(Apologies for the missing photos. Will not upload)
Rotary Club of Rochester Incorporated.
2014 – 2015 Club Presidents Report.
As we come to the end of another Rotary Year I reflect on what has been a challenging period for the Club. I thank members for their support, fellowship and efforts in encouraging persons to join with us in Rotary. Unfortunately membership decreased by one with the resignation of one member through ill health. Membership or the lack of is the most critical challenge impacting on our club. It is important to acknowledge that with a membership of 8 Rotarians, our club continued to achieve pleasing results throughout the year.
The highlight of the year was the 50th anniversary of the Charter presentation to our club on 24th October 1964. A publication of the 50 years history of the Club’s activities was produced and created great interest. Copies of the book were presented to the local council library and the local Historical society.
Members continue to support the MOW roster with the assistance of Friends of Rotary when we are unable to fill the five rosters through the year.
A successful Farm and Road Safety Expo was held at the Recreation reserve under the Chairmanship of PP Graeme Nelson.
The Rotary Community Bus continues to provide an important service to the community. Our Club was pleased to enter into a Community Bus Partnership with the Bendigo Bank promoting their Blood Red Program.
One of the most challenging projects undertaken by the club and progressing over the last several years has been the Historic Court House Restoration. We are now nearing completion with much activity centered on the preparation and completion of the Disabled entry, footpaths and installation of the kitchen. The Court House gardens are also on the drawing boards. Sharon Herne, a keen sustainable gardener has provided several ‘mud maps’ setting out proposals for a garden area suitable for such a beautiful heritage building. Sharon envisages shade areas with outdoor seating, paved areas with roses and hedged borders along with a new front fence On behalf of members and myself I thank Sharon for her valued input. A milestone was reached when on the 26th March members commenced holding the weekly meetings in the Heritage Court House Club rooms.
During March a Rotary Membership information evening was held in our clubrooms – The Heritage Court House. A visual information presentation display was set up with members answering questions about Rotary. It was a pleasant function with 25 people in attendance. Unfortunately there were no new members, however several are interested in being Friends of Rotary.
It was fitting that during the recognition of World Literacy Month, the Photographic Exhibition, Timor Leste – People & Places was featured at the Court House. The exhibition was in conjunction with our Rotary Membership promotion and the Mural Festival that was conducted over an eight-day period.
Our club supported the Rotary Club Echuca Moama Steam Horse and Vintage Rally during the Queen’s Birthday weekend. Again club members operated the Camp-cooking outlet that proved to be a successful and enjoyable experience. This event is a major fundraiser for our club. It was a busy weekend but with the assistance of Friends of Rotary, Tim Watson, Roger Lucas, Debbie Bish and Brett Gledhill, members and partners were able to manage the demands of this popular food outlet.
As has occurred in past years our members assisted in the working bee to assist in the laying out of the Elmore Field day promotion sites for the annual three-day October event. We again provided volunteers, as we have done for a good many years, for the important safety exercise of moving machinery to and from the static promotion sites to the field demonstration areas.
Our club has had a disappointing year where Youth activities are concerned. Contact with the Rochester Secondary College promoting Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment (RYPEN), Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA), Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) and National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) did not gain interest in what are very worthwhile experiences.
In the International sphere we received the annual school report from one of our sponsored students in Indonesia, Dhea Santika Kristanto. Dhea Santika’s ultimate ambition is to become a teacher.
Our club provided $400 in supporting Goldfields Cluster support of the MEC project (stands for Meningoencephalocoele where the brain herniates and grows outside the skull) initiated by the Rotary club of Phnom Penh in Cambodia in partnership with the Rotary Club of Bendigo Strathdale. International Director PP Stewart McDonald, wanting to raise awareness of “World of Difference” and to provide goods suitable for distribution in Cambodia, Stewart instigated “What’s in the Box?” a fund-raising initiative made available by weekly donations from anonymous donors. A Certificate of Appreciation was presented to Brad & Michelle Gibson, business proprietors of the Rochester Market for their assistance in supplying the items for “What’s in the Box?” A sample of the goods, toys, pencils, chalks and gifts of every description, was presented to the students, Sarah Johnson, Maggie Trewin, Monique Keech and Molly Jones who journeyed with PP Heather Watson on a 13 day “World of Difference” tour of Cambodia.
As this Rotary Year ends I wish to thank all members for their support and efforts in working through a challenging Year. As a small membership club we have, I believe, achieved a pleasing year’s outcome. As long time member of Rotary and as a retired individual I have found it increasingly difficult to fulfill my responsibilities to Rotary while supporting other volunteer organizations serving outback Australia and humanitarian endeavours in Timor Leste.
I sincerely thank Robyn for her unfailing support without which I could not successfully engage in the projects and activities of the club On reflection I have enjoyed the challenges as President for the 2014 – 2015 Year and look forward to the coming year with the completion of the clubs meeting facilities and healthy increase in membership of the Rotary Club of Rochester Inc.
Noel Lucas
President, PHF
Rotary Club of Rochester Inc.
