President Neil welcomed partners, guests and members.

 

Songmaster Bob lead us in grace and the chorus of We are Australian.

 

John was happy to report that James Moulden is living the dream.....he has settled in very well to life in Belgium..tasting copious amounts of beer (Dad is very jealous!), travelling to Paris, Brussells, Amsterdam; but is feeling the bitter cold weather.

 

With regard to the YEP, John urgently needs Rotarians (& their family) to commit to being a host family soon if the Club are going to accept an inbound student; although hosting a student can be hectic at times, it is very rewarding and satisfying to be a part of a once in a life time journey for these students.

 

On a side note....Whilst students from CSHS were travelling on the Gallipoli tour last year, they befriended a group of students from Belgium; their association and friendship has resulted in a group of Belgium students visiting Collie today/tomorrow.

 

Keller Peel will be addressing the Club on his adventure on the Leeuwin Sail Training Ship. 

John re-iterated that Keller has expressed a desire to participate in the YEP.....but we require host families.

 

Friends of Rotary:  A revised copy of guidelines was circulated to members.  Robyn asked that members take the time to read the guidelines and email any comments direct to her; Directors will discuss this at the next meeting on Wednesday 17th February. 

 

4 Way Speech Finals:  A reminder that the finals will be held on Monday 22nd February in Mandurah.  Names need to be in by Wednesday if you are attending.  Cost is $25.  

Present list of Rotarians supporting Janeece on the night include: JB, Eric Parsonage, Martin Boettcher, Robyn Yates.

If you would like to attend please contact me as soon as possible 0429 445 280.

 

Mark hand-balled this to Libby.

Libby previously addressed the Club regarding reinstating a PROBUS Club in Collie.  A meeting has now been organised for Tuesday 1st March at 10:30am and will be held at the Collie Golf Club.  Senior  WA representatives of  PROBUS will also be in attendance.  Libby requires the assistance of the Club in providing details of prospective over 55ers to be invited on the day.  A PROBUS club can only be instated by a Rotary Club; once the PROBUS club is operational, Rotary does not need to be involved.  

 

Libby's details:

E: keithandlibbyhopkins@hotmail.com 

Ph: 9796 1947

Mob: 0417 345 256

 

via Graeme Pilatti, Neil reported that Graeme had been chatting with a HR Manager from Premier Coal.  He mentioned that the apprentices who had participated in the Mock Interviews definately showed a distinct difference.

Definately need to keep the program running.

 

 

Sundowner:  Reminder tomorrow night is sundowner night at Keith and Libby Hopkins.  Their lovely residence is at 51 Roberts Rd, Australind.

BYO - drinks, meat, salad or dessert to share.

If you get lost: 9796 1947

 

Lawns Bowls: competition night is set for 25th February, $25pp, partners welcome.  Don't  forget ladies, NO HEELS.

 

With the return of quiet shopping centres and kiddies back in school, the Smith Family will be commencing their 2016 program in two weeks.  If the current number of volunteers remain the same, you would only be rostered on 2-3 times per term. The Smith Family are an Educational Charity for disadvantaged children; you do not need to be a teacher to volunteer and training is provided.  Reading is done on a Tuesday for 1 hour. Many thanks to Neil Martin who has been a volunteer for the past two years, but due to increased work load, has had to step down. Current Rotarians include Jim, Mike, Steve & Barb.  Please see Barbara if you would like any further details.

 

Donna gave an insight into her last couple of weekends fencing for a local farmer. When Donna & Steve attended the first fencing busy bee, they befriended one local farmer who was very appreciative of their efforts and invited them to return.  This farmer was overwhelmed with the workload required and just did not know where to start.  Out of a group of 8, 5 were Collie people - very satisfying to be apart of the community.  Donna feels that life long friendships can be formed through sharing these experiences; the farmers wife is also 5 months pregnant!

President Neil congratulated Donna on her selfless efforts.

Libby also commented that the farmers have been totally overwhelmed by the support of volunteers.  Another fencing weekend is scheduled for 20/21 February; details will be circulated soon.

 

Bob was pleased to report that we are getting  closer to the end of road as more outstanding payments have been received for the calendar.  Bob has again sent a reminder email to those businesses with outstanding invoices, however, it seems that approaching the business in person seems to be working the best.  The calendar raises $20,000, so it is a very worthwhile project; it is disappointing when so much effort needs to be spent on chasing payment.

 

Attendance:  86.20%

 

Jackpot:  Robyn had a chance at the $60....but missed out.

 

Wheel of No Hope:  Doug and Terry...still no hope

 

Seargeant Gary:  Fines varied this week with the addition of partners and guests; Terry Hunter did not let us down; then we had a few birthdays, inductions, no badges, press princesses, cards, wheel.

Some great stories with buying the box, but the winner would have to Barb's story of her lovely daughter's wedding and the Bride's parents being very late.  Barb had everything fined tuned to the last minute.....all went horribly wrong in the last hour!

The Club was very fortunate to hear first hand of a personal experience with the perils of drug addiction.  Rod & Jo have opened their home to help Matt overcome his addiction with support, love & guidance.

Matt first started smoking marijuana at 13; at 19 he was offered meth.  And that was the start of the downward spiral.  It was very humbling for everyone to hear Matt tell us his story of how he became addicted and why; why it was hard to stop; why he feels moving from Collie is his best option to remain clean; and how he coped from day to day.

Matt definately feels that an educational program should be taught in primary schools.  Although it may not stop everyone from trying drugs, it will better prepare them for high school where peer pressure can be tough, but the knowledge of the perils of drug addiction may be a deterrent.

It was surprising to hear just how easy it is to buy drugs in town; social media (face book) is popular, as well as "word of mouth".

President Neil and members are very appreciative of Matt sharing his story; we acknowledge his personal battle and understand how difficult it is to stand before his peers to answer questions so openly and honestly; a courageous thing to do.

Thank you Matt; the Rotary Club of Collie wish you well for the future.  May you have the strength and courage to continue your journey to a clean, healthy and happy future.

 

 

Wednesday 17th Feb Directors Meeting at Graeme Pilatti's

Monday 22nd Feb 4 Way Speech Finals Mandurah.  Please rsvp to Robyn by Wednesday 0429 445 280

Thursday 25 Feb Lawn Bowls Lions vs Rotary

Monday 29 Feb Interclub visit Donnybrook

 

 

 

WELCOME: Tony Ambrose

SET UP: Murray Wall, Norm Wiese

GUEST SPEAKERS: "Curinators" of Collie return to share their experience