We had nineteen members brave the chilly morning for our July 10 meeting. The school holidays do have an impact on our attendance figures, however there are also positives; it was lovely to welcome Barry Brookers’ grandson and Mehul Patels’ son into our meeting.
Our guest Presenter was Warrnambool’s Citizen of the Year Janet McDonald, although Janet was wearing her other ‘hat’ as President of the Warrnambool and District Historical Society when she spoke with us. Janet gave us a very informative talk on the Historical Society and some of the projects they have undertaken. Her talk gave us insight not only to the role of the Society but we were able to garner some interesting facts pertaining to the history of Warrnambool. Of interest was the changing main business street of Warrnambool over time; originally located in Banyan Street, the main business area moving to Timor Street and then later to Fairy Street. The Society carries out valuable historical research and restoration work on items in its collection. It was also interesting to note that the Warrnambool and District Historical Society provides an annual corporate membership for groups at a cost of $60, individual memberships are $30 with family memberships $42.
It was nice to welcome back Sue Cassidy, who has been travelling throughout South America in recent weeks with her husband David. I was finally able to present Sue with her 2019-20 Rotary Pin as the current Director of Foundation. Sue also received a Centurion Certificate and Pin for her donations over the preceding year. We are yet to collect departure and return tax for her travels!
Members received an update on Rotary House Warrnambool Inc., and also on the resurgence of Rotaract in the region with a newly formed local Club largely supported by the Rotary Club of Warrnambool.
There has been some discussion amongst members regarding the future of Daybreak’s meeting venue into the future and this was discussed further at this week’s meeting. A preference sheet was circulated to garner the feeling of members and I have requested responses from those members that were not in attendance. At this stage the majority of members are willing to embrace change, however a final decision will be made after further consultation with members and perhaps a trial meeting in the near future at an alternative venue.
We have started the year with a zest for fellowship and let’s face it, this is our quite time of the year in regard to projects so let’s get together and have some fun! Last Sunday Geoff organized a breakfast/coffee morning at Bohemia with a healthy turn out of eight people. Geoff is also organizing dinner for anyone that is free this coming Friday at the RSL Club, a date that will coincide with Julie’s birthday anniversary. Geoff is also trying to organize a trip down to the Terracotta Warriors at the National Gallery of Victoria. If you are interested please contact Geoff. If we get enough numbers then we can toss around some dates. It looks like Geoff may be in the running for title of “Daybreak Social Secretary”.
Our guest speaker next week will be Robert Dowell from the Warrnambool Special Development School who will give us an update on their building project. Having Robert at our meeting will provide the opportunity for Jenny Turner to present him with a cheque for $4,000 from the proceeds of The Long Lunch held back in February.
Remember as you go about your work as Rotarians in the coming week, that you are playing a vital part in “connecting the world”.
Have a great week
Liza