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District Governor's Message - August 2020
The first couple of months of this year have been an important time for me to get to know clubs and so many more Rotarians. At this stage I have managed to reach about a quarter of the clubs in District 9705 - mostly by Zoom. I am looking forward to meeting other clubs and to the time that I can get out and about for face to face meetings.
Helen and I did have the pleasure of delivering a number of Banners that are specifically for clubs for District 9705 to a range of towns west of Canberra. As part of the process we were able to join the "bikers" evening changeover for Central Leeton and had a wonderful evening. A special thanks to outgoing club president Jackie Kruger and incoming president Lionel Weston. We were also able to meet other presidents in places like Murrumburrah-Harden, Temora, Junee, Wagga Wagga, Lake Cargelligo, Condobolin, Forbes, Parkes, Orange and Bathurst. It was a terrific opportunity to catch up with incoming board members and presidents on a one to one basis. A special thanks to those people who accepted a number of banners and are now in the process of distributing them.
We were also able to attend a couple of face to face meetings in Canberra including the Changeover for Aurora Gungahlin and meetings of Canberra East Rotary Club and Canberra Sunrise. Whether at the meetings or at these changeovers, Helen and I keep being impressed with just how many outstanding programs are being taken on by Rotarians across the district. There are local projects, national and international. And at the same time it is clear that Rotarians are enjoying themselves while they are working to make a better world.
I have also been pleased at the way clubs have accepted the four requests that were made of clubs by International President Holger Knaack:
- Explore new and innovative club models
- Each club to have a least one Strategic meeting each year
- Ensure new members are a good fit
- Support End Polio Now
- (as of 5 August cases remain steady at 87 this year - in Afghanistan and Pakistan)
Our teams are all working hard to complete the transition from 9700 and 9710 to 9705 and their efforts are really appreciated. There have been considerable challenges but prior planning, commitment and knowledge have assisted in minimising the disruption. A special thanks for this goes to the leadership displayed by PDG Steve Hill and PDG George Weston over a sustained period along with an array of other experienced Rotarians.
Finally, as much as I am keen to visit as many clubs as possible, it is important to remind you all that the official visit (with all that it entails) is carried out initially in the new district 9705 by the Area Governors. I will discuss the outcomes and the reports they prepare before being submitted to Rotary International. However, this different process is part of the way that a more innovative approach has been proposed in the new District.
I am enjoying the role of District Governor, I appreciate the support that so many have provided and I really appreciate the warm welcome that has been extended by so many Rotarians.
Michael