President Neil welcomed all in attendance and invited John Vlasich, relief song master, to lead members in grace and song. All members recited grace together; and John chose "Road to Gundagai", a pleasant change sung very well indeed.

 

 

A great turn out of Collie Rotarians and local community members joined forces in the Pinjarra district to assist with fencing.  Approximately 10km of fencing was undertaken.  The fencing was carried out on a farm where 120 livestock were lost; livestock and fencing replaceable at considerable expense.  The farmer was very humble and appreciative of the generosity and the work load accomplished over the 2 days.  The weekend just proved how the Collie community can band together in times of need.

 

Jan Gillard raised a total of $5,500 and with the Club's contribution of $5,000 has ensured the mobile trauma unit remains operational for another month.  It is hoped that the mobile trauma unit can remain operational as donations are received.

 

President Neil thanked all Rotarians for their tireless efforts, including in the rain, over the two days.

 

Apprentice of the Year Awards:  (5th May) Letters seeking sponsorship have now been distributed; there is also a colourful advert in today's Collie Mail.  The Apprentice & Traineeship Company have confirmed they will be the major sponsor for the evening.  Rob Geldert has also confirmed his contribution for the 1st Year award.

 

Vocational Visit:  The next vocational visit will be held on 17th March at the Collie Italian Club.  Members have an opportunity to join in a game or two of bocce before dining on an Italian meal.

 

John was over the moon to report that Meghan Davis had a wonderful time at Handicamp.  As she is quite shy, John's unsure whether Meghan would be able to address the Club.  Meghan thanked the Club for their sponsorship and said she appreciates it very much.

 

Keller Peel was sponsored by the Club to attend the Leeuwin Sail Training ship.  Keller's response was that the whole experience was "absolutely awesome".  He has already noticed a new level of confidence gained through his participation in the program.

 

Keller also expressed a desire to participate in the Youth Exchange Program.  The Club needs to decide urgently if the program will be supported again this year.  Rotarians were urged - again - to consider being a host family.  The next Director's meeting is 17 February and it is hoped a final decision can be made by then.

 

Friends of Rotary:  Next Thursday is the deadline for members to provide feedback on the draft guidelines previously circulated.

 

As there was no formal guest speaker, with 3 minutes to spare, Robyn ran through the list of guidelines with members providing instant feedback! An updated copy will be made available for Members next week.  

 

4 Way Speech Finals (22nd Feb):  RSVP date to attend the finals in Mandurah has been brought forward to the 14th Feb; members must rsvp to Robyn by next Wednesday.  The Committee have requested members & guests to arrive by 6:00 for a prompt 6:30pm start.  Cost is $25.  Transport will be car pooling.

 

Interclub Visit (29th Feb): Details have now been confirmed.....

Venue:  Cubby House Cafe, Donnybrook

Time:  6:30 for 7:00pm start

Cost:  $33pp

RSVP: 24th Feb to Keith Martin 9734 1598

 

The Collie Mail featured an advertisement today seeking sporting groups & clubs to advertise in next weeks edition.  Mark was seeking approval to proceed with an advert focusing on attracting new members with a mention of the 'Friends of Rotary' idea.

Club was fully supportive of the idea.

 

Mike reminded members of the Sundowner being held at Keith & Libby's residence next Friday 12th February.  Time is 6:00pm with a BBQ for tea.  Partners/friends welcome.  Address is 51 Roberts Rd, Australind.

 

Gary advised that he bumped into PP Joe recently and came away with a possible project for the Club.  The Shire is looking to build 3 sets of seats; not your traditional bench seat, may be something a little different.  Gary wondered if the Club (Mark Sanders, Doug Gulvin) would like to see the plans as this may assist with making the decision.  All members present were happy for Gary to request a copy of the plans to enable Mark & Doug to decide whether it could be a Club project.

 

With some level of sadness Martin officially advised members he and Emma were leaving at the end of March and re-locating to Melbourne.  They have recently purchased a new home in Upper Ferntree Gully and Martin will be joining the Rotary Club of Ferntree Gully.  They have definately enjoyed their time in Collie.  Martin also said that as a Club, we should be proud of the welcome they received when they first moved to Collie.  They hope to continue their weekly dinners once settled.  Martin thanked members for the fellowship and support.

 

President Neil said Martin was a 'true Rotarian' and thanked him for his contribution whilst with the Collie Club.  

 

 

Background: Initially the fund was established with joint funding between Lions, Apex, Miners Welfare and Rotary.  Rotary manages the account and the (Rotary) Treasurer has access.  The funds were used to sponsor 3 midwives as the Govt. was going to close that wing down.  The account currently has a balance of $16,000.

 

President Neil queried whether the Club would consider donating these funds to Valley View. Considerable cost has been incurred in the opening of the second wing, which had been closed for 2 years. Although it may not be specifically 'health' related, it is vital that as a community we are able to accommodate the elderly with the choice of staying in town close to family and friends, and medical amenities.  Aged care should be, and is, an important sector within any community.  

Prior to the wing re-opening, Collie residence were turned away.  It is a disgrace to have a facility purpose built for the community not being fully utilised.  Valley View are now receiving applications from out of town and Collie residence are now moving in!  It was felt that any funds raised in town by the Community should be spent in town.

President Neil met with representatives of SWDC regarding guidelines/rules for expenditure of Royalties for Regions funding.  This funding is allocated for infrastructure only.  As the electrical expenses are exorbitant, perhaps the installation of solar panels would be beneficial in lowering the cost.  The Club could apply for a grant for the solar panels; if the Govt notices full community support they are more likely to consider in favour of a grant application.  

Concern was also expressed that if the funds are not utilised, the Govt. could relieve us of the funds.  Members present were in favour of utilising the funds; Directors will discuss this matter at the next meeting.

 

Recently we have been discussing ICE and the effects it has on the community.  Rod Cross has arranged for a special guest next week who is prepared to speak to the Club on his own experience with the battle of drugs & ICE.  This is a rare opportunity for the Club to learn first hand the dilemmas associated with drug abuse.  Rod & Jo have welcomed this young man into their home and has gained their trust; as our guest is very shy and weary, Jo will ask the questions.  We ask members to be mindful of the sensitivity of the topic.  Partners are welcome. PLEASE RSVP TO KEITH 9734 1598

 

18-20 March, Bunbury.

As the Conference is close to home, it would be great to have a large contingent of Collie members attend; also have the opportunity to attend daily sessions and/or day/evening functions.  Neil strongly encouraged members to consider going, particularly the newer members and those that had not attended for a few years; and promised that they would return feeling inspired and enthusiastic.

via Bob Greig, President Neil reminded members to follow up unpaid invoices for the Rotary Calendar.  If you have received payment in the form of a cheque, please give it to Keith Martin.

Attendance:  89.65%

 

Jackpot:  Greg Smith had a chance at the $50 jackpot, his chance was not rewarding.

 

Wheel of No Hope:  Lived up to its name.

 

Sergeant Gary:  Usual suspects: press, late.  Few fencing stories: getting lost, bogged, wet (except for President Neil).....

 

Welcome: Robyn Yates

Set Up:  Rod Cross & Peter Reuben