A Note From The President As I type I am waiting to go to the Foundation and International Seminar as the rain pelts down and the cold weather creeps back in. How wonderful to be able to stay in front of the fire and be involved with a Rotary Seminar! Last week we had an apology from Bob McKenzie, otherwise it was great again to see most of you on screen. Our regards go to Liz and George whom we haven’t seen since the lock down and hope it’s not too long before we can say a proper hello. I sense we are becoming more comfortable with zoom meetings, even if it is just a compromise, as we had plenty of laughs and a light-hearted atmosphere. Hoping this Sunday we can get some relaxation of the rules but it will still be some weeks away before we can get together as a group. We had an interesting and different talk from Gavin’s friend Peter Julier who is a racing Steward. He talked about the racing industry in general – it was fascinating to hear about how many staff there are involved in a big race meeting – for example at a Melbourne Cup there would be upward of 600 staff on the course: track walkers who check the track and replace grass sods, Stewards, vets, farriers, ambulance officers, clerks of sales, bookmakers, security staff, bar and café workers, plumbers, carpenters, firemen and telecom engineers just to mention a few. Behind each race come four cars – with vets and various staff to deal with any accidents which may happen. There is always a camera car which carries a vet and a doctor. If a horse has to be put down it must be dealt with swiftly for the sake of the horse and everyone concerned. On the side of the course are cameras at various points so the judges can call for video from different places around the course if they are in doubt about something that happened. Peter’s job is to look after the Bookmakers – to ensure everyone is abiding by the regulations: - he told us some stories of things that can go wrong – if a bookie puts 20 to 1 instead of 2-1 by mistake he must wear that mistake if the horse wins – resulting a big loss for him if it was a large bet! At one time there were people called “emus” who pick up all betting slips left on the ground to see if there were any unclaimed wins. They are now banned. Sounded like a sensible idea! He regaled us with stories of hairy small plane trips to and from venues in Victoria as it takes too long to drive to the country meetings. It is certainly an interesting and entertaining job and no doubt Peter has plenty of stories in his repertoire and many thanks to Peter for giving up his time to talk to us. The Strategic Planning Committee has been meeting weekly and poring over the survey responses. They are doing some good work drilling down and should have something tangible very soon to take to the board and the club. It has been an interesting experience and I value the input and the effort the committee has gone to in developing a workable strategic plan for the club. Next week is a board meeting so a holiday for the rest of you but I’m hoping by then you might be able to socialize a little more so maybe you can have a visitor or two! Keep well, warm, safe and in good spirits till next meeting which will be about “Change” to give us all something to think about. President Judy
Coins For KidsIn 2014/15, District 9810 partnered with UNICEF to collect foreign coins and notes. Since then the district has sent of 480kg of coins and eight large parcels of notes which were valued at $14,500. It is a no cost project for Rotary as security pouches are transported to us and returned, paid for by ChangeGlobalExchange, the major collectors from banks around Australia. They also accept coins and notes which are not longer in circulation, including Australian ones. One Rotary club encourages the collection of 5 cent coins to add to their collections. UNICEF works in over 190 countries for the rights and welfare of all children. It supports childrens’ health needs, clean water, sanitation, quality basic education and protection from violence, exploitation and HIV. It has the same ideals as Rotary. There are 28 clubs in the district who have contributed to date along with some churches, branches of Bendigo Bank, a local Sikh temple, and friends of Rotary. Foreign Coin Collection Coordinator is Ron Brooks – Forest Hill. Our Clubs’ collector is Bob McKenzie: so if you come across foreign currency save it and give to Bob when we are next together.  Footy Tipping Some Sustainability Ideas    Lift The LidRotary District 9820 is supporting Lift the Lid on Mental Illness on October 10 – World Mental Health Day. Lift the Lid Afternoon Tea with Prof Felice Jacka (Zoom) You’re invited to join their webinar with Professor Felice Jacka, who will talk about diet and mental health. If you wish to register go to the District Web Site Home Page.  
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