Hi everyone

 

I’m gradually working my way through the first of everything.  Tuesday saw our first Assembly evening with President Elect Marcus Adams as Chair organising committees into breakout rooms. Two family members in two different committees was one of his challenges and think I can see a fine coming with the odd member being left for 15 minutes talking to themselves for the bulk of the session. Think that had something to do with the power outage that hit but Gayle needs the fines money. The committee reports were comprehensive and Russell Marnock expanded on the new Sustainability and Environment portfolio and Vick has since shared information about a Climate and Peace Webinar on 10^th August.

 

AG Mark Balla joined us for the evening and was subjected to Emerald’s quirky ways.  We had to celebrate Kelly’s special birthday somehow in lockdown. Over 2/3^rd of the club was present and Marcus did a great job and ensured that every member was included.

 

Don’t know if this is a record however the 2021-2022 fees were emailed out at the weekend and by Tuesday nearly half the club had paid. Thank you. I noticed today that we even have had a payment from very proud grandfather under the heading “grandfather tax” Just love it!

 

As at 28^th July funds in the RAWCS “Dandenong Ranges Storm Recovery project” total is $80,000. Donations continue to be received, so the appeal has been extended to the end of August. DG Daryl Moran has shared a moving video and Kris is attaching it to Sparkle and putting onto our FB site. Emerald and Cluster clubs along with Healesville, Lilydale and possibly Croydon/Montrose will be approached to advise and recommend on distribution of these funds.

 

I have received an update on ROMAC (Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children) where medical treatment is provided to countries from our Pacific region in the form of life giving or dignity restoring surgery not accessible to them in their home country. This project has been on hold due to COVID, however a patient from Tonga was recently accepted on humanitarian reasons by NZ and underwent surgery for a cardiac condition. Talks with the Federal Government offer hopes that Australia will be able to accept new patients within the next 3 months.  The current waiting list is 30.

Lyn has provided an update on Tom.  Basically, not much has changed in his recovery, however he can walk slightly with a frame, which is good. Visits are again restricted for his daughter.

 

With the latest relaxation of COVID rules, hopefully our next meeting will be back at the pub. It will have to be in the veranda area and possibly sharing space with the general public. Lorna will confirm- probably Tuesday.  Following feedback from members I am introducing an additional weekly role. One person is to be allocated the task of looking after the Guest Speaker each week, as it is impossible to be the Fellowship person and do this. If you are unable to attend, can you please let Lorna know so that she can organise a replacement.  Also following your feedback, I am looking at ways to have us all sit with different people each week. Using the other side of my brain, I have thought of 4 options to do this.  Should be interesting. Still to be addressed - the next meeting project is creating teams for the AV function. I am looking at the Club Service committee taking on the role of working out the teams and rolling them out.  I don’t think that the process is hard once you know what is required and we have all the AV items. Don Borg has very kindly offered to provide us with a cable to allow for the linking of the TV to a laptop.

 

I am looking forward to next Tuesday’s guest speaker – Justin Barrot. In theory we know what he is going to talk about however for those of you who attended the last Cocktails on the Catwalk, you know to expect the unexpected with him. See you all Tuesday and have a good weekend.

 

Yours in Rotary

Shalini Penny, President