AUTUMN UPDATE 2018
Australian Rotary Health Districts of Australia
Research
Scholarships
Education
Awareness
Chairman’s Report Gregory Ross
WE ARE FACING a truly exciting time in the life of Australian Rotary Health. Your Board has determined that over the next three years we will generate significant increases in both general research funding and mental illness prevention research. We invite every Rotary Club in Australia and all Rotarians to get involved and make a real difference in improving the mental wellness in our country.
Our Muster for Mental Health concluded in Ulverstone, Tasmania on 24th February. While the tyranny of distance made it impractical in the mainland states, the Muster was a great success in the Apple Isle. The Tasmanian Government added its support as a sponsor of the event and the organising committee, Rotarians and friends ensured that the Muster fulfilled everything they set out to achieve. I was privileged to present at the Farewell Dinner and was thrilled to hear of the positive impact that the seven health forums had during their journey around Tasmania. After one forum a Rotarian said, ‘I have learned more about mental illness in 45 minutes than I have for the last 45 years.’ The forums made an impact in each of the regional centres, attended by local citizens and members of the Muster. More are now being organised. The personal stories given by many people proved how valuable such a community welfare activity can be. I unreservedly applaud the efforts of ARH Chairman 9830 John Dare, ARH Vice-Chairman Kevin Shadbolt and the Tasmanian Muster team who produced an event that changed the thinking of many and gave a voice to those who needed it.
From left: : Kevin Shadbolt, John Dare and Gregory Ross with some of the Musterers
Thanks to the State Government for its sponsorship, to DG 9830 Tony Colman for his support and to our two T’s who drove the Avida motor home ... T1: Past ARH Chairman Terry Grant and T2: ARH Corporate Manager Terry Davies, whose idea it was to have a Muster for Mental Health. At the Mole Creek Hotel, on the road from Deloraine to Cradle Mountain, ‘A Day at the Creek’ was held on Saturday 24th February, an annual musical event attended by many who park overnight in the paddock opposite the hotel. Doug and Ramona Westbrook, the publicans, supported our Lift the Lid campaign and made a substantial donation from event takings. I called in to say thank you and was most impressed by the hotel itself, by Doug and Ramona’s sense of community and with the substantial stage area set outside in the grounds. If you’re driving through Tassie, the Mole Creek Hotel is well worth a visit. The 2018 Facts booklets are now available. If you would like a paper copy, please contact Australian Rotary Health staff at (02) 8837 1900 or admin@arh.org.au. The first pages are headed ABOUT US and give clear, easy to read information about ARH. Then follow details about our funding, our mental health and general research, and then our programs, particularly our Indigenous Health Scholarships, so successfully run by Cheryl Deguara.
L-R: Doug and Ramona Westbrook, Gregory Ross, Kevin Shadbolt and John Dare
At my recent presentation at the D 9820 Conference in Sale, Victoria, I talked briefly about Adopt a Scientist. This is a new Continued page 2
Australian Rotary Health • PO Box 3455 Parramatta NSW 2124 • Phone 02 8837 1900 • admin@australianrotaryhealth.org.au