Happenings at last week’s Meeting
President Mick began the meeting by welcoming our Guest Speaker, Ross “Twiggy” Dunn and then covering off on the formalities of the Toast and the Invocation. He then passed on the Meetings best wishes to Sue Viney for a speedy recovery.
Our Guest Speaker was Twiggy Dunn who played for the Collingwood Football Club in the VFL era (prior to the national competition). He is probably best known for kicking a goal that tied the 1977 Grand Final.
Twiggy gave us an entertaining run down of his career, starting in West Heidelburg playing for the Olympic Village Football Club before joining the Collinwood Under 19s in 1966, even though he was a South Melbourne supporter. Later, after two weeks in the Reserves he finally made it into the Seniors and stayed there until his eventual retirement in 1978, with the Club Best and Fairest Awards for 1969 and 1972. As well as his football career Twiggy, like all other players, had another career with Safeways which gave him the qualifications to move into the Administration side of the Club.
Twiggy spent a number of years in the Administration side of the Club and he spoke about the disastrous recruiting campaign that was embarked upon which nearly destroyed the Club. He was instrumental in “dragging” the Club out of Bankruptcy which ended with the Club winning the 1990 Premiership with a team of local “kids”.
Twiggy finished off his entertaining talk by answering questions from the Meeting, especially about the differences in pressure both on and off the field between his days and today.
President Mick now thanked Ross for taking the time to come down and talk to us about his life in football.
Now Mick proceeded with the Presidents Report. The Market is on this week and looks good with 20+ stalls. Harry’s Small Houses project is still alive and Simon Brookes has contacted Mick regarding a new prototype he has developed. Hillview are behind this initiative so it is hoped that the Shire may be attracted to the idea.
Next, Mark was called for the Secretary’s Report:
- The next Club for us to visit is Rosebud/Rye on the 4th October;
- The next Meeting will be at 29th August (a Tuesday) and we will be visiting the Community House in Gibson Street, starting at 5:30;
- More Community focused visits are being looked at;
- The Shire has enquired about the foreshore picnic table, a new representative brings a new query;
- Approaching the Shire, regarding taking on the maintenance of a house, has been postponed; and
- The Traralgon Rotary are asking for support for mobility equipment for a local family.
Nothing for the Treasurers Report.
Directors Reports.
Lyn thanked all those who helped out with the Mock Interviews at Balcombe Grammer this morning. The kids and their parents expressed thanks.
Chris said that volunteers for the Market look good with Music On The Hill being canvassed for musical entertainment. Storage of the Club goods at the sailing club is still be progressed.
Now it was Lotto, won by Chris. (If you buy enough tokens it does improve your chances. Ed)
President Mick finished off thanking Ross Dunn again and thanking all those Members who did attend. He closed the meeting at 7:55.
A Personal Comment
Given that the Club, and Rotary at all levels, has been pushing for new Members over the recent years it seems strange that in the last few weeks we have only just managed to have half of our compliment at our Meetings. Of course there are legitimate excuses, but 50% attendance would not be very attractive to any prospective new Members.
Just my thought. Ed.
