Back at the Sailing Club and, after a bit of a catch up amongst the Members, Seargent Greg called the Meeting to order and handed over to President Charles.
Charles completed the usual Toast and Invocation and then gave a brief introduction to our Guest Speaker Rick Boland. Rick is the Founder of the Mana Youth Project.
Charles now handed the Meeting to tonight’s Chair, Merv. After reading the apologies, Merv gave a brief outline of the Mana Youth Project and then invited Rick to address the Meeting.
Rick began by thanking Dromana Rotary for its help in securing rent assistance for the rooms which are hired for the Project. He looks forward to an expanding involvement with Rotary.
Rick explained that the Project is an intergenerational mentorship which aims to provide a supportive environment where young people can develop their self-knowledge and confidence and become equipped with the skills and mindset they need to succeed in a complex and constantly changing world. He uses the title of Mentor because he feels that titles like Youth Worker have become coloured and he wanted the Project to focus more on the development of empowerment and resilience.
He spoke about running the Project through COVID and how it started as art and creative writing focused which has now evolved into the Mana Academy which has an active membership of 21. All the members are encouraged to develop and proceed on various Quests.
These Quests have goals, and the achieving of these goals earns the member points which can be used in purchasing useful items. The Academy has expanded it’s offering beyond the original art and writing.
Rick invited anyone interested to come down to the Seawinds Community Hib on a Tuesday afternoon to see what the Project is all about. And, of course, more volunteers are needed to become Mentors.
After a brief Q&A session Merv thanked Rick on behalf of the Club and affirmed our commitment to help him and the Project.
The Chair now called for the Presidents Report.
Charles reported that there had been an e-mail regarding available grants from the Rotary Foundation. Also, there is a meeting next Wednesday regarding the establishment of the Trash and Treasure Market.
It was now time for the Secretary’s Report.
Wayne briefly spoke about the involvement of the Club in the Mana Youth Project and how it would be a subject for the Boards. He also reminded the Meeting about the importance in responding to the Changeover invitation.
Directors Reports were called for:
- Harry spoke on behalf of Peter to say that the current collection of electrical items is being prepared for transport to DIK. He also mentioned that he had sent a card on behalf of the Club to Mike Smith after his operation.
- Tony reported that the latest Bunnings BBQ had brought in $1800.
- Pauline reiterated that the new web site was up an d running.
- Merv reminded those who’ve volunteered of the Hillview working bee.
Lotto was drawn, and won by Tony, and Fines were issued (Joseph for talking and John for not silencing his phone).
Wayne quickly reminded the Meeting of the Committee Meeting at Two Buoys next week, and then Merv called on Greg for his Behind the Badge talk.
Greg rattled off his life at breakneck speed covering:
- Born in 1951 in Coburg. One of 6 boys.
- Didn’t watch TV until he was eight years old.
- Joined Scouts and was introduced to the bush.
- When is New Zealand on an ice climbing trip he met Wanda and they have been together for 50 years.
- He is a pancreatic cancer survivor.
- They have 3 kids – 2 boys and a girl.
- He and Wanda married in Athens during an overland trip back to Australia.
- They moved to the Peninsular and he set up his company.
- He, his family and the company are all still going.
(I’m sure I missed half of his story, but I got the high points. And yes, I did cheat by getting his photo off Clubrunner. Ed)
Merv handed the Meeting back to Charles who declared it closed at 8:00.
