Continuing from the Midsumma Festival 2019, several Rotary and Rotaract clubs in Victoria came together under the Rotary LGBT Fellowship banner to march at the recent Midsumma Pride March on a very hot sunny afternoon (circa 40 degrees!!!) Sunday, 3rd February 2019. Thousands of LGBT community members and friends braved the hot weather as all of us marched proudly on Fitzroy Street in St. Kilda.

Despite a late apology from Destiny Rescue, we had Shanki Jayawickrama who happens to be a former Rotaractor from Sri Lanka to talk to us about Nutrition & Well-Being on Tuesday, 29th January 2019 - what a way to convert a guest to a guest speaker through persuasion! January is Vocational month in Rotary where we: 

• Adherence to and promotion of the highest ethical standards in all occupations, including fair treatment of employers, employees, associates, competitors, and the public.
• The recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations, not just those that are pursued by Rotarians.
• The contribution of your vocational talents to solving the problems of society and meeting the needs of the community.
   

Shanki who's vocation is in Nutrition shared her in-depth knowledge and advise about healthy living and how to have a balanced diet. One of the many pointers she shared was:

• having four hundred (400) grams in your diet everyday (80grams per meal x 5 times a day)
• incorporatiing fruits, vegetables and protein in your daily intake
• physical and mental health can be done through simple exercises plus other recreational activities
• you can indulge in three (3) glasses of red wine per month coupled with 2 pieces of chocoloates (80%)
• through following the basic pointers above, it can reduce diseases and to some extent avoids the need of medical procedures per se
   

We like to acknowledge the visiting Rotarians & Guests that came:

• Guest Speaker
  • Shanki Jayawickrama
     
• Rotary Club of Melbourne Park
  • President Gabe Parr
     
• Rotary Club of North Melbourne
  • Past President George Zindilis
     
• Guest
  • Campbell Olsen

Remember to keep the following dates free and to RSVP on our website:

• 5 February - Southbank Conversations & Meetup (informal meeting)
• 6 February - Telling the Real Rotary story and how to get more people involved with Rotary (event of Rotary E-Club of Melbourne)
• 15 February - Conference Club Dinner at the Belgian Beer Cafe, Southbank
• 16 February - Meeniyan Garlic Festival in Meeniyan, South Gippsland
• 19 February - Southbank Conversations & Meetup (informal meeting)
• 26 February - Limitless Boundaries
• 2 March - Opera on the Yarra (event of Rotary Club of Central Melbourne)
• 7 March - International Women's Day Breakfast

Not only it was a sunny warm day, it was also when the Rotary Family (Rotary, Rotaract & others) came together to promote our wonderful organisation at the recent Midsumma Festival 2019 on Sunday, 20th January 2019 at Alexandra Gardens. Following Rotary and Rotaract clubs (not exhaustive list) volunteered throughtout the day and we thank them for their support & presence:

• Rotaract Club of Gateway
• Rotary Club of Bundoora
• Rotary Club of Manningham
• Rotary Club of Melbourne South
• Rotary Club of Prahran
• Rotary Club of Southbank
• Rotary Club of Strathmore
• Rotary Club of Templestowe
• Rotary E-Club of Melbourne
   

So what is Midsumma Festival?
Midsumma Festival has been held annually since 1988. Melbourne's Queer community and friends come together for this collaborative, innovative celebration of queer arts and culture, presented over three weeks from mid January to early February every year. Midsumma Festival is Victoria's premier LGBTQIA+ cultural festival, made for and by communities who live with shared experiences around diverse gender and sexuality. (extracted from www.onlymelbourne.com.au/midsumma-festival#.XEjj2cNuaUs).

Photo from left to right: Our very own Past President Steven Aquilina, President Amritpal Singh, President Gabe Hau from Rotary E-Club of Melbourne (also Past President of Southbank in 2008-09)

On Tuesday 22nd January 2019, Rotary Club of Southbank had its third (3rd) face-to-face board meeting + club assembly where we had a number of observers who came along to discuss on the first half that has past (Jul'18-Dec'18) and future plans for the second half (Jan'19-Jun'19) for the 2018-19 year.

Various topics surrounding the five (5) areas of service which includes club administration, membership, community, international and youth was discussed to understand the opportunities taken and what lies ahead. This includes supporting club members initiated projects or events that will take place in 2019, like supporting Diversity & Inclusion for Midsumma Festival, Pride March, IDAHOBIT and many others.  

