Today we had a visit from our District Governor Susan Wakefield, along with PDG John Wakefield & AG Ward Pollard.
President Sue welcome Susan with a brief summary of the club, ending with an invitation to our 50th birthday next April, before asking Club directors to speak.
Tom (Vocational) outlined his Pride of Workmanship award, which is now renamed to ABBA (Above & Beyond award). Tom is also looking into a Schools public speaking competition.
Peter (Community) appreciated the district grant we have been award to Taldumande Youth services for whitegoods & Mary’s House (Women refuge) for cooking glasses, and now processing a grant for beds & bedding. We haven’t forgotten the farmers’ drought appeal with nearly $4,000 raised by Crows Nest already, a target for 4 local clubs being $100,000. Bruce is organising the first load of IGA vouchers & hay. Finally we are assisting the Manly club organising a BBQ for the Invictus Games.
Ian (International) talked about three active projects. In India we are assisting the Beecroft club with supply of Toilets for 200 residences. With SoTheyCan we are persisting in getting an education program off the ground in Kenya, with the delay being getting $ commitment from the local Rotary district. With local school (St. Montes) we are awaiting technical details before contributing to building a training school in East Timor. We still sponsor students at Sr Genevie’s school in Kenya. One of the girls has moved onto University and we will continue to sponsor her. There is also money put aside for project(s) in China – awaiting opportunities. Howard efforts in his ShelterBox co-ordination and a water project in Madagascar were not forgotten.
Phillip (Youth) assisted in both the Taldumande & Mary House projects. Phillip is chasing the Police about involvement with homeless youth, and engaging with Naremburn special school to see what assistance we can offer. Of course the regular RYPEN & RYLA sponsorships, as well as Angelo’s RYLA program in East Timor. In his spare time Phillip is raising money for the Royal Flying Doctors thru the Rotarian Motorcycle Fellowship rides.
Angelo (Membership) still remains a focus with three potential members identified in the last few months.
Susan responded with a summary of her interesting background in the Police, foster care & Rotary. She was impressed how we understand the International scene and are working with other local clubs. Restated that one of the key District goals is membership, especially Retention. Reminded us to put our goals in My Rotary, attend the District Conference and the Polio Express Train on 28th .