SPOKE 'N' WORDS

Issue 34
10th April 2024
 
Join our dinner meeting most Wednesdays at The Beaconsfield Club, Holm Park, Beaconsfield, Victoria, Australia 
 

6.30 pm for 7.00 pm

Enquire by Email:
Visitors and Rotarians are very welcome.
 
Welcome to our vibrant and relaxed Rotary Club, where community spirit thrives alongside a sense of ease and camaraderie. Picture a place where laughter mingles with purpose and friendships are forged through shared experiences and meaningful endeavours.

By the way, this Bulletin is Best Viewed Online 

 
From the President's Desk
Thanks to everyone who were able to come along to our meeting this week.
As always it was good to catch up and it was terrific to see Tim & Jane again.
Our guest speaker was Tony Spring who told us about the work being done to help minimise Malaria across some key areas. Tony was able to give some clear insights into how we can help by getting on board with the Walk against Malaria. I have contacted the Rotary Club of Pakenham who have already progressed their event offering to partner up and add strength as well as broaden our fellowship.
I’ll let everyone know outcomes in due course.
The highlight though of the night was to join our own Betty Funston via video link and wish her a very Happy 100th Birthday. Everyone had good voice as we sang Happy Birthday and we could all see the joy in her eyes. Funno called me today to say a special thanks for enabling this simple gesture.
Michelle & Sheldon also called around to Betty’s prior to the meeting to deliver a small Birthday Gift from the club.
Gus let us all know that we have officially been called upon to help out the Rotary Club of Narre Warren with the annual ANZAC Day Dawn Service breakfast & BBQ at Bunjil Place on ANZAC morning. I’ve been involved the last couple of ANZAC days and it a great experience and like most things, many hands make things easier
I’ve let Tim Fisher (RCB Narre Warren) know that we will get a crew together and I’ll let him know numbers etc. prior to the event. We’ll call for a show of hands next week so if you can’t be at the meeting next Wednesday but you want to be involved on ANZAC Morning, please let me know.
On the Presentation Ball’s front we have practice covered next Monday thanks to Wendy Moseley & Louise Jackel. Still want to fill the roster asap.
Mock interviews are still on the agenda. If you’ve read the last couple of week’s bulletin you know dates, times & how to nominate. This is a very good thing to get involved with.
Have a good weekend everyone.
Expanding our Reach: Leveraging Facebook for Rotary Clubs

In an increasingly digital world, social media platforms like Facebook offer unparalleled opportunities for organizations to expand their reach, engage with communities, and amplify their message. For Rotary Clubs, harnessing the power of Facebook can be a game-changer in fostering connections, promoting events, and advancing their mission. In this report, we delve into some of the best strategies for Rotary Clubs to expand their reach through Facebook effectively. Here is a link to our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/rotaryberwick.org

Jane Moore has done a mighty job bringing our activities to light on Facebook. Current members, potential members, sponsors, friends and family of members may all have a half eye on what we are doing, waiting for something that interests them. I know from my own experience that sharing a post on my own page brings positive comments about our club's achievements and Rotary in general. As our reach is often further than our own catchment, it is pleasing to find out that some of my friends are looking at joining Rotary in their own area (if the club meets the RCB standard....obviously). So, the outcome is positive because Rotary achievements extend way past the individual club level.

Here are the stats for our best post in March, driven by the eight shares that members contributed towards.

1. Create Compelling Content: At the heart of any successful Facebook strategy lies compelling content. Rotary Clubs should aim to create content that resonates with their audience, evokes emotion, and drives action. This could include sharing impactful stories of community service projects, highlighting the achievements of club members, or showcasing upcoming events. Utilize a variety of formats such as videos, photos, and written posts to keep content fresh and engaging.

2. Foster Community Engagement: Facebook is not just a platform for broadcasting messages but also a space for fostering meaningful interactions with followers. Encourage members to actively engage with posts by liking, commenting, and sharing. Pose questions, start conversations, and respond promptly to comments to cultivate a sense of community and belonging among followers. Consider creating Facebook Groups dedicated to specific interests or projects to deepen engagement further.

3. Utilize Facebook Events: Facebook Events are a powerful tool for promoting Rotary Club meetings, fundraisers, and community initiatives. Create well-designed event pages with compelling visuals, informative descriptions, and clear calls-to-action. Encourage members to RSVP and invite their networks to increase event visibility. Utilize features like event reminders and live updates to keep attendees informed and engaged leading up to and during the event.

4. Leverage Facebook Ads: While organic reach on Facebook can be limited, investing in targeted Facebook ads can significantly expand a Rotary Club's reach and visibility. Define specific audience demographics based on location, interests, and behaviors to ensure ads reach the most relevant audience. Experiment with different ad formats, such as carousel ads, video ads, or sponsored posts, to find what resonates best with your target audience.

5. Collaborate with Partner Organizations: Collaborating with partner organizations and local businesses can amplify a Rotary Club's reach on Facebook. Cross-promote each other's content, events, and initiatives to tap into each other's networks and reach new audiences. Consider co-hosting Facebook Live sessions or joint fundraising campaigns to leverage collective resources and maximize impact.

