Those on raffle duty, it is only the selling of the tickets, the club has accepted to responsibility for the prizes. There will be a container of mixed prizes held in the store room of the tennis club.
As discussed last meeting District Conference to be held in Albury this April. Early Bird Registration will end at 12 midnight on 23rd February. (See flyer) If interested please contact Maurice our Club’s co-ordinator for Conference.
The coming Easter Festive will dominate our Club’s thinking for the next few weeks. Our meeting with COGB representatives was quite fruitful. This year our market will be held on Good Friday and Easter Monday and begin promoted as Bendigo’s 150th. Inquiries for this market continue to come in, there seems to be a lot of interest out in the stall holder environment. Committee to meet this Tuesday evening at Rosaia’s all welcome.
From District Governor Dale.
I am very pleased to advise that the District 9800 Governor Nominee (Designate), to serve as Governor in 2024-2025, will be Past President Michael Lapina (Nina), nominated by the Rotary Club of Wyndham.
Please be advised that clubs may challenge this nomination within 14 days. This must be in writing (mail or email) to the District Secretary Jane Pennington secretary@rotary9800.org and received no later than 26 February 2022.
After a few a months of meticulous planning cumulating in Australia Day festivities, it’s on again with Easter just around the corner. First planning meeting with C.O.G.B. event managers beginning this Wednesday after our meeting all committee members welcome. Judging by the e-mail traffic that’s coming through there is lots of interest.
At the last meeting we talked about volunteering for the FORaMeal program AG - Goldfields South Graeme, informs me you that the proposed working bee to pack the emergency food relief packs for FORaMeal is again postponed. This is due to the situation where some clubs have conflicting activities as well as many Rotarians and friends who are unwilling to participate in such events due to Covid 19
Due to a major tournament being held in the first two weeks of March The Tennis Club has asked if our Club could a find alternative venue for these two weeks. Chris and Jim will report back to the Club on arrangements this week.
Meetings March 2nd and March 9th
The March 2nd meeting will be an Industry Meeting at the Military Museum in Pall Mall. Volunteers will conduct an hour long guided tour commencing at 7.30AM. The facilities as well as time constraints don't lend themselves to incorporating breakfast into the meeting. Members who are able to stay on after 8.30AM are welcome to gather at the Shamrock for breakfast. The RSL has waived the cost for admission($9) in recognition of our donation for the establishment of the museum and our ongoing involvement on Anzac Day. It has been decided to up the ante on the raffle and donate the proceeds for this meeting to the RSL. Raffle tickets will be $2 each or 3 for $5 and there will be multiple prizes. Members are reminded that parking restrictions commence in this area at 8.30AM.
The March 9th meeting will be a Club Forum at Peppergreen Farm. We will resume at the Tennis Centre on March 16th.
The guest speaker for the meeting was Hugo Leschen, the CEO of the Golden Dragon Museum. Hugo took up the position in 2020 after being in Darwin for eight years establishing the Defence of Darwin Museum and Art Gallery. The Chinese precinct includes the museum, gardens and a temple and is on the site of the original Chinatown which was demolished in 1910. Hugo is convinced that the area is one of the city's best kept secrets and he is passionate about the importance of activating the area. The recent hosting of the Night Market was welcomed by members.
Hugo stressed the importance of Museums telling a story. He outlined the rich history of the Chinese in Bendigo going back to the Gold Rush period. The Chinese became known as fine law abiding citizens who had a strong work ethic. They were culturally different from many of the other migrant groups and sadly they were discriminated against and often treated badly. The Chinese community has always contributed generously to the hospital and we have been left the wonderful legacy of the Chinese Association.
Hugo explained the national and international significance of the collection in Bendigo. In China the tradition is to dispose of dragon memorabilia. This was especially the case during the cultural revolution. The Bendigo Community didn't adopt this practice so we are the beneficiaries of the most significant collection in the world. The current facility only allows for the exhibiting of 10% of the collection at any time. Hugo explained that temporary exhibitions are very important in attracting tourists and so increasing the space for exhibits is an important priority.
Improved structures of governance provide the opportunity for the Museum to partner more effectively with government and corporate organisations. A detailed strategic plan is well underway and work has started on the refurbishment of the thirty year old building.The Chinese Community has lived through the challenges of the early years as well as the period when migration was very much informed by the White Australia Policy. We now live in a multicultural Australia and we experience the benefits which come from being exposed to different cultures and traditions. Members were very impressed with Hugo's vision for what is possible in Bendigo and we thank him for his engaging presentations and for taking the time to be our guest.
