Rotary Club of Greater Geraldton Meeting Summary
Date: Tuesday, 6 May 2026 Time: Early morning breakfast meeting
President: Hugh Lavery Acting Sergeant-at-Arms: Di Gilleland
- The meeting included community service, club operations, and member fellowship, with updates on homelessness initiatives, event planning, and a platform transition from ClubRunner to ClubRunner-Nova.
- A major highlight was the presentation of an amplified digital stethoscope to student nurse Ashley Knock, which the club sponsored to support her nursing career despite hearing impairment.
- The club also honoured Ken Allen with an in-memoriam tribute recognizing his longstanding service, especially his dedication to the radio auction.
- Key upcoming priorities include the Radio Auction on 8 November 2026 and a board decision on whether to participate in the Mullewa Muster, both shaped by the club’s need for more volunteer support.
- Overall, the meeting reflected a strong balance of service, remembrance, and practical support for the local community, even as the club adapts to lower membership numbers.
Opening
The meeting opened with the traditional bell ringing and members standing. Acting Sergeant Di Gilleland warmly introduced President Hugh Lavery.
President Hugh thanked Di for stepping in at short notice and noted the meeting was being recorded for AI-assisted minute-taking. He invited a volunteer for the invocation and grace. Di graciously delivered a thoughtful, inclusive grace:
“A Lord of every faith and creed who giveth each his every need, bless this food and bless mankind in service may we be enjoined. Amen.”
This was followed by a toast to Australia and the King.
Guests
- Visiting Rotarian Gertrude Ngenda (Rotary Club of Maluba), who will be in Geraldton for another month or two.
- Guests of PP Jim Dillon: his wife Michelle, clinical lecturer Sarah Nolan, student nurse Ashley Knock and her partner Robert.
Breakfast Service
Head table and medical personnel/guests were invited to serve first, followed by the remainder of members and guests.
Business and Announcements
Homelessness Project President Hugh and Di discussed ongoing Rotary efforts around homelessness, including integration with existing local groups (e.g., Mission Australia, rough sleeping committee). The club is exploring a district “Homelessness Hub” liaison role. Gertrude shared insights from Habitat for Humanity’s partnership with Rotary, including solar panel initiatives for low-income housing.
Mullewa Muster The club received an invitation to assist again this year, but without the bar (previously their strong contribution). Options include merchandise sales, beer tickets, and bin duties. The Board will discuss via email (and possibly Zoom) this week to decide participation.
ClubRunner → Nova The club has transitioned to the updated Nova platform (new interface for the familiar ClubRunner system). President Hugh will send instructions shortly. Members were encouraged to download the mobile app.
Radio Auction Di announced the date is locked in for Sunday, 8 November 2026. She invited interested members to join the organising group. Telstra and NAP have confirmed venue and major sponsorship. The club is seeking broader volunteer support due to declining membership numbers.
In Memoriam – Ken Allen PP Don Rolston paid a moving tribute to long-serving Rotarian Ken Allen (Rotarian of the Year award namesake), who passed away recently. Don highlighted Ken’s decades of dedication, particularly his enthusiastic involvement in the radio auction, even when health limited. Ken’s funeral is scheduled for Saturday at 10:00 am. Members were encouraged to attend.
Presentation: Amplified Digital Stethoscope
PP Ian Taylor introduced clinical lecturers Michelle Dillon and Sarah Nolan, and student nurse Ashley Knock. Ian spoke warmly of their professional connections and presented Ashley with a high-quality amplified digital stethoscope (the “Rolls Royce” of stethoscopes), generously sponsored by the club.
Ashley gave an emotional thank-you, sharing how her hearing impairment had nearly ended her nursing dreams until this technology restored her confidence. Michelle and Sarah also expressed gratitude.
President Hugh presented each with a certificate recognising a donation to Rotary’s End Polio Now program (approximately 200 vaccinations) in their honour.
Sergeant’s Session (Fines & Fun)
President-elect Bob Hall led a lively fines session, covering:
- The mystery “plonk jug” (revealed as a Demijohn from the club’s 1988 charter, belonging to former exchange student Karina Tomason’s father, Wade Tomason).
- The finale of the TV series Friends (21 years ago).
- Various light-hearted observations about walking sticks, garden hoses, happy pants, high-vis shirts, and more.
Closing
President Hugh thanked all guests, especially Gertrude for her visit and the medical guests for their inspiring presentation. The meeting was formally closed, with members looking forward to next week.
A warm, collegial, and purposeful Rotary meeting that balanced fellowship, service discussion, and generous support for the next generation of healthcare professionals. The club continues to navigate the realities of smaller membership numbers while maintaining strong community impact.
Transcribed and formatted with clarity and respect for the original spirit of the gathering.