Our end of year celebration last Tuesday was a fun night as expected. It was disappointing that several members weren’t able to attend due to illness at the very last minute. Covid is still with us. I hope everyone affected is recovering well. Thanks once again to Jim Young and his team for organising a challenging trivia event to go with our paella.
Congratulations to our two newest PHF+1s . George-Ann Sullivan long serving Club secretary and Judy Coultas very long serving Program Chair received due recognition. Congratulations also to our two community-based awardees. Karen Vanderberg received the Stan Spencer Award and also Clare Harwood received the Community Award.
I had prepared a report on a few of the highlights for the year but unfortunately time did get away from us on the night to prevent me delivering it in full. I have included it here.
It is pleasing that we have had a large influx of new members. Every Rotary Club needs to have renewal, it’s the way we get renewed energy and leadership. Lets continue.
We have exceeded our fund-raising objective for the year. This will enable us to support all of the Rotary projects that Directors think is important.
Our great partnership with the Bendigo Bank enabled us to build a new BBQ trailer which Rowan thinks will outlive he and I. Great work Rowan a job well done.
Bernie Edwards has worked with the Council to secure a $9000 grant to put two disabled table and benches into the Mount Eliza Park. He also is our liaison officer to ensure that we have permits to make all our major fund-raising events eg Farmers Markets and Bunnings BBQs run smoothly. He and Linda Morris also do an outstanding job with Australia Day. It has become a very important event on the Mount Eliza calendar.
We continue many international projects. One that I want to highlight is our involvement with the Peninsula Cluster to sponsor an Interplast doctor from Tonga to come to the Plastic Surgery conference.
Our normal involvement with youth projects continues. We gave two youth scholarships to Mont Eliza Secondary College and two students to attend National Youth Science Forum NYSF. We are continuing to stay involved with local primary schools through a newlsetter and citizenship awards at their speech nights.
We have been very busy this year with all our community awards. The Stan Spencer Award, the Shine on Award, the Community Award and Pride of Workmanship Awards are all examples that we take quite seriously. We will be heavily involved in Mount Eliza Secondary College in their wellness program at the start of the next Rotary year.
The Environmental Group continues to make a difference working with Peninsula School students revegetating and weeding the area around the Moorooduc Railway Station. We have also added to the environmental program by taking up the maintenance of the Cobb Road dog park.
We are very proud of our satellite club. We work closely together and support them on all of their current projects. They have been particularly involved with making kits to support End Trachoma
I would like to acknowledge my Board for work done during the year and also the year ahead.
President Elect and Club Service Director Jim Young
Secretary George Ann Sullivan
Treasurer Sue Voss
International Jenny Baker
Vocational Suzie Adam
Community Linda Morris/Carol Wallace
Youth Jim Voss
Environment Neil Heron
Fellowship John Welsh
I welcome Carol Wallace to the Board.
Thank you to everyone for your effort. Look forward to working with you in the Rotary year ahead