Highlights from the goals scored on Tuesday evening 25th September 2018 at Red Emperor, Southbank

Goal 1 (1' min): Every year the District Governor pays an official visit to every Rotary Club not only to meet & greet but also to provide latest news/coverage of what great work Rotarians and Rotary as whole does locally and internationally. On Tuesday evening 25th September 2018, Southbank had the honour welcoming District Governor Bronwyn Stephens from Rotary Club of Melbourne South with her partner Past President Dr. Mark Stephens from Rotary Club of Brighton North at Red Emperor in Southbank.

Goal 2 (30' min): Exactly a year ago, Raj Veeran was inducted as a member to our club and now he is the club's Treasurer. He has shown great leadership, ownership and drive to make this club successful for many years to come and to make our club financially strong - congratulations Raj on your anniversary. On the day, we inducted Zeenath Zareen (in short Zee) to our club and she is a second (2nd) generation Rotarian (just like President Amritpal Singh and President-Elect/Vice President Sally Page) as her father is a Rotarian in Sri Lanka. Zee's vocation is in education (primary) and has a community project in establishing a home for mothers & children from difficult backgrounds in Sri Lanka. Her fundraiser event is on Saturday 10th November 2018 themed 'Be Real - Be You' strongly urge you attend and support Zee's cause.

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

• 7th October - Rotary Club of Croydon Fashion Parade
• 11th October - Phonse Tobin Awards (event of Rotary Club of North Melbourne)
• 13th October - Y-House Ball 2018
• 16th October - Board Meeting
• 23rd October - Ocktoberfest
• 24th October - End Polio Now Major Giver Dinner
• 25th October - Launch of 'IGNITE' Project - Rotary Club of Melbourne collaboration with Arts Access Victoria
• 29th October - 2018 Chances Golf Day at Box Hill Golf Club

Either in your professional career, volunteering capacity, personal time or others you tend to do more for others and you would think whether it is worth it / more importantly you question 'what's  in for me?'. Well majority of people will say it is not worth the time or energy but in hindsight it is rewarding.

Costa Englezos came to talk to us on Tuesday evening 11th September 2018 on the topic of "The Giver is the Getter". Twelve (12) of us learnt the philosophies, quotations, and insights when Costa championed the Students Learning Assistance Mentoring (SLAM) program at RMIT University Business school more than a decade ago.

Essence from his topic is that indirectly when you put in the time, energy and geniune passion for something without seeking gratification, you will see positive results. This is exactly what Rotary service motto is about; "Service Above Self".

We like to acknowledge the Guests that came:

• Guest Speaker
  • Costa Englezos
  • Mia Englezos (Costa's partner)
     
• Past Member
  • Amrita Ranchod (Past Club Treasurer)
     
• MacRob Girls School
  • Elaine Cheung - Year 11 (NYSF 2019 candidate sponsored by our club)
     
• Guest
  • Alvin Katuari

• 18th September - Special Breakfast with Lord Mayor Sally Capp (event of Rotary Club of Central Melbourne)
• 25th September - District Governors' Visit
• 7th October - Rotary Club of Croydon Fashion Parade
• 11th October - Phonse Tobin Awards (event of Rotary Club of North Melbourne)
• 16th October - Board Meeting
• 23rd October - Ocktoberfest

Rotarians are People of Action

Rotarians work tirelessly to improve their communities and do good in the world.

In 2017-18, you took action and raised more than $414 million for the Rotary Foundation.

In 169 countries, your contributions helped fund

• 1300 Global Grants &
• 503 District Grants

When villages needs clean water, you drilled wells.

When children wanted to learn, you provided opportunities

And where there was darkess, you brought light.

In universities around the world, you invested in the next generation of peacemakers.

And because of you, Polio will soon be gone forever.

Some people see problems. People of Action see solutions.

And your generosity makes these solutions possible.

Thank you for making a difference.

Part of the journey leading up to presidency was to understand the rich history of projects/events which the club has done since the club chartered back in 1999. Though it is challenging and at times leading to no leads, I kept on trying and something came up! 

Tung Dinh (a close friend of mine) mentioned about George Halkias who ran the Melbourne Homeless World Cup back in 2008 and used to be his boss at the Victims Referral and Assistance Service department in the Victorian Government. To add, I did not know the Rotary Club of Southbank was part of the Melbourne Homeless World Cup and did a tremendous amount of work leading up for that big tournament which I attended and got my first ever sun burn! So through separation of different links, somehow it does end up in something in common, friends + Rotary + big event - how wonderful is it?

