Looking Ahead
President David welcomed Rotarians to his first general meeting, confessing he felt more nervous about that than at his induction last week.
He had called a Club Assembly as he wanted to outline some thoughts he had about the year ahead and he wanted Members feedback on these as well as the thoughts from Members on what they would like to see happen.
His thoughts included;
- Reintroducing the hand of friendship to begin meetings and he wanted that as a hand rather than a kiss on the cheek.
- He wanted the 5th. Tuesday of the month, of which there will be three this year, to be a Social Night to include Partners. The first being October 31st. and he is proposing that this be at Luciano’s.
- Warragul Club had unearthed an invitation from 1959 sent by Drouin inviting them to a joint ladies night. He would like to see a joint Partners night reinstated.
- He wanted more flexibility in meetings to enable some general information and to enable a modification of meeting structure.
- He believes we should drop the Royal toast, however if members were unhappy with this they could speak with him and he would reconsider this change.
- He did not want to arbitrarily appoint members to committees, but rather have Committee Chairs approach people, or for Members to approach Chairs in areas that they had skills or interest.
- We have become point sensitive in the leadership of our large projects and activities. We need to spread the load and have several members working with the main person so that more people knew how to run the events. This would spread the load and allow for replacements if and when needed. Immediately we need two or three members to work with Bill Petschack to take up his roles. We must instigate succession planning in these major areas.
- A Roster for the jobs at the monthly Market should be considered.
- Note pads were provided for members to write down thoughts and ideas. Members who were unable to attend are encouraged to also contribute their thoughts directly to him.
Rotarian Roger said that more people to learn Market organisation and that BBQ organisation should be separated from the overall Market organisation.
Rotarian Merv. agreed with a Market duties roster.
Rotarian Dick would like to see a large community project undertaken, which was ongoing over a significant length of time and which involved hands on work by Members. This would serve as excellent PR for the Club and fellowship for Members.
Rotarian Jo felt that such a project should not be one that relieved some level of Government from their responsibilities.
Secretary Tim spoke of some form of Expo that highlighted the work of Rotary and all other organisations that were in the town. Again serving as PR but just as importantly introducing the general population, especially newcomers, of what the town had to offer both as social activities or support if needed.
Rotarian Roger made members aware that Olivia’s Place was looking for assistance in the renovation of push chairs for families with babies.
Rotarian Anita informed Members that as she and Rotarian Pauline were now Program Planners for the Rotary Year they would welcome contacts and ideas for future Dinner Meetings.