It’s been a busy week for all things Rotary...
Sat: Barwon Region President’s Meeting with PE Sue – a quarterly catch up where we share what clubs in our region are doing, how they are going and how we can improve, adapt and share our Rotary journeys.
DGE Toni Thiele was at the meeting and made an impassioned plea for members to consider taking on a District Level role – namely District Treasurer 2026-2027 and District Youth Exchange Committee.
Another topic discussed at length was clubs with low numbers and whether they should close and/or work towards merging/creating a new club. Lots to think about, with issues of declining membership, loss of capacity and/or poor take-up of leadership roles. But on a positive note, the same clubs absolutely smash their goals because they are so PASSIONATE and COMMITTED to Rotary and all it stands for. Question: what are you passionate about – can Rotary help turn an idea into a real outcome? Even if you’re not a member we’d love to hear from you!!
Sun: Cowrie Market BBQ – we finally had a half decent day and the rostered members did a great job under the leadership of our tireless Community Services Director Linda Neale. We netted $1005.90 and are very grateful to Gail Birchall for working with Woolies which resulted in a donation of 110 snags.
Tues: Torquay Business Awards Finalists & Winners Meet Up – As the founder of the awards Trevor Hall, Greg Birchall and myself attended this event at the Torquay Bowls Club. Sarah Minter, CT President was very complimentary of Rotary in her address and we enjoyed an evening of conversation and connection with local business owners. I was introduced to the Branch Manager of the Commonwealth Bank and after a wonderful discussion have been invited to a quarterly meeting this week to discuss how they may be able to assist Rotary on local projects/issues.
Thu: End Polio Event – Wow, wow, wow what an amazing night!! Hosted by the Rotary Club of Torquay with a huge shout out to PDG Lesley Shedden for making this event happen!! Thanks also to MC on the night PDG Phil Beasley, members Bruce Turner and Robyn O’Loughlin for manning the desk/selling raffle tix and yours truly for the welcome.
For those of you who couldn’t attend Gary Newton, Polio Survivor, End Polio Champion introduced Jessie as only he can. We then witnessed the incredible Jessie Harman present her trekking adventure to the Mt Everest Base Camp to raise funds for End Polio Now. As only Jessie can do – she took us on her personal journey, no sugar coating, it was real, painful but ultimately extremely rewarding.
The evening began with introductions, toast to Rotary International by Jessie Harman, response to toast by DG Christine Dufty who then followed with presentations of Certificates to Clubs who have financially supported RI Foundation. I accepted the certificate for our club covering 2024-25.
We then had David Abbey representing the Royce Abbey Scholarship program introduce Dr Grace Maano RC Taree who then welcomed scholarship recipient Dr Ben Wachira who gave us a very thought provoking look at Emergency Medicine in Kenya (or lack of). Makes you grateful for Medicare, our hospital system and ambulance service plus the wonderful emergency service workers!
Dr. Ben who made a $20 donation for the End Polio Koala
Finished off with the drawing of the raffle prizes which was a great way to round out the night. Thanks to all members who attended in lieu of our usual Monday night.
Fri: November Board Meeting – no rest for the wicked with a 9.00am start at my place. Reports and discussions were held and a verbal report to members will be made at the next meeting.
Next Meeting: AGM 6.00pm for 6.30pm Monday 24 November is our AGM at Kithbrooke Park
9.00AM TUESDAY 25 NOVEMBER – Community Walk to Say No to Family & Domestic Violence and Launch 16 Days of Activism
Meet at Torquay Surf Lifesaving Club and walk along The Esplanade to the Zeally Bay Carpark (next to Elephant Walk Playground) and hear from local leaders on how raising awareness of Saying No to Violence and Saying Yes to Respectful Relationships makes our community stronger.
A lot of effort has been made by the Club to make this event happen and getting Surf Coast Shire, Torquay Community House and Victoria Police involved means we can make a bigger impact! 💜💜
I look forward to seeing you at our next meeting and the SN2F&DV Walk!
