We welcomed Jan Walklate and Ian Doak from the Swap Meet committee to our meeting this am.
They presented a cheque for our share of the profits from the week-end. The community groups have been presented with their cheques. Takings were down this year due to the very wet weather.
Thanks to Phil Harris for collecting the knitting from Melbourne for Patti.
Paul Kirkpatrick gave an update on the working bees at Camp Getaway. There have been 13 days of work completed in getting the foundations completed for the new kitchen. There has been a good turn up of Rotarians from a number of different clubs.
A cluster President’s meeting was held on Sunday.
- Insurance issue for members over 80 years actively participating in projects. The District has been collecting information re the numbers of people this could affect – over 76 at present.
When they get all the responses from the clubs, the District will look at taking
the issue to the other Districts in Australia. The Rotary policy is an Australia wide policy and may need to be changed to accommodate these Rotarians/volunteers. It may mean an increase in the fees to provide cover for this group.
- Discussion was had re requirement for insurance to have volunteers (Rotarian & non-Rotarian) recorded for an event. The event needs to be acknowledged by the executive that it is an endorsed Club event and the attendance of the person making a claim can be verified.
- Presentations at District Conference. The DVD’s that are being made of activities clubs have been involved with over the year have been given to the Club Presidents. This year, as well as the cluster video, the Presidents are going to get the individual club presentation. Over time, these 1-2 minute snippets will provide a visual/audio presentation that can be used to promote the club.
- Rotarians at Work Day April 11&12. The proposed joint project (sensory garden) with the Special Development School is not required. The Clubs will need to do individual activities if they are going to participate.
Discussion was had re needs the Special School has. Bob Wiseman (KF) will circulate a letter he has received to the Presidents for consideration of potential opportunities to provide support.
- Bob Wiseman (KF) and AG Greg Noonan have met and put together a document of issues that Treasurer’s need to be aware of. Greg will also put together a document that has other information relevant to Treasurers.
A meeting of current and incoming Treasurers will take place before the end of this Rotary year.
- Rotary display to promote Rotary at Good Friday Craft Market. Expression of interest sought from other clubs – is a busy time for other clubs and may be difficult to organise in time. Discussion had re the benefit of doing this type of thing on a regular basis and in a more planned way. Feedback to be given to Grant. Grant showed everyone the brochure that was developed for the International Expo that promotes Rotary and provides the details of the meeting times and contact details of all the Clubs in the cluster.
The next meeting in May will be a joint meeting with the President Elects
Could members think about a project our Club could do for Rotarians at Work Day. If you have a suggestion, speak with one of the Board members.
Our guest speakers this week were Scott Ramsay and Christine Kyle Link from STANDBY Response Service.
This service provides suicide bereavement support. Scott displayed a couple of knitted bears that are provided to people who have been impacted by suicide. These bears have been knitted by women from all over Australia. Most of these people have also been impacted by suicide.
Scott provided several figures on the impact of suicide – 1 in 4 Australians are impacted by suicide. Recent figures released have identified a high rate of suicide amongst Vets – 1 every 12 weeks. Debriefing is now being organised for this group of people to help them cope with the stress associated with their work.
Standby is a federally funded program and there are 16 sites across Australia. The Loddon Mallee program was identified as an area of high risk for suicide. Currently this is the only program in Victoria and is based with Bendigo Community Health Services. The program commenced in Queensland 12 years ago.
They provide follow up support to people who have been impacted by suicide for 12 months.
The impact can last for many years – in a family it can take 3 generations to work through a family and it can take 5 years to work through a business. The impacts are far reaching on many levels.
Currently it has been identified that the Bulloke Shire is experiencing high levels of risk of suicide due to the ongoing drought. The CFA in these farming areas have been supporting the farmers to keep them connected with their communities in an effort to reduce the risk.
Knowing what to say and how to support people who have been impacted by suicide can be very confronting for us all. The service also provides resources and ideas on how people can support anyone who is dealing with this.
One of Scott and Christine’s roles is to speak to groups about the service and how people can help. They provided some handouts at the meeting. If anyone wants some of these resources or more information they can contact the office on 54300500 or email standby@bchs.com.au.
The 24 hour crisis mobile is 0439173310 if anyone needs bereavement support.
If you know anyone who has been impacted by suicide, let them know about this program and provide them with the mobile number so they can get the support to help them.
The Board meeting this month is reviewing the Strategic Plan. Thanks to those members who have provided feedback to inform the discussion. The current and incoming Board are meeting Thursday night at Doug Lougoon’s office. As mentioned at the meeting, if you want to attend, let Geoff Michell know.
Have a great week. Cathie
