Paul Ferguson, was our chairperson for today's club meeting at Cilantro. Tony Ryan and Charles Rener joined the meeting via Zoom. Barry Oliver performed invocation and the toast to Rotary and Australia. Guests included Jenny Stone, June Egan, and Don Elgin - our guest speaker for today's meeting. President Tim announced apologies were received from Kellie Carruthers, Greg O'Shea, Glenda Oram, Helen Nodrum, Linda O'Brien, Faye Weeks, and Sam Langridge.
RYDA Program - Ian Ballantine
Ian provided a short account of the RYDA (Rotary Youth Driving Awareness) program held at Sandown Racecourse earlier this week for Cheltenham Secondary College. Up to 150 students participated in this very worthwhile program that helps prepare young people to become better drivers once they obtain their drivers licence. A small team of our club members helped shepherd students in and around the racecourse. Ian is hoping this is the beginning of more RYDA programs for other schools within our area. Ian has included photos in the bulletin - more will be placed on our club's website.
GUEST SPEAKER - Don Elgin - Paralympian
It is difficult where to start to provide an account of Don's fantastic and inspirational presentation to our club today. He commenced by showing a humourous video he is working on that shows 4 Macafee baristas in training to make coffee for the Australian Paralympians in Paris later this month. We expected him to talk about all his medals that he won as a Paralympian (and he has won a few), but no, he focused on the need to make the most of your life regardless of the cards you have been dealt. He was born in Donald and is the third and middle of five children. He was born with his left leg missing a lower limb, and a hand with fingers that were co-joined, with some fingers and a thumb missing indexes. He was fitted with a prothesis as a toddler and had operations to separate his fingers. Yet he grew up unaware that his physical condition would label him as disabled - he just knew he had more challenges than some others. His family and upbringing did not provide any special treatment, and he was expected to carry on and work out ways for overcoming any challenges he had. He was always encouraged to have a go and he loved sport - participating in swimming, athletics, and football like everyone else. It wasn't until he was encouraged to participate in the Paralympics that the term disabled came into his vocabulary. When the concept of Paralympics was explained to him - he saw this as a fantastic opportunity to travel and play more sport - what was not to love! And since he didn't consider himself as 'disabled' he expected to win all the events he entered - but soon came undone. It was only then that he realised and saw the challenges other participants had to overcome to do well. He now appreciates the 'tough love' he received from his parents and family and to make the most of each day, with the belief that 'tough times don't last forever'. Don finished his presentation answering a few questions - whilst no longer participating as a Paralympian, he is involved with mentoring young people and works as a motivational speaker. He will go to Paris this week to 'finish off' the video he commenced to add some French finishing touches. Thank you Don for your fabulous presentation - we can only admire your positive exuberance to make the most of each day in the belief attitude is everything and anything is possible.
ROSTERS - for Sunday market and next week's meeting were announced.
MOTION FOR CLUB APPROVAL - Ron Brownlees
Ron referenced the club's property at 7 Bluegrass Walk, Frankston that is due for sale settlement on 7 October. The BMC board approved the following motion during the June 2024 board meeting, and is being presented to the club today for approval.
Motion: That the proceeds from the sale of the Frankston property be invested in a short-term (six months) investment account with the ANZ bank, and the funds be considered as part of and managed under the terms of the Market Trust Deed.
Moved: Ron Brownlees Seconded: Peter O'Brien. Motion carried.
MEETING CLOSED - 8.20am.
