R O T A R Y C L U B O F B E N D I G O - A N N U A L R E P O R T

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1 Officials District Governor (D9800) Colin Muir Assistant Governor (Goldfields) Hugh Wheeler Board of Directors President President Elect Vice President Past President Hon. Secretary Hon. Treasurer Club Service Andrew Hampton John Gallagher Hugh Wheeler Noel Hobley Larrie Winzar Daniel Buttolph Kaye Graves Community Service Glenn Reilly International Service Membership New Generations Public Relations Rosemary Davies Brian Figg John Krakowiak Joy Bruce Rotary Foundation Rod McDonald Club Officials Public Officer Ian Monotti Club Protection Officer Ray Paulsen Bulletin Editor Noel Hobley Past Presidents E M Vains M G Guidice W J Long O Flight (Snr) J Jeffrey W Tredinnick W Tredinnick F Levy A L Bolton (Dist Gov 1936/37) G V Lansell G Eathorne G Long O V Morris T H McNaught H P Y Wright W A Draper L L Dungey G P Hibberd A E Davies E B Pederick G A Pethard F.E.R. Biggs B Mundy A H Jones J. Barton E F Granger (Dist Gov ) N J Oliver E A Cambridge R H Trethewey C W Baker K W Hesse R V Brock T B Keith R Campagnolo H A Moors W G Sones S J Tongway G E Mayne A C Sandow E M Monotti J N Sutherland J C M Jeffrey K H G Ross W N Johanson J W Henderson D L Martin C Bell K Mill F A McManus L Williamson R W Cambridge J M Adams W J B Derham J M Cartwright R J Slattery D T Watts G Scarrott R W Paulsen D J Samson D T Potter H J O Sullivan V F Moyle P A Joseph E J Rankins W F Gray N R Phillips D W Brown B T McMahon B L Kinross H G Wheeler K A Reilly R Poyser G McLeod C M Nankervis G R Gunnell L J Winzar I R Monotti B W Doherty C J Burns J M McLean M J Andrew J Krakowiak H G Wheeler N A Hobley A Hampton J Gallagher Members who are Past Presidents of Other Clubs Bruce Perrin Wangaratta Peter Hyett Echuca/Moama Brian Figg Mildura. PAGE 1

2 Presidents report PRESIDENT: ANDREW HAMPTON It is with great pleasure that I present the 84th Annual Report of the Rotary Club of Bendigo. As reiterated by most presidents at about this time, the year has gone quickly and this report is an attempt to reflect on those achievements of which we can all be very proud. As is the norm it has been another year of Rotarians doing what Rotarians do best. Lots of effort, with little recognition, to make a difference to those less fortunate and more than likely never to meet. In acknowledging this, please excuse me if I don t attempt to recognise all individual efforts but focus on the achievements of the major projects undertaken by our club. At the outset of my preparation for the role of president, my focus has been on keeping the traditions of our club in place and where ever appropriate, trying to expand or improve on those traditions our members hold dear whilst looking for further opportunities to expand the reach and respect of our club. To kick the year off following the changeover season, I attended a cocktail party at Crown Casino to hear RI President, D. K. Lee address an appreciative audience about his passion to Make Dreams Real for the children of the world. A room full of Rotarians and friends enjoyed the evening and much discussion was generated by newly elected presidents about their plans and their enthusiasm for the coming year. PP Larrie Winzar soon hit the ground running with a meeting to review the Star Thrower program following the success of last year s pilot program. This program formed part of our presentation to the Beachside Cluster as a partnering opportunity to finance further expansion of this exciting home grown program. Val Broad brought the successes of the Bendigo Youth Choir to our attention and they were subsequently successfully nominated as one of the worthy recipients of the Swap Meet funds to facilitate their guest appearance in Prague. The establishment of the Pathfinder Committee by PP Hugh Wheeler last year allowed new members to enjoy a forum through which they could develop their passions into becoming part of the Rotary program. It is from this committee and the enthusiasm that membership director Glenn Reilly bought to his role, we saw the resurrection of the Golf Day and subsequent presentation of an $8000 cheque to Operation Cleft. After such a large influx of members last year, Glenn s focus was to have these members more fully involved as contributors to the programs of Rotary. To add to the success of the previous years, Kaye Grave s Rural Health Checks was presented at a national forum in Cairns and stands a real possibility of influencing federal policy. In August we welcomed Agathe Dairien as an exchange student from France and if I can quote the Fossicker of August 12,... we look