Welcome to a new Rotary year! Thank you to Past President Rose Pope who guided our club through a year of many changes and has now handed over the reins, leaving our club in a great position for the year ahead. I hope that this year will be just as rewarding and successful for our club and all members.
Thank you also to the incoming Board of Directors for volunteering their time in support of our club, members and the community. I look forward to working together with you all over the next year.
There are quite a few opportunities for club members to volunteer their time to events over the next month as outlined in this bulletin. Please consider if you are able to assist.
Thank you to all those who volunteered for the BBQ on 30 June at Bunnings Kembla Grange. Your efforts and support were much appreciated.
We look forward to seeing you all at this week's meeting where we will hear from our guest speaker Kaitlyn Leischke.
Ken Potter opened the meeting and handed over to President Phil who welcomed everyone.
Kate reflected on her recent trip to Africa and the challenging lives people living there faced; but they are always ready to smile and willing to give.
Ken toasted the Rotary Club of Pittsburgh who meet twice per month and have 25 members.
Rose mentioned that Green Connect are on a fund-raising drive and invited any member interested in donating to follow the link in last week's bulletin.
Rose also spoke of the Science & Engineering Challenge that will take place on Tues 29 July & Wednesday 30 July. Anyone wishing to volunteer to help Supervise should contact Rose who will pass on all the necessary information.
The Regional Academy Netball Challenge will be held on 28-29 September with many opportunities to volunteer. Please contact Rose if interested.
Dennis announced results for the Charles Hotel at Thursday Night's Jag the Joker raffle and Friday Night Meat Raffle.
Bob announced that our Wednesday 30 July meeting will be a social evening at Thai Carnation restaurant in Wollongong. He will send out further details this week to members.
Ken advised that RYDA will take place again on 12 & 13 August and will need assistance running the event as Marilyn will be away.
Ken also encouraged all members to contribute to the work of the Rotary Foundation through the Centurion program. A donation of $100 is fully tac deductible.
Phil thanked all members for contributing to Monday's BBQ at Bunnings Kembla Grange which produced a record Monday BBQ result. A general discussion took place regarding how the BBQ was conducted. All agreed that, where possible, total shift length per volunteer should be no more than 2 hours.
Phil also announced the total amount raised through The Charles Hotel Raffles, BBQ's and Jim's Tins for the 2024/25 year and congratulated all members on the amazing result.
Discussion took place regarding the relocation or possible sale / donation of the club's assets including fridges, freezer & trailer with BBQ's. Rose will check with Green Connect regarding possible donation and Kate will check with Our Community Project. Further discussion will take place at our next meeting when more information becomes available.
Jim announced we are looking at holding our Pride in Workmanship event in November this year. Any members with possible nominations should contact Jim. The date will be advised shortly.
The Wine Raffle was won by Betsy Lillee and Ray Lee, pictured below with our poet laureate Ken, who recited a poem on the races at Boundary Bend.
The meeting closed at 7:25PM.
Thank you from the Illawarra Wig Library
On behalf of the volunteer team at the Illawarra Wig Library, I would like to extend our sincere thanks for your generous donation of $2,000. As a not-for-profit organisation run entirely by volunteers, support from community-focused groups such as your Rotary Club is vital to sustaining our mission of assisting those in need throughout the Illawarra region.
Your contribution enables us to continue providing much-needed services to individuals undergoing medical treatment, and we are truly grateful for your belief in our work.
Congratulations on the success of your 61st Changeover Dinner. The evening’s presentation and the recognition of your members’ achievements were a testament to the strength and dedication of your organisation, inspiring confidence in a bright future.
Should there be any opportunity for us to support your efforts in return, please do not
hesitate to reach out.
I would like to extend our sincere thanks for your generous donation of $2,000. As a not-for-profit organisation run entirely by volunteers, support from community-focused groups such as your Rotary Club is vital to sustaining our mission of assisting those in need throughout the Illawarra region.
