This year’s ANZAC day dawn service in Eltham was cited by many as the most moving and best attended in recent years, despite the wet conditions. Thank you to Rob, Ken, Bill McKenna and all involved in bringing together such a program of reflection, respect and gratitude. Whether well away manning the road closures, front and centre at the Cenotaph, or cooking free sausages, the contribution of Eltham Rotarians to the flawless running of the event was deeply appreciated by the RSL and the community.
Then, last Thursday, we shared the living ANZAC spirit through Glen Ferrarotto’s presentation of his experiences in service with the Special Forces in Afghanistan. He provided a revealing insight into the realities of modern warfare, reliant not only upon high technology equipment, but the same personal core values and selfless commitment of the ANZACs. An excellent program chaired by Ian Toohill and capped off by the Last Post and the Reveille.
With Glen’s Ironside Recruitment business located next door to the Third Chapter, we look forward to exploring ways in which we can work together with the RSL to the benefit of returned servicemen. From reflecting on the lives which have made our country, to the new generations who will shape the future, this week we celebrate the full spectrum of programs delivered by Sally and the Youth Services team – another night not to be missed!
Cheers, President Kevin
Lower Eltham Park BBQ 9:30 am - 2:30 pm
You are responsible for finding a replacement if you are unable to do your rostered duty and notify Lyn Truran ljtruran@bigpond.com
This weeks meeting is a review of the Youth Services team's year.
Presenting students from Eltham High School, Eltham College, Montmorency Secondary College and Diamond Valley Learning Centre whom we have sponsored to attend a variety of programs. This is always a busy night and new this year will be students reporting on their attendance at RYPEN and Operation Newstart.
Chair person for the evening will be Sally Squires.
The moment you have all been waiting for has arrived! The brand new Entertainment Books are here!
Help us raise funds for our club by buying an Entertainment Book. You'll receive hundreds of valuable offers for everything you love to do, and help our fundraising at the same time!
The Entertainment Book is such a great way to try new restaurants. Use 2 or 3 of the discount dockets and the book will pay for itself. The offers are valid until June 2018, so you have plenty of time.
Kevin Hadingham: Our thanks to Lorraine and Mike Englefield for their generosity in providing the wreath at the Anzac Day service and congratulations to all whose efforts contributed to such an outstanding event.
Dale Atkins: The Aquabox packing day will be on Sunday 7 May. Need volunteers and priority will be given to new members – let Dale know if you can help.
Ross McDonald: Reminder about the ‘Eurovision Song Contest’ on 18 May. People will be allocated to various tables representing different countries and each table will perform two songs. Dress up for the occasion - will be prizes and need a good attendance.
Sally Squires: Youth Night next week at which this year’s youth projects will be presented and celebrated. We're expecting an attendance of about 70 including many young people.
Les Coath: BBQ last week raised $844. A further $341 from the ‘dustbin’ collection on Anzac Day toward research into PTSD.
Ann Lynch: Please send acceptances through by Tuesday night with your dietary requests. This saves a lot of work chasing people up.
Rob Kilcullen: Thanks to all for teamwork on Anzac Day – a good crowd particularly given the weather. Special thanks to Ken for getting the local young people and their schools so involved.
Ian Toohill: Reminder about Wheelchairs for Kids in September. Short meetings at the end of the evening.
Our speaker this week was Glenn Ferrarotto, a veteran of the Afghanistan Campaign. Glenn enlisted in 1997, was deployed with the Australian Special Operations Task Group, and served for 10 years in the Australian Regular Army. Glenn shared with us a very personal and touching account of his experiences in Afghanistan – a reminder of just how easy our lives are when measured against such hardship and danger. Glenn is also the Founder and Executive Director of a local business, Ironside Recruitment, a Veteran and Emergency Services Employment Agency. This agency has been pioneering the way for ex-service personnel to access civilian employment opportunities across multiple industries for over 5 years. Glenn is now also the Senior Vice President of the Montmorency/Eltham RSL. Our sincere thanks to him for this timely presentation during the week of Anzac celebrations.
Kevin reported on his discussions with the Mayor and his enthusiasm for working with Rotary. A meeting has been arranged with Jill and the Mayor to discuss the Eltham Festival.
A 2017-18 budget outline is being drafted by Treasurer-Elect Michael Martin with consideration of a range of income scenarios. Incoming Board members for 2017-18 were invited to draft program budget proposals and annual plan targets for their portfolio
Proposed Membership Fees will be presented to club meeting in June.
Annual plan targets will be finalised at first Board meeting on 19 July
Club Assembly 20 July
Approved $2,000 donation to the Queensland Rotary Cyclone Debbie Appeal
Approved $1,400 donation to the Eltham & District Historical Society for data storage and projection hardware for digitised records
The Festival Committee is seeking to appoint a Publicity Officer
The Board discussed a number of issues of concern raised by Max Lee on behalf of himself and 5 other unnamed members. Kevin reported that he had met with Max and discussed the issues in detail. The Board (and Max) were concerned why members felt uncomfortable/unwilling to personally raise issues of concern directly with the President/Board members/ or relevant Committee members.
Whilst raising issues as they arise with the most relevant person continues to be the preferred option, the Board agreed that items for discussion at the next Club Assembly on 20 July may be raised by advance notification to the Secretary for inclusion on the agenda, or alternatively without notice from the floor of the meeting on the night.
The Summary Report of Service Programs has been updated following the meeting and this can be accessed by members on our Club Runner website.
There were more upsets this round with the Kangaroos winning their first for the season and the Hawks losing at their Launceston "fortress" to the mighty Saints!
The best results for our tipsters was 7 (Frank Lynch & Chris Kiddle). Frank is looking like the one to beat this year with already a comfortable lead and a few winnings already.
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