership of Rotary Based organisations dedicated to providing Humanitarian Aid.
 
DAA responds to disasters with the supply of humanitarian aid by providing 'Smart Aid' to the affected communities and/or individuals, until the needs are reasonably addressed.  It also responds to the disaster of contaminated water with the ‘'Safe Water for every Child' project, which aims to provide clean drinking water using 'SkyHydrants' for schools and communities.  View the benefits of 'SkyHydrants' in the next article
 
Smart Aid
 
Smart Aid involves sending a 'Disaster Response Assessment Team' (DART) to assess the needs of communities and individuals at the disaster sites. They can then distribute funds and/or resources to meet the needs.  They are also instrumental in involving local partners and the community to ensure that the aid provided gives the community ownership of the outcomes.  In this way the community becomes ‘A Resource Not Victims’
 
Safe Water for every child
 
Where contaminated water is a feature of the disaster DAA can provide SkyHydrantTM water filter units to communities, and displaced persons camps.  
 
Each of the SkyHydrant GEM Rapid Response Packs can be set up in around 2 hours and immediately remove all bacteria from 5,000 litres of water a day.  
 
DAA is working with the SkyJuice Foundation to bring safe, clean, drinking water to communities in many countries that need safe drinking water.
 
Disaster Preparedness Training
 
DAA also helps local communities to become more resilient by:
  • Training volunteers in administering humanitarian relief and aid;
  • Providing of education and training in aspects of disaster relief to individuals, community groups, businesses, schools and other organisations; and
  • Working in partnership on humanitarian projects funded by other organisations, including Rotary clubs and Rotary districts.
The DAA's Office is at 92 Doveton Ave, Eumemmerring VIC 3177.  You are welcome to arrange a visit by to see a SkyHydrantTM in operation, by ringing CEO Brian Ashworth on 0491 104 943.
 
If you want to help DAA in 2020-2021 with  a Tax Deductible Donation you can do it instantly at: http://www.disasteraidaustralia.org.au/donate/
 
Rotary Foundation's Peace Fellowships
 Posted by Sam McCurdy
               
 
The Rotary Foundation provides up to 130 fully funded Peace Fellowships for dedicated leaders from around the world, to study at one of their peace centres. This includes awards up to 50 fellowships for master’s degrees and 80 for certificate studies at premier universities.
 
Through academic training, practice, and global networking opportunities, the Rotary Peace Centre’s program develops the capacity of peace and development professionals or practitioners, to become experienced and effective catalysts for peace. The fellowships cover tuition and fees, room and board, round-trip transportation, and all internship and field-study expenses.
 
Since the program began in 2002, the Rotary Peace Centre’s have trained more than 1,300 fellows, who now work in more than 115 countries. Many serve as leaders in governments, NGOs, the military, education, law enforcement, and international organizations like the United Nations and the World Bank.
 
A recent example of someone who has benefited from participation in the Rotary Foundation's Peace Fellowship program is Martin Allison. 
 
Martin is a Detective Inspector at Victoria Police. He joined Victoria Police Force at a young age and has worked in the Crime Squads, the western and north western suburbs of Melbourne and assignment to the Western Australia Police Service. He has a broad and diverse experience in policing across various roles.
 
In 2019, Martin was awarded a Rotary Peace Fellowship through the Rotary Club of Melbourne and studied at Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok for 3 months, which he described as an immensely rewarding experience. 
 
Following his study, he is currently working on a project to leverage the influence of sport to reduce the incidence of men’s violence towards women.
 

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Club Activities
Community Project: Berwick Cemetery Cleanup
Community Project: Berwick Cemetery Cleanup
Jan 20, 2021 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Berwick Cemetery
Coffee Saturday on Zoom
Coffee Saturday on Zoom
Jan 23, 2021 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Club Meeting: RAWCS
Club Meeting: RAWCS
Jan 27, 2021 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Holm Park Reserve
Coffee Saturday on Zoom
Coffee Saturday on Zoom
Jan 30, 2021 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Coffee Club
Coffee Club
Feb 13, 2021
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Coffee Club
Coffee Club
Feb 20, 2021
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Coffee Club
Coffee Club
Feb 27, 2021
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Coffee Club
Coffee Club
Mar 06, 2021
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Coffee Club
Coffee Club
Mar 13, 2021
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Coffee Club
Coffee Club
Mar 20, 2021
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
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Bulletins
Club Executives & Directors
President
David Button
Treasurer
Wendy Langdon
President Elect
David Button
Secretary
Sam McCurdy
Rotary Foundation Chair
Mark Caulfield
International Service Director
Mark Caulfield
Vice President
Isobel Caulfield
Immediate Past President
Isobel Caulfield
Membership Chair
Di Scheepers
Public Image Chair
Sam McCurdy
Ex Officio Officer
Laury Gordyn
Youth and New Ideas
Tim Moore
Ex Officio Officer
Jack Kraan
Avenues of Service Chair
Adrian Froggatt
Fundraising Chair
Pete Batterham
Club Protection Officer
Graham Johnstone
On to Conference
Isobel Caulfield
Sergeant-at-Arms
Funno Funston
Rotary Links
 
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When Rotary members tried to bring toilets to a remote island, the population wasn’t ready.

The future: What can we expect when we get there?

As we stand at the threshold of the third decade of the 21st century, imagine where we’re

Why Rotarians should engage with program alumni

When clubs cultivate relationships with Rotary alumni, both sides benefit.

The sad truth about altruism is that there aren’t enough altruists

The people who fill the truly essential roles in society are often in short supply

History: Rotary in Spain survives challenges

After successfully establishing a presence in Great Britain and Ireland, Rotary expanded its reach to mainland Europe with the chartering of a club in Madrid, Spain, on New Year’s Day 1921.

RI Convention 2021 TAIPEI