Linda O'Brien was our chairperson for today's club meeting at Cilantro. Charles Rener joined via zoom, and Gary Ramage was a guest. Today was a special meeting to provide "Rotary information"of particular interest for new or newer club members, and also for club members to accept the updated RI Club Constitution and Rules.
Linda commenced the meeting with a fun Heads and Tails game - which Bert won and received a bottle of Barossa Red for his efforts despite claiming he didn't always understand the question!!
ROTARY INFORMATION
The Structure of Rotary
PDG Ian Ballantine commenced the Rotary Information session providing a broad outline of Rotary which has 1.4 million members in over 200 countries that operates from the ground up with direction from clubs being the mainstay of Rotary. His session explained the hierarchy of Rotary and its operations, Rotary's mission, the Four-Way test, and Areas of Focus. Other topics covered The Rotary Foundation and its workings with funding and the grants program, and the Rotary regionalisation pilot program currently underway before finishing with why Rotary matters, the benefits of being a Rotarian and how Rotary covers a lot of bases "doing good in the world".
Bentleigh Market Trust
PP Ron Brownlees highlighted the Bentleigh Market Trust Deed that was created in 1977 when The Bentleigh Market commenced. The trust deed governs how funds raised through the market are to be managed and distributed and he emphasised clauses that spell this out, including the role and responsibilities of the market trustees. A copy of the Market Trust Deed is stored on our club website.
The Bentleigh Market
Market Chair Larry Green spoke about the operations of the market highlighting points of particular importance. He recommends members rostered for market duty to read documents held in the market office and become familiar with their contents - particularly the market leader for the smooth operations on the day. Gabriela is keen for more activity at the market that will draw in pedestrians.
Bentleigh Moorabbin Central - Club Structure
Secretary Karin Soster provided an outline of the club's structure that included the Board, Market Trustees, and the various Committees and their functions and responsibilities. Of particular note is the legal requirement for club members to have a current Working with Children Check if engaging with children in Rotary youth programs.
GENERAL MEETING - RI UPDATED CLUB CONSTITUTION AND RULES
Secretary Karin Soster presented the updated RI Club Constitution and Rules for club members to accept. This follows an emailed announcement issued to club members on Wednesday 11 February, thus providing 21 days notice for a general meeting as required by law of the Incorporated Association. The email included a copy of the updated RI Club Constitution and Rules, and information that highlighted changes from the previous version. Of 39 club members, 18 members were present, thus satisfying the quorum requirement of at least 1/3 of club members being present. No proxy votes were tendered.
Motion
That the members of the R.C. of Bentleigh Moorabbin Central Inc. accept the updated RI Club Constitution and Rules that were accepted by the board at the board meeting held Tuesday 10 February 2026.
Moved: Ron Brownlees. Seconded: Tony Ryan. Motion carried unanimously.
Ian will store a copy of the updated RI Club Constitution and Rules on the club website.
OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS
- The club meeting and market rosters were announced
- Grant mentions receiving an invitation from the Kingston Council offering CPR workshops for 2 people in our club scheduled for Wednesday 11/3. Details will be issued to club members for any interest.
- Ron Brownlees mentions his role of Rotary Community Leader will come to an end on 30 June 2026, and that nominations are being called for. Ian will place information on the process on our club website.
Grant closed the meeting with this year's Rotary theme - Unite for Good
