Back at the Sailing Club for this week’s Meeting and Charles started the proceedings with the usual Toast and Invocation, then welcomed our Guest, Simon Brooks.

 

The Chair for the night was Peter Collins who proceeded to read out the apologies and then introduce Simon to talk on the Tiny House Project.

 

Simon began by thanking the Club for all it’s support during the House’s “gestation”. He also made special mention of Greg’s hands-on support and enthusiasm.

 

 

The house is being taken to it’s first site in Capel Sound on Friday (10^th) and is targeted at people waiting for accommodation. Simon cited a 55+ Female waiting for a permanent house/apartment as the characteristic recipient.

 

The development of the House has been a “journey of discovery” which was, in fact, brought in under budget. It is hoped that, if this initial trial is successful, replicating this project will be investigated. There are other organisations that have been approached and are enthusiastic at getting involved, such as the prison system workshops.

 

Once the size and feasibility of the project is better understood, the bigger picture may be presented to the State Government.

 

The Club applauded Simon and Greg for their efforts.

 

Greg now spoke briefly about the Friends of Hillview. He has found that this new effort to maintain and upgrade the reserve is gaining some traction, so is confident that can achieve its aims.

 

Tony took a turn to speak of the Bright Bags Project. He has asked Pauline to mock up a marketing strategy and put out a call to all Members to participate in the creation of a sub-committee to begin moving this Project along.

 

The Chair now called for the Presidents Report.

 

Charles announced that next weeks Committee Meeting will be held in the Sandy Christie Room in the Old Shire Offices. This will be the last time at the Old Shire Offices as the Shire will not allow us to refurbish and upgrade the facilities. In future our meetings will be held in the Community Hall. Regarding the Bright Bags Project Charles reiterated that there is more information and investigation required so we can move on.

 

Now it was time for the Secretary’s Report.

 

Wayne ran through the birthdays and anniversaries for this month. (Read the side bar on the Bulletin! Ed) He then spoke on the future BBQs that the Club will be running for the Wine Lovers Members Days. These BBQs will be from 6pm to 8pm. In Hastings they will occur on the 8^th May and 30^th October and in Dromana on the 5^th June and on a date in December to be announced.

 

Harry quickly announced that the Sky Hydrant that the Club is donating to the Philippines will be delivered in the next months and the Club will receive a follow-up on the success. He also announced that Col and Barb Byatt have donated 5 Sky Hydrants.

 

It was announced that the Chris had managed to gain Shire approval for our April Market to be run in the afternoon so as not to conflict with Anzac Day services.

 

A suggestion was made that the Golf Club be approached to see if the Club could donate Club-branded benches to be placed at strategic points around the course such as the tees.

 

Harry once again proposed an official thanks to Simon and Greg for their efforts at getting the Tiny House Project to this point.

 

Lotto was drawn, and won by Harry, then Fines were issued (Which was quite a bit of fun. Ed).

 

Charles thanked Simon for attending and Peter for taking the Chair at short notice. The Meeting closed at 8:00 pm.

 

 

A note from Greg.

 

“Planting day and sausage sizzle at the Hillview Community Reserve 191 Boundary rd Dromana.

Saturday May 23rd 2026, 8am till noon. All help appreciated.”

 

 

 

Following on from Charles’ email, the Club Members wish Elaine all the best.