Facebook offers Rotary Clubs a myriad of opportunities to expand their reach, engage with communities, and advance their mission. By creating compelling content, fostering community engagement, utilizing Facebook Events, leveraging Facebook ads, and collaborating with partner organizations, Rotary Clubs can effectively harness the power of Facebook to drive meaningful change and make a positive impact in their communities.

Yes, but what can all our members do to make a real difference to our Club? Share our story on your personal page.

  1. Raising Awareness: Sharing our Rotary Club stories on Facebook raises awareness about our mission, values, and impact. Through engaging narratives and compelling visuals, members can educate their networks about the diverse range of projects and initiatives undertaken by Rotary Clubs, highlighting the organization's commitment to service above self.

  2. Expanding Reach: Facebook provides a platform for our Rotary Club to reach a wider audience beyond traditional boundaries. When members share stories on their personal profiles or within relevant groups and communities, they tap into diverse networks, extending the reach of their message and attracting new supporters, volunteers, partners and potential members.

Interestingly, this is the demographic for our page, which includes a healthy interest level in younger people of both genders.

GIANTS OF AUSTRALIAN CRICKET & FOOTY - A Night with Ken Piesse

 The Beaconsfield Club
Holm Park Reserve
100 Beaconsfield-Emerald Rd
Beaconsfield, VIC 3807
Australia
 
 

Our guest of honour, Australia’s most published sporting author, KEN PIESSE, will take us all on a delightful nostalgia trip telling stories tall and true about so many of our childhood favourites from Dermie and Plugger Lockett through to  Warnie, the Don and Deano

Ken is appearing at no charge and will have a selection of his books for sale on the night, which he is only too happy to sign.

Don’t miss Australian sports master storyteller. All Rotarians, friends and family are welcome to attend. $30 for two course meal, drinks at bar prices. It’ll be a night to remember. Don't forget to bring along your friends!

District Conference 2025
 
Last weekend DGE Colin announced his coming Conference to the D9810 Rotarians. We didn’t have a Conference in D9820 and Colin is keen for as many of you and your Clubs as possible, to receive an invitation to attend our first Conference.
 
With 2000 Rotarians from 80 odd Clubs vying for attendance at the Conference, the competition for accommodation is going to be fierce!!!!
 
Why? Because we will be creating history at the inaugural D9815 Conference.
When? 28th – 30th March 2025.
Where? The Red Energy Arena in the beautiful City of Bendigo.
What? 2 days of speakers, activities, Rotary Expo and a themed Gala Dinner.
(D9810 has a long history of dressing up on these occasions. This will be our first opportunity to come up with ideas at each Club and vie for the first Best Dressed trophy of our new District.)
Why? Because we are better together and “We Belong
 
More details will follow at the District Assembly in May and the official Conference launch later this year.
 
A Journey through South America
The Beaconsfield Club
Apr 17, 2024
6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
 
Mock Interviews @ Nossal High School
Nossal High School
May 01, 2024 9:30 am –
May 02, 2024 1:00 pm
 
GIANTS OF AUSTRALIAN CRICKET & FOOTY - A Night with Ken Piesse
The Beaconsfield Club
May 01, 2024
6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
 
View entire list
Member Birthdays
Terry Pollock
April 5
 
Gus Dominguez
April 19
 
Fred Edwards
April 25
 
Garry Cooper
April 26
 
Jennifer Marshall
April 30
 
Trevor Watson
May 4
 
Andy Merrill
May 5
 
David Anderson
May 19
 
Spouse Birthdays
Cynthia Merrill
April 1
 
Pat Wingrave
April 7
 
Carol Evans
April 23
 
Steven Marshall
April 24
 
Pat McCurdy
May 1
 
Sheldon Rodrigues
May 3
 
Jenny Hart
May 11
 
Join Date
Di Scheepers
April 12, 2017
7 years
 
Rob Wingrave
April 17, 2003
21 years
 
Di Double
April 26, 2007
17 years
 
Trevor Watson
April 27, 2022
2 years
 
Gary Evans
May 1, 1980
44 years
 
Funno Funston
May 17, 1984
40 years
 
David Anderson
May 20, 2021
3 years
 
Diana Gomez-Fullaway
May 25, 2016
8 years
 
Jane Moore
May 28, 2014
10 years
 
Our Sponsors
Executives & Directors
President
 
Treasurer
 
President Elect
 
Secretary
 
Rotary Foundation Chair
 
Membership
 
New Generations
 
Public Relations
 
Club Protection Officer
 

Take away bold ideas about how to improve your club experience, your community, and the world from breakout sessions at the Rotary convention in Singapore.

 

Supported by a Rotary Programs of Scale award, an initiative in Nigeria seeks to remedy the country’s high instances of maternal death

 
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This week's contributors to the Spoke 'n' Word
  1. President Dave - story
  2. Gus - L-Plate publisher
Anyone can help tell our Rotary Club story. Email me!