|
A Note from the President …
At last week’s meeting, I introduced “Southbank Stars”. The
idea came about because there are many members doing a lot of good
work and other members rarely know about it. You could say it is a
sort of recognition but it is much more than that. It is an
opportunity to share what individual members are doing “behind the
scenes”. Sometimes, members wonder what the club is doing and this
is a question of effective communication (or the lack of it).
Although we try to inform members of what is happening with the
club via the Southbanker, it is not always effective in conveying
relevant information to members. Announcements are made at the
club but those members not present would miss such an
announcement.
“Southbank Stars” give us a focal point to talk about what is
happening with the club.
The other reason for “Southbank Stars” is to encourage other
members to be actively involved in the club. Belief it or not, the
more you take part in club activities, the easier it is to find
time to do it. But where do you start? Well, “Southbank Stars”
will let you know what other members are doing and I hope that in
turn, it will give you ideas about how you can help. Lyn is the
first “Southbank Stars” recipient but it is not necessary to
organise a large function like the Club 3004 event to be a
“Southbank Stars” recipient. “Southbank Stars” is about personal
contribution. It is about what each member is doing and how each
little bit of help you give to the club is important to the club
and is appreciated. Some members can do lots and others can do
less – but that’s the beauty of Rotary, we are asked only to do
what we can – just don’t underestimate what you can do for the
club. There are many simple things that every member can help
with. For example, you can:
-
help set up before or pack up after the meetings;
-
help entertain guests of the club and show them some Southbank
hospitality;
-
suggest guest speakers for the club;
-
reply to emails when requested to respond;
-
make suggestions of how we can improve the meetings, or any other
aspect of our club;
-
let me, Wendy or Bettina know of your interest in any area of
service; and/or
-
let me know if you want to do something.
The “Southbank Stars” is not meant to be a weekly event, it is
meant to occur whenever I want to share some of the deeds of
members with the club. I hope, however, it will be a frequent
event anyway as I think our members are doing a lot of good stuff
and I want to tell member about it.
Next week, I will talk more about how members can get involved!
Yours in Rotary,
Gabe
Last Week's
Meeting
Thanks to Barbara for fabulous scribe notes!
Well, we have done it again …
two weeks ago we were buying saws and screwdrivers and at this
week’s meeting we had wine, chocolates and lemons on offer! Looks
like we will have to re-badge ourselves as the Southbank Farmers’
Market! One wonders what will be ‘on the menu’ next week …
Another great meeting with lots of fun and fellowship.
  We
received a visit from Sean and Brittany, our YAA “Hard Yards”
representatives, who succeeded in selling us the “opportunity to
invest in their futures” by purchasing their innovative “L” and “P”
tri-plates.
Other guests included Steve, Sean, Jonathan and Richard along with
visiting Rotarians Loryn and Iven – the more the merrier!
A big thank you to Lyn & Richard from The Banner Lady for their
support in hosting the Club 3004 function last week – President Gabe
officially anointed Lyn & Richard as “Southbank Stars” … even though
the badge had not a star in sight.
 Philip
displayed his prowess as a brother of the “Dodgy” variety by
thanking us for buying wine last week at $20/bottle and then
offering (almost) the same wine this week for considerably less –
good salesmanship, or what? Never mind though, because all profits
from the wine sales will be going to support the Hotham Mission
Asylum Seeker Project (last week’s Guest Speaker).
Sergeant Nick managed to fine almost every member for not reading
the bulletin even though that is patently not the case – he just
didn’t ask the right questions of the right members! Michael F (as
opposed to Michael G who was Chair) delivered an impromptu Member’s
Moment … well five Moments actually because that was all President
Gabe would allow. Michael, amongst other things, pondered on the
‘good old days’ in Queensland when there was a 15km tolerance on the
speed limit – methinks there is a bigger story behind that …
misspent youth and all that!
 Our
Guest Speaker this week was truly inspirational … Sally Branson
shared with us her experiences as a Rotary Youth Exchange Student in
1994 when Sally was “exported” to Denmark. Obviously a challenging
time for a 15 year old young woman from country Victoria, but
ultimately a rewarding one that has stood Sally in good stead right
through to adulthood. We also heard about Sally’s exciting role in
the Office of Public Affairs at the US Consulate.
President Gabe wrapped up with the now “traditional” double-decker
Thoughts of the Week – one about being punctual (what’s the point
when no one else is there early enough to notice) and the other
questioning why people are so keen to give free advice – easily done
when it is not their problem.
See you all next week …
 Young
Achievement Australia 2008
Established in Australia in 1977, Young
Achievement Australia is a dynamic, innovative, non-government,
not for profit charitable institution that is committed to
developing the boundless potential of young Australians.
In Victoria two
Rotary Clubs, RC Southbank and RC Melbourne participate in this
incredible Program sharing the costs equally of approximately $
5,000.00.
This year the students have named their company Hard Yards. (It
is a YAA requirement that all company names must have the letters
YA in their name in that order.)
Hard Yards is comprised of Year 11 students
from the following High Schools:
Caulfield Grammar School
Korowa Anglican Girls' School
Melbourne High School
The Mac. Robertson Girls' High School
The University High School
The company was founded in April 2008 and
follows the following procedure:
-
Elect a board of directors
-
Sell shares in the company
-
Decide on a product to manufacture
-
Sell the product
-
Distribute a dividend to their shareholders
-
Liquidate the company at the end of October
2008
Along the way gaining valuable business
experience.
The members have chosen a “Tri Plate” as product that incorporated
all three display plates that a new driver must display when
driving a car. (L, Red P & Green P)
As well as sponsoring Hard Yards the two Rotary Clubs provide
mentors to coach the members with business skills. The emphasis is
on assisting and not taking an active part in the running of the
company.
This year one member of the RC Southbank (Gordon Hastie) and three
members of the RC Melbourne are regularly at the Hard yards weekly
meetings on a Monday at 4 pm at the offices of a RC Melbourne
member at 111 Collins Street in the city.
Two students attended the RC Melbourne on Wednesday, 3rd
September, 2008 and presented their product with excellent
acceptance.
They visited the RC Southbank again on Tuesday, 9th September,
2008 to present and sell their product
(read
more in last weeks scribe notes).
More information can be gained at
www.yaa.org.au
or contact Gordon for details.
gordon.hastie@rotary.to
|
|
©
Rotary Club of Southbank 2000 to 2008 |
Last
Updated
14/09/2008
|
|
|
