Attendance: Nooka reported The Compass was off to a strong start with 26 members in attendance.  When asked if he was going to run a book for the Brownlow, Nooka replied that ‘I can’t do everything!’.  Nooka is being too harsh on himself; certainly, he can’t do a lot of things, but surely it isn’t everything that Nooka can’t do.

Meal: Fish and chips.  Excellent as always. 

Sarg The Voice introduced our President, The Compass, and we were underway again. 

Matt reported;

·       Lexi is going to France.  Thank you to Lew and Greg for assisting Lexi with her application.

·       We will be represented at the Volunteers Expo at Emmanuel College by Matt and Greg.

·       Thanks to Robbo for placing a condolence notice for Bomber Raymond in The Standard on our behalf.

·       A CPR training day will be held at the old Warrnambool Club building on Saturday, 3^rd of August.  The cost is $90 per person.  Contact Matt if you are interested.

·       Deakin are holding their annual Science and Engineering Challenge on Tuesday, 13^th of August.  Volunteers are needed, so contact Matt if you can help. 

·       The Board will meet later this month.  Matt will contact board members with a date.

·       Matt thanked Dillo for being sergeant over the previous twelve months.

 

In other reports;

·       Robbo welcomed James M. back to our meeting.

·       Tony D. informed members our revegetation project with the Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority and the other three Rotary Clubs is scheduled for 9.00am on Saturday, 17^th of August.  We hope to plant some trees and then share a social barbecue.

·       Boré announced that the PNG water project has been completed.  We contributed $3,000 and the project was also supported by the RC of Harvey Bay and the RC of Mount Martha.  Locals killed a pig in celebration and reflected that ‘no government’ ever managed to achieve this outcome.

·       Hutto reported more cans have been collected at the racecourse.

Bim Afleck then conducted a fines session based on our knowledge of the Victoria Cross and its recipients.  This was a very successful fines session because, aside from Sam, our knowledge on the subject was very poor.

The Wiggles’ lawyer has sent us a ‘cease-and-desist’ letter.

 

Boré has kindly provided us with these updates from Moses.  The first refers to the Ingin School project and the second to the plans to provide water to the remainder of the Ingin community.  

Hello Ray, Jonathan, Roger and Bore’

It is my absolute pleasure to inform you all of the completion of the Ingin School water project, finished last week. This weekend  has been even greater. Yesterday, many people throughout the Ingin community village joined in on the celebrations of Rotary's work in one of the remotest parts of PNG. Significant villagers, district school head, church pastor,local council members, school teachers, women and children came to witness Ingin first-ever help from anyone.

There were flower decorations, balloons, ribbon-cutting at various parts of the school ground, speeches, and thank-you ceremonies at the toilet block site, water tank sites, and tap stand sites. Each site featured speeches and gratitude directed towards the Rotary Club of Mount Martha, Rotary Club of Hervey Bay, and Rotary Club of Warrnambool Central, with shouts of joy and cheers of "hip hip hooray!!!" Each heartfelt speech expressed gratitude towards Timothy on the ground, Ray, Jonathan, Roger, and Bore, praising the Rotary spirit and their amazing support. Timothy mentioned it was such an uplifting experience.

The event concluded with a traditional "Mumu" feast - food cooked on hot stones underground. A pig was killed to mark this special day. The entire Ingin community extends their greatest thanks, joy, and gratitude to all the Rotary members who have invested their time, money, and love in this wonderful project, which is already making a powerful impact. Rotary's name is now echoing throughout the Southern Highlands of Papua New Guinea.

The Ingin people expressed that they do not deserve it but are praising God.

As the elder of Ingin Village said, "No government has ever done this." Only the Rotary Clubs are being uplifted throughout the Southern Highlands.

Below are some photos taken and a few video clips…hope it brings some joy and smiles to you:)

Kind regards,

Moses 

As discussed, we have streamlined each project to a smaller scale. The proposed plan is attached. There are 10 different sub-clans within Ingin Village, and our goal is to cover the majority. Each small-scale project is estimated to cost between $6,000 and $9,000(inclusive of transport cost). I am currently awaiting confirmation of the exact pricing/quotations from Timothy. Just to make you aware, Timothy will travel over a weekend, as he teaches at Ingin Primary School during the week. He will walk approximately 8 km out of Ingin, through the mountains to reach the public motor vehicle on the main road. The round-trip drive to and from Hagen will take about 12 hours. Unfortunately, they are not able to call or email the hardware store like we do, getting the quotation takes a bit longer. I am hoping he will travel over this weekend. Please feel free to contact me for further details.

I am also proud to highlight a significant achievement: Since 2019, we have been able to support three villages through four impactful projects: Komea Village (1 and 2), Sigri Village, and the Ingin Primary School community. Today, over 6,000 men, women, and children have access to clean drinking water. I extend heartfelt thanks to everyone involved for their dedication and achievements, which are continuing to make a profound impact across the Highlands of PNG.

Best regards,

Moses

 

Context is everything.  For example, if you are in a professional office and you receive the following advice;

'The good news is that you now have enough money in your superannuation account.'

 

It matters whether you are in your accountant's office or your doctor's.  

Ten years ago, Matt had recently been deposed as president and Francis installed.  Francis' board held their first board meeting.  We reported at the time;

Bruce, who describes himself as the most popular president ever, recently divested Matt and gave him a card from Nooka.  Nooka, who describes himself as the most popular president ever, gave Matt a card declaring him to have been a very popular president.  Matt, who is known as the most popular president ever, recently declared Francis to be the most popular president ever.  He sends us this photo;