Last week we attended the annual District Conference, themed "Navigating Change. Covid has got in the way in the last couple of years but this time it was all GO. Held at HQ West in Rooty Hill, this flamboyant Conference Centre, Hotel and RSL Club proved to be a great venue for some 450 Rotarians. It was so good to see everyone and renew networks and friendships. what we also reflected on that the community work has been still carried on despite COVID.
Whilst at one level it was a social event, there was a serious side with our community work. The Young Australian of the Year, Dr Daniel Nour, spoke about his work in setting up Street Side Medics, bringing on-the-ground medical support to homeless and disadvantaged people. What an inspiration he is.
Iconic athlete Louise Sauvage OAM (shown below being interviewed by Stephanie Brantz) relived some of her Paralympic sporting achievements. What a determined, purposeful person she is.
Also we had the opportunity to provide practical support to the two flood events unfolding in our State. Our District launched two fundraising appeals - one in Lismore and one in our District in the Hawkesbury Nepean. They were kickstarted with funds from the Rotary Foundation. Please consider making a donation.
Our Club also launched an upbeat version of the Rotary 4-Way Test. Produced by our Les Margulis, it had everyone foot tapping. Have a listen and tell us what you think.
In our own small way we are trying to increase our Club involvement in environmental activities, consistent with Rotary's addition of Environment as an Area of Focus. So it was pleasing to see this recognised at the Conference. Photo shows Melanie Lewis from Rotary Social Impact group.
Phill Isdaacs OAM, with Rosie Lotawa from ROMAC
Over 30 years ago, Rosie’s life, as patient #5, was transformed by ROMAC (Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children). From a shy, badly disfigured eight year old from Fiji, to a confident young lady who now mentors other patients, Rosie’s is just one of over 500 ROMAC success stories.
Rosie explained how ROMAC changed her life and that of other young children from our neighbouring islands.