forward to observing her grow in confidence as she experiences her Aussie surrounds and speaks to the members on a regular basis. That certainly eventuated and as Agathe nears the end of her exchange and we have seen her develop enormously. We expect the same when outgoing exchange student Cameron Fortune returns from Brazil. Early in my presidential year, during the changeover season actually, I committed the Rotary Club of Bendigo to participating in the Police Mentoring program initiated by the Central Melbourne Sunrise Rotary Club. We welcomed superintendent Peter Bull of the Bendigo Police Headquarters as a mentoree under the guidance of Bruce Reid. Peter has enjoyed his involvement with this program and looks forward to a continued connection with Rotary. In November the Rotary Clubs of Bendigo presented the annual Swap Meet with 20,000 plus visitors converging on Bendigo for the weekend and over 2,000 hours of rostered work for members and helpers from the three main recipients of this years funds - Righteous Pups, Bendigo Resources Centre and Bendigo Youth Choir. After five years at Lake Weeroona the Carols returned to Rosalind Park with much work from the committee under Colin Nankervis. With a major sponsor on board for the first time, we enjoyed an excellent summer evening. With the support of the council s park and gardens staff and ongoing sponsorship, we can look forward to the Community Carols get bigger and better into the future. The Traffic Control and Parking Report, forms part of the Community Service Directorate This project has grown to generate almost $6500 into our account this year. This excellent outcome is a credit to the efforts of Bill Gray in establishing this project and I thank Wayne Smith for taking on this role with his energy and commitment that has enhanced its success. The Great Penna Breakfast was celebrated again this year and Barry and Carol wish to see the funds donated from this event benefit a local recipient. It is with pleasure that I announce the club have donated these funds to purchase a modified tricycle for a 10 year old sufferer of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. This will greatly enhance the physiotherapy program at Bendigo Health for this young patient and it is so very pleasing to see our funds assisting in this way. PAGE 2

3 February saw perhaps the biggest single catastrophe that we wish to ever see in Bendigo and the response from local, national and international communities was immediate. Our club donated $5000 from the contingency fund to help people cope with the Black Saturday disaster. We experienced the success of the Shelter Box project first hand with the distribution of Shelter Boxes into other Victorian communities. To the incoming president Andrew Hampton and his team, may I offer my congratulations and ongoing support for the upcoming year. Noel Hobley President, I managed to encourage Bryan McMahon to lead the Rotary Art Show committee for another year and I feel indebted to him for his efforts and those of the Pathfinder Committee for a very successful preview night. An impressive array of quality art resulted in a 50% increase on sales over the previous year. A great outcome. We gathered at the Barn at Bickley s, we visited the new police station, we applied for our Working With Children ID during a visit to the Post Office and we enjoyed a river cruise and dinner on the Marybinong River. Above all we enjoyed each others company and strengthened the bonds that bind us as Rotarians. Strong friendships are the icing on the cake for the Service above Self attitude. To wrap up I must acknowledge the terrific range and quality of speakers that the club has enjoyed over these 12 months and credit must be given to athe program committee - especially Jack Gallagher and Geoff McLeod. It seems only yesterday that I accepted the mantle from PP Hugh Wheeler, now AG. In thanking Hugh for his support to all the presidents at a recent cluster presidents meeting, I suggested I had been a bit spoilt having Hugh within our club. I again thank Hugh for his guidance and assistance. It has been much appreciated. I am humbled by the support I have received over the past 12 months and I must congratulate all the board members for the success of their directorates. A special mention to Garry Gunnell and Daniel Buttolph for the tireless work done behind the scenes in keeping wheels within our Rotary Wheel turning. To my wife Helen, thanks for being there. Stepping in to her new work role has not allowed as much time for Rotary as she would have liked, but her strength and support was always available and greatly appreciated. It has been an incredible honour to be president of the Rotary Club of Bendigo and to share this journey with such a dedicated, committed and broadly experienced membership. It has been an amazing experience and personal development opportunity for me that I will remember fondly. PAGE 3

