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I have
much pleasure in presenting the Nineteenth Annual Report for the Rotary
Club of Ballarat West.
My year
as President has been an exciting and rewarding one. This year, being the
Centenary of Rotary, has presented many extra challenges. I would like to
thank every club member for supporting the centennial projects along with
the normal club programs throughout the year.
A sad
moment for the Club was the passing of PP, PHF and charter member Merv
Collins. Merv was the Elder Statesman of the club and his wit and wisdom
will be missed by all. I would like to thank all the members who attended
Merv's Funeral and gave their condolences to Joan and his family
Vocational
Service, lead by Director Alan Barham,
was rewarding with three students being selected and attending the Great
Industrial Adventure. The report from the students certainly emphasises the
benefit and importance of this project
The
Club's involvement in Community Service under Director Sheilagh Kentish
focused on the Yarrowee House project with progress being made in a slow
and steady way. The annual Salvation Army door knock was once again
supported by many members of the Club. The collection was supervised by
Gary Harrowfield who graciously provided his Car premises for the
collection point. Thanks to Gary.
Youth
Service was a major focus for the club this year as indicated at the
Changeover Dinner and I would like to thank Frank and his committee for the
achievements in this area of service. Along with the Youth Exchange
interview weekend there was RYPEN with three participants, David Hall to
Auckland for NYSF, support for Hannah Higgins to Stockholm for
International Science Forum and our
short term exchange program with our sister club, Sonora, continues
to be successful. We hosted Phil Kruse in June- July 2004, and Nicholas
Cooper was our outbound student over the Christmas break. From reports
given, both students appreciated the exchange experience. To Frank Doherty and hosting families, I thank you
for making it happen.
International
Service has continued this year through the Tonga project. John Oswald and
David Goldsmith has once again been the driving force behind this project
and have been successful in obtaining matching grants and donations in
kind. David Goldsmith and his team have been actively sourcing equipment
and individuals to ensure the dental facilities in Tonga are
adequate. A shipment of equipment was forwarded by container and on arrival
was installed by a team of volunteers including our member P.P. Bill Davies and his son Ryan Congratulations to
John and David for their continued work on the project. John Oswald has
also been involved in Interplast and a report on his latest trip is
included
Fund
Raising under the direction of Wayne Cooper has been extremely active. The
wine auction, Murray
to Moyne dinner and ride, Entertainment books and many smaller activities
have produced excellent results. Thanks also go to Denise Jackson for
taking on the raffle organisation.
We
inducted three new members, Glenda Leitch, Denise Jackson, and Stephen
Mills and welcomed back John deDuegd this year. We had four resignations
and the sad passing of PP, PHF and charter member Merv Collins as
previously mentioned. This gives us a total
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