President's Report

President Roger spent many hours collating our strategic plans that were submitted last week. Roger thanked everyone for their efforts. Everyone present received a copy of the collated Strategic Plans and it was asked that we take them home and read them and we will have further discussion on them next week.

Discussion also centered around a vision statement for our club. Many ideas were mentioned and Roger suggested that we use the week to think about an idea, provide them to him next meeting, narrow down some ideas and Roger will have the final choice.

Everyone put their thinking caps on please.

 

MAGIC - Roger received a phone call from Marg Martin, secretary of the Garden Club regarding the car and flower/plant display for the Railway precinct. She relayed to Roger that the Garden club do not believe they will have enough plants to make the display (they need at least a year to plan this) and they are worried that the plants will get stolen. From this, Roger believes that the car/plant display is not a go ahead with the garden club. Further discussions will take place to alleviate the fears of the Garden Club. It was suggested that we just do it as a club. This was met with good enthusiasm and great discussion on this took place. There are a number of members who have great gardens and we believe that if we were to ask for donations of potted plants, such as succulents and involve the local school kids with the decorations, then perhaps we could make it happen. This is an item for further discussion in the coming weeks as MAGIC s not too far away.

 

Roger received an email on behalf of the club that states we must, as a club, take out insurance for/against sexual abuse. This is aimed at protecting any exchange students that we may have or host. Darren will read over the letter of request and report back next meeting.

 

Show Gate Update - Probus, CFA, Wando Vale Hall Auxillary and the P&A Society have all been asked to supervise a garden gate each. Awaiting replies from each club

 

EFTPOS Machine - The Bendigo Bank gives back to the local community and many members think it would be a good idea if we could be involved but want to know the pros and cons of an account. Luke raised some questions regarding the EFTPOS machine and the associated account: Are there any transaction fees involved? What is the interest rate? Is there a minimum balance required for the account? Can we nominate the dates we require the machine and how much notice do they need? How often is it available to the club per year? Chris is to follow this up and report back to allow further discussion to take place.

 

Hat Day - Lift the Lid on Mental Illness

 - Friday October 7th

 - Roger showed a short video about Rotary's involvement in Mental Health Research.

 - There are posters available on the website that we can print and adapt for advertising

 - Mental illness amongst our young Australians is staggering

 - Mental Illness Research will receive all of the funds raised

 - This year's campaign is proudly supported by the Herald Sun, Beyond Blue, Australian Rotary Health and Neil Mitchell

How can we help?

There were many ideas put forward for discussion including: Rattling tins in each of the towns' pubs, BBQ @ supermarket/Rotary Rest Point, wearing of silly/wild/funny hats, hanging hats on the town entry signs and encourage the local school children to make hats and display them locally and offer them for sale. Put your thinking hats on everyone and bring your amazing ideas with you for next meeting (every pun intended!!)