This is my third week of being an active president and even though I’m inundated with paperwork and emails I’m finding the job to be quite exciting.
We had another interesting meeting on Monday accompanied by a delicious meal of curry and naan bread prepared by Pam, with the speaker being Dr David Dunston, a researcher from Deakin University and the Baker Institute who stressed the importance of not sitting down too much. Ann Josefsberg, who writes amazingly detailed reports of the meetings will no doubt have some figures showing how much we should be moving and how much people on average are moving. Even a slight change makes a difference.
The most exciting change happening at present is the formation of teams, or committees as they are known in some clubs. This planning has been in the background for some time but now we have the teams finalised. I’m excited to see how these will function and I think it provides a great opportunity for all members to make decisions, have ideas accepted, and be more actively involved with the club. It will be interesting to see, in six months time whether everyone feels that these teams have been effective.
Nora was able to attend the meeting last night. She has been up at Tallangatta helping with the fire relief programs. Next week she will give a short talk describing the situation in northern Victoria
Once again, I’d like to remind you about the activities which are listed in the bulletin. It would be nice to get a few groups together.
I hope that you all have a good week and I’m looking forward to our next meeting.
Professor David Dunstan ( PhD) is researcher in the Baker Heat and Diabetes Institute and a Professor at the Deakin University. He came tonight to present ways to improve our health status by moving more and sitting less. This is contained within the way we manage the use of our time throughout the day, the period of twenty-four hours.
There are too many opportunities to not move. The goal is to sit less. The average Australian adult sits nine hours a day. The two essential questions one needs to ask:
1. How much time do you spend doing physical activity?
2. How much time do you spend sitting?
The more you sit, the more you increase the risk of Diabetes and cardiac issues. One should apply the Goldilocks principle, with a healthy balance for the twenty-four hours, and being just right. Death can be prevented by making smaller changes in the way you use your twenty-four hours. Even extra minutes per day of movement or moderate activity reduces death by ten percent.
Professor Dunstan discussed the use of Ozempic as a weight reduction medication, which dramatically reduces both weight and blood sugar levels. However, without proper nutritional support, after twelve months, fifty percent of people have ceased using the medication. What is required is the maintenance of a healthy lifestyle over a period of time. Also, the cost of the medication is prohibitive. He further noted that people on Ozempic may eat less, but they do not eat better. Professor Dunstan commented that one does not need to perspire to obtain benefits from moving. When asked about the cost-benefit analysis of standing, he argued that one has to stand quite frequently before there is any damage.
Next week’s speaker will be a Member Behind the Badge presentation by Fiona Anderson. Fiona is one of our new members; however, she is no stranger to Rotary, having supported our club for 15 years. She is also part of the Rotary Radio Show team.
The Canterbury Rotary Club lunch group usually meets bi-weekly at 12.30 for a meal and some fun.
David Zrna looks after the reservations for the lunch group. Please contact David at david.zrna@canterburyrotary.org or on 0467033092 to advise that you will be coming to a lunch.
636 High Street, Kew East Monday 2 March 6.00pm – 8.30pm
Start at 6.00 for 6.30 for dinner and drinkies
If you haven’t put your name(s) on the attendance sheet that will be passed around at the next couple of meetings, but wish to attend, please contact Rob Simpson by phone, text or email if you are coming. Robsimpson@bigpond.com or phone/text Rob on 0425 746 991
The Rotary Club of North Balwyn is hosting Golf Day on Monday 2nd March 2026 at Kew Golf Club in East Kew, with all proceeds supporting Rotary projects that help people in need. The day will feature an Ambrose competition with great prizes for top teams, longest drive and nearest the pin challenges. Players are asked to arrive by 7:30am for a shotgun start at 8am, with a BBQ lunch, presentations and raffle draws to follow. Entry is $150 per player including green fees and lunch, with a discount available for Kew Golf Club members, and places are limited so early registration is encouraged. Entry form was emailed to our members in early January.
It's on again: the highly successful Songs at the Silos in Rochester. This annual event run by the Rotary Club of Rochester will feature our PDG Michael Lapiña and a host of fabulous singers including Alex Lapiña. Bendigo Rotary and the Lions Club of Rochester will be running gourmet BBQs with coffee from Mum and Me and the local Scouts providing soft drinks and water. So BYO picnic chair and enjoy a great evening of food and entertainment.
The Multi-District Impact Summit will be held in the vibrant regional city of Horsham, Victoria. This isn't just another conference; it's a powerful collaboration where Districts 9800, 9780 and 9510 will Unite for Good.
This year's summit brings together three districts to amplify our collective power and drive meaningful change. The conference be focusing on the incredible things we can achieve when we work together, sharing our successes, and planning our future impact. Check the flyer for information or click on https://www.rotaryimpactsummit.org/
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