Vol 39 No 35. 20TH MARCH 2018

Post Office Box 492, Bendigo 3552

Rotary Club No.18308, ABN 14991305623 Chartered 23rd October, 1978: Sponsor Club BENDIGO

President: Ken Longford

Bulletin Editor: Julie Vecht

Assistant Editor: Kevin Gallagher

www.clubrunner.ca/bendigostrathdale Email: rcbendigostrathdale@gmail.com Phone: 0455 129 907

The Bendigo-Strathdale Rotary Club Meets:

Tuesday at 6.15PM for a 6.45 PM start at: Bendigo Club, Park Street,

Bendigo VIC., 3550 ASSISTANT GOVERNOR GOLDFIELDS STH: Cliff Downey

DISTRICT GOVERNOR: Peter Frueh

FROM OUR PRESIDENT – KEN Was great to be back after a few happenings in the last few weeks & thanks to Past Presidents who filled in for me. The 13th saw 4 of us at Government House amongst some 800 Fellow Rotarians, even the opportunity to sell a ticket to RI’s President Ian Riseley. Then our meeting on Tuesday saw three visitors & our District Governor Elect Bronwyn Stephens join us with a short update on the District Conference held on the weekend at Warrnambool. We were entertained by a variety of Guest Speakers, two of which I would encourage you to Google, firstly Michael Crossland & also Sharee Marris, both very inspirational.

Talking Conferences, next year it is a multidistrict conference being held at the Melbourne Convention Centre, Feb 15-17 Feb 2019 (adjacent to Jeff’s Shed) where the Showcase, House of Friendship or Expo which ever you choose to call it and expressions of interest are now open with Early Bird $175.00 (not inc Gala Dinner) opening on 01-07-18 through to 30-11-18

Thursday saw three of us lunching with DGE Bronwyn & then after I left, the Ladies continued on with Bronwyn making some 100 lolly bags for the approaching PELD.

Look forward to seeing you all on April 10th, remembering no meeting on Easter Tuesday

President Ken.

FROM THE EDITOR – JULIE’S JOTTINGS How enjoyable Tuesday night was with company in DGE Bronwyn Stephens and three visitors Greg Verity, Sam Fenton and Tristin Coote. Bruce called for reports and Greg spoke of SPAM and that number were down, but this year there were three other fundraisers on at the same time. Money raised this year was enough to save one life. Mary thanked the helpers who helped out on Saturday at the concert clean up. Greg, Jenny, Jan, Pam, Mike, and Hans. Sunday morning Neil, Shirley and Jan. Lynne spoke of NYSF. Jassin who has participated and may have the opportunity to go, requires $6,000 to do so. Emily Rodgers from Rochester needs $3,000 for Singapore Helen to speak to Club Members to help coordinate paperwork. MUNDA coming soon Tristan, Sam Greg and Helen

District Leadership Conference

President Ken spoke about the Community Raffle reminding all that for every ticket sold we hold $2.00. The money from this is firstly to pay for the two defibrillators we gave to little 6 year old Jamieson from Darraweit Primary. After that we have a number of causes that we can support. Congratulations must go to Liz who has already sold 50 books and still selling. Wonderful effort. Remember this raffle is an amazing opportunity for the Club with no outlay and every $2.00 raised goes to the Club

Graeme from Life Line called in to our meeting and our cheque from the funds earnt from the concert were passed over to Graeme. Graeme, Mary, Greg, DGN Bronwyn and President Ken

Our Speaker for the night was introduced by Chairman Bruce. DGN. Bronwyn Stephens who in her delightful way mixed with Members and when time came to speak she invited President Ken and Liz to join her and talk about the photo’s from the 9800 Conference at Warrnambool. Bronwyn ‘s personnel statement is “Rotary for her allows her to take an idea to help another person, a community, a country or the whole world…and for like minded people to join them to make it happen.” This very talented lady who’s Rotary involvement is to be admired will be an excellent DG and I consider 9800 very lucky to have her. Bronwyn believes that the Governor is part of the district support team. If she can help in any way she would be very happy to do so as she believes that that is what Rotary Friends are for. May all news be good news, Julie.

