Rick took the reins of this week’s meeting as Chair and called on Greg for the toast and to say a few words.

 

Greg started by thanking the Market volunteers and left it to Chris to fill out the details of the Market later in the meeting. The work on the David Buchanan Shelter was successful but, during that work, it became apparent that the Foreshore Committee needs our support in the maintenance and upgrading of the foreshore. Lastly, Greg mentioned that next week we would be having a joint member's photo taken for inclusion in the Club’s 50^th Anniversary records.

 

 

Secretary Michael read out the apologies and the only other subject of interest was a notice from the Rotary South East Asia office that all conflicts of interest must be announced at the time of applying for any grants.

 

Director Charles spoke about the urgent need to speed up out lagging new members efforts. To this end he is sending out a survey to all members so as to collect our thoughts and suggestions. We need to change our approach to attracting new members and the results from this survey will assist in creating a plan implement that change. However, it requires our input and assistance.

 

Chris now gave his update on the latest Market. A cold and foggy start to the day gave way, eventually, to a lovely morning which made it a success for all. Chris next spoke about the constant need for changes and new ideas for the Market. He will be moving the BBQ and Rotary marquee so as to give more focus to the Stallholders. Additionally, the Rotary marquee will be selling such things as flowers and fruit and veg’, which will give it a higher profile. It is possible that in our September market we will have from 40 to 45 stalls.

Further new ideas are in the pipeline.

 

Elaine briefly reminded the meeting of the need for us to collect all those tablet blister packs as they can be recycled for a good cause.

 

 

The Lotto was drawn, won by John Barnes, and fines were handed out by Acting-Sergeant Merv. During the fine session, and as a digression to head off being fined, it was pointed out that our highway sign still states that our meeting is on Thursday at the Shire Offices. Obviously an urgent fix is required.

 

The Chair now introduced our guest speaker, Russell Joseph to talk to us about the Hinterland Environmental Water Scheme (HEWS).

 

The HEWS is a climate adaptive project dedicated to repurposing Class A recycled water for local food production, fire fighting and environmental benefits within the hinterland of the Mornington Peninsular.

 

The South Eastern Outfall carries around 350 million litres, per day, of high quality recycled water from the Eastern Treatment Plant at Bangholme along the entire length of the Mornington Peninsular to be discharged into Bass Strait at Boags Rocks, near Gunnamatta.

 

 

These days single use water is as outdated as single use plastic. The final report on the project is due out later this year, which will include all the environmental impact work. (Ed. To get further details on the past, present and future of this project I suggest going to the web site www.hews.org.au).

 

The Chair thanked Russell for his informative and interesting talk.

 

Treasurer Bernard gave a quick synopsis of the Market results: BBQ = $482; Spinners = $153; and Stalls = $1200 for a grand total of $1855. Bravo to the Market and all who worked on it.

 

Greg thanked our Guest and all attendees. The meeting finished at 8:20.

 

 

“Today I emptied and banked the contents, (except for the seeds, scrap paper, someone’s used bandage and foreign coins), of the Hub spinner.

 

On the way to the bank I called into the McCrea Shopping Centre to empty that spinner. However the spinner has disappeared from under the eyes of the public and shop keepers. This is the second time that the contents have been robbed. The first time, a few months back the spinner was discarded in the waste disposal area but this time the spinner was nowhere to be seen so we have lost our spinner as well.

 

HOWEVER you will be pleased to know that the Hub spinner yielded a further $407.50.

 

This makes the total collection for the Flood Relief Appeal at $5335.01 of which $4754.01 has been forward to the Rotary Flood relief appeal.

 Regards

Rick”

 

 

“We’ve always proudly showcased the many ways Rotary drives change and makes an impact. This year, we’ll use a variety of storytelling approaches to highlight projects in each area of focus. Our goals are to raise the visibility of our work; engage new influencers, media, leaders, and potential partners; and share what we’ve learned about how clubs can make projects in their communities even more effective.

How can you help? Visit the Learning Center to learn more about Rotary’s focus on increasing impact. And download resources from Rotary’s newly updated Brand Center to tell your club’s story. By sharing your club’s successes, you’re showing people that Rotary is a service and leadership organization that makes a difference.”