• Meeting number 7 was opened by Sergeant Dennis Simpson at 6:15 pm. Dennis then introduced President Bob Armessen OAM. Bob welcomed all members to the meeting.
• Reflection was given by Marilyn Phillips to Henry Ford. For the commencement of his famous Model T. It was the first mass-produced car that everyone could afford, and it changed how the world travelled.
• International Toast was given by Kate Thomas to the Rotary Club of Fiji, which has taken on an uphill battle and has charted 2 Rotaract Clubs.

Announcements:

• Anne Christensen. Mal Bracken is slowly deteriorating and now needs a walker to mobilise. Anne was unable to contact Carol Booth to get a report on Arthur.
   
• Rose Pope has a team for the Wobbly Wheelers West Wollongong Rotary Team for Ride 4 Rotary, only 1 member at the moment, so Rose welcomes anyone else that would like to join. Don’t forget to sponsor the team.
   
• Noel Watt announced the meeting for next week will be held at Towradgi Bowling Club. The meeting will be held in a separate room and has been booked from 5:30 to 8:30 to include the Board Meeting. Members are responsible for ordering their own meal from the Bistro.
   
• Rose Pope is in the process of securing a speaker for the Peace Oration in February 2027 and hopes to make this a combined Illawarra Clubs meeting.
   
• Michael Crowley announced the John Chaplin Memorial Scholarship recipient was Chelsea Markey, a 20year old student at UOW and will be coming to speak to the Club on 9/9/26. Also, Chris Dahmen will be the speaker on 26/8/26.
   
• Bob Armessen announced the Wollongong Police Awards night was very successful.
   
• Bob also, announced SASSI has completed their building in Corrimal for women escaping from domestic trauma. Units 1 and 2 have a plaque stating they have been furnished by the Rotary Club of West Wollongong.
• Dennis Simpson stated the Joker Draw at the Charles Hotel has been restarted for the third time in seven weeks.
   
• Jim Christensen asked for donations of wine bottles to fill the wine fridge being raffled at the Race Day.
   
• Guest Speaker Kate Thomas was introduced by Bob Armessen. Kate gave a fantastic talk on Volunteering with the Rotary Club of Boroko PNG, one of the two Clubs in Port Moresby. Sharing her experiences with the Club members and showing once again that many of the best speakers come from our own Club. 
  Members of the Boroko Rotary Club were concerned about the falling numbers and applied for volunteer assistance from AVI/DFAT. Needs were defined by the Club and action and progress in terms defined by the community, goals were defined by the recipient organisation.
  
  Positive Changes:
  - Improved Governance, increase social media presence and Increase membership.
  
  - Members in the weekly AVI zoom meetings inspired Club leaders and encouraged lots of talking, increased membership, guests to meetings. - Building awareness, member inductions, improved meeting format and social media.
  
  Other Boroko Rotary projects are 
      - Cyclone Maila (disaster) relief Dec 2025
      - Support The Hands of Rescue (THOR)
      - Establish community corps in remote communities (and communication)
      - Construction of waiting houses close to health centres
      - Improve health and education services.
  
  What was achieved:
  - Development work in baby steps, strengthening rather than changing situations, progress on compliance, policies, accountability, sharing resources.
  - Club has committed new members and continues to grow.
  - Individuals gained experience, resources, knowledge, ethical understanding.
  
  Measurable results:
      - Improved governance
      - 2 District Grants
      - Update social media
      - Membership growth.
   
• Bob Armessen gave the vote of thanks following question time.
   
• Fine Session was conducted by Dennis Simpson.
   
• Wine Raffle won by Kate Thomas and Bob Armessen picture below.