Meeting Report Tuesday 14th July Reporter PETER DURAS
President Therese welcomed ADG Kate Strain as our guest, and then moved on to expand on the Club’s strategic plans and objectives for 2020-2019. These plans were approved by Board and spelt out in the email sent to all Club members 2 days earlier. They are a refresh and review of our current initiatives, and flow on over the next three years. The purpose of these strategies is to operate a progressive and connected club with strong networks and a diverse membership, and to be a catalyst for positive social change in the communities we serve.
In asking where are we now, the following opportunities have been recognised by Therese, Warwick and the SAG Team. Adding value to small and medium sized enterprises, creating sustainable sources of funding, developing the next generation of leaders through Rotary, community, youth, vocational, international and fellowship activities, and identifying peace making capabilities in our communities.
How can we move on our objectives this year, particularly in the face of Covid 19 challenges? Increase our impact by reaching into our communities and aligning with community needs. Transforming our connections into effective networks with stronger collaborative relationships. And at all times evaluating the impact of our actions. Our reach can also be expanded by sharing these impact stories, both internally and externally to build our image.
Mentoring and supporting those in the international student community is will be one area of focus this year, encompassing several of the above objectives. Within and outside the Club, focusing on the individual will improve our ability to harness diversity. Therese’s plans also embrace both a greater awareness and access to hands on projects and a better use of technology.
A quick Q and A session highlighted an environmental focus through Shavam, who is a member of David Dippie’s new sustainability District group. Tony Thomas stressed the need to concentrate on smaller projects with which we have a strong connection, rather than large amorphous appeals, while Roger and Warwick agreed that impact is more important than the time put into a project.
Member birthdays Campbell Chambers 16 July Bruce Heron 18 July
Partner birthdays Anju Chawla ( Rajesh’s partner )
Wedding anniversaries Malcolm and Heather Fielden 12 years ( 25 July )
Announcements
Alan Driver encouraged members to read the D9800 weekly newsletter.
11 members have volunteered to host the dinners proposed by Alan Seale, but these are on hold due to the Corona virus.
In an initiative called “Pocket Positives” Mary Voice requested members and partners to email your 2-3 minute good news stories to brighten up our lock down days. Mary’s address is mvoice@bigpond.net.au
This Week, from Mary: Keep fit: Dance with David
Brought to you by the Australian Ballet (yes guys, the Ballet !!!!). David McAllister, former principal dancer, Artistic Director . Learn:
Mary says she has found the calf rise exercises particularly helpful, and the instructions are clear and physiologically precise.
A new pocket positive next week by another club member.
Frank O’Brien enjoyed an actual , face to face meeting of Port Fairy Rotary last week. Even in their corona free area a hand on regeneration project has been halted. David Lawrie will be hosting another Trivial Pursuits night on Friday at 5.30. Details to follow.
Brett Jones Inquisition gave a fascinating insight into the life and travels of CECILY NEIL. Cecily’s father was a senior teacher, and with each promotion the family moved on to another part of NSW. Staying with her grandparents in a residence overlooking the harbour was the highlight. With wide eyes she watched ships pass under the bridge, and set her sights on travelling overseas. After graduating in Sociology from Sydney and Canberra she taught in Zambia during the years when the country gained independence. Cecily then gained her Ph.D at Manchester University with research into the cause of strikes. She then returned to Australia with her family. Her work with CSIRO included research on remote mining communities, and on youth homelessness. A trip to Vietnam resulted in a number of consulting gigs focused on international aide. From there to East Timor, the sad scene of conflict and destruction. Cecily currently works with an NGO organisation in the Philippines, improving sanitation and the environment. ( Reporter’s comment. Could a world wide search by Therese have uncovered a better qualified Chair for International? Unlikely )
President Therese announced that Board had allocated $500 through North Melbourne Rotary to support a Somalian Group in the Public Housing high rise buildings.
