Enviroclub Awards and Four Challenges to Focus on - Trees, Bees, Waste & Water!
Thanks to the members that helped on the Environment & Sustainability stand at the District Conference. It was nice to see the entries in the special tree for your town. We received 10 entries, and felt it was a nice way to engage members.
Some of the Geelong clubs are doing great work in conjunction with the local council. (See following article)
We had another 5 clubs awarded Enviroclub certificates at the Conference. I have included the list as an inspiration for all clubs to get involved. It is a simple process to register for an Enviroclub Award & most Clubs will already meet the Bronze level with the projects they are already undertaking, so get your entry in here.  
The E & S Committee have set Four Challenges to Focus on - read on to learn more..
 
At our District Environmental Committee meeting it was determined that we would focus on 4 main challenges for the year
1 : Trillion trees.   https://trilliontrees.org.au/contact-us# (See March DG Journal for more info)
This is an ambitious target for the year, but every journey starts with one step and we can all act our part. Some clubs have tree planting events planned for Earth Day. We would love to see photos of tree planting so we can fly the Rotary flag.
2 : Bees. It has been great to see clubs get involved, running guest speakers, community gardens, building bee motels etc. Barb Sheehan will be promoting Bees at Rotary International conference in May. Get along and say h to her at the ESRAG stand. https://esrag.org/
3 : Walk against Waste. This is a fun way to be part of the solution by keeping your towns clean. Some clubs have included this into their walking groups. Walk to stay fit, clean up light waste, then have a cuppa and chat.
4 : Water will be our 4th Challenge. Many clubs have projects on the go, a lot of these are overseas. There is a big focus from Rotary International to improve access to clean water around the world. Get a guest speaker,  talk to your CMA’s , send photos of things your club is doing so that we can not only promote the great work clubs are doing, but other clubs can get ideas and inspiration to join projects or create their own.
 
List of Enviroclub Awards to date:
Club                                Bronze      Silver 
 Geelong Central           21-09-21
Alfredton                        28-11-21     22-04-22
Highton                          27-11-21     21-03-23
Kardinia                         27-11-21
Torquay                         28-11-21      01-03-23
Hamilton                       25-01-22
Geelong East               15-02-22
Ballarat East                 23-02-22
Grovedale                     25-04-22
Port Fairy                      12-12-22
Wendouree Breakfast   09-02-23
Geelong West               22-11-22
Portland                        16-3-23
                         Highton & Torquay members receiving their Silver Enviroclub Awards                            Port Fairy Tree planting
 
Ph: 0419 108844E: david@smartoptions.com.au Chair District 9780 Environment and Sustainability Committee 2021-23