We also had the opportunity to hear from club members on how we can take the club to greater heights from the success built to date in the club assembly segment. There were three (3) elements that each club member shared which was; what we should start doing, what we should continue doing and what we should stop doing. It is important to hear from club members as their are the pillars / foundation of Rotary Club of Southbank and they ensure that the club is steering for more achievements, positiveness and happiness.

On behalf of the board, I'd like to thank the following observers for coming:

• District Governor Nominee Philip Archer (charter member)
• Past President Wendy Bennett (member)
• Judy Parslow (member)
• Lilian Ndarukwa (member)
   

Remember to keep the following dates free and to RSVP on our website:

• 29 January - Combating Child Sex Trafficking in South East Asia
• 5 February - Southbank Conversations & Meetup (informal meeting)
• 6 February - Telling the Real Rotary story and how to get more people involved with Rotary (event of Rotary E-Club of Melbourne)
• 15 February - Conference Club Dinner at the Belgian Beer Cafe, Southbank
• 16 February - Meeniyan Garlic Festival in Meeniyan, South Gippsland
• 19 February - Southbank Conversations & Meetup (informal meeting)
• 26 February - Limitless Boundaries
• 7 March - International Women's Day Breakfast

What a great way to start the new year for the club as we had Past President Kerry Kornhauser, OAM from Rotary Club of Melbourne who gave a presentation on the upcoming International Women's Breakfast which falls on Thursday, 7th March 2019. Kerry also gave us an update about EndTrachoma 2020 and to understand better in how we can pursue contribution towards this cause.

Peggy Kalantzis from Australia Post donated a number of items which includes soaps, towels, candles and many others for the EndTrachoma 2020 program through our club. We are grateful of Peggy's generousity and choosing Rotary to donate these items.

In addition, we welcomed back Past President Richard Shortt (2013-2014) as we presented his Paul Harris Fellow (PHF) - the first awardee for 2018-19! He shared his Rotary journey and how his wife Melanie Shortt (also past member of the club) who was instrumental in introducing Rotary to him in the first place. Great to have Richard back and congratulations again for his contribution to The Rotary Foundation which earned him his PHF.

We like to acknowledge the visiting Rotarians & Guests that came:

• Rotary Club of Melbourne
  • President Robert Fisher
  • Past President Kerry Kornhauser, OAM (Guest Speaker)
     
• Family of Rotary
  • Vithi Veeran Subramaniam (Father of Treasurer Raj Vithi Veeran)
     
• Past Member
  • Rotary Club of Southbank Past President (2013-2014) Richard Shortt

Remember to keep the following dates free and to RSVP on our website:

• 22nd January  - Club Board Meeting & Club Assembly
• 29th February - Combating Child Sex Trafficking in South East Asia with John Wallis
• 5th February  - Southbank Conversations & Meetup (informal meeting)
• 15th February - Conference Club Dinner at The Belgian Beer Cafe, Southbank
• 16th Febraury - Meeniyan Garlic Festival in Meeniyan, South Gippsland
• 19th February - Southbank Conversations & Meetup (informal meeting)
• 26th February - Limitless Boundaries with Ayman Barbaresco

The Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and gender diverse, and intersex (LGBTI) community have, and still face many struggles today. As Rotarians we must celebrate the diversity of all aspects of our communities and come together for the second time ever to be part of the Midsumma Festival Melbourne Pride.

Late last year our Rotary family came together for an LGBTI+ awareness session on 1st December 2018. Our next step is to promote Rotary within the community as an open and inclusive organisation and to walk side by side with members and allies of the LGBTI community.

This year we will hold an information stall at the Midsumma Festival, promoting Rotary as an organisation that is inclusive and open to all members of the community. Midsumma Festival serves as a celebration of Pride and many organisations hold stalls to promote themselves to the broader community, in order to raise awareness for inclusion. Being involved says you are an ally to the LGBTI community and shows Rotary as a diverse and inclusive organisation.

Volunteer at Midsumma Carnival
20th January 2019
Alexandra Gardens, Melbourne
Register your involvement and select a time here.
 

March in Pride
3rd February 2019, 10:30am
Fitzroy St, St Kilda
Registration and more information here.
 

Order Rotary Pride Merchandise
We have polo tops, Pink Fluro Vests, Hoodies, Singlets and Rotary Pride flags available.
Purchase online here.

For more information about our involvement in Midsumma Carnival and Midsumma Pride march, visit our website and distribute the poster below.

"Surround yourself with people who inspire you to do better" by Robyn Williams

Joining Rotary Club of Southbank was the best decision I made in 2018 where I've met amazing Rotarians who have inspired me to be better and do better for the community. In some way or the other, it has ignited my faith in humanity and inspired me to take action.