2014 – 2015 Club Service Report
Club Service is the first avenue of service and oversees the core values or if you like the wellbeing of the club This Rotary year started with Rotarian Joe Flynn as Director of Club Service and upon his departure from the club, PP Russell Anderson was appointed to the position.
Program: Guest speakers have covered a wide range of personalities. These included members participating in talks and discussions relating to their vocations and opinions.
Activities & Guest speakers: Local proprietors providing insight into today’s business world; Insight into members voluntary overseas work; Insurance and Governance; Wine Tour, relating to International Service; Cluster Foundation Dinner, Bendigo. End Polio Now: Club members supported the fund-raiser screening of “The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” in lieu of our normal meeting. Clubs Christmas dinner was celebrated with a bus journey with partners and friends to the Goornong Hotel
Membership & Promotion Continued to contact / encourage persons to join Rotary / Become Friends of Rotary. A membership promotion event was held in March in conjunction with a Photographic Exhibition, Timor Leste – People & Places
Bulletin: Thanks to Pres. Noel Lucas, strongly supported by Robyn in producing the weekly bulletin. Many thanks to assistant BE Rotarian Bryan Griffiths stepping in during Noel’s absence
Club Vision: Session led by ADG Greg Noonan, Cliff Downey and Michael Connelly was held on Sunday, 23rd November 2014.
Rotarian Joe Flynn
Club Service Director July / December 2014
Russell Anderson
Club Service Director January / June 2015
ROTARY CLUB OF ROCHESTER
COMMUNITY SERVICE REPORT
2014—2015
The club has this year donated money for scholarships to St. Joseph’s, Rochester Primary School and also to the Rochester Secondary College,
We entered into a partnership with the Elmore Lockington and Rochester Community Bank ( Bendigo Bank) in a program to encourage the community to become blood donors. For the Club’s part we donated the use of the bus for the purpose of taking the donors to Bendigo, giving free transport to encourage more people to give blood. This program has been a success as the bus on its last trip was full with some 24 donors.
We helped the Rochester RSL on Anzac Day with their activities, also laying a wreath from the Club. We conducted the Farm and Road Safety Expo which is covered in a separate report also ROADEC which also has a separate report.
PP. Graeme Nelson
Community Service Director
ROTARY CLUB OF ROCHESTER
FARM AND ROAD SAFETY EXPO
(FARSE)
2014 –2015
This was the 15th year that FARSE has been run, and during that time approximately twenty thousand students have attended. It has been a great achievement. Congratulations to all those involved.
This year was quite a challenge, as sponsorship from some of our usual sponsors didn’t eventuate. However we were still able to run a successful expo with 900 children attending.
It is also a challenge to get more exhibitors who can display and interact with the students explaining all their safety messages. We were able to have the same number of exhibitors as last year, but more would be great.
The static displays may be OK however they need a lot of supervision to stop students climbing over them as it can be a safety problem if left unchecked. It may be that in future we don’t have the static displays requiring constant monitoring.
Survey comments from the exhibitors about the day were all very positive.
PP. Graeme Nelson
Chairman
Farm and Road Safety Expo
ANNUAL REPORT
2014-2015
ROADEC
ROADEC has continued much the same as in the previous year. This next year 2015 – 16 year there will be a few changes taking place.
One will be the formation of a Committee of Management made up of Rochester Rotarians and several members of District 9800. This will give the District and other Clubs a greater feeling of ownership and allow them to have more involvement as well as giving them more reason to sell ROADEC as a District Program. I’m hoping to have the first meeting of the Committee in the next few weeks.
I have also arranged to have a 2 day course run for all Community Service Directors and Club Presidents so that they can experience first hand what the program offers and its benefits to the youth and others.
There are bookings at the moment for July, August and September.
Financially ROADEC has finished the year with a small amount in credit after we have spent quite a considerable amount on making a sales promotional video and the printing of pamphlets and promotional material that has all been put together as a package to help sell the program.
PP. Graeme Nelson
Chairman
ROADEC
ROTARY CLUB OF ROCHESTER
COMMUNITY BUS REPORT
2014—2015
This year has been a good year for the bus as it has been used consistently throughout this year.
The club has entered into a partnership with the Bendigo Bank carrying blood donors from Rochester to Bendigo and back. The number of donors has continued to increase with the bus being filled to capacity on the last trip.
The bus has been hired for quite a number of different uses such as birthdays, weddings, by various clubs, wine tours for our club as a fund raiser, family outings, trips to the airport for local clubs and families fulfilling an important community service.
There has been some maintenance with the fitting of new tyres and batteries along normal servicing requirements.
I now have a list of volunteer drivers for some of those who do not have the correct licence or just need a driver.
Our club is in the process of building a shed to house the bus when not in use.
PP. Graeme Nelson
Chairman
Rotary Community Bus Project.
ROTARY CLUB OF ROCHESTER
HERITAGE COURT HOUSE RESTORATION
2014—2015
The Minister for Environment and Climate Change appointed the Rotary Club Of Rochester Inc. as the Committee Of Management of the Heritage Listed Court House on 30th May 2012.
