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President Neville Taylor opened the meeting by welcoming members and visitors and congratulating Past President Frank O'Brien and members for achieving a District Certificate of Appreciation for donations to Rotary Foundation during the past year. Chair Keith Kendall proposed a toast to Rotary International. President Neville then invited the following visiting Rotarians to introduce themselves: - Lucie Kamiti RC Nairobi Industrial Area, Kenya
- George Mills RC Armidale NSW
- Phil Mortimer RC North Brighton
Paul Fraser told the true story that he had never attended an AFL game, notwithstanding his surname being famous in AFL circles. Announcements Frank O'Brien thanked members who helped with the successful Paul Harris Breakfast last week; 225 attended and funds raised are approximately $9,000. Peter Duras stated that "We are ‘Club of Choice’" with two Bunnings stores and are offered additional sizzles, sometimes at short notice. Peter thanked the members who will be helping with the sizzles between now and Christmas. A few vacancies remain and a note will circulate shortly with details. Neville John advised he attended an LGBTI workshop run by District, expanding the inclusiveness of Rotary. More on that via our Community Team in due course. Doug Robertson advised members the early bird booking time for the Multi-District Conference has been extended by a week. Herb Greenwood advised "Opera on Yarra" will be held on March 2nd 2019. Alison Chan reminded member to contribute to the Christmas Hamper Appeal. Orders for the pre-bagged spice kits close this week.
President's Announcements Next week’s meeting will include a visit from the Melbourne Sunrise Probus Club executive. Membership Team has been working on revitalization of Rotary in Docklands. From this source we expect to induct 5 into Rotary over the next few weeks. Only 2 weeks to our Annual Christmas Meeting. Family and friends are very welcome. Special catering requires all attending to advise numbers to Gerard Hogan asap. International Team Leader Rob Hines and Elias Lebbos are currently in Laos to attend the opening of the new classrooms at Ban Heuthan, near Luang Prabang.
Roger Thornton and Phil Mortimer conducted the formal drawing of the raffle in front of all members. Guest Speaker - Trang Du of Two Square Pegs Two Square Pegs is a social enterprise harnessing the sharing economy in order to build successful, innovative small businesses and create jobs. They work primarily with youth and partner youth entrepreneur programs conducted by the likes of Melbourne Polytechnic, Young Entrepreneurs of the North and Distance Education Centres in Victoria. After a 3-month part time study of business topics candidates are matched to mentors for an ongoing program to develop their business ambitions. Two Square Pegs provides support throughout the mentoring period of the first 12 months. Alvis, a mentee, told us of cultural, isolation and business issues he faced as a 17-year-old immigrant and how his chosen mentor Alex has assisted him to gain income and become self-reliant. He has now worked for 4 years. He continues to have a weekly meeting with Alex but they now mentor each other with their respective skills. Trang said they could do with more support and perhaps our member could help: as mentors, sponsoring a young entrepreneurial mentee or and older [over 50 years] person who will need to develop skills to keep themselves in income in the later stages of life - $500 for one person connect with Two Square Pegs and spread the word.
Chair Keith allowed time for questions and thanked Trang for her presentation. Vice President Kevin Love oversaw the drawing of the raffle then closed the meeting by thanking the visiting Rotarians and encouraging all to find ways to inspire others. |
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Our Rotary Central Melbourne Christmas Holiday Breakfast to celebrate the end of the 2018 year will occur on Tuesday 18th December 7:30-8:45am..PNG)
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