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From the Editor And then there were two left !!!. Well there's really four left , and for all the footy tragic's it seems that our season is already over, but give credit where credit is due and with the last of the Gand Finals to play out , good fortune to those teams that make it onto the podium next week. From footy, for some of us out there, we can now turn our attention to the Spring Racing Carnival , and unfortunately , maybe or maybe not , there might be a problem for the mass social gathering for the ladies on Oaks Day , Fashions and Fascinators may be on hold. Last Week's Guest Speaker - Paul Rhodes from Blaze Aid At our last Club Meeting, on Wednesday the 14th, we were very pleased to have Mr Paul Rhodes from Blaze Aid present to the members his involvement with this wonderful Volunteer Organisation. The presentation commenced with our own John Renowden providing us with the background and initial concept of Blaze Aid from its initial formation in 2009 to its current status and ongoing contribution’s in the form of manual “ hands on assistance” to those in need. Many of us have heard of Blaze Aid and the tremendous work they carry out for our Rural Landholders in the form of manual labour to rebuild their properties, primarily in the area of fencing and gates, after the devastation caused by natural disasters. Paul’s involvement in Blaze Aid started last year after his retirement from a 45 year career as an Accountant, Paul like many of us sort to assist in serving the wider community and decided on Blaze Aid. Blaze Aid was founded by Kilmore East farmer’s Kevin and Rhonda Butler, who in 2009 like so many rural landholders had their property consumed by the devastating 2009 Black Saturday Bushfires. In order to secure their property and the livestock that had survived the wildfires, they called on help from family, friends and local volunteers. The result was a major re-fencing operation with many hands at work that would normally taken up to a month or more but was completed in a week. From this amazing feat of community spirit and co-operation Blaze Aid was formed. From such small beginnings in 2009 we now see this wonderful volunteer organisation that has now grown to have a permanent management structure, team leaders and logistic support stretching into nearly all states across Australia. Blaze aid, over the years, has provided hands on ground support to so many landholders adversely affected by the 2011 Floods in VIC, NSW and QLD. The restoration processes in WA after the devastating Cyclone Yasi. In 2012, once again assistance following major floods throughout many parts of rural Australia. As we are all too aware the recent Bushfires that commenced in late 2019 and continued into 2020 have been described as the worst wildfires ever in the history of this nation, destroying some 13 million hectares !!! The amount of bush land and farmer’s properties and their lively-hood destroyed is staggering. To put this into some sort of perspective this equates to the entire size of England (excluding Wales, Scotland) and so much of this included farmer’s properties and their fencing, thus the inability to contain and protect their livestock. And blaze Aid was on the ground, once safety was sanctioned, dismantling burnt fencing / gates and erecting new ones, and there still out there at work, albeit a bit constrained by the COVID restrictions, but still going strong. Paul informed us after the initial calls for help in the Buchan region of Gippsland was 6 farmers and has now grown to 71 Properties still in need of help. The figures that are linked to Blaze aid are amazing, in this one rural area of Gippsland, Victoria they have replaced some 200km of fencing, 370 volunteers involved from Feb to Sep, and this year alone a staggering 6,600 “ man hrs. of work “. To highlight the work they do Paul informed us on one property the Blaze Aid team rebuilt fencing that would normally take the farmer 2 ½ years on his own, only took the team a total of 3 ½ weeks. The work that Blaze Aid do is truly amazing, from the management team, the team leaders on the ground at the stagging camps and the wonderful spirit of all the volunteers, from not only within our nation but those who visit from overseas to help out, is a true reflection of what can be done to help out when our fellow man in need of help. To Paul, our thanks to you and your fellow volunteers on the work that you do to help re-build rural properties and the like. From the Rotary Club of Mornington we wish to extend very big thanks for your presentation. Photos Courtesy of Blaze Aid (Gippsland Area) showing the fire ravaged fencing and after pics of what was Blaze Aid do to assist our framers. This Weeks Upcoming Club Meeting- Wednesday 21st October @ 6:00pm , via ZOOM  This week, tomorrow evening commencing at our usual start time of 6;00pm, we have a " Dual Zoom ' , and I know that some of you out there are really not too keen on Zoom Meetings but this will be important in that we will be acknowledging : WORLD POLIO DAY. Thanks to our International Chair, Richard Vautier, he has arranged for us to tune into a special online presentation. So this Wednesday night we (Rotary Zone 8) will be celebrating World Polio Day (the actual date is 24th October). From 6.00pm to 6.30pm we will conduct a normal meeting that will include any general business and or social chatter that needs to be discussed followed by an introduction to a Zoom meeting that will celebrate World Polio Day. At 6.30pm we will cross over to an external Zoom meeting run by Global Citizen in partnership with RESULTS Australia, UNICEF Australia, Rotary International and Polio Australia. This annual event is held in Parliament House, Canberra and identifies Australia’s proud history of leadership on polio eradication. 