The Heritage Court House is now our home and the meeting place for our weekly meetings. This is a very pleasing outcome for our club following the challenges over several years associated with the extensive restoration of the building. Heritage officer Wendy Jacobs met with Club representatives in December 2010 and explained many of the requirements needed to restore the building. The restoration works of underpinning the structure, roof restoration, electrical rewiring and floor replacement were ongoing and completed in 2014.
I am pleased to report that in the last week of June the contract was let for the installation of the kitchen and its associated systems. The final work to complete the Heritage restorations is the Disabled Entry Access requirements. We are currently seeking the necessary permits and quotations to conclude this Restoration Project.
We are looking forward to the fact that by mid 2016 we shall be in a position to fully utilise the Old Court House building as our Rotary Home and promote its wider use to the community that has shown great interest in its restoration progress.
Noel Lucas
President
Rotary Club Of Rochester Inc
VOCATIONAL SERVICE
Learning about the work or issues in the local community, has been the main feature of the 2014 -15 year, during this Vocation Year.
Club members have each presented to club meetings a topic of their choice, which was a matter of interest to the individual Rotarian. Those talks went for the minimum 3 minutes, others 5 to 6 minutes with discussion extending the learning. The program lasted for almost half the year, as members were unavailable on numerous occasions to present their talk.
A Mural Competition on the Moore Street reserve arranged by others, gave Rotarians the opportunity to learn about the lives of competing artists, with some Rotarians hosted the Artists.
The Courthouse building works, provides a backdrop for club members and other interested members of the public, to develop a greater understanding of the matters of heritage controls, structural and environmental matters that are involved in the heritage building work and the involvement of various vocations of the building industry.
I thank the Club for the opportunity to service in Vocation.
PP.Ray Lewis
Vocational Service Director
Foundation Report. 2014-2015.
Director – Rtn Bryan Griffiths
Foundation Mission.
The mission of The Rotary Foundation is to enable Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education and the alleviation of poverty.
At the commencement of the 2014-2015 Rotary Year five goals were set by the Rotary Foundation as a benchmark for Rotarians the World over to consider, aim to and even by pass to greater achievements if this was to occur.
The Rotary Foundation five Goals for this Rotary year being-
- The eradication of the Poliovirus from the face of the earth.
- Continue to support Rotary s own Charity- the Rotary Foundation.
- Ensure the progress of our new Grants program.
- Foster goodwill and peace.
- Emphasise the future of our Foundation is in all our hands.
Rotarians attending the Annual Rotary Convention held in Sydney just prior to the commencement of this Rotary Year gave a resounding ovation of applause to Prime Minister Mr Tony Abbott, who announced, when attending the opening ceremony that the Australian government would continue funding for the End Polio Now Programme to the sum of $100 million over the next five years.
Polio still has not being eradicated completely from the world, but we remain hopeful that work will continue to further reduce outbreaks of this disease in countries still affected. It goes without saying that we would never again wish to have this terrible disease occur at any point of time or location in Australia.
October 2014 acknowledged the 100th Anniversary of the birth of Jonas Salk, a man who would create world history by inventing the first effective vaccine against Polio. Shortly after the Salk vaccine was created Albert Sabin developed an oral version, tthat has allowed large numbers of children to be immunised quickly, safely and inexpensively. In 1985 Rotary’s Polio Plus program was born.
October 24th– November 24. 2014 World polio day awareness month. In recognition of this event on the Rotary Calendar, in conjunction with the Rotary Club of Rochester ‘s 50th Anniversary in October, a banner highlighting Rotary International’s commitment to end Polio in the world was on display in a predominant location in the CBD of Rochester. This banner was also on display for the duration of the Rochester Mural Fest as part of the Photo Exhibition and rotary Information Display at the Courthouse.
April 2015 marked the 60th anniversary of the announcement that Jonas Salk’s inactive polio vaccine was safe and effective.
- In this time the Polio programme has been one of the most success public health programmes in history.
- End Polio Now Day- 23rd October 2015.
Consider the following –
-
To a young set of parents in Afghanistan, it was a life-saving immunization for their five-month-old son.
- To a woman with seven children in Malaysia, it was a loan to start a sewing business that enabled her to feed her children.
- To North Koreans, it was an ambulance that equipped a hospital to be able to take care of them.
- To thousands of college students in almost every country on earth, it was the chance to study abroad, with all expenses paid, and learn their educational specialty up close and personal.
- Ask anyone who has been touched by The Rotary Foundation what it is and every answer will be different.
- Ask anyone who has been touched by The Rotary Foundation just how important it is, and every answer will be identical.
- The Humanitarian Programs of the foundation help fuel international Rotary projects to improve the quality of life, providing health care, clean water, food, education, and other essential needs primarily in the developing world. (Rotary Global History Fellowship
November – Rotary Foundation Month:
Rotary Peace Centers.
Each year, the Foundation funds study by peace fellows at six Rotary Peace Centers, where they earn master’s degrees or professional development certificates. Since 2002-03, more than 875 fellows from more than 120 countries have participated, at a cost of $49.6 million. In 2013-14, there were 98 Rotary Peace Fellows from 41 countries, and program awards for the fellows and the Rotary Peace Centers totaled $5.3 million.
