International projects continue to feature throughout this District and more clubs than ever are asking about our many and varied programs - especially Project Volunteers, Shelter Box and RAM.

Project Volunteers obviously rate highly with clubs in this district as teams have been sent to places such as American Samoa, Vanuatu, Fiji, Cambodia, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and (locally) Arnhem Land. Reports on some of these projects have been posted here and as you read them it becomes very evident that not only are the recipients of the projects highly advantaged with shelter, schools, fresh water etc. but the volunteers are greatly rewarded by experiencing first hand that you can make a difference. This, along with the satisfaction of a job well done, appreciation from the locals, the camaraderie that volunteers experience and the excitement generated within the clubs has helped Project Volunteering grow in popularity throughout this District.

The response to Shelter Boxes in this District has been phenomenal and this is due in no small way to the continued enthusiasm shown by the two clubs promoting this fantastic project that enables shelter and water purification to be delivered to disaster sites within hours of a devastating event.

RAM - Rotarians Against Malaria has taken on a life of its own with many clubs contributing or adopting villages. Please support this project as it saves lives!!!

Our new and exciting inovation - TRAC - The Rotary Associates Commitee continues this year with the Rotary world watching our progress. This committee intends to TRAC down former associates of Rotary such as past Rotaracters, Rylarians, Youth Exchange Students, Rotary Scholarship recipients etc. with a view to maintaining their connection to Rotary and community service and may also become a useful recruitment tool.

Both ROMAC and Interplast are highly regarded projects within this District. The work that they do with children suffering burns and birth related deformities is nothing short of miraculous. Here are two very active committees that will promote their need for your support through very compelling presentations.

Another very successful RAWCS project in this District is Donations In Kind. With depots in Geelong and Ballarat and interest in starting more depots in areas like Warrnambool and Mt Gambier, this has become a highly organised setup. They are experts in all aspects of shipping and recipient government requirements. If you need something transported overseas don t reinvent the wheel, talk to these guys and save yourself a lot of grief.

We are building a great list of speakers for clubs to utilise on many subjects such as those listed above and many others including the Banana Project . Here are a couple of exceptional young University Students that very capably present on a
range of projects generated from their experiences in Thailand volunteering as English teachers. Clubs looking toward donating to an international project can select from a great list of worth while endeavours starting from as little as $300.
So as you can see there are plenty of ways that you or your club can help our many disadvantaged neighbours with as little or as much effort as you wish to contribute. Get involved. The rewards are great and you DO make a difference!

Steve Ellis
AG International Services District 9780 ellis@cbl.com.au