It was sad news for Rotary last week with the passing of 2 long serving and hard working rotarians Norm Phillips – Bendigo and Peter Ryall – Bendigo South. The thoughts of our club go to families and fellow rotarians. Funerals will be this week check local papers for details.
It was great to meet with District Governor Julie Mason this morning. Julie met with the board at 6:30 to discuss our plans and get a feeling for the club.
She then gave a presentation to the club which challenged us in a a number of areas
She asked us all to reflect on why we joined Rotary and perhaps share those experiences. She then asked what are the gifts we bring to Rotary and ponder what it will take for each of us to stay in Rotary. She invited everyone to share their Rotary stories something that will be very different for us all I’d imagine and I would love to hear your stories.
In the member a month campaign she invited us to look around us and talk to colleagues, people you do business with, friends and family about the opportunities in Rotary - New Rotarians are all around us.
She spoke of a program district has lunched to raise the profile and promote the work of Rotary in eradicating Polio with the “Purple fingers for polio” program to inform and encourage school children of the impact or eradicating polio will have on their future
When the question of when is Rotary’s birthday was raised we had a room full of blank looks including yours truly. But on the 23rd Feb we will celebrate another year of Rotary and we are encouraged to do something to celebrate the birthday, to share a photograph (selfie) and post on district and our own Facebook page. Don’t forget to like the district Facebook page facebook.com/rotarydistrict9800.
Anther idea was to produce some one minute video’s telling our stories and the stories of- doing good in Rotary and using these stories to promote to perspective members and potential partner organisations.
Julie also spoke of the importance and opportunities within foundation, our Rotary bank is you like. Two particular areas where rotarians can contribute Foundation are the
• Every Rotarian every year which is $100 per annum less than a coffee a week and
• The Paul Harris Society $1000 a year
Money in foundation can be accessed to undertake projects anywhere in the world to help those in need and through club and district projects.
She then spoke about the next years district conference here in Bendigo encouraging as many members to get along to conference which will feature a range of motivational presentation and excellent speakers and will be MC’d by TV personality Tracey Curro Every conference attendee is able to bring a non rotarian guest to afternoon tea morning tea and breakout session, a great chance to introduce people to the Rotary Also remember first time conference attendees receive reduced rate so as they say there has never been a better time to book.
The Rotary Club of Bendigo 90th Birthday celebration this Saturday, you may still have a chance to book check the box office at the capital theatre
Swap meet recipients have been announced for 2015 they are
• Bendigo special Development school
• Australian Air force Cadets 410 squadron
• Junortoun Fire Brigade
The Club has 2 Money spinners, one is in the mall and the second was to be used at events and activities but it is big and cumbersome to move around so we are looking for ideas on how and where it could be used in a more innovative way. Graeme had a great suggestion this morning re Ulumbarra were it could be used and if there are any other ideas please get them to either Kevin Reade or Myself.
Board Meeting Monday 17th
The Board received a resignation from Neville Sharpe and a transfer request from Das Davidas who is moving to Kew. We wish them both well and a warm welcome whenever they visit the club in the future.
Working with other Bendigo Clubs we are partly sponsoring 3 students from the cluster to attend national youth science a great achievement for the region as it is a highly competitive program with limited spaces available.
There is a team heading to Timor Monday week, Lindsay, Phil, Doug and Martin which wish you safe travels and I’m sure you will come back with some great outcomes and ideas for future work in Timor.
Amy Spoke about the Primary school reading program and we are looking for volunteer Rotarians or partners to give an hour of their week on a regular basis to become a reading mentor for students in lower primary to help develop those important skills. Please see Amy if you can give some time or need some more information.
Cluster Presidents meeting on the Sunday 16th
Valentines day ball committee is working towards an event again in 2016. We have asked that they committee provide each club a brief of the expectations re funding and committee participation, risk profile including how risk is managed and who under writes that risk, so that each club can take back to their perspective boards for approval and commitment if they choose. The ball raised over $17,000 last year thganks to some very generous sponsors.
Gordon McKern and. Tony Glazebrook spoke on the future of the Discovery Centre. There has been a lot of work and planning to ensure the centre remains open and includes quality attractions and displays which are changed regularly.
They presented an opportunity for cluster clubs to support this by
1. Each of the 9 Clubs donate $300 a year for 3 years (9 x $300 x 3 years)
2. Encourage club members to join the discovery centre @99 per year for family membership, great for parents or grand parents. I have membership applications for those interested.
The Board discussed and is prepared to consider a donation, but will not commit funding for future boards.
Bendigo South are organising a major concert featuring Marina Prior and the Victorian Welsh Choir at Ulumbarra on Sunday 27th Sept at 2pm, some great voices and at a very reasonable $40 a ticket. They would love the support of Rotarians to both attend and promote the concert. Purchase tickets at the capital.
Bendigo South and Bendigo are holding a joint meeting in late September with guest speaker Peggy O’Neal president of the Richmond Football Club, a great story of a women who is going great things in a male dominated sport. More details to follow
Club Meeting Changes
Rotary Next Generation now meets at the Shamrock hotel Echuca meet at the Mecure Hotel. Port of Echuca Rochester meet at the newly refurbished court house and is now $15 per head Eaglehawk temporary move to the former St Peters Church in High St Eaglehawk
Eaglehawk Rotary Bookshop is open each Saturday 10 to 12 with some great bargains and some classic books. If you looking for something different or have some books to donate they would love to see you.
Paul