Michelle Heard from San Antonio, Texas, sponsored by District 5890 is currently studying at Melbourne University as part of this programme.
As part of acknowledging Foundation Month, Goldfields Cluster held their second annual Foundation Dinner in Bendigo at the Schweppes Centre. Pres. Noel Lucas & Robyn joined 130 others from the Goldfields Cluster at this Foundation Dinner. Guest Speakers, Peace Scholars Charles Allen & Russell Pattern told how knowledge gained through this programme assisted them in resolving conflict within the Dandenong community.
As in past years the Rotary Club of Rochester has continued to support the work of The Rotary Foundation, the charity arm of Rotary International, by way of an annual donation calculated on a per capita of members. This annual donation not only assists the work of The Foundation, worldwide, including End Polio Now, but also enables the Club to award Paul Harris Fellow recognition to individual Club members, or community members for their volunteer efforts within and outside of Rotary. Recognition points awarded by Rotary Foundation to Clubs are based on points given for dollars donated.
Congratulations to Rtn Noel Schier on being presented with Paul Harris Fellow Sapphire pin. A thirty year member of the Rotary Club of Rochester, Noel was presented with this award as part of the day’s proceedings at the celebration of 50 years of the Rotary Club of Rochester in October 2014.
On 26th February, as part of the ongoing project to End Polio Now, available members attended the premiere screening of “The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” at the Bendigo Cinema. A Cluster Club involvement with other Rotary Club members enabled a large group of members to come together to support a extremely important cause, as well as enabling a night of Fellowship with other Rotarians. An opportunity that does not happen as much as would be ideal. This fund raising night was supported by Film Cinemas throughout Australia, with fifty percent of the admission cost going to End Polio Now.
Attendance was not possible at the annual District Grants Seminar held in Melbourne at Graduate House due to work commitments and distance involved. No Club member was able to attend as a representative as this function was held on a week night, with a country based session unable to take place.
Although the club was unable to have a candidate for nomination for selection as part of the District GSE Team to travel to District 6840 in March 2015, interest was still shown in the success and travels throughout the District when the visiting GSE Team from District 6840 arrived in February Again unfortunately due to travel restraint attendance was not possible at the welcome to District 9800 Dinner hosted by the Rotary Club of Brighton Beach on Tuesday February 24th. Some involvement by the club with the Team did take place whilst they were hosted by Rotary Clubs in the Goldfields South Cluster.
Variance in transport was required for return travel to Melbourne. After arriving in Bendigo by train, what better way to return than by bus, The Rotary Club of Rochester Bus. Contacts were made, pickup point arranged-Axedale Tavern with destination Melbourne. Thank you to Club members Graeme and Stewart for your efforts in assisting with transport of the GSE Team members from District 6840.
District 6840 GSE Team member Matthew Winterkorn was most pleased to travel on the Rochester Bus, having a home town origin of Rochester. New York State.
email as received from Matt following his return home
Bryan, I wanted to thank you and the Rochester club for the wonderful hospitality and kindness to our team during our trip to Australia. It was very nice to meet you and thanks to Graeme for busing us back down to Melbourne from Bendigo! All the best,
Matt Winterkorn.
At the conclusion of Foundation Breakfast at the District 9800 Conference 2015 in Hobart, the opportunity was taken to present Rotary Club of Rochester Club banners to this team as part of their visit to the District. Club banners were also presented to GSE team members from District 9800 preparing to visit District 6840. On Saturday 21st March on behalf of the Club, as Foundation Director l attended the combined farewell dinner for GSE teams from District 9800 and District 6840 at Point Cook, hosted by Rotary Club of Laverton Point Cook. GSE team from 6840 spoke very well and favourably of their time in Australia, along with of being of assistance to District 9800 team, whilst they tour in District 6840 America. As with the visiting GSE Team whilst they were in District 9800, it was possible to follow the travel of the outgoing team to District 6840 on a regular basis by their continually updated Face book page.
A welcome home Dinner for the District 9800 team occurred on Tuesday 26th May at the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria, Williamstown. Again it was not possible to attend or have a Club representative at this event. Inability to attend was sent by Foundation Director, Bryan to organisers of this dinner- the Rotary Club of Altona.
Looking at the year in review, members of the Rotary Club of Rochester have continued to acknowledge the importance of the Foundation in the ideals of Rotary.
G S E Team 9800. G S E Team 6840.
“Friendship was the foundation rock on which Rotary was built and tolerance is the element which holds it together”
Paul Harris.
Bryan Griffiths
Foundation Director 2014 – 2015
Rotary Club of Rochester Inc.
Cambodia December 2014
‘World of Difference’, a project of the Rotary Club of Melbourne South coordinated by Bronwyn Stephens, supported by Rithy Ann.
Why return to Cambodia in 2014 after having been there in 2013? Why not!!!
