Oh lord and giver of all good, we praise thee for our daily food.
May Rotary friends and Rotary ways help us to serve theeall our days.
Jennifer Jones Rotary International President 2022/23.
Theme for the month of December
Disease Prevention and Treatment
Quote of the Month
It is amazing to think that when we give a donation
to The Rotary Foundation we are making a difference to the lives of millions of people around the world by promoting peace, preventing disease, supporting education, bolstering economic development, protecting the environment, and providing clean water and sanitation. Yes, it is amazing to think in more than the 100 years of existence, TRF, via Grants, has enabled more than US$4 billion worth of life-changing, sustainable projects both close to home and around the world. Jennifer Jones, President of RI, says it is up to us to share our Rotary moments with others whether it is family, friends, neighbours or even the people with whom we work. By sharing these moments, it is giving them an opportunity to understand the impact of Rotary.
Christmas is a wonderful time of the year. At times busy, but nevertheless joyful, whether it is buying presents, preparing the Christmas dinner and especially connecting or reconnecting with friends.
So last night, we had the Rotary Club of Barossa Valley’s Christmas Dinner at the Wanera restaurant, the best attendance we have had for a Rotary meeting for this Rotary year.
The night began with pre dinner drinks in the restaurant’s garden; fellowship was on display with drinks and chatting.
Ruby Triplett, a year 12 student from Faith Lutheran Secondary School serenaded us ending with Rotary’s theme song for this year “Imagine”.
I was especially pleased to have the Rotary Family together again. I say the Rotary family, because whether you are a current Rotary member, friend of the Club, Honorary Member, a widow of former Club member or a former Club member, you are all part of this Club’s Rotary Family, responsible for or a contributor to the community work which this Rotary club has regularly performed with distinction.
The Honourable Lyn Arnold was last night’s guest speaker, a former politician and the Premier of this state, charity worker and now Anglican priest, a man without apparent ego. Personally I found Lyn’s presentation inspiring and it reinforces the community work (whether local or international) that we members of Rotary daily perform.
Guest speaker Lyn Arnold with a couple of tall Rotarians
Health we sometimes take for granted. However, I am sure that both Brian Graetz and Lisa Anderson (nee Akeroyd), shall never take their health for granted. It was wonderful to see both Brian and Lisa attend last night, having endured and survived their battles with cancer. However, I felt compelled to address the tragic story of Nigel Rogasch, son of Craig and Jan Rogasch. Honorary member and long-time distinguished member of this Club, Craig and Jan Rogasch would have attended last night’s meeting but they are full time assisting Nigel, his spouse Sonja and their two young children. Nigel’s battle with acute myeloid leukaemia is in a critical phase, and a “gofundme” account has been established by a friend of Nigel and Sonja to provide some financial support to both assist his family and the possible significant cost of his ongoing medical treatment. Editor Robert will include further information about Nigel and the go fund me account later in this bulletin.
Lastly information on upcoming meetings:
28th December 2022, a BYO BBQ lunch 12.00pm at the home of Brian and Helen Graetz to greet former Finnish Rotary exchange student Reetta Rautkivi, who was hosted by members of the Club. Advise Brian and Helen in advance of your attendance, telephone number 8564 8265.
5th January 2023, the annual Soiree at the home of Hans Haan, off Siegersdorf Road Tanunda. RSVP by 22nd December to myself (either email perkspb@gmail.com or mobile 0409 768 908) of your attendance and special dietary needs. This event is held in the garden; bring your own chairs, refreshments, glasses and cutlery. Of course, in January it shall be warm to hot (???)
22nd January 2023, the Birthing Kit assembly at CWA Hall Murray Street Tanunda. We shall need to know your attendance at this event by the Soiree meeting
Joanne and I wish you and family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Looking forward to seeing you at the Soiree!
Lynn was born in South Africa in Jan 1949. Lynn’s Father had a philosophy of life that he passed on to his children, which was “Life is a pilgrimage – to go further”. The family certainly lived up to that philosophy because by the time Lynn was 12, he had lived in 4 different countries, and attended 8 schools. He made friends in all schools and countries.
