Last Wed we had our inaugural Board meeting for the year with a new format where all members were invited to attend. There were a number of decisions taken. It was decided after a proposal from the International Chair that a donation of $1500 would be made to Bob Aldercice of R C Nunawading for the project about the dismantling and shipping of childrens playgrounds to developing countries through the RORP Rotary Overseas Relocated Programme. This will enable a contribution by our club to provide the shipping costs of one playground which will result in an improved childhood experience for those children in third world countries.

Also this week we passed a $1500 donation to PolioPlus through the Rotary Foundation. This program has now run for many years and the aim is for the eradication of Polio from our world. This is now ever so close. The Bill Gates Foundation doubles our contribution dollar for dollar.

This week I have included a segment from Donations in Kind. They are conducting an open day at their West Footscray store on Sat 10th Aug from 10.00am to 3.00pm. It would be well worth a visit to see the incredible work they achieve in recycling pre loved goods for International usage.

This coming Wed night we are hosting our first meeting of Group 4 of our District 9815 at The Hub. Both DG Colin Byron and our Community Group Leader Gus Rozycki will be attending and we will hear how our  new district will gel. We are expecting over 40 people to attend.

The following Wed 24th July we have a social night put together by Tracey Henderson at Wandin Pizza & Pasta at 6.00pm. It will be a social occasion for all, so please invite partners, friends and anyone who wants a nice night out amongst pleasant company.

Many thanks to Les Sharp who has continued the collection of the meals from Mt Evelyn IGA for distribution during Winter as part of the Free Meals Program. This is undertaken every Friday. Thanks Les.

Well thats all from me,

Paul Martin 

President 2024/25