3rd July - RecLink Football lunchtime BBQ, Helpers needed. Contact Paul Henderson
7th July 12 Noon - Bgo Sandhurst Changeover function -Camp Getaway.
28th July- National Tree Planting Day (Save the date for a Club project)
10th August - DIK open day (see link below)
1 - 5 May 2025 Barham Weekend
Phone 5453 2553 to book a site/cabin and say you are from Rotary.
Co-President's report
20th May 2024
Although we experienced a freezing morning, the temperature inside during our club meeting was much kinder to us.
What an interesting and engaging presentation by Andrew Cooney, CEO of the City of Greater Bendigo (see report below). Before the meeting started, Andrew was particularly taken by the remote participation of Maurice Woodburn in Lake Boga, Martin Ruffell in Robe, SA, and Ted Gretgrix and Kevin Reade, both floating somewhere along the Rhine River in Germany… We continue to appreciate and use the technology of ZOOM in enabling our members to be part of our meetings from almost wherever they are, and for us in Bendigo to hear of their goings–on.
Reclink is back! Wednesday afternoon from noon to around 2.00pm saw some of us (Rob, Chris, Paul H, Ray and Toni) cook up a gourmet sausage barbeque for the Bendigo and Ballarat teams at the Cal Gully Oval. Bendigo beat their archrivals by 3 goals, and both teams, along with their coaches and the umpires, really appreciated this gesture by us to help them enjoy the day. The next match, against Maryborough, is on Wednesday, 3rd July, at the same time and place. It’s always a good day for us, and our support is really appreciated by all of the participants.
Bendigo South Changeover. This was held at the Bendigo RSL on Wednesday night. I (Ray) attended to represent our club at the event, and it was a very pleasant evening indeed. Attendees learnt of the clubs’ considerable achievements throughout the year, and of broad plans for the year ahead.
Some of the highlights were a speech by Ron Payne in his toast to RI, and an insight into his year as our DG, and Alison Bacon’s information about the upcoming Regionalization Pilot Program and its initial ramifications for our district clubs. Also, Paul Harris Fellowships were awarded (again) to two
dedicated and well-deserving club members in Gary Pinner and Greg Noonan. Our club extends its congratulations and admiration to these two very worthy recipients.
Important dates coming up:
Saturday, 6th July, Rochester changeover. It will be run in conjunction with their 60th anniversary of service to their community – a wonderful achievement. Our members are most welcome in celebrating this together with the members of Rochester RC. The event is set down for noon on Saturday, 6th July, in the Shire Hall. $65.00 pp, (and the food is always excellent!...) Madeleine and Adrian still have two spots available in their car, so let them know asap if you would like a lift.
Our changeover will be held at Camp Getaway on Sunday, 7th July, with a 12 noon for 12.30 pm start. This year, we are assured the facility will be adequately heated on arrival ... Meals will be provided by Goldfields Catering, a company whose professional and pleasant services we have used in the past. Our current District Governor, Ron and his wife Deb, will be in attendance representing
the new District Governor, Michael Lapina. We look forward to seeing as many members as possible to welcome our new office bearers. Please RSVP to Cathie just as soon as possible for catering purposes.
Visit to Donations In Kind, at their Open Day on Saturday, 10th August. Rochester Rotary Club has made their 24-seater bus available on the day, complete with one of their members who is a qualified driver. The charge would be $20 per person, and it is important to let us know as soon as possible since places are limited. It is a wonderful opportunity to visit the DIK storage and dispatch factory at Footscray on the day. It is a superb facility, packed with all sorts of goods that can be
offered to our clubs to assist people and organizations in need, both here in Australia and overseas.
DIK volunteers will be providing food for attendees on the day.
Andrew Cooney, CEO of City of Greater Bendigo began his address on Bendigo Council’s electorate restructure by going through the council’s present situation and programs and plans to answer the main challenge to our city: how to successfully grow, and at the same time, retain the small town feel which is such an important element of Bendigo.
The population is forecast to reach 200,000 within 30 years, which will
require a managed growth strategy. The township cannot continue to
spread, so must go up. This will require targeted height limits, density,
and acceptable developments. We will also need a Regional Business
Precinct, currently planned for Marong, to reduce mixing business and
housing and the problems this causes, as at present.
The Council will also commence a Heritage study of the old Courthouse
building to determine its best purpose, and a long overdue re-
assessment of the Hargreaves St. Mall to get it working.
Other projects in the wings include Art Gallery redevelopment, Regional
Sports Infrastructure Project taking in new Basketball courts, Lighting for
Carparks at venues, Bowls Club greens, new Croquet greens, and a
major redevelopment of the Showgrounds Precinct, incorporating new
pavilions and irrigation of the arena.
As a result of a State Government review of electoral structures within local government areas, the existing boundaries will change from three wards having three councilors each, to nine single councilor wards at the next elections in October 2024. This would reflect each community more fully. These nine councilors will elect the mayor from their numbers.
The City of Greater Bendigo has a turnover of $230 million, 40% from rates and the balance from Federal and State funding. The CEO is appointed by Council and has responsibility for the approximately 1000 staff.
Andrew was keen to encourage people to put their hand up to be part of
the council, mentioning that training and induction programs are available to all, and that support is provided for Childcare, Vehicle expenses, Mobile phones and laptops, and disability support where needed.
We thank Andrew for his time and for giving us some background and
insight into the future of our city.
Vale: Bryan Griffiths, President of the RC of Rochester
It is with much sadness that the Co-Presidents and members of the RC of Bendigo Sandhurst acknowledge the sudden passing of Rotarian Bryan Griffiths. Bryan was a tireless worker for the Rochester Rotary Club and for Rotary in general.
Our thoughts are with Bryan's partner Angela, his family and his fellow Rochester Rotary Club members at this difficult time.
This time of the year we see many of our members leave Bendigo to visit many places within Australia or around the world. It would be great to hear about their adventures when they return, but in the meantime a selfie at a local attraction on your trip would be greatly appreciated. WHO is Next??
I know there are a number of members out and about at the moment so please contribute a photo by emailing it to bulletin@rcobs.com.au.
