Past President Bob, led the meeting with the invocation, followed by a most familiar song "We are Australian" and also, "Edelweiss".
President Neil welcomed members and guests. Donna introducing Kristy Ramshaw and Phil Bartolow who will be speaking on their recent trip to the USA to visit a sister fire brigade in Prescott, Arizona.
In absence of Vocational Graeme, President Neil reminded members to confirm with Keith Martin their attendance on the Mystery Tour for the 3rd December, and invite anyone else who may want to attend. Only a few weeks away and we need to confirm numbers.
Leeuwin Adventure nominee - Keller Peel and family are to provide for 1/2 the funding required and Collie Rotary will support the application for the remainder.
RYLA - Kerryn Davis, our sole applicant is keen to commit, however has been offered a FIFO job starting in a few weeks. She is in discussion with the employer to allow her to attend. So waiting for confirmation.
Harry gave a report on the progress made to upgrade the BMX Club track canteen. It looks good and called for volunteers for tomorrow to continue work between 4PM and 6PM. Martin volunteered and if anyone else can assist Harry and Rory O'Connor, please let Harry know.
Allanson Path - Mark thanked all who helped on the Friday with setting the formwork, and on the Saturday with the concrete pour and leveling. The path looks good and an improvement to the continuation through to Allanson.
Collie Show Gates - confirmed the attendance for the gate roster. John Bylund will be standing in for Murray Wall. Also the roster may need to go beyond 6PM and Mark called for volunteers. martin and Damien responded and will be needed only if the Collie Show confirms if the gate is needed past 6PM.
Epicure Restaurant - with absence of Mike, President Neil agreed that the Epicure was a great night enjoyed by all. Of the two tables, one was ahead in the food and drink while the other showed a little more decorum while waiting for their meal. Thanks for the suggestion goes to Robyn and to mike for the organisation.
Collie Rotary Wall calendar - President Neil reminded member to be early for next week as this will be dedicated to collating the annual Collie Rotary Wall Calendar. There will be Pizza and we need at least 10 members. Joe has done a fantastic job with the forthcoming calendar and the club very much appreciates his efforts as this is a major fundraiser for the year. Be early as we start binding at 6PM. Peter offered to collate some at his Newsagency as this is going to be a large amount of work previously done by Collie Senior High School students.
Treasurer Bob wanted to clarify further the the Treasurer's role and the ease of using the Rekon program. In fact, through the week it took less time than was anticipated and reported last week. The work done to make the program work has resulted in a much easier workflow and anyone could run the program once given some instruction.
Attendance was 93.33% with 23 attendance, 2 apologies, 5 makeups, 2 guests, 2 85ers and 1 club daughter.
Cards, Steve drew but couldn't find the Joker.
Wheel, Tony yet again and Jim. Both missing their mark on the wheel.
Foreign matter in the collection - as a follow up from last week Keith noted that a certain member or members have worsened by now using washers in the coins collected. Having gone from foreign coins to washers they couldn't use on the pokies at the casino. The matter is quite serious as washers are not legal tender. We are hoping to shim them out and see who makes a bolt for the door.
GENERAL FINES - Welcome-backs: 4 including Alice, Birthday: Murray for Lorraine on the 24th, Badges: Doug, Guests: Kristy and Phil, Late: Mark, In the press: Rod (Bill the horse), Peter's Grandson, Neil Cards: Steve, Wheel: Tony, Jim,
BUY-THE-BOX - Blow in the bag: Bernie and Keith martin (both sober), John Bylund for Peter: Sssh?, IT Issue: Neil couldn't get Donna so called Robyn who called Donna (all solved), Cops here Tonight?: Harry on Damien who thought our speakers were cops and ordered a light beer, French Purse: Jim for Alice having a French handbag and not a quality Italian purse. Path: Robyn on Mark for spreading the concrete, Charles and Camilla: Neil on Rod for his invite to meet Royalty, Joke: Packing suitcases and living on $800 per year.
Donna introduced Kristy Ramshaw and Phil Bartolo who were invited along with a few other Western Australian firefighters to visit the town of Prescott in Arizona following the tragic loss of 19 fire fighters on 30 June 2013. Collie Rotary contributed towards funding the visit to the USA by the Preston Road Bush Fire Brigade.
Phil and Kristy explained following a series of email exchanges and phone calls, they were part of a team invited to meet the survivors of the Granite Mountain fires in Prescott, Arizona, USA. They were taken by their hosts to the location of the tragedy to get a better understanding of the circumstances and conditions on that day. The firefighters who lost their lives were a team called Hot Shots whose task was to build firebreaks to prevent the fire spreading and were subsequently caught in the fire's path.
On their visit to Prescott, our group found the town of 50,000 is still grieving and coming to terms with its loss. Special memorials have been constucted.
The presentation (attached here) also gives an insight into the organisation of fire services and the equipment employed by our sister fire station. Flags and plaques were exchanged and these teams across the world still keep in touch.
Keith martin thanked Phil and Kristy for their presentation and the sometimes dangerous worked performed by our firefighters and those around the world. Much appreciated by Rotary and our communities.
