NEXT MEETING IS AT THE ROYAL CANBERRA GOLF CLUB ON 3 APRIL STARTING AT 12.30 PM
Eric will run the Meeting as I am doing a presentation of the Economics of Marriage for the Weston/Woden Probus Club at that time.
ANZAC DAY EVE PEACE VIGIL AT THE GROUNDS OF THE AUSTRALIAN CENTRE FOR CHRISTIANITY AND CULTURE IN BARTON ON 24 APRIL BEGINNING AT 5.30 PM
Michael has been asked for volunteers to assist in placing chairs and dismantling afterwards plus setting up Lanterns for the Vigil. The Lanterns are in the Chapel so only need to be placed outside compared to last year when they were taken to the site on Mount Ainslie.
We will discuss more details at our meetings in the coming weeks.
FIVE SHORT BLASTS. A MUSIC EVENT IN CANBERRA
Michael Rabey has been contacted by two Members of the Canberra Music Festival to include the Peace Bell in five musical events around the Lake where the audience is taken on GoBoats to various locations, including the Carillion. The idea is to sell tickets to Fellow Rotary Clubs and have the funds attributed to the Peace Bell Account that funds the Chief Ministers Peace Prize.
INVITATION TO ATTEND A MEETING ON YOUTH SELF HARM AND SUICIDE AT THE GUNGHALIN EASTLAKES CLUB ON 8 APRIL STARTING AT 7.00 PM
Judy Ford as President of the Gunghalin Club has sent us this invitation. If you wish to attend make a reservation via Peter Ford at pierre51@icloud.com.
NUSA TANGARA ASSOCIATION FUNDRAISING DINNER ON 5 APRIL AT THE CANBERRA SOUTHERN CROSS CLUB, WODEN STARTING AT 7.00PM.
Bookings for this dinner have closed, but if you are attending, please let Keith Gray know on email binky1929@gmail.com.
Yours in Rotary
Russell Dew
Last meeting
A small group of members enjoyed an excellent overview of the Hall heritage Centre on Thursday, 27 March. We enjoyed morning tea to begin with, heard about the Centre, and then looked over several of the display rooms – but it was just a small taste of what is on offer. If you are interested in a little of early Canberra history, I highly recommend a visit to the centre on any Thursday, 9 am to 12 noon or Sunday afternoon 12 noon to 4 pm. Michael Rabey
Next meeting
Our next Club meeting will be held at the Royal Canberra Golf Club on Thursday, 3 April, starting at 12:30 pm. In the absence of President Russell, Eric will preside. There is no guest speaker.
Ringing the Peace Bell at the start of Saturday’s walk
Andrea on duty, responding to walkers’ questions
After the second walk: 2025 bar added to medal ribbon, and a pin and sew-on patch commemorating five years of Rotary involvement in this event
On Saturday and Sunday, I and over 250 other walkers from 13 countries (including Australia) took part in the Aussie Peace Walk, most choosing to walk on both days. There were a range of distances on offer: 7 km; 12 km; 21 km; 24 km and 42 km. Thanks to the many Rotarians and other volunteers who made this year’s event possible, including from our Club: thanks to Michael Rabey and Warrick Howieson at the Peace Bell (the first checkpoint for Saturday walks) and to Andrea Conti, a vital member of the organising team. Rotary has been involved in this event for five years now, with Michael and Andrea contributing to its success each year.
Stephen McMillan
Women’s History Month
March is Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate and reflect on the vital roles that women play in our communities. I want to use this occasion to recognize women in Rotary -- like you-- for their tremendous contributions to our organization. Rotary and Rotaract clubs thrive when they create a welcoming and inclusive environment and enable women to foster meaningful connections, serve our communities, and lead.
I said yes to joining a Rotary club in 1991 because I wanted to meet new people. Many years later, I can attribute the amazing experiences I’ve had, people I’ve met, and places I’ve visited because I continued to say yes. I tell people, “Life is always more interesting on the other side of yes.” That has certainly been true in Rotary.
Over the past three decades, the number of women joining Rotary has grown significantly. Women are responsible for some of Rotary’s most innovative and impactful service activities. We also hold leadership positions at all levels, from club president to Rotary International president.
Rotary provides women with opportunities to do extraordinary things. We are immunizing children against polio on the front lines in Pakistan, working to eliminate cervical cancer in Africa and Latin America, stopping sex trafficking, and empowering girls and women through education programs in the communities where we live. We are helping to reshape our organization, bringing new perspectives and ideas to Rotary’s service projects and global initiatives.
March is not only a month to celebrate women. It is also a time for us to welcome more women into Rotary. Will you join me and share the gift of Rotary with other people of action, who are yet to be a part of us? Say yes, and let’s share the Magic of Rotary! Stephanie A, Urchick, President, Rotary International (with thanks to Monica for passing this on to the Editor)
News Notes is sent out each Monday. Please send items for inclusion to sjmcmillan1974@live.com by 10 am Monday.
