During the last week I was away up country in beautiful Yarrawonga and I took the opportunity to attend one of the local Rotary club meetings.
Jo Impey often takes up these opportunities that Rotary membership provides and she has encouraged me to do likewise when travelling.
RC Yarrawonga Mulwala meets every Monday evening 6pm. On this particular week the meeting was held in their shed at the local showgrounds, which was a five-minute walk for me from our unit in town. This was and is a tremendous opportunity to link in with other Rotarians and experience other clubs and how they operate, share stories and meet the locals.
I was welcomed by the 20 gentlemen and two ladies in attendance and given time to tell of the activities of our club. Conversations during the meeting and sharing of reports sounded so familiar especially in relation to the Sunday market that they run once a month. As a guest I was given a special presentation which consisted of a wine glass with the club’s name on it (perfect really) and a booklet detailing the 75-year history of the club. The picture here is of President Joe Cilia and Bernie Bott. Bernie is a past district governor and currently sits on the board of Australian Rotary Health. Bernie was particularly impressed and grateful for our yearly donation to Australian Rotary Health. The Rotarian friendship and genuine welcome was sincere and appreciated and I will revisit this club on my travels again. This is just one example of what your Rotary membership can do for you.

This coming Thursday 20th May there is a social/fellowship opportunity – dinner at Bentleigh RSL – no agenda just social time for anyone able to attend. You order and pay for your own meal and drinks at bar prices. Geoff Gartly is organising this booking so if able to attend please respond to his mobile or email.

The change over dinner is now organised for Saturday 18th June, at St. Kilda football club. The invitations have gone out. Cost is $50 per head for members and partners and other guests who are warmly welcome cost is $60 per head. We will be taking payment for this night from now on at club meetings, so get in early and help us to make this a great event.

At this week’s meeting we welcome Tony Monley OAM and Kathy Monley (past AG). Next year 2023 Melbourne will host the Rotary International Convention. These are WOW events and don’t come around in your own backyard very often, seldom actually. International events in your city are not to be missed. Tony is the District Representative on the host
organising committee and his brief is to provide our club with an overview of the event and ways in which we can be involved.

Lastly on Tuesday 31st May at 11am, morning tea and official presentation of our donation to South Caulfield Community Garden will take place. I invite any member who is able to attend to come along, see for yourself the organisation’s work and premises that our monies assist and the outcomes of those donations. The address is cnr of Jupiter and Kooyong Roads, South Caulfield – enter via Jupiter St.  Would appreciate knowing if you are able to attend mainly for catering purposes and available chairs in the garden.

Thanks everyone
With every best wishes
President Helen Nodrum