As a new member, I have received tremendous support from President Amritpal Singh and members of the club which is amazing. Within a month of my induction to Rotary on 25th September 2018, my husband and I found out that we are expecting our first child.

Having attended the Christmas party on 18th December 2018 at the Belgian Beer Cafe, I got to know a lot of incredible people who genuinely put their energy into making this world a better place. This inspired me to continue with my journey towards giving back to the community.

Rotary delivers what it promises and I'm so happy to be a part of this wonderful organisation of incredible people.

We thought why not we throw a massive party to celebrate Christmas, New Year's Eve and our very own member Rotarian Judy Parslow's birthday on Tuesday, 18th December 2018 at the Belgian Beer Cafe, Southbank. Theme of the party was 'Over the Rainbow' which was to celebrate peace and happiness in the world. It was also a fundraiser for Seven Women which our club pledged to donate $1,000 to build a toilet for Seven Women's Guesthouse in Kathmandu. 

Seven Women's Guesthouse in Kathmandu will be a training ground for disabled and marginalised women to learn new skills in the hospitality industry, creating employment pathways. Once renovated, this enterprise will generate local income through housing tourists. These funds will be used to fund core programs like education, skills training and income generation in rural and remote Nepal.

President Robert Fisher (Rotary Club of Melbourne) gave a toast to Rotary International, President Meg Ryan (Rotary Club of Brighton North) gave a toast to Australia and President John Wall (Rotary Club of Melbourne South) gave a toast to diversity.

President Amritpal Singh gave his remarks and congratulated the club for the efforts made to date (Jul'18 to Dec'18) and urged all members, visiting Rotarians and guests to look out for what is in store for 2019 (Jan'19 to Jun'19). In 2019, our club will be hosting the Multi-District Conference Club Dinner at the Belgian Beer Cafe, Southbank on Friday 15th February 2019 and will be celebrating the club's 20th anniversary on Sunday 26th May 2019.

Few awards were presented:

• Certificate of service recognition & penny for Polio to DJ Nico Deoki for giving his time to entertain all guests for this occasion.
• Rotary Hero awards to Rotarian Judy Parslow (Rotary Club of Southbank & Seven Women Supporter) and Rotarian Stephanie Woollard (Rotary Club of Melbourne & Seven Women Founder + CEO) for their commitment, dedication and superheroic spirit to upload the ideals of doing good in the world.

Rotarian Judy explained about the theme of the event and had a number of games like hitting the pinata, friendly fining of guests who accidentally burst their balloons by donating to the rainbow jar and many others to keep everyone entertained & upbeat. Even Santa Claus came to give presents to all of us!!

The main extravaganza was the auction (including the silent auction) on a number of items which was donated to the club for the Seven Women fundraiser. Rotary Club of Southbank raised $2,742 for Seven Women which $1,000 will go towards building the toilet for the Guesthouse in Kathmandu and the reminder $1,742 will be given to Seven Women as education scholarships.

It was a successful 'meeting + event' to end 2018 and the club will be back on Tuesday, 15th January 2019 - click here for more information.

We like to acknowledge the visiting Rotarians & Guests that came:

• Family of Rotary
  • Saira Griffin - Zaparas Lawyers & Rotary Club of Southbank First Lady (Fiancé to President Amritpal Singh)
  • Vivien Kane - Spouse of Rotarian Nicholas Kane
     
• Rotary Club of Brighton
  • Assistant Governor (Batman Cluster) Dale Hoy
  • Maureen Hoy
     
• Rotary Club of Essendon
  • Assistant Governor (Calder Cluster) Jenny Foster
     
• Rotary Club of Brighton North
  • President Meg Ryan
  • President Nominee Peter Killey
  • Past Assistant Governor (Batman Cluster) Kate Strain
  • Doug Thompson
     
• Rotary Club of Melbourne
  • President Robert Fisher
  • Myra Fisher
  • Rotarian Stephanie Woollard
  • Rotarian Ryan Saville
     
• Rotary Club of Melbourne South
  • President John Wall
     
• Rotary Club of Central Melbourne
  • President Nominee Therese Robinson
     
• Rotary Club of North Melbourne
  • Past President Neville Page
  • Rotarian Judy Page
     
• Rotaract Club of Melbourne City, Australia
  • President Martin Wilson
  • Alex Trakula
     
• Seven Women Supporters
  • Jane Odgers
  • Tim Beardall
     
• Guests of Rotarian Zeenath Zaren
  • Tanvi Chawla
  • Mansi Chawla
     
• Guests of President Nominee Jasmin Dhillon
  • Brenda Cooke
  • Jane Doyle
  • Andrew Vance
  • Maxy
  • Georgia Pattos
  • Campbell Olsen
  • Archie Agarwal
     
• Guests
  • Dean Fakira - Former Member
  • Manoel Felipe - Hononary Member from Rotary Club of Cruzeiro, Sao Paulo, Brazil
  • Tatiane Dave
  • Sara Grisi
  • Ranielson Santana
  • DJ Nico Deoki

Ray White Southbank organised the launch of the 2018 'A Little Ray of Giving' on Friday afternoon, 14th December 2018 where there was free bianco latte ice-cream (gold coin donation), Santa greeting patrons + children and Rotarian Anne Mitchell from Rotary Club of Carlton & Steps Outreach Service as guest speaker.