CLUB NOTICEBOARD

Dear fellow Rotarians, Did you know that only five percent of Rotary’s members are under the age of 40? It’s an alarming statistic, and one that should prompt all of us to take action. Engaging Younger Professionals, a new online toolkit, helps clubs understand this important demographic and rethink membership, from a broad perspective down to a tactical level. It’s a great starting point for clubs that want to broaden their membership but don’t know where to start. Telling Rotary’s story is an essential part of bringing in the new members Rotary needs to thrive. Our new People of Action video, “What We See,” and more information on the People of Action campaign, are now available to download from the Rotary Brand Centre. Contact PR@rotary.org if you have any questions. Of course, the best support for our public image is the work that is Making A Difference around the world, every day. I’m excited to announce the launch of the 2019 Rotary Peace Fellowship application, the process for selecting the social change leaders who will earn either a fully-funded master’s degree or a professional development certificate in peace and conflict studies at one of six Rotary Peace Centres at leading universities around the world. Up to 100 fellowships will be awarded for the academic year, and the application deadline is 31 May 2018. District officers play a key role in selecting applicants. If you are planning on applying for a global grant next year, remember that starting 1 July, any club or district that applies for a global grant to support a humanitarian project or a vocational training team will be required to conduct a community assessment first. The club

or district will complete the Global Grants Community Assessment Results form and upload it with the global grant application, found in the Grant Center. You may use district grant funds to conduct the assessment. For more information on assessments, see Rotary’s Community Assessment Tools. If you’d like to apply for a global grant but don’t know where to look for an international partner, we’ve put together some resources to help:

Rotary Ideas, a platform that allows you to request partners, materials, or international support and contributions;

Rotary discussion groups, a forum for clubs to exchange project ideas and request assistance;

Rotarian Action Groups, members and others who are experts in a particular field and who help club and district projects;

Intercountry committees, networks of Rotary clubs or districts in two or more countries working together on service projects, sponsoring new clubs, or other activities;

Project Fairs, regional events that Rotary districts host to encourage international friendship and collaboration; and

Rotary Fellowships, independent, social groups that share an interest in a hobby, recreational activity or profession.

If you need more help, or just have questions, staff members are happy to work with sponsors to pre-review applications, give feedback or advice, and help redesign projects into something eligible for funding. Staff are also available to come to training events. (Depending upon our budget, hosts may need to subsidize the costs.) Finally, one last reminder about our Tree-Planting Challenge this year. I’ve asked every Rotary club to have one tree planted for each member by 22 April 2018, which is Earth Day. If you haven’t planted your trees yet, there’s still time! Don’t forget to log into Rotary Showcase to report the trees you’ve planted. I look forward to learning how many Rotarians have come together through this challenge, Making A Difference for a better planet Earth. Regards, Ian Riseley Rotary International President, 2017-18

BENDIGO CLUB: The cost being $17 for the meal, Members to pay $6 entry to help cover room cost and Speaker.

DISTRICT 9800 LEARNING AND LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM re RLI dates--the details have changed and were updated in the weekly news going to Presidents and clubs. Learning and Development Opportunities –Club Members are encouraged to read about these seminars and attend

RLI (Rotary Leadership Institute) The 22nd and the 29th of April with Montague School as the venue. This program is offered to all Rotarians in the District.

A New Members Seminar will be run as part of the District Assembly on Sunday the 20th of May.

A Future Club Leaders Seminar will held at Montague School on Sunday the 27th of May.

Read more and download registration forms for all seminars click here

Contact: Julie Mason on Mason.Julie.M@edumail.vic.gov.au Vicki Teschke at Vicki@teschke.id.au

Regards, Grant Grant Hocking ASM (Melissa) Woodend Rotary

Rotary District 9800 D9800 Assistant Governor Mentor 2017-18 District 9800 Governor 2019-2020

Email: granthocking64@gmail.com (NEW)

ROCHESTER FARM AND ROAD SAFTEY EXPO: The Rotary Club of Rochester will hold the 20th annual Farm and Road Safety Expo (FARSE) on Tuesday 21st August 2018. I am writing to ask your Club members to make a note in their diary of the date. We invite your members to attend the Expo which is held at the Rochester Recreation Reserve (Football Ground) between 10am and 2:30pm. The FARSE is an annual major project of the Rotary Club of Rochester. I am also asking whether any of your members are in a position to bring an exhibit to the Expo or know of someone or a business that would donate their time to put on a display or consider being a sponsor for the event. Please see flyer on opening email.

