“Believe it or Not” or Tall Tales”, we weren’t sure what to expect.

The Corona Virus has us all confused. 

However Simon O’Donoghue and Dennis Shore gave us an update on “The Real Estate Scene” and “Rotary Rules”. 

 

 

 

Simon O’Donoghue kicked off with a run-down on how Real Estate Agents are coping with the partial lock-down:  offices are almost closed, with one staffer on duty, and salesman are mainly working from home. Salaries have been cut, and the market has dropped around 10%. Sales are done privately, as auctions are virtually impossible, and the State Government’s ban on house inspection had to be lifted. 

In the rental market, while tenants cannot be evicted, only a few delinquencies have been reported. Arrangements are being made for later repayments. 

The commercial market is seeing agreements for businesses and restaurants to make later repayments, and there will be reductions in Land tax to compensate owners. 

Simon fielded questions from members, revealing that Zoom auctions had yet to be successful. 

 

 

PDG Dennis Shore followed up with an update on Rotary Rules, describing how an organisation as large as Rotary International had to have an appropriate process to function properly. 

He described himself as initially a not of a rebel who ‘rocked the boat” when he joined Rotary in 1980, noting that the enforcers of the rules were mostly self-appointed. However he accepted that as Rotary founder Paul Harris was a lawyer, there were bound to be rules in Rotary. 

Dennis moved to Hawthorn Rotary Club in 1984, eventually becoming District Governor of D9800, and later was elected to the Council of Legislation, which meets annually in Chicago. (Dennis pointed out that Chicago in April was not a popular holiday destination)

He was happy to see some relaxation of the rules over the decades, relation to attendance and classifications, the absence of grace, anthems and singing, all making Rotary easier and more accessible. 

Dennis appreciated his journey and opportunity to meet others over forty wonderful years. 

 

 

 

In thanking Dennis and Simon for their presentations, President Charlotte also acknowledged the work of Katrina Flinn and Andrew Crockett in reviewing the Club by-laws.