President’s Report
Hello to another week in self-isolation.
Coming Up
This week we do not have a meeting, but the following week, May 6, we will have a normal club meeting on Zoom. Details in next week’s Bulletin.
Anzac Day
It was an Anzac Day with a difference, with no Services or gatherings. Thank you to David Lancashire for organising and laying a wreath at Mornington Memorial Park, on behalf of the Club.
After attending the dawn service, on our rear deck, Lyn and I walked to the Memorial Park and with only another couple of people there, had the opportunity to walk around and respect the various memorials. Amongst them I discovered a Rotary Park Bench and another Rotary Gazebo which commemorates our foundation of Australian Rotary Health.
(coincidentally, I also discovered, that I did not know of, a bench donated by the 4th Anti Tank, my Dad’s regiment and memorial for the Thai Burma Railway where he was, and a bench for Gull Force, that my Uncle was part of, and a memorial commemorating their capture and escape from Ambon. I am now investigating what the local links are.)
Board Meeting
As you know we had an on line Board meeting last Wednesday night, and as usual we covered a lot of ground, which I hope I have accurately summarised below.
- Final Approval of some Project Expenditures.
We approved remittance of funds for the following projects previously agreed by the members….
- A Sky Hydrant, details at https://www.disasteraidinternational.com/sky-hydrant.html
- A contribution to Lift the Lid (Australian Rotary Health). This fits neatly with their current CV19 Lift the Lid campaign. Details at https://australianrotaryhealth.org.au/
- A contribution to Polio Plus at https://www.endpolio.org/
- A contribution to end Trachoma one of the Rotary Club of Melbourne’s Centenary Projects. Details at https://www.endtrachoma2020.org.au/
- Indigenous Scholarship for 2021. We are still waiting to hear of the appointment of the 2020 candidate that we funded last year, but agreed to proceed with another for next year. Details at https://australianrotaryhealth.org.au/
All members should be very proud of this significant contribution to these very worthy causes, all enabled by our hard work on the Art Show, Bunnings BBQ’s over the last year. Great work !
- Continued development of some potential Projects
We continue to develop firm proposals for member consideration for significant community projects
- The Lid on the Long
- Bushfire Relief
- Gateway Park
- A Significant new Project
Prompted by Victor’s email initiative a couple of weeks ago we are searching for that “big new project”. There is a sub Committee Chaired by Victor, and including Peter, Ross, Eileen and David, who had several meetings so far, including a long one with Stuart Davis Meehan at the Mornington Community Information and Support Centre. The intent is to develop 2 or 3 good ideas for consideration by the Board and members.
- Board and Committee Succession Plan for next year
Long Term succession planning is very important for all clubs. Ross has agreed to do another year as President, and is working with Brian, as President elect to ensure all Committee Chairs have Deputies and succession plans in place. We are very fortunate that all Board members are continuing, excepting of course Libby, whose year as Past President concludes.
- A new Set of Rules and By-laws.
Rotary International has provided a new Club Constitution and By Laws for Clubs. We are forming a sub committee to review and recommend them. So far Brian and Ross have volunteered but if you are interested you are every welcome to join us.
- Art Show
This is the club priority. We are planning for next year’s show now. A key item is actioning Ian Garrow’s excellent comment, at our last meeting, about ensuring we develop some philanthropic support to supplement sponsorship in what will be a challenging business environment. A sub committee, led by John Parkinson has been set up to lead this.
Presidents Cluster Meeting
On Sunday I attended another Club Presidents Meeting on Zoom. The main topic of discussion was the intent to have a common Centenary Project, and it appears agreed that this will be based on the development of the Bay Trail. I am part of the working group on this.
So all clubs are being asked, as what form this project should take? Benches, picnic tables, gazebos, bike racks, tool stands, signage, maps, vegetation and beatification? Any comments?
In our area this could be the work being considered for Gateway Park or it could be some sort of beautification project on the corner of Yuilles and Watts Road, near the railway station? Or ????
Conclusion
If you would like to know more or discuss any of the above please give me a call. Our Zoom meeting on May 6 will also provide the opportunity to discuss any of this.
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