Rotary District 9820
59th Annual Conference
Friday 24th to Sunday 26th March 2017
Wrest Point Convention Center
Hobart Tasmania
 
A wonderfully organized conference that offered participants the opportunity to discover something about them selves while focusing on the aims and objectives of Rotary.
The theme of the conference focused on ‘Children are our Future’ with our DG and speakers highlighting the importance of investing in programs that empower children. Research has highlighted that education is the key to success for both positive wellbeing and a productive future. The keynote speakers all wove this into their talks, giving us examples of how in their own life experiences.
The CEO and founder of the ‘non profit’ Skyjuice Foundation Inc. Rhett Butler outlined the importance that all children throughout the world should have access to clean water. The foundation has been working for 10 years and has developed a special filter system that filters water in a sustainable way that can be used in remote and disaster areas. Skyjuices clean water programs is now in over 53 countries. Rhett outlined that 750 million people in the world do not have clean drinking water, and alarmingly 4,000 children die each day while over 50% experience extended absences from school due to water related illnesses. Skyjuices has partnered with Rotary in many communities to ensure clean water. Rhett encouraged clubs in District 9820 to raise funds and become involved.
SkyJuice Foundation www.skyjuice.org.au/
 
Don Elgin a motivational speaker who represented Australia in athletics at four World Championships, three Paralympics’ Games, two World Cups and a Commonwealth Games was born without the lower portion of his left leg. He stressed that a positive mental attitude and the right mentors anything could be possible. His stories were based on his own life and he continually outlined that he was the happiest bloke alive! He spoke about being an ‘Aussie battler’ who was born in the bush and he continually inspired us to “have a crack” to make a difference and be a better leader at home, at work and at Rotary. Don talked about how to cope with and embrace change as something to look forward to.
He also an author and wrote ‘One Foot Beyond the Podium’
Don Elgin donelgin.com.au/
Learning to appreciate what you have in life and not to focus on the things you don’t have.
 
Erica and I really enjoyed the social side of the conference and the entertainment. Throughout the conference the DG’s granddaughter, Lucinda De Silva sang, she was fantastic. The Saturday night Governor’s Ball was a lot of fun with excellent food and wonderful entertainment with ‘The Blues Brothers Revival Band’. In line with Pakenham RC tradition being president elect, it was great to have those from our club attending the conference to drinks in our room.
To sum it up it was our first District Conference, and we had an amazing time during the conference and exploring some of the fantastic places that Hobart in Tassie offers.
 
We are looking forward to the next conference at Sale 16th to 18th Feb next year.