Rob Rosaia kicked off the proceedings last week in his own inimitable style. But before any formalities took place a rousing rendition of Happy Birthday was sung by all, to celebrate a milestone birthday for a club stalwart.
Thank you John Langley for the time and effort you have put into serving the community and the Rotary Club of Bendigo Sandhurst. Rarely have you been beaten to set up and greet members and guests. Your cheerful disposition and ability to have things organised is appreciated by all who attend our meetings and community service activities. Congratulations John and Thank you.
An impromptu guest speaker was former DG Arthur Mansur from Adelaide. Arthur and his colleague David Jones DGN, were in Bendigo to scope out the opportunity for holding their District Conference in Bendigo. They had been to Swan Hill, however they were both quickly informed by all present that Bendigo is and should be the preferred option. President Graeme only had “one job”, according to chair Rob and that was to present one of the new club banners to Arthur. Mea Culpa, I left them at home!
As the meeting was a club assembly it was an opportunity for the new team to present some of their ideas for this coming year. Adrian and Toni will be guided by members this year in their joint roles as PE and Club Service. Adrian has just arrived home from overseas and Toni has been busy at work prior to going on the RFE trip to Scotland, hence their fluid planning process.
George has taken on the role as “Grants Officer”, a new position to identify the opportunities for financial support for our major funded projects. True to form George has already attended a grants writing workshop facilitated by the Greater City of Bendigo and has identified a few housekeeping processes that we must put in place before applying for a grant. George has been in correspondence with Mark Stephens from D9800 to source support from Rotary. George has met with Ashley Eadon to “catch up” on her future plans and with Darren McGregor, Principal, Marist College on the provision of Vocational Scholarships for students going into a trade.
Ted indicated that Community Service will be “as usual” and that a “save the date” for September 20 is observed by members and friends of the club for the sewing day at the RANCH. More details later.
Cathie Miller has taken on Youth Service and is keen to work with the Cluster clubs on coordinated activities. Both Weeroona College and Lightning Reef Primary School will be supported by the club and Cathie and Graeme will meet with their leadership team after her RFE trip. Travel safely Cathie.
Cathie also reminded members to familiarise themselves with Club Runner and install the new App on their devices. Documents requiring uploading should be sent to Geoff Michell, Secretary We might have a Club Runner, Professional Development morning in the future?
Peter Elliot informed members that the club will be purchasing a GoPos machine to allow for cash payments to the club at any activity we facilitate. It will be great for the markets as well as catering functions where many customers do not have cash. Peter also reminded members that Club dues can be paid at the meetings!. Peter also reminded those present that any expenditure requires either the authorisation form (on Club Runner) or two emails indicating approval of that expense.
Ray Carrington, well organised as usual has identified that International Service will be supporting the Foundation, a Royce Abbey Award, DIK (Donations in Kind), RAM (Rotarians against Malaria), Water and Sanitation, RFE (Rotary Fellowship Exchange) trips both in and out (we are hosting the Canadians in early 2019) Rebuilding Samoa, ) (supporting Paul Kirkpatrick) Disaster Aid Australia and the knitting project in Timor Leste. Paul Kirkpatrick gave an update on the projects in Samoa as Gary Gunnel and Joy Bruce are looking at identifying further projects requiring support from the Bendigo clubs. Paul provided a Camp Getaway update on water storage, electricity usage and the new kitchen.
To finish off what was already a jam packed meeting Peter Elliot presented an update on the new requirements for Working with Children’s (WWCC) cards and the need to have the Rotary Club of Bendigo Sandhurst identified as the organisation that you volunteer for AND the District 9800 Form 3, which is a volunteer check required separately from the WWCC for insurance purposes. This information has been circulated and any completed Form 3 can be given or sent electronically to Judy Miatke, Rob Rosaia or Graeme Lynas, for the reference check to be completed. This process is confidential and as required the club and District must adhere to the necessary legislation.
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