Hello Members of Daybreak and welcome to Bulletin 21
Guest Speaker - We had a fabulous speaker at our last meeting, namely Matthew Stewart who spoke to us about the program Standing Tall which provides mentors for students at risk across various schools in the Warrnambool region. Currently enlisting eighty mentors, the program has proved invaluable for the progression of some students through their school years and into adulthood.
.jpg)
The program does not get financial support from the government, being self funded and supported by local sponsors. Thanks to Drew Giblin who plays a role as a mentor in the program and who organized Matthew to speak to our Club. Our speaker next week will be Daybreak member Sergio Bacchetti who will entertain us with images from his recent caravanning trip throughout Australia. Leni is rostered to follow Sergio with a fun session. The following week on November 27 we will hear from John MacInnes from 3WAY FM. John will have some pointers on how the radio station can assist Daybreak in our promotion so it is important that the PR Committee attend this meeting if possible.
Membership and Public Image Seminar – The Membership and Public Image Seminar is scheduled for Saturday November 23 in Port Fairy. I would really encourage members from the Strategic Planning and Membership Committee alongside those members listed on the Public Relations Committee to attend. The registration fee is $35 which is covered by the Club and includes lunch. Members can register for the Seminar through the link in the District Newsletter. The process for registration could be easier so please contact me or John Clue if you have any difficulty registering.
Group Five District meeting – I attended the Group Five district meeting in Port Fairy on Wednesday November 6. It was interesting to hear the reports from Presidents of the other regional Clubs and gain insight to the different processes they use within their Clubs. For instance, the Portland Clubs automatically enrol and pay for any new members to do RLI which assists with confidence building in light of future executive positions they may hold.
Graeme Fischer, Community Services Chair from the Colac region, spoke briefly on the End Trachoma Program and is interested in speaking with each Club in the region if members are interested. Graeme also passed on some sad news regarding the passing of Jess Hooker (Rotary Club of Cobden) who was only 31 years of age and left a 20 month old son. The RC of Cobden has set up a fund for Jess and Marcus’ son Samuel. Donations can be sent to Cobden Rotary Club, PO Box 42 Cobden 3266 or directly donated through eft to Rotary Club of Cobden Inc, BSB 633 000 Account 141 679 340.
John Clue will speak at our weekly meeting on December 4 regarding his upcoming appointment as District Governor and also the District Conference he will be organizing in the 2021-22 year (scheduled for March 2022). John is looking to secure a team that can assist with staging the event.
Rotary House AGM – I attended the Rotary House AGM followed by a general meeting on Monday November 11. Jim Sawyer has stepped down from his role as Treasurer and was thanked by the members for his many years of service. The other item to report is that the Reflection Area will require roofing and refurbishment to bring it in line as a weatherproof and more usable area for patrons. As Christmas approaches Warrnambool Primary School will be providing Christmas decorations throughout the building as supervised by South West Healthcare. The facility continues to be kept in excellent condition and is receiving high patronage.
Daybreak AGM – A reminder that Daybreak’s AGM will be held during our weekly meeting on November 27 with the main purpose to endorse the Executive for the next Rotary year 2020-21. We currently have nominations for Secretary and Treasurer. At this stage we are looking for a President Elect for the year 2021-22 to fulfil our obligations as a functioning Club.
Board Meeting – Daybreak’s next Board meeting will be held on Tuesday November 19, 6.30pm
at the Flying Horse Inn. Committee Directors are reminded to send their reports to all Board Members prior to the meeting and in adequate time for members to read before the meeting. If members have anything they would like discussed at Board level please email me the details.
Shelterbox Tasmanian Trek – November 7-11, 2020 is the date for the Shelterbox Tasmanian Trek. Participants will trek through rocky mountain peaks, button grass moorlands, glacial lakes, and the waterfalls and rainforests of Cradle Mountain and surrounds while raising funds for Shelterbox Australia. For more information call 1800 1300 905 188 or email mike.grenn@shelterbox.org.au
Fishing Trip Portland – February 28 and 29 are the dates set for the Portland fishing trip. Cabins are already being booked so get in early if you wish to secure a cabin for the weekend. Chez has sent an email to all members with details to book
Daybreak Christmas Party - Members at this week’s meeting revisited the idea of a Christmas Breakup, separate to our Christmas breakfast at Andrew and Betty Suggett’s house scheduled for December 18. It was decided that we will hold a Christmas lunch event at Cheryl’s house at 103 Illowa Road Dennington on Saturday December 7. Jan will organize the catering and advise in due course the cost to members. The event will kick off at 12.30 for a 1pm start and members are advised to bring their own chair and drinks. Thanks to Chez for providing her residence for the celebration.
The Long Lunch – The Long Lunch is scheduled for Sunday February 23, 2020. Jenny Turner, who heads up this Committee, has called on members to start thinking about the donation items for the auction part of the event. Many business houses in the region are happy to donate items when they know the proceeds will go toward local charities. If you know of a business that may be willing to donate an item or service, please feel free to make contact with them and forward any details to Jenny.
Best Wishes for a Speedy Recovery – We missed Bob at our meeting this week. We wish him a very speedy recovery from his recent operation and hope to see a spring in his step when he makes his return to the Club.
Our guest speaker this week relayed figures that identified the Warrnambool region as having a much higher percentage of volunteers than other regions, from memory I think it was 28% against 14% in other areas. This figure suggests that we are a community that connects well with others and Rotary groups form a major part of this connection and of the percentage identified. We should be proud of the volunteer work our Club undertakes.
Have a wonderful week and I’ll see you next week at The Bay.
A photo of our traveller Geoff Grec