Ray Higgs was at the door, Mario Fairlie was Chairman and Andy Bell was Sergeant. We had apologies from Peter Morgan (there might have been others…).
President Paul Seymour welcomed all members and visitors Paul O’Neill (RC of Parkwood) and our regular visitor Ross Augustine (RC of Frankston Sunrise). Paul then immediately proceeded to the induction of our newest member, Brian Pearson, who briefly introduced himself (see separate article above).
Treasurer Doug Lipp lamented that some of our members still haven’t paid their half-yearly dues, which were due at the end of last month. Doug, who together with Charles Thomasson is again organising this year’s Golf Day, announced the date: 26th October 2021. It will be again held at the Surfers Paradise Golf Club, same place as last year’s.
Club Service Director Franz Huber emphasised the importance of having interesting meetings and thus requested members to suggest potential guest speakers, and Graeme Isaacson confirmed the arrangements with the caterers for the Lutzy Award on 1st September. The Trybooking site will be re-opened, so people who were unable to attend on the original date can now book – see separate article below. All original bookings will be retained.
President Paul Seymour then presented his Vision for 2021-22 – see separate article above. Regrettably, the Surf Club’s laptop and large display screen was Missing In Action. See Paul’s PowerPoint presentation in the Download Files section on the right.
Following Paul’s presentation, Bryan Tuesley, who with Larry Murray organises the Project Shed, expressed his deep appreciation of the help the Associate Members receive from our club and the Rotaractors. Most people would not be aware of Bryan's very early involvement with Rotary: in his youth, he was a Charter Member of the Southport Rotaract Club! Spoken from the heart, Bryan emotionally outlined the lifelong benefits of the skills he had acquired through Rotary's Youth Programs, particularly RYLA.
PDG Darrell Brown, who is one of the two current District Youth Programs Co-Chairs and our club’s Director of Youth Services, Adam Sheppard, outlined their plans for the upcoming year. In essence, we’ll continue to support the traditional Youth programs. Adam also outlined some new ideas on fundraising. This was followed by Ian Mayberry briefly outlining a program in the Car Racing industry, where a young man with an intellectual disability greatly benefited from a program of being included in various activities.
Charles Thomasson reinforced the concept of getting more Corporate Memberships, particularly as this would attract currently active business people. Foundation Director Gerald East assured us that we’ll continue to support The Rotary Foundation.
President Paul then opened the floor for Question Time. One of the points made was that, as our membership is predominantly male, it can be somewhat intimidating. Also, as the Project Shed is seen to be our major activity, we run the risk of giving the appearance of “managing a Men’s Shed”. Quite important therefore to ensure we diversify and highlight other activities.
All in all, a well run and interesting Club Assembly!