Rotary Central Melbourne
Zoom meeting, Tuesday 22nd September.
Chair: Campbell Chambers
Reporter: David Jones
44 members present.
President Therese opened the meeting with acknowledgement of the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we meet.
Campbell proposed the toast to Rotary International.
Welcome:
Therese welcomed visitors; Maria Fragomeni, Bernard Marchingo, Paul Cosgriff (Sunrise Probus), Mark Stansbury( RC Echuca/Moama), John Bone (Bearbrass Probus), and mentees of the RCM Pilot International Student Mentor Program Sreeja and Jaimin.
Guest Speaker Presentation:
Ignacio Inchausti (RCM member).
“Project and Program Management – The Art and Science of Delivery”
Ignacio presented ‘his personal story’, ‘a mere soundbite of today’s knowledge, presaging what we might expect tomorrow…..‘ An illustrated and clear presentation that struck such a note with members that question time extended well after the meeting closed, possibly setting a record for the club.
Project Management is defined as “The application of knowledge, skill, tools and techniques in order to meet project requirements.” Ignacio explained the body of knowledge is constantly updated through members coordination via their professional body, the Project Management Institute and their published, peer reviewed, “PMI Guide”. PMI membership covers 600,000 professional spread over 190 countries.
By the very nature of a project there is usually a fixed term and following a well-defined base process, which is varied to meet each unique situation. Ignacio emphasised the need for communication, communication, communication between the project team leaders and the client at all times, formal, pre-set, meetings and informal as the job progresses. In addition to expected skills and knowledge required by a good Project Manager Ignacio highlighted integration, communication, conflict resolution, negotiation and influencing and political and cultural skills as being essential requirements.
Reasons for failure of a project often included, poor alignment with organisational goals, ineffective project sponsorship, underestimating the impact of change and poor project leadership. “A Project Manager is only as good as their last project.”
After the first half of questions Campbell thanked Ignacio, questions continued later after the meeting.
Announcements:
⦁ Trivia evening on Zoom, Thursday 24th Sept. Contact Roy/Allan Driver.
⦁ “Cook a long” by Puja. Wednesday 30th Sept 5.30pm on Zoom. Prior registration via Rob Hines please.
⦁ Caprice Donations. Peter Duras advised further donations picked up from Caprice and processed by Sue and himself. Distribution is difficult owing to Covid regulations but challenges are being met. This ‘non cash’ fund raising for service to the community is estimated to be valued approx $80,000 to date.
⦁ Raffle draw. Rob drew on his business associations and presented a virtual wheel to draw the first of the monthly raffles.
President’s Announcements:
Therese gave feedback from the recent Board meeting;
⦁ Budget v commitments discussed
⦁ Financial reserves. Board has decided that given the present unique situation it is appropriate for the club to draw on a portion of the financial reserves. The intention is to replenish the reserves as soon as times permit.
⦁ Subs. Some remain outstanding. Treasurer is following up.
⦁ Silk Miller sponsorship. This scholarship has been in existence for 20 years. There will be a presentation on 29th Sept meeting.
⦁ Equity, diversity and inclusion objectives have been reviewed. They will feature in our November speaker program.
⦁ Seeking two nominees from members [excluding past presidents] for the President Nominee Selection Committee. Contact Therese – self nomination is ok.
Pocket Positive:
Mary told us of a friend’s granddaughter who, together with the rest of her diving team, have been thwarted from competitions and practice owing to Covid 19 regulations. These 12 year old girls organised a cake competition amongst themselves to help stay occupied and challenged.
“The diving pool - people being creative during isolation.”
Inquisition:
Brett this week gently interrogated Past President Warwick.
Warwick told us of his childhood and formative years living in Hawthorn. His family of 2 boys and 2 girls was often supplemented by up to 6-7 additional boarders, out of town new entrants to the Hawthorn VFL club. His mother was from a large family and easily coped with providing for the numbers.
With wife Jill they have 5 children and 11 grandchildren.
Warwick studied Accounting at Swinburne and became a Chartered Accountant, employed by Arthur Young and then smaller practices. Since age 30 he had been self- employed and has moved from accounting into management consultancy.
His passion is learning and he reads tirelessly. Sunday lunch is Warwick’s fav meal.
Anniversaries:
Allan announced this weeks anniversaries;
⦁ Adele and Rankin le Roux, 28th wedding anniversary.
⦁ Bruce Heron, 10 years club membership
⦁ Therese Robinson, 4 years club membership
Meeting Closed.
Therese announced the guest speaker next week will be Tania de Jong AM and thanked all for excellent attendance this week.