Rotary Matters

Mentoring Men connects mentors with mentees to deal sensitively and constructively with the many challenges faced by men in today's frantic world.. Relationship breakdowns, impending fatherhood and redundancy for example. Interim CEO Filipe Gama e Silva explains. www.mentoringmen.org.au 1300 583 925

Lady Davidson Private Hospital is a proud partner of the Rotary run Bobbin Head Cycle Classic. But what are the hospital's specialities? We meet Liz Masters General Manager and Director of Nursing who explains their role in rehabilitation following surgery or other condition. Stroke and the neurodegenerative Parkinsons for example. www.ladydavidsonprivatehospital.com.au

The demand for food has never been greater. Homelessness, domestic violence, health breakdowns are on the rise. Thanks to a dedicated group of volunteers from One Meal food is rescued and redirected to those in need. Chris Lake explains how it all works, the impact it makes and how volunteers can assist. www.onemeal.org.au

With domestic violence increasing and people unable to pay their bills, the demand for Financial Counselling is greater than ever. Anne Holmes from Lifeline Harbour to Hawkesbury Sydney explains. National Debt Hotline 1800 007 007

Amid global challenges where access to clean water is of critical concern, Dr Martin Butson from Wollongong explains his innovative solution to disinfect water using the SAFE sticker system. The stickers affixed to commonly available plastic bottles measure the impact of the sun's UV rays in killing harmful bacteria and water borne micro organisms. A brilliant idea. www.thewatergift.org

Enterprising Sydneysider Mark Anderson explains the highlysuccessful Train Ride to End Polio. Next one is Thursday 24 October 2024. Ride190 stations in one day or join the train at your station for as many stops asyou want. We will ride the train to every railway station in Sydney to raise funds to END POLIO NOW. It used to be that trains were part of the polioproblem, as they gave the poliovirus the perfect way to rapidly spread far andwide. Then, in 2001, trains became part of the solution, with all children aboard Indian trains being immunised. Now, Pakistan has adopted the same strategy, helping to ensure that no child is left unvaccinated. Over the past six years, there has been an All-Stations Challenge in the Sydney Metropolitan area, along with several other cities in Australia and New Zealand, to raise money for the Rotary END POLIO NOW Campaign. The Sydney event have raised over $660,000 — and that's before the Gates 2:1 match

he Rotary Club of Kuring gai presented a Community Service Award to Astan Croft in recognition of the outstanding voluntary work he provides to palliative care patients and their families at Hammond Care hospitals. Nothing is too hard. Using his problem solving skills, his photography skills and a can do attitude he eases the journey for people at this time of their lives.

Vera Bo from Denmark is spending a year in Sydney under the auspices of Rotary Youth Exchange. We find out what it means to her, what she is doing, where she goes to school, her adventures and the busy life she enjoys on this unique Rotary experience. www.ryea.org.au

A major activity of St Ives Rotary Club is the annual Food and Wine Festival. But there is much more to it than luscious food and winning wines...with something for everyone in the family. Including musicians, entertainers, pony rides and a petting zoo. Dynamic dynamo Di Barnes explains. www.stivesfoodandwine.com

We meet Sally Voung, recipient of an Australian Rotary Health scholarship which enabled her to research and study for three years the causes and potential curative solutions for Motor Neurone Disease. A delightful and very worthy recipient tackling a significant neurodegenerative condition impacting 300,000 people around the world. www.australianrotaryhealth.org.au

Bicycles for Humanity collects and repairs bicycles which are then shipped to communities in the developing world, empowering the recipients to travel, to work, to get to school, to set up a small business, to get to medical support, food and water. David Tucker Chair of Bicycles for Humanity WA explains. www.b4hwa.com

What is it like to take the helm as President of a Rotary Club? Recently appointed Helene Brunker explains what her club offers, the rewards it brings and her plans to engage more widely with the local community.

Oliver Hadi spent an intensive residential weekend on the Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment developing motivation, life skills, self image and self pride . Fiind out what happens on the course, the challenges to be overcome and the ultimate rewards.

Sydney school girl Tilly Colville spends a year in Brazil under the auspices of Rotary Youth Exchange. What was it like? We learn about the food, the culture and the lessons learned during this life changing experience. An experience which will last her whole life.

Karen Kendall adopts two orphans in Ethiopia. She then opens Shamida her own orphanage with six children, now there are over 30. Her expertise, her experience and knowledge enable her to assist other facilities including a Juvenile Remand Centre to deinstitutionalise. An inspiring story.

The remarkable story of Karo Haltmeier from Kenthurst Rotary Club and her vision to build a small dental clinic in a remote village on the Sepik River, Papua New Guinea. Funds were raised, the building is close to completion and will soon provide oral health services to a wide community in this developing part of the world.

