This week saw past president Graeme Lynas at the Helm, thanks Graeme for standing in nd for your report.
Conference report
On introduction PP Graeme bought out the “dreaded Bingo balls”, there was a noticeable display of concern exhibited by all,
but alas they were only put on the table as a decoration!
BUT;
Each conference attendee was requested to respond to a “Geoffrey Robertson” series of questions in relation to their attendance at the conference.
Questions were to the;
First timers, old hands, the cynics, tourism, if you did not know what Rotary was and you lived in Bendigo, what did you see?,
and those who manned display stands, was it worthwhile?.
Notices
Doug L reminded the golfers for Friday night
Stan H reminded the weekend campers to book at Barham as sites and cabins are filling, approx. 15 attending
Roster will be out for the BBQ on Good Friday
Martin R requested the support of 4 Rotarians (in uniform) to assist at the launch of his book “Forbesey” at
the Kangaroo Flat Sporting Club Thursday April 7th at 7.00pm
Guest speakers-Sue and Liz
Interchange commenced in Melbourne 40 years ago, when a young mum with a disabled child had no support
for playgroup programs. She gathered together families who were prepared to help families in like situations
and now they have been in Bendigo for 33 years. Although the support from families is not as strong as it once was,
they still form the backbone of the organisation.
They have 12 children under 6yo in their playgroup program and they meet every fortnight. This is supported by a
group of volunteers as well as one paid support coordinator.
Another group are the over 12’s who meet every Saturday from 10.00am-1.00pm for group games and
sporting activities. They also provide a two day camp at Bacchus Marsh during the school holidays. Camp Getaway
was identified as a potential camp site for future programs, food for thought s to how we as a club could assist?
The youth group of 13-18yo’s just want to do what all of their friends do, games, movies, sports, activities
The next group are those in their 30-40’s who look forward to their Friday every fortnight to go to movies jumps
(trampolines), barefoot bowling etc. The key to this program is community inclusion.
As the NDIS is rolled out, the landscape is becoming very difficult to navigate, so Interchange has a support worker
to help families navigate their way through the difficult processes involved. They do provide a brokerage service
to “in house day support”. They also require a large number of volunteers who can help them in their various programs.
They are acutely aware of the competitive nature of the NDIS and that they must raise their profile within the local
and broader community
Sue and Liz left with those in attendance a comprehensive suite of documents and their 2016 calendar and would
happily accept support or donations.
Sue and Liz would like to be able to come back to Rotary and provide a more in depth story of what they do.
Club raffle winner-Stan Hendy
Graeme Lynas
Members of our club braved the condition on Friday to participate in the Rotary Club of Bendigo Night Golf.
It was a Terrific fun night of quality golf, or so they tell me. Our number 1 team made of of Doug, Graeme
and Adrian finished just out of a placing in fourth. Our extremely talented number 2 team of Glenn, Cathie,
my son Riley, after a very late call up and myself were extremely unlucky, despite some promising golf,
to finish toward the bottom of pack.
District GSE team arrive back form the Philippines and the Rotary Club f Carolyn Springs will host the
welcome home dinner on the 29th March 6:30 for 7pm at “The Club” 1312-1322 Western Highway
Caroline Springs. If anyone is interested in attending please RSVP to Annette Butterworth 0401 031 917.
This week is another big week in Rotary with the Easter Markets and BBQ on the weekend. In the meantime
I will see you all at Rotary on Wednesday.
Paul Henderson