I took the opportunity to introduce students Sarah, Meg, Belinda, Monique, Maggie, Mollie from Rochester Secondary College and Breanna from St Joseph’s College to ‘World of Difference’ to Cambodia. We joined Chris and David, Mick, Matthew and Bronwyn to visit and take part in humanitarian work in Cambodia.
Siem Reap was our first stop-over where we visited Chress Village to build water filters to donate to the poor families in the village. We also ‘helped’ the local men sink two water bores. At the Sreivibolker Primary School several activities were undertaken with the children including a dental health activity, English songs and maths activities. Whilst in Siem Reap we took the opportunity to see the sunrise over the Angkor Wat Temple and to visit Ta Phrom Temple, made famous by the film ‘Tomb Raider. A visit to the Landmine Museum gave an insight into Cambodia’s dark past and the legacy that there are still landmines lying in fields across much of the country. We also made a visit to the holy mountain Phnom Kulen, the most sacred mountain in Cambodia to see the huge reclining Buddah, riverbed carvings, the early temples and to swim at the beautiful waterfall.
We then travelled to Battambang to experience a fantastic ride on the Bamboo train (Nory) and then watched the skilful acrobatic moves of the Phare Ponleu Selpak (Battambang Circus).
From Battambang we journeyed to Phnom Penh for the final stage of the trip. Here we visited the Future Light Orphanage which cares for about 300 children and is supported by several Japanese Rotary Clubs. We spent time with many of the children and conducted various activities. The ‘Wildlife Alliance’ at the Phnom Tamao Zoo gave an opportunity to interact with some of the animals and to gain an insight into this project which rescues endangered animals, giving them safe sanctuary until they are rehabilitated and released back into the wild.
For me, the most exciting aspect of the trip was to return to Bosala to see the school building completed and the children being taught in the classrooms which were under construction in 2013; to see the pig sty completed and the water-well in use. This was a day spent with the villagers and children. Fifty bicycles were donated to students who lived remotely from the school. Many other donations of clothing and toys were distributed. Activities with the students were undertaken including singing, making a ‘tree of hands’ and dental hygiene. As the school had only been operating for several weeks the level of understanding of English by the students was very limited however communication with the children was ever present. This is a village where ‘World of Difference’ has made a huge difference to the local people. It was a thrill to see the development that had taken place just twelve months, a testament to Bronwyn’s inspiration, dedication and humanity with the support of Rithy.
The visit to S21, Toul Sleng Genocide Museum and later to the Killing Field, Choeung Ek is a confronting but lasting experience. Another example of learning about the atrocities suffered by these beautiful people we have had the pleasure to meet.
Matthew and I, both Rotarians, visited CCASVA, (Cambodian Children Against Starvation and Violence Association) where Rotary Club of Phnom Penh President Peter Gray (formally from Echuca) explained the role of the centre and gave some information about the plight of slum children.
For the students, the visit to Cambodia is a life changing experience for them – one they will always remember. They have undertaken humanitarian activities, learnt some of the Cambodian culture and to a degree, experienced life in a Third World country.
For me, I want to return and give my support to the humanitarian activities of ‘World of Difference. In particular, to see the changes taking place in some of the remote areas and to witness the progress from disease, destitution and despair to health and sustainability of the people of Bosala and Kampong Speu.
Heather Watson.
Past President
Rotary Club of Rochester Inc.
Teaching in Ainaro, Timor Lesté – Teachers for Timor
Eight weeks teaching English, in the Ainaro Community Centre to young and older students who realise the importance of English for their future in Timor Lesté and beyond.
Eight weeks of teaching students who came to class to learn; who accepted every opportunity given to them; who soaked up everything we taught them; who took the opportunity to improve their pronunciation, their comprehension and understanding of the English language.
During discussion sessions, which gave them the opportunity to practice their English skills and pronunciation, they gave Carmel and me an insight into their culture, their thoughts, opinions and lifestyle.
Although English is taught in the local schools, it is text book English, with little emphasis on pronunciation. The students know the rules of English grammar, they can spell, recognise words and read well. However, their comprehension of the written passages is not necessarily understood. Also, imagine learning chemistry and physics without doing the experiments or media studies without any computers, not even the teacher has a computer. This is how the students in Timor Lesté gain their education.
Carmel and I held classes twice a day for four days of the week (Monday to Thursday) to students ranging in age from 16 to 36 years. Class sizes ranged from two to twenty plus students, depending on the day and what else was happening in Ainaro such as school and public holidays and school exams. Some students walked for more than one hour each day for the 2 hour class.
Our students came from the Senior Secondary College, were teachers in the local schools, the unemployed and those in employment. Their desire to learn English is fuelled by the fact that English is seen as the universal language. With good English skills they have a better chance at gaining employment. Timor Lesté is a country that has the majority of their population under 30 years of age looking for employment where employment opportunities are minimal.
Our ‘long weekends’ were spent researching (the power of the internet!) and preparing lessons, exploring Ainaro and surrounding district, and trips away with Aguida, one of the long term supporters of the program.
Our walks often were accompanied by our students who were keen to practise their English but also proud to show us their community, culture and heritage. Walks included Mau Ulu1, Bullico, Jakarta 2, Nugafu, Lugatu, Manutasi, Soro, Sabagalau, the waterhole for a swim and part way to Suro-Craik.
