RCM Meeting notes 19th May
Chairman Neville Taylor welcomed members and our guests ,Eulaila from Spain and Alual, originally from South Sudan.
He then introduced our Guest Speaker, Daryl McKenzie whose topic was “So you want to start a jazz band in Melbourne?” Daryl leads the Daryl McKenzie Jazz Orchestra and was Musical Director of the Victoria Police Showband in its heyday. He is one of the few people who has, until recent isolation been able to maintain a full time career in music . He has worked as a composer, arranger, trombonist and conductor, appeared regularly on national television programs such as Hey Hey Its Saturday , conducted scores for films including The Sapphires and backed a number of outstanding singers. He studied at the Victorian College of the Arts and North Texas State University.
Daryl was introduced to the trombone by his father. He played in his father’s jazz group and a number of community bands. An inspiring teacher also gave him guidance on how to survive as a professional muso, and an introduction into the Channel 9 band. After his stint in Texas he obtained a spot in the Channel 7 orchestra on Hey Hey.
Daryl enjoys giving young musicians the opportunity to sit in with his Jazz Orchestra. When mentoring these aspiring entertainers his first question is “ what sort of music do you want to play?” Make sure you can establish an identity and an audience that will follow and support you. When recruiting musicians, make sure that they are team players, especially if it’s a big group. If you want to take the leadership role be sure that you have both patience and the ability to herd cats. Musicians notoriously lack the ability to follow guidelines. And finally . Don’t do it to make money. You probably won’t. Do it because you love creating music.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Rohan Williams’ report highlighted the impact that the Club has had on those in need.
Caprice. Early in the Rotary year Caprice gave us a massive donation of over 900 pairs of new shoes, mainly in kids’ sizes. These were distributed by the Duras’s and the O’Briens to 18 charities, many of whom were recommended by Club members and partners. Rohan highlighted the joy this would have brought to many children who would rarely have had the chance to wear such popular licenced footwear. Our thanks again to Caprice for their extraordinary generosity over recent years.
TAL Tree of Joy. Similarly TAL Insurance again donated gifts for children at their Christmas Tree of Joy. 77 families connected with Concern Australia and Uniting Care received gifts through the kindness of TAL employees.
Christmas Hampers. For the third year in a row Alison Chan did a great job of coordinating Club members’ donation of Christmas hampers . 80 generously packed hampers were distributed to families in need through Uniting Care and Concern Australia
Youth Projects. The Club, mainly through the work of Peter Duras has maintained their support for the homeless in the CBD. Youth Projects in Hosier Lane have received regular contributions of clothing and blankets mainly sourced from DIK. During the Corona virus outbreak they have continued to operate under difficult circumstances when many other organisations have shut down. With the help of some modest Club funding we have been able to answer their urgent requests for hand sanitizer, snacks, water bottles and new underwear. DIK is not operational at present.
Steps Outreach Scholarship program. The Club has distributed 8 scholarships worth $500 each through Steps Outreach. Anne Mitchell has been able to report back on the very positive impact these scholarships have had in changing the life of students.
East Gippsland Rotary Fire Aid Appeal. Rohan reminded us of the devastation wrought by the East Gippsland fires. With the proceeds of 3 sausage sizzles the Club was able to quickly send over $5000 and $500 in Bunnings gift vouchers to this highly focussed Rotary action group. Thanks go to Peter and Frank and all who worked at the sausage sizzles.
FOUNDATION REPORT.
Neville Taylor gave the report on behalf of Foundation. Foundation worked on 3 areas; Awareness, Critical Causes and Giving. They used Foundation Month to raise awareness, with the highlight being the Paul Harris Breakfast. 200 Guests including several Peace Fellows attended in November and heard the inspiring story of an Australian surgeon and his family ‘s work in Africa. Murray Verso PDG and current District Foundation Chair spoke about the relevance of Foundation to each Rotarian and we also had a speaker on End Polio. Many members contributed funds during our pink little finger day. The Club is active ,particularly through International in pursuing many of the aims of Foundation. We also also have over a third of the Club involved in regular direct contributions to Foundation. Neville would love to see that number increased even more. Foundation donated over $80 million last Rotary year around the world.
ANNIVERSARIES
Neville Taylor has a birthday on the 22nd While George, Suvam and Kevin are celebrating 8, 3 and 21 years in the Club respectively.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Anne King reported that Club Members have individually donated $2160 to Police Legacy. The Club has matched this dollar for dollar resulting in $4320 for PL.
Rob Hines announced that Experience Hotels have been forced to close 2 of their 3 Hotels. As a result they have offered a huge amount of crockery, bed linen etc to our Club. With DIK in partial shut down, Rob will be liaising with Bob Glindemann to find a home for these goods, and may require some assistance with pick up.
Campbell Chambers reminded that we have a Trivia Night this Friday. Please tune in.
Alan Seale has been asked by Rotarian Bob Fisher to alert the Club to the very relevant Rotary Safe Families Program
District Assembly has suddenly loomed up this weekend 10-12.30. Interested Club members are welcome to take part and should contact IP Therese for details.
PRESIDENT’S ANOUNCEMENT.
A Rotary program is being established to mentor visiting international students, aged 21 – 30. The on line mentoring will extend over 20 weeks. Francesco with his extensive experience will assist. Please contact President Warwick if you are interested.
After Warwick officially closed the meeting, Alual spoke of her background and her mission. Born in strife torn South Sudan her family fled to a refugee camp in Kenya. She lived there for 10 years witnessing disease and struggle. From the age of 9 she wanted to help and save lives. Her mother became sick and died a little later. Peace returned to the Sudan and the family were able to go back in 2006. She started her formal education in Kampala .
She is here studying health care so that she can have a meaningful impact on the health care and welfare of her people in South Sudan She is being mentored by Warwick.