It was terrific to listen to President Annabelle and Secretary Sarah explain and present on their experiences with being involved with Interact at this weeks meeting.
Sailing Challenge reaches new heights
Climbing 27 meters up rigging, above a heaving sea, to unfurl or reef a sail for the first time is one of the key challenges of sailing a square-rigged ship with a team of other first-time sailors. This is usually made worse by the inevitable sea sickness in the first days on the open ocean.
Twice a year, District 9510 organizes this challenge in South Australia as part of its suite of youth development programs.
The Sailing Challenge was founded in 2017 through the inspiration of Sir James Hardy and Rotarian sailor and award-winning boat builder David Binks. With 57 years of distinguished Rotary service through the Rotary Club of Glenelg and district youth committees, Binks embarked on a sail training challenge for 15- to 19-year-olds using the square-rigged vessel the One and All.
After a formal evaluation of the benefits of the program to young people’s development, it has now been embedded as a key district youth program of personal development, teamwork, and leadership.
Twice a year, 19 students are selected to undertake this challenge and are sponsored by Rotary clubs. They join the crew for a five-day voyage of skill building. Special emphasis is given by Rotary clubs to select students who will gain the most growth from the challenge.
The square-rigged One and All was built and used originally as part of South Australia’s 150 years celebrations in 1986. Its design is based on an 1850s brigantine, but using modern shipbuilding materials and safety features. It now runs regular cruises in the Gulf St Vincent and is in big demand for corporate training events as well.
The rigorous training is split into three team watches, and within that the members work four hours on and four hours off continuously throughout the five days. The first three days are spent learning how to sail a square-rigged ship, then the final two days the students sail the ship home themselves.
They learn to read charts, navigate, and change sails to make the most of the conditions, and about the many sails, ropes, and lines needed to safely sail such a ship.
"I have fond and lasting memories of the trip," said Urrbrae Agricultural High School student Maycie Darlington, one of the students sponsored by the Rotary Club of Mitcham, South Australia.
"I made instant friends with my watchmates and learned much about teams and the value of working together for a shared goal. I found that the background of the team members was irrelevant in their shared responsibilities and achievements." — EUAN MILLER
National Cartoon Gallery
The National Cartoon Gallery is Australia’s only dedicated cartoon gallery, exhibiting the largest private collection of contemporary cartoons in the Southern Hemisphere. It is located in Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, and is organized by the Rotary Club of Coffs Harbour City. The original gallery is housed in an underground World War II bunker that has been converted into a funky exhibition space.
The creation of the gallery is largely due to the Rotary club and, in particular, the two key drivers of the project: Tom Hamilton-Foster and the late John Champion. Their work in acquiring sponsorships and local business funding enabled the restoration of the building to proceed. Their caricatures are proudly displayed in the gallery’s foyer.
Recently, through hard work and government grants, a substantial above-ground extension was built. This has more than doubled the gallery’s floor space. The major improvements were completed in February 2021 and now include a large upstairs gallery, theatrette, meeting room, and café.
Today, the gallery is run by the independent, not-for-profit Bunker Cartoon Gallery Inc. The Bunker is custodian of the cartoon collection, with well over 23,000 cartoons from leading Australian and international cartoonists. These include private donations and bequeaths of rare works.
The Bunker’s role, although different to its wartime past, is still one of communicator and protector of Australia’s history, albeit in satirical form. — ANNE MATTHEWS
Each year, District 9820 run a fabulous 2-day course to develop Rotary Leadership skills in participating Rotarians. Please read on if you are interested in joining this years intake. Dates: Session 1: 27th August 2022 and Session 2: 17th September 2022
