Last Week’s Meeting Minutes:
The meeting was opened at 6:17 by Sergeant Ken.
President Phil welcomed members.
Ros Yeoman - International Toast to the Rotary Club of Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka. Ros visited Sri Lanka in 2018 and reminded us that the country has a documented history of more than 3,000 years, recently controlled by the Portuguese, Dutch and then the English until it gained independence in 1948. Sri Lanka has been affected by a prolonged civil war between the Tamil minority separatists and the Sunhalese armed forces. The Rotary Club of Nuwara Eliya was chartered in 1966 and is involved in many projects improving life for local people.
Rose Pope reported the Charles is doing well - the Joker is still in. BBQ's are also going well with help still needed for the Easter Monday BBQ PLEASE (contact Rose if you can help or sign yourself up on ClubRunner). Corrimal Rotary is organising some cleanup projects in the next week.
Ken Potter reported that RYDA is organised for 20 and 21 May - help with setting up and packing up will be needed.
President Phil reminded us that SafeWill is offering free help to Rotarians wishing to make a will until the end of March.
Update on the Race Day - see the Club website (not ClubRunner) for the documents (flyer, email to send to those you may want to invite, sponsorship information)
- to book, go to website and click on Charity Race Day, follow the form
- tickets can be sold now; you may wish to email those you will invite (sample email is on the website)
- sponsorships are available and can be organised now.
Jim Christensen has had someone donate a walking frame, wheelchair and a pair of hearing aids. If you know of any likely recipients, please let Jim know.
Pride of Workmanship nominees should be forwarded to Jim - without telling the nominee!
Ros Yeoman reported on research she has done on some overseas projects the Club could support. The aim is to find or create a project in a location the Club could visit. Sri Lanka has Clubs with whom we could work to create a project that would align with Rotary's mission - around education, health or community development. Cambodia offers the Cambodian Children's Trust, a community project supporting children and using the hive model (feel free to look at their website for a good explanation). The Trust has won an ASEAN award and has connections to Australia, having been founded by a young Australian.
Bob Armesson asked if we were planning a cash donation or equipment? Previous experience suggests it can be more effective to give cash rather than equipment.
Wine raffle winners were John Erickson and Dennis Simpson, both of whom donated their prizes to the wine fridge to be raffled on the Race Day.
Sergeant/Bard Ken shared an inspired rendition of Mulga Bill from Eaglehawk by Banjo Paterson.
