Happenings at last weeks’ meeting
Harry opened the meeting with a reminder that May 5th was the anniversary of VE Day.
He spoke briefly about the District Assembly and how the focus on Sunday was on Youth, which coincided with the month of May subject. Next he called on Mike Smith for his comments on the Assembly.
Mike said that he had learned a lot that would be useful in his future Presidency. Although some of the presentations were dull, others were engaging and pointed up that Rotary is not alone in finding it difficult to recruit young members.
Next, Chairperson Charles aired his impressions of the Assembly. He found it very informative after his first year in Rotary, especially the Rotary Foundation information. Also, he was impressed by the reminder that clubs should utilise their local “talent” wherever possible.
Harry continued to announce that the paperwork for our donation to the RAWCS Flood Relief Project was underway. He reminded the members that the preparations for the Changeover were getting underway and the organisers were looking out for guest speakers for the night.
Charles called on Secretary Chris who ran through the apologies and then reported on:
- The survey from Rotary International needed to be completed and returned. Facts gleaned from this survey do come in handy for Rotary planning;
- District are looking for people to chair various Rotary committees. If anyone is interested then please contact Chris;
- A new Rotary Health brochure has been delivered;
- The Bendigo Bank has awarded us a Community Funding Award to the value of $1,000.
Next up, President Harry was back with us and spoke about the success of arranging long life milk deliveries to the Southern Peninsular Community Support and Information Centre. Jeremy was very thankful.
Time for Lotto (won by Freda Donaldson, on her birthday), Fines and flowers for the Mums. This week Merv continued his vendetta-like focus on certain people, who will remain nameless, when he even fined your editor for having a week off. He’s a hard Sergeant.
There were no Directors report this week.
Our Guest Speaker was Jenny Stidston from the Riding for the Disabled Association Australia (RDAA). The RDAA started in Queensland in 1964 and began in Victoria in 1971. It is a voluntary, non-profit organisation which provides opportunities for anyone with a disability to enjoy safe, healthy, therapeutic, horse-related activities in Australia.
Jenny spoke about the positive feedback that comes from both the riders and the horses. Both parties derive enjoyment from the encounter with the riders revelling in the joy of the freedom and of being in control. It gives them confidence and a heightened sense of self-respect as well as a physical improvement from the exercise.
The horses are usually 15+ years old when they arrive. They are put through a desensitising program as part of their training and grow into patient and quiet horses when they are “on the job”. All new volunteers are also trained, but this time on how to lead a horse calmly.
Jenny gave us a brief outline of some of the techniques of horse training plus some of the signs to look out for when training a horse.
Charles thanked Jenny for her interesting talk and presented her with a memento from the club.
The meeting closed at 8:00.
Community Funding Success
Some extracts from the Letter received from the Bendigo Bank.
“Your application
Thank you for your recent application for community funding – we are incredibly fortunate to have such a depth and breadth of amazing clubs, organisations and events which are all enthusiastically ready to get back into action after a couple of difficult years.
Whilst we have been unable to completely meet your request, I am pleased to confirm that $1,000 in community funding has been approved towards Rotary Club of Dromana in Tranche 1 2022.
Congratulations!.”
“We recognise that community organisations are instrumental in bringing people together and helping to positively shape the local area in which we live, work and play. A robust community funding program aims to assist in meeting this goal of social cohesion and in certain circumstances, social equity.
We sincerely thank you and your organisation for your ongoing contribution to the social framework of our region.”
“We look forward to celebrating with you on Friday 27 May at St Andrews Beach Brewery!
District Changeover Luncheon.
“District Governor Bill Degnan and Judy, together with
District Governor Elect Paul Mee and Adele,
warmly invite Rotarians, Rotaractors, Partners and Friends
to celebrate the Rotary International District 9820 Changeover
on Sunday 26th June 2022, 12.00pm for 12.30pm
at the Warragul Country Club, 41 Sutton St, Warragul VIC 3820
Cost: $40.00 per person Inclusive of two course luncheon, tea & coffee, Drinks at bar prices
Dress: Smart Casual
Register and pay via the following link:
https://rotary9820.org.au/event/district-changeover-lunch/
by 16th June 2022
(Please include your name, number of tickets and your partner on your registration)
There is a limit of 180 persons at the venue, so register early to avoid disappointment.
Please come and share our celebration!”
