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Greetings to Rotarians and friends of Rotary. Firstly, apologies to those who did not receive the last 2 bulletins. An operator error! The Matildas have moved on after capturing the hearts of thousands of Australians. An American athlete captured the attention of the world many decades ago. Muhammed Ali, 3-times world heavyweight boxing champion, used his platform as a famed athlete to build awareness of social, racial and global inequities. In his fight against inequality, he addressed the United Nations Special Committee Against Apartheid with a message of peace and spirituality. “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth.” – Muhammad Ali Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA) - August 19, Berwick Our club sponsored 2 teams from Padua College to attend a full day's activities at Nossal HIgh School and Pam and I attended much of the discussion and debate. The students were most impressive young people who represented the countries of China and the US in the assembly. Conor, Flynn, Emily and Lachlan were well prepared, articulate and capable UN members and they managed to convey the opposing perspectives of their counties persuasively. Pam and I were impressed by the quality of their presentations as well as their ability to speak confidently. They were also courteous and engaging young people and wonderful representatives of Padua College. These students will come to a club meeting, along with the MUNA Chair, Rob Cook, when we can find a mutually acceptable date. Pam and I would encourage all members to attend at least one MUNA event to discover the work being done by District to encourage young people to engage with world politics in a respectful and courteous manner. Schools Showcase Evening : An invitation is extended to all to come along on Wednesday, September 13th from 6pm in the upstairs room at the Mornington on Tanti Hotel. A lift is available for those who do not use stairs. The aim of this event is to encourage local students to share achievements, interests and experiences with our Rotarians and friends, other local school students, teachers and parents. Schools have been invited to bring 2 or 3 of their students and teachers to join us as guests for dinner, and parents are most welcome too. The range of past presentations has been broad and included a Drumbeats performance, pieces of writing, drama, and reports on school activities through a variety of media. A ‘Citizenship Certificate’ will be presented to a student from each school who has demonstrated a commitment to caring for others, the community or the environment - someone who has created hope in their world. For catering and seating purposes, could you please RSVP to Pam or Judy by August 30th President's Report The Kailiki Water project in PNG is progressing well. The materials have been purchased and were being transported last Friday, supervised by the villagers. All of the trenches have been dug and Richard Godden goes to PNG this Friday to make sure it is all installed properly. We are very grateful to the Rotary Club of Port Moresby. Not only have they co-ordinated the purchase and been able to help the villagers, but they’ve now donated 50 desks and a “library” to the school. There will be photos available in coming weeks on Richard’s return. This week we are combining with Mt Martha Rotary Club on Monday night. There will also be a few members from Frankston North and Rosebud-Rye attending to hear President Dick Cox from Somerville-Tyabb speak on their very successful Interschools Activity Challenge. On Wednesday, The Bays Hospital are having another Health and Wellbeing Evening at 5.30pm at New Peninsula Baptist Church at 370 Craigie Road Mornington. Dr John Choi will be speaking about the latest treatments for chronic back pain. Bookings are essential. Pam Hall Guest Speaker Our guest speaker on Wednesday, August 16th was Andrew Young, the commodore of the Mornington Yacht Club. Andrew gave us a very comprehensive report on the history and changing face of the club, both in terms of its people and its facilities.  Ken Bilham, Andrew Young MYC and President Pam Hall The MYC started in 1946 and the first building on the site was an old army hut. In the 1970s there were approximately 120 members, but membership today has now grown to over 900. The largest group of members are social members and 38% of all members are women. With this increase in numbers and the change in demographic, the club’s facilities have required some major changes to improve the services for members. Andrew was able to detail the capital works programs that have been undertaken, mostly under his leadership. (He is known around MYC as “Hurricane” because of the significant changes and improvements he has driven – Editor’s Note). This has translated into 4 key projects – Hurricane, Storm, Cyclone and Typhoon. These include improved changing and bathroom facilities for women, creating a quiet lounge where people can come to work including corporates who hire the space, and updating boundary fencing. Andrew also detailed the ongoing cost of maintaining the pier, jetties, and the harbour, much of it picked up by taxpayers through various government departments. However, management often falls to MYC because they are on-site and there is no one else there to do it. The next most pressing issue for the club is that of paid parking. MPSC is conducting a trial around the peninsula at certain foreshore parking areas, for paid parking this summer. This will significantly impact the members and patrons of The Rocks and the club is looking at potential solutions, eg shuttle buses to alleviate the impact. The club relies heavily on the income generated by The Rocks. Andrew acknowledged the contribution of our club towards assisting in their Sailability program. Like all good presidents, Andrew in his second and final year, is looking at a succession plan! It was indeed a very interesting and informative presentation. I hope to catch up with many members tonight at the Combined Dinner Meeting. Judy Seager |
