Before running through this last meeting, I’d like to point out that from now on the Bulletin will revert to the old method of cycling through the Members to assign the meeting Responsibilities each week. Pre Zoom Meetings this was standard so please check if you’ve been dobbed in selected each week.

 

Bob Donaldson was the Chair for this week and carried it off with aplomb.

 

Geoff Taylor was congratulated on achieving 37 years in Rotary.

 

Harry was back from his holiday and had a few brief things to mention. Covid has had a detrimental effect on what could be done this year but we still have 3 months until the end of year so we can still achieve a lot. Our efforts for Flood Relief have been going well with the Spinners doing a good job.

 

Next, Secretary Chris had a few things to bring up:

Our GIG this week was from Harry but he digressed briefly to mention that the RAWCS update to our Rotary Insurance Guidelines for overseas teams are expected soon.

 

Harry’s topic was Why Did I Join Rotary and he has written a synopsis of his talk which is far better than I could jot down at the time.

 

“When I joined Rotary in 1991 little did I know what the future held for me, other than what my neighbour had told me, as he was a Rotarian of many years. I then had to think about what he told me, and read up on all the information he gave me.

 

 Previously I had been on our parish council and church building and maintenance committee. That’s totally different to joining a worldwide service club. I had to give this a really good think over, and think what I had achieved so far in Australia.

 

This country has been good to me, but I had worked hard to achieve what I got, with little education although I have learned a lot. The mistakes you make in life are no different to what other people make, so my decision was easy. If other people can do it, so can I. I put my best foot forward and decided to join and help our community, and third world countries, to make it a better place for all.

 

It may be little in a big world but Rotary leaves a big foot print behind. No matter where you go in the world people know Rotary and it has a great reputation. I also know of the great friendship and fellowship.

 

Volunteers don’t expect rewards but when I got recognised by the Australian government for a valued contribution towards the third world countries I was very proud.

 

By joining Rotary I feel I have made a difference, and all of us together will make a difference.

 

Also, I will pass on my knowledge by mentoring others and do things to the best of my ability while I can, and enjoy your fellowship.

 

Australia gave a lot to me and I want to return the favour.”

 

Harry also spoke about how Qantas used to help with the overseas expeditions but he is not sure they will participate in the future. Working in Tonga was his greatest experience, where they worked on a local church and a pipeline which was about 1.5 miles long (no kilometre conversion). Hopefully we may get the opportunity to see a Disaster Aid Australia demonstration in May. Lastly, he mentioned that a speaker would be coming up who would speak about ROMAC and the Interplast relationship.

 

From the sublime to the ridiculous we now moved on to Lotto and the handing out of Fines. Merv was prolific but merciful.

 

Tony had an update on the Market. There are 41 stalls expected and this will be the first use of the new trailer. It will give the team a bit of practice at packing. Tony mentioned that he may approach the Stallholders about the possibility of the Market starting later in Winter because of the shorter daylight hours.

 

Geoff Taylor introduced a copy of the Mornington Peninsular Disadvantaged Report and mentioned that there will be a luncheon at Mornington Race Course on the 6th April to discuss the report with the authors.

 

Greg Fitzgerald spoke about how he is trying to break up the Speakers list so as to cater for such things as a Club Night prior to each Market. He is also still progressing with the walking track below the Eagle, and has found general support for the idea amongst the public who use the area.

 

Changes being made to our Web site were displayed and briefly discussed.

 

Time flew and the meeting closed at 8:15.