Well my first attempt in the meeting as President of the Club wasn't as daunting as I expected it to be.
We had a great start to the new Rotary year by listening to the incredible personal stories of Peter Wilcocks and Shirley Glance from the Bayside Polio Group. Peter and Shirley contracted polio at an early age and talked about their experiences living and growing up with the disease.
In Rotary, we hear so much about the good work that is being done around the world to eradicate this disease but I hadn't heard any stories from people on what this disease had affected in their lives. What we took for granted in our childhood, the freedom to move and play with our friends, for some who had this disease, their childhood was one of pain and ridicule. I do hope that this disease is eradicated once and for all. If you know of anyone with the disease and who is in need of a support group, I'd strongly recommend getting in contact with the Polio Network of Victoria. Details can be found on their website: http://www.polionetworkvic.asn.au/polio-support-group/index.shtml
Secondly, I'd like to thank those members who agreed to take on their roles and responsibilities again for the new year but also to those who have taken on new responsibilities. Here they are:
Treasurer: Andrew
Secretary: Graeme
Foundation: Geoff
New Generations: John P
International: Bill
Community Service: Sheila
Vocational: Greg
Club Service: Philip
Sergeant: Ian
Bulletin: Greg
Program: John Hunt
People working on special projects such as Fellowship, Operation Cleft, Golf Charity Day etc - still hold the same but of course, let us know if you need more support.
Similarly, everyone in the club must be aligned or part of one of the committees above to help out and support as required. Personally, I don't mind if people float from project to project if that's what you would like to do as we would need all the support we can muster. Similarly, if you have an idea or project in mind that you'd like to get across to the club, again, all you need to do is to let us know.
What's my vision for 2011-2012?
In this Rotary year of 'Reach Within to Embrace Humanity' my vision for the club is to bring back the fellowship and the sharing and enjoying each other's company as well as the injection of some projects that are shared with other community service or Rotary clubs to inspire some interest and re-engagement with our community and our own club members. I see a club where projects and fellowship are not only done by club members but members of our extended Rotary Family.
Membership will continue to be an issue over time and we can initiate some ideas of connecting with our vocational networks.
I've also joined the Women in Rotary group at the District level working with District 9800 and this may be another avenue for membership to consider: let's look at the special women, mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts and welcome them to Rotary and our club.
I'll leave you with a quote from Maria Robinson, " Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending".
Yours in Rotary,
Helen
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