Happenings at last weeks’ meeting
A fine new venue for our Club was christened with a “Ladies Partners Night”. Merv recognised the First Nations peoples and then passed the meeting over to Harry.
Ailsa was thanked for her work in keeping in contract with members who are unable to attend our meetings, some of whom are not well at the moment.
It’s only three months until the end of our year when Harry completes his presidency. He spoke briefly about the latest Conference and how the various presentations and talks were varied from previous years.
The Southern Peninsular Community Group were unable to attend this week so we’ll be presenting them with the money raised at the Twilight Market at a later date.
Harry would like to initiate having members take turns in give a regular three minute talk on why they joined Rotary and their experience in Rotary. He pointed out that one of the strengths of Rotary is the availability of mentors and support.
Chris spoke about Shelter Box who, in Australia, are based in Adelaide and provide emergency relief boxes for international disasters. They have been around from 2000. Our international support tends to be through Disaster Aid. Quantum is another support service which operates in the Gippsland Region.
Greg spoke about the District Conference. Events were limited, due to Covid, but the speakers were all very engaging and included the Rotary International VG. The Conference web site has a lot of very catchy promotional material which is slanted towards the younger generation and will be of use for our marketing.
Tyrell spoke briefly about his efforts to get information from PNG Rotary. These requests had not been responded to yet but he had made some useful contacts through Facebook. More feedback to come.
Chris spoke again:
- District Grant Qualification is due by 10th April. If any members have thoughts on possible projects please let Geoff Taylor know;
- Disaster Aid is responding to the Ukrainian exodus in Poland;
- The Movie Night is on on the 18th March. Members were asked whether their preference was the Rosebud Cinema or the Dromana Drive-in. Please send your opinion to Chris;
- Regarding the floods, RORCS has set up a Project. The Members agreed that the Club should support this with an initial donation of $2,000, with a future review of whether to increase this amount.
- The spinners are to be changed to announce that donations are for the flood victims.
- Future clothing collections to be organised.
Harry added his endorsement on the speakers at the Conference, especially a YouTube story on Leigh Woodgate who spoke about survival and rehabilitation and was truly inspiring. There was also one of the Plastic Surgeons who worked on the Bali Bombing victims and developed many new treatments.
After Lotto and Fines the meeting spoke about the cancellation of the last Market due to the atrocious weather conditions. This was only the second time that the Market has had to be cancelled.
On that note we finished our first night at the new venue.
Chris’ Latest E-mail.
“Hi All,
Please advise me by 5-00pm Wednesday at the latest, if you are attending our meeting this Thursday at the Safety Beach Sailing Club.
Our guest speaker is District Governor Bill Degnan who no doubt will be talking about the recent conference, the 2024 amalgamation of Districts 9810 and 9820, membership, grants and whole lot more.
Bill and his wife are looking forward to the night.
Regards,
Chris “
Rick’s Latest #1.
“In line with last night's decision re donations to the Flood Relief I have edited the DONATION button on our Website to direct people to the Flood relief
If you have never clicked on that donate button try it to see how it works you are not committed to donate.
Regards
Rick”
Rick’s Latest #2.
“In accordance with the our Last meeting's wishes I have changed the notices on the Spinners at McCrae and the Dromana Hub to show that the collection will be for the Flood Victims.
I have also introduced some High Tech into the sign with a QR Code.
Try it out and you will be directed to our Donation Site where you can actually donate with your Credit card or you PayPal account. See attachment.
Just use your QR Code phone App
Rick”
Don Ripper’s E-mail.
“As most District 9820 Rotarians are aware our District has been losing members for several years. Our numbers have now fallen to a level that Rotary International will not sustain an independent District.
Our neighboring District 9810 reached this point several years ago and despite continued attempts has been unable to reverse the downward trend.
Please read the attached Document prepared by District Governors Bill Degnan and Daryl Moran to understand what will be happening from here on.
Would Club Presidents who have members without email or members who have chosen not to receive District emails please share this information.
Yours in Rotary
Don”
(So as to not make this Bulletin too long I haven’t included the letter that Don refers to. Ed.)
