Thank you to our Directors and Officers for their input into last week’s Club Assembly. A special thank you to Kerrie for the work she carries out organising the assembly and putting together the necessary documentation.
As mentioned at the Assembly, a joint submission from all Illawarra Rotary Clubs has been submitted to the Zone 8 Redistricting Working Group, objecting to the current 3 NSW District proposal and putting forward the argument for 1 or possibly 2 NSW Districts. I will keep you informed of progress as further information becomes available.
I was pleased we were able to have a healthy discussion regarding our fund-raising and donations program. I think we are all in agreement that our donations should avoid simply being a cash payment and where possible should generate some type of involvement with the club from recipients. Whether that be as guest speakers at one of our meetings, volunteering at our fund-raising events, supporting other events and projects throughout the year or perhaps membership. Of course, this takes time and effort from club members to maintain the connection with recipients over time, and requires the involvement of more club members than what is now occurring. My hope would be, as the donations committee reforms shortly to develop the 2026/27 program, more club members will step forward to be involved.
This week is our Australian Citizenship Ceremony and Dinner at Centro CBD, personally my favourite event on our yearly calendar. Thank you to Pat and Marilyn for the work you put into making this a very special event every year. I look forward to seeing you all and welcoming our new Australian Citizens.
Last Week’s Meeting Minutes:Scribe – Anne Christensen
Sergeant Dennis (improvising, as he had not realised he was rostered) opened the meeting at 6:16, and President Phil welcomed all present.
Anne's Reflection on Rotary reminded usthat Rotary brings together a global network of volunteer leaders who dedicate their time and talent to tackle the world's most pressing humanitarian challenges. Rotary connects members from more than 200 countries and geographical areas. Their work impacts local and internationally.
Rotary has a significant presence in the Middle East, primarily organised under District 2452, which covers nine countries across 3 continents, and District 2451, which covers Egypt exclusively. Their focus is on community service, professional networking and humanitarian projects.
Jim Christensen proposed a toast to the Rotary Club of Copenhagen, which is the only fully English speaking Club in Denmark, and meets on Mondays at 7:30pm at the Copenhagen Hilton.
Sergeant Dennis also proposed a toast to Arthur, for his birthday on 28 May.
President Phil reminded us to RSVP to Marilyn or Pat for the Citizenship night this week (6 May). The cost of the evening is $50 per person.
Anne reported cards were sent to Marilyn and to Milan; our thoughts are with them both.
Dennis reminded us to check the meeting roster, and Ray alerted volunteers for PCYC that some changes are being made to that roster. Please check your rosters!
The Club Assembly followed. Minutes for the Club Assembly will be distributed separately once compiled.
Our wine raffle winners were Anne Christensen and Phil Peckman, pictured below…
The generous support of The Charles Hotel and it's Amazing Patrons enable us to fund-raise, via our Thursday Night Jag the Joker and Friday Night Meat Raffles, in support of various local, national and international charitable organisations much in need of funding for their various community programs.
The IMB Bank Community Foundation
Monetary Grants from the IMB Bank Community Foundation allow us to conduct the Rotary Youth Driver Awareness (RYDA) program throughout the year at Kembla Grange Racecourse.
Aimed at students in years 10-12, students attend 6 sessions focusing on the various areas of Road Safety.
The IMB Bank Community Foundation helps build better, brighter communities.
Bunnings Warehouse - Kembla Grange
The generous support of the Bunnings Warehouse - Kembla Grange BBQ Program allows us to fund-raise in support of various local, national and international charitable organisations much in need of funding for their various community programs.
In addition, Bunnings donate equipment and vouchers in support of our other fund-raising initiatives.
