On Monday night we were invited by Rotary Club of Gungahlin to their annual changeover event. This event is like an AGM for Rotary where they acknowledge the achievements of the year just gone and welcome in the next 12 months. It is also where roles and responsibilities of the club are handed onto others within the club.
We have a bit to do with Rotary Club of Gungahlin throughout the year such as their support of Celebrate Gungahlin festival with their sausage sizzle. When the club went through their list of achievements for the last 12 months we were absolutely amazed at what this small club had achieved.
One such program they support is ROMAC which provides surgical treatment for children in Australia and New Zealand from developing countries from our Pacific Region in the form of Life Giving and/or dignity restoring surgery not accessible to them in their home country.
ROMAC commenced in March 1988 out of the actions of an Australian Rotarian who, with a group of surgeons, visited Lambasa in Fiji.
They found the child mortality rate as high as 25% in some places and quickly identified that lack of medical and surgical facilities and skills for children of the island nations, was a major cause.
ROMAC harnesses assistance from medical experts, hospitals, nurses, physiotherapists, pathology and radiology services, airlines, sponsors and other supporters. ROMAC makes a difference, Giving Life to children who had no hope!
Today ROMAC is Giving Life to around 50 children every year – they are making a huge difference in the lives of these small Island Countries. Canberra has seen 9 children arrive for medical assistance through the support of Rotary Club of Gungahlin.
It was at this event I was awarded the Steve Bell award in memory of the club’s second President who died suddenly at a young age. It is awarded to a person working, or residing in the Gungahlin community who through their vocation, record of voluntary service or through a single act, epitomises a significant aspect or aspects of Rotary’s Four Way Test in operation. I am extremely humbled to receive such an award from Rotary Club of Gungahlin as recognition of what My Gungahlin does for the Gungahlin community.
The award also has a monetary value of $400 where I was able to nominate a charity, project or program operated or endorsed by Rotary. I have requested this donation go to Dainere’s Rainbow Brain Tumour Research Fund as part of my run for a cure fundraiser. www.city2surf2017.everydayhero.com/au/mark-scarborough
It was great to be part of this night where this small group recognised their achievements and the achievements of individuals within the group. It goes to show what a dedicated and passionate group can achieve together. If you would like to know more about joining Rotary please see this link: Rotary Club of Gungahlin
We wish Rotary Club of Gungahlin the very best for 2017-2018 in Making a Difference.
Mark with outgoing President of Rotary Club of Gungahlin Terry Howard
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