OPENING.
PRESIDENT Justine welcomed guests and proposed the toast to Rotary International.
Guests; Michael Lapina; Bob Nield [Canberra Sunrise]; Pascale and Sophie Cellier [France]; Bruce McBain [Honorary Member]; Kate Strain [Assistant Governor, Batman Cluster]; and(our own) District Governor Neville John and Wife Rebecca, visiting in their official capacity.
ANNOUNCEMENTS.
- Kevin Love expressed his special thanks to all those who attended the special meeting held last Sunday for the District Conference.
- Peter Duras gave an invitation to attend meeting for the YOUTH PROJECTS, Hosier Lane on the 3rd August with refreshments to follow.
- Peter also advised the delivery of warm gear donations for Youth Projects organised by the Rotary Club of Woodend and assisted by Bendigo area clubs. [Refer separate item in this Bulletin].
- Dick Mitchell is restricted to home following an Achilles injury which looks like grounding him for a few months. Dick would appreciate any cheer up calls.
- Allan Driver has assumed the role of Club Almoner in Dick’s absence.
INTERNATIONAL TEAM REPORT.
Team leader Rob introduced Roy Garrett who gave a presentation on the current situation of a young boy encountered on one of his many trips to LAOS.
This young boy, NON, was seen at a rural village near Luang Prabang where the club has financed new classrooms in the past. Non has advanced MEC characterised by a large protrusion on the bridge of his nose. This condition is fatal but can be treated if action is taken whilst the person is young and avoids injury.
Roy had arranged to have NON properly assessed as a potential case for good recovery if action is taken as a matter of urgency.
The action requires funding and an amount of USD 2,000 has been established as an interim target. Rob advised the International Team consider this a worthy cause for the club International program and recommended that we support this case by direct donation from members to optimise the giving to assist NON.
Donation slips had been distributed to the tables and the immediate response at the meeting was gratifying and almost overwhelmed Roy. The final result will depend on any gift from other members who were not at the meeting.
All donations will be held separately for Non’s treatment, the extent of which cannot be determined until surgery is undertaken. Any surplus will be placed in the clubs general funds. Refer also to separate item this Bulletin.
Photo. Roy with Non, his father, teacher and interpreter at Ban Houy Thae school in March.
INDUCTION.
President Justine completed the ‘re-induction’ of one of the Clubs popular past members
MCHAEL LAPINA.Michael was welcomed back with acclaim and treated us all to an excerpt from Pagliacci.
A great rendition and welcome back Michael.
GUEST SPEAKER.
District Governor NEVILLE JOHN [Club visit #1].
“TO SERVE IS A PRIVILEGE” was the opening comment by Neville, who also acknowledged the return of Michael Lapina to the team.
Neville thanked all those who had supported him since his first involvement with the club and especially the late RICHARD STONE.
ROTARY is serving humanity and we are not alone as we have the full family of Rotary following the cause so aptly put by Paul Harris at the formation of Rotary. With the spirit of Rotary and the right heart to assist others we must take what we can and use it. It is an honour to be invited to be part of Rotary where everything matters to improve lives by sharing our talents and knowledge.
.jpg)
.jpg)
Roy Garrett brought members up to date with the current position of helping Non, a 13 year old Laotian school boy, receive essential surgery for his life threatening and debilitating medical condition meningoencephilocele.
.jpg)
.jpg)