4 Members and Classifications ABOTT Tabitha - Travel Services ACKERMAN Barry - Rubber Processing ALEXANDER Ian - Employers Advisory Service ANDREW Malcolm - Pharmacy BANNAN Nick - Retail Marketing BARKER Valerie - Religion - Anglican BICKLEY Greg - Business Development BRADBURY Ros - Special Education BROAD Val - Music Education BRUCE Joy - Primary Education BURDON Neil - Optometry & Optical Services BURNS Colin - Gold Mining BUTTOLPH Daniel - Pharmacy CAMBRIDGE Warren - Printing CARTWRIGHT John - Optometry CLARKE Graeme - Lighting Retail COATES Ian - Regional Business Manager COIA Domenic - Hairdressing COMBRIDGE Wayne - Real Estate Sales COX Alan - Stock Rations Distributing COX Nicole - Management Accounting CRUM Colin - Financial Management DAVIES Rosemary - Horticulture DUIVENVOORDEN Jos - Local Government DOHERTY Brian - Insurance Brokerage FIGG Brian - Banking - Financial Services FLOOD John - Electricity Supply GALLAGHER John - Plumbing Service GILCHRIST Ken - Legal Services GLAZEBROOK Arthur - Banking GRAVES Kaye - Community Health Admin GRAY Bill - Bearing Services GUNNELL Garry - Project Management HAMPTON Andrew - Funeral Directing HANDLEY Gary - Postal Services HOBLEY Noel - Media Services HONEY Anne - Religion - Uniting HORNE Marshall - Environmental Services HUGHES Libby - Friendly Society Pharmac HUGHES Mike - Information Technology HUTCHINSON John HYETT Peter - Farm Management IONESCU Daniela - Engineering Education JOHANSON Warwick - Accounting KILBY Noel - Education KRAKOWIAK John - Social Education LEAMON Alma - Vigneron LEAN Frank - Investing McDONALD Rod - Human Resources McLEOD Geoffrey - Motels McMAHON Bryan - Marketing Advertising McMAHON Glenn - Mortgage Brokerage MAHONEY Jim - Agricultural Supplies MARTIN Charlie - Purchasing Officer MITCHELL Bill - Architecture MONOTTI Ian - General Law Practice MOORS Hal - Waste Water Disposal MUNDY Keith - Newsagency NANKERVIS Colin - Civil Engineering NEWTON Graham - Fertiliser Products O ROURKE Margaret - Telecommunications PAULSEN Margaret - Business Administration PAULSEN Ray - Business Machines PENNA Barry - Locksmithing PERRIN Bruce - Homes for the Aged PHILLIPS Norm - Hospitals RANKINS Ted - Postal Service READING Peter - Signwriting REID Bruce - Property Improvement REILLY Glenn - Electrical Retailing REILLY Kevin - Electrical Retailing RICHMOND Ken - Superannuation Consultancy ROGERS Ron - Insurance ROWE Jack - Ambulance Service RUFF Ron - Workcover SAMSON Des - Confectionery Distribution SEARLE Graham - State Highways SEDDON Tom - Heritage Conservation SENS Cas - Jewellery Retailing SHELTON Ian - Social Work SMITH Wayne - Water Engineering SPALDING Alan - Furniture Manufacture SPALDING Margot - Furniture Marketing SPENCE Garry - Building Consultant SVANOSIO Jack - Taxation Accounting TOINTON Kath - Emergency Relief Services TREVORAH Evan - Accounting VANSTAN Rosalie - Pharmacy Administration WALDER Kurt - Building Design WATTS Craig - Conveyancing Services WATTS Daryl - Legal Office Administration WHEELER Hugh - University Edn Admin Services WHITFIELD Noel - Insurance Services WINZAR Larrie - Personnel Services PAGE 4

5 Membership DIRECTOR: BRIAN FIGG This year we welcomed into the Rotary Club of Bendigo, Tabitha Abbott, Phil West, John Hutchinson, Nick Bannan and Noel Whitfield. We had a number of early resignations from the Club in the early part of the year and two of our senior longstanding members were called to higher service. Attracting new members continues to be a challenge for not just our Club, but most in the District. The current Rotary theme for the year The Future of Rotary is in your hands is a reminder of the importance of all being on the lookout for prospective new members. A New Members night was held in the latter part of last year and Rosalie Vanstan is thanked for hosting this evening. Our night meeting in February saw a number of guests invited and this has added a few more names to our prospective members list. I thank the membership committee of Ray Paulsen, Glenn Reilly, Barry Ackerman, Malcolm Andrew, John Krakowiak and Wayne Smith for their contributions during the year. WE CARE Coordinator: Rosalie Vanstan Such an important part of Rotary, our We Care committee chaired by Rosalie Vanstan have been very active in looking after the well-being of members, partners and families, our exchange student Kristin, and our Rotary widows. A Seniors