Happenings at last week’s Meeting
Charles began the Meeting by calling for the Toast and Invocation and welcomed the Guest Speaker PDG Paul Mee. He then passed the Meeting over to the nights Chair, Greg Taylor.
Greg came to the lectern and then welcomed Paul to talk about Australian Rotary Health.
Paul gave a brief history of Australian Rotary Health (ARH) and pointed out that, over the 42 years it has been operating, it has dispersed over $55m worth of donations provided by Rotary Clubs in all districts in Australia.
ARH has a small staff, but they are supported by bequests, not from the donations.
After some technical difficulties, which were sorted out by Holly, Paul continued with highlights of the history of ARH.
Mental Health initiatives have been a major theme in recent years, and ARH has been involved with indigenous health issues for many years.
Paul then proceeded to how Clubs can participate with ARH in various project and formats.
Research grants are made by ARH with funding being matched by the participating Universities.
In detailing the funds/donations that have come from our District, Paul had some figures on our Club’s contributions which were disputed by a past Treasurer. However, his presentation did spark some conversations about our future efforts at fundraising specifically for ARH.
After a brief Q and A session Geoff thanked Paul for coming to talk to our Meeting and presented him with one of our priceless collectables.
Having deviated slightly from the Meeting agenda, Geoff now read out the apologies. He also mentioned that Murray had had another fall and was back in hospital. The Members all expressed our best wishes for his speedy recovery. Geoff now called for the Presidents’ Report.
Charles commended the Sea Scouts Trivia Night which was at the end of the week. He also reminded the Members of the need for all volunteers for the upcoming Halloween Bonfire.
Geoff now called for Director’s Reports.
Peter announced that the film night has had to be cancelled because we did not sell enough tickets to cover the minimum numbers we were contracted to.
Joseph said that Halloween planning was well underway, and the bonfire build would begin early next week.
Lotto was run and won by Pete (who had managed to reduce the odds by bulk buying of tokens, as usual. Ed.)
Geoff now called on Joseph for Person Behind the Badge.
Joseph:
- Was born in Dromana in 1971;
- In 1985 his family moved to Portsea which became his “happy place”;
- He has one sister;
- His parents were in children’s clothing;
- He started in the rag trade, then moved to real estate;
- In 2004 he moved into wine, though he just enjoys the “thrill of the chase”;
- Met a girl in uni;
- In 2011, after a divorce he moved his business to Safety Beach and scaled down to clearance for selected suppliers and no on-line presence;
- He has taken his family to the Caribbean and his kids to Sicily; and
- A clairvoyant led him to Rotary.
There was no Fines session called, and Geoff handed the meeting back to Charles.
Charles pointed out that a roster is needed for future Markets. Next week we will not be meeting as it is the 5th Wednesday of the month. The venue for the social night next month will be planned and announced.
Charles then thanked all for attendance and closed the Meeting at 7:50.
