PRESIDENT'S REPORT

 
My Rotary Presidential Year 2015-16
 
I started the year with a Sunday lunch for changeover, this was mainly to make sure my invited guests could make it; DG Jane Cox, my fiancé, my brother and his partner, and some good friends not living in Warrnambool.
 
Firstly I would like to thank my hard working board. Without their assistance I would not have fulfilled my goals. I wanted to concentrate on two areas; having a bit of fun and gaining new members. I’m pleased to say we have inducted 8 new members and had a lot of fun.
 
Our two spinning wheels have paid for themselves and more, so now, with this asset, funds will be put to good use on projects both local and international.
 
I appointed Judy Ross to be our Fun Director. With this Judy has incorporated some great outings which I’m sure everyone enjoyed:
  • Sunday Morning Coffee
  • Luncheon at Izzy
  • Saturday bus trip around strawberry farm, cheese, chocolate and winery and lunch at Timboon Rail brewery.
  • Melbourne Cup evening at Wangoom
  • Christmas dinner
  • Australia Day gathering at Botanical Gardens
  • Progressive Dinner.
 
Our Tuesday evening meetings continue to be a mix of fellowship and informative sessions.
  • Fundraising for Siri Village project, thanks to Graeme & Margaret Ross for opening up their home.
  • Youth Achievement Awards for Moyne & Warrnambool Council.
We have had the pleasure of Miss Karla Bracklow from Germany as our exchange student. Karla has taken every opportunity to get involved with the club and learnt many new skills during her time with us.
 
Sarah Forbes and Carly McDonald have been successful in gaining a position with the District Youth Exchange program, going to France and Switzerland respectively.  It has been wonderful meeting the girls and their families and we wish them all the best in their preparation for 2017. Thank you to Rachel Furnell for heading up our Youth Portfolio.
 
Along with all this I’ve been kept busy, with my fiancé Louise Brennan, at Nine Youth Exchange Committee functions.  One in particular was being part of the goodbye party at Melbourne Airport to see Ryan Keogh, the Clubs outbound student, off to Finland.
 
Thank you to Doug Maclean for stepping in as coordinator of Programs after Gordon Curran’s retirement.  We have had a variety of guest speakers and visits to local organisations.
 
Thank you to our Sergeant, Andrea Sampson, and fines masters, John Stuckey, Trevor Williams and Ian Cairns, without you our meetings would not be as lively.