On our way to Ainaro we spent a night in Maubisse and caught up with the Bendigo group who were working on the new kitchen at the Convent. The kitchen has since been opened and Sister Lourdes and her helpers are serving ‘meals on feet’ three times a week and nutritious meals to the local children on a regular basis.
Together with Aguida we travelled by car (really a twin cab ford ute) to Suai on the Friday and caught the bus in the wee hours of Sunday morning to return to the Guest House for lunch. The next weekend we took the car to Hauto Bullico, at the foot of Mt Ramalau, the highest mountain in Timor Lesté. Our climb to the peak of Mt Ramalau was reasonably difficult and quite exhausting. By the time we reached the peak the clouds had rolled in so it was disappointing to have missed the views across Ainaro and down to the Timor Sea.
One of the highlights of the trip was the inauguration of Santa Maria Catholic Church. The Church had been entirely renovated over the past three years. Many students from the school had been rehearsing for weeks for the celebrations taking place on Friday, singing, dancing and the official activities of an inauguration. The younger children had been getting ready for their first communion (Thursday evening) and the older ones for their confirmation, between 820 and 900 people (figures varied depending on who you spoke to) were confirmed, in front of two Bishops, during Mass on Sunday morning.
I thank to our Club for their support towards the ‘Teachers for Timor Program’.
Heather Watson
PP. Rotary Club of Rochester Inc
While Heather and Carmel made up the T4T team to Ainaro in 2014, Robyn and I were Team 1 for 2015, spending eight and a half weeks in Ainaro for an eight week teaching term with a couple of days spent in Dili on either side of that commitment.
Only four of Heather & Carmel’s students continued with the program in 2015 with many of their students moving to Dili after completing their secondary education. The English teachers from the schools were also missing as Ainaro had been chosen for a pilot program giving intensive lessons to the teachers. Held during school holidays and weekends these seminars were catering for about sixty teachers from the District.
Although about fifty students registered for class, we had twenty to twenty-five attend almost every session we ran. Lessons always ended in fun and laughter as we navigated the peculiarities of the English language.
As our term coincided with the end of The Wet, we didn’t do as much exploring as in the past. Most afternoons saw us sheltering indoors from the torrential downpours, cleaning and tidying the Teachers’ House that has gone through some renovations the previous year.
We did spend a weekend in Maubisse with Aguida, enjoying the comforts of the Bendigo Volunteers’ House. We travelled to Maubisse by bus. We don’t think there are any fixed bus time tables as after asking several times when we would leave, we were told to be waiting on our veranda by 3.30am. A phone call several minutes later informed us that Aguida was on the bus that was now picking up passengers in nearby streets. At 3.58am we saw and heard the bus coming down the road so were waiting at the gutter as it stopped in front of our house. The next hour saw us drive up and down the streets of Ainaro and up the mountain to the village of Soro picking up passengers and goods. Finally a stop was made at the fuel station at the edge of town and then we were on our way on a journey of 47 kms that took 3 hours and 20 minutes before we were deposited at the front door of the Bendigo House.
While in Maubisse we visited an English class at the Training Centre run by Aguida and her brother. One of the students, Maria was from Liquitae, the village where we had worked for 2-3 weeks in 2008 and 2009 with members of the Bendigo-Maubisse Friendship Association rebuilding a school. Maria’s brother, Mr John, was one of the teachers at the school and will be remembered by all team members fhipyromaniacal tendencies in burning rocks. Maria remembered many of the team members especially Mr Leon and Mr Rob.
We took the opportunity of visiting the Meals on Feet kitchen and met with that amazing woman now known to so many Rotarians, Sister Lourdes.
We spent a leisurely time in Maubisse exploring the sights and seeing the preparations in place for the Mini Flower Festival that was to be held over the first weekend in May.
Another weekend was spent in the village of Dare, about half way between Ainaro and Maubisse. This time our travel was by angunna, a truck with seating along each side. We attended the English class at the local Secondary School, teaching songs and chants and engaging in conversational dialogues. Our hosts for the weekend were the parents of one of our senior students and a relaxing time was spent on their front veranda watching the southbound traffic appear over the mountain range.
During the final days of our stay in Ainaro, we watched with interest as the local schools prepared for the Restoration of Independence Day Celebrations. During school hours, squads of students were put through matching formations by members of the Police and Military while other students practised flag-raising. We were also treated to some magnificent singing as students practised for the official ceremony.
For our final week in Ainaro members of the next team from T4T joined us. This was an opportunity to introduce newcomers to the program to life in Ainaro, the teaching program, the local shops and of course our students.
On our return to Dili we were pleased to again meet with Sister Lourdes along with Sister Zhina whom we first met at a Rotary function in Eaglehawk in 2008. With Sister Nina, Sister Zhina produced a CD of English and Tetun songs backed by members of an Echuca choir during the weeks they were hosted by the Brigidine Sisters in Echuca.
I thank the members of the Rotary Club of Rochester for their patience and understanding during my absence and for their support and interest in Teachers 4 Timor.
