Mon 22 Feb - 4 Way Speech Finals, Mandurah.

Thu 25 Feb - Lions vs Rotary Lawn bowls 6:00pm practice.

Mon 29 Feb - Interclub visit to Donnybrook.

 

President Neil welcomed all in attendance; it was particularly pleasing to see Olna (possible member, so please be nice to her) and Jodie Pilatti and Jodie Chellini of the Cure-inators of Collie.

 

Following grace, Songmaster Bob led us in the chorus of We are Australian. 

 

Graeme reported that planning for this years Apprentice of the Year Awards is well and truly underway; sponsorship is coming in.  At this stage, no applications have been received. 

 

On another note, Premier Coal invited a Club representative (Graeme) to be a judge on the panel for the recipient of the J A Ellis scholarship.

 

John was pleased to inform members that following lengthy delays due to permits & gaining the necessary approvals, progress is going well for the extension of the foothpath to Allanson.  The Shire will be commencing work next week.  Loads of gravel have been delivered at the western end of the cemetery; after the gravel is laid, hot mix will follow.  Brett Locock of the Shire of Collie will be meeting the sub committee soon to discuss future planning works. At this stage, Rotarians are not required; there will be plenty for us to do in the future.  

 

John passed the reigns, momentarily, to Libby.

Libby thought members would like to learn of the projects District are funding through District grants.   Pushpa Pushpalingham has just returned from Ethiopia where a grant of $200,000 has set up cafe with a commercial kitchen.  This cafe trains orphans to be equipped for employment in 5 star hotels.  A 5 star hotel is currently being built in the area.  It is hoped that the new hotel will employ the orphans.  Already, VIP's & high powered movers & shakers have indicated they will use this cafe in the future.

Another grant of $206,000 has been used on lab equipment in Sri Lanka.  This specialised equipment analyses bacteria.  Rotary are responsible for installation of the equipment and training.

 

John changed his hat from Rotarian to representative of the Collie Heritage Group.  He was very pleased to advise that the Mens Shed is completed and will be holding an official opening - everyone is invited.

Date: 12th March

Time:  11:00am

rsvp:  to John Vlasich

Partners are welcome; a light lunch will follow.  The rolling stock shed will be open for everyone to enjoy.

 

Thank you to Barbara for assistance in the preparation of 50 pamphlets & letters which have now been circulated. A story has also been included in "Round the Town.....with Nola Green".  Libby has requested assistance from the Club to ensure the meeting is a success. 

 

 

Date:  1st March, Tuesday

Time: 10:30am

Venue:  Collie Golf Club

 

Mike reported that a pleasant evening was had by all at Keith & Libby's sundowner on Friday.  About 10 Rotarians and 4 neighbours enjoyed fellowship & a BBQ.  

 

Reminder that next week is lawn bowls; practice commences at 6:00pm.  Meal will be served at 7:00pm. Remember, NO HEELS, cost is $25pp.

 

Going by last years' efforts, I think a full club contingent will be present at 6:00pm!

 

Friends of Rotary: minor changes have been made to the draft guidelines previously provided to members.  At a function recently held at Parliament House, Robyn found another Club that has a successful Friends of Rotary within their Club.  She is waiting to make contact with the Club to gather more information.

 

Interclub Visit:  Bus trip to Donnybrook on Monday 29th February.  Cost is $33pp.  Departure will be 5:50pm.  Can members please rsvp to Keith as soon as possible; the mode of transport is dependent on the number of attendees. Don't forget.....it is BYO.

 

Terry ran through the options for attending this years' District Conference in Bunbury and encouraged members to consider attending - even if only for the day.  If there is enough interest for a day trip, transport can be organised. FREE accommodation is available; Terry has the details. Registration is on line and closing soon.

 

As an added incentive, one lucky Rotarian will have the chance to win the cost of their registration back.  Print a copy of your confirmation of registration and your name will go into the draw.

 

Bob was relieved to report that there are now only 4 outstanding invoices for the Rotary Calendar!

 

Alice is very excited to be attending the 2016 NW Safari, departing 22nd May.  An optional activity while on Safari is swimming with the Whale Sharks - something very unique.  As the cost of this is quite expensive, Alice had an idea of how she could raise the funds.....Alice has offered to cook members an Italian meal; instead of the funds going to the regular caterers, the cost of the meal will go towards swimming with the Whale Sharks.

The date for this Italian feast is 28 April.

 

The Club had previously approved the purchase of a new projector and a cabinet to house all audio equipment.  However, due to numerous delays this has not been carried out. At the Directors meeting on Wednesday, John was again given approval to proceed with the purchase of a new projector and screen.

 

Approval was also given to purchase a ready-made cabinet from Bunnings.  This cabinet will accommodate all audio equipment - mikes, speaker, laptop, data projector.  

 

Barbara introduced two members of the 4 member team of Cure-inators of Collie, Jodie Pilatti and Jodie Chellini.  The team participated in a 2 day bike marathon, cycling 220km to raise awareness/funds for cancer.  The Club donated $500.

 

The team had set a target of raising $15,000; although they realised it was going to be a mean feat, they were extremely thankful and proud to raise $16,190.78!

 

Jodie x 2 relived their two day marathon with tales of very early morning starts,  strong cross winds, flat tyre, strong head winds, stacks, flat tyre, heavy rain, cold weather, lack of sleep and a flat tyre.  Unfortunately, one rider had to withdraw due to an injury. They shared the journey along with 1,336 other riders.

 

Their accommodation for the night was in Smurf Village.....100's of blue tents lined up.  Tents had also been set up for food, massages, yoga, dancing. 

 

At the completion of their marathon, the team treated themselves to a night at the Crown, where the bonus was bumping into James Packer whilst dressed in Hotel robes.

 

The ride is open to all ages and all walks of life.  Cancer survivors were identified by a yellow flag attached to their bike.  The girls admitted that training was hard, but fundraising was harder.  Marg Swan was given the honour of being the official flag bearer for the cause.

 

Jodie x 2 thanked the Club again for the donation.

 

In his vote of thanks, Greg Smith congratulated the girls; they completed the 2 day marathon in terrible conditions, it was a top effort!

 

The girls should be very proud of their achievement.

 

 

The Collie Early Education Centre will commence operation from their new facilities on Monday 29th February.  A plea for assistance has been received requesting manpower for the move over the weekend of 27th & 28th February.  If you are able to assist in any way, please contact Tim Sebel 0409 723 793.