YOUTH: RYPEN in March for 15-17-year olds is coming up if you know students. MUNA - Model United Nations Assembly in May. NYSF applications will be out in March - for year 11 students. Youth presentation later on and we are planning another Q&A as we had last year. Thanks Lynne

A “One off’ Event” Rotary Albert Park invites all Rotary Clubs in Victoria to this unique event to join them at an evening of fun and excitement (never before experienced) to raise funds and celebrate 100 years of The Rotary Foundation.

The Melbourne Star have agreed to light up the wheel in Rotary colours for the night of 22nd April 2018. This will be a promotion of Rotary on that evening…visible from all around Melbourne and the environs. The Melbourne Star will be dedicated to Rotary only and the audience is Rotary club members, their families and friends.

The Star stands 120 metres above the city and has unparalleled 360 degree panoramic views stretching 40Kms from Melbourne’s CBD.

For ticket information or any future updates, see The Rotary News.

MAKE-UP OPPORTUNITIES.

Kangaroo Flat - Monday 6.15 pm. - Rotary Gateway Park.

Bendigo - Tuesday 1.00 pm. - Bendigo Club.

Bendigo Sandhurst - Wednesday 7.30 am Bridge Hotel, Water Street, Bendigo.

Eaglehawk - Wednesday 6 pm - Mechanics Institute, Cal. Gully.

Bendigo South - Thursday 6.30 pm. - Foundry Hotel, Golden Square.

JOKE CORNER POINT OF INTEREST:

On the 17th March 2018 our 41 year old son Ryan Bendigo raised, took on

the challenge to ride from Freemantle via Adelaide, Melbourne,

Canberra to Sydney in the Indian Pacific Wheel Race (which is no

longer a race and is totally unaided, unassisted and can only take what

you can carry) to raise funds for the McGrath Foundation after a few

close friends have been seriously touched by Cancer. The race officially

cancelled before start date due to the potential outcome of an coronial

enquiry to last years rider death.

Ryan had put in some good rides to ready himself for this adventure,

but nothing prepared him for the disastrous day 1 that he experienced.

Day 1. Saturday: Left Freemantle in good spirits and ready for the

challenge. Had a good morning in the lead at times but by 12.30pm in

4th position due to having cramps in adductors/groin/hamstring muscles which were with him

for 6 hours and then couple that with vomiting (started around mid afternoon) and not able

to hold down anything he still continued to push on (saying that this is probably not as bad as

what some Cancer patients go through so I have to get on with it).

Totally exhausted and smelly he called into a Motel in

Merredin showered and washed clothes and collapsed on the

bed for much needed rest…still vomiting. Total 320 kms

Day 2. Sunday: Vomiting down to dry retching, but still

feeling lethargic he puts on damp bike clothes and heads off

in 10 degrees temperature with the body, legs aching.

Made it eventually to Coolgardie exhausted and still dry

retching. Stopped for rest and swallowed some wafer tablets

then had to forced himself to eat as the body needed so much.

After an hour and half rest he resumed riding and rode well

into the night to get to Norseman. Total 465kms

Day 3. Monday: After a few hours rest he is on the road again feeling better in the stomach (although not sure how after consuming a chicken sandwich, tuna sandwich, but leg sore he grinds his way on the pedals. Pictured, is the start of Australia's longest straight stretch of sealed road - 147km. Thank God it's undulating!!! No towns or servos are in n this stretch. One needs to be conscious, focussed and prepared.

At this stage of the race he was 10th out of 48 contenders and going strong determined to catch a few of the riders ahead.

COMING EVENTS.

