Only 2 weeks to go before our Changeover and we are as busy as ever. Last week’s meeting involved an excellent confirmation of our policies, procedures and commitments as well as our membership level of satisfaction. The positive affirmation of all these was borne out by PE Phil’s presentation of the results of the survey completed by members. It was gratifying at the meeting and in the survey to confirm the appreciation our members have for each other for the positive efforts and contributions each make to the running of our club.
The Board has been busy completing reports for the Annual Report and preparing for the final Board meeting next week and for the Changeover. So much to report on!
So, tonight is our fabulous Citizenship Ceremony brilliantly organised by PDG Patrick and PP Marilyn. It’s a huge task. More details and photos to follow next week.
Cheers,
President Rose
Last Week’s Meeting Minutes:Scribe – Kerrie & Phil
Barry was well organised as sergeant as usual and called on President Rose to welcome everyone to the meeting.
Phil's reflection was focused on our Rotary Club, the way our members look out for each other, the great things we do in the community and the healthy respect we gain as a result. Reflecting that every member has the right to their own point of view but ensuring it is always expressed in a way that is considerate of others.
Marilyn's International Toast was to the Rotary Club of Oklahoma City, where the world's first shopping carts were introduced at Humpty Dumpty. The Club is called Club 29 and is one of the largest clubs in Rotary with some 600 members and was established in November 1911. They are involved in various District Projects and Global Grants.
Milan (via Barry) thanked all those who volunteered for the Bunnings BBQ last Monday.
Noel announced the fund-raising results for the Charles Hotel Jag the Joker, Friday Night Meat Raffle and Monday BBQ.
President Rose spoke on several matters.
Asking our donation recipients to help on BBQ's may not be the best approach as most of them are already stretched for resources. Perhaps we need to reconsider our approach. Ray had suggested revisiting the Community Recipient Action Plan (CRAP), developed in 2017 which was the basis of the current donations program.
Rose spoke of the donations already made throughout the year. If all the suggested donations were approved, we would still have a healthy bank balance.
The Anglicare Sensory Garden donation was submitted by an active club member and research revealed the required funds were not available to the facility to build the garden other than through donations.
The QLD Flood Appeal by Rotary Districts affected by the floods was received several months ago. The request was distributed to all those attending the meeting. Rose advised that even though there are more recent events since the QLD Floods, donation requests for these had not yet been received but may be considered in the new Rotary Year.
Commentary followed from members in support of the two proposals. Members expressed the view that as long as the donation was beneficial to the people concerned, no matter where they are, whether the organisation is large or small as long as it is well run, and considering some requests came from other Rotary Districts, is all that really matters.
Phil went through a power point presentation on the club's donation program generally, explaining the process that is to be followed and how that had occurred throughout the year. He then went into more detail of the other donations approved and recommended unanimously by the Board. In particular, the donations to SAHSSI and the Illawarra Charity Race Day. For reference, a copy of the power point presentation has been placed in the 'club documents' area of Club Runner of which all members have been informed.
Healthy discussion followed the presentation to the satisfaction of all present. Phil then moved a motion the donations, as presented, be accepted. The motion was seconded by Jim and approved unanimously by all in attendance.
Phil went through a few items in Club Runner saying the Club Roster would now be accessed via a Club Roster link in the Bulletin.
Phil then presented the results of the recent club member survey. Overall. the survey results demonstrate we have a healthy club with high member satisfaction. A few areas though were identified as needing further attention. For reference, a copy of the survey results has been placed in the 'club documents' area of Club Runner of which all members have been informed.
Patrick thanked all those who have volunteered for the club's Citizenship Night. He and all members are looking forward to a great night.
Our wine raffle winners were Marilyn Phillips and Ken Potter, pictured below with our excellent Sergeant Barry Stevens
Prior to closing the meeting at 08:24pm, President Rose again thanked all for attending and contributing to a successful meeting.
Red Shield Appeal 31 May 2025
The Salvation Army has extended their sincere thanks to the Rotary Club of West Wollongong for participating, once again, in the Red Shield Appeal. All the volunteers worked hard and managed to raise over $1800 on the day. The final tally will be known shortly. The team worked in shifts from 8AM to 4PM. It was a great day for collecting, as the weather was perfect and not only was there a full day of netball, but the basketball stadium was hosting the Southern Junior League finals where teams and parents came from places such as Wagga Wagga, Albury, Milton, ACT, as well as the Illawarra teams. This added extra opportunities for collecting donations. A huge thank you to all the collectors.
Shellharbour City Rotary Club Trivia Night
The trivia night was held on Friday 30th May at the Warilla Surf Club. A small contingent of Rotarians from West Wollongong Rotary Club attended and were on a combined table with other Rotarians from Shellharbour City, Corrimal and Wollongong. We didn't win but it is always a fun night with lots of interesting questions, games of Heads and Tails, silent auction, live auction and raffles.
This is a free event. Come and hear firsthand about some exciting new community-led energy initiatives, which are about to be launched in the Illawarra. There will also be an induction cooking demonstration, Dr Saul Griffith will be talking about his new book and plenty of knowledgeable installers and locals to answer many of your energy-related questions.
