Happenings at last weeks’ meeting
This week Vice President Geoff gave the Toast as Greg was not able to attend. Geoff then handed over to Merv as the Chair.
The meeting now watched a recording of the welcoming speech that President Jennifer Jones gave at the International Convention held in Melbourne recently. It was an inspiring speech in which she spoke of hopes, dreams, change and the future. Encapsulating the whole tone of the speech, the final thoughts she left us with were Big Dreams and Lofty Aims.
Merv now called for the Secretary’s Report.
Mark covered:
- Please let him know who is attending the Changeover Dinner;
- Also please let him know past President Award recipients;
- The handover Board meeting will be on the 13th;
- Nominations/Registrations are required, by District, for:
- MUNA (Model United Nations Assembly;
- NYSF (National Youth Science Forum); and
- RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards).
- 24th June is the last 9820 District Changeover;
- The Lions Club recently had their Disbursements Dinner at which they handed out nearly $59,000. It was an impressive evening and could serve as a template for the Club in the future; and
- Sadly, Tyrrell has had to resign from the Club but will attend the Changeover.
Merv now asked for Directors Reports.
Harry asked that everyone consider attending the District Changeover Dinner. Regarding our support of Interplast he pointed out that, led by our Club, the Cluster had raised the necessary $55,000 to send out a team. The latest information is that this team will be going to Tonga and we hope to receive feedback on their success.
Mick gave the meeting a quick introduction to some of the quirks of the Fijian language. The opportunity to further upgrade our Zoom facilities is under investigation. The Club is also looking at supporting, in line with one of Jennifer Jones’ project themes, a project in Cambodia to support ex-sex workers. Following on from a suggestion from Adrian the Club will also be looking at a night to honour Vietnam Veterans. Mick is looking forward to next year and one of his ideas is the possibility of introducing Debating. (I’m not sure we could get some Members to keep quiet long enough to debate. Ed.)
Treasurer Bernard asked that all budgetary ideas for next year, such as Projects and Fundraising, be submitted early.
Rob announced that he will be Director for International and Membership next year so will want to hear of ideas for those areas.
Merv announced that the Salvos were very happy with the Clubs efforts and that our volunteers had raised $745.50.
The Clubs newest Member, Marion, now stepped to the lectern for this week’s TMG. Her subject was the Dromana Community Garden:
- The Garden is well known but actually receives very few visitors;
- About 10 years ago the area was a jungle;
- A young, enthusiastic group started the Garden but lacked wider community support;
- Covid played havoc with the attendance;
- Now the Garden needs more people but the question is “how do you get them?”;
- The Garden is an Open Community, not a Gated Community. This discouranges some people because they don’t want their efforts to be shared by just anyone;
- The current philosophy around the Garden is that it is Open and for all the community;
- (It was suggested that it becomes a mix of Open and Gated);
- The Garden needs more Members with new ideas on how to do things better; and
- Regarding having the Garden Gated, one side of the facility is not suitable so this will need some thought.
Now Merv called for Lotto and lo and behold, your Ed won again. (I’m not sure if it’s rigged but I won’t be complaining. Ed.)
The Fines session was short and sweet. (Obviously extracting more money from the Lotto winner. Ed.)
Geoff thanked all attendees and closed the meeting at 8:00.
Our Community Market
A recent e-mail sent out these 2 notices about our market, one for the next market on 24 June & the other giving the dates of the market for July to December (December though may change).
This is a call out to all members of the Dromana Rotary family, active members, honorary members, past members & friends. Winter is a tough time for markets in a tough economic environment & we need your help to publicise our markets by telling all of your friends & acquaintances about it & passing on this message to all of your email contacts. Please do whatever you can to publicise the markets so that we can generate more funds to help our community.
Our Local Community
All of the traders are feeling the pinch at the moment.
Cheers Greg.
Our Bulletin Distribution Problems
Thanks to Rick for being so tenacious and getting this sorted out with Telstra.
