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Welcome to the 29th edition of Spoke ‘n’ Words.On Monday 12th February, Rotarian Bob Lay AM and I had the privilege to attend a meeting with Lisa Norman, CEO of the St John of God Hospital in Berwick, and her team, to sign a 2-year Partnership Agreement that will see a further strengthening of our close relationship with the hospital. This Agreement marks the beginning of another great chapter in the strong and enduring relationship that has been built over many years between the two organisations, all for the benefit of the Casey and broader community. We are very proud of our association with the Hospital and we look forward to working with such a dynamic and progressive organisation to make a difference in the Casey and broader community.
At our meeting on Wednesday the 14th of February, Valentine’s Day, some 40 members and guests, most sporting something red, were on hand to hear Colin Byron’s presentation on the great work that Rotary Overseas Medical Aid for Children (ROMAC) to give children a chance at live through surgical intervention. Colin hails from the Rotary Club of Greater Dandenong and is the ROMAC District Chair. We had the opportunity to welcome Helen Lay, Clare Ganderton and Adwin and Mary Town. Thank you Jennifer Marshall for Chairing the meeting and keeping proceedings on track and PP Gus Dominguez for acting as Sergeant.
This week our “Centurion” Co-ordinator, David Grant, reminded us of the difference that we can make as individual members through the Centurion Program. With as little as $10 dollars a month, you can make a huge difference in the lives of others. I encourage all members to participate in the Program.
On the weekend 16-18th February, hundreds of Rotarians across District 9820 and a group of dedicated Rotaractors converged onto Sale for the Annual District 9820 Conference. A contingency of 13 attended the Conference from Berwick and from all accounts it was a success. Congratulations to District Governor (DG) Don Ripper and his team for putting together a programme that delivered on the promise of Rotary information, personal growth and fellowship. The keynote speakers and contributing Rotarians and Rotaractors who were inspirational. President Elect Lea Paton and Rotarian Diana Gomez-Fullaway, who attended her very first Conference, will have the opportunity at our next meeting to share their experience of the Conference with members who weren’t able to attend.
Special thank you this week to Past President (PP) Laury Gordyn, PP Jim Armstrong and PP Jack Kraan and their respective teams for their continued dedication and commitment to Rotary in general and the Rotary Club of Berwick in particular. Through their efforts we are able to raise important funds that help us support worthy local, national and international causes. A big part of Rotary Giving is facilitated through the member’s contributions (however small, to the Rotary Foundation.
On Monday 19th February, Vice President Terry Carmichael and his wife Clare bid farewell to their family home in Pakenham as they complete their move to their new abodes in Traralgon. Yes, Traralgon!! Terry will be on LOA until 30 June but will continue to be available for advice and support albeit from a distance. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Terry over the years, especially as my Vice President since Changeover in June 2017. I take this opportunity to thank Terry for his unwavering support over the past 7 months as my Vice President. His work in setting up the Club’s Strategic Committee and developing the foundation for what will be a template for our continued success is greatly appreciated. We wish him and Clare well as they embark on this new chapter of their lives.
Special thoughts this week for PP Jack Kraan and PP Sjaak Kusters who are both recovering well from recent medical procedures. We look forward to seeing you at the Club soon.
At our next meeting on the 21st of February, we will be pleased to welcome our guest speaker the renowned physiotherapist John Wilson, who will be talking to us about tackling migraine headaches, a complaint that is all too familiar to so many people regardless of age. Don’t miss the opportunity to hear first-hand from John about the great work he and the practitioners at his clinic, the Wilson Physiotherapy Group in Balwyn, are doing to keep patients healthy and active.
I’m told that without John’s intervention, Sandi, our bulletin editor extraordinaire might not be walking today. So that a huge thank you from me!!
I hope you enjoy this week’s edition of the bulletin.
