This week, based on member feedback to try changing meetings up a little, we will be holding the club meeting over Zoom. It will be fully online - we will not be meeting at Moerlina School.

President Fiona has sent out the Zoom link to all members - if you require the link again please email president@rotaryfreshwaterbay.org.au.

Earlier this calendar year, we provided funding for a stage piano for The Buevskies, a group of Ukrainian and Australian performers, performing a blend of traditional and modern songs, sung in Ukrainian. The group was formed by husband and wife team, Irina Buevska-Cowell and Rob Cowell. Irina is a Ukrainian-born concert pianist and performs vocals, keyboard, and piano accordion, with Rob on guitar and vocals.

Thank you to Val Smith-Orr for this 6 month update about the Triple B Care Projects, which we manage a RAWCS project for to enable tax-deductible donations to support this wonderful work in the Philippines:

I decided to do a half year count up as I'm so exhausted and doing 12-15 hr days. No wonder!  This is usually our annual total and it's only July!!! And we really don't have minor wounds or burns, all big and released from hospital with shocking wounds/injuries.

I want you to know how important your support is, every cent and EVERY item you put in boxes is used for our patients. We care for them to heal the original wounds and we continue with scar management for up to 2 years providing all the items they need. Your efforts to keep us going are truly truly appreciated and really gratefully received.

Telemedicine calls/videos have become a huge part of our work in the scar management phases after a burn or other deep wounds. We have consulted with cases from various provinces around the Philippines. Telemedicine consults are especially good when our patients live a very long distance. We also have local calls, for example Olongapo City and our Zambales capitol city, Iba.

then we'd love to have them attend the RYPEN camp from 15th - 17th September 2023.
 
RYPEN depends on Rotary Clubs to sponsor participants. If you know someone that is interested in attending that our club could sponsor, please let the Youth committee know! 

So far in 2023 there have been a total of 6 Wild Polio cases: 1 in Pakistan and 5 in Afghanistan 5. It has been 10 weeks since the most recent reported Wild Polio Case, in Afghanistan on 18th May 2023.

So far in 2023/24, we've raised $166.60 from recycling containers.

As one of our main sources of income for our projects, your assistance in sourcing, collecting, and/or returning containers is greatly appreciated!

Project Coordinator PP Simone Collins is happy to provide any information or support.

Potential club members are everywhere. But to get them to join Rotary, clubs must use creativity and imagination, advised Past RI President Cliff Dochterman.

"Rotary International leaders keep emphasizing membership growth and extension because Rotary's very survival depends on it," said Dochterman, who was a member of the Rotary Club of Moraga, California, USA, and author of The ABCs of Rotary, a resource for new members. "If Rotary is to grow, we all must take action."

"Keeping current club members is just as important as bringing in new ones. The key is to adapt and change." This is advice we have taken to heart, as we are in the process of re-evaluating our current practices in our club to see if they still serve us, or if adjustments are in order.

Dochterman (who passed away in 2021 at the age of 95) believed clubs can thrive by seeking new members, retaining current ones, and sponsoring new clubs in the community. He offered the following tips for retaining members:

• Make sure club meetings, service activities, and social events are interesting, fun, and worthwhile.
• Initiate more hands-on projects so club members will feel that they're making a difference.