DISTRICT GOVENOR BRUCE ANDERSON'S VISIT
President Carol welcomed DG Bruce Anderson and partner Marilyn to the meeting.
DG Bruce had limited time due to another meeting to go to but emphasised that he was hoping to get to each club in the District in person but was starting with Zoom due to Covid 19.He talked about the District Conference scheduled for 18-21 March 2021 in Wangaratta and the opportunity to party post Covid. Subject to spacing requirements the Conference would welcome everybody’s involvement and if Covid is still causing problems there could be a limited number of attendees chosen by ballot and supplemented with Zoom coverage of conference proceedings.
DG Bruce asked us to diarise the District Conference and also the RI Convention in Taipei in June 2021
Marilyn spoke about a proposed partners program which has been stifled due to Covid so is on hold till the end of 2020 but proposed that we put together a District book with a couple of pages from each club. This would be a Rotary Centenary celebration
Another suggestion was that each club spruce up signs in towns to promote Rotary. There will be a release of coins and postage stamps in 2021 for the centenary.
DG Bruce and Marilyn then introduced Ozzie the Mozzie – District conference mascot and highlighter of the Malaria eradication project. He’s hoping that when clubs can get back to fundraising any leftover funds can be donated to this project which is aiming to create a Malaria free shield across the top of Australia.
Do we need to keep members engaged? Rotary Foundation suggests supporting the environment as a new area of focus. DG Bruce sees it as a way to promote Rotary, engage and recruit younger members and identify and complete local environmental projects. Phil Clancy is to set up a task force and funds should be available from July 2021.
On the subject of new members Rotary International President, Holger suggests focusing on their suitability for the club rather than on gaining numbers.
Last but not least was the End Polio project. DG Bruce said that Covid is preventing us to maintaining the vaccination program and that it will also take away funds, energy and awareness from the project. We will know the likely impact in 6-8 weeks.
• Last few days have been chaotic as shire shares borders with 4 shires in lockdown and Craig is fielding up to 100 calls a day answering queries, and Shire staff doing similar
Firstly, a big thank you to all who filled in the questionnaire which I handed out when I became President and which asked which jobs you would like and be willing to do.
Jed initially gave a summary of his career in the Navy, referencing pivotal activities in his past that are reflected in his current writings: as a midshipman in the Malaysia conflict before changing to aircrew in 1966, training at Pensacola Naval Air Station in the US and being posted to the RAN Helicopter Flight in Vietnam with the US Army’s 135th Assault Helicopter Company. Jed left the Navy in 1970 and flew and instructed on helicopters internationally. Latterly Jed worked in security and aviation with Shell and BHP. He and wife Sue then founded Hart Aviation which grew to operate in 60 countries.
Jessie delivered a highly motivating speech focusing on the future of Rotary with her passion for Rotary irrepressible. She outlined the unparalleled opportunities as well as significant challenges that face Rotary.
Meagan provided a most informative and enlightening address. She explained that she is a ‘True Yea local’ having lived here all her life and is now in her 6th year as Principal of Middle Kinglake PS. MKPS has 64 students represented across the socio economic and demographic continuum.
Marg gave a very comprehensive report of the Corryong and District Bushfire Recovery effort (Marg is on the Bushfire Relief Committee).
roduced Leigh Redding,
n Craigie Street right by the Yea River (his backyard really) Leigh has trained in Outdoor Education and has a love of nature and is about to embark on the journey of a lifetime. Paddling his canoe from the Yea River in his backyard all the way to the mouth of the Murray River and the ocean—a journey of approx. 2300 kilometres which he expects to take about six months. Along the way, Leigh hopes to talk to, engage with and connect to schools and communities and live sustainably. He has set up a website/blog at www.natureeuphoria.com.au and members can follow his journey there.
r member of a Lions Club and his father is a Rotarian at Corryong. Matt will have Banking Retail on his membership Badge and will join the Community Services committee
