President Andrew was our chair for the evening which was our first Club Assembly for the 2015-2016 Rotary year.

Club Assembly - The Well Done and What We’ll Do Well.
Discussion as to whether the Sergeant sessions should on some nights be dispensed with or time be better managed to allow more time for speakers. Perhaps by improved time management, we can have the opportunity for a range of events and flexibility. We need to recall that fines are a Foundation fund raiser and fines are fun. Time management generally is important and announcements can sometimes be more efficiently dealt with in the Bulletin or via email notifications to members outside the meetings. Warren reminded us that the Sergeant is an officer of the Club so we might dispense with the fines from time to time but the Sergeant lives on…..and the Sergeant remembers…!
David  Sykes spoke on the Club Structure issues and the need to keep our organisational structure up to date and relevant.
Sue Dunlop suggested that each Committee could come up with a major prize for a silent auction – for example, a stay in a member’s holiday home or a catered dinner.
We are all responsible for fundraising ideas and methods to implement with the Fundraising Committee to oversee and coordinate.
President Andrew spoke on the Eastern Geelong Community Centre (EGCC) at the Karingal site and referred to the outdoor space which our Club has the opportunity to sponsor and develop and that this may be a project to which our major fundraising effort this year may be directed.
The estimated cost is $47,000.00 and Warren who is in on the EGCC Committee described the area encompassed by the proposed outdoor activity facility.
The support of the project might be seen as a change in direction for our charitable fundraising work and the Club needs to be mindful of the other projects we wish to support.
President Andrew explained that the fundraising for the project would draw on the support of other groups who would use the facility.
The Club can get naming rights for the facility by being the major sponsor. Giving our name to a major permanent structure in our neighbourhood will enhance our standing and attract members.
The project will be over and above our usual annual fundraising efforts.
Warren indicated that we could get the support of the Karingal fundraising machine which will give us a significant boost.
There was a show of hands indicating significant support for the event.

Adrian Innes reminded us that 15 to 18 October is the Geelong Show and it will be all hands to the hamburgers as we Sizzle for Service and Fry in Friendship.

 

We need Working With Children Checks for contact with our Exchange students. The application is done on line at the Department of Justice website and you need a photo and 100 ID points.

 

Those members who have not as yet completed, signed and returned to the Club Secretary the Consent to Publication forms distributed in June are asked to do so.

 

We will be at The Davidson Restaurant for our third Tuesday committee meetings - three small courses for $30.00.

 

Sue Dunlop talked about the Program and Roster changes and forthcoming events.

 

Christ Church Meals Project
Jenny Acopian advised that 31 August is Christ Church Meals Monday and all are welcome to attend to help.

 

Visit From Head Office
President Andrew reminded members of the Zone 8 representative attending The Rotary Club of Geelong meeting in September – see today’s District Secretary’s Weekly eMail.

 

Volunteers Required
Volunteers are sought for the driver education program and expressions of interest are sought for the Friendship Exchange with India.

Community Report – Public Relations
Tony Alsop provided a Public Relations Committee Report highlighting the baseball cap purchase and the arrival of the new marquees which are currently at AGB.
We have obtained a District Public Relations Committee grant of $900.00 which will go to the cost of our new Club Big Banner.
We are much Liked on Facebook and last week's training has given members Club Runner skills and the know how to put up Stories on Club Runner and to use the club committee facilities.
Many thanks to Sue Dunlop for her assistance.

 

Birthdays: Vicki Thomson (30 August).
Wedding Anniversaries: None this coming week.
Club Anniversaries: None this coming week.