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President Neville Taylor opened the meeting by inviting Chair Kevin Love to propose a toast to Rotary International. Visitors: President Neville also welcomed back Gerard Hogan, Kevin Walklate and John Hinrichs. Truth or Tale? Suvam Ganguli shared the true story about how he developed a keen interest in travelling. As a baby, he spent a night with the wife of the local elephant trainer, whilst the elephant trainer guided Suvam's parents on an elephant through a jungle. Announcements: Frank O'Brien informed members of the 70th anniversary for RC Euchuca-Moama on Tuesday 25th September. Please let Frank know if you able to attend so that transport can be arranged. Kevin Love informed members of the Police Mentoring Breakfast on Tuesday 25th September. President Neville reminded members of the Special Breakfast with Lord Mayor Sally Capp on Tuesday 18th September and requested members to book their / their guest's attendance this week. President Neville informed members about the Victorian Police initiative "Head to Head Fundraising Walk 2018" to increase awareness of mental health. Victorian Police Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton and the Victorian Police Acsociation Secretary Sergeant Wayne Gatt will walk from opposite corners of Victoria, visiting police stations and participating in community activities and meet in Wangaratta. Rotary Clubs will be supporting this initiative. President Neville thanked the 25 members who had participated in recent meetings arranged by other Rotary Clubs.
Directors Q&A: President Neville opened the session by summarizing what had been discussed at the Kickstart Meeting in June and how this had contributed to our clubs strategic plans. Neville highlighted that the attendees had been challenged to think beyond the coming 12 months to what we would like our club to be like in 3 years time. Responding to a question about the partnerships that our club was looking to develop: Warwick Cavell mentioned promising contacts with William Angliss Institute and Quick Copy. Frank O'Brien and Therese Robinson highlighted the opportunities to deepen our partnerships with Caprice who had donated children's clothes and shoes and Concern Australia who had distributed Christmas hampers collected by our club. Elias Lebbos identified the opportunity to work with Princes Hill Secondary College and Police Legacy to develop new ways to assist young people. President Neville stated that Stuart Ellis was developing a corporate membership proposal for the Board. Rob Hines highlighted the responsibility of the International Team to develop sister club relationships and the specific opportunity with RC Kolkata
Responding to a question about how newer members can learn about club projects: Sarah Overton, Elias Lebbos and Kevin Love recommended that members speak with Directors and other knowledgeable members involved in specific projects of interest. Warwick Cavell agreed to revise our club's 1-day plan and make it more readily available Roger Thornton highlighted that all members may attend a Board Meeting. Assistant Governor Dale Hoy stated that RC Balwyn regularly shares its 4 year strategic plan with members.
President Neville invited Directors to share some examples of how the club is modernizing: Rob Soros stated that the change of the weekly Swindle to Social EnterPrize was enabling members to contribute to social enterprizes to assist disadvantaged people. Rob Soros mentioned the creation of an online roster for our breakfast meetings. Sarah Overton highlighted the Be Collective online platform to connect people with volunteering opportunities.
President Neville closed the meeting by sharing a recent experience. Neville received a call from Margo in Ballarat, who was looking for someone to help assemble a trampoline for her disabled grandson. Margo had obtained Neville's phone number by accessing the RC Central Melbourne website. After making several calls, Neville enlisted the assistance from RC Diamond Creek, Diamond Valley Lions and Banyule Men's Shed to assemble the trampoline. Shortly afterwards, Neville received a call from Margo's daughter to thank all involved for making an incredible difference for her son. |