Noel Lucas
President
Rotary club of Rochester Inc
District Conference.
Compiled by Rotarian Bryan Griffiths
Conference is–
The opportunity for Rotarians and partners from throughout District 9800 to come together for a extended weekend of fellowship, partake in Plenary sessions acknowledging major achievements by individuals, listen to keynote speakers in a varied amount of vocational fields. All to recognise the work of Rotary, in the local community and international world.
March 2015- Location- Wrest Point Casino, Conference Centre. Hobart Tasmania.
Flashback- March 2014. District Conference, Jupiter’s Casino, Gold Coast Queensland. Just prior to closing of 2014 Conference, the announcement by DGE Murray Verso, District Conference 2015 would be held in Tasmania at Wrest Point Casino 12 -14 March 2015. Added to this Conference weekend would be the opportunity to take part in a pre conference and /or post conference coach tour featuring highlights and attractions of Tasmania.
Noting the pre Conference tour focused on the West Coast of Tasmania, a part of Tasmania still on a considerably full bucket list, the chance to travel overseas without needing a passport. (Another item on the bucket list) plus the opportunity to continue to celebrate the reaching of six decades of life shortly before this tour was due to take place. Getting the formalities of annual leave confirmed, along with airflights arranged was an early priority to ensure participation in District Conference 2015 events.
Monday 9th March- Melbourne –Launceston. Extremely pleasant weather on arrival, ready for a three day coach trip with an unknown number /not having met before of Rotarians from an unknown number of Rotary Clubs in District 9800. Following an enjoyable evening catching up with extended family in Longford, came-Tuesday morning, time to board the Coach leaving from the Country Club villas on route to Strachan via Cradle Mountain.
Along with taking in the sights of the small towns and mountain views in the distance, the other priority of utmost importance was to get to know my fellow travellers for the next three days, before we arrived in Hobart Town in time for a welcome to Conference at Government House hosted by Governor of Tasmania. Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Kate Warner AM.
Although small in numbers as a coach group the twenty fellow travellers were certainly high in enthusiasm for the opportunity to have a memorable time on route to Conference. Morning tea break in the township of Sheffield had an extended interest in the Mural Display covering Shop walls, display pavilions in the park, featuring themes, along with historical significance relating settlement through to current day in Sheffield as Rochester had completed a very successful, first time Mural Fest, in the week prior to my leaving for a Tasmania experience.
A pleasant lunch in the Restaurant of the Cradle Mountain Chateau, along with a tour of the renowned Wilderness Art Gallery preceded a minibus tour, equipped with a most knowledgeable local guide, of the Cradle Mountain Lakes area, including a tour of Waldheim Chalet, the replica home of Gustav and Kate Weindorfer. This couple pioneered the opening up of this District, along with being instrumental in establishing the region as a National Park. Continuing road travels with Coach Driver Stan at the wheel saw the end of Day one pre conference trip end in the west coast town of Strachan situated on the water’s edge of Macquarie Harbour. The opportunity to sit back in the resort fellowship lounge, enjoy a cool drink, watching the setting sun prior to an enjoyable evening meal with new friends made the end of a great day.
Day Three. Early Buffet Breakfast in the dining room gave the chance to again take in the Harbour view from the resort with our mode of transport for the Day sitting Harbour side ready for a full day on the water below. Premium window seats on the Eagle, the cruise vessel for the majestic World Heritage Gordon River Cruise waited as we boarded for the day s journey. A full day of travel on the water, venturing into the Roaring Forties of the Southern Ocean, referred to as Hells Gates by the convicts as they passed through en route to Sarah Island penal settlement. A guided tour of the Island gave a chilling insight to life in the penal settlement that was feared by all sentenced to time in the harsh environs of Sarah Island.
Of much interest during travel on the harbour was the considerable number of aquaculture pens holding thousands of Atlantic Salmon and Ocean Trout. Positioned in groups throughout the Harbour, the growing fish in the pens are maintained daily by pelletised meals in liquid form delivered by boat. The method of transferring the fish from pen to processing is by a road tanker situated on a Barge with a suitable sized suction line. A journey into the environs of the Gordon River whilst partaking a delightful hot Buffet Lunch made one fully aware of the need to maintain forever the Heritage and beauty of such a pristine area. A short stroll through the ancient forests of Heritage Landing along with guided tour added to this belief even more.
Returning to shore, disembarking at the historic Knott’s Landing Sawmill, watching the millers at work before a wander of the town in preparation for the evening entertainment of a comical play that has been running regularly in excess of twenty years, based on the escape from Sarah Island by ten convicts in a ship that was never commissioned. Most entertaining, along with explaining the significance of life on Sarah Island in this period of history. Adjourning to the nearby Hotel for a Bistro style evening meal gave time for further fellowship with newly met Rotary friends.
