Meeting held at The Hub and Acting Sergeant Honorary Member Kevin O’Brien welcomed the 39 Members, Honorary Members and Guests, including Guest Speakers Penny Parsons and Gary Poole from Act for Kids to the meeting.
Honorary Member Ian Cowen proposed a Toast to the Success of Rotary
President Peter reiterated the welcome and thanked those members and partners who were involved with the Clean Up and Preparation of The Hub for the meeting, earlier in the day.
In some sad news, those present acknowledged the passing of past member George Mansell through the observance of a Minutes Silence led by John Monks.
Graham Sivyer also provided an update on the progress of the building project and provision of equipment for the Mauna Island Hospital project in Vanuatu, which includes a very generous donation by South Coast Radiology of an Xray machine. Graham also provided background music for the evening.
The meal was catered for by external caterer Chris and the meal and dessert were served to each attendee at the table.
Secretary Tony Lewis requested that the members present vote on an amendment to the Club Bylaws, which had been duly advertised.
Moved Bob Jordan Seconded Neil Jones
That Article 5 Meetings Section 4 of the Club Bylaws be amended as follows:
Regular Meetings of the Board shall be held on a two (2) monthly basis (as a minimum) at a venue (including electronic means) and at a time determined by the president.
Actions requiring decisions between Board meetings will be via ‘Flying Minutes’, requiring a majority in favour, which will then be confirmed at the next available Board meeting.
Special meetings of the board shall be called by the president, whenever deemed necessary, or upon the request of two (2) directors, with due notice having been given.
Carried by a Majority of the Members present.
Acting Sergeant Honorary Member Kevin O’Brien conducted the Fines Session and utilised David and Honorary Member Uwe as Bunyips.
Raffle was won by lucky Rock OKeefe
Heads and Tails was won by the even luckier Honorary Member Ian Cowen
Past President Pauline Armstrong introduced Guest Speakers Penny Parson and Gary Polle from Act for Kids.
- Act for Kids has been operating since 1988 and is a National Charity catering for children between birth and 18 years of age – quite a diverse age range. The aim of the Charity is to give children a second chance at childhood.
- In 2019/20 there were 451,000
- Reports made to child groups in Australia.
- Children under 12 months are more susceptible to Abuse and Neglect.
- The number of children receiving child protection services has risen by 12% in the last 5 years.
- During 2019/20 Act for Kids worked with 44,894 people and 164,617 in the past 7 years.
- Ways the Charity assists – Intensive Family Support, Family and Child Connect, Sexual Abuse Clinical Service, Assessment and Service Connect, Flourish and Child and Family Therapy and SafeCare, with over 650 cases assisted per annum.
- The Charity are attempting to have adopted into Primary Schools a Program – Learn to be Safe with Emmy Protective Behaviours which is an inoculation program against abuse.
- A further interesting project is a unique Safety Watch that sends a message to a ‘safe Group’ for abused children,
- We were challenged to consider leaving a Legacy to Act for Kids in our Will for helping children have a safe, happy and fulfilling life.
Past President Pauline Armstrong thanked Penny and Gary on behalf of the members and presented them both with a Broadbeach Glass.
President Peter concluded the meeting by thanking everyone for their attendance and advised that a Social Function had been organised for Tuesday 31 August at My Place Chinese Restaurant at Bundall for everyone interested in attending.
