46 members logged in to the meeting.
President Therese Robinson opened the meeting with acknowledgement of the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we meet, and welcomed guests.
Chair Ann King proposed the toast to Rotary International.
Guest speaker: Ian Hamm – Rotary and Reconciliation
Ian highlighted the importance of continuing the practice of acknowledging the country, wherever we are and not to consider it essential just for reconciliation week. Ian then explained the origin of Reconciliation Action Plans (RAPs) and gave a brief history of the RAPs and he mentioned a success factor in the reconciliation is developing strong relationships between Aboriginal communities and the others including Rotary clubs.
“It is an increasing set of relationships”, he said in response to what reconciliation is about.
He mentioned that there is guidance on how to develop a RAP and it is vital to consider it is not easy, it will take time and effort. It is a journey for both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people to understand each other better.
It is not just for the non-Aboriginal communities and the Aboriginal people to understand what an organisation is doing and how they function.
In any organisation embarking on the reconciliation journey must be mindful of this. This is not a "ticking-the-box" exercise. This is not about the RAPs, and the things you do within them. The original concept of reconciliation is to build relationships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people. This was not about outcomes for the organisation.
This is about transforming the people within an organisation or within a community to better understand the relationship with the Aboriginal community.
It's the same for the Aboriginal community so that they have a better understanding of the non-Aboriginal community and they have enablers to have a better relationship, and simply using the vehicle of an organisation’s RAP; that's what their purpose is, to simply be a vehicle.
The other important question that organisations are asking in a RAP, is what can we do? A good example of that is a bank that developed a RAP and added many unachievable factors to it. Still, later they reviewed their plan and asked themselves what do we do? As a bank they had a lot of interaction with Aboriginal people, and they realised they could employ people. Therefore, to have a meaningful plan the organisation should know what they do before deciding what they can influence.
“So, with Rotary Clubs, if they want to do things with the Aboriginal community or interact with the Aboriginal community, two questions I would ask. If you're doing things with the Aboriginal community, or you're doing things to the Aboriginal community. You're doing things for the Aboriginal community, or you're doing things by the Aboriginal community? That's important. I think a lot of just genuinely service organisations, particularly when they visit Aboriginal communities. The question that isn't asked is, who is this really for?” Ian said.
Ian responded to some questions from the audience after his exciting presentation.
Announcements
Wedding Anniversaries
Kevin and Veronica Love 2nd June 42 years
Date Joined Rotary
Mary Voice 4th June 2001 20 years
Sarah Overton 7th June 2016 5 years
Rohan Williams on tree planting:
This is just a reminder to the members of the great opportunity our club has for a local community service working beside Philip Island LandCare group and former members. It is on the weekend of 19th and 20th June. So, if you want to come, just for one of these days please let Rohan know.
Rob Hines on India Covid Appeal:
Our lockdown in Melbourne reminded us that COVID Pandemic is not over. Also, we are hearing a lot of news from our sister club in Kolkata, India. As you may have seen on media the Covid situation in India you are probably appalled. There is a massive shortage of oxygen and in some remote areas the situation is worse. So, on Tuesday morning, I will launch an appeal to all the club members of district 9800 to collect $10,000 through donations and transfer it directly to our sister club there. Below please find the link to support:
Rhys Williams also supported this appeal, and he mentioned the devastating news he receives from his former colleagues in India.
Campbell Chambers – Changeover Dinner Raffle Prizes
Our changeover dinner is not far away (25th June) and Campbell has reminded us about the raffle on the night. Members are encouraged to donate any prize-worthy items; donations received to date are gratefully acknowledged. For donations and further details, please contact Campbell.
Pocket Positive - Herb Greenwood
Herb shared a pocket positive about his journey to the North of the state. His experience was about, not that he is David Attenborough, but it was about the life of the magpies. Herb says “Magpie is a very charming bird. It's a great alarm clock early in the morning”. It was a lesson learned for him as it's one of the positives of getting out of Melbourne after the lockdown and travelling somewhere. Herb is looking forward to that again.
President Therese Reflection’s on the day:
“My President’s term was almost all online - we started out in lockdown and we are back in lockdown again. However, we are very fortunate in Melbourne and there are dire situations around the world. There are many funds and organisations are available and we have the opportunity to support our sister club directly.”
Also, to reflect on Ian’s great presentation, Therese believes we have a more important role than ever. “It is very important for me and we should find the best ways to support the Aboriginal community but build the relationship and nurture it”.
The meeting was then adjourned.
