District Governor Peter Frueh presented a sapling to the club.
At the International Convention, Atlanta USA in June, RI President Ian Riseley [RC Sandringham Victoria] called on each club worldwide to plant at least one tree per member to raise environmental awareness, “and recognise our responsibility not only to the people of our planet but to the planet itself on which we live and depend.”
DG Peter began by praising Immediate Past District Governor Neville John’s stewardship and the significant achievements made through the past year, including his immense support for Rotary Foundation. In congratulating the Club again for the highly successful District Conference, he encouraged members to support the next District Conference in Warrnambool to be held over the weekend from Friday 16th March 2018.
DG Peter spoke to the RI theme this year of Making a Difference, citing an example of a fellow Rotarian from Mill Point Club in WA and the tremendous difference he made while on 18 months sabbatical after his wife’s passing, identifying and facilitating opportunities to obtain and distribute over $300k of clean linen for disadvantaged members of the community and Donations In Kind.
Pointing to the success of Hoppers Crossing Club in significantly growing their diverse membership, he encouraged a continued strong focus on membership, emphasising that membership is a personal responsibility of all members to encourage, and promote their Club and Rotary more generally, being the largest humanitarian movement in the world.
DG Peter encouraged members to contribute to the Rotary Foundation, and also to:
Promote and be proud of being a Rotarian;
Talk about the beneficiaries of projects that our Clubs and affiliates support and the difference Rotary has made in their lives;
Reach out to partner with other organisations;
Be positive and contemporary in our meetings;
Engage with and help new members assimilate.
Highlighting a key Sustainability initiative of RI President Ian Riseley, as part of Rotary’s Making a Difference theme, Peter encouraged support for the call for every Rotary club to make a difference to the environment by planting a tree for each of its members between the start of the Rotary year on 1 July and Earth Day on 22 April 2018.
Team Leader Stuart Ellis has 'been around a bit' and we're sure he has heard some unique excuses for people not attending a team meeting. This one from John Hinrich might be the best yet;
"I'm riding my Vespa up to Brisbane. I'm getting a few strange looks when I pull out and overtake cars and trucks on a scooter! But it's red so it does it easily.
Back in about 10 days."
We asked John for proof, of course, and have received this photo said to be a breakfast stop in Milton Qld. John's definition of his trip is "Couch surfing Vespa ride 2017, Melbourne to Brisbane return."
Editor;In a 2nd photo John is smiling in front of a petrol bowser - the bowser reads $9.71, about 10% of a full tank for most of us.]
Along with Justine's ink this could also be a world first for our club.
President Frank O’Brien welcomed DG Peter Frueh and his wife Anne, together with AG Kate Strain and Pres Manjula Pragasm (North Melbourne Rotary Club).
Alan Seale also introduced Brett Jones, a former Rotarian from New Zealand, who has relocated to Australia, as his guest.
New Member:
Alison Chan was welcomed as the newest member to be inducted into our Club, with Rebecca John as her mentor. In welcoming Alison to the Club, she has been nominated to serve on the Community Services Committee.
Club Announcements :
Herb Greenwood from Fundraising Committee, calling for contributions towards the forthcoming Grand Auction. [October]
Tony Thomas made members aware of the issue#1 for 2017-2018 of Rotary Networker, featuring our own IPP Justine Murphy on the cover proudly displaying her Rotary ink. The latest edition will include articles about Royal Talbot, and Rotary Foundation.
Stuart Ellis informed the Club that our exchange student from Switzerland will arrive in Australia next week.
Peter Duras advised that our first fundraising Bunnings BBQ will be held on Friday 25th August, with two shifts of 4 people each between 9am – 1pm, and 12:30pm to 4:30pm
Marjorie Gerlinger sought support for the nomination of Robert Brunner, Chairman of Circle Alliance Bank to the Board of RACV Club.
Fellowship Event:
In what promises to be a fantastic evening, venues for the upcoming “Love Thy Neighbour” dinners being held on Friday 21st July have been finalised, covering Greek, Thai, French and Malaysian cuisine.
Team Report – Community Services
Elias Lebbos, as Chair for 2017-2018 Community Services Team, outlined the key projects for this year including, but not limited to, support for Royal Talbot Sensory Garden, Mens’ Shed, Youth Projects and Tree of Joy. The Committee’s immediate focus is on establishing clear criteria for onboarding future projects, how we engage with key stakeholders, contributing to social cohesion and linking Melbourne’s diverse communities.
President Announcements:
President Frank paid tribute to Molly Frampton who recently passed away. Molly’s contribution to society through Rotary as founding member Keith’s life-partner cannot be overstated.
Frank also proudly displayed a Certificate of Appreciation from our Sister Club - Rotary Club of Echuca-Moama, for our member’s support of their recent Steam Rally held on the banks of the Campaspe River.
On October 9, the Rotary Club of Melbourne will continue their tradition of supporting the Around the Bay in a Day riding event. Funds raised are given to The Smith Family for their Learning for Life program, which helps children from disadvantaged families complete their schooling. The Rotary Club of Melbourne is proud to be a founding supporter of the Around the Bay in a Day event and is looking forward to again providing a group of committed riders as well as volunteer marshals. Any members wishing to participate can refer to their website link http://www.rotaryclubofmelbourne.org.au/our-projects/community/around-the-bay-project
President Frank went on to welcome DG Peter Frueh and invited him to address the Club.
DG Peter began by praising Immediate Past District Governor Neville John’s stewardship and the significant achievements made through the past year, including his immense support for Rotary Foundation. In congratulating the Club again for the highly successful District Conference, he encouraged members to support the next District Conference in Warrnambool to be held over the weekend from Friday 16th March 2018.
Alison Chan was welcomed as the newest member to be inducted into our Club, with Rebecca John as her mentor. In welcoming Alison to the Club, she has been nominated to serve on the Community Services Committee.
