Geoff started the meeting by proposing a toast to Greg who was, once again, able to join us via Zoom. He then welcomed our Guests; Graeme and Kerry Flockart, Sharon Judd, Freda Donaldson and Carol Hayllar.

 

This week’s Chair was Chris who introduced the Guest Speaker Graeme Flockart who is the President of the Main Ridge CFA and who’s topic was Changes to the Fire Services on the Mornington Peninsular.

 

 

Graeme began by saying that the new Fire Fighters for the Mornington Peninsular hasn’t upset things. He then proceeded to provide a bit of history around fire fighting in early Country Victoria:

 

Integrated Brigades comprising both professional and volunteer fire fighters are being created. There are 2 such brigade on the Peninsular with one of those being Rosebud because there were just too many calls for a purely volunteer organisation. This has meant extensive renovations had to be made to the Station, which were costly, but the result is a Brigade that is working well together.

 

Changes have been made to Victoria Fire and the CFA and things are still to settle down. There are new rules and regulations, which creates confusion, and the potential for large costs but once these are worked out the results should be worth the effort.

 

 

Chris thanked Graeme for his captivating talk and presented him with a memento. (a borrowed pen which he can exchange at a future date! Ed.) He then went on to read through the apologies and call for the Secretary’s Report.

 

Mark came to the lectern and announced:

Now Chris called for Directors reports.

 

Harry pointed out that, within 9820 various Clubs are expanding and we need to learn from them.

 

Charles gave an update on the Easter Egg Hunt and said that he had had printed ID badges which designated the wearer as a Rotary Dromana representative. He also called for volunteers to participate in a working bee, on Thursday, to get the site set up. He was not overwhelmed with volunteers but managed to eeck out enough to get the job done.

 

 

Mike read out a though provoking piece called Reflections on Service. (I’ll try and get a copy for publication. Ed)

 

After Chris called for Members reports, Bob gave an update on the Dromana Community Garden. Bob had had past involvement with the Garden and was at a Committee meeting to represent Rotary. Committee numbers are down and they have no detailed plans for how to proceed with resurrecting the Garden. Their membership is low and they have many things to do, so the first question for Dromana Rotary is “how can we help?”. Bob left that for the Club to think over.

 

 

Chris now called for the Lotto, which was won by Sharron, and Fines. Merv worked hard for his fines and managed to extract some coins from the members.

 

 

Finally, after weeks of dodging and weaving, Charles was called to the lectern to deliver a TMG. (He had hoped that I would forget/give up and nominate someone else. Ed)

 

Charles told us about a cruise that he and Carol had gone on recently. It started in Singapore and went to Penang and thence to Phuket. There were approximately 5000 passengers, the majority of which were Asian, and the majority of events on board were geared to a younger demographic. However, the cruise itself represented a chance to rest up and enjoy good food and wine. (Thanks Charles, you’re off the hook now, for a while. Ed)

 

 

Chris handed the meeting back to Geoff who thanked our Guests and all attendees. The meeting closed at around 8:00.

 

Don’t forget that Elaine and Rob are now collecting aluminium cans as well as your old pill foils.

 

 

Here are just a few photos of the volunteers collecting parking fees at the Easter Egg Hunt. It was cold and wet. More next week with the official report.