Important: Apologies/Guests to PP Russell by Mid-day Thursday.

Russell’s email is: suttoncourt@bigpond.com.au

As meals ordered must be paid for, please notify of the non-attendance of yourselves or partners.

Meeting Venue: Rochester Wine Bar

Next Meeting 28th August – Board Meeting

 Following the traditional opening, Pres. Noel welcomed DG Murray and Irene, ADG Greg and visiting Rotarian Lindsay Murphy and Judy from Bendigo Sandhurst, members Stewart McDonald, Bryan Griffiths, Ray Lewis and Noel Schier and Rotary Partners Pam McDonald, Moira Lewis, Graeme Watson and Robyn Lucas

Leave of Absence: PP Heather and Rtn. Joe with apologies received from Treasurer Russell & PP Graeme

Prior to Dinner which was served in the Lucas Family “Rotary Room”(so named as it was the venue for the preparations for the D278 Conference of 1977 as well as being the venue for many social functions since that time) members met with DG Murray & ADG Greg to discuss plans and objectives for the remainder of the year. Although small in number the Club has a good range of projects and members are well engaged.

FARSE: The weather was kind and blue skies and sunshine greeted visitors, including DG Murray, to the annual FARSE presentation. Numbers were down on previous years as several schools are now attending on a bi-annual basis but despite that, exhibitors were kept busy as groups of students crowded around their displays. Thanks to all who assisted with the setting up on Sunday & Monday and for your contribution to the event. PP Graeme will supply a more detailed report next week.

International:

“What’s in the Box?” – Another box presented by PP Stewart for the Cambodian team.

Ass Sec Bryan told of “what Rotary means to me” – the opportunity to become engaged in community and international projects; fellowship and the opportunity to attend District Conferences and International Conventions.

DG Murray, a long serving and committed Rotarian with two terms as president of his Williamstown club and many District appointments then addressed the meeting telling of the DG training in San Diego and of his experiences leading a GSE team to India. Murray gave an update on the planning of the “Illuminating Rotary” Conference to be held in Hobart, 12 – 14 March 2015 urging members to attend. Discussion then centred on the Club’s ability to form the partnerships that enable the fulfillment of so many activities within the local community.

President’s Report:

* A reminder that Bunnings BBQs are to held Sunday 7th September, and Sunday 5th October. Please keep these dates free.

* A proof copy of the Club history has been received and following a couple of minor alterations, printing will proceed.

Visiting Rotarian Lindsay brought members up to date with his Club’s project in Maubisse. Sister Loudres is desperately hoping that Heather will call in on her way back from Ainaro to give some cooking lessons.

News from Ainaro:

Last weekend Heather & Carmel made the 2 hour journey from Ainaro to Hato Builico to climb Mt Ramelau, Timor Leste’s highest mountain at 2,986m. After spending the night at a guest house at Hato Builico, they started their climb at 7.45am along a path that became more like a goat track that was a steady but reasonably steep climb. The views along the way were spectacular and the landscape was similar to Australia with gumtrees, she-oaks and a variety of wattle. The climb took 5 hours with a bit of a struggle. Finally the girls reached the summit to see the 3 metre high statue of the Virgin Mary and to take in the view of Hato Builico and the clouds enveloping the surrounding mountains. The walk down the mountain was easier but one had to be careful of the loose stones on the track.