This was a roller coaster of a meeting with so much to pack in!!
We welcomed DG Russell Gurney and wife Shelley to the club, celebrated Hat Day with $287.40 raised, heard from Monica Innes about her schoolies trip and lastly and most importantly bestowed a Sapphire Star (an additional Paul Harris Fellow Award) on PP PHF Gloria Hargreaves which is so well deserved.
Shelley Gurney provided insights into the need to support Malaria via the Chasing Malaria Program. Practical programs include picture books, bed nets $10 each and even placing fish into still ponds to keep the water surface moving. Shockingly Malaria still kills over 1470 people a day. Shelley has a close connection with the cause in that she and her son contracted the disease whilst living over seas.
The Club was delighted to be able to donate $500 to the program.
PP PHF Russell Marnock explained the importance of the Paul Harris Fellow (PHF) and how it links to the Rotary Foundation. Each PHF is provided as a result of a donation to the Foundation and our club donated in order that Gloria could receive her second Sapphire. It was fitting given the amazing work Gloria has done as an Assistant DG and her work with Rotarians Against Malaria that she received this honour, which was so well supported by all the club members.
DG Russell Gurney provided insight into the importance of each and every Rotarian and asked that we be an inspiration in our committees, our clubs and within ourselves. He highlighted the value of inspiring someone else, and build solid foundations for those that come after us, we need to be accountable and transparent and work to change the lives of other for the better.
Rotary still needs to work to eradicate Polio and to continue to immunise 450m children a year. There have been 19 cases this year so we have to keep vigilant.
Rotary membership has stayed fairly stable at 1.20 million globally - our district was one of a few that grew in the region last year. Significant growth is occurring in India.
Environment is also on the agenda - we cannot afford to ignore the signs.
DG Russell reminded us about the Multi-District Conference 15-17 February next year (and although this clashes with the All American, we can try to have a presence). Interestingly, Melbourne has been shortlisted for the 2023 Global Conference so watch this space!
DG Russell congratulated the club on their achievements with the Kids Fun Run With Thomas, The Deb Ball and All American events. We are on track and one of the leading clubs in the district. He thanks PP PHF Ken Miller for the PR and Communications work he is doing, PP PHF Gloria Hargreaves for her work with RAM and PP PHF Russell Marnock for being a 2020 champion.
Lastly, he thanked Pres. Ian Ash for the work he is doing to keep the club well on track this year.
You don't get away lightly when you come to the Rotary Club of Emerald and District - PP PHF Tina McInerney provided the response which was a 'This Is Your Life' on DG Russell. We learnt he had a musical background that we readily tapped into with a guitar we just happened to have to hand!!