Thanks to Beecroft Rotary the monsoon rains in India are captured and retained to resist erosion and assist down stream agriculture. A local community receives hygienic compost toilets vastly improving sanitation and health. Niranjan Deodhar explains.

What are the main challenges facing Rotary right now? Incoming District Governor of District 9685 in Sydney's upper north shore, Niranjan Deodhar paints his vision for the year ahead, the challenges and how they will be met. 17 mins.

The Joey Joy Flight has enabled hundreds of disabled and disadvantaged children to experience the thrill of flight in a modern jet plane. But how does this all work and who puts it together? We learn about the role of Turramurra Rotary Club and Pathfinders the Qantas staff charity. Steve Buchanan from Qantas takes us behind the scenes of this exciting experience which the children will remember for the rest of their lives.

Dementia is the loss of cognitive functioning — thinking, remembering, and reasoning — to such an extent that it interferes with a person's daily life and activities. Some people with dementia cannot control their emotions, and their personalities may change. Dementia ranges in severity from the mildest stage, when it is just beginning to affect a person's functioning, to the most severe stage, when the person must depend completely on others for basic activities of daily living, such as feeding oneself.Dementia affects millions of people and is more common as people grow older, Dementia Champion, Tim England explains Dementia Australia 1800 100 500 Dementia Support Australia 1800 699 799 Carer Gateway 1800 422 737 My Aged Care (over 65 yrs) 1800 200 422 NDIS 1800 800 110 Tim England. www.dementiachampion.com

Here is how to thank, to recognise and salute women known to you who are doing something exceptional in the community. Sue Hayward, Chair of the Rotary Inspirational Womens Awards explains why it matters and how it all works. Stacy Jane a RIWA winner in 2023 explains how following dreadful abuse and violence she founded Escabags a practical solution to assist and support those fleeing abusive and dangerous situations. www.riwa.com.au www.escabags.org

What must it be like to give birth in a mud hut on an earth floor? This is the dangerous situation for millions of mothers in developing countries. But thanks to the work of Zonta, assisted by community groups like Rotary, a simple but effective, hygienic birthing kit is now being assembled and sent to women in need and their birth attendants. www.bkfa.org.au

What is it really like to spend a year overseas on the Rotary Youth Exchange program? 15 year old Tilly Colville spent 2023 in Brazil, learning the language, the culture, the cuisine and the customs. She travelled widely in Brazil and beyond packing in experiences and making friends which will remain with her forever. www.ryea.org.au

Here is how to thank, to recognise and salute women known to you who are doing something exceptional in the community. Sue Hayward, Chair of the Rotary Inspirational Womens Awards explains why it matters and how it all works. Stacy Jane a RIWA winner in 2023 explains how following dreadful abuse and violence she founded Escabags a practical solution to assist and support those fleeing abusive and dangerous situations. www.riwa.com.au www.escabags.org

The Bikers Hand is a group of motor bike enthusiasts who share a passion for charity rides and have a deep commitment to helping the homeless and individuals in need. Donations of food, drink, clothing and other everyday items are gathered and distributed to over 35 charities, support groups and school breakfast groups. Founder Tony Davies explains. www.thebikershand.com.au

Dr Marthe Kondemo is visiting Australia from the Democratic Republic of Congo to learn about innovative women's health and livelihood initiatives to see what may be replicable in the DRC. While here she will meet a wide range of organisations dealing with such issues as domestic violence prevention, conflict resolution, peacebuilding, disability services and youth engagement. Despite vast natural resources the DRC has suffered from political instability, a lack of infrastructure, corruption and centuries of commercial extraction and exploitation. Her visit is facilitated by Lucy Hobgood-Brown from the Rotary E-Club of Greater Sydney.

The Rotary Youth Leadership Awards is an intensive leadership experience where students develop their skills as a leader while having fun and making connections. They build communication and problem solving skills and learn from community leaders, inspirational speakers and peer mentors. Thowshi Dimantha, a Sydney student describesher recent RYLA experience and significantly the lessons she learned.

The Rotary Youth Leadership Awards is an intensive leadership experience where students develop their skills as a leader while having fun and making connections. They build communication and problem solving skills and learn from community leaders, inspirational speakers and peer mentors. Thowshi Dimantha, a Sydney student describesher recent RYLA experience and significantly the lessons she learned.

