Happenings at last weeks’ meeting
We were back at the Sailing Club for this week’s meeting with Tony Viney as the chair.
Harry launched the meeting with thanks to all those members who had travelled to the Disaster Aid Australia demonstration of the SkyHydrants last week. He was happy to announce that, with the addition of a SkyHydrant funded by an anonymous donar, the Club would now be able to supply 3 SkyHydrants. (This announcement was greeted with a hearty round of applause.) Then Harry waxed lyrical about his many trips to Tonga on Rotary Projects and how rewarding the whole experience was, thanks to Rotary.
Next, Tony called on Secretary Chris for his report.
As Chris read out the apologies for this week it became obvious that Covid is still wreaking havoc in the community. Rotarians, as a group, are very aware of the dangers of Covid and yet we had a significant number of our apologues due to “the virus”.
The rest of Chris’ report included:
- The expansion of our Market advertising;
- The receipt of the $1,000 cheque from Bendigo Bank (accepted in the taxing environs of the St Andrews Brewery);
- Dolphin Research have provided up-to-date information;
- The Frankston/Rosebud Hospital Cancer Appeal is underway;
- The latest Australian Rotary Health update is available;
- Seniors Awards nominees are being canvassed;
- The District changeover is imminent, as per the distributed e-mail;
- Out seeding project for an Interplast team is gaining headway with a separate account for Cluster funds is to be established.
Harry raised the point that there is a combined Boards meeting after the next Club Meeting. (I wish I could convey Harry’s emphasis on this. If a Board member, new and old, misses this I wouldn’t lay odds on you seeing your next sunrise!!!!)
Our roving reporter from last week, John Barnes, was this weeks GIG. As has been usual recently, John spoke about “Why I Joined Rotary”. In his teenage years, working on a farm in Boort, northern Victoria, John joined the local Apex club. He enjoyed his time there but Apex has a policy that you must leave when reaching 40. John then joined the Boort Rotary Club. Upon moving to McRea, John then joined the Dromana Club. Primarily, John has enjoyed the comradeship and the society of the Club. A by-product has been the pleasure of working for the community and other Rotary projects.
This weeks Lotto was won by Bob and fines were issued by Merv. (Who now refers to himself as the “Keeper of Decorum”). He thanked all those who helped out with the Salvos appeal and those who helped in the delivery of fire-wood, with a special mention to Charles.
Tony now called for any reports from Directors:
- Mike announced that our Christmas in July is in the process of being authorised;
- The Mornington Youth and Citizens Brass Band was such a success at their last Market appearance that they are being canvassed for future shows;
- Joseph reminded the meeting of theWine and Beer Tasting to be held at the 2 Bays Brewery on 18th July. Tickets are $55 per head and are going fast.
Our guest speaker this week was Janette Eltherington and she spoke to us about Interplast Australia.
Interplast Australia and New Zealand has been sending teams of volunteer surgeons, anaesthetists, nurses and allied health professionals to participating hospoitals in developing nations across the Asia-Pacific.
Rotary was a founding partner and has been instrumental in the sustainability of Interplast since 1983.
Janette spoke of the incredible work that has been performed by the Interplast teams and the lives that have been immeasurably changed through their efforts.
Prior to Covid, Interplast were engaged in 60- 70 programs per year. Covid put everything on hold and the teams pivoted to creating Webinars and supporting remotes learning. They also donated equipment and dialled in to support surgeries remotely. They also found funding for surgeries.
Teams would cost in the order of $50,000 prior to Covid but, due to airlines restricted flying the teams are now expected to cost in the order of $65-70,000.
A quarter of funding still comes from Rotary.
Tony and Harry thanked Janette for her taking the time to provide us with so much information.
Another very successful night and we finished at 8:00.
The Wine and Beer Tasting.
The Working Bee.
More Donations.
