Happenings at last week’s Meeting
This week we were missing a key member, so Wayne stepped in as Sargeant, called the Meeting to order and handed over to the President.
Charles called for the Toast and Invocation, welcomed our Guests Penny and Colleen and introduced this week’s Chair, Pauline.
Pauline read out the apologies and then introduced our Guest Speaker, Colleen D’Offay. Colleen has many “hats”: a Member with the Rotary Club of Brighton; International Service Director; Committee Chair – Youth Exchange; President Elect 2024/2025 and Donations In Kind (DIK) Manager.
Colleen began by giving a brief history of DIK:
- It was established in 1978;
- It is an incorporated entity servicing Districts 9790, 9800 and 9815;
- It is run entirely by volunteers;
- It collects, sorts and distributes usable unwanted items;
- It repurposes, it is not a recycler or an Op shop;
- It began by providing aid overseas but has now evolved and supports local initiatives;
- $10m+ in the value of items supporting local community projects;
- $84m+ in value of items shipped internationally;
- Over 25 years, DIK has shipped 711 containers to 35 developing countries; and
- The DIK warehouse has 3,400 sqm with 3 levels of racking.
Colleen went on to talk about the items which are collected, repurposed and distributed. They include:
- Medical Equipment and aids (bandages have use-by dates);
- Educational equipment and tools;
- New, surplus unused clothing; and
- Many other items that can be repurposed.
DIK is supported by Member Rotary Clubs and can assist in Club projects, both local and international. The range of items they receive and collect is extensive and can be drawn upon by single or joint-club initiatives.
After taking some questions Colleen was thanked by the Chair and Members.
The Chair now called for the Presidents Report which was very short (?) as Charles had not been able to arrange time to have discussions with the Fire Brigade. He hopes to do that in the coming week.
Next was the Secretary’s Report.
Wayne announced:
- Last week’s Social Night and HAPI was a success;
- No need for nominations for President-Elect because Charles is staying on;
- Information on Operation Cleft is available;
- A Zoom meeting on international activities will be held on 23rd February from 10-11:30;
- There is a Sunshine Golf Classic at the Yarrawonga Club – information on request;
- Jeremy Maxwell (SPSS) has sent a message saying that they are under increased pressure and donations are urgently required;
- Nominees for District Governor (27-28) are canvassed;
- CSR have announced grants available for Australian projects;
- Peace and Development leaders are required; and
- There is a spare Club t-shirt size 3XL.
Directors Reports were called for.
Mark called for a replacement to attend a Zoom meeting, info on request. The Board is going to discuss how we can help the Club, other than more Members. Lastly, the District is calling for all clubs to contribute further to the Polio+ project. The Meeting supported contributing $1500.
Pauline announced that the Board had OK’d the updating of the Club web site. She also requires photos from the Market and more marketing of Rotary.
Harry gave a brief reminder of his new roles and the requirement for people to keep him informed.
Rob suggested that a report on Tyrrell should be forwarded to RDU.
Adrian gave an update of the work he is doing for District. He is the ROMAC Chair for the “rump” of 9020 and is promoting Peace Poles throughout Victoria.
Mark was called upon to, finally, give his Person Behind the Badge:
- He was born in August in Adelaide;
- He was state school educated in Brighton S.A.;
- He has had many and varied jobs – insurance, manufacturing, packaging, and after moving form Tasmania to Melbourne, supply chain and logistics;
- His last position was in paint manufacturing;
- When in Tasmania he joined Apex and thoroughly enjoyed his time with them; and
- He has been in Rotary for 10 years. It is different top Apex, “but good”.
Pauline handed the Meeting back to Charles who thanked Colleen for her presentation. He then called the Meeting closed at 8:00.
A from Harry
Harry’s role in the Club is as our Almoner. He is the Clubs “social service” provider, and it is a position that requires that he is up to date on any “challenges” that have affected our Members.
Please keep him in the loop.
