Last week, 168 Members, Visiting Rotarians and Guests were privileged to hear Professor Fiona Wood present the Thomas Baker Oration. To do justice to Fiona's inspirational and thought-provoking presentation, we recommend you listen to her dissertation on the Podcast on our Website. https://soundcloud.com/rotarymelbourne Photo: Pres. Robert, Fiona Wood, Chair Trevor Nink.
Thank you to Anton for his inspirational presentation of the Smith Family and its work with our disadvantaged children living in poverty and distress. You can hear Anton's presentation on our Podcasts which are on our website: "Meetings/Events" - Podcasts.
President Robert Fisher conveyed the sad news of the death of a loyal Member Ted Billson who died on 17 August, 2018.
Final Reminder to Book Your Guests
Professor Fiona Wood AM, Speaking on ‘Striving for Excellence in Health Care’
Chairperson: Trevor Nink
Venue: Windsor Hotel Grand Ballroom
Thank you to all the members and friends that participated in the Around the Bay Raffle and subsequent auction. Funds in excess of $5000 were raised with special thanks to Auctioneer Extraordinaire Paul Caine who provided the revelry and fun whilst grabbing the bids!
The Avanti Bike $2000 Prize was drawn by Tim Halliburton of the Smith Family and the winner Richard Parker accepted the prize.
Vocation Committee is very pleased that we have had 8 Members apply to be the 2018/19 Victoria Police Mentors. Unfortunately, we are only able to nominate 3 candidates for this fantastic year working with Victoria Police. The three Mentors from this year's Program: Maryla Juchnowski, Graham O'Donnell and Dorothy Gilmour will be attending the Closing Event late September.
The President's Nominating Committee in advance of the 14 November RCM Inc AGM has now been formed with the following members forming the Committee:
President - Robert Fisher, Past Presidents Mary Barry and Quin Scalzo, Board appointed Barbara Yerondais and Trevor Nink and Elected members John Allen, Gladys Liu and Alistair Urquhart.
We are very fortunate to have PP Mary and Philip returned to us safely. They survived not just one but TWO earthquakes while holidaying in Bali recently. The first was bad enough apparently but the second was while they were at the airport waiting to come home. It apparently lasted for half a minute which President Robert said, from experiencing many earth tremors in South Africa, would feel like a lifetime!
The dinner commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Amiens was held in the ballroom of the Hotel Windsor on Friday 10 August 2018. Photo shows our esteemed Member, Prof. David de Kretser AC, former State Governor.
Peter Washusen has kindly provided the "behind the scenes" work that occurs each week to ensure the smooth sailing of our luncheon meetings. Please note, this Team needs some new Volunteers on board. Are you able to help Peter and the Luncheon Team please?
Our Vocational Services Committee is excited to announce this year's Rotary Club of Melbourne Vocational Service Award 2018/19. Edward Tudor was chosen unanimously by the Committee. He is Executive Director of the Melbourne Indigenous Transition School. Edward epitomises the prerequisites for this Award recognising achievement of professional excellence (in the Awardees chosen profession), and outstanding contribution to the community through their vocation.
Our Club wishes to pay tribute again this year to more than 1.5 million volunteers across Victoria who are building our communities, services and connections. Nominations are needed by 14 September so that we canpay tribute to those dedicated achiever and encourage others through the Sir John Reid Community Service Award.
It is with sadness that Members are advised of the death of our Member Ted Billson. A Memorial Service will be held Thursday, 23 August at 11am at Toorak Uniting Church (to which Ted was a regular visitor). Ted was a great sketcher and artist and President Robert recalls that he was drawing a TV personality's portrait when Robert last visited him 2 weeks ago. Picture by Ted of PP Barry Watts.
This week is the annual Around the Bay Auction at lunch. If you can’t be there and would like to bid - please contact Trevor Nink or Jo Mavros.
Also Note RAFFLE TICKETS NEED TO BE RETUNED: $2000 Prize will be drawn at the lunch on 22 August. If you missed out and would like to be in the draw, give Jo a call and you can purchase on the phone.
Our Members were delighted to witness James Pullar being named a Paul Harris Triple Sapphire Awardee at last week's meeting. Photo: President Robert and James.
Virginia provided a fascinating view of the Melbourne Theatre Company with a summary of Melbourne Theatre Company’s 64 year history and the exciting path ahead. Apologies to Members as our microphone faded towards the end of last week's meeting. Virginia's full presentation may be found on Website Front Page - "Meetings Events" - "Podcasts".
Around the Bay 2018 is approaching and we need Volunteers. This is an annual event for our Club and we need to "put in" to continue and improve on our previous years success in raising money for the Smith Familiy in their support of our disadvantaged children. Just a few hours of your time will make such a difference to a child.
Thank you for your understanding and patience whilst we remedied the security issue with our website and Google issues. Hopefully, this Bulletin will make for simple reading again for you but with additional Member privacy. Not a simple task to take on the "World of Google"!
Topic: "Breaking the Poverty Cycle through Education"
Chairperson: Jim Orchard
Kelly Lawson has provided Rob Helme with her update of her exciting time in Thailand. This update proves the inspiration and success of our Peace Fellows Program for our international community building. Thanks Rob.
Rob has asked for some assistance from Members on a small committee to help plan our next approach to recruiting worthy Peace Fellow applicants by the RCM, whilst keeping in touch with our existing Peace Fellows, and planning the Peace Building Forum for 2021. Please contact Rob if you would like to be part of this interesting and thought-provoking team.
Hope you have noted the dates: 15, 16 & 17 February, 2019 for our Multi District Conference. Early Bird Registration is now open.
Members please note in your diary for October: The Arts Committee is inviting you to the Arts Access Exhibition Event on 25 October at 6.00 pm - 7.30 pm. Further details will be announced. Diarise early please.
Thank you to Peter Davis for providing a beautiful piece on the 100th Commemoration of Battle of Amiens organised by our 0808 Committee. The photo shows Melbourne Chamber Choir led by David Kram presenting excerpts from Monash Cantata at our Shrine of Remembrance on 8.8.2018 @ at 8.00 am.
Recently, DG Bronwyn Stephens and PP Quin Scalzo handed out jars of Smarties. Not just to enjoy but to fill with coins. Every $100 raised with a Special District DDF and Foundation contribution and a 2:1 match by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will raise $1,000 for End Polio.