DATE EVENT CONVENOR

21/04/2018 Relay for Life PP Mary

22/04/2018 Part 1 and 2 Learning and Leadership Program President Ken

06/05/2018 Part ¾ (Both at Golden Square P School 19 Maple Street) President Ken

05/06/2018 Club President Changeover Dinner PE Greg

Had a good morning, but suffered hot feet with the

afternoon sun on the white line with a dead straight

road annoying him. Had a bush rest about 3.00 pm

and woke to find himself close to an ants nest (not

good).

Next stop Caiguna. Arriving in at 1.00am faced heavy

head winds and did not make his hoped destination of

Cocklebiddy 65kms away. Total 373kms

Day 4. Tuesday: Strong

head wind, breakfast at Cocklebiddy and continued on fighting

the head wind. Lunch Madura and still strong headwind, made

it to Mundrabilla Roadhouse 12.10pm. Had trouble with pain in

one leg and light and phone not charging… trying to work out

WHY, laid down his mat and that was the end for the night.

Hoping for a better day tomorrow. Total 261kms

Day 5. Wednesday: Looks like another day of strong winds

and a sore leg with remedial quad, stopped to try taping for the

pain, and comforted that all others are facing the winds.

The climb up to Eucla with 1400kms with sore legs and a loaded

bike is huge but up and over with a mind set that Cancer suffers face worse.

The day is full of strong winds and due to this a struggle to get to the Nullarbor Roadhouse by

10.00pm closing time. He will be in trouble if unable to get food. No phone service so unable

to get a message through to phone and order something, paying by card and asking them to

leave it out for him. Could be a hard night!

22kms short of destination and exhausted. Did not make the Roadhouse. At night when

camping out animals roam. Cattle, camels and of course wildlife - emus, roos, wombats, and

smaller creatures. The road trains are pretty much off the road between midnight and 3am.

Total 254kms. 1433kms so far

Day 6. Thursday: Made Roadhouse about 6.45am. Roadhouse opens and breakfast was soooo good. While there two more roadside sleepers turned up and brightened the spirits to know that you weren’t the only one. Back on the road, sore in one knee and groin but with spirits high.

144kms to Nundroo Roadhouse. 1697kms from Freemantel.

Lunched and back on the bike pedalled on and off with a couple of

other riders. Had a good afternoon and made Ceduna 1986kms

making the Total 294kms for the afternoon.

Feeling good with little wind back on the bike to maybe achieve another 100kms. Finished

riding after another 94kms kms. Total 465kms. Poochera 2152kms

Day 7. Friday: Sore legs and tender butt but hoping for a good day. Lunch time stopped into

chemist as pressure sores have developed after 61/2 days and riding 2220kms.

Sore and spirits a bit low (as this is not how he saw the trip going) but back on the seat and

Kimba is the hopeful destination. Total 429. 2325kms.

Day 8. Saturday: On the road hoping to miss some of the heat. Sore legs, butt and swollen

legs and face he attempts to ride on. What a struggle…not really talkative and just battling he

fights the road with 87kms to Iron Knob and rest for a bit. Wanting to get to Port Augusta but

struggling to push the pedals of the bike and walks for a bit then a bit more riding, walks and

rides to make it to Port Augusta. The last 42kms took him 5hrs. Arrives in Port Augusta and

into a Motel showers and collapses on bed for 5 hours rest.

In trouble body swollen legs and face. Doctors instructions to remain of bike and rest. Saddle

sores have split and trying to keep off them has caused leg trouble. No matter what he does

nothing seems to be working in his favour. Total 2445km in one week

Day 9. Sunday: No riding obeying instructions. Fluid in face reducing slowly. Feeling a bit

better and his head says ride, but fortunately he is listening to his body, legs and doctor and

staying another day.

Our admiration for our son is huge when there is nothing in this for him but to raise funds for

McGrath Foundation to supply one to one nursing. If his story impresses, you may help

make his struggle worthwhile as his goal is $15,500. gofundme.com Ryan Vecht

The never-ending road

His riding companion Cold morning before hot day

Julie