District Assembly, held on May 17th, 2009 at the Stawell Secondary College is one of the key District events of the Rotary year and provides Rotarians the opportunity to learn more about Rotary, make new friendships from across the District, strengthen the bonds within our own Clubs and to find out about the District’s goals for 2009-2010 year.

Registration and morning tea opened at 9.00 am and the official program commenced at 9.30am with welcomes by District Governor Ted Gaffney, the Mayor of the Northern Grampians Shire and an address from District Governor Elect Chris Sims.

Three sessions held throughout the day included:-

Session 1 – Information - “What do I need to know?”

Session 2 – Workshops - “How do I do…….?”

Session 3 – Electives - “How do I manage/where do I start on .…?”.

Joint and separate information sessions were held for Presidents 2009-2010, Secretaries, Treasurers and Public Officers. Separate sessions were held for Treasurers – audit procedures, software etc., Public Relations, New Members – 3 years or less in Rotary, Community Service Directors, Vocational Service Directors, International Service Directors, Youth Service Directors, Youth Exchange, Service Projects Directors, Membership and Rotary Foundation.

Workshops included:-

• Literacy – into the community
• Water – being involved in relevant projects
• Health and Hunger – practical actions
• Fundraising – ideas and assistance

The elective sessions included:-

• Implementing Change
• Harassment and Discrimination
• The RI Strategic Plan and how Clubs can use it
• Membership Seminar
• Foundation Seminar

The day finished with the presentation of District Awards by District Governor Ted Gaffney and closing remarks by District Governor Elect Chris Sims.