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2022 Rotary Club of Berwick Changeover
 
 
Approximately 65 Rotarians and guests gathered at the Beaconsfield Football Club on Wednesday evening, 29th June, to celebrate the 61st Changeover of the Rotary Club of Berwick.
 
Outgoing President David Button summarised the achievements of the Club during the year which was significantly influenced by the COVID pandemic lockdowns and restrictions.  David was also President in the 2020-2021 year when the pandemic first struck. Despite these problems, the Club recorded many significant achievements. 
 
David expressed his pride with new members who engaged immediately in Club activities, such as becoming Board members, organising the Berwick College Presentation Balls, managing several Youth programs and actively contributing to various other projects.
 
In closing, David paid tribute to his Board members and others who had provided support and contributed in many ways to making the year as successful as it was. In recognition of their effort, he presented each with a Certificate of Appreciation.
 
Assistant Governor Colin Byron then inducted Past President Gus Dominguez as the incoming President.  In keeping with tradition, the President’s collar was passed along a chronological chain of Past Presidents, until it was finally passed from David Button to Gus. 
 
President Gus was then handed the Club Charter and the ‘Reins of Office’. The latter being an item that was created by the late Past President, Allan Funston, and is unique to the Rotary Club of Berwick.
 
In his acceptance speech, President Gus explained that the 2022-2023 year would be unique in the Club’s history in that four Past Presidents would each take a 3-month term in the role, as a stop-gap measure.  There is already a President Elect and President Elect Nominee in place for the succeeding years.
 
Gus then named his 2022-2023 Board members, some of whom are continuing in their 2021-2022 roles, although in a greater capacity.  They are:
Jane Moore               Secretary
Andrew Somers       Treasurer      
David Anderson       Membership and Public Image
Jen Marshall             Service projects and Fundraising
Greg Lee                   Youth Programs
 
Please have a look at the photo album: CLICK HERE
Congratulations Sam McCurdy
 
It was my great privilege on behalf of the Rotary Club of Berwick to award Sam McCurdy a PHF + 2 Sapphires for his tireless work supporting the Club in his role as Club Secretary. Sam has been and still is the glue that has kept the Club ticking over the last two years. He has been proactive within the Board to ensure all meetings are recorded correctly and there are no grey areas in reporting. Every compliance requirement has been dealt with professionally. He has upheld the values of Rotary and put the interests of the Club to the front.
 
Sam's work within the public image area for the Club has been nothing short of amazing with appropriate articles being sent to and published in the local press and regular stories contributed to our Club bulletin.
 
Lastly, Sam's passion for the Rotary Berwick and District Benevolent Society (RBDBS), a project of the Rotary Club of Berwick in his role as Secretary of the RBDBS and his physical work in this project as a collector.
 
Congratulations Sam on a very well-deserved and overdue recognition.
This week at the Rotary Club of Berwick
 
This week at Rotary, we will have the pleasure to hear from Brad Battin MP. I had the recent pleasure to hear Brad speak at Mick Morland's memorial opening. Brad delivered a powerful speech about Mick and his love and commitment to the community and to Rotary. I was personally blown away by what he had to say by how personally relevant his words were. It was past politics, it was heartfelt.
 
Sometimes it takes a view from someone outside of Rotary to truly see the value that Rotary makes to the community. Brad certainly made his point clear that Rotary is a valuable community service organisation. Not only that, Brad expressed visions of how Rotary could become more involved with other areas which Mick was passionate about, mostly local sporting clubs.
 
Brad and his staff keep a close eye on our Facebook page and often send words of encouragement to our Club. I think it is a no-brainer to attend our meeting and hear what Brad has to say! 
 
Rotary is about building our own future and exploring our potential in the community. What we say and do creates opportunities for us to progress or take them away by our own inaction. It is up to you, but I am already booked and pretty excited to listen to what Brad has to say.
 
As a bit of a warm up, Brad has visited our Club before. Read about it here: https://rotaryberwick.org/stories/guest-speaker-brad-brattin-mp 
 
Everyone is welcome: Rotarians, Guests and people off the street, but booking before Tuesday 10.00am is essential. Cost is $25 Social interaction, great venue, great bar, great food and a great speaker included. Value for money for sure!
Rotary caters for the community
 
 
 
On Sunday 26th June, a team of Rotary volunteers joined with other volunteers to cook food at the Arthur Wren Hall in Hampton Park for the Southern Migrant & Refugee Centre celebration event.  This event was organised by the City of Casey and South East Community links.
 
The function was held to introduce a group of migrants to key organisations in the Casey area and involved the coming together of culturally diverse nationalities, languages, performances and costumes. Tables (booths) were set up in the hall, where people were able to talk to the Police, CFA, SES, Council, and Rotary.
 
