Happenings at last week’s Meeting
This was our first Dinner Meeting in Peters’ Presidency. He began the evening with the Toast and Invocation and then read out the apologies before welcoming our Guest Speaker Jonelle Colabufalo and a visitor from the Rotary Club of Sorrento, Ken Paynter. He then handed the Meeting over to the Chair for the evening, Pete Anderson.
The Chair gave a brief introduction to Jonelle and TRAG (Teenagers Road Accident Group) and then invited her to speak to the Meeting.
Jonelle introduced herself as a Project Manager for TRAG as well as someone with a personal to participate in the Group. She went on to explain:
- TRAG was started in 1999 because the Peninsular had the one of the highest roll toll figures for 18-25 year olds;
- It began with visits to individual schools to talk about the ripple-effect that these accidents/deaths have throughout the community, including family, first responders, emergency department personnel and schools;
- The emotional toll on presenters on many individual school visits meant that a re-think was required and TRAG decided to have larger, but fewer, presentations by inviting multiple schools;
- They have spoken to more than 100,000 Year 10, 11, and 12 secondary school students across the Mornington Peninsula and Southeast Melbourne;
- They receive no formal funding and rely on donations;
- TRAG have developed a P plate which is self-funded and handed out to all participants and new licence holders; and
- In the 19 years of presentations, many of the participants now parents and are keeping their children and families safer through the knowledge they have gained by attending these presentations.
Jonelle then went on to talk about the Jared Dunscombe Foundation. Briefly, Jarad was injured when he was 7 and overcame life-threatening injures and brain trauma to become a tireless charity worker. Sadly, he was killed while riding his bicycle in a charity event when he was 31. The Foundation was set up to continue his work and transform the lives of young people locally and throughout the world. Since 2014 the Foundation has been providing life changing medical help throughout the Pacific region. It also provides support to tackle local problems.
Jonelle finished her talk with an invitation to the Foundations Christmas in July fund raiser.
After a brief Q&A session our President presented Jonelle with some flowers and our thanks.
After dinner the Chair called for the President’s Report.
Peter reminded the Members about the District Conference coming up in the Hunter Valley.
The Treasurer’s Report was on the Tiny House opening and the fact that it was generating some positive publicity.
The Chair now called for Director’s Reports.
Tony gave an update on the crisis bags:
- Kerry had visited form Queensland to explain the creation of her Bright Bags;
- She provided invaluable information which will help us to skip around potential problems; and
- The biggest initial task is to establish the Not-For-Profit status for the project.
Harry gave a brief update on the deployment of our latest Sky Hydrant.
Bob gave an update on the health and wellbeing of Members. Unfortunately, Adrian is in hospital after a heart attack. Elaine is in Officer and has been receiving visits from Members.
Charles gave an update on the creation of our club-specific cupboards.
Joseph also added further detail information provided by Kerry for the Brave Bags Project:
- The bags are distributed through 2 agencies – Child Services and the Fostering Agency;
- The “bags” are both tote-style and backpacks;
- There are special occasion bags (e.g. Birthday a Xmas);
- A web site is being developed; and
- Donations will be solicited from Organisations.
Lotto was drawn and won by Anne. The Fines Session was lively and included the usual “missing badges” routine.
At the completion of any conversations, Peter thanked out two Guests and closed the Meeting at 8:00.