We thank George Halkias for coming back to the club last Tuesday on 28th August 2018 to relive the moments prior, during and after the Melbourne Homeless World Cup 2008 and we had a great turnout who came to hear him speak. We also welcomed back Past President Tracey Browne and her partner Ross (past members) who were involved in ensuring the Melbourne Homeless World Cup 2008 ran smoothly and we thank them for sharing their stories. Not forgetting, Rotarian Wayne Eade and Rotarian Sharon Eade from Rotary Club of Invercargill South, District 9980 New Zealand who visited us while on holidays and we are blessed having international visiting Rotarians and guests visiting our club - really appreciate it!

Rotary Club of Laurieton in New South Wales (District 9650) made a toast to our club on 6th August 2018 (they sent us a beautiful pamphlet) to foster friendship & goodwill and hope our club members visit them in the near future. In return of their kind gesture, we made a toast to Rotary Club of Laurieton and I personally called President Barbara Jackson to relay our thank you and mentioned we will include them in our weekly newsletters.

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

The Big Issue

• George Halkias - Guest Speaker

Rotary Club of Invercargill South, District 9980 New Zealand

• Rtn. Wayne Eade
• Rtn. Sharon Eade

University of Melbourne

• Katie Wilford Rotary Global Scholar from Iowa, USA

Past Members

• Rotary Club of Southbank Past President (2006-2007) Tracey Browne
• Ross Pilkington

Guests

• Tung Dinh
• Molina Asthana - Previous Guest Speaker - Refer earlier message

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

• 31st August - Rotary "International" President's Breakfast - With PRIP Ian Riseley
• 3rd September - Your Highest Pay Ever - Exclusive Interview Skills Workshop
• 11th September - Club Meeting - The Giver is the Getter - with Costa Englezos
• 18th September - Special Breakfast with Lord Mayor Sally Capp (event of Rotary Club of Central Melbourne)
• 25th September - District Governors' Visit

J.K. Rowling created the Harry Potter phenomenon when the first novel (Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone) was released on 26th June 1997. But who would have thought twenty-one (21) years later a trivia on Harry Potter would be held? Well that took place on 25th August 2018 at the Fitzroy Town Hall organised by Rotaract Club of Melbourne City, Australia (co-sponsored by Rotary Club of Southbank and Rotary Club of North Melbourne).

A total of eight (8) rounds consisting of questions from the novels/movies were thrown to over 60 guests which consistent of Rotaractors, Rotarians, family and friends. Not only it was a fun filled with laughter trivia night but also a fundraiser for Lift the Lid on Mental Health in which the Rotaractors raised over $1,100 - congratulations to them!

Looking towards more events like this in the future and to get the collaboration/closeness between Rotary and Rotaract. President Martin Wilson acknowledged Rotary's presence and support for coming on behalf of Rotaract Club of Melbourne City, Australia.

Following Rotarians, family and friends attended the Harry Potter Trivia night:

Rotary Club of Southbank

• President Amritpal Singh
• Ravinder Bhal
• Tung Dinh
• Sam Davies

Rotary Club of North Melbourne

• President Mary Zindilis
• George Zindilis
• Stephanie Zindilis

Rotary Club of Brighton North

• President Meg Ryan
• Peter Killey

Rotary Club of Altona City

• President Brownyn Fanning

Over 2 Sundays in August, 2018, our members Lilian, Sally & Jasmin attended the Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) where they undertook . RLI is aimed at potential club leaders, as well as those who wish to build their Rotary knowledge, and provides Rotary education and leadership training in a facilitated discussion format.  It was noted at the outset that having leadership skills does not alone assure good

Rotary leadership. An effective Rotary leadership must also have Rotary knowledge, perspective about where Rotary has been, where it is going and a vision of what Rotary can be. None of them were pleased to learn that it took a 1987 US Supreme Court decision for women to be allowed to become members of Rotary however they all acknowledge that Rotary has certainly come a long way since and the amazing impact it has had in society since its first gathering in 1905.
On day 1 of the 2 action packed days, they pondered the above-mentioned questions over Part 1 & 2 which focused on growing & strengthening the club with the sub-topics of My Rotary Club and Members, Teams & Leaders.  Where they learned about the history of Rotary, how to create and contribute to a forward thinking, healthy, vibrant and innovative club and strategic planning and received training on leadership. On day 2 they completed Part 3 & 4 where they learnt about the Foundation and Increasing Humanitarian Service and enhancing public image and awareness. Lilian, Sally & Jasmin have been inspired by the RLI training and look forward to discussing their new ideas and insights with the club at the next meeting.

Of particular interest was the extensive resources available on My Rotary, how to apply for grants for projects and the matching gifts program, all of which have the ability to help our club make a massive impact. All in all it was a wonderful two days where our members got to connect with members from other clubs in District 9800 and share stories and inspiration and have the company of the lovely Rotary leaders Julie & Lesley. We are looking forward to a successful year at South Bank and District 9800,

Despite the strong winds and potential rains, we had our club meeting on 14th August 2018 at the Belgian Beer Cafe in Southbank - seventeen (17) of us braved the weather so kudo's to everyone!