Jemma Wlasichuk transforms old furniture, saves useful items from landfill and turns them into items of beauty. Using trauma inspired design principles she devotes skill, time and inspiration to improve conditions at the Hornsby Kuring gai Womens Shelter. No surprise that Jemma won a Pride of Workmanship Award from St Ives Rotary Club. www.shedeleven.com.au

The Rotary Club of Sydney Cove actively supports the Early Bird Cafe located opposite State Parliament House. Over 20,000 breakfasts are served each year along with clothes, toiletries and books. As the homeless crisis gets worse it is clear that this service totally managed by volunteers is needed more than ever. Marilyn Smith explains. www.earlybirdcafe.org.au

Jade Dunne a student at Barker College Sydney attended the National Youth Science Forum held in Brisbane. Held over nine days the NYSF immerses students in all aspects of STEM. Meetings are held with science researchers, business and community leaders during an intensive program designed to sharpen the students' focus on further study and careers in science. www,nysf.edu.au

Strength training is shown to have an impact on our quality of life and reduces the risk of chronic conditions and injuries. Hamish McConnell, Area Manager for Kieser and a Partner in the Bobbin Head Cycle Classic explains. www.kieser.com.au

The Rotary Club of Sydney Cove provides resources to ease the plight of Ukrainians displaced within their country and those who settle in Australia. Another fine example of putting service above self. Guy Glenny also explains their long standing Sailing Regatta which raises funds to support families of sailors lost at sea on the Sydney Hobart yacht race.

The Tree of Joy ensures a gift at Christmas for hundreds of elderly residents of nursing homes and aged care facilities. Collection of gifts and their distribution is handled by enthusiastic members of St Ives Rotary Club on Sydney's upper north shore. Harold Morgan explains.

More today from the Corrimal Rotary Environmental Group. A thriving community garden, a Sustainability Expo, Green Connect Farm, the Imagination Library and Wildlife Rescue. Dilys Hoser and Gerri Wood explain.

Cycling and e-scooters are growing in popularity, with measurable impacts on our health, the economy and the environment. Peak body, We Ride commissioned EY to probe this and to quantify the results. Matt Colston, Associate Partner, Sports, Events and Venues Advisory, explains.

Environmental issues are a major concern for Rotary all over the world, but none more so than at Corrimal on the NSW South Coast which has established the Corrimal Rotary Environmental Group, tackling a wide range of problems like cleaning up the waterways, plant propagation and monitoring micro plastics in the soil. Dilys Hoser and Gerri Wood explain.

Anita Robinson Chair Eastern Region Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children - ROMAC ROMAC is a project of the Rotary districts in Australia and New Zealand. Mobile:    0417457055 eastern@romac.org.au www.romac.org.au   ROMAC - Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children “To provide medical treatment for children from developing countries  in the form of life-saving and/or dignity restoring surgery not accessible to them in their home country”   Anita Robinson Chair Eastern Region Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children - ROMAC ROMAC is a project of the Rotary districts in Australia and New Zealand. Mobile:    0417457055 eastern@romac.org.au www.romac.org.au   ROMAC - Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children “To provide medical treatment for children from developing countries  in the form of life-saving and/or dignity restoring surgery not accessible to them in their home country”   For the first five minutes we join the train ride to end polio...189 stations all in one day! We then discuss ROMAC providing surgical treatment in Australia for Pacific Island children unable to receive the appropriate levels of surgery, treatment and rehabilitation in their home countries. Again...Rotarians putting service above self. www.romac.org.au/donate

Brilliant Sydney researcher Mikaela Coleman won a Rotary Global Grant to investigate the scale of TB and Leprosy in the Pacific Islands. She meets community leaders, politicians and donors who all want to eradicate these diseases. But they don't always see eye to eye where the solutions are often frustrated by rising sea levels inundating some of the health facilities. Listen to this passionate and eloquent young Australian.   Brilliant Sydney researcher Mikaela Coleman won a Rotary Global Grant to investigate the scale of TB and Leprosy in the Pacific Islands. She meets community leaders, politicians and donors who all want to eradicate these diseases. But they don't always see eye to eye where the solutions are often frustrated by rising sea levels inundating some of the health facilities. Listen to this passionate and eloquent young Australian.   Brilliant Sydney researcher Mikaela Coleman won a Rotary Global Grant to investigate the scale of TB and Leprosy in the Pacific Islands. She meets community leaders, politicians and donors who all want to eradicate these diseases. But they don't always see eye to eye where the solutions are often frustrated by rising sea levels inundating some of the health facilities. Listen to this passionate and eloquent young Australian.   Brilliant Sydney researcher Mikaela Coleman won a Rotary Global Grant to investigate the scale of TB and Leprosy in the Pacific Islands. She meets community leaders, politicians and donors who all want to eradicate these diseases. But they don't always see eye to eye where the solutions are often frustrated by rising sea levels inundating some of the health facilities. Listen to this passionate and eloquent young Australian.