The family moved to Australia and then onto to Sweden for a sabbatical and then back to Australia, where he did a year’s teaching at Salisbury North Technical school.
Lynn stayed in Salisbury and in Sept 1979 he started his political career as a Labor member for Salisbury. He became Minister for Education in the Bannon Government. He took over the Premiership of SA in Sept 1992 after the State Bank debacle. In December 1993 he became the Leader of the Opposition but became burnt out during the following year and retired from politics.
His love for Spain had not dimmed so he spent the next two years there with his wife and 5 children.
When he returned to Adelaide, he was asked to apply for the position of Chief Executive of World Vision Australia and was successful. Six years later he was appointed Regional Vice President of World Vision International for the Asia Pacific Region. This prompted a move to Bangkok. He described the horrors of the poverty, war, earthquakes, floods, and general instability: children who lost both parents with aids, living together alone, children helping families to scour the huge rubbish dumps for something to sell for food. Despite this, he said that his years working in World Vision, met all his expectations. He was greatly affected and amazed to see these communities, in abject poverty, who were generally happy and thankful for their lives.
Lynn’s own family had grown, and he talked about the deeply moving time when he held his first grandchild within hours of birth.
He left World Vision and was quickly snapped up as Chief Executive of Anglicare SA from 2008 to 2012. This meant a return to Adelaide. When Lynn left Anglicare, he trained as a priest and was ordained in 2014. He is currently serving as a Priest in the Anglican Church.
The majority of members in our club know the Rogasch Family. Craig and Jan
were solid supporters for many years, and then their family situation changed.
The following story is heart wrenching to say the least.
Alice Walsh is organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Sonja Rogasch.
Nigel, his wife Sonja and their two gorgeous kids, Grace (5) and William (2) are in the midst of a daunting battle. Earlier this year, at 37, Nigel was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), shattering in itself but even more heartbreaking as this is not Nigel's first battle with cancer. Unfortunately, the treatments Nigel has been having up until this point have not been effective, and Nigel is now bracing to undergo a Stem Cell Transplant in the very near future. This involves replacing the stem cells in his bone marrow with stem cells from a donor. Finding a compatible donor has been months in the works, and the process is complex and involves many risks. The recovery time is at least a year but can be a lot longer. Despite the dangers, Stem Cell treatment is the best chance of a cure for Nigel. Unfortunately, there is a possibility of out-of-pocket costs associated with treatment, possibly $30,000, not to mention lost income for Sonja and Nigel over the previous months of this year.
The Rogasch’s are great friends to many of us, community-minded, hardworking, loyal, good fun, and brilliant parents to Grace and William. Nigel is a fighter and is prepared for the long haul. As his mates, colleagues, family and community members, we want to rally around this beautiful young family by raising some money to support them as they navigate the next few months and years.
Any money you can donate will cover medical expenses, allow Nigel and Sonja to spoil their kids this Christmas, take the pressure off the cost of living, perhaps enjoy a family holiday together and generally help them enjoy life however they see fit.
If you are not in a position to donate, it would be fantastic if you could share this page and pass on the link below.
If you are able to donate, your contribution is greatly appreciated.
A very generous donation from the Nuriootpa Medical Centre should see three pieces of vital medical equipment be dispatched, by Donations IN Kind, to the Health Service in Honiara. The equipment will be checked (and consumables provided) before being sent to Dr Divi.
Air Viva 2 Resuscitator
Portable Phlegm Suction Unit
ECG Unit.
Another great example of how Rotary can make a real difference.
1. The Value of Time 2. The Success of Perseverance 3. The Pleasure of Working 4. The Dignity of Simplicity 5. The Worth of Character 6. The Power of Kindness 7. The Influence of Example 8. The Obligation of Duty 9. The Wisdom of Economy.10. The Virtue of Patience.
11. The Improvement of Talent. 12. The Joy of Originating.
Editors note: My proof reader and I wish you and yours a very Happy Christmas of Hope, Peace, Joy and Love
and the coming 2023 full of good health and happiness.