Sam Owori, President-elect of Rotary International, dies in US hospital

Dear fellow Rotarians,

It is with the heaviest of hearts that I share the sad news that the President-elect of Rotary International, Sam F. Owori, died last night as a result of post-operative complications from a planned surgery.

In this difficult time, I ask you to keep his wife, Norah, the Owori family, and Sam’s millions of friends around the world in your thoughts.

Sam was a special person in so many ways, and his unexpected death is a huge loss to Rotary, his community, and the world. We will provide more details on plans to celebrate his life as they become available.

From the perspective of Rotary leadership, we will share information on the impact and the path forward as a result of Sam’s passing. In addition, we are establishing a memorial fund in Sam’s honor and will provide further details soon.

With enormous sadness,

Ian

Rotary Convention in Atlanta June 2017

The RI Convention in Atlanta was a huge success with 40,000+ or – delegates including yours truly.

Just posting a few photos here of the Convention.  I spent all my time in the RAGES booth and missed all the plenary sessions.  We also had a great break out session courtesy of Rotary Host Organising Committee.  It was full and they closed the doors before we started.

Here in no particular order are some of the moments I remember best:

Change Over Dinner at Leeton

Every year we change our Presidents and District Governor.  This year it was in Leeton a combined club and district change over dinner.

Along with our new theme from the Rotary International President Ian Riseley from the Rotary Club of Sandringham in Victoria Australia.

The District 9700 Board of Directors

Left to Right

PDG David Kennedy The Rotary Foundation Blayney Rotary Club

PDG Gary Roberts Administration Murrumbidgee Wagga Wagga Rotary Club

PP Doug Conkey Treasurer Wollundry Wagga Wagga Rotary Club

DGN John McKenzie Governor 2019-2020 Orange North Rotary Club

District Governor George Weston Leeton Rotary Club

DGE John Glassford Governor 2018-2019 Coolamon Rotary Club

PE Marilyn Roberts Secretary Rotary e-Club D9700

IPDG Michael Milston Orange Daybreak Rotary Club

PP Peter Gissing Service Projects Wagga Wagga Sunrise Rotary Club

PP Joanne McRae Membership Orange Daybreak Rotary Club

PDG John Egan Public Image Wollundry Wagga Wagga Rotary Club

Carol Weston PHF and DG’s Partner

Bill Gates to Speak in Atlanta

Rotary president invites members to Atlanta

I am thrilled to announce that Bill Gates will speak on Monday, 12 June, during the second general session at the Rotary International Convention in Atlanta. Rotary and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have been working together on polio eradication for a long time, and our strong partnership will continue through the final years of the effort.

FULL STORY HERE

 

Rotary Truck

New attraction in the Blue Mountains

With the assistance of Tom Colless OAM and his company Colless Foods, Katoomba, the Rotary Club of Central Blue Mountains, NSW, has established what might be a “first” in Australia – a mobile billboard that promotes Rotary and urges people to join our community of leaders and take action at home and around the world.

The massive signage on each side of the truck is 30 feet long and nine feet tall – it can’t be missed! The truck travels the Great Western Highway and into Greater Sydney four days a week. It’s estimated life span is 10 years.

Give the driver a wave next time you see it!

District Conference Orange March 17-19th

D9700 Conference Orange

There’s only a few days left until Gemma and Winrose board the plane to Australia and they’re very excited about catching up with St Jude’s supporters like you. This year you’ll meet Winrose – an exceptional St Jude’s graduate and aspiring aeronautical engineer who has overcome so much in her journey out of poverty. She can’t wait to share her story and show you firsthand the impact you are making here in Tanzania.