Highly talented artist from the Lower Blue Mountains, Michael Harriden explains his passion for painting, how it has taken him around the world and the impact that his generosity as an artist (and as a long distance cyclist) has had in enabling the construction of schools in Cambodia and Papua New Guinea. A truly generous Rotarian. His exhibition Art for a Cause is at Glenbrook Cinema Hall, 27, 28 October.

Thanks to volunteers from the Sydney ophthalmology profession, supported by Rotary, eyesight problems in Santiago City, Philippines were substantially reduced. This same dedication applied when the program was introduced with great success to Griffith and neighbouring towns in New South Wales. Mark Hedges, International Director, Turramurra Rotary Club explains.   Thanks to volunteers from the Sydney ophthalmology profession, supported by Rotary, eyesight problems in Santiago City, Philippines were substantially reduced. This same dedication applied when the program was introduced with great success to Griffith and neighbouring towns in New South Wales. Mark Hedges, International Director, Turramurra Rotary Club explains.   Thanks to volunteers from the Sydney ophthalmology profession, supported by Rotary, eyesight problems in Santiago City, Philippines were substantially reduced. This same dedication applied whenthe program was introduced with great success to Griffith and neighbouring towns in New South Wales. Mark Hedges, International Director, TurramurraRotary Club explains. Santiago City, Philippines were substantially reduced. This same dedication applied when the program was introduced with great success to Griffith and neighbouring towns in New South Wales. Mark Hedges, International Director, Turramurra Rotary Club explains

8.6 Australians die every day by suicide. More than double the road toll. Suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians between the age of 15 and 44. But Rotarian Lester Pearson decided to do something about this founding SOKS, Save our Kids from Suicide. Hundreds of lives have now been saved. Lester explains how it started, how it works through sports organisations and the complementary focus on supporting Rotary programs for youth enrichment.www.soks.org.au

Kirsten Veldhuis of the Lower Blue Mountains Rotary Club is determined to improve the Club's sustainability footprint. She patiently tracks the output of the Rotary Recycles Op Shop and is about to do the same at Glenbrook Markets. These initiatives have helped grow the Club's membership who share the sustainability values and raise community awareness of Rotary's environmental goals. www.lowerbluemountains.org.au

Kirsten Veldhuis of the Lower Blue Mountains Rotary Club is determined to improve the Club's sustainability footprint. She patiently tracks the output of the Rotary Recycles Op Shop and is about to do the same at Glenbrook Markets. These initiatives have helped grow the Club's membership who share the sustainability values and raise community awareness of Rotary's environmental goals. www.lowerbluemountains.org.au

PR powerhouse Di Barnes foreshadows the huge array of delicious food, wine, attractions and entertainment to be enjoyed at the famous St Ives Food and Wine Festival, Sunday 17 September. Not only will there be the popular Rotary Dress Up Booth but a new feature is the Paw Parade where families are encouraged to bring their dog along and dress up in a fancy outfit. www.stivesfoodandwine.com

The Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment enables teenagers to develop life skills and motivation to help them cope with the challenges of a very competitive future. RYPEN convenor Amanda Barnes explains what it is all about and we learn what it meant to two graduates from the Winter RYPEN, Celeste and Grace.

Bringing his many years of service at senior levels in business Dallas Booth, new President of Turramurra Rotary Club outlines his goals, including greater community engagement, an increase in members and a reduction in domestic violence,

RYLA the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards is a transformational residential week designed to put leadership into practice in a supporting and encouraging environment. Matt Cross MP for Davidson in the north of Sydney explains what RYLA meant to him when he attended 15 years ago and where this has taken him. We also meet Georgia Lowden a more recent RYLA graduate and an Advisor to the Parliament of NSW.

As Rotary clubs struggle to retain and attract new members, is it time for a new approach, a way to serve without the protocols associated with the traditional Rotary Club model? Greg Newling explains the background and early achievements of the innovative Kuring gai Rotary Community Network. krcn@kuringgairotary.org.au

Club Presidents usually serve a one year term of office. Today we meet Ian Spencer former senior businessman, retiring as President of Turramurra Rotary Club where he explains how he became President, the training provided for incoming Presidents, his goals at the start and reflections on their success.

The Rotary Inspirational Womens Awards acknowledge and celebrate community service performed by women through their various activities and endeavours. Chairperson Rae-Anne Medforth explains Applications for the 2023 Awards close on 18 June. If you know a woman who you believe goes over and above the call see www.riwa.awardsplatform.com Or www.riwa.com.au