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We have just finished the MS bike ride.  Mandy Pearson, Steven Aquilina, Dean Fakira, Troy Gay and I all finished unscathed.  It was a lot of fun and I’m sure we will all be riding again in next year’s event, but we would like to see more of our fellow Rotarians join us.  Our team raised over $2,600 for MS -  a very good result in just a few weeks fundraising.  Thank you to all who supported us with sponsorship.  Well done Troy for organising us.  I can see more fun bike rides on the Southbank calendar.

Last Tuesday we had a spectacular RYLA and Friends of Rotary meeting with over 60 people attending.  Thanks to all who helped to make it such a success.  The Friends of Rotary Club of Southbank is now up and running. 

Steven McInnes, Barbara Adams, Gordon Hastie and President Nominee Clinton Wong have been doing a fabulous job on the inaugural Rotary Community Service Awards.  The program is looking good and I’m sure Steven will update us on Tuesday, but in essence the Community service awards event is designed to:

• Demonstrate how Corporate/Business Social Responsibility can deliver significant and tangible outcomes to the community through the incredible work of its community service agencies

• Bring together those individuals and corporations who have supported a community based program/project

• Celebrate the achievements of their combined efforts

• Acknowledge and recognise significant contributions within each Award category

• Allow charitable organisations to publicly acknowledge sponsor organisations and gain greater visibility for the work they do in the community.

The Award categories are:

• Homelessness

• Youth Services

• The Environment

• Mental Health

• Community Leadership

• Emergency Services

• Vocational Support

The event will be held on 20th May at the Crown Palladium and will be sponsored by corporates interested in supporting one of the above categories.

I know we will all get behind Steven and his team in making sure the Awards are a huge success.  There is a lot of work to be done in a short period of time, but if we all pitch in, it will be a great event.

I look forward to seeing you all on Tuesday.

President Philip

Last Week's Meeting

(Thank you to Nick Kane for this wicked scribe note - also thank his carrier pigeon for its speedy delivery and wonderful taste!)

Meeting 517 Scribe Notes

Feb 16th - Drawing Room, Crown, 6.30pm  meeting number 2,376.856

I think this is what happened:

The theme of the meeting was Friends of Rotary with a supporting cast from RYLA.  The room was full of people, the bulk of whom were not Southbank Rotarians.  Not sure what this means, but President Philip seemed pleased.

Sergeant Chris had to plead to get a welcome, then proceeded to fine many people including inexplicable, himself.  Special mention to the Febfast participants Barbara, Tracey and Nick who are showing steadfastness in the face of great temptation. They should be accorded great courtesy and affection henceforth.

Christine and Gareth, two of last year’s RYLA participants talked about their experience. They talked of their growth in confidence during the program, of how they have learned to handle adversity and have accepted the importance of individuality in both themselves and others, which has affirmed their belief in their core values.

Finally, Gareth tried to teach Gabe and Steven McInnes to use African drums.  It was an abject failure, however we now know that neither of them have any rhythm.

Alex and Chrissy, Joint RYLA directors, talked about the importance of Rotarian participation in the program this year, most importantly because RCSB is the host club.  We are being asked to prepare a Rotary offering (RYLA speak for presentation) at the dinner.  Stuart Cardell is the project champion, hopefully he has a sense of rhythm.

Trevor Pang (RC Richmond) talked about the success of the Friends of Rotary (FOR) program at RC Richmond.  In 2008 RC Richmond was struggling, with declining numbers, poor attendance and low morale.  The establishment of FOR has stimulated the club, has helped to increase membership and has been responsible for the establishment of a number of very successful projects. 

Tracey talked about the Street Soccer Camp to be held in April.  Member participation is requested to provide support and encouragement for the participants

Barbara Adams talked about the Hanover Crisis Accommodation Centre in Southbank and the Sunday evening barbeque that club members assist with.   We need 3-4 members each week.  It is an opportunity to interact with people from backgrounds and circumstances that we would normally never meet.

Troy is looking for more members to join our team for the MS Bike ride this Sunday 21st Feb.  It’s only 40km, and will give us the opportunity to increase our fundraising beyond the $1300 raised to date.

Charles Dimmick (Treasurer elect) explained about the charitable trust that the club is establishing in association with the Lord Mayors Charitable Trust.  Once it gets formal approval it can be established very quickly. 

Steven McInnes talked further about the Community Service Awards, to be held on May 20th.  Planning is well underway, and corporate sponsorship is being sought.  Steven will be requesting further support from members as the event draws nearer.

Amazingly, despite all the talking, the meeting finished on time and was adjourned to JJ’s at 7.30pm.