District Governor Prath's notes for the month

First of all, Inthu and I like to wish each and every Rotary member and their family a very Merry Christmas and New Year. Take time to relax and spend time with your families. Refresh yourselves and come back revitalised to continue the good work in the new year.

We like to thank all the lovely Rotarians we met during our visit to clubs during the last few months. You all were welcoming, hospitable, and genuine in all what you are doing. You are an excellent group of people. We feel privileged to call ourselves Rotarians.

From 9 - 13 November we visited Timor-Leste. We attended all the Rotary clubs and Rotaract clubs. The clubs may be smaller in number, but they are young and enthusiastic. Most of them now seem to be locals, but it can be difficult to attract more local people, as they often have difficulty paying the fees. I have suggested they seek sponsorships from the multinationals who are there to make money. Rotaract is full of energy and concerned about the community and the future of their country.

I also took time out to visit the office of Rotarians Helping Timor to get feedback as regard to their activities. The office is jointly funded by our District and a group of clubs in Melbourne. The office is manned by two paid officials. The clubs send containers full of materials for distribution to needy people on a regular basis. The employees in the office handle the clearance and distribution. They are also the local source of assistance to any International Rotary clubs doing projects in Timor-Leste. Rotary clubs in Australia have done about two hundred projects there so far.

I also had the pleasure of meeting with Antonio Santos, the country representative of Woodside, who is dealing with Sunrise LNG Development. He is a local and well informed. The meeting was productive - he wants to work with Rotary to provide short VTT programs for locals in Darwin.

We attended a fundraiser for Casa Vida. The abuse of young girls in Timor-Leste is rampant. Casa Vida provides shelter for those affected and helps to rebuild their life. We heard stories from some of the young girls ... heartbreaking stories. Out of the money I raised, I donated A$1600 to support them. I feel good about it and that is what we Rotarians do.

I had online meetings with Clermont and Charters Towers Rotary Club as part of my DG visits. It was a pleasant experience to induct a new member into the Charters Towers club.

I also attended the Darwin combined clubs' Christmas dinner on Friday 24 November, and had the pleasure of awarding John Palamountain, one of the higher awards of RI, the Avenues of Service Award. John is a dedicated Rotarian who has served in many avenues of service. Well deserved.

On Friday, 1 December, several Darwin Rotarians took part in a march against domestic violence in Casuarina Shopping Centre. It was well attended by a number of different groups.

On the weekend starting Saturday 2 December, I travelled to Katherine as part of my DG visits and attended the Katherine Rotary Club Christmas meeting. They are a small club. Some of my past students are living and working as engineers in Katherine, and I invited them to come along to build their interest in Rotary. At least I want them to be friends of Rotary so that they can lend a hand with projects.

Merry Christmas and Happy New year to you all.