Rotary Meeting held 6 August
At WFC
Present: 27 members, 6 guests, 9 apologies
Sgt @ Arms Ian Cairns opened meeting at 6:15pm suggesting that it will be a busy evening, so be ready.
Invocation and Loyal toast: Duncan Stalker
President David Brown welcomed all to the meeting including the following guests:
John Harris, fmr member and now friend of Rotary Glenn Britnell
Jill Porter and partner Brad
Mr Kyosuke Hiramatsu from Miura City Japan
Ms Tomoko Takahashi from Minamiishitaura Primary School, Japan
Mary and Ricky Tuck
Johannes Frantz
Tony Austin introduced John Harris and Glenn Britnell. Topic water projects including the PNG program.
- Tony introduced and thanked Friend of Rotary John Harris and Woolsthorpe farmer Glenn Britnell for the support of the PNG Project they have both provided.
- Tony invited John to speak to the invaluable support he and Wannon Water have provided to the project each year since 2016. John outlined the reasons why he and Wannon water were so supportive of the program and highlighted that Glenn had also make a significant financial contribution.
John invited Glenn to speak about his contribution to the PNG Project and also to his efforts organising a 36 tonne hay contribution to the recent drought relief crisis.
- Tony closed off the session by making the point that Glenn’s, Wannon Water’s and other contributions had made it possible to provide clean water for approximately 10000 PNG villagers living in remote areas. Rtn Tony presented Glenn with a Certificate of Appreciation on behalf of the Warrnambool Rotary Club.
Ian Cairns: Re Father of the Year thanked all for collecting the entry forms and asked members to be front and centre next Tuesday, 5:00pm at the WFC to begin the vetting process. As well there will be a meeting of committee Wednesday morning, 8:30, @ Wines Restaurant.
Terry O’Neill: Mentioned that subs are now due, and that they have been increased by $10 as per Board decision. Reasons are outlined in the attached document from treasurer.
Steve Giddens: Formerly introduced our exchange student, Johannes Franz who gave us an insight into his early impressions of Warrnambool. Also all members are encourage to involve Johannes in any activity they think might be appropriate. With Glenn and Johannes he will be going to Horsham this Sunday for his orientation into our Rotary district.
Robbie Blackmore performed her swindle, with John Beks picking up $2.
Chairperson for meeting Steve Giddens:
Steve introduced Jill Porter from ‘The Sisters’, who, with her partner Brad were affected quite severely by the 2017 fires in the district. Jill outlined her advocacy for the community in the improving of the electricity infrastructure in Victoria, thus ensuring that tragedies like 2017 and 2009 never happen again. Hopefully a copy of her talk will be available on the web page.
President David in summary:
- Thanked Jill for her presentation, and the positive approach she is taking in light of the bushfires.
- Thanked the guests for their attendance, including Margaret Ross, the two Japanese visitors, Glenn Britnell, and, of course, Johannes.
Thought for the Week: An obstacle is often a stepping stone.”
