Minutes.
We welcomed guests Sandra Couch, Paul Riley and Ashaan Davies.
Stand in Sergeant at Arms Bob McMillan opened with a very clever joke involving your fridge, three blokes, and discussions at the Pearly Gates.
We were reminded of the clubs biggest fundraiser for the year, the Dinner Auction 6 April 2019. Start thinking of potential guests you could invite along to have a good night and pick up some worthy and useful auction items at good prices. It’s not a night aimed at donations, but rather a chance to pick up some good deals in a convivial atmosphere.
Among Directors Reports Tony Davies gave us a short reflection on the trip to India by himself and James met them. James isn’t back yet, and Tony didn’t looked to give a full report, but rather a report on what he saw is the value of the trip. The Rotary club of Nagpur South were very, very appreciative of James’ documentary. Apart from James’ skill and time, the documentary cost us about $1000 to produce, yet off the back of the video the Rotary Club of Nagpur South secured a $40,000 grant from the forestry department to support their surgical camp. Rob Coffey’s narration was so professional the Indian hosts asked how we had managed to secure such a narrator?
Tony saw the venture as wonderful for international relations, and particularly important given some of the Hanson-esq attitudes reported back in India in recent times, and attacks on Indians in Australia. Our Club and theirs have nothing in common though. There are 16 clubs in Nagpur, and the Rotary club of Nagpur South has some 200 to 250 members. They are very active with projects, and the visit really reinforced the value of seeing project which we have been invited or lobbied to contribute. One project being pushed by another club in the area was one which might’ve sounded great on paper, but one which we would certainly not be contributing to having seen the venture in question.
Bob McMillan gave a report on Australia Day and the successful event and activities at the Warrnambool Hotel on behalf of Hospice in the Home.
Our speaker for “Bring a Friend Day“ was Matt Northeast who spoke on his experience in Rotary. He was introduced nine or 10 years ago by Lindsay Monaghan, and his experience mirrors those of most of us. Camaraderie, friendship and satisfaction of being able to put something back into the community in which we live.
Nooka Taylor reported 27 attendees, and to his great delight found himself $20 over rather than his usual position of being somewhat under. Bob delivered a very entertaining series of Australia day related signs, and Father Scott fined the owner of the red MG at today’s meeting (Bruce). Scott reported that he’d breached Commandments eight and 10, and was so jealous he “almost breached the one about killing “.... it’s a bit awkward then, for international relations, that 1985/86 inbound exchange student Aquiles Orduña from Mexico is talking of visiting Australia in early March after a business trip to China. Aquiles has recently sent us photos of his own red MG. Amazing what an influence a man like Bruce can have on the international stage!
Robbo