Sergeant at Arms, Ian opening meeting and welcomed all.
Invocation/Loyal Toast: Judy Ross
President David Brown:
- Welcomed guests – Peter Schneider, CEO WCC, (introduced by Alan Bowes,) Mary and Ricky Tuck, Johannes Franz
- Father of Year: Special thank you to Ian Cairns and committee for job well done
Members Notices:
- Ian Cairns: Thanked the Father of Year Committee, and he thought it was a good morning
- Steve Giddens:
- Thanked George and Glenn for showing Johannes around, (Cape Bridgewater and skiing)
- No reply from members re looking after Joey next weekend so his trip to see parents is cancelled.
- In two weeks time Louise and Steve will need someone to look after Joey
- During school holidays members should look towards giving Joey some time, (dinner at home, short trips etc.)
- Thanks to the Warrnambool Symphony Orchestra for welcoming Joey @ City Memorial Bowls
- Judy Ross: Re the 5c jar, a wonderful donation from Chris with a $51 donation from a long lost can of worms
- Chris Stebbing: Members to rack their minds to come up with what they think are the best Rotary projects over last 15 years
- Cathy Bligh: Re Fashion Parade – trying to get more men to come along, plus two new models including Joey. Looking for donations for Lucky Door prizes.
Chairman for Evening Alan Bowes introduced the guest Peter Schneider, CEO, WCC, with an in-depth CV of peter achievements over the past few years. There are too many to mention here.
Peter Schneider, CEO WCC
Points taken from his talk:
- He, and family have found Warrnambool a fantastic place to live, however it has been difficult to find a suitable place to reside.
- For the first 3 months his task was to look and listen, with no foreseen policy changes. He said being methodical in this was important.
- His Vision for Warrnambool
- Growth in our region especially in the property market. In doing this he is working with property developers to get more ‘titles’ on the market. His comment was that there was a need to get infrastructure up and running which result in getting our rates down. There is a need to publically recognize Warrnambool as the ‘Best’ regional Victorian City, and as a cosmopolitan city.
- To continue to keep Warrnambool as the ‘Best’ regional city in Victoria
- To improve governance in council by having an organizational review, monthly meetings, and a shared services model. Focus will be Infrastructure and Project Management. (There are at least 4 major projects running presently with a value of over $30m.
- Improve ‘the distance factor’ concept with visitors into the area by establishing tourist projects/concepts. (Flagstaff Hill, Budj Bim, Aboriginal middens.) Also Private tourist venues should be developed, (Fletcher Jones Car Museum.) Other areas to consider are the Golf Club development, and Envirnmentally friendly energy projects.
Questions from members:
- Mal Price: Is Council listening to the community via information gathering in the past. Response: Information gathering should be considered more as community engagement.
- Steve Giddens: Improvement of Harbour facilities. Response: Yes it is happening at present, but still issues with DELWP ownership.
- Gerry Delaney: Waste management. Response: Waste management is certainly on the agenda
Robbie’s Swindle was won by Mal Price, with very little return for investment
President David in Summary:
- David thanked Peter Schneider for his time with us.
- Commented on Judy’s niece, Cathy Ross, doing well in her chosen sport, Rowing.
- Don’t forget Sept 17th is PNG presentation,
- And also support Steve and Louise in taking time out with Johannes.
- Next week is club assembly night, where committees can get together.
- And don’t forget to ring apologies through.
- Remember to assist Chris with his projects list
- Next week new members Mary and Ricky
Quote for the day:
If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.