Wednesday 19 November 2008
Tonight we had two topics on Rotary programs: Rotaract and the Rotarary Foundation's Centurion Program.
Our first guest speakers were Aaron Sivasothy and David Mahoney who spoke to us about Rotaract. Aaron and David were introduced by Bradley Ayres.
Aaron Sivasothy is a member of Burwood Rotaract. He advised us that the aim of Rotaract is to bring peace and international understanding to the world starting at the community level.
Aaron told us that Rotaract started in the 1960’s with Rotary sponsoring some university youth groups. Rotaract received a big boost when the sponsorship of youth groups became an approved project for Rotary clubs.
Membership is open to people aged 18 to 30 who are interested in the goals of Rotaract. Members are able to develop their professional and personal contacts.
Rotaract gets involved in many community projects and activities. Aaron advised us of the Primary Schools Citizenship Awards (PRISCA) .These awards recognise leadership and other valued attributes of students in local primary schools. Rotaract also conducts raffles and other activities to raise funds for children’s charities.
Aaron joined Rotaract as a result of our club choosing him to attend the Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) program this year. Aaron was presented with his RYLA certificate by President Grahme True.
David Mahoney, our second speaker, is a member of the GUNARGARANG Club at Penrith. The name of the Club is the aboriginal word for the place where the mountains meet the plain. David joined Rotaract in 1996 and is now a District Representative. David advised us that his parents had also been members of Rotaract.
In the past David’s club has organised a large scale community event to raise funds for victims of bushfires. David also advised us of Rotaracts involvement in “Movember” which is raising funds for research into men’s health issues by males growing moustaches during the month of November.
Our third speaker was PDG Warwick Tester who spoke to us about the Centurion Program. Warwick was introduced by Harley Tarrant.
Warwick advised us that the proposal for an endowment fund was first put forward in 1917 by the then head of Rotary International. From humble beginnings this fund now receives $85 million per year on average.
Originally an annual contribution of US$100 was required. Since about 2000 a Centurion is required to contribute A$100 to the Austral ian Rotary Foundation Trust. Contributions to the Trust are tax deductible.
Warwick advised us that he is now sending out annual reminders to contributors and this is proving to be very effective.
Warwick pointed out that 20% of contributions come back to local clubs as District Designated Funds. These funds have been used for projects such as the Holroyd Club’s project to improve access to a local school for wheelchair bound students. The Wallacia Mulgoa Club received a grant to erect a war memorial in a park at Warragamba.
Warwick said that he was keenly awaiting the day when a local club had 100% of members contributing to the Centurion Program. Warwick was thanked by Janelle Watson.Centurion Program
The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International through the Australian Rotary Foundation Trust. Donations made through the ARFT are Tax Deductible.
I would like to become a Centurion so that I may personally support the great humanitarian programs of the Rotary Foundation Trust of Rotary International. To achieve this end, I commit myself to a contribution of $100 AUS per annum for as long as I am in a position to do so.Surname: _________________________________
First Name: _______________________________
Rotary Club of: ____________________________
Signed: ______________ Date: _______________
Payment Details: Cheques to be made payable to
“The Australian Rotary Foundation Trust”.
Receipts will be sent.
Credit Card Details: BankCard MasterCard VisaCard
Card No: ____/____/____/___ Expiry Date: ____/____Please send completed form to Lyn Tester, PO Box 107, Silverdale NSW 2752