Hello Daybreakers
Well here we are with issue of Bulletin 4 already; at this pace my year as President of Daybreak will go very quickly indeed!
We had good attendance at this week’s meeting where we were provided with an update on the progress of the new Warrnambool Special Development School by Principal Robert Dowell and Sue Fraser. The new building with its increased facilities is going to make such a difference to the students and staff of WSDS and it’s wonderful that the community is getting right behind the project with support coming in from many local organizations. Daybreaker Jenny Turner, who coordinates our fundraiser The Long Lunch, presented Robert with a cheque for $4000, part proceeds from the event held earlier in the year.
)
Janey Preston was also presented with a level four Paul Harris pin for her ongoing contributions. We all congratulate you Janey, this is quite an achievement.
)
Throughout the meeting we also enjoyed some pictures sent through from our two members who are currently working on overseas projects, Ann Barker in Nepal on the Seven Womens Project and Ian Watson on the PNG Water Project. It is good to see both are enjoying their time while making valuable contribution to these communities.
)
I took the opportunity at this week’s meeting to speak on Rotary’s aims for 2019-20 in streamlining processes and providing greater flexibility for members. RI President Mark Maloney has reiterated these points in several publications and he views these changes as a way of attracting new members with different demographics, be that age, gender or ethnic backgrounds and providing an organization that caters for rather than encroaches on member’s time with work and family commitments. I have already seen changes filtering down from our District Governor with a streamlining of meeting procedures at the higher Executive level and also a reduction in email traffic with the district eNewsletter now going only to Secretaries and Presidents to disseminate relevant news to club members. I am sure there will be other changes throughout the year in response to the RI President’s aims.
At Daybreak we are also contemplating some changes. I recently circulated a proposal to members relating to a different meeting structure and venue. This received an overwhelming positive response with 27 members in favour of change, 3 against and 2 currently have not responded. We will have our first meeting at The Lady Bay on July 31. The proposed change will greatly streamline our processes and hopefully make things easier for Members and the Executive.
We need to acknowledge some long-serving Rotarians in our membership of Daybreak. Congratulations to the following members whose Rotary Anniversary falls in the month of July:
Sergio Bachetti joined RCW Daybreak July 29, 21 years as a Rotarian
Barry Brooker joined RCW Daybreak July 29, 21 years as a Rotarian
Peter Cassady joined RCW Daybreak July 20, 21years as a Rotarian
Janey Preston joined RCW Daybreak July 29, 21 years as a Rotarian
Chris Preston joined RCW Daybreak July 21, 21 years as a Rotarian
Andrew Suggett joined RCW Daybreak July 29, 36 years as a Rotarian
Other Rotary News
Rotary Friendship Exchange - A vacancy now exists for the upcoming Rotary Friendship Exchange to D5550 Saskatchewan Canada. The exchange group leaves on August 13 for Saskatoon Saskatchewan Canada and returns August 29. Currently members include Rotarians from Charlton, Geelong, Maryborough and Portland. All Rotarians are covered by Rotary Insurance. For further information contact Thea Allan, Rotary Friendship Exchange Team Leader M: 0428 590 405 or E: thea@wastenot.com.au
Southern Region RAWCS Vacancies – The Southern Region RAWCS Committee AGM is being held next month and there are several positions coming to the end of their term leaving several vacancies open as below:
Regional Deputy Coordinator
Regional Volunteer Supervisor
Regional Donations in Kind Supervisor
Regional Australian Charitable Support Supervisor
Regional Safe Water and Sanitation Save Lives Supervisor
More information can be obtained from PDG Ken Moore E: kmoore@keypoint.com.au
Or Virginia Turner E: vm.turner@bigpond.com.au
Nomination forms can be obtained from Liza
Next week we have speakers Jenni & Peter King from South West Victoria Backpacks4Kids Distribution Centre. It will be interesting to hear about this new project in our area. Until then I hope all members have a productive and enjoyable week and in the words of RI President Mark Maloney remember “in this ever more divided world, Rotary connects us all.”
Liza