Our President writes...

Dear fellow Rotarians and Friends.

It is my great pleasure to inform you that our Major Fundraiser, our Mega-Raffle was officially launched last weekend at The Canopy and Lane Cove Plaza. We sold a great many tickets and had great interaction with the public. We will be selling tickets each Saturday and Sunday in the Lane Cove area up to 12 December, so look out for us or go to our website listed below to purchase your tickets and have a chance of winning some incredible prizes.

Thanks go to all the members who have worked tirelessly in firstly organising prizes, communicating with Local Council and others stakeholders to be able to secure locations for ticket selling between now and the draw on the 12 December. I'd like to make a special mention though to Past President Stephen Miller who has not only designed the tickets and banners but has also built a wonderful website through which you can not only purchase your tickets online but also bid on our Swans silent auction and find out more about our amazing prizes.

Click here to go to the website

SOCIAL NIGHT
 Once a month our club organizes a social evening to have the opportunity of interacting with each other in an informal setting. This month we met at The Hunters Hill Lodge, Hunters Hill. Rotarian Robyn sleet once again did a marvellous job organizing the evening and a very enjoyable evening was had. Our compliments to the staff and especially the club’s caterer Bistro Lozzi for serving excellent food.

LIFT THE LID ON MENTAL ILLNESS...
was the topic of this week’s speaker, Robert (Bob) Erskine OAM. Bob represented the Australian Rotary Health organization of which he is District chairman. October 10 is declared “Hat Day” and by wearing a hat on this day and supporting the cause you can help to “Lift the Lid on Mental Illness” by breaking down the stigma and contributing to vital mental health research. Our meeting had many members with interesting hats and contributed generously to the cause. Australian Rotary Health has a remarkable track record of providing scholarships and funds for research, totalling over $3million per year, it is, in fact, the biggest provider of funds for mental health research outside of the Australian Government. Rotarian Ron Tweedie thanked Bob on behalf of the members for his great talk.

Silvio Gmur
President 2020/21, Lane Cove Rotary Club

Vale PDG David Cook

Following the sad passing of Past District Governor David Cook of the Rotary Club of Lower Blue Mountains recently, a celebration of his life is being planned for 16 October 2020 at the Emu Plains Sports Club. This will follow-on after the funeral at the Glenbrook Uniting Church. Further details regarding times for the funeral and celebration are available from Bruce Bailey on bdbailey@ozemail.com.au or 0419 753 996 
 
David Cook was widely known throughout the Rotary Family in Australia and New Zealand – and internationally through his Lower Blue Mountains service and dedication to The Rotary Foundation. A former Apexian, he commenced his Rotary career with Canberra South before joining Lower Blue Mountains in 1995. David shared all aspect of his outstanding Rotary career with his wife Carolyn – hosting of Youth Exchange students, Group Study team leadership, vocational guidance on Australia’s Rotary Insurance scheme, and of course an excellent year of gubernatorial leadership in 2011/12. The Australian Gnome Convention on Australia Day in Glenbrook was David’s unique concept and spread his fame all over the world!
 
We send our deepest condolences to his wife Carolyn and all the family.

From tea fields to teaching

Meet Theresa... she is one of the first women from her community of tea pickers in Sri Lanka to go to university. This four-minute postcard shows how one woman, who understands the power of education, is forging ahead with a career in teaching and ultimately changing the lives of many.

To watch this video at the BBC click here

Why you should attend the 2021 Rotary International Convention

Feel the Energy in Taipei
Our potential to create lasting change is limitless. And there’s no better place to explore your full potential than the 2021 Rotary International Convention, 12-16 June in Taipei, Taiwan. You may have missed the special promotional discount but there is still time to catch the early-registration discount! 

• Discover the many aspects of Taipei, from its tranquil temples and abundance of colourful hydrangeas to its jubilant festivals and lively night markets.
• Find new opportunities for service by learning practical skills and exploring innovative ways to make a lasting impact in your community.
• Experience the invigorating city like a local when you attend exciting host-ticketed events.
• Take part in motivating breakout sessions to learn new skills and get ideas for projects, fundraising, and more. Help us build a breakout program that celebrates Rotary’s diversity! Submit your breakout proposal by Wednesday, 30 September.
• Explore the Rotary Fellowships at the House of Friendship to build relationships, collaborate, and ignite inspiration.
• Want more reasons to attend? Watch our video about Taipei or download the promotional kit and use the materials to invite friends to join you in attending.

To register click here

Bushcare volunteers wanted

The council have confirmed the next two dates of their bushcare sessions with the Cub Scouts at Blackman Park will be on Saturday 31 October, and Sunday 8 November, both between 1:00pm - 3:00pm. They have advised it would be great to see any Rotary members that can make it also come along and assist with this important work. For further information contact Jenny May.

and finally...