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John Ferguson opened the meeting to a rowdy Rotary Grace.
He joined members to welcome in the New Year and our first visitors for the year in, Caroline Murray, Maria Egan and Emily Clucas along with Kat.
He asked what the year holds by asking;
- Will Tony Abbott become Prime Minister of Australia again?
- Will Michael McCormack be his deputy?
- Will Lake Albert dry up?
- Will Douglas Aviation be operating this year?
- Will the Mayor of Wagga change this year?
- Who will the next GM of Wagga City Council?
- Congratulations to David Pyke on his Eagle golf shot on the 1st hole at the Wagga Country Golf Club.
Paul Murray was chasing one more member for the Meal Deal and found it in Mark Hillis. The new roster has been emailed out.
Peace Awards are on again at the Victory Memorial Gardens on the 21st Feb and nominations are still being accepted by the club. Please put the thinking cap on and get in touch with Peter Crozier.
Sergeants Session was conducted by Bruce Spinks, who instead of fining members individually, did something a bit different today.
He thought short and humorous was the order of the day, and got to work for his $ in the same way a busker does.
He relayed a story that he heard on the way to a meeting one day on ABC radio about how attitudes have changed since the 1850's and the 20th century.
The story made reference to the Mormons and 7th day Adventists, the English and the Americas on coffee, and then went on a bit of a tangent for a while, until, as any good busker does, moved on.
There were no cross fines.
Rotary Information - Ken Cook.
History of Rotary in Australia
Rotary in Australia began with two Rotarians from Canada,: James W. Davidson, PP of the Rotary Club in Calgary, Alberta, and President Layton Ralston of the Rotary Club in Halifax..
On 1 March 1921, these two men began their journey to Australia and when they arrived in Sydney, they found the city was in a state of celebration and activity due to the Easter holiday, so they moved onto Melbourne.
Wishing to attract successful businessmen in good standing in the community, they first approached Sir John Monash, commander-in chief during WW1. Next, they approached Frank Tate, state director of education, and Professor Osborne of Melbourne University.
On April 7, the first foundational luncheon was held with the first Rotary club meeting in Australia being held at Scott's Hotel, Melbourne on 21 April 1921, with Professor Osborne as president and thirty-two charter members.
Member Update - John Egan.
John was born in Wagga Wagga in 1948.
His parents ran a store in Collingullie at the time.
Moved to Jugiong to help out the Grandparents on the farm for a couple of years.
Ended up staying 18 years.
Went to Jugiong Public, just after Richie Benaud attended, and then S Pat's in Goulburn.
In 66, moved back to Wagga Wagga with farmer Dad, and joined SRCC as an apprentice Electrical Fitter Mechanic.
One year at Newcastle Technical College covered a normal three year part time course.
Then it was off to the Seminary to study for the priesthood, where Doug Sutton was one year ahead of him.
After a couple of years, he took up a teaching position with St Michaels in Wagga Wagga.
The degree in Philosophy saw his way to a Dip Ed.
Met Maria in 1970, married in 1974 and had four beautiful children.
After 12 years of teaching, bought a photographic business in Ernest Tooley, and duly renamed Studio Image - right next door to the Georgious' Deli.
Was introduced to Wollundry Rotary Club in 1983 thanks to Billy Zachario.
At the time ARH was researching SIDS, and was responsible for the loss of their daughter, who would have turned 36 this week, and whose brother was part of that research.
Since retiring in 2006, John and Maria have been heavily involved with Rotary at Club and District Level, traveled extensively and often, sings with the Wagga City Rugby Male Choir and teaches photography at the Riverina Community College.
Members Draw.
#63 - Bruce Spinks, who called for a re-draw, and so #60 - Richard Rossiter.
A reminder that there is no meeting on the 26th - Australia Day, but to come down to the markets by the Wagga Beach instead and enjoy a cuppa and a chat.
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