Day Four. A pre start for the day, for we are bound for Hobart Town with places of interest to inspect and view as we travel. Passing through the mining town of Queenstown, observing the activity that has taken place over the years, along with the continuous drive out of the valley Queenstown is situated in, made one think how good the Hume Highway is to drive on a daily basis after all. Partaking of Breakfast at a roadside eatery in Derwent Bridge with the majestic hills of Cradle Mountain in the background behind us gave way to the next part of the day’s activities.
Visiting the wall in the Wilderness, a stunning display of wood hand carvings three metres tall panels totalling one hundred metres long , depicting early history ,settlement of Tasmania, viewing the lakes, pumping stations ,pipelines, channels of the Tasmanian Hydro Scheme as we travelled to the lunch time stop of Mount Field National Park one of Tasmania’s oldest and most popular National Parks. Slightly inclement weather made a rather brisk walk to Russell Falls, well worth the effort to do so though.
A Lovely sunny afternoon beckoned on arrival into Hobart enroute to Wrest Point Casino the central nucleus for District 9800 Conference 2015. With numbers totalling excess of six hundred registered to attend, DG Murray certainly could be excused if he was to say he was suffering repetitive strain from all the hand shaking when greeting Rotarians and partners on arrival. Room registering, a quick change from casual to formal (twenty minutes) saw two hundred Rotarians travelling across town by coach to Government House for a welcome to Conference by the Governor, along with afternoon tea and inspection of the building and surrounds.
A formal, but relaxed affair before returning to Wrest Point to take part in the pre conference Cocktail party, featuring a harbour view of the Derwent River. A very well attended event of much fellowship, a highlight of the evening being to help acknowledge the importance of Rotary work in End Polio Now by forming a human end polio now poster on the grounds of Wrest point, photographed from above in the Wrest point tower. Adjourning to the nearby Wrest Point Bistro for an evening meal with fellow travellers from the just completed pre conference coach trip made the end of day four.
Conference. – Day one. Friday 13 March. Welcome to Conference with the Tasmanian Police Pipe Band as a lead in to two days of Speakers of extreme note in their field, along with acknowledgments and presentations to members for their unsung achievements. Stand out speaker for the Conference would have to have been Rabia Siddique, a criminal and human rights Lawyer, her memoir being “ Equal Justice”. Given a resounding standing ovation following her presentation, a truly inspirational person.
Master of Ceremonies for the Conference Ian Cover (founding member of the Coodabeen Champions) proved to be a true professional in his role, having relevant details at hand at all times in regard to events of the day. This was not lost even during the Roll call of attending District Rotary Clubs at Conference. Rising to my feet to acknowledge Rochester with a resounding” present sir “was met with a immediate reply to attendees by MC Ian, that is –Bryan Griffiths,” he is twelve and a half percent of the Club”. I was to learn later , along with meeting with Ian post Conference, that numbers had been crunched to see that I did not miss out on attending a Club dinner due to limited numbers of fellow Club attendees.
Pleasing to report that although having a number of offers to attend Club Dinners on the Friday night, a most pleasant Dinner was enjoyed with members of the Rotary Club of Camberwell a Club, that this Club has had an association with for some years past. With Rotary International President’s Representative, PDG Antonio “Tony” Rufino and Mita dining at the same table for Club dinner a truly enjoyable evening was partaken. Camberwell member, PDG Don Jago and Margery were acting as Aide to the RIPER for this conference. Special Scholar Dr Pyae Phyo Aung (Myanmar) was also a Dinner table companion. Pyae now in his second year at Melbourne Universitary studying to obtain a Master of Health degree was Guest Speaker at 2014 Conference Foundation Breakfast
Closing ceremony on Day Two with the official announcement by DGE Julie Mason that Conference 2016 would be held in Bendigo, 12-13 March was met with immediate thoughts that perhaps 2016 is the year for Rochester to regain the Attendance Trophy for Conference. Three out of five years for such a feat would be a considerably high bar for any future challenge by clubs attending future conferences.
Joining fellow Goldfields Cluster members for the Red and Gold Gala Dinner Dance gave the opportunity to catch up with Rotarians at a local level over Dinner and entertainment for the evening. Kiwi magician District Governor 9980 Jonathan Usher regaled the audience with his magical acts, with crowd participation obligatory.
Queen of Pop 1970s Colleen Hewitt presented a floor show of songs to conclude the evening; the opportunity to dance along with singing to Colleens songs was not lost on couples, groups throughout the duration of her floorshow. With 2015 Conference finished, Sunday on the Apple Isle gave Rotarians a flight home or further exploration of Hobart and surrounds’.
The opportunity to visit MONA Gallery and outside attractions was taken by a great number. A short walk to the ferry, delightful trip up the Harbour viewing the sites by water added to the aura of the day following a memorable Conference of enjoyment and experience. As to the Bucket list items, there are now two less, the west coast of Tasmania has been visited and – I have a passport for overseas travel- December, 2015. W O D.
“Rotary takes ordinary people and gives them extraordinary opportunities to do more with their lives than they ever dreamed possible”
Clem Renouf.
“Friendship was the foundation rock on which Rotary was built and tolerance is the element which holds it together”
Paul Harris.
Bryan Griffiths
Foundation Director 2014 – 2015
Rotary Club of Rochester Inc.