Happenings at last week’s Meeting
This week we were back to a regular Club meeting with a special Guest Speaker Mark Foley, from the HALT program.
President Mick started the Meeting by proposing the Toast and calling for the Invocation. The next step was the welcoming of our Guest Speaker and Guests; Darren Zmegac and Cherie Coburn. He then announced that Harry would be returning to the Directorship of International while Agnes would change her focus to Membership and Fundraising.
The Chair for this week was John Barnes who proceeded to read out the apologies and then invited our Guest Speaker to address the Meeting.
Mark Foley introduced himself as coming from a family with a strong Rotary background. He has strong community engagement and building skills from a career working across a range of sectors. Mark has previously been a volunteer with Lifeline and understands the role good mental health and wellbeing plays in reducing rates of suicide. He introduced HALT which stands for Hope Assistance Local Tradies. HALT builds the bridge between both local and national support services for people at risk of suicide in the local community. That is, it aims to facilitate the spreading of information and raise awareness of groups such as Lifeline and Beyond Blue, open up conversations and break through the stigma attached to mental health.
Mark pointed out that there has been a 32% increase in Senior Age suicides which shows that mental health issues affect everyone. He said that Rotary, and it’s emphasis on communion, provides a perfect opportunity to reach out to a person who may be needing some support. Community expectations still make it difficult for people to unburden themselves and talk about any difficulties they may be experiencing. While the first attempt at offering help may not be accepted, usually the second attempt is more likely of success.
Mark handed out some useful booklets which contain all the contact details of organisations which can help.
John now thanked Mark for his time and the interest that his talk had sparked.
Our Guest Darren now spoke briefly about how the community Halloween event had “opened his eyes” to what Rotary was capable of doing. He feels that he would like to help Rotary bridge the gap to the younger generation. One of the topic which his dear to his heart is a project looking at the creation of a new mental health option for Peninsular locals. He believes that Rotary can help and would like to raise this as a future topic to discuss. There were many Members who showed an interest in pursuing this topic.
Now, the Chair called for the Secretary’s Report. Mark announced:
- Next weeks Meeting would be at the Rosebud/Rye Club. Starting at 5:45 at 26 Henry Wilson Drive, Rosebud. Dinner would be $20 (cash or card) and drinks would be cash only. Any not attending must contact Mark or they will be charged for Dinner;
- The Mt. Martha Club has agreed to our visiting and details are to be worked out;
- The Meeting on the 20th December will be a Partners Night;
- As we are loosing Bernard, Mark will be taking on the role of Treasurer for the rest of the year but he will need some help;
- The 10th January will be our first Meeting in 2024. A breakfast as usual;
- The Board has accepted the concept of the Club having alternate formats for our Meeting; and
- The Board has accepted Rick as an Honorary Member.
Harry introduced RARE (Rotary Australia Repurposing Equipment). This is a re-working of the old DIK and focusses on accessing useable, redundant health and educational equipment and providing advice and assistance to sort, package and transport these items to communities locally, nationally and internationally. Harry handed out a flyer for all Members.
Bernard gave an update on the P&L from the latest Market. After he had finished the Meeting gave him a heartfelt thanks for all he had done in furthering the Club and being a supportive friend and Member.
Next, Lyn announced that Ann has had an hip replacement and was doing well. However, she would appreciate some contact.
Then we had the Lotto draw and Lyn won this time again.
Joseph spoke up about the possibility of re-working our Club Sponsorships with the introduction of various levels of sponsorship (Basic through to Platinum) which would accrue various levels of benefits. He hopes to launch this early in the new year.
After thanking all attendees Mick closed the Meeting at 8:00.
