Peter Fenwick says that leaders in sport, politics, religion, academia, business, public service, media and the trade unions often abuse positions of trust.

Peter thinks we have lost the belief that we can do things ourselves. We live with the notion that, if we can't afford some desired service, it should be provided by the government. It is perceived as having an inexhaustible supply of funds. The result is rising debt, unsound money, poor investment decisions and unfair burdens on the productive, the thrifty and the young.

To reverse this trend, Peter says we must take more responsibility for ourselves and not force others to provide for our every need. The solution, according to Peter, is subsidiarity.

Subsidiarity relates to the principle of devolving decision making to the lowest practical level.  This means that employees are trusted to manage their own time and make their own decisions (always with the option of seeking advice).  This principle allows staff to grow and feel empowered, rather than never daring to try anything.

On Sunday afternoon, at the District Changeover, PDG Ian Knight OAM was presented with a Polio Plus Pioneer award.

This is a prestigious award that is presented annually to only a handful of Rotarians worldwide. In 1987-88, when Ian was District Governor, Rotary introduced the Polio Plus campaign. At the time, 350,000 cases of polio were being reported globally.

Thanks to Ian's efforts as DG in promoting the campaign in the District and in raising significant funds, there are now only a few cases reported. Not only did he work hard during his year, he has continued to promote the campaign for the past 30 years through his various District roles including as District Foundation Chair.

Congratulations Ian.

Click here to read Ian's acceptance speech.

Last Sunday, Bronwyn Stephens from the Rotary Club of Melbourne South was inducted as our District Governor for 2018-19. She will be the fourth female to hold the position.

Bronwyn joined Rotary in 2008 and has been a dedicated Rotarian since then.

To Bronwyn, Rotary’s new vision statement resonates. ‘Together we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change, across the globe in our communities and in ourselves.’

Bronwyn visited Bosala in Cambodia in 2012 after it was devastated by outbreaks of cholera, typhoid, dengue and pneumonia. She immediately moved into action by organising for the village to receive aid with food, clean drinking water and emergency medical treatment. This led to the establishment of the 'World of Difference' program and one that continues to be very dear to her heart.

Bronwyn will make an official visit to our club on 31st July.

Incoming President Graham Roper has advised that our club changeover will be held at Jacksons on K restaurant on Tuesday 26th June.

Click here to view or download the invitation.

The Rotary Club of Laverton Point Cook is holding its second Red Tie Gala evening on Saturday June 16th to help raise funds to eradicate trachoma in Australia by 2020.

The event will be held at Windmill Gardens Reception Centre, 533-539 Leakes Rd, Plumpton. Tickets are $100 per person.

This is a formal evening and you are asked to wear a red tie or scarf and a masquerade mask.

Click here to book tickets for the function.

On Saturday 23rd June, you will be treated to a wonderful night of 70's music at the RoCan Gala Night to be held at the Lakeside Convention Centre in Taylors Lakes.

The cost of a ticket is $150 and all funds raised will be allocated to the Cancer Wellness and Accommodation Centre which is planned to be built in Werribee.

The MC is former TV presenter John Deeks and entertainment will be supplied by a variety of performers including Donnie Sutherland, John St. Peters, Ray Burgess and Andrew McSwain's 20-piece big band.

Click here to learn more about the function and to understand why you should support this wonderful cause.

Please call Yvonne (0407 303 255) or Gina (0419 396 979) to reserve your place.

The 2018 Camberwell Art Show is held from 6-15 July at the Swinburne University Advanced Technologies Centre, 427 Burwood Road, Hawthorn.

The Art Show is celebrating 53 years as Australia’s finest community art events for established and emerging artists with the focus on quality art. See 1350 paintings exhibited from Australia's finest artists.

Rotarians have been invited to attend Club Fellowship evenings at the show.

To visit the Camberwell Art Show website click here.

• Our 50th Charter Anniversary is on 18th August and it will be held at the Werribee Racing Club Function Centre. Our guest speaker will be Ian Riseley who is currently the Rotary International President. This is a major milestone for the club and we are expecting a large turnout of current and past members and partners as well as Rotarians from other clubs. A formal invitation will be distributed shortly.

• Kathryn Williams advised that Beach Patrol 3030 will be conducting another beach cleanup at Campbell's Cove this Sunday (10th June) between 11:30 and 12:30. She is hoping for a few volunteers.

• Mid-week Bunnings BBQ - The next BBQ will be on Thursday 14th June. We are desperately seeking your assistance for an hour or two. If you can help, please contact Jason Daddy.

• The Barking Dogs are howling their way to Rotary success. Last Sunday, they were the star act at the District Changeover in front of 300 people. They have also been asked to perform at three club changeovers in late June. These are all paid performances and the money raised is donated back to our club. Here is a picture of the group performing at the District Conference.

• Separated at birth? The hair style may have something to do with the fact that Marty looks remarkably like Mr Beaker from The Muppets. 

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