A great roll up for our first meeting of the year which has traditionally been more of a social function with a few members. Good to see we are all keen for the new year!

It was great to welcome back Camellia from her pilgrimage to the middle east and to wish Johannes and Lee happy birthday.

Although I have been waiting for confirmation from the Grafton Rotary Club, President Chris assures me we have been invited to join them for Australia Day breakfast at See Park on Sunday 26th January. Details to come. This was a great day last year and all who attended enjoyed the opportunity to meet with fellow Rotarians and Inner Wheel members.

Our joint exchange student Drew will be joining our club on the 18 th January when he will be moving in with Lee and family, his first hosts. Lee has suggested a welcome BBQ on Sunday 19th starting at 5pm. Details to follow.

Whilst holidaying in Yamba I had the opportunity of seeing the annual Pig Racing Picnic Day run by Iluka Woombah Rotary. It was a hoot!. And a great way for them to raise some $12,000. We also had the opportunity to see the annual Fun Day sand sculpting organised by Yamba Rotary. A good turnout with plenty of contestants, and a great community event.

 

Happy New Year to everyone I hope your new year resolutions are are underway and progressing well.

 

Our 1st meeting of the year was well attended and we talked about;

 

Project Peace Day - where multicultural food is served to the community - planned date is on September 2021 - Phil Belletty and Bob have applied for the grant and are awaiting to hear back.

 

The Defibrillators to be installed into the CBD of Grafton - this project was made available through the funding of the Community Grant.  The paperwork has now all been lodged and we are just waiting to have the funds dispersed to move forward.

 

Youth Exchange Program - Drew Tuttle will be joining our club support from the 18th January.  He will be residing with me at home with my family.  I would like to welcome him with a BBQ dinner on Sunday the 19th January starting at 5pm.  All are welcome to come along and get to know Drew - please bring a plate to share for the BBQ.  Where: 95 North St Grafton.

 

Clarence Valley Australia Day Awards at Yamba have been sold out before the Club could secure spots.  The club wished me well on my nomination.  It is a great honour to be part of the selected nominees.

 

Reminder of the Joint Board Meeting for the 6th February - planning is paramount so bring along your ideas.

 

District Conference at Tenterfield is on in March - please consider coming along and not only developing Rotary knowledge but to support the community that have been doing it really hard especially during the fire season where many have lost homes and land.

I have not been to a conference as yet however have attended some of the Assembly meeting and they are a great opportunity to meet like minded people.  Lots of new ideas for projects, networking with new members and simply a good fellowship opportunity.

 

Richard reminded us that it is very important to RSVP if you are unable to come along to the meetings.  As you know we are required to pay for any meals that are not eaten.  The question remains.....Is it fair to all that the club has to pay for the meal that is not eaten due to non attendance.  How can we improve in this area?  Please let us know your thoughts on this to enable the board to discuss further.  Last meeting worked reasonably well when we all ordered from the menu although some meals did get mixed up.  Historically the feedback has been that it does not work well with our time frame for the meeting.