Its been a busyweek or two. Tues Morning Drilling holes for planting on the Silverstream ably supported by Brian Coil, Peter Williams and the School children. Friday drilling more holes with Neville at the Rotary Park project in Dunedin, then on Sunday we were joined by Colin to do all the plantings along with Rotarians from other clubs and Rotoract. I must say this didn't do my back any good. On Tues this week Peter Gouverneur from the Dunedin Club and I escorted the DG Dave Mckissock around Dunedin and Mosgiel. We showed him the Mosgiel sign the Rotary clock, planter boxes, Silverstream planting and then blew his mind with the Mosgiel Pool.
Lunch at the Grange then to Rotary Park and the West Harbour cycle way, where the Dunedin club have been very busy with planting for families BBQ's, Bike repair stations and work out machines. I suggest if you have nothing to do go and check it out just down from the Yacht harbour. Then Wednesday night 15 of our members joined with the Taieri Club at the RSA to welcome the DG and his wife Margaret. A very enjoyable night at the RSA with a very enthusiastic presentation from DG Dave highlighting the Magic of Rotary.
We had a combined meeting with the Rotary Club of Mosgiel along with the Rotary Communication Leader (a new term for an AG with a change in the job description), Gary Williams and Dave’s wife Margaret.
Dave acknowledged some of the work that individual Rotarians have done to increase the profile of Rotary and what we do and the clubs in general for the work that has been done in the Taieri region.
Who is this DG Dave McKissock? He is a bit of an ‘energiser bunny’. He has been involved in a lot of sport: soccer, cricket, golf, and volleyball, the latter involving coaching, administration and refereeing. Motor racing has also been one of his pursuits. He originally trained as a diesel mechanic qualifying as an A grade mechanic and later qualified as a teacher. He taught in Invercargill and Winton and was involved in career advising. From this a business – Careers Advisory Centre, “Southern Directions”- was born, based in Invercargill. Dave seems family orientated and showed examples of the activities family members were involved with. After this journey as the District Governor, Dave intends to walk the Camino trail with his son.
The two year journey, training to be a DG was an amazing experience, meeting incredible people who have amazing skills.
Stephanie Urchick – Rotary International President Goals 1. Empower girls and women 2. Be more aware mental health concerns 3. Establish 4 new clubs and 100 new members in the district. 4. Create positive peace in the world.
District 9999 – looking to the future. In the last two Rotary years there has been a drop in numbers in our district by 227 people. Clubs need to change to attract new members. The four Cs
Culture – needs to be inclusive
Collaboration – working with others clubs. (The Rotary Park Project is an example)
Connection – expand the reach of Rotary. Develop communication with corporate
businesses.
Change – need to change within clubs to attract new members.
A survey of clubs will be distributed shortly to form an Action Plan. Clubs that Plan, achieve.
On this theme “weekends of connection” will be held throughout the year in various areas where collective Rotary club will undertake a project together.
Dave himself has a few goals as well
Make Rotary fun
Be innovative and adaptable – corporate/family membership. A two member increase per
club
Make projects visible – increase out reach.
Form partnership outside of Rotary.
Promote youth development – RYE, RYLA Rotaract, Interact
Increase Foundation and polio contribution
Mostly Have Fun
Regionisation: - to improve the image of Rotary and it’s membership.
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Assistance is available with some funding available on request. Follow Dave on facebook – DG Dave’s Adventures. (He is there I checked – just a minor plip – he got the day incorrect!
DG Dave
Thank you to Gail, Taieri Club Newsletter Editor, for this segment.
The trust has received and approved an application from the Mosgiel Brass Band for funding of polo shirts. The band has kindly agreed to provide some entertainment at the upcoming book sale.
As I sit here enjoying the warmth and sunshine on the Gold Coast, reflecting on the Burleigh Rotary Clubs Guest Speaker, one of their young Rotarians, Mitch talked about the "Person behind the badge". Mitch spoke about his trouble teenage years, the mistakes he made (and owned), understanding the importance of decision making through to realising the positive impact and guidance rotary has made in his life. His take home message was how to engage with the younger generation, he is under 35, simply by sharing and telling everyone what ROTARY CAN DO FOR THEM. Some of his significant points on what Rotary can do for other is:
Friendship
Fun
Family orientated organisation - bring the family along to events
Leadership Development
Business Development
Continuing education
Personal Growth
Mitch is going lead a small group of members to further discuss, plan and implement a plan for engaging with younger people. Something that I am looking forward to hearing about and learning more.
Fundraising is an integral part of Rotary, raising money so that we can support and help our community. OUR club has been successful in managing and completing some amazing fundraising events - Salmon, Venison, Bookstalls, bulbs, potatoes, to name a few. Some clubs have the opportunity to sell various merchandise on a regular bases, e.g. Burleigh sell chocolate covered macadamia nuts, and yes, every week I seem to be buying a jar, not only because they are yummy but it is another great way to raise funds.
We have the opportunity to join in on a regular fundraising event, through Rotary Oceania Fundraising Project air freshener project. The idea is to purchase air fresheners and sell them on. The concept is like the 'lions mints', where the air fresheners are placed in local businesses, the majority of the work will be to get product placement with local business. Merv will speak to the members at the next meeting regarding this opportunity, it can certainly provide and opportunity to have a continuous fundraising income.
We have been given a unique opportunity to visit United Machinists, our own Dunedin based state of the art engineering company
United Machinist’s ISO:9001 Accredited CNC machine shop provides precision machined components for aerospace, electronics, automotive, medical and marine applications.
Spaces limited - a tour of the facility by co-owner Sarah Ramsay followed by afternoon tea - cost: $10 pp all funds will go to Ronald McDonald House project in Dunedin.
All members, friends and families are welcome to join the coffee mornings, held on the alternative Monday mornings at 10.30am, to our club meetings at various cafes around Mosgiel area. Keep an eye out on the Sunday for a text message reminding members of the coffee morning.
