📰 From the Editor (Beth)
There’s so much happening at the moment, and I'm a little short on time this week, so I’ve decided to split this fortnight's news into two parts. I’ll share another newsletter next week with more updates and upcoming events. This approach should also help keep things tidy, easy to read, and not too overwhelming for anyone catching up.
🔹 Club Merger Update
At this week’s meeting, Lyn provided a brief update on the progress of the proposed merger between our club and the Rotary Club of Colac.
A more detailed discussion will take place at the combined meeting with Colac on Wednesday, 29th October, following the Defying the Drift presentation.
If you’d like to learn more or be part of the conversation, please make sure to attend and let Amanda know you’ll be coming.
🎟️ Raffle Update
Lyn also shared that our meeting raffle now includes a new option — 3 tickets for $5.
This small change will help offset the reduced membership fees this year and keep our fundraising strong.
🐎 Melbourne Cup Luncheon
Plans for our Melbourne Cup Luncheon are coming together beautifully!
Thanks to Fiona’s hard work, the raffle will be going live online this week.
Sue reports we still need to sell around 60 more tickets, so please help spread the word by sharing the booking link with your friends and family:
👉 TryBooking.com/DFZJN
💄 Upcoming Nutrimetics Event
Looking for a fun night out? Join the Nutrimetics Beauty, Health & Christmas Cheer Night on Thursday, 30th October at 7.30pm, held at the Colac Bowling Club, 35 Moore Street.
Tickets are $25 each, which includes a guest speaker, quick makeover, and a gift bag to take home.
See Janice King for tickets or Sue if you’d like to attend.
🏆 Community Congratulations
A big congratulations to Blooms The Chemist for winning Excellence in Retail Services at the CommBank Colac & District Chamber of Commerce Awards!
Well done also to Blanes Newsagency for being named a finalist in the same category — an impressive achievement for both local businesses.
🏃♀️ Colac AKD Otway Trail Run
Toni, attending as our club representative, reported on the planning of the Colac AKD Otway Trail Run, organised by the Rotary Club of Colac.
The event will be held on 22nd March — more details to come closer to the date.
🚗 Ballarat South Community Raffle
Toni also provided an update on the Rotary Club of Ballarat South Community Raffle (Car).
Tickets are $5 each and will be on sale from November through to May.
Our club will help by organising a sales roster, so please keep an eye out for volunteer sign-up opportunities.
👩🎓 Youth Programs
Jackie shared that the Defying the Drift presentation will be held during the combined meeting with Colac on Wednesday, 29th October at the RSL — all members are encouraged to attend.
She also noted that RYLA applications are now open.
John Blane suggested preparing a press release to raise local awareness and encourage businesses to nominate young employees who may benefit from the program.
🌾 RAWCS Western District Drought Appeal
Registrations are now open for farmers in need through the Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS) Western District Drought Appeal.
Eligible applicants will receive $500 prepaid Visa cards to assist with essential expenses, while also connecting them to further support.
Two local applicants have already come forward, and Ben Zappelli (Rotary Club of Colac) will be contacting them this week.
The current fundraising tally sits at $159,591 — 32% of the target — with 45 days remaining.
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