 
Our Rotary team worked with volunteers from the Eyewatch-Casey Police Service Area in a modern kitchen at the hall, to cook approximately 800 sausages and onions to feed the large audience. Others answered questions about our club's purpose and activities, providing the potential to increase our membership and diversity.
 
It was a highly successful day and a great effort by our Rotary team.
 
A great example of Rotarians in Action within the community.  Well done everyone!
 
Rotary funds assist flood victims
A Facebook posting by Chris Steinback, President of the Rotary Club of Goodna
Submitted by PP Jim Wilson, National Treasurer, RAWCS:
 
The Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS), helps Rotary, to help communities with humanitarian aid projects, big or small.
 
Earlier this year southern Queensland and northern New South Wales experienced the nation’s worst flooding since Brisbane 2011. Flood waters impacted the Ipswich region and many people were forced to flee their homes twice within weeks as the concentrated low-pressure system continued to bring heavy rains.
 
Rotary Australia World Community Service or RAWCS, created a national Flood Relief Appeal for people impacted by the floods including those in Goodna and environs. “The money raised from the Appeal will go directly and quickly to support those impacted, providing essential items and financial support where Disaster relief and Insurance claims won’t stretch,” said Rotary Australia World Community Service Ltd CEO Andrew Woodward.
 
Hundreds of homes in Goodna, which has a population of about 8,000, were severely damaged and remained uninhabitable. Many residents lost possessions with several homes submerged, many up to their roofs. With the uncertainty of government assistance, the beneficiaries of money raised by the RAWCS Flood Appeal were able to liaise with the Rotary Club of Goodna, assisted by Goodna Street Life, and advise of their immediate needs such as the cleaning and refurbish their residences.
 
Individuals who were adversely affected and required assistance, were identified, and given funds to help with their recovery.
 
As such, 20 needy Goodna families or individuals were identified and issued with $500 gift vouchers to assist with their rehabilitation.
 
All who applied lost all of their possessions, their properties were not insured and have suffered hardship. One of the recipients was Neville Van Sanden who lost all his possessions in Mill Street Goodna, when the flood water level reached roof level. Neville had to relocate temporarily to the Helen’s Haven homeless shelter for accommodation.
 
Pictured is a very happy Neville Van Sanden with his RAWCS $500 flood voucher and debit card.
 
Kind Regards
 
Chris D. Steinback, PHF: President
Rotary Club of Goodna
 
Rotary Convention 2023
 
How good is this! A Rotary Convention coming to Melbourne in just a few months time. I would encourage you all to have a look at this ritzy website that is jammed-packed with local information: https://rotarymelbourne2023.org/ or click on the image above to take you to the registration portal.
Photo Albums
Change Over 2022
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Issue  1
29th June 2022
 
Join our meeting

Most Wednesdays at
The Beaconsfield Club,
Holm Park, Beaconsfield, 
Victoria, Australia

Enquire by Email:
Visitors and Rotarians are welcome.
 
Post: P.O. Box 30, Berwick 3806
 
 
July marks the month of transition as new leaders take over from retiring ones. At the Rotary Club of Berwick, our new leaders are steering the club towards new heights of service, membership growth, engagement, fun and fulfilment.
 
Book into a Meeting
Saturday morning coffee
ZOOM: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87466687334 (Password: catchup)
Jul 02, 2022
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
 
Guest Speaker - Brad Battin
The Beaconsfield Club
Jul 06, 2022
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
 
Gary Castricum - Windermere
The Beaconsfield Club
Jul 20, 2022
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
 
Christmas In July
The Beaconsfield Club
Jul 27, 2022
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
 
View entire list
Add your story, event or Rotary experience to the Rotary Club of Berwick Bulletin!
 
Executives & Directors
President
 
Treasurer
 
President Elect
 
Secretary
 
Rotary Foundation Chair
 
Avenues of Service Chair
 
Membership Chair
 
Public Image Chair
 
Youth
 
Ex Officio Officer
 
Club Protection Officer
 
On to Conference
 
Sergeant-at-Arms
 
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Member Birthdays
Mark Caulfield
July 3
 
Graham Johnstone
July 17
 
Diana Gomez-Fullaway
July 21
 
Gerald Treasure
July 28
 
Wendy Langdon
August 2
 
Di Double
August 15
 
Jim Wilson
August 18
 
Eric Boon
August 19
 
Jack Kraan
August 23
 
Spouse Birthdays
Mark Caulfield
July 3
 
Viviana Dominguez
July 19
 
David Fullaway
August 1
 
Diana Nutter
August 7
 
Di Double
August 15
 
Sharon Verbi
August 17
 
Robyn Shaw
August 29
 
Anniversaries
Gary Evans
Carol Evans
July 7
 
Rob Wingrave
Pat Wingrave
August 22
 

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CNCISS 'Winter Coat Drive'
We will be collecting coats at the Club meetings to enable all Club members and friends to contribute to our local people in need during our imminent winter season. This is a great opportunity to do something super amazing! Try standing outside with no protection at the moment and see how long you would last. A coat, any coat makes a difference, so please search around and donate anything you won't be wearing anytime soon.
 
