Happenings at last week’s Meeting
This week’s Meeting started with Charles proposing the Toast and then calling for the Invocation. He then welcomed our Guests; Rick and Ernest Hanson, Tomi Winfree and Paul Nitus then handed the Meeting over to the Chair, Chris Booth.
Chris now introduced out Guest Speaker for the evening, Ernest Hanson ably assisted by his father Rick. At 12 years old, Ernest was the youngest Speaker the Club has had and his subject was the History of Scouting with particular reference to the Dromana Sea Scouts and the National Jamboree in January 2025. His father, Rick, acts as the Quartermaster for the Troop and Ernest’s chauffer.
The Scouts were formed by Robert Baden-Powell, a lieutenant general in the British Army, based on what he saw as the best attributes that should be cultivated in boys, and later girls. Ernest explained how the left-handed Scout handshake came about as a reflection of how African warriors met each other. Baden-Powell introduced badges for activities such as bush-walking and bush-craft and nowadays the number of badges has expanded to cover hundreds of activities.
Ernest spoke about the community functions that the Sea Scouts help out at, such as:
- Australia Day;
- Anzac Day;
- Clean up Australia Day;
- Dromana Community Garden;
- Rotary Halloween; and
- CFA, SES and Vic Police activities.
Before taking questions, Ernest spoke about the National Jamboree which is being held in Queensland in January 2025. The Sea Scouts are intending to send 10 Scouts, but the total cost will be in the order of $26,950. Charles advised Ernest that the Club would be able to assist in raising money towards this target by such options as collecting at our Halloween Night and other Rotary activities like Australia Day.
After answering some questions from the Members (very well I might add. Ed) Ernest and Rick were thanked by the Chair and allowed to eat their dinners.
Chris now called on Charles for the Presidents Report.
Charles read out the apologies for the night and then initiated a discussion around how the Committee Meetings could work better. After talking about the availability of venues, which didn’t provide a quick resolution, Tony pointed out that maybe we should look at the actual agenda of these Meetings. This was accepted as a good starting point and another suggestion worth investigating was that Committees could meet at each Directors house. This would require the deliberations being forwarded to the Bulletin. After stirring up a lively discussion Charles had completed his Report. (Unfortunately, part of this discussion was sparked by my confusion about what I was going to write down. Sorry Charles. Ed)
Joseph spoke up to announce that Social Night was going to be a Teresita’s Restaurant in Dromana at 6:00 p.m.
Chris now called for the Secretary’s Report.
Wayne decided to summaries events from the last Board Meeting:
- The By-Laws update will be voted on at a Special General Meeting on 18th September (A Notice was distributed);
- The Update to the Community Garden is nearly ready to start. Thanks to a Grant for the Shire and ancillary work by the Club;
- Dromana Secondary College will be participating in the SkyHydrant demonstration with the aim of raising funds;
- $53,000 has been raised towards the Small Houses Project with 2 sites earmarked for the first house. The Bendigo Bank may be able to top up the funds;
- The Mock Interviews at Balcombe Grammer were a success (see photo below);
- Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA) is to be organised next year;
- Disaster Aid have invited the Club on Wednesday 11th September (an information sheet was distributed);
- The Club Website is undergoing a re-vamp;
- The Interplast Night was a great success;
- Carols by Candlelight and our Australia Day stall will go ahead with Merv and Bob, respectively, representing the Club;
- A Bunnings BBQ is scheduled for 19th October;
- The Two Bays Fun Run is on again in January/February; and
- Our Market will re-start on 28th September.
The possibility of our Club partnering with Oz Child for promoting the work they do in providing foster care for children at risk was discussed.
Charles spoke on behalf of Harry regarding the possibility of a visit to Donations In Kind (DIK) on 10th October at 10:30. This would be self-catering. He also mentioned the visit to Disaster Aid on 11th September.
In addition, Charles pointed out that Adrian is not well and Ross will be taking over the Guest Speakers program until he is well again.
The Chair called for the Treasurers Report.
Tony spoke briefly. Reconciliation of the Accounts has been achieved (applause all ‘round) and he is still learning more about MYOB.
Chris called for Directors Reports.
Mark announced that there would be a presentation of the Rotary Foundation at a future Meeting. As part of the eradication of Polio campaign, given that it has been found again in Gaza, he canvassed the possibility of one of two movie for another fundraising night. (Option 1 won the vote. Ed)
Having had lively discussion all night, Chris handed the Meeting back to Charles who declared it closed at 7:55.
Rotary Mock Interviews 08/08/2024
Balcombe Grammer School
The mock interviews took place at Balcombe Grammar and the feedback has been extremely positive.
Rotary Mount Martha and Rotary Dromana once again joined forces to interview over 60 Year 9 students, helping them participate in interview experience as part of their preparation for their future.
Left to right …
RCoMM, Greg Fitzgerald, Ross Whitehead, Geoff Taylor, RCoMM, Bob Donaldson, RCoMM, RcoMM, Marion Trevallyan, RCoMM, RCoMM, Charles Ross, Merv Prossor
Kids Fun Run with Puffing Billy - Sunday 24th November 2024
"The Rotary Club of Emerald & Dist. runs the “Kids Fun Run with Puffing Billy” each year with all funds raised being donated to a Children’s Charity. Again, this year we will be supporting the Monash Children’s Hospital – Cancer centre.
Would you be so kind as to run the attached flyer in your Club newsletter as we are trying to get the word out to as many families as possible. "
