What a week we have had! Thanks all for turning up to the Annual General Meeting, which was basically a summary of the past year 2020-1. I look forward with excitement for the year ahead with the announcing of the new board to take up into 2022-3, under the leadership of Teresa Liu followed by Mark Howlett. Thus, our club is in for some good years with very strong leadership from these two excellent candidates.
With sadness I note that Cheryl Pisterman (Foundation) and Elizabeth Dumonic (Membership) are stepping down. I personally thank them for their assistance in my 2 year reign as President. I look forward to Charles Tran taking over the Foundation Chair. I look forward to co-chairing Membership with Thelma Hutchison. I also thank all Board Members, who are continuing their roles. Obviously, I didn’t put them off and I will enjoy being on the Board with them all (but not as the boss).
The District AGM was held via Zoom last Monday.
Last Sunday, we finally had the Grand Opening of the Playground at the Yarra Bank Reserve. The weather was very kind to us. I appreciate the fact that I could see so many Rotarians, especially from our club, working diligently in the background, while all I had to do was prance around looking important and mix with the dignitaries! This is a great example of clubs working together to achieve greatness. Rotary Clubs of North Balwyn, Camberwell, Canterbury, Hawthorn and Glenferrie all put in to create this playground sculpture to commemorate 100 years of Rotary in Australia. (First meeting was in Melbourne!!)
As per my speech, “Service above Self” is our motto. However, we all have the
playground committee to thank for all their hard work over the last couple of years. From our club - PP Don Moore, PP Thelma Hutchison and PP Richard Blakeman
Teresa Molella – RC Camberwell, Bob Lambert – RC Canterbury and Denbigh Richards – Rotary Club of Hawthorn.
So many were happy to celebrate this opening, which we sometimes wondered would never get to an end. My grandchildren loved the park and my daughter said she is definitely bringing them back, with spare clothing since they relished the water feature.
Christmas Party – The year is coming to an end, and we need to plan our Christmas celebration. Rod has booked Dec 21st Tuesday night for our event. If anyone wants to be in the choir to sing a couple of carols, could they contact me soon. I will arrange a practice prior to the day.
Australia Day Celebrations - A decision has been made not to participate in theses events as per last year. Too many club members including myself will be away. Again, very short notice so the decision had to be made prior to the usual Board Meeting.
Please remember that you must book in advance and the staff at Kooyong will be asking you to QR code in and show your certificates.
President Mark