As we start the New Year, it's also time to reflect on all that we’ve achieved through our clubs in 2024. I’d like you all to think about the differences that you’ve made to people in both your local community and overseas. Think about those projects where you helped individuals, and those where you helped groups of people through your combined efforts to improve our world. Rotary International‘s achievements are fuelled by the achievements of all our individual clubs and the result is extraordinary. We really are part of a movement that makes the world a better place.
Regards,
DG Sue Hayward
January is Vocational Service Month on the Rotary calendar. It's a time for clubs to highlight the importance of the professional lives of their members and to promote the values of vocational service.
Vocational service is a fundamental part of Rotary and is based on the idea that Rotarians can use their professional skills to serve their communities. Some of the goals of Rotary's vocational service include:
Mentoring young people
Helping people with special needs
Improving people's quality of life
Encouraging high ethical standards in business and professions
Recognizing the value of all useful occupations
Using professional skills to help others
Some activities that your Club could undertake include:
Providing opportunities for members to talk about their professions
Helping young people achieve their career goals
Providing guidance to others in their professional development
Happy Birthday
Congratulations to the following Clubs in our District who achieve milestones in December & January:
Bondi Junction celebrated 86 years on 5/12.
Liverpool achieved 76 years on 16/12.
Campsie will reach 78 years on 22/1.
Congratulations to all club members from your District Team.
To find out about events being held by Clubs, check out the Club News page on our website - link below.
Rotary Club members from all Clubs are invited to visit Mount Annan Botanic Gardens to witness firsthand the incredible work being done to conserve our native flora. Explore the many ways the Gardens are researching and conserving flora, and hear about how you can contribute to help safeguard Australia's botanical future.
Mount Annan is home to the renowned Australian PlantBank and offers breathtaking landscapes, beautiful themed gardens, native woodlands and sustainable horticultural displays. It serves as an important educational resource, offering programs that inspire visitors of all ages.
Macarthur Lift The Lid Walk for Mental Health 2025
The Rotary Clubs of Camden, Campbelltown, Gregory Hills Next-Gen, Ingleburn, Macarthur Sunrise, Narellan, Picton & Wollondilly North are walking together to raise awareness of mental health issues in our community and to raise funds for mental health research through Australian Rotary Health.
The Walk is being held on Sunday 23rd March at Camden Town Farm.
The Facebook page for the event is now live and tickets can be purchased ($30 plus booking fee for 16+ and free for children under the age of 15 ). The ticket price includes a shirt and a cap.
We are also seeking sponsors for the event and here is a pdf outlining sponsorship opportunities which I would also like to share throughout the District.
Further details and a link to the sponsorship opportunities can be found on the Camden Rotary Club website www.camdenrotary.org.au
Rotary Emergency Services Community Awards (RESCA)
Reminder - voting by all Clubs for these important awards closes soon. The original document sent to Clubs in relation to this proposal can be downloaded here.
A club that doesn’t vote has to be put down as a vote against the proposal
So this great and heartful recognition by the Community of Emergency Services workers is not lost, can you please ensure your Club votes by the 28th of February, 2025.
RYLA 2025 will be held at Tops Conference Centre, ACACIA, 51 Bendena Gardens, Stanwell Tops 2508
The RYLA Committee and Team Leaders would like to say a massive thank you to the Rotary Clubs who have submitted RYLA applications.
The team has been busy preparing for RYLA and are excited to meet all the young leaders your clubs are sponsoring.
Also at RYLA, we will be having a barbeque and presentations on Sunday 2 February 2025, starting at 10:00am at the Tops Conference Centre, ACACIA, 51 Bendena Gardens, Stanwell Tops 2508, and we would love to see you there.
If you would like to attend, please book a ticket here
RYPEN
There are two dates set for this year for RYPEN @Teen Rach
Cronulla Rotary are organising a fundraiser to help rebuild the 45 schools that were damaged in the earthquake. Below is an article from the local paper.
A cocktail party is planned (with an island theme) to be held at Cronulla RSL, which for those that don’t know Cronulla, is overlooking the beach.
Since the earthquake on 23rd December, Marg has been in constant contact with various friends and colleagues on whom the earthquake has impacted.
Given the extent of the damage and on advice from a friend who is working with the Ministry of Agriculture in Port Vila, Marg is suggesting we target the damage that was done to schools. By so doing we will be helping the children and henceforth the future decision makers for the country.
Please contact Marg Johnson, Co President Cronulla Rotary (ex Australian Volunteer in Vanuatu) if your Club would like to be involved.
Shelter Box News
Check out the latest newsletter from Shelterbox updating members on disasters around the world.
Vanuatu Earthquake Appeals
On Tuesday, 17 December, a magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck near Vanuatu, followed by multiple aftershocks. With the number of fatalities and injuries and major damage to health, roads and telecommunications infrastructure, it is essential that critical assistance in water, sanitation, health, and nutrition is provided in Vanuatu’s state of emergency.
If your Club wants to donate to help the earthquake victims of Vanuatu, the following appeals are available to send donations:
RAWCS: link below. This is being run Nationally at RAWCS and is as always tax deductible. https://rawcs.org.au/
