eBulletin 14th December 2023 (Dec. 11, 2023)

PRESIDENT'S COLUMN

Greetings fellow Rotarians,

What a delightful and dynamic person is Vahideh, President of the Rotary Club of Dili, Timor . She spoke via zoom of her amazing and varied background both here in Australia and elsewhere, and how she and her husband have settled in Timor and making inroads to educating the pre-school children of approx. 330 villages where there is no education at all. In particular she spoke of a small school and the lack of resources and how our Rotary Club could contribute in such a meaningful way. Angelo spoke highly of the project and this woman who only after a week as a member of Rotary - was made President!. We now know why. More on this later as a worthwhile project for our Club.

GIVING NIGHT - Dec 18. Bookings can still be made. More the merrier. Email Tom

DISTRICT CONFERENCE - March 15-16 2024. I'm booked in, are you?

TREE OF JOY - Scattered around the area for maximum exposure in various shopping centres. . Sue to monitor.

2024 - Back on deck January 15. Dinner at the Hotel.

More dates below in the bulletin.

In the meantime, may I wish you and your families all the Peace and Happiness this season brings. Keep safe and see you all soon.

Cheers

Yours in Rotary

Pres Tom.

BBQ ROSTER

Our next BBQ is Saturday is December 30th, 27th January & 17th February.

For the latest Roster - Click Here

Meeting Responsibilities Roster

Our next meeting is Monday 18th December- Giving Night / Xmas

Past President Ross will be giving away most of what we raised during his year. A most rewarding evening where you hear how our donated money is going to be used.

In parallel President Tom will be celebrating Xmas !!

A night not to be missed. Contact Tom ASAP, if you haven't RSVPed.

See you at 6.30pm for 7pm start.

Schedule for the Dec/Jan:

Date: 2023	Venue

Monday 18th December	Dinner - Northbridge Golf Club
Monday 15th January	Dinner - Crows Nest Hotel
Monday 29th January	Lunch - Crows Nest Hotel

Lunch meetings: 12.30pm for 12.50pm

Dinner meetings 6.30pm for 7pm

Zoom Meetings 12.30pm. Link: Click here at 12.30pm to join us!

Last Meeting - Monday 11th December - Vahideh - President of Dili, Rotary

Background:

Vahideh arrived in Australia in 1980, as a refugee from Iran (via India). She & her husband settled in Australia & raised a family. Vahideh worked for the immigration dept, and Red Cross helping refugees.

She then decided to do for another country, what Australia had done for her !.

In 2011 they moved to Dili, East Timor. She choose to lecture in the poorest University which had 2000 students, no accreditation and 1 toilet. Within 3 years, with Vahideh's drive, they have funding, are now accredited and many more students & toilets.

She then moved her focus to pre-schools(age 4-6) in villages, as most have no funding, most children can't afford school. With the help of one teacher(Carme), whose school was destroyed in the 2022 floods the Florence Community school was established in Laoga. Carme has created two classrooms in her home. This year it had 38 students of which 35 had their $4 per month fee waived, as they can't afford it. There are 3 volunteer teachers and 9 volunteer parents being trained to assist. Unfortunately Carme's husband has lost his job, and Carme needs to find work.

So Vahideh is after any assistance in tuition fees, uniforms, educational material, computer, etc.. Around $6000 for the year, President Tom will put to the board.

An amazing life story, and very inspirational project worth considering.

Member news:

- Catherine's sleepout was a huge success, despite the torrential rain. Her company raised $17,000 and $89,000 was raised overall.

- Tom still needs RSVPs for the Giving night on December 18th. Please reply ASAP.

- Buddy benches photo shoot at Cammeray was a success. Catherine is arranging for one at North Sydney Demo.

- Last Sunday's Xmas Carols BBQ was a success. $619 raised for Mary's House.

- Trees of Joy will remain open until December 18th, before gifts are distributed.

- Minutes for the Board meeting Thursday 7th December are available. (Link on right hand side of this eBulletin)

- Tom, Ross, Bill had booked for the District Conference - Please consider

Reminders:

- 18th December - Giving Night / Xmas party

- 15th January - First 2024 meeting - Dinner

- 16th January 2024 RYLA dinner

- 15th/16th March 2024 - District Conference - Terrigal

- 25th - 29th May - Rotary International Conference - Singapore

Giving Night 2023

Buddy Benches

LATE BREAKING NEWS

Louise, Kate, Sue and I attended Cammeray Public School on Wednesday for the official handing over of the BUDDY BENCHES. What a treat? Nearly the whole school was present to be in the photos and the teachers were of high praise for the benches.

Dec 11, 2023

Zoom - President Dili Rotary

Sponsorship of Kindergarten Kids

Dec 18, 2023

Ross Gugliotta

Giving Night

View entire list

eBulletin

Editor

Staples, Mark

International Toast

International Toast

Riddle, Kate

Speaker Introduction

Introduce Speaker

Staples, Mark

Speaker Thanks/Write-up

Thank Speaker - Write-up

Raveane, Sue

Front Desk

Welcomer

Lee, Bill

FUTURE SPEAKERS