President Greg welcomed our guests, Councillor Debra Mar and potential new member David Battye. After proposing the toast he then handed the meeting to the new Chair (your Ed.!!).
Wanting to get as much of the normal agenda done as possible before dinner arrived, the Chair threw the meeting into turmoil by calling for the Lotto and Fines.
Chris won the Lotto and the pressure was on Sergeant Pete with the Fines. He did a commendable job, under the circumstances, and managed to catch the members with a new devious gambit – who has had Covid and who hasn’t had Covid.
Secretary Michael read out the apologies and then referred to an e-mail announcing the opening of registrations for the two-day conference on Finish-The-Fight Against Malaria being held on the 25th/26th May 2023 at the Crown Conference Centre.
To further upset the calm of the meeting, the Chair now called on Mark Long for his TMG. Mark’s subject, although brief and hard-hitting, was Corruption in Government. Mark pointed out that we are constantly being shown acts of wrongdoing in all levels of Government. It is not a party thing and can only be described as Corruption. We, the people, must make all politicians accountable for their actions either through the ballot box or by giving teeth to independent corruption commissions. With gritted teeth he finished his brief talk with the words “Not Happy, Jan”.
Director Mike now gave an update:
- 1000 Market Flyers have been produced which also include details of our Sponsors and future Market dates;
- New Market signs have been produced;
- A Market Newsletter is in the works for Stallholders and will be part of our social media presence;
- He is preparing to arrange future guests from Sri Lanka to give us an update on our efforts there;
- He drew our attention to the Long Tan anniversary (07 August 1966) and the lives lost.
Next, Director Lyn spoke about meeting with the Primary School Principal to arrange for the schools participation in tree planting at the Hillview Reserve. She is also about to talk to the Secondary College about participation in the Model United Nations Assembly and also about some future scholarships. Questions still remain about the future of the National Youth Science Forum and, if it is resurrected, the involvement of local Year 11 students.
John Barnes spoke briefly about the need to remain in contact with ex-members to keep them informed of the Clubs progress.
Merv spoke about the progress of planning for the Club’s 50th Anniversary. A booklet is being collated and a Dinner is planned for Wednesday 12th October. A “Please Keep the Date” reminder will be going out and special guests will be invited such as a member from our original sponsoring club, Rosebud/Rye. It will be a partners night and past members and interested friends will get an invite. In addition to the Dinner, it is planned that a banner be hung from the wall beside the Salvos in Pier Street. The family/owners a being approached and a design has to be decided on.
Treasurer Bernard made an impassioned plea, lasting all of 3 seconds, for fees to be paid.
Next, we welcomed our special guest, Councillor Deborah Mar.
Debra introduced herself by saying that she has led a life of always looking for challenges. Born to a Dairy Farmer and a Nurse in Kyabram she found herself growing up with early responsibilities. At 18 she left for Melbourne and later on headed to London and on to Europe. After a stint of marriage in Hong Kong she returned to Melbourne and Latrobe University. After Uni she spent 8 years as a BA and then returned to study at RMIT. Next, was 5 years at a Fashion Design outlet which proved too stressful and resulted in a move to Rye about 12 years ago.
After attending a Workshop on Change Debra moved into Radio and Marketing and had her own shows which led to a local Councillor suggesting that she ran for Council.
Councillors are not presented with a Rules Book and have to learn on the job and strive for better than just OK. She has found that the main obstacle is having the “courage” to keep trying but the work is most rewarding and varied.
Debra’s main focus is on conservation work and facilitating “change with care”. She read out a story piece, on women’s strength and resilience, she had written for International Women’s Day.
Greg, and the Chair, both thanked Debra for her thoroughly entertaining talk and she was presented with a memento.
Greg spoke briefly about the work needed on the David Buchanan Shelter (25th), that the Halloween Stage is being sponsored by the Council and that the Market Banners need to be erected. The meeting finished at 8:20.
