Home  |  Board  |  Contact

President Usha's Notes

28 April 2021

Dear fellows,

'Vaccines bring us closer'            WHO theme for World Immunization Week, April 24-30, 2021.

Vaccination connects us to the people, goals and moments that matter to us most, helping improve the health of everyone, everywhere throughout life. World Immunization Week, observed during the last week of April, is a celebration of the life-saving power of vaccines. This year's theme is especially poignant following more than a year of physical distancing measures and a growing portfolio of effective vaccines to break the grip of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As part of the 2021 campaign (click), WHO, partners and individuals around the world will unite to:  

1. increase trust and confidence in vaccines to maintain or increase vaccine acceptance; and

2. increase investment in vaccines, including routine immunization, to remove barriers to access.

UN World Day for Safety and Health at Work - 28th April

With the theme "building a fairer, healthier world" this year is important to discuss the profound impact of COVID-19 pandemic on world of work, particularly our health workers. From the risk of transmission of the virus in workplaces, to occupational risks emerging as a result of measures to mitigate the spread of the virus. Drastic changes to work arrangements, such as the widespread reliance on virtual working, have presented opportunities but also posed new OSH risks, including psychosocial risks and increased violence. The World Day for Safety and Health at Work has been observed by the International Labour Organization (ILO) since 2003.

UN International Jazz Day - 30th April

On a lighter note, the 30 April 2021 celebration of Jazz Day will entail a 10-year anniversary All-Star Global Concert streaming live at 5:00 pm (US EDT) on jazzday.com, YouTube and Facebook. Hosted by UN Messenger of Peace Michael Douglas and featuring spectacular performances by Herbie Hancock, Marcus Miller, Andra Day, Dee Dee Bridgewater, John McLaughlin, Dianne Reeves, Joe Lovano, Angelique Kidjo, John Beasley (Musical Director) and many more artists. Enjoy socially distanced performances from across the globe. International Jazz Day is a global movement, engaging people on every continent

.

LEST WE FORGET - Anzac Day Commemoration 25th April 2021

With a short hiatus, this year we returned at our new venue with a moving commemoration for ANZAC DAY. Thanks to Vocational Director Janice Barrett and her team (PP Rod McDougall, Rtns. Peter van der Sleesen and Alexey Prokopenko) for organising a well thought out program that stirred our hearts and kept our attentions riveted to the proceedings.  With a combination of hymns, pictures, videos and speeches, the morning hours passed quickly. Very touching to hear from Rachael Day about Frontline Yoga rehabilitating our frontline citizens to renew normal life. Thanks to Rtn. Paolo Giammarco for sharing his family's war experiences. Young Liam McLucas was the highlight of the morning as his playing the bugle brought a tear or two to many eyes.  Later in the morning, we were served a generous breakfast, thanks to our host Julie and Ross of Forte Catering. More details of this heart touching morning are provided by Jan Barrett in the bulletin (click)

Club News and Events

Many more important evenings are coming up:

• The 50th Anniversary preparations are in full swing and Chair Roger Vince would appreciate receiving all bookings as soon as possible. This will help in completing the planning for the event including the requirement for rooms. Please note that the deadline for purchase of tickets is 9 May 2021. It is a once in 50 years event! 

• The Youth Awards are now set for 18th June by the Awards committee in consultation with Strathfield Council.  Rtn Ed Dunlop and his team have kicked off the planning for this important event in our Rotary Calendar.  

• Last but not the least, the Changeover will be held on Saturday 26th June. Please reserve the date, more details will follow later.

• This week, we will hear from Anthony Garagounis on "MIRVAC-- Build to Rent". 

The following weeks also bring interesting speakers and I recommend not to miss any evening (click)

Look forward to our meeting.

Usha Garg