President Neil welcomed all in attendance and invited members to stand for grace and song.  Bob led us in our usual composition followed by the chorus of John Denver's Country Roads.

JB was delighted to report that James Moulden had arrived safely in Belgium and conceded that Aussie jumpers just weren't warm enough. James arrived on Sunday and started school the very next day; he has been given a very warm welcome.  At least that's what he's thinking as the language is a slight hurdle at the moment.

 

With regard to the student exchange program, JB is seeking confirmation of host families before the Club can commit to sponsoring another student. Please give it some thought and let JB know soon.

 

President Neil commented on the smiling faces on the front page of the Collie Mail of Rotarians joining in the Australia Day march.  Rotary and Rotarians were prominent in the Awards:

 

John initially hoped to have a guest speaker representing Rotary Foundation during Foundation month of November.  He was happy to report that Peter Brown has accepted an invitation to address the Club in April on a recent polio trip he undertook.

 

Mark thanked Bob, Jim, Doug and Robyn for their efforts on Saturday morning picking up rubbish.  Doug & Jim collected on the road heading west and Bob and Robyn tidied up the east bound road. The rubbish was piled high and displayed with signs near the cemetery to remind visitors and locals to take their rubbish home.  There is a slight mystery in that no-one knows who picked up the signs and the rubbish!  Mark will check with the Shire.

Mark also presented to the Club (via President Neil) the Australia Day Environmental Award.

Robyn reminded members to read the draft Friends of Rotary guidelines distributed the week before.  Comments would be appreciated soon to enable an update to be discussed at the next Director's meeting.

 

A sundowner is scheduled for Friday 12th February at Keith & Libby Hopkins'. A BBQ will be provided; transport will be car-pooling.  Please let Mike know if you would like to attend.

Another friendly reminder regarding approaching businesses with unpaid Calendar invoices to be followed up.

 

With regard to the ICE dilemma; Bob may have someone prepared to address the Club on the topic.

 

Bob would like the Club to commit to picking up rubbish on a regular basis; he would also like to approach the Shire for consideration to signage, something like "This is a clean roads town" to be displayed at the entrances to town.  It is hoped that if we keep the roads clean & tidy, it may entice travellers and locals not to spoil the scenery and throw their trash out the window.  The Club would need to be able to assist at short notice.

 

It is hoped to re-establish a Probus Club in Collie.  Libby, Doug Gulvin & Peter Reuben have held discussions and are now ready to make a start with a letter to be circulated inviting potential members to attend an interest meeting.  Don Faulks and Winston Marsh will also be in attendance to offer support & guidance.  Libby would like as many members as possible to assist with preparation and attend on the night.  Probus is a Rotary initiated program, open to over 55's, men and women.

 

 

Alice wanted to let members know how much she enjoyed Australia Day and how impressed she was at the way we celebrate it.

 

Students on exchange organize a fundraiser which is carried out during their 12 month exchange.  Alice reported that this years' students had decided that all funds raised will be donated to the Yarloop appeal.

 

Gary imposed fines for birthdays, welcome backs, and the usual late (Terry) and early for a change (Bernie), being in the press, particularly Rod who featured 3 times. 

Bob was fined by Robyn for the rather unpleasant odour of his rubbish!

 

Attendance this week: 86.20%

 

President Neil has previously asked members for ideas for fundraising.  As a Club, we are active and help members of the community financially, but we need to replenish funds.  Steve Smith had previously circulated ideas he had thought of which included the following:

Other ideas raised by members on the night:

General consensus amongst members felt that a trailer with DIY equipment was a good idea; concern was raised that we should be mindful of local businesses & stealing their thunder.....

 

President Neil was happy with input and felt that Directors now had something to work with; now need to decide where/what to spend the funds!

 

 

30/31 Jan - RC Pinjarra Fencing

22 Feb - 4 Way Speech Finals - Mandurah

25 Feb - Rotary vs Lions Lawn Bowls

29 Feb - Interclub visit, Donybrook