Weekly wrap up with President .
Guests: Graeme Cox, District 9780 Youth Protection Officer and President of RC Port Fairy.
Apologies: Margaret Ross, Rob McDonald, Ann Donaldson, Sarah Wallace, Trevor Williams.
Anniversaries: Robbie 10 years and Margaret Ross 3 years as Rotarians.
Announcements:
- Tony mentioned that a working bee to assemble Pregnancy Loss support kits will be held on Saturday the 21st from 10am at the Kardinia Church building, Tilden St, Dennington.
- Judy is looking for more volunteers for the Melbourne to Warrnambool Cycling Classic to be held on the 28th Feb. and the 1st March.
Presentation by Graeme Cox, District 9780 YPO.
Graeme spoke about the importance of having and implementing Youth Protection policies and procedures. Clubs need to have a Youth Protection Officer and all new members in particular should be made aware of Rotary’s YP policies. Any allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards youth must be reported to the Rotary and the Police within 72 hours of the incident. Failure to do so can result in criminal negligence claims. A very interesting and timely talk by Graeme.
Board Meeting 10th Feb. 2026
Decided to financially support the “Relay for Life” and to sponsor the “Shitbox Rally Winter 2026”. The rally is a challenge to drive from Mildura to Townsville through central Australia in a vehicle worth no more than $1500. We are supporting Ian Charles and his son Kane, who are doing the rally in a 2009 BF Falcon Station Wagon. Founded in 2009, Box Rallies have raised well over $50 million for cancer research with the chosen beneficiary being the Cancer Council.
After the talk by our District Youth Protection Officer, Graeme Cox, it was decided to approach an eminently suitable member to take on the position of the Club’s YPO.
The Board decided to continue with the Open Garden Expo. An announcement of a Champion is imminent.
It was decided to open the Time Capsule at our May Races Wangoom Hall meeting.
Glenn offered to sell HP laser printer stored at the Allan Lane Pavillion on behalf of the Club.
The Club is expecting to be involved in the Quilt and Photography Show in January 2027.
Multi District Conference 2026 in Horsham
I’ve heard that numbers have jumped greatly after it was announced that Jennifer Jones, representing the RI Governor, will be in attendance.
“Jennifer E. Jones made history as the first female president of Rotary International, serving for the 2022-2023 term.
She was elected as the first woman to lead Rotary International in its 117-year history...Theme - "Imagine Rotary": During her term, she encouraged members to dream big and use their connections to take action to create lasting change”
Barefoot Bowls next week:
“Lawn bowling is like a relationship—sometimes you’re on the same page, sometimes you’re in the ditch, but always rolling forward”
"Peace begins with a smile." - Mother Teresa
