Last week we had a good attendance with 24 people. This included 3 guests of Rotarians in Zilis Hardiman, Joan Myerscough, Sara Briffa.

 

Kerri Smithies (Executive Officer of Kalparrin) came at the invitation of Yvonne Donegan (who was an apology for the meeting) Kerri spoke of the gratitude of the recipients of the donation of $5000 from our club. It enabled Kalparrin to provide immediate assistance to families struggling with the challenges of caring for children with very special needs. Kerri expressed her personal thanks to the club members for their ongoing support of one of Kalparrin.

Mark Sefton again appealed to members for assistance with the roster for the BBQ at Mill Park on Sunday 17th October.

Mark S also circulated a list for an indication of members willing to support the Melbourne Cup Day on Tuesday 2nd November at Samson Hill Winery. Tickets are $55 per person which includes a 2 course lunch with champagne on arrival. This was a great day last year coordinated by Kaye Hoverd - who, while very busy at work, has committed to have a table of 10 again and organise the lists for the sweeps. Thanks Kaye. Bill Carter has organised a raffle with 2 great prizes - tickets will be circulated to members over the next week - Please sell (or buy) your quota if possible and ask Bill for extra tickets if needed.

Remember we, as a club cannot 'look good' in the community by supporting worthy projects if we do not help with fundraising.

PP Ron spoke of the District Designated Funds project being undertaken by our club - thanks to the two members who handle and prepare all the necessary paperwork to apply for these funds - PP Tony Bramley and PP Ron Myerscough.

Steven Briffa together with Sara are organising a Business Network International Gala Presentation Ball to support two local charities in Diamond Valley Food Share and Heidelcare which supports local families in desperate need when none other is available. The function is on Saturday 13th November at the 'Centre  Ivanhoe' - This is a Black tie function and it would be great to see if our club could at least get a table together to support Steven and Sara who both give their time, effort and support to so many of our club activities so generously.  Please see Steven for tickets.

The guest speaker Faye Milligan was most interesting talking about fraud - more specifically in the 'not for profit' sector.  For a good read Faye recommended a book titled 'Catch me if  you can'  - much better than the movie and it is a true story.

It was good to see Kaye Hanvin   and Jeff Thomas at the meeting - knowing how busy they are with spring sales in the real estate industry.

Can you believe that we actually got the meal number correct this week - thanks to ALL Rotarians for their timely response to my weekly request.

Next week we are having 2 special guests who will receive a presentation.  They are both recipients of Australian Rotary Health Grants. Both are working at the Austin Hospital and their research project is on bowel cancer.

We will have the honour   of welcoming the District director of the Australian Rotary Health Program, PP Phil Lusher (not a bad golfer either) who will give us an insight into this very interesting program. 

Hope this helps to give you an insight as to the 'goings on' last Wednesday.

Cheers Joy