Unfortunately, another poor attendance at our meeting on Wednesday. Luckily we welcomed four members from the Rotary Club of Bendigo including President Larrie Windzar and newer member Filaka, Dominic and Ilona, as part of their scatter meeting.   Larrie was kind enough to share some insights into their club who have introduced a net of 12 additional members this year. 

 

There is plenty to report this week following the board meeting on Monday night 30th May.  

 

We are 2 months into the pilot meeting arrangements and with the pilot due to conclude at the end of the month we now have the opportunity to make the change permanent (or revert back to the weekly formal meetings), a vote will be taken at our meeting on the 15th June, a separate email has been forwarded to members.
 
Last month, Rotary districts’ Council representatives met in Chicago and approved changes in Rotary's policies that will give all Rotary clubs more freedom to determine when, where, and how to hold meetings, whether to meet on-line or in-person, and what defines engagement, membership qualification and club composition.   As a result of these changes the innovative and flexible club pilot for all clubs will conclude

as of 30 June 2016, 12 months early.

 

Every Rotarian as a requirement of their membership to Rotary pay a compulsory fee to subscribe to Rotary Down Under Magazine.  It has

been brought to our attention that some people do not get the Rotary Down under magazine either by post or electronically. 

Please let me know by the meeting of the 15th June if you are not getting the RDU magazine  so we can get this rectified. 

Remember you are paying for it… 
 
The Timor Vehicle project was formally agreed upon by the board with our contribution of $20,000 being split with 50% out of this years allocation and the balance from consolidated funds.  The project will now go through the formal application to District and Foundation

and will proceed if those applications are approved.
 
It was agreed to give $5000 to Lifeline Central Victoria Office to help cover the costs of volunteer training a critical part of

the process to enable this great service to continue to save lives. In the last year Central Victoria answered 22,500 calls from

people in need.
 
A donation of $1500 will be made to Girton for their contribution to Australia Day which they use to support the Father Ray Foundation

in Pattaya, Thailand, which supports over 850 underprivileged and disadvantaged children. Each year they offer year 12 a

Community Service based "Alternative Schoolies Trip to work with the foundation and they would use this money in country

to purchase goods to support the foundation and the local economy. A presentation on the program and Girton students community
involvement is being scheduled to the new Rotary year.

 

Martin reported on the ongoing work with Weeroona College.  They currently exploring is the building of a shelter / rotunda

at the school to provide some shelter for the students.  Martin is working with Gerard House to look at some options to put to

the school/students and a subsequent quote for such a project. He suggested that the students be involved right through the planning

process including how planning applications and building permits are obtained.
Rotarians alongside students can design, plan, construct and paint/stain the Rotunda. It incorporates Vocational aspects,

community engagement, fundraising and local..

 

There is also an opportunity for Rotarians to become mentors for some of the students, providing regular sessions with students,

it doesn’t have to be the same Rotarians each time and they would love some female mentors.  Could be a great program and

provide some real impact on the lives of the students.  If you would like to be involved speak with Martin.  More will follow on this.

 

The club is looking for potential RYLA participants, a week-long residential personal development program for young people

aged 18 to 25, which focuses on themselves, leadership and community.  There is also an opportunity for year ten and eleven

students to attend RYPEN a weekend long camp designed at developing their potential through a mixture of lecture style sessions and adventure-based learning

 

This is a good time to remind all Rotarians about the Working with Children Checks, whilst not compulsory for Rotarians they

are compulsory if you at any stage will be working with children and there may be an instance where you are one on one. 

It's something I'd encourage all members to look at, it's free for volunteers and easy to apply for its mainly online at www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au, validated and completed at the local post office. Family members can also

apply as a volunteer particularly if they may also be working with children.   When might you work with children and

be one on one,  eg. Australia day in a food van, federation picnic on the gate, mentoring or meeting at Weeroona College.  Etc. 
 
We do have a small amount of  funds still available for allocation before the end of this Rotary year so if you are aware

of a worthwhile project or area of need please raise it ASAP with a member of the board, our next and last board meeting

for the year is on Monday the 20th June 6.30pm at the Brian Boru.

 

Conor has sent some proposed changes to the structures of the various committees for the new year, some great ideas to

align the needs of the club moving forward. He is looking for your input and also an indication of which areas you would

like to work in in the new Rotary year.  Please get back to Conor before the 20th June.
 
We approved our first Friend of Rotary - Greg McBain, hopefully the first of many. We look forward to meeting Greg

over the coming months,
 
Thanks to everyone who assisted with the catering for the Model United Nations “MUNA” at Camp Getaway. 

A great effort with the added bonus of seeing the participants really taking on the role representing their counties and

passionately putting their case forward.  Unfortunately  a couple of teams from Bendigo had to withdraw at the last minute.
 
Next Event MOPARS on the Sunday 12th June 8am to 3pm, if you could complete the roster on club runner as per Bruce’s previous email.
 
Bendigo Victory Football match day BBQ on June 15th Game starts around 12:00 with BBQ around 1:30 need 3 or 4 Rotarians

there no later than 1pm.
 
A few weeks ago I asked for members feedback on the idea of creating some internal club awards for members who have

made an outstanding contribution to Rotary.  At this stage we are looking at potential ideas for the types of awards. 

Please email your ideas through before the 22nd June.

 

Don’t forget if you are going to be away for more than a couple of weeks in June July or August please let  me know,

so we can ensure we have the best meeting arrangement’s in place over that time, remembering we need approximately

26 attending breakfast each fortnight (or week)  to break even cost wise.

 

Upcoming Club Changeovers
 
Bendigo Saturday 18th June 6pm, Fortuna Villa 22-48 Chum St, Bendigo. $60pp.  RSVP 8 June to Leanne Oberin obelee@activ8.net.au phone 0438 397 393.

 

Echuca Moama Friday 24th June 6pm for 6:30pm,  The Pavilion Echuca Racecourse $55 per head RSVP by Friday 10th June 2016 to email rclubechucamoama@yahoo.com.au
 
Bendigo South year end celebration (in lieu of Changeover with president Tony staying on) Thursday 26th June at 6:30pm Marong Public Hall Country Style Buffett,
Dress Country Hicks and hayseeds, $42 per head BYO.  RSVP by 13 June to Maggie Merigan-James selmag@live.com.au

 

Eaglehawk Wednesday 29th June 6:30pm for 7:00pm, Foundry Hotel $45 per head RSVP by 15th June Secretary Alison Bacon, Po Box 52 Eaglehawk 3556.

 

Bendigo Sandhurst Wednesday 6th June, 6.30pm for 7:00pm, Basement on View 50 View Street, Bendigo, Theme: Irish (wear a spot of green)  $40.00pp.  
RSVP Monday 27th June to John Cannon jcannon50@gmail.com or call 0419 522 518
 
My apologies for the rather long report but plenty happening, see you all soon..

 

Paul Henderson