This week we were back at the Sailing Club for our regular Dinner Meeting. Charles started the proceeding as usual with the Toast and Invocation and then introduced our Guest Speaker Lacy Brooks, and her mother Tracey, as well as our special guests PDG Bill Degnan and his wife PDG Judy. He then passed the Meeting over to the night’s Chair, Joseph.

 

 

The Chair introduced Lacey, who is the School Captain at Dromana College and was sponsored by the Club to the National Youth Science Forum.

 

 

Lacey was one of 120 students who went up to Brisbane’s University of Queensland, in January, to attend that session of the NYSF program this year. The session lasted from the 13^th to the 21^st and Lacey found it very inspiring. She had an interest in Pathology but has also had a re-think on other subjects such as Engineering. The session covered a variety of subjects, both as workshops but also as straight lectures and live crosses.

 

Topics included:

They were also introduced to more cultural experiences such as the Queensland Art Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Arts.

 

 

The session was a wide-ranging camp which included important career advice, at a Career Day, but also gave the student chances to de-compress at STEM Olympics (Laceys Team were Champions), a Disco Concert and a Scavenger Hunt.

 

Lacey said that the “staffies” who helped run the session were marvellous and, in summary, she felt it was a life changing event during which she had made some firm friends and she thanked the Club for their help.

 

 

After taking some questions from the audience, Joseph thanked Lacey for taking the time to give a very interesting and informative talk. He presented her with a Low-tech token of the Club’s appreciation.

 

 

The Chair called for the Presidents Report.

 

Charles said that he was investigating the options for making improvements to the Sany Christie Room and was in the process of arranging meetings to discuss the Hope Bags Project.

 

Now was time for the Secretary’s Report.

 

Wayne announced that the Red Hill Probus Club had contacted us about their 30^th Anniversary. As our Club was a sponsor for their creation they would like us to send a representative to their celebration on the 27^th April. On the other hand, the Dromana Probus Club is winding up and would like our Club to be custodians of their official emblems. Lastly, Wayne mentioned that the Club would be providing a wreath for Anzac Day and would like a representative for the laying.

 

Greg announced that the Tiny House was near to deployment.

 

Lotto was drawn and won by Rob.

 

Your Ed gave an update on the Market and the workforce was arranged.

 

Mark announced that they have sold their house and will be moving in September. He has found a number of corded power tolls and will contact Peter about donating them.

 

Joseph remarked that he has about 4 Wine Lovers events per year and would like the Clubs BBQ to provide part of the food options. The next one is in May in Hastings.

 

Greg conducted a Fines session with his usual impartiality.

 

The Chair now called on PDG Bill Degnan to address the Meeting.

 

Bill firstly announced that Rotary will pay 50% of all Club signage up until 30^th June. All that is required is for the Club to contact Judy.

 

Next, Bill discussed how to set up a satellite club. In their experience they sent out a personalised letter to prospective Members. This generated interest in an initial meeting. It may involve re-arranging a meeting schedule. In some cases the satellite club doesn’t actually physically meet, it is all done electronically.

 

Bill also spoke briefly about the Inner Wheel of Rotary. This was started in 1924 in Manchester and was run by the wives of Rotary Members who were away at war. Essentially it kept Rotary going during WW1 and is still active.

 

Charles thanked all attendees and reminded everyone that the Market was on and next week would be a Social Night. The Meeting closed at 7:55.

 

 

“Hello Charles,

 

Thank you for letting me know, and please pass on my sincere thanks to the Rotary Club of Dromana.

 

We are very grateful for the club’s generous donation of $1000 to support breakfast for our disadvantaged students. This support will make a real difference in helping ensure students start the day ready to learn.

 

I appreciate the Rotary Club’s continued commitment to supporting our school community.

 

 Kind Regards

 

 

Alan Marr