The meeting was opened by the Chair President Neville with a toast to Rotary International.
President Neville noted this was to be the new District Governor’s first club visit of her year.
Guests welcomed;
- District Governor Bronwyn Stephens, and her husband Mark Stephens
- Dale Hoy. [Assistant Governor Batman Cluster]
- Isaac Matzner (guest Rotarian from NYC)
General Announcements
- Neville acknowledged were; Peter Duras' efforts (supported by Allan, Bernie, Marjorie, Anne and Sue) in fundraising at Bunnings on Friday which raised a total of $628.
- Michelle presented a banner from Greenpoint Island Rotary in New York State which she visited during a recent holiday to New York.
- As the guest ‘Truth or Tale’ speaker, Dominic told a tall (but very believable) tale about his career in the restaurant industry and boasted about his extraordinary culinary talents- much was true.
- Frank advised Flavia was about to depart for her home in Switzerland. Rotary members and school friends were going to see her off at the airport.
- Reminder about DIK, Saturday 24th – more volunteers sought.
President Announcements
- Neville shared emails about the Change-over celebrations with sister club R/C of Rabindra Sarobar, Calcutta.
- Melbourne Tramways Big Band appreciated the opportunity to perform at the Change-over dinner and are very excited about a possible opportunity to become an in-house band at the Vibe Hotel. We have been the catalyst for recognition for a fantastic community band.
- Neville noted the success of the work being led by Michelle and Therese on community service scholarship of hope with Concern Australia. They now have $4,000 to put to the scholarship which is made up of the District Governor's prize, club matched funding and other grants. [Editor. Please see separate item 'How It Works']
- Neville introduced the guest speaker, the District Governor, Bronwyn Stephens noting her long history within Rotary and her extensive experience and commitment at the local and international levels.
Guest speaker:
Bronwyn acknowledged the District office held by many of our members and noted in particular Neville, Alan, Bernie, Rob, Warwick, Cecily, Marjorie, Kevin and Peter.- In emphasising the passion our members demonstrate for Rotary, Bronwyn asked Bernie to talk about his passion project, the Princess Hill youth program Stuart Cardell was then asked to talk about his passion project, the National Youth Science Forum.
- Bronwyn acknowledged especially the load shouldered by Bernie and Marjorie and presented the Rotary peace tie and scarf in recognition.
- Bronwyn showed a short video on her passion project, the ‘Bone Marrow Donor Institute Rotary House’ [BMDI Rotary House], which has been providing accommodation for families with a loved one requiring bone marrow treatments since 2003. The facility is now over extended and expansion is required. Bronwyn’s project is to raise funds for this expansion and she invited the club to seek Eric Wright as a guest speaker to talk about this project.
- Bronwyn also talked about the end polio world-wide campaign. This campaign is very close to achieving its goal of eradicating policy, achieving a reduction from 350,000 cases in 1988 to just 74 cases in 2015. The campaign is focusing on delivering vaccinations in inaccessible/remote areas. The ultimate goal will be considered achieved if the WHO records zero cases over a three year period. To help reach this final target Bronwyn is providing jars of smarties, which if each smartie is consumed and exchanged for a $2 coin, will contribute $400 per jar to this cause.
- Bronwyn referred to the new concept of a Multi-District Conference to be held in Feb 2019 for the first time in Australia.
- Bronwyn talked about the symbolic meaning of wearing the DG collar, the recognition of stewardship, the history of others who have worn it before and the valuable mentorship, wisdom and friendship of other district governors.
President in closing:
- Neville oversaw the 'Social EnterPrize' raffle: Mark, Bernie and Michelle were the lucky recipients of wine, coffee card and apple plum jelly!
- Neville also acknowledged the work Elias and Travellers Aid have undertaken to improve disabled access to the MCG and noted that Elias was being interviewed by Jon Faine on ABC about this initiative.