District Governor's Message - July 2011

My official Club visits will have started by the time this article appears on the website. Beth & I are looking forward to our visits to the Clubs and thank the Presidents, Boards and Assistant Governors for organising the meetings so that we can learn about the wonderful work your Club is doing and support you in your Rotary Service.

The Children’s Medical Emergency Fund is administered by my wife, Beth. Many Clubs support the fund by making an annual donation. The District collects these funds which are available to assist in cases of need for families on application by a Club to Beth. The appropriate form requesting assistance is available from Beth Woolley. Please email Beth on bwoolley1@optusnet.com.au

District Directories have been printed and should be available to all Clubs before the end of July, if you have not received a directory please contact your Assistant Governor.

The theme for the District Conference this year on the 21 to 23 October is Fun, Friendship and Fulfilment and the Saturday evening theme will be enjoying “The World of Rotary Fellowships”.

Rotary Fellowships are groups of Rotarians, Rotarian spouses, and Rotaractors who meet to:

• Share a common interest in worthwhile recreational activities (sports, hobbies, etc.)
• Further their vocational development through acquaintance with others of the same interest
• Make new friends around the world
• Explore new opportunities for service
• Have fun and enhance their experience in Rotary

I am keen to promote Rotary Fellowships as Beth and I have interests in Veteran Cars, motorcycles, motor homes, quilting and craft. More information on Rotary fellowships can be found on – www.rotaryfellowships.org if you are interested in joining a fellowship please let me know.

Saturday night you are encouraged to wear some clothing that relates to your favourite hobby, sport or Rotary Fellowship activity.

Yellow Boat Road – Fundraiser for Polio Eradication

An exciting project and brainchild of Rotarian Robert Pennicott of Tasmania and Rotary District 9830 Tasmania is the Yellow Boat Road.

Robert Pennicott, owner of the multi award-winning Tasmanian cruise business Pennicott Wilderness Journeys started the adventure of a lifetime on the 31 May 2011.

Robert and crew will circumnavigate Australia in 2 X 5.4m vessel to raise funds for Polio eradication and conservation. The funds will be raised by auctioning, (4 seats in the boats for each leg of the trip around Australia), sponsorship and Robert speaking at public functions organised by Rotary Clubs wherever he stays overnight.

The adventure started in Sydney on the 31 May 2011 and is currently near Darwin; so far he has raised $70,500. Robert will be in Eden on or near the 12 August and Ulladulla on the 14-15 August. He is looking for home hosting for the crew of 5 to 6 people and a speaking opportunity where Rotarians and members of the public can be invited to hear him speak at a fund raising function.

Dale Wilford, PE from Milton Ulladulla has formed a committee to organise his visit while in Ulladulla and we are looking to form a similar committee for the Eden stopover. All Clubs in the District will be invited to attend these functions and support this great initiative. You can read about the project and follow Roberts progress on www.theyellowboatroad.com

This is a wonderful opportunity to support a worthy cause and raise money from the Community to support Polio Eradication.

The District website is being updated, if you find information that is out of date can you please email me the details so that it can be corrected.