Xmas function was held with strong attendance in early December again hosted at Rosalie s home. More recently, We Care hosted a Morning Coffee at the Bendigo Club for our senior members and widows 22 attended with quite a number of apologies. A number of members have encountered ill health during the year, and the value and appreciation of We Care being in contact is not underestimated. A Big Thank You to Rosalie Vanstan and the We Care committee. FELLOWSHIP COMMITTEE Coordinator: Wayne Smith The fellowship committee chaired by Wayne Smith have been very active in organising a number of fellowship activities during the year. The year started with a visit to the RACV Club in Melbourne, and then we had the Xmas Dinner at Camp Getaway, the Trots Night and the visit to Coliban Park. The monthly Tuesday Night Meetings initiated by President Andrew provided a great option for members (and partners) who find it hard to get to the regular lunch meetings the visit and dinner at the Chinese Museum was a highlight. Special thanks also to Barry & Carol Penna for again hosting the annual Penna Breakfast which as always saw a big turnout. With our tight lunch time club meeting format the importance of having regular fellowship activities is vitally important to the health of the Club, and Wayne Smith and the fellowship committee are thanked for their efforts during the year. PAGE 5

6 New Generations DIRECTOR: JOHN KRAKOWIAK ROTARY YOUTH EXCHANGE (Inbound) Joy Bruce Kristin Brandtsegg Lome was our incoming exchange student for the year. She was from Lillehammer, Norway. This year has been the most exciting year of my life! I have done things I thought I d never do and seen places I thought I d never see. Every one of my host families have been absolutely fantastic and I would like to thank my club for being so supportive and interested in my life both here in Australia and the life I live back home in Norway. Kristin. Kristin has loved getting to know her 4 host parents, their children and extended families and the care and experiences they provided. Thank you to Margo and Alan Spalding, Val and John Barker, Bev and Brian Figg and Sue and Graeme Clarke. Kristin supported many of the community Rotary activities such as the Swap Meet and Recycle Week. Thanks to the generosity of Rotarians, Kristin has been immersed in Aussie life, she s been to the footy to see her team St Kilda, saw the Australian Open Tennis, played basketball, attended dancing lessons and travelled to Melbourne, Phillip Island, Adelaide, the beach, Noosa, Brisbane and Perth for the Conference and managed to be included in 4 Christmas celebrations. Kristin made many friends through her school Girton Grammar. She met several other exchange students and spent 3 weeks travelling with them on Safari to the Red Centre and the East Coast, including Sydney. Kristin celebrated her 18th birthday at Charters Towers. ROTARY YOUTH EXCHANGE (Outbound) Ian Shelton In February, we welcomed Cameron Fortune home from Brazil. He visited the club at our 16 February lunch meeting on his return to give a slide show and spoke well, demonstrating his command of Portuguese language and his understanding of the Brazilian culture in the context of the Rotary Youth Exchange Program. All present were impressed with his confidence and his passion. Cameron has since engaged in various Rotary activities this year along with other international and returned exchange students. I attended the D9800 commissioning function for Outgoing Youth Exchange students at International house, Parkville in February along with Margaret and Ray Paulsen and the outgoing students families. David Blades has gone to Sweden and Dempsey Sanderson to Brazil. David Blades has sent a monthly letter by , reporting his experiences with a kind of this week in Sweden feel which I like. Look out for these appearing in the Fossicker. (I think we have published one or two to date and his third letter is attached to this note.) David has reported enjoying his host family, parties with other young people, being at school and gathering confidence and success with learning to communicate in Swedish. Dempsey Sanderson has reported by that on arrival, she found Brazil amazing and is loving everything! She has become the popular Australian at school and is enjoying exchanging her Australian lingo for Portuguese in what she described as a relaxed and easygoing school. And she went to Rio the week after Carnaval with her school to see the schools competition. Dempsey wrote, Thank you for this opportunity! I appreciate it so much and am having the time of my life! Dempsey s news will also appear in the Fossicker during the year. PAGE 6