Andrew Salvo from Ray White Southbank gave us an update on "A little Ray of Giving" program which has been running nationally by all Ray White branches throughout Australia for awhile. Last year in 2017, Ray White Southbank came fourth (4th) in the Victoria state and received numerous in-kind and cash donations; partial of that success was  partnering/collaborating with our club. Vision and ambition is for Ray White Southbank to top the Victoria state in this program this year in 2018 and to get as much exposure from the Southbank and nearby communities to give as much / little where possible to help our unprivileged communities through the program.

We also had visiting Rotarians and their family members who came all the way from Pune, Maharashtra, India to pay our club a visit - from the Rotary Club of Pune Nagar Road, India (District 3131). Banner and business card exchange was conducted and oh my, how District Governor Nominee Philip Archer was humbled to be connected with his roots as he was born in Pune many many years ago! Though, the banter continues in the club on who is REAL INDIAN in the club, lol (laughing out loud)!

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

Ray White Southbank

• Andrew Salvo - Guest Speaker
• Lilian Kwan

Rotary Club of Pune Nagar Road, India (District 3131)

• Charter President Rajendra Danke
• President-Elect Sanjivani Danke
• Premsai Danke (Family of Rotary)
• Dr. Vijaya Danke (Family of Rotary)

Rotary Club of North Melbourne

Prashant Nand - His induction is on 6th September 2018 @ Mercure Hotel North Melbourne; please contact North Melbourne Rotary Club directly to RSVP.

Other

• Marta Tonelli from Italy - Long time friend and former colleague of President Amritpal Singh where both of them worked at St. Columba's College, Essendon about 9 years ago.
• Ravneet - Guest of Jasmin Dhillon

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

25th August 2018: Harry Potter Trivia Night - Hosted by the Rotaract Club of Melbourne City
28th August 2018: Melbourne Homeless World Cup - 10 years on!
31st August 2018: Rotary "International" Presidents Breakfast
3rd September 2018: Your Highest Pay Ever - Exclusive Interview Skills Workshop
11th September 2018: Club Meeting - The Giver is the Getter
25th September 2018: District Governors' Visit

Message from President Amritpal Singh

Rotary Club of Southbank, Melbourne Australia (District 9800) to our sister club, Rotary Club of Bangsar, Malaysia

19th August, 2018

Rotary Club of Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

District 3300

My heartiest congratulations on your club's installation of President Vinesh Thanabalasingam and his board of directors. I am delighted to be given the opportunity to pen a few words.

Many of your club members and even Rotarians throughout District 3300 in Malaysia know that I'm a second (2nd) generation Rotarian and my parents are Past District Governor (2008-09) Dr. Rajindar Singh and Past Assistant Governor Surendra Kaur from Rotary Club of Teluk Intan, Perak, Malaysia in District 3300, your turf!!!

When I was President-Elect last year in 2017-18, Rotary Club of Southbank decided to expand our sister club relationship as then we have Rotary Club of Bali Taman, Indonesia as we had done two (2) Global Grant projects with them (2014 Water Project & 2018 Women's Health Project). Rotarian Judy Parslow from my club who is your greatest supporter and ally for many years, put the idea up to then President Liam Jones (2017-18) and I and we didn't hesitate, so we got the sister club agreement forms arranged and formalised right away that all happened on 29th August 2017.  We are so proud and happy we have formed this relationship with your club and hope this continues for years to come.

To add that at my club's changeover/installation on 7th July 2018 this year, we also formed a sister club agreement with Rotary Club of Teluk Intan! It's an honour and blessing to have two (2) clubs from District 3300, Malaysia to have formed sister club relationship with our club.

Our clubs were chartered on the same month, with your club celebrating it's 35th Anniversary next year on 16th May 2019 and my club celebrating its 20th Anniversary next year on 26th May 2019. We are separated only by fifteen (15) years and ten (10) days! Both clubs have rich history and takes pride for its undertakings and achievements since founding years till today.

Though the case, we should/must consider change to how we portray ourselves as Rotarians and how we represent Rotary as in our communities. In the past few months at Rotary Club of Southbank, we have made necessary changes and we can see results, it's proven. Like any other corporations, industries and others, Rotary clubs needs to reinvent ourselves to be purposeful, meaningful, and beneficial so we have engaged members, interested people to be subscribed members and to have people volunteer with Rotary whenever possible.

On behalf of the members from Rotary Club of Southbank, I take this opportunity to congratulate Incoming President Vinesh and his board for the 2018-19 term and to Outgoing President Billy and his board for their services during the 2017-18 term. And many thanks for having us as your sister club all the way from Down Under, AUSTRALIA!!!

Yours in Service,