In recent weeks I have reflected on the way this lock down has crept up on us, after coming to expect that everything to do with Covid-19 was under control and lock-down would soon be a thing of the past. Here we are with record numbers of Covid infections and a promise of opening up when 80% of eligible Victorians are fully vaccinated.
We should make the most of our time in lock-down in planning for fellowship and new project ideas.
I am inspired to begin this by considering past member and President David Wittner’s Angus Mitchell Oration delivered 31 years ago, on 23rd February 1994. In that address, which is attached here, David reflected on Angus Mitchell’s philosophy for Rotary's growth set out in six simple guidelines. These emphasise the importance of genuine friendship amongst Rotarians; the benefits of thinking big and collaborating with other clubs; embracing globally impactful projects enabled by Rotary’s unique structure; our special responsibility towards youth - the 'citizens of tomorrow'; striving to understand what Rotary really stands for, its achievements and how it functions; and in all that, keeping it simple. David’s address implores members to constantly consider how Rotary should best respond to the challenges of the times.
Our centenary year has given us the opportunity to celebrate the major contributions our club has made, and those it continues to make through impactful projects such as the R100 end Hepatitis, Hush Foundation, trauma recovery, ending Trachoma, Rotary Safe Families and vaccinating Pacific Island children. My question is: If David Wittner were with us today how would he challenge us?
The Next Big Thing: At last week’s meeting President Elect Nominee (2022/23) Bev Brock shared the vision for major events that will bring us together in 2022, when it is safe to do so. In parallel with this planning we need to consider the question: What will be Rotary Melbourne’s next big thing? Before the year is out it is my ambition to organise a major virtual gathering of Club members who want to think about what might be our next big thing? Watch this space for more news.
Covid-19 Survey: All members will soon receive an invitation to complete a quick survey to inform the Board’s consideration of our Club’s Covid-19 policy. Please take a few minutes to respond.
Board Update: All members will receive soon a copy of the update on the work of the Board at its meeting on 15 September. My special thanks to Board members and everyone for continuing your fine work on Committees and Project Teams through Zoom.
Future Presidents: The Nominations Committee is hard at work searching for members who might be willing to one day step up as President of our beloved Club. Our work will be reported to the Club’s Annual general meeting on 17 November. If the thought of one day being President, Honorary Secretary, or Honorary Treasurer interests you, feel free to reach out to Committee members, myself, Bev Brock, Peter Davis, Robert Fisher, Kevin Sheehan, Marg Leser, Stephen Lake and Rosemary Nixon. Any one of us will be happy to discuss the pathway that equips members to assume this important Club leadership role.