7 In late March, the District 9800 Youth Exchange Committee sought support from Bendigo Rotary Club to provide an additional Rotary Club leader for the Australian Outback Safari Through Margaret and Ray Paulsen, I was invited to participate with 3 days notice to fill a vacancy created when the committee s earlier plans failed, so my preparations to attend were rather hurried! What a wonderful opportunity for a Rotarian! On offer was that marvellous tour of Australia s iconic sights and experiences, along with the privilege of travelling with 27 fine young international Rotary exchange students! Our exchange student, Kristin Lome, from Norway, of whom we can be extremely proud, represented the Rotary Club of Bendigo on Safari. Kristin conducted herself admirably and especially shared in the fun of the Safari as we celebrated her birthday on the road from Charters Towers to Airlie Beach. Also among the 27 students were Reetta Launiemi of Finland, hosted by Rotary Club of Kangaroo Flat and Gusten Danielsson of Sweden, hosted by Rotary Club of Castlemaine. I highly commend the Safari program to you, the Rotary Club as an avenue of service and representing some remarkable places in Australia to our exchange students. In May, we placed newspaper advertising inviting applications for the 2011 Rotary Youth Exchange program. Ray Paulsen is the contact person. MUNA MUNA is an international youth project which simulates the working of the United Nations Assembly. Students debate issues relating to issues concerning: Human Rights, the Environment, Trade and Commerce, Health and Education and how to reduce hostility in the world. Two students were selected from Catholic College;however, due to a lack of numbers within our District, MUNA has been postponed to August. RYLA The Rotary Youth Leadership Award, a week-long personal development program for high achievers aged 18 to 25, was awarded to Nic Bannan. The program is delivered by young people under the direction of the RYLA committee. The camp was held at the Wonga Park Conference centre. Nic was so impressed with the Rotary program, he has joined our Rotary Club and will chair New Generations in the new Rotary year. STRAIGHTALK The aim of Straightalk is to present students with positive messages and stories from members of their community who are currently employed in a range of occupations and who may have experienced and overcome challenges on their way to becoming successful in their chosen career. The objectives of the program are to: Raise students awareness of the level of education that is required to enter their chosen field. Motivate students to think about their future and commit to their education in order to get a job in a field they are passionate about. Introduce students to an array of individuals from a variety of occupations in order to broaden their understanding of what is possible. This Rotary year we held sessions for every local government secondary school and Catholic College. Many members of our club (and other Rotary clubs) participated in the sessions as both speakers and presenters. The program has proved to be so successful with local schools, we are planning exciting changes in the new Rotary year to allow outlining schools to also participate. I would like to thank Lead On, CVGT, the Rotary Clubs of Bendigo Strathdale, Eaglehawk, Kangaroo Flat, and President Andrew (and the Board of the Rotary Club of Bendigo) for their financial support to cover costs associated with running this very successful program. RYPEN RYPEN is aimed at young people years of age. The purpose of this program is to assist young people in gaining a greater understanding of their strengths and unique qualities. It is also designed to broaden the participant s horizons culturally, socially and academically. This year, two students, Molly Pridham and Eamon Dullard, were sponsored from Catholic College. PAGE 7

8 New Generations - continued DIRECTOR: JOHN KRAKOWIAK STORM THE STAGE Coordinator: Malcolm Andrew and Joy Bruce Bendigo District Rotary Clubs jointly sponsor Storm the Stage an initiative to give young aspiring thespians and singers aged between 16 and 19 years the opportunity to showcase their talents. Over the past few years it has grown and, in September, 2009, the State Final was held in the Bendigo Bank Theatre of the Capital Theatre complex. The winners in the Drama and Singing sections - both of whom were from Bendigo - headed off to the National Final which was held in Perth. This was a wonderful experience for them. Storm the Stage is evolving to best suit the requirements of the young performers and give them the best opportunity to display