1. So as shown below is our normal Weekly Club Meeting , only log-in details. Meeting ID: 927 056 436 Password: 294331 2. At 6;30 the External Zoom Meeting will commence, and what I will do later today (Tuesday) is send out to each of our members an individual Invitation to Register for the World Polio Day Presentation. There will be a attachment that outlines the presentation and the e-mail will provide you with a direct link to register. Don't get to concerned when you enrol / register as it displays a cost. I've done a " test run this morning" and the actual cost shows up as Zero Dollars $0.00 so there is no actual cost. The Art Show Just a very quick note and brief update on our Art Show. Richard and his team are diligently working away, behind the scenes, at organising our 2021 Art Show. They are planning to have a conventional Art Show come Jan 2021, and the focus from everyone involved is to proceed with the aim to present another fantastic Show. Their may be some changes to a few aspects of the Show, such as the format of the Opening Night etc, but this won't deter us from presenting another great Art Show. Well done to Richard, his Committee and especially to Maree and Barbera for all their great work thus far. Birthdays/ Anniversaries Next week on Tuesday 27th October, we acknowledge the Birthday of Lyn Johnson, the partner of our President Ross i October 2020. On behalf of our President Ross ( goes without saying ) , The Board, all our Members and their Partners we wish to extend a very big Happy Birthday wish to Lyn on your special day. Well done Lyn and hopefully both you and Ross and maybe even a few family members will be able to celebrate your special day. Congratulations President’s Report – 07th October 2020 Upcoming meeting – this Wednesday Night We are on at 6pm on Zoom. Richard is hosting on International and Foundation Night to coincide with World Polio Day this Friday the 24th October. The following week, given how much everyone enjoyed the Trivia night, I am suggesting we have another social night – this one a wine tasting – with a difference. You bring your partner and a bottle (or more) of wine (or any item) and we all tell the story of the wine, (or make one up), why you like it, what place it played in your life, a special occasion etc. Last week Thanks to John Renowden for hosting his friend, Paul Rhodes, who has been working with Blaze Aid at Buchan in Gippsland. John and Peter are now investigating making a contribution from the Art Show Silent Auction proceeds. Brian and I are currently working out delivery to Bairnsdale of our first 1000 trees from the Briars Nursery. We will get an update from Peter Sindrey from Bairnsdale at our meeting on November 4. Lift the Lid Thanks to all the members who donated. We are just short of $500 so if anyone wants to still contribute or increase their contribution please contribute before next week when John will remit it. (Bendigo Bank Limited: BSB- 633000 - Acct 146806334) New Members and visitors last week’s meeting It was good to welcome Roberta Orton to last week’s meeting. We look forward to Peter also being able to attend after the Council Elections conclude this week. We wish him success. Progress with our potential community projects. Last Monday, Victor and I met with John Baker, CEO, and the new Director of Community, Pauline Gordon, and Chris Munro, to discuss our potential projects to assist with homelessness. They confirmed their support of our intended Fusion Bathroom project, and that a long term lease was in process. Our Clubs interest was very much appreciated, and it is seen as a great first step towards a bigger Fusion project to help build some independent living units. They also appreciated our interest in the old Community Centre in Albert St, though it does require some significant improvement, and it may be a while until its future is clear. There are four Council properties that are currently leased to a service provider that they will keep us in mind for, should suitable projects emerge. We indicated our continuing interest in both an emergency accommodation service for next winter with MCISC, if that progresses, and a Private Rental Assistance Program. Last Friday, Peter Jay and I met the new Director of Place, Jessica Wingad, and Davey Smith, to discuss the various potential beautification projects that we have identified. In summary, Gateway Park is now not on the Council priority list, and the Healing Garden at the new Community Centre is probably more relevant. We expressed interest in any Briars Forest Project, but referred the Wildlife Sanctuary to Mt.Martha Rotary. We both acknowledged the benefit of the roof over the long table and agreed the funding gap is the issue. Possibly it could be in the Council 2021-22 Budget funding submission. We all recognised the desirability of the Bay Trail for the Peninsula, and indeed trails in general, and there will be a separate Peninsula wide meeting to progress the ideas. All up I think both meetings were effective in progressing each topic and building our connection to Council, that will help us be involved with, and deliver future beneficial community projects. Regards Ross |
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