Good afternoon Rotarians and guests online and present today.
The theme for Rotary International this February is Peace & Conflict Resolution and what a worthy purpose this is in the very troubled world we live in today
Rotary’s commitment to carrying out service projects and supporting peace fellowships and scholarships continues to see our Members take action to address the underlying causes of conflict, including poverty, discrimination, ethnic tension and lack of access to education.
Rotary International is deeply concerned with the ongoing loss of life and humanitarian hardship caused by the ongoing war in Ukraine and marshalling networks and fundraising to take meaningful action in the region.
Our Club has a continuing commitment in this area of service and in particular, we should acknowledge and give thanks to Bob Fels for his extraordinary contribution and success over many years facilitating Rotary Peace Programs and the selection of Post Graduate Global Scholars & Peace Fellows which resulted in him receiving Rotary Foundation Awards in 2014 & 2021.
At last week’s meeting President Adrian highlighted the work of Rob McGuirk in his leadership of the Rotary Peace Park – peace bells project and many of you will have read in this week’s bulletin about the 4 peace bells to be unveiled at the Rotary International Convention in May and the 4 steps every person can take for peace-building in Australia and internationally.
We can be proud as Rotarians for our ongoing involvement to try and make the world more peaceful.
Thank-you and over to you President Adrian.
Peter Dakin
Thank you to Peter Dakin for providing this reflection on 22 February 2023.