'A Little Ray of Giving' is Ray White's very own community charity initiative where offices across Australia and New Zealand get behind the disadvantaged in our local communities and put a smile on their faces at Christmas time. Ray White Southbank will again be partnering with Rotary Club of Southbank for a second (2nd) year running.

Rotarian Anne thanked Andrew Salvo and his wonderful team at Ray White Southbank who partnered with our club to fundraise and donate gifts and grocery vouchers to Steps Outreach Service to help support young people and families experiencing homelessness and disadvantage.

Following on from the launch, volunteers from Rotary and Melbourne start-up iDibs helped Ray White Southbank to wrap over 500 Christmas gifts on both Tuesday, 18th December & Wednesday, 19th December 2018. Rotary Club of Southbank and Ray White Southbank would like to acknowledge the following volunteers who gave their time to do gift wrapping on the dates mentioned:

iDibs Tiorentina Liang Zhang Linhan Li   Rotary Club of Southbank President Nominee Jasmin Dhillon   Rotary Club of North Melbourne Past President Darren Veerapa

A Rotary District 9800 Sponsored Program

Joint Host Club (Rotary Clubs of Glenferrie and Chadstone East Malvern) and the organizing Committee are Seeking Teams of Senior Students for

Saturday April 27 to Sunday 28, 2019 At Swinburne University in Hawthorn

MUNA stands for Model United Nations Assembly, which simulates the workings of the UN Assembly by having teams of two senior students from each of a number of schools represent a particular UN country in debates on matters of world political and social concern. It is a Rotary International program and enthusiastically supported by the United Nations.

MUNA is designed for school students usually in senior classes of secondary schools. Over the years they have primarily come from year 11 students but occasionally we have had some from year 10 and year 12. Depending on their maturity and confidence some year 10 students may find it a little intimidating but on the other hand we have also previously had an individual year 10 winner. A team consists of the two students. More than 1 team per school is possible.

In 2019 MUNA will be held on the weekend April 27 and 28 at Swinburne University near Glenferrie Station in Hawthorn. Greater Melbourne area students come each day by public transport and return home at night. Students from outside greater Melbourne come on late Friday afternoon and will be billeted on Friday and Saturday nights in Rotary homes not far from Swinburne. The MUNA cost is $375.00 for 2 students and the sponsor Rotary club meets this cost. A Foreign Exchange Student can be added to make a 3 person team. The extra cost is $140.00 so a 3 person team total cost is $515.00.

Student Registrations for MUNA close Friday March 1 2019, 8 weeks before MUNA.

Six weeks before the Assembly (i.e. March 15) each team is allocated a country to represent and provided Model United Nations resolutions. This gives the team time before the Assembly to prepare. They are expected to familiarize themselves with the country they represent and be ready to debate the UN resolutions pertinent to their country. All team members must wear the national dress of their country in all assembly sessions. Details, programs, rules of debate and information about the countries allocated, will be provided to the students at the same time.

During the weekend students will learn about the workings of the United Nations, the Security Council and general rules of debate. MUNA aims to enable students to improve their public speaking and debating skills; and to encourage them to make sympathetic and informed comments on world problems and share their opinions and friendship with students from other schools.

Various prizes are awarded at the end of MUNA. A winning team is selected and will be offered the chance to go to the National MUNA session in Canberra in August 2019 to represent District 9800.

We strongly recommend this very popular program to all clubs and ask that you go to your local schools and find a team of 2 students (clubs may sponsor more than 1 team). Then have students complete the Excel registration form, print it, sign it, have it signed by a parent or guardian and lastly photograph the signed form. After these steps the student send two files (the Excel file and the photograph file) to the MUNA Chairman, Newton Langford, nlangford@optusnet.com.au. An invoice will be sent to the sponsor club immediately after a team registration is complete. Payment is required before MUNA. Please call me if you need assistance.

Newton Langford. D9800 MUNA 2019 Committee Chairperson 03-9529-7395