SPOKE 'N' WORDS

Issue 43
17th May 2023
 
Join our meeting

Most Wednesdays at
The Beaconsfield Club,
Holm Park, Beaconsfield, 
Victoria, Australia

Enquire by Email:
Visitors and Rotarians are welcome.
 
Post: P.O. Box 30, Berwick 3806
Meetings & Events
Travel Guide Partners night: Portugal
The Beaconsfield Club
May 24, 2023
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
 
View entire list
Our Sponsors
 
Youth Service is Rotary's fifth avenue of service
 
Youth Service recognises the importance of empowering youth and young professionals through leadership development programs.
Executives & Directors
President
 
Co-President
 
Treasurer
 
President Elect
 
Secretary
 
Membership and Public Image
 
Youth Protection Officer
 
Projects and Fundraising
 
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Member Birthdays
Trevor Watson
May 4
 
Andy Merrill
May 5
 
David Anderson
May 19
 
Spouse Birthdays
Pat McCurdy
May 1
 
Jenny Hart
May 11
 
Anniversaries
Jack Kraan
Ann Kraan
May 8
 

The 2023 Rotary International convention will offer endless inspiration for the year to come.

 
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Co-President's report 19-5-23
Posted by Co-President Jack Kraan;
 
First of all, this week, a big shout out to the members who have been very active with the two projects completed this week. 
 
Last Saturday morning, a group of members installed the remaining three seats along the Grasmere Creek wetlands path.  The experience gained from installing the first seat a few weeks back made the job a lot easier, as did the increased soil moisture, the mini-mix concrete delivery and Gary Evan’s templates.  That part of the project is now complete.  Thank you to all who participated.  The next stage is the tree planting in July.
 
On Wednesday and Thursday evenings we held the Presentation Balls in conjunction with Berwick College.  This was the 38th year conducting these balls which have raised an enormous amount of funding for the College and our club projects.  Some 400 guests attended each of the balls, which were held at Cathies Lane Receptions in Wantirna South.  A big thank you to Dave Anderson and everyone who assisted with the organisation, practices, and the conduct of the nights.
 
We are now coming towards the end of the Rotary year and it is time to give thought to how we wish to distribute the funds that we have raised throughout the year.  The Club belongs to all members, so we are asking for members to put forward ideas of where they would like monies directed. All suggestions will be carefully considered by the Board.
2023 Presentation Balls
Posted by David Anderson:
 
On Wednesday & Thursday nights this week, the Club had the privilege of co-hosting the Berwick College Presentation Balls for the 38th time.
 
In total, 55 Debutants and their partners were presented to College Principal, Kerri Bolch, and School Council President, Phil Wightman, on Wednesday night; and to Co-President, Geoff Double, and College Principal, Kerri Bolch, on Thursday night.
 
The events were incredibly successful with over 300 guests on both nights, which really filled Cathies Lane Receptions, where the Balls were held.  
 
We were proud to have Isobel Caulfield as Master of Ceremonies on Wednesday, and Jen Marshall on Thursday. Both ladies did an absolutely spectacular job.
 
The band 'Almost Famous' kept things moving and as usual, the dance teachers, Jo Mills and Judy Blackhurst made sure the debutants and their partners showcased their talents and had a lot of fun doing so.
Debutantes show their dancing skillsEveryone joins in the fun
 
The nights were attended by a number of Rotarians who helped at the door and had a lovely evening doing so.
 
Wednesday's Rotary VolunteersThursday's Rotary Volunteers
 
It is incredibly important to also acknowledge the work of Michele & Andrew Somers in managing the ticket sales, and Isobel and Michele for arranging flowers and suit selection.
 
Overall the nights were incredibly successful and could not have been achieved without the outstanding teamwork of volunteers from the Rotary Club of Berwick.
 
Well done and thanks to all involved.
Grasmere Wetlands seat installation
Posted by Sam McCurdy:
 
On Saturday morning, a dozen Rotarians met to install three summer seats along the walking path at Grasmere Wetlands in Berwick. 
 
The seats, made of recycled plastic, completed four that our club donated in the project. The first one had already been installed on 1st April.
 
Work began in cold and misty conditions, which eventually gave way to a beautiful sunny Autumn day.
 
Learning from their experience with the first seat, the team had pre-mixed concrete delivered for the foundations and this made the job so much easier.
 
Congratulations everyone on a job well done!
Interact Club development
Posted by Secretary Jane Moore:
Stop Press - A very positive outcome of the Interact onboarding evening last Tuesday, is that St Margaret’s Berwick Grammar is expanding to the Berwick Grammar campus in Officer.
 
Year 11 student, James McCurdy, showed initiative in attending the evening with Ms Delanie Lewis, Head of Students, Officer, and the Interact teacher support. 
 
He is now demonstrating his leadership skills and passion to volunteer in establishing the extension of Interact into the Officer campus. 
 
James has a fine role model in his proud grandfather, our Rotarian, Sam McCurdy, who took the time and interest to attend the evening also. 
 
Well done Ms Lewis and James!  We look forward to mentoring and supporting you.”
 
Opening of the Peace Bells
Posted by Sam McCurdy:
 
Promoting Peace is one of Rotary's 7 Areas of Focus. 
 
Rotary Melbourne has a long history of involvement in Peace Initiatives and established the Peace Bell Project in Rotary Park, which is to be renamed the Royal Melbourne Peace Park. Our Club donated $500 towards this project.
 
The four Peace Bells will be officially opened on 24th May, during the Rotary International Convention. 
 
The Bells are selected as the legacy project for the 2023 RI convention, making it the first ever legacy project of a convention.
 
Please find attached an invitation to the launching of the Peace bells on site, at 2.45pm to 3.00pm on Wed 24th May, cnr Birdwood Ave & Domain Road Melbourne.
 
Please rsvp by Monday 22nd May to office@rotarymelbourne.org.au if you wish to attend.

 
 
Rotary Youth Programs
Email by District 9820 Secretary, Gael Traa:
 
Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA)
Registrations open on Friday 19th May!
 
A simulated United Nations where students in years 10, 11, or 12 will represent a country, research that country's point of views, and debate against other teams.
 
A great extra-curricular activity to improve students' public speaking, research skills, and respect for other cultures. Saturday 19 August.
 
 
For more information, email muna@rotary9820.org.au or go to www.youth.rotary9820.org.au/muna2023
 
National Youth Science Forum (NYSF)
Registrations close on 31st July 2023!
 
 
The NYSF Year 12 Program is designed to give students a broader understanding of the diverse study and career options available in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and to encourage continued studies in these fields.
 
This is a two-week residential program at:
  • The Australian National University, Canberra (5-13 January 2024), or
  • The University of Queensland, Brisbane (12-20 January 2024)
Students in year 11 should apply now for their year 12 year.
 
 
For other information on Youth Programs, please contact Robert Cook rob.cook@rotary9820.org.au or go to www.youth.rotary9820.org.au