Week 26 - 19 January 2024

 Yee-Haw!

It’s Country week with the Tamworth country Music Festival starting today, it’s also Dolly Parton’s Birthday so a ‘double’ reason to celebrate!

Saturday is Penguin Awareness Day – go figure - as well as a birthday for Buzz Aldrin – beam me up Buzz!

Sunday is world Snow Day – somehow I don’t think we will be celebrating this as our temperatures soar into the thirties!

In 1937 Howard Hughes the famous American aviator, flew from Los Angeles to New York in 7 hours and 22 minutes – impressive by today's standards!

He's a STAR (Special Training for Action in Rotary) Update 2023-2024 - Brian Johnson

The STAR program is designed to introduce new members to Rotary history, structure, purpose and the Mill Point Rotary Club.

Vice President Brian Johnson gave a modified presentation to refresh members on Rotary basics and the Club in 2023-24. 

Brian's update focused on the newly amalgamated Rotary WA, District 9423 and the Zone 8 Regionalisation pilot.

 

The Rotary Club of Chicago was formed by Paul Harris in 1905.

The Rotary Club of Mill Point was chartered in 1987. 

Of the 22 Charter Members, three are still active (Owen Ferguson, Rick Sneeuwjagt and Vic Stoyanoff). 

The Charter President Sid Jessup is an Honorary Member.

The RC Mill Point is now one of 93 Clubs in District 9423 and grouped into Cluster 8.

 

 

 

 

Mill Point Rotary Club comprises of seven Committees, a Trust and Charity.  

Brian gave a brief overview of the current projects and activities of each, summarising the current incumbents of the Board and various Office holders. 

No surprises there...

 

 

An organisational chart of District 9423 was presented for all to see.

The chart was not examined in any detail, just to illustrate what a “monster” District Governor Nominee Veronica would be inheriting in 2025-2026. 

No backing out now Veronica….

 

 

 Brian also discussed the Zone 8 Regionalisation Pilot. 

This will be running “in shadow” with the existing Rotary structure to develop and evaluate as an alternate model.

The existing Districts will be replaced with zones.  Zone 8 will encompass all clubs in Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Islands.

 

The overall Zone 8 Organisational Structure shows similar layers of governance to the current Rotary model.

However a Regional Council would replace all Districts and a Section replace the Clusters.

Each Section would comprise 10-30 Rotary and Rotaract Clubs.

 

This would seem to indicate more delegation/autonomy to Clubs at a lower level.

The Regional Council would be divided into Portfolios, and these will work in tandem with the traditional “Avenues of Service”:

- Service Projects & Programs

- Public Image & Partnerships
- Membership
- Leadership Formation: Learning & Development 

- Major Fundraising & Grants (including Foundation)

- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
- Rotaract Nominee

After the trial (no fixed time frame), a vote will be held before implementation. Brian then finished with a quick recap on the new Club website and useful links.

A full PDF copy of the PowerPoint presentation will be available for download from the website (Google Drive) or on request from Brian.

Announcements and Directors' Reports

President : updates on our members' health - Lyn McCamey in hospital being 'pinned' as we meet; Scott recovering nicely but slowly; Dietmar running rings round Anne Marie (only joking) but taking it nice and slow; Peter S in Hollywood Hospital until probably next Tuesday, ring before you visit; Roger travelling as well as can be expected. Everyone sent thanks for the good wishes and cards delivered by our very own Michelle Lovkis.

 

Club Service: Australia Day parking is on again, volunteers needed, list circulating. Tricia Smith is coordinating in lieu of Dietmar. So far Kelly G, Angus F, John O'S, Ken P, Ian K, David R, Gorby, Michelle L, Wayne M, and Brian J have volunteered.

Veronica L, Brian J, Kelly G and John O'S attended a Zoom meeting with sister club in Ukraine where key projects were discussed which RCMP might get involved with - Civil transport, Conservation and storytelling of Ukrainian Arts, and Children mental health camps in Poland for children who have lost 1 or both parents. 

Badly in need of assistance with restoration and revitalisation of village totally destroyed by the early march in Kyiv by Russian forces. Focus on temporary construction. Significant Japan/USA/NZ/Canada involvement. Other infrastructure replacement. General Humanitarian aid via containers including food/medical supplies/clothing. Distribution to front lines where situation is cricial.

International: only 2 sleeps to go before Sri Lankan Eye Camp commences, 15 x Australians and 1 Sri Lankan will be attending. Thanks to RCMP for their support.

Youth: Camp Opportunity kicked off last Sunday. Lunch at the Zoo was delivered by Rick, Brian and Viv Adams and Michelle Lovkis. Campers, buddies and volunteers were extremely grateful and RCMP were awarded a certificate of appreciation by the Camp Opportunity leader.

 

Fines - Collector of Cash Joy B...

Everyone for turning up to listen to 'one of our own'

Herself for having to leave early...

Brian J from the pointy end of a plane to economy and too many trips and tips to count!

All Tennis Tragics

Veronica L Spontaneous travel to Malta and faux pas Northern 'Ireland' instead of Northern 'Thailand' (Doh!)

Angus F for attending two week in a row!

Mike C - historical faux pas - it's Australia day next week NOT ANZACs!

Alison T in lieu of  Derelict husband wolf whistling at Viv Adams (he's got taste)

Floral Ladies - Alison T, Michelle L, Margarets W and H, Jenny McL, Lorrie G, and Kim P - and what a beautiful bouquet they made between them!

