The meeting was opened by MC Rosemary Nixon AM; the weekly reflection was delivered by Past President Robert Fisher and this can be read elsewhere in this bulletin. The loyal toast was proposed by Past President Reg Smith OAM, who was standing in for President Catherine Baxter who was an apology for this meeting.
On reconvening the meeting after meal service, Past President Reg welcomed Members, visitors and guests, to our 23rd Meeting of the Rotary Year and our 5060th all time Club meeting. He highlighted the attendance of special guests, Rotary Foundation Trustee and Past District Governor Dennis Shore (speaker for the day), Kate Baddily from The Smith Family, and membership inductees, Andrew Morrice and Getrude Matshe.
Details of all visitors to this meeting are included below.
The business of the meeting began with the induction of Andrew Morrice and Getrude Matshe, and each gave brief and appreciative addresses as they were welcomed to the Club.
President Reg then invited Kate Baddily to the podium and Jim Orchard presented the funds $17,465 raised this year by Rotary Melbourne for the Smith Foundation. After the response from Kate Baddily, Reg expressed the appreciation of the club for efforts of Jim Orchard, Trevor Nink and Chris Wang in organising the fund-raising activities behind the donation. He also expressed appreciation to the Around the Bay Rider team, led by Rotarian Chris Rodd whose effort was supported by Clubs member sponsors.
Reg then turned our attention to the retirement earlier this year of PP Bob Glindemann OAM from his leadership role at the Donations In Kind warehouse. A full transcript of the citation delivered by Past President Reg can be read elsewhere in this bulletin.
Bob Glindemann then came to the podium and provided a detailed update on the challenges faced and accomplishments of the District 9800 Donations In Kind (DIK) warehouse, highlighting the rescue of surplus equipment and furniture from healthcare providers, educational institutions, business and individuals, and shipped a total of 708 containers to 35 countries in need. A more detailed update is included elsewhere in this Bulletin.
Dennis Shore then spoke of the impact of the Rotary Foundation, describing it as Rotary's 'engine room' and 'heartbeat.' He explained the Foundation's structure, financial integrity, and various funding avenues, highlighting its contributions to sustainable projects like peacebuilding, disease fighting, and providing clean water. Dennis encouraged participation through regular donations, particularly to the Polio Plus Society, and underscored the Foundation's role in creating global impact.
Bob’s and Dennis’s presentations can be view in this Speaker series video Click here To view the full meeting recording Click here.
