Our own PDG Ian Ballanine was chairperson for today's club meeting at Cilantro. Charles joined the meeting via Zoom.
Ian received feedback from Co-President Carole Harris at the R.C. of St Marylebone following our joint meeting in the week prior - and who was delighted with the story in our bulletin. She and her club were pleased with the joint meeting and having connected with a club in this manner, and they look forward to more joint meetings in the future.
(refer story here - Ed)
PRESIDENT REPORT
Tim had the very pleasant duty of inducting our newest club member - Margaret Toyas, who was a little surprised and delighted to be inducted at today's meeting, adding she has always been made to feel very welcome.
Tim reminded everyone that next week's club meeting on 9/4 will be held at Aila, 284-286 Highett Road, Highett, and asked everyone to register their attendance. He also asked everyone to record their order in the comments section when registering (please refer the menu on the Aila website for breakfast options).
DISTRICT CONFERENCE - CLUB FEEDBACK
Ian provided a broad outline of district conferences, and more specifically the conference held in Bendigo during the past weekend, adding it was a very enjoyable experience for everyone. Ian was particularly impressed with this year's RIPPR - Bharat S Pandya, who was gracious, friendly, easy going, and well qualified to represent the RI president Stephanie Urchick with his inspiring address. Photos of the conference, of which there are many, are available on the website.
Next year's district conference will be held in Hobart from 13-15th March, and he commends everyone to attend. It is a wonderful way of being exposed to other Rotarians and clubs, and the wonderful work of Rotary.
Ian called on attendees at this year's conference for their feedback:
Bert - our newest club member and first time attendee - felt everyone was very friendly, and the conference was a great opportunity for interacting and networking with other Rotarians, though being a new Rotarian, he would like more information about what Rotary does.
Linda - there was plenty of entertainment with the Lion Dance to open the conference, a session from the The Melbourne Soul and Gospel Choir, and to conclude the conference - an operatic segment performed by Luigi, 'the tenor chef', and his lovely wife with the most gorgeous soprano voice, and the dour security guard who turned out to have a glorious baritone voice. We were also entertained by Jonathon Usher - our comedian MC who had everyone in enthralled with his magic tricks and humourous comments. The conference had something for everyone with other optional activities available - citing golf, bowls, high tea event, and pre-conference drinks, as well as the club dinners on Friday night.
Tim - in addition to Linda's comments - it was great to meet other Rotarians at the conference, and exposure to other elements of Rotary.
Karin - the conference is fun with a lot of buzz. Whilst the line up of guest speakers differs at each conference, we know when attending the conference 'we are among friends who are friendly and welcoming'. In addition to the comments already made, the conference provides a great opportunity to meet up with members from other clubs within the district.
DISTRICT 9815 CONFERENCE 2026
Next year's conference will be held at The Grand Chancellor Hotel, Hobart, Tasmania from Friday 13 - Sunday 15 March 2026.
Whilst the conference will be launched officially on 19 July 2025, accommodation at the Grand Chancellor Hotel has opened for bookings. Special rates are available when booked through the district website link: https://rotary9815.org.au/sitepage/district-conference-2025/conference-home-page
Further details about the conference will be provided as they become available.
INTERPLAST - Club donation
Paul Ferguson outlined the operations of Interplast and the wonderful work performed by the medical teams in the Pacific region. The BMC board had approved a club donation of $10,000 at the last board meeting for creating training webinars that would be used for training clinicians in medical procedures. In line with the club standing orders, club members will be invited to vote on the proposal at the next club meeting.
