Rotary District 9780 Governor, Phil Beasley, and his wife Judy recently visited Port Fairy Rotary Club. Phil outlined the effects of the COVID 19 pandemic on Clubs, including on members, families and friends. Fundraising has been significantly reduced. Local communities have also been impacted in different ways and it is important for Clubs to determine the particular needs that have arisen locally. Clubs should review their strategic plans in light of the changed community needs and their lower resources. New ways of working including joint projects with other clubs should be explored.
DG Phil Beasley
Phil also spoke about the Centenary of Rotary in Australia. 2021 marks 100 years since the establishment of the Rotary Club of Melbourne in 1921. There are now 1100 clubs in Australia with 30,000 Rotarians.
Phil presented Tony Bawden with a certificate recognising Tony's presidency during the centenary year.
Tony Bawden and Phil Beasley
Judy Beasley also addressed the Club on the Indigenous Literacy Foundation, which is her chosen project for the year. The Foundation is a national book industry charity dedicated to lifting literacy levels in remote Indigenous communities. It has supplied over 440,000 books to over 400 communities, 40% by Indigenous authors and illustrators.
Judy Beasley - a passionate advocate for indigenous children's literacy