I am so encouraged by the enthusiasm of our Club’s Members for the work ahead across our various projects under each Avenue of Service and membership development.  Some committees are still to meet, but the energy and passion displayed by everyone is evident.  It’s been fantastic to see the incredible focus demonstrated by our Members that so typifies Southbankers and leads to so much achievement.   We clearly have a lot to do, but it’s going to be a great year with great outcomes!

Thank you Wendy Bennett for acting as Club President at Tuesday’s meeting and welcoming the return of the GSE team from Sweden, including our nominee, Jamie Anderson.  By all reports, the meeting was extremely well run and the GSE team gave a fantastic insight to what was a wonderful learning experience, as well as an opportunity for each team member to make new friends.

I am delighted to advise that we have been introduced to a fabulous candidate for the Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarship.  Roland Dillon has been interviewed by Steven Aquilina, our Foundation Director, and me and his details have now been circulated to our Board for approval.  I am looking forward to Steven Aquilina introducing Roland to our Club Members at Tuesday’s meeting.

This week saw us involved in the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation Christmas in July luncheon at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre.  We assisted with bringing sponsorship from corporates.  There were 1500 people in attendance, including 1200 homeless, around 200 from community groups and 35 corporates.  For me, it was a privilege to represent Southbank and to speak to Lord Mayor Robert Doyle who acknowledged our Club’s efforts and involvement, as did the CEO of the LMCF, Andrew Chappell.  The event no doubt will gain moment in future years and it will be great for us to continue our involvement.  Thanks to all Club Members who helped and attended and the MCEC for sponsoring the event to be held at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre. 

If you haven’t already booked in for the business breakfast next Thursday, please consider doing so. 

I am looking forward to next week’s Club meeting – our guest speaker will be Scott Boscay, the CEO of the Clinton Foundation and we will also welcome our Assistant Governor, Bob Batrouney, who will be visiting our Club in his official capacity.

Philip Archer
Club President 2009-2010

President Philip's Quote of the Week

Surpass your limits:  “It’s a funny thing, the more I practice the luckier I get.” 

Arnold Palmer

Last Week's Meeting

(Thank you to Leigh for these wonderful scribe notes)

Scribe Notes Meeting Tuesday 7 July

The meeting was an action packed one with nearly everybody acting in temporary capacities.

Past President Wendy presided over the meeting in the absence of President Philip.

Carl acted as Sergeant and brought a completely new approach to the imposition of fines in the absence of Chris (Ed: well, not quite "absent").

The room was full of members and guests eager to hear the report of the outbound GSE Team which has recently returned from Sweden.

Mike, Belinda, Catherine, Jamie and Koren all shared their experiences with us from what was clearly a very rewarding experience.

Mike as leader of the team spoke of the wonderful reception that the team had received wherever they went in Sweden from organisations, companies, Rotary clubs and families.

Belinda, in particular, talked about the great contribution from all the host families particularly their warmth, their willingness to fully join with the GSE Team in sharing their family experiences. Jamie talked about the experiences of the group with a wide range of companies from paper recycling, matchmaking, Kosta Boda glassware and the highlight, the world’s largest meatballs plant. He talked about the differences in the workplace, the openness, the lack of hierarchy, the styles of dress and the language capability of everyone.

Catherine talked about the people. She also highlighted the language capability, the diet, the incredible balance between humility and ambition of many people they met and the open mindedness.

Koren talked about the emotions that the team felt and shared with their hosts and the people they met. The generosity of spirit, the love for each other particularly in the family environment and of course the food.

In summary it was clear to everyone listening to the group that they had all had a very enriching experience which would undoubtedly help them greatly in future life and work choices.

In conclusion Dennis Shore asked us to urgently think about the nomination of team leaders and possible participants in next years program with nominations being required within the next two weeks.

 The meeting concluded with President Philip’s thought for the week delivered by acting President Wendy being “Our words are the reflection of ourselves”.