For more information, contact Sam McCurdy at Secretary@rotaryberwick.org. Please note, that donations are open to anyone. We just want to look after people in our community who are finding it tough going through winter. 
 
 
 
By the People FOR the People
 
This year, both Sam McCurdy and David Button are taking on the bulletin and we are going to have a bit of fun with it and see how far we can stretch to inspire more people to participate, contribute to and join Rotary. Sam and I are big picture people, so if we can help our Club, our neighbouring Clubs, our District or Rotary somewhere around the world by showcasing and reporting on US, everyone including the community wins.
 
Last year we had submissions from all over the place but we really need more Berwick Rotarians to pump the Club and our readership with inspiration. To that end, this year, we are going out on a limb and providing an opportunity for anybody to contribute to our Club bulletin using a fairly simple form. It has been used at the District level for years, so anyone can do it. If you want to slip in the Goss, plug a project, event or inspiring moment the opportunity is there for the taking! Find your voice and ease into educating, entertaining, questioning, praising, showcasing, informing and a whole lot more in between! It does not mean we will publish it, but it does mean that we want a whole club experience wrapped up in our bulletin. Our bulletin is not just for us! We have a good readership and it would be nice to be part of growing Rotary with good stories that show a real Rotary Club doing and enjoying Rotary.
 
The Bulletin is a visual medium as much as a written one, so good pictures are king! We have a diverse readership including past exchange students, meeting guests, partners and friends of Rotary and also other Rotary Clubs from across the world. The aim of OUR bulletin is to showcase our Club, warts and all in order to build Rotary, inspire others to get involved in community service including joining Rotary and add some comfort to other Clubs who are going through some of the issues our Club is facing. 
 
There has been an observation that some stories were wordy and should have been in RDU rather than a dodgy Rotary Club Bulletin. Well yes, a good story needs words, but a good bulletin also needs good content. Bring it on and let's develop some skills to get some of our "stuff" in RDU. I have been told by quite a few people that they like a good read, so if you don't like wordy, just look at the pictures or submit a great story in three words or less.
 
This is a live form below: Have a go and submit a story if you dare. You must be reading this in your browser for this form to work.
 
 
 
 
Wait there is more!
 
There is always the opportunity to serve Rotary at levels past our own Club. There are many Rotary Club of Berwick members who look at Rotary as an International Organisation and contribute their time and talents to the bigger Rotary picture. RC Berwick District Governors abound as well as involvement with Rotary International, the upcoming Rotary Convention in Melbourne,  RACWS, Zone 8 and for me, District 9820. We can and do make a difference in the strength, diversity and abilities of Rotary across the world. 
 
I am not saying that we should all drop the club and rush towards the big stuff. Our community still needs all of us. I am saying that if you have the passion and abilities to move forward, don't be shy to step into the bigger picture. The pay is terrible but the experience is worth it and it brings hidden value back to our Club.
 
Rotary is a very large and exciting organisation and Rotarians are People of Action. For some, there is the opportunity to make a difference in other areas and extend the reach and service of Rotary. 
 
 
ROTARY’S VISION STATEMENT INCREASE OUR IMPACT
 
• Eradicate polio and leverage the legacy
• Focus our programs and offerings
• Improve our ability to achieve and measure impact
 
As we stand on the cusp of eliminating polio, we find ourselves poised for our next challenge. The time is right to move toward realizing a new vision that brings more people together, increases our impact, and creates lasting change around the world. To achieve the vision of Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation, we have set four priorities that will direct our work over the next five years.
 
ROTARY’S STRATEGIC PRIORITIES AND OBJECTIVES EXPAND OUR REACH
• Grow and diversify our membership and participation
• Create new channels into Rotary
• Increase Rotary’s openness and appeal
• Build awareness of our impact and brand
 
ENHANCE PARTICIPANT ENGAGEMENT
• Support clubs to better engage their members
• Develop a participant-centered approach to deliver value
• Offer new opportunities for personal and professional connection
• Provide leadership development and skills training
 
INCREASE OUR ABILITY TO ADAPT
• Build a culture of research, innovation, and willingness to take risks
• Streamline governance, structure, and processes
• Review governance to foster more diverse perspectives in decision-making
 
TOGETHER WE SEE A WORLD WHERE PEOPLE UNITE AND TAKE ACTION TO CREATE LASTING CHANGE ACROSS THE GLOBE IN OUR COMMUNITIES AND IN OURSELVES
We are People of Action
Thank you to our sponsors.