The 14th Rotary Melbourne meeting of this Rotary Year, and our 5005th Meeting in the Club’s 102nd year.
At the Rotary Melbourne meeting on Wednesday 4 October the Guest Speaker was David Cox, Founder Guitars For Veterans Australia who spoke on 'Where Words Fail, Music Speaks'.
Hats were adorned at this weekly meeting, as we supported Australian Rotary Health to help Lift the Lid on Mental Illness! And our Go Pies supporter group were still standing following their AFL Grand Final win the previous Saturday. To view the full recording of the meeting here: https://youtu.be/7YZ8RfIMLc4
Bernie McIntosh again capably assumed the role of Master of Ceremonies and the Reflection was delivered by Past President Peter Dakin. The transcript of Peter’s reflection is included later in this bulletin.
Club member, Suresh Marcandan gave a brief address on the work of Australian Rotary Health (ARH) Foundation, and its work on research to strengthen community mental health. Fundraising for the day was focussed on supporting ARH.
In his announcements, President Chris drew members’ attention to the Around the Bay Bike Raffle for a $2,000cycling equipment voucher - tickets can be purchased by Clicking here: [https://rotaryclubofmelbourne.org.au/atbraffle2023 ]. He also highlighted Robert Fisher’s progress in the Walk With Us in 2023 District 9800 fundraiser to end polio now. Robert is #1 on the individual leader Board having already Raised $3,741 which is 75% of his personal target of $5,000. Lets help Robert achieve his goal and go beyond his target - Click here to contribute: https://www.rotarywalkwithus.org/fundraisers/robertfisher/walk-with-us-copy
Club member Graham O’Donnell introduced David Cox who delivered a compelling keynote address on the impact of conflict experienced in military service can be translated into life long mental health issues for veterans. His organisation, Guitars for Veterans is built on the proposition that Veterans shouldn’t have to face the challenges of PTSD in silence or alone. Through the teamwork and camaraderie of Guitars for Vets, they can join a community where they learn to play the guitar and find solace in the songs they love as well as the songs they have yet to write. Playing a guitar can help veterans safely connect with their surroundings and other people.
David mixed stories and powerful metaphor, with his own musical talent in performing his own composition: "Where do I go?”
You can view his presentation by clicking here: https://youtu.be/fdrSfN-dqb0
On Saturday 11 November 23 Guitars for Veterans are holding a fundraiser at the Peninsular Beer Garden, Browns Road, Borneo. Rock To Remember on 11 November fundraiser show is well underway. Tickets are selling now for the event HERE. Their generous artists include Mark Gardner, Grazy’s Country and Marcelle all songwriters and artists. See you there as we raise funds for veteran lessons and guitars. Tickets $20.
