President Geoff opened this week's meeting by reporting on the success of the Christmas Celebration party and the Carols by Candlelight event.

 

He stated that Viv Armstrong has resigned from the Board and has transferred to the Rotary e-Club of Latitude 38.  Therefore, Jim Wilson will take over the Membership portfolio on the Board.

 

He also reported that Gaetano Fina has been appointed to the Board as the Director for Youth and New Ideas.  He will fulfil this role for the next 18 months.

 

Geoff also confirmed that Doug and Rhonda Anderson have officially resigned from the Club, in preparation for their move to Queensland.  Doug and Rhonda have been active members with the Club, particularly with the Presentation Balls and managing the barbeque at various events.  We wish them well.

 

Doug Bailey, who moved to Queensland a few months back, is seeking a transfer to the Rotary Club of Nambor.

Treasurer Gary Castricum advised that invoices had been sent out for annual fees.  The fees are $154 for six months, which includes GST.

 

Gary added that the fees will be reviewed in the near future.

 

He also advised that the Gate money received at the Carols by Candlelight event was $4,800 and the overall income was approximately $12,000.  However, there are bills to be paid from this amount, so the final figures have yet to be confirmed.

PP Gus Dominguez advised that the Club will be running the barbeque at Bunnings in Fountain Gate, on Sunday 13 January.  He requested volunteers to man the barbeque in shifts, over the full day. 

 

A Tick Sheet was circulated to allow members to indicate their availability to assist.

 

Gus also gave an update on the Solomon Islands project, stating that the renovations to the building are almost complete. 

 

The shipping container of goods, which is currently in Adelaide, should arrive in Honiara in February.  Another half-filled container will follow soon after. 

 

The remaining items required for the building involve the purchase of some IKEA cabinets.

Laury Gordyn reported that a lot of food and toy items had been collected over the last week and delivered to Casey North Community Information & Support Services (CNCISS) for distribution to the needy in the community. 

 

Two loads were collected from Beaconhills College, a half load from Kambrya College and 2 loads from St Margaret's School.

 

The collection at Woolworths in Berwick had been particularly generous, producing two full loads.

 

The last pick-ups for Christmas will be on this Friday.

 

Laury also advised that he and David Button had visited Peter Mangan, who is now at home and receiving palliative care daily.  In Peter's own words, "He is going fine".

PE Isobel Caulfield reported on several school awards that are donated annually by the Club. 

 

The schools select the students who are to receive the awards.

 

A $50 voucher has been donated to a student at Harkaway Primary School. 

 

Awards have also been presented to the Dux in each of Years 7-12 at Berwick College.  $100 vouchers were presented to the Dux in Years 7-10, $150 to the Dux of Year 11 and $200 to the Dux of Year 12.

 

A Certificate and a $50 voucher will be presented to a student at Brentwood Park Primary School for "Personal Endeavour".

PP Jim Armstrong stated that the books of raffle tickets for the Charity Golf Day are now available. 

 

He encouraged members to pick up at least one book of tickets to sell.  Books of tickets can be obtained from Jim or Bob lay AM. 

 

Someone suggested that the raffle tickets could be sold at the Bunnings barbeque on 13 January 2019.

 

Jim also advised that he is a member of the International Fellowship of Cricket Loving Rotarians (ICFR) and they are having the 10th International Festival of Cricket in Melbourne from 21-25 January. 

 

The main cricket ovals will be at Caulfield Park and East Caulfield Reserve and entry is free.

Bob Lay AM provided an update on our outgoing international youth exchange student, Tara Wilkinson.

 

Tara has been informed that her host Rotary Club will be in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA, which lies in Rotary District 5580. 

 

She will be departing Melbourne on 9 January and is already in contact with her first host family.

 

Tara and her mother Denise will be attending the Kraan barbeque, where she will be presented with her international blazer and a gift from the Club.

PP Adrian Funston (Funno) reminded everyone of the proposed Berwick Cemetery Clean-up planned for Wednesday 16 January 2019.

 

PP Mark Caulfield and Alf Giesen will manage the barbeque on the night.

 

He advised participants to park in the Arch Brown Reserve off Buchanan Road.

 

He requested some trailers to move soil and mulch, but also requires shovels and watering cans. 

 

Some painting will be required , as well as some watering of the roses.

 

Participants are advised to be there from 5:30 pm onwards and to bring chairs and jumpers, as it can get chilly in the evening.