 

Slurp of the week

Kim Payne won the heads and tails with a single header! 

Thanks to Lyn and Margaret Metcalf for supplying the wine!

 

Attendance

32 attendees this week including Kero O'Shea (District Development Officer) and Lydia Wong (2nd time)

Week 25 - 12 January

 Happy New Year!

January is the month of Vocational Service, and Rotary International will be 118 years old. Here's some amazing facts about Rotary.

• 1.4 million members worldwide

• There are more than 46,000 clubs in Rotary

• Rotary WA District 9423 is made up of 93 of clubs including 1 satellite club and 5 Rotaract clubs.

• Rotarians transform communities by expending over 47 million volunteer hours each year.

• $333 million awarded for global service initiatives during 2020-2021, from the Rotary Foundation.

• What do Rotarians do? it’s quite simple – Rotarians are people of action; community builders locally, nationally and internationally; and above all else problem solvers.

 

Guest Speaker - Sheryl Stanley

Sheryl shared many insights into the impactful role of
education within the unique context of Western Australian women's prisons. Teaching in these environments is not just about disseminating knowledge; it's about empowering women, fostering personal growth, and contributing to their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
To begin, Sheryl spoke about gaining an understanding of the landscape of women's prisons in Western Australia, and asked the question "How many people have been inside a prison?"
Women in prison face distinct challenges, often quite different from their male counterparts.

Recognising these challenges is crucial in tailoring educational programs that address the specific needs and circumstances of female inmates.

The Power of Education for Women : Education is a powerful force for change, particularly for women in prison. It not only provides academic skills but also addresses underlying issues such as trauma, substance abuse, and mental health. Studies consistently demonstrate that education significantly reduces recidivism rates among women, paving the way for successful reintegration into society.

Teaching in women's prisons comes with its own set of unique challenges, including addressing the complex needs of female inmates, creating a safe and supportive learning environment, and recognising the role of trauma in their lives.

Tailoring Education to Women's Needs : Understanding that one size does not fit all, educational programs in women's prisons must be tailored to meet the diverse needs of the inmates. This involves offering vocational training, therapeutic programs, and educational opportunities that empower women to overcome their past and build a brighter future. 

Courses available at Bandyup : Adult Basic Education (incl foundation literacy & numeracy), Hairdressing, Barista, Horticulture, Animal grooming, Logistics, Forklift ticket, Art & Art history, Driver Education, University courses (incl ITEC) Traineeships in Cleaning, Horticulture, Laundry, Warehousing, Hospitality, and Textiles

Building Confidence and Self-Esteem : Education has the power to build confidence and self-esteem. For many women in prison, low self-esteem and a lack of confidence may contribute to their criminal behaviour. By providing a supportive learning environment, educators play a vital role in helping women rediscover their potential and believe in their ability to succeed.

Educators must approach their work with empathy, understanding the unique journeys of each woman, and helping them rewrite their narratives through education.

So, teaching women in prison is a challenge that goes beyond traditional education. It's about empowering women, fostering resilience, and contributing to the creation of a more just and compassionate society.

How can you help? : Most importantly by keeping an open mind and know that those in prison are just humans who have made some poor choices.
Intergenerational trauma affects a large majority of those who are incarcerated.
When thinking about “locking people up” remember that adult prisoners cost the taxpayer $140,000 / year, and  40% of those incarcerated are sentenced with non-violent crimes.

Announcements and Directors' Reports

Congratulations to Rick Sneeuwjagt - nominated for Citizen of the Year award (Senior category) at  the City of South Perth Australia Day. Be sure to come and cheer him on!

Camp Opportunity - begins on Sunday 14 January.  RCMP members will be providing lunch for campers and buddies at the South Perth Zoo on Monday 15 January (see Rick for more details). Veronica in capacity as DGN will officially open the camp on Sunday afternoon.

RCMP member Mark Jones - commenced cycling from Cairo to Capetown - safe cycling Mark - may the force and the wind be with you!

Rotary Assistance - Gorby and Lew Thomas assisting Roger Davey's business with their expertise, just shows what Rotarians can turn their hand to in times of need.

Sister Club of Ivano-Frankivsk meeting - A Zoom meeting is to be held between the RC of Mill Point and Ivano-Frankivsk on Wednesday 17 January at 2pm. If anyone is interested in Zooming-In, the meeting ID is 835 945 0027

Fine(s) - take my money!

Veronica - 22 meetings into the year and obviously fines slipped under the radar!

Mike C - Returned from the UK (probably deported!)

Margaret W - Arriving ultra early this morning - unusual.

Geoff L - Unable to remember name of coffee shop where he buys his weekly coffee (Hmmm!)

Angus - Surprised everyone by attending - classed as a visiting Rotarian?

Debbie S - Missing in action for too long (we missed you)! Pay up Debbie.

Gorby - (1) Dress standard slipping but at least his shirt was not inside out; (2) good looking sister - what went wrong with him?

Rick S, Veronica L and Alan J - All joined the Club in the month of January!

Everyone - Who got a Christmas present they didn't appreciate!

Wine (slurp) of the Week 

Warren McCamey won Heads and Tails! Thanks to Lyn and Margaret Metcalf for supplying the wine.

Attendance

38 attendees in all, comprising - 32 members; 6 guests including guest speaker Sheryl Stanley, Sana Dimovich, Nick Stanley, Joanna Hudson (ex member), Lydia May Wong and Kerry Hardwick.