President Neil welcomed all in attendance,including Alice Bellini, Sharon and James Moulden (outbound youth exchange student).  Bob then blessed us with Grace and lead us in the chorus of We are Australian.  Bob also lead us in Puff the Magic Dragon.  Seems our childhood memories have escaped us and we only managed the chorus.....

 

President Neil presented James with his jacket and Club banner.  I'm sure James will have an abundance of trinkets hooked to his jacket by the time he returns home.  President Neil and the Club wished James well; he departs Perth at 2230 on Saturday 23rd January.  James said he was looking forward to his journey and thanked the Club for sponsoring him, he also promised to do the Club proud.

 

 

Graham reported that Apprentice of the Year planning is underway with letters to employers being the first step calling for nominations.  The date for this years' Awards evening is scheduled for Thursday 5th May.

With anticipated extra visitors through town this weekend, Bob was keen to have a quick clean up on the main arterial roads in/out of Collie and display the collected rubbish bags with signage for all to see and hopefully send the message "TO TAKE YOUR RUBBISH HOME!" If you are able to assist on Saturday 23rd January, please meet at the Collie Visitor Centre at 0730.

A draft copy of guidelines/ideas to formally establish "Friends of Rotary" were provided for all members.  Robyn requested that members read these and provide feedback, sooner rather than later. Robyn would also like to hold a new members night, but expressed that this would not proceed unless she had full support and assistance from the Club.  Members present were fully supportive of the idea.  No date has been set.

Rotary vs Lions Lawn Bowls will be held on 25th February.  Partners welcome

A sundowner is being planned which will be held at Keith & Libby Hopkins'.  A date has not been set. 

Geoff reported that Darren Kauren has officially been appointed CAR Event Co-ordinator; and has commenced working in this role.  The remuneration package is dependent on the difference in the number of teams in previous years.  It is hoped that Darren is able to attend Rotary in the near future.

A friendly reminder from Bob for members assigned businesses with outstanding invoices to continue to follow up payment.

The Club has been nominated for an Environmental Award at this years' Australia Day celebrations. All members are encouraged to march; if you would like to join the procession, please assemble at the goods shed at 0700.  Bob Greig and Mark Sanders will represent the Club to receive the Certificate of nomination.

 

Our very own Rodney Cross has been nominated for Citizen of the Year.  Well done Rodney! 

 

It would be rewarding to see a sea of Rotary shirts amongst the crowd to support our members.

President Neil chaired topics for Club discussion.

 

Rotary mobile cool room:  Previously used by Anglicare until their closure.  The Club have been offered $3,000 to buy the cool room; the cool room was initially purchased for $10,000.  It is licensed until April.  At the Directors meeting held on Wednesday 20th Jan, it was decided to trial hiring out the cool room if the club was in agreeance.  Insurance of the cool room was raised as a concern.  As District Insurance Officer Keith was in attendance he was able to answer the query: Although rules for hiring out the cool room will need to be checked, Keith confirmed that the trailer would be insured whilst it is stationery - not in transit.  Murray felt that although the cool room was structurally sound, it could do with a lick of paint and sprucing up. Peter Reuben offered to store the cool room at his residence.  Terry Hunter confirmed that it would not be feasible to alter the cool room to a freezer.

 

 

ICE: The fight against this destructive drug has been taken up by the Rotary Club of Orange, NSW.  A copy of an article published in RDU magazine was provided for background information.  Doug is concerned about the drug problem in our own town and wondered if the Club would like to take action based on the RC of Orange.  It was suggested & agreed that the primary schools are included in any program instigated, with the program & content adapted for the appropriate age.  John Vlasich advised members that a community forum/meeting was held in December 2015 with approx. 50 in attendance.

 

Following general discussion, it was decided to approach the RC of Orange for a copy of the program which should then be viewed to work on what action the Club can take.

 

Waroona & Districts Fires:  Neil asked members what action, as a Club, we could take.  Peter Reuben informed members that Jan Gillard had spent 2 weeks selling raffling tickets with donations received from Collie businesses and residents.  An estimated sum of $3,000 has been raised to date.  It was suggested that Jan may give it to the Rotary Club to then forward on; perhaps the Club could also contribute financially as well as physically ie fencing.  The Directors would like to recommend a financial donation of $5,000 with the Club's approval.  It was suggested that Jan Gillard could add her raffle takings to our $5,000.  Neil had contacted the RC of Pinjarra to seek the best way Collie could assist.  There are presently 12 Rotarians fencing on a daily basis and they would greatly appreciate some help.   Contributing to the Lord Mayors fund is also an option.  Terry Hunter felt that at this stage physical labour seems to be the most immediate beneficial way we could contribute.  As there are a couple of Rotary Clubs and the Lord Mayors fund as avenues of collecting donations it was felt that the RC of Pinjarra were well organised and co-ordinating fencing etc in an efficient way.  The Lord Mayors fund although viable, seems to be more a of a long term solution, whereas the RC of Pinjarra are taking immediate action.  

 

 

Chapel: President Neil handed over the reigns to Gary Evans with IT assistance from Geoff Blackford. 

Gary shared 3D images of the Chapel created by the Architect.  Gary explained the layout, location, building material.  If the majority of the Club are happy with the design and format, then the committee will advise the Architect so progress can be underway.  Vandalism was raised as a concern due to being out of town; however, the committee have considered various options of locations with the cemetery being the best option.  Security cameras would be essential regardless of location.  Donna suggested the potential for cameras at the chapel to be linked into the Shire's current CCTV system.  The desired location is banked on 3 sides by bush; Terry Hunter advised the new fire laws & regs require a 100m clearance.  This would still enable landscaping to be established.

 

As discussion on this topic could go forever, Neil requested the Club make a decision on the design concept.  Fire regulations, finer details are not the concern at this stage.  A 3D image with the trees was also requested as this would change the appearance considerably.  

 

 

District Conference: 18-20 March 2016

 

President Neil strongly urged members to attend; as the Conference is so close to home, it would be great to have a sea of Collie Rotarians attending together.

Heather Reid, RC of Bunbury has 3 double rooms available for members.  Heather lives in College Grove.  Heather's contact details are: 0428 941 480.

 

 

Meals:  Although discussed countless times, it's on the agenda again and also at the Director's meeting.  A LOT of discussion, comments, thoughts and ideas were raised:

Weekly break down:

$15 - meal

$  3 - Golf Club                  

$  2 - RI

$  1 - cards

$  1 - guest speaker/visitors

$22

 

NB:  Caterers charge for kitchen hire  - $50

 

For - 10     Against - Editor failed to hear this figure

 

 

For - 12    Against - (Editor did not hear this)

 

It became quite confusing and hectic here; I will amend any inaccurate notes if advised by the President.

 

Due to the hour, President Neil closed discussions.  The Directors will consider all discussions held tonight at their next Directors meeting.

Leave of Absence:  Although the Directors are notified in writing of a request for leave of absence, it is up to YOU, the individual member, to notify Keith Martin that you will be away.  

Rubbish pick up: 0730 Saturday 23rd January.  Meeting at the Collie Visitor Centre

Australia Day: 0700 Tuesday 26th January.  Meet at Goods Shed to join the march and support Rodney Cross & the Club's nomination for the Environmental Award.

4 Way Speech Finals: 1830 Monday 22nd February.  Bendigo Stadium, Mandurah

Lawn Bowls: 1830 Thursday 25th February. Partners welcome

Interclub Meeting:  1830 Monday 29th February.