There may have been some confusion for this past week or so as we had the Thanksgiving Picnic, then no meeting on the following Tuesday. The decision was made back in July at the first Board meeting. I suggested that the meeting before on 25 November be moved to the Thanksgiving Picnic (which was a formal meeting of the Club) because this is the final week before the start of the Homeless World Cup (HWC), and I was expecting that we might want a break before it happens. With a third of the Club volunteering for the HWC, plus partners and family and friends, Southbank is showing a strong presence. This includes Tracey, Ross and Bettina who took time off work to do a whole week of volunteering. So, in hind sight, it was probably a good idea to give members a breather before the main event. For those members feeling they have been left out of the HWC events: don't - there are still opportunities available if you contact Tracey NOW!

Our volunteers are helping in a variety of ways, from helping with the setup of venues, to driving players around, to helping issue IDs, to looking after VIPs to helping with the BBQs (ongoing fundraising BBQ at Birrarung Marr or the Aussie BBQ at Visy Park for over 1,000 people), to marshalling, to spectator services. Many of our Club is volunteering for more than one area which is fantastic. It is, of course, not just Southbank providing assistance to the HWC. RC Melbourne has been a major contributor to the overall assistance Rotary provided to the HWC and both RC Albert Park and RC Port Melbourne has also made significant efforts in assisting the planning. RC Central Melbourne-Sunrise has also contributed volunteers so it is very encouraging that our cluster clubs have been significant supporter of the HWC and we have the opportunity to work together and create some fellowship with other clubs.

Make no mistake, this is an major international event and it will be bigger and better than any of the previous HWCs. For our members who are unable to volunteer for the HWC, do not despair because you will also have the opportunity to experience it with us by joining us at our next meeting which will be at the HWC (meeting at the Rotary BBQ at Birrarung Marr) - so that we will see the events before going for dinner together. This is an exciting week so get involved and have a great time! I look forward to seeing you at the Rotary BBQ at Birrarung Marr on Tuesday!

Yours in Rotary,
Gabe

Thanks to Gabe for fabulous scribe notes!

Despite early planning of our 4th Annual Thanksgiving Picnic, the Weather Bureau was uncooperative on the day. As the date for our picnic approached, the weather forecasts grew steadily worse. After much discussion and the storing of two rather large turkeys, it was decided that we should change the venue to avoid the rain, wind and cold. The meeting was quickly moved by Bobbi, our resident fellowship guru, to the Emerald Hotel in South Melbourne. Part of the bar area was sectioned off for us, making it our own little Rotary corner. We had the use of 5 tables although we ended up only needing 4. A brief opening and closing of the meeting by the president was followed by the Bobbi's explanation of what Thanksgiving was all about. It was noted that we had beautiful weather for the three past picnics and this was the first time we had to "relocate".

The turnout was great. We had over 40 people (including children) and it was noisy - always a sign that people are enjoying themselves. It was great to see Rhys, Gordon and Wendy bring their families along. The children were given pens and paper to draw on, including paper laid out on the floor. Justine came along with her 3 daughters and Garry came later. Steven Aquilina also came along and it was really good to see him there. It was great to see other friends of our members, including Bobbi's friends and others. Many members also brought their partners along which is fantastic. Philip was a late comer but we'll let him off the hook since it took a rather long trip for him to get there. The food were reasonably priced and yummy. If you missed out at our 4th Annual Thanksgiving "Picnic", don't "panic" - our first meeting in 2009 will also be at the Emerald Hotel - although it will be in a different part of the hotel that is much nicer (but less suitable for children). We all had a good time and thank you to Bobbi and others who made it happen!