Last meeting was our first for the new Rotary year where we heard from Directors on their plans for 2024-25.
Before handing over to the Directors, I reported on the member’s survey we conducted a couple of months ago. Thank you to all the members who responded, you have helped guide me in my thoughts and hopefully reinforced plans the Board and I have already discussed. Overwhelmingly, members want more fellowship and to develop friendships. Yes, they want to serve their local and international communities, but they want to have fun doing it. They want to increase membership but with strong Rotarians not necessarily more Rotarians. They want and expect harmony and co-operation from all members. We will do our best to deliver! I will conduct the survey again next year and it will be interesting to compare the results.
Anna-Marie reported as New Generations (Youth) Director. She stated that Keith, herself and me met with Liam James and Anna Hoyles to discuss PRISCA. Planning has begun and this year PRISCA will be held on 4th November. Venues are being considered, as is the type of event. Anna Marie will lead the project and will be looking for help from our members. We are asking for donations of raffle prizes and suggestions for a guest speaker. The committee exists of: Anna-Marie, Keith, Sana, Liam, Anna and me. We will meet and report back monthly.
Anna-Marie stated that she would also like to build on the relationships with local schools.
PP Sana Kamalesan, Community Director, sent a written report and she offered suggestions for fundraising such as a garage sale, dinner dance or a trivia night. Sana will pursue these suggestions with the Board.
Immediate Past President Hugo Robinson, Membership Director, suggested a membership information night, a letterbox drop of a Burwood Rotary brochure and also, he has set up a database of past members, parents of youth projects and community members. He also believes being seen in the community at BBQ events etc will help to build our profile.
Past President Walter Bock, International Director reported that with the work we are doing in Cambodia and the Philippines we do not need to look for further international involvement.
Past President John Mansour, Foundation Director, wants to revive the Centurion Program with each Rotarian donating $100 each annually. He suggested using the two dollar collection tubes, Walter stated that he can supply the tubes. John also reported that he will be on leave of absence from 8th August to 20th October, then again from 5th to 25th November.
Patricia Abraham, Vocation Director has many plans for us in the next year! A visit to the Eurella warehouse in Auburn, a police station visit and others. It was suggested that we could have these vocation visits on the non-meeting Mondays. Patricia with Anna-Marie will also lead the POW awards night for next year.
We welcomed our Sergeant, Past President Irene Giardino and she proceeded to inflict financial pain on mostly our newer members by asking them questions about the Four Way Test and other Rotary specific matters. She stated that she was going easy on us but to be warned to bring our gold coins to future meetings!
Past President Peter Moore, our Secretary, asked members to provide him with their Working With Children checks and their date of birth, if you have not already done so.
Thank you to everyone who helped last Sunday with the BBQ at Burwood Park. Held by Burwood Council to commemorate the 2400 servicemen who tragically lost their lives during the Death Marches at Sandakan and Ranua in Sabah Borneo at the end of World War II. These days allow us to raise much needed funds for our projects but they also give us time together for fellowship! Please keep Saturday 31st August free for our very first Bunnings BBQ. We will need all hands on deck! Should be great fun!!
At our next meeting, Monday 12th August we will have Peter Hamer come to speak to us about SHEP (Sex and Health Education in Pictures). This was a program that Walter was involved with in the Philippines. Peter is a previous member of Burwood Rotary and I am very much looking forward to hearing from him about this program and the wonderful work they are doing for young women in disadvantaged communities.
Looking forward to seeing you all on Monday night!
President Dennise
