Happenings at last week’s Meeting
Charles began this week’s Meeting, at the Sailing Club, with the Toast and Invocation and then went on to welcome our Special Guests, PDG Graeme Woolacot and his wife Jill.
The Meeting was then handed over to Chris as the Chair.
Chris read out the apologies and then gave a brief introduction to Graeme. Graeme is a Member of the Rotary Club of Monash/Glen Waverly and is the Chair of the Club Givings section of the district 9815 Foundation Team.
Graeme spoke about the fact that the Foundation had distributed $4US Billion on life-changing and sustainable projects since it was founded over 100 years ago. It has made lives better for communities around the world.
Part of what we donate comes back to us as District 9815 funding to be used for global grants and District designated grants. Graeme pointed out that a little can go a long way (US dollars):
- 60 cents to protect a child from polio;
- $50 to provide clean water; and
- $500 to stop bullying and provide a safe environment for children.
Graeme then showed us what our Club has contributed to the Foundation over the latest Rotary year and then went on to point out how individuals can contribute:
- Every Rotarian Every Year;
- Polio Plus Society;
- Paul Harris Society ($1,000);
- Benefactor ($1,000);
- Bequest Society Member ($10,000); and
- Being a Major Donor ($10,000+).
He then ran through the details of each of these contribution methods and how they ar tax deductible and flow back to the District after 3 years.
After answering questions from the floor Graeme was thanked by Chris and presented with one of our fine collectables in appreciation for coming and talking to the Club.
The Chair now called for the Presidents Report.
Charles was brief and reminded the Club about the Sky Wales event coming up on the 8th November. He also touched on the search for a new venue.
Now the Secretary’s Report was called for.
Wayne had a few things to impart:
- Birthdays for Elaine and Ross;
- 27 years at the Club for John;
- The Ranch #2 dinner on Wednesday 22nd will be attended in lieu of our regular Wednesday meeting. Details to follow; and
- A reminder about Frocktober and the opportunity to sponsor his daughter.
The Chair called for Directors Reports.
Chris reported on upcoming dates:
- 11th January for the 2 Bays Fun Run (“fun”? Ed);
- 4th December for participation in the Bunnings Fun Day. More details to follow; and
- Volunteers were called for our Market on the 27th.
The Lotto was drawn and won by Charles. Greg was very creative with handing out his fines because there were none from the floor.
Charles was now called up to present his Person Behind The Badge speech. (It was a very entertaining and comprehensive talk, which I’m not skilled enough to do justice to, so I’ll just bullet point it as well as I can. Ed)
- Born in Malta in 1945;
- One of 9 kids;
- Lived in Malta for nine years;
- Dad was in the RAF and was a Tailor;
- Family was sponsored to Australia in 1955;
- Remembered the long trip and crossing the equator ceremony;
- Arrived in Freo aboard the Castel Felice after a smooth trip;
- Next, crossed the Australian Bight. The whole family was sick;
- Landed in Port Melbourne and stayed in Fitzroy for 4 months;
- Moved to Carlton, which was his intro to AFL;
- Learned Latin as an altar boy;
- Went to school at Christian Brothers which meant lots of prayers;
- Left school at 14;
- Moved to East Bentleigh;
- Joined the PMG and stayed for 10 years;
- Couldn’t stay still and wanted to learn;
- Had a service station for 1 year;
- Had a delicatessen;
- Then a Food Plus store but this was too stressful;
- A series of other businesses; and
- Retired and joined Rotary.
A round of applause for a very entertaining talk and Charles closed the Meeting at 7:50.