their talents. In 2010 Storm the Stage will be conducted in conjunction with the Bendigo Competitions Society. This Society celebrates 85 years of support for the arts and it is appropriate that Rotary has seen fit to join with them in offering the performance opportunity of Storm the Stage to young competitors from across the State. Entries open on 1st April, and if you know of anyone who would like to be involved, please direct them to the Storm the Stage website - or the Bendigo Competitions website - International Service DIRECTOR: ROSEMARY DAVIES GOLF DAY Coordinator: Glenn Reilly With great weather and a great cause, this year s golf day was another success. Over 50 players enjoyed the Heathcote golf course with the Bendigo Club team, ably lead by our own Ian Coates, coming out winners. Once again supporting Operation Cleft, we will cover 24 cleft palate operations ($6000) from this year s event. Big thank you to those members who helped out on the day and special thanks to the golf committee for their hard work. The golf day is another great example of what Rotary is about, making a difference! PAGE 8

9 Public Relations DIRECTOR: JOY BRUCE Our responsibility is to ensure the face of Rotary is visible in the community and to develop a greater awareness of their contribution to local and international communities. Many of our programs have received publicity in the Local Media through the Press and Radio. Thanks goes to Noel Hobley who wrote Press releases, contacted and organised for events to be covered. Thanks also goes to the Rotarians organising events, who arranged their own promotions, such as Carols, Art Show, Spanish G.S.E team, Golf Day, Men s Health Week and Samoan Tsunami Appeal at the Bendigo Bank. Foundation DIRECTOR: ROD McDONALD The Rotary Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation that supports the efforts of Rotary International to achieve world understanding and peace through international humanitarian, educational, and cultural exchange programs. This year the Foundation Committee of the Bendigo Rotary Club facilitated the hosting of a Group Study Exchange Team from Spain and supported the Foundation with several fund raising activities. GROUP STUDY EXCHANGE The Foundation Committee arranged a successful hosting of the GSE Team from District 2203 Spain from February A Balanced program of vocational and social activities was appreciated and enjoyed by the Team and the Hosts. As the Team members came from a wide range of occupations, arranging vocational visits required the assistance of club members and thanks to their participation in negotiating with local organisations all team members were catered for. It was a fine example of Rotary co-operation. The team was accorded a warm reception by members at the club s evening meeting on 23rd February when the Mayor of Bendigo Cr Rod Campbell gave them an official welcome. Our visibility in the community was further enhanced with the purchase of orange vests worn at local community events, such as Parking and BBQ s. The Committee wishes to acknowledge those who gave of their time and hospitality to house and transport the team members. Hosts: Brian & Pat Doherty, Wayne & Sharyn Smith, Joy Bruce, Daryl & Jenni Watts, Rosalie Vanstan, Rod & Shirley McDonald. FOSSICKER Co-ordinator: Noel Hobley Once again the Fossicker has come together through the efforts of everyone contributing the bits and pieces needed to keep the club members up to date. Reports on events, notes of upcoming events, rosters, anniversaries, etc, etc, are all contributed to the editor for inclusion each week. Without those efforts there wouldn t be much to report and it s worth noting that I didn t have to fill out the pages much to put out the Fossicker. Thanks for all those contributions and for all those proof readers that turned up at the next week s meeting - great fun all round. EVERY ROTARIAN EVERY YEAR The CENTURION CLUB The Centurion Club is a convenient and personal way of supporting The Rotary Foundation by way of donating A$100 per year for as long as you are in a position to do so. In November, Foundation Month, District Foundation Director Chris Don was guest speaker on the subject of the activities of Rotary Foundation. This opportunity for Rotarians and others to support the humanitarian work of the Rotary Foundation in alleviating abject poverty, educating the illiterate and relieving the scourge of disease resulted in several Rotarians joining the Centurion Club. PAGE 9

10 Community Service DIRECTOR: GLENN REILLY From parking cars, cooking sausages, cutting wood and checking blood pressure to pruning olive trees - our club has once again excