President Donna Martin introduced our current District 9800 Governor Amanda Wendt.
Amanda reminded us that the appointment of Jennifer Jones as Rotary International President marked a very historic moment in the history of Rotary International and also reminded us that a female President will lead R.I. in a few years time.
Amanda had quite a few very important things to say during her address.
1. Much thought had gone into the current theme and logo “Imagine Rotary”
2. The 2023 Convention to be held in Melbourne will be “ a life-changing” event.
3. Amanda was introduced to the Rotary organisation 11 years ago and was impressed by the “ideas” that Rotary members have presented to the world and the integrity of Rotary leaders who had inspired the actions of members.
4. A very large section of her presentation was devoted to “volunteers”.
Some facts to consider:
3 in 10 Australians are engaged in some form of volunteer work.
The largest group of volunteers fall into the 35-40 age group followed by the 50+ age group.
If we can connect with more volunteers within our community then our membership will increase. The task, therefore, is to find community projects that will inspire people to volunteer by offering “hands on and meaningful tasks.”
The benefits of being a member will follow:
We are “not for profit” organisation
We offer mentorship
We are able to develop resources.
The corporate world is quite envious of these aspects of Rotary membership.
Rotary Presidents and their Board are acknowledged for their professionalism and skills they offer.
Amanda then spoke of the support that Rotarians receive from their Partners and Friends of Rotary.
Special mention was made of W.E.R.N. and past DG Ross Butterworth.
Amanda then concluded that the District Leadership team is there to support clubs and that a key ingredient of Rotary membership is ”having fun.”
We then had a break for more delicious food, a refreshing beverage and chance to converse with members from our fellow clubs.
Resuming our meeting a representative from each club gave a brief presentation about their club.
Melton. Hay run to flooded Grafton
Eynesbury. Peace pole in a local school
Melton Valley. A water fountain
Caroline Springs. Tree planting/ WERN
Bacchus Marsh. A long list of social and community project
Then a surprise presentation.
DG Amanda Wendt presented Geoff Camm a special Award for his great mentoring of new Rotarian Reg Holloway who acknowledged Geoff for his mentoring that led Reg to successfully apply for a promoted position. Amanda concluded by stating that the Rotary Mentoring program is a powerful method of supporting mew members.
DG Amanda Wendt presented Geoff Camm a special Award for his great mentoring of new Rotarian Reg Holloway who acknowledged Geoff for his mentoring that led Reg to successfully apply for a promoted position. Amanda concluded by stating that the Rotary Mentoring program is a powerful method of supporting mew members.
Finally, our fantastic DG Amanda thanked President Donna for arranging this wonderful evening for the cluster clubs.
Then we are made the journey to the adjoining room to prepare 100 soup hampers for families in need of assistance.
