Notes from Zoom meeting held 1 September 2020
This week, we welcomed 15 members to the meeting. Vice-President, Geoff welcomed our guest speaker, Robert Dowell, Principal of Merri River School (formally Warrnambool Special Development School).
Sergeant Barry invited Sandra to recite the Invocation with Steve performing the Toast.
Guest speaker Robert Dowell, provided members with an insight into the Merri River School, from the early stages to now.
In 2015, a 7 hectare site was purchased on Wollaston Road, with frontage to Merri River. Architect Paul Hede was appointed with months of planning involving all stakeholders involved. Final funding for the new building was approved in December 2017, with Fairbrothers being appointed as the builders in March 2018. Building then commenced in April 2018 with completion and handover of the new school taking place in January 2020.
One of the best features of the school is the river frontage. Students in the Duke of Edinburgh class have been busy clearing the long grass, weeds and wild fennel that has been growing along the river bank. Glenelg Hopkins CMA have provided advice on the type on weed removal. The future goal for the School is to have the students using the river for fishing, canoeing and river studies by the end of 2021.
Funds raised by the local community were used to purchase playground equipment and interactive TV’s for use in class rooms. Other features of the School are a bike training area where students learn to ride their bikes.
Discussion was held regarding what project the Club should undertake for the ‘Rotary 100 Years Project’. The following projects have been suggested for further discussion at next week’s meeting:
- Unmarked Graves @ Warrnambool Cemetery
- Warrnambool Showgrounds Tree planting
- Update of signage @ Griffiths Island, Port Fairy
- Environmental Grant for distribution of Bamboo Toothbrushes
- Environmental Grant for Revegetation of land fronting Merri River School
- Seat in Warrnambool Botanic Gardens
- Logans Beach placement of bench seat close to current plaque (opened by past RI President Glen Kinross from QLD).
RC of Warrnambool Central are seeking donations of soft toys and books (in English) for distribution to students attending the Arado Elementary School on the Island of Leyte in the Philippines. Please consider this worthy project.
We will discuss the collection point for this project at next week’s meeting.
Birthday greetings to Janey Preston celebrating her birthday today, 1st September.
Happy Rotary Anniversary to Geoff Grec who joined Daybreak on 3rd September 2014.
Fines – President Peter for being late to the meeting, and Gerard for ‘moonlighting’ as Regional Manager (West) at Saputo as reported in the Saturday’s Standard.