Notes from the Meeting 1 June 2017

Les Pontin welcomed all members and guests.

OPEN:

President Mike welcomed our guests and officially opened the meeting with the loyal toast.

INTERNATIONAL TOAST:
The international toast was again to the Rotary Club of Manchester, UK.

Their meetings are at the Manchester Hall in Bridge Street on Thursdays, and their pull up banner is similar to ours. They state "we're for community; we're for making a difference; we're for giving something back. Are you?" They do a lot to serve the local community and each April they run a 'Know your blood pressure' initiative. In addition they are actively involved in the End Polio Now campaign and strongly support Inner Wheel.

COMMUNITY SERVICE:
The Cancer Council's Biggest Morning Tea, hosted by Mark McArdle's office was a great success. Thank you to all who participated and the CCSA did a wonderful job.

ROTARIAN OF THE MONTH:

Due to a double ordering of badges we had more than anticipated, so all who attended the Relay for Life breakfast in May were recipients this month.

VOLUNTEER AWARDS NIGHT:

Next week we will present Awards to four volunteers who have been recognised as providing great service to the community. In addition to general community participation, they volunteer for Gateway Care, Blue Care Auxiliary, Hope within Reach and the Salvation Army. We look forward to meeting them and some of their colleagues.

KIVA:

Dave Smith updated us on the Kiva loan. $500 has been paid back and we are now looking for another worthy project in East Timor.

CENTURION:

We are looking to increase our Centurions - funds are down on last year. It isn't too late - presentations will be made on Changeover night.

RIKI TIKI and SERGEANT at ARMS:

Were both conducted splendidly.

PRESIDENT ELECT, PETER HIGGS:

Peter Higgs gave an update on Rotary International policy changes with regards to Child Protection. Rotary International will create a register for people who work with children. They are standardising procedures, and as not all RI countries have the equivalent of a Blue Card, you will be required to complete additional forms. You will receive an email regarding this so please complete and return. (For Australian regulatory purposes you will still require a Blue Card or equivalent.)

Rotary is also on a membership drive. Numbers are declining and the USA has fewer members than Asia. As the number of members declines, the fees will increase to cover costs. Our district has growing numbers, but when member numbers in any district fall below 1100, it triggers a redistribution. Each club is purposed with creating a strategic plan. Tony Long has already presented ideas on building capacity within our club and we will use this. We want to increase our membership to 50 in the next year.

CLOSE:
President Mike thanked our guests and guest speaker, the duty team and all for attending. The meeting was closed with the singing of the National Anthem.