Dinner Meeting of October 14th

President Wayne welcomed a good showing of members with four Rotarian partners and visiting Rotarians Jim and Naomi Miller from Williamstown from Michigan (USA). 

Business items:

• Bingo had a good turn up with 15 attendees
• Fayah McKenzie sent a lovely card in thanks for the get well card Coolamon Rotary sent to her after her recent heart problems
• President Wayne had a very fruitful chance meeting with the president of the Gawler Rotary Club in South Australia where they discussed the strengths and weaknesses of their respective clubs.
• The shed at the showground is standing and work is progressing
• Gears & Beers wrap up 
  • Big thank you to everyone that helped out on the day and the Rotary partners and the Coolamon school who baked the 2300 ANZAC biscuits.
  • On the day we went through almost all the biscuits, 20 fruit cakes, 65 kg of bananas, 6 watermelons and about ten bags of snakes.
  • Coverage of the day was very good and included an interview by SBS Tour de France commentator Mike Tomalaris with Sarah and Jann
  • the coffee van had a great day as well

Guest Speaker – John Glassford on Christchurch

John gave a riveting talk on his recent visit to Christchurch for the recent Australia/New Zealand Rotary conference. The city put on a great conference showing just how resilient the people of Christchurch are.

Much of the city is still recovering from the 2011 earthquake, with many historic buildings needing such significant repairs that funds have not yet been raised. 185  people died in the quake and 100,000 buildings were damaged many still in need of repair. For example the Anglican cathedral requires $160 million to rebuild to the new earthquake building standards, while the Catholic cathedral needing similar funding has has been deemed unsalvageable and is to soon be demolished.

The conference featured some amazing speakers and great networking and fellowship.  John encouraged everyone to attend a future conference if possible.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

Who is responsible for this quote?

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

JUST FOR LAUGHS

DIARY

Thursday, November 12 – Bingo.  Community Centre Hall, 6.45 – 10:00.  Rostered on are Grahame (captain),  Ian, Alex and Garth.

Thursday, November 7 – RSL Coolamon Sub Branch Centenary.

Monday, December 9th – Annual General Meeting.  Coolamon Sport & Rec. Club.

March 20-22nd 2020 – D9700 Conference, Temora.

June 6-10th 2020 RI Convention, Honolulu.

* denotes partner & guest night

REMINDERS

Please get your working with children check completed and give the number and expiry date to the secretary ASAP. Failure to do so may mean you are not covered insurance wise when you volunteer at events.

Subs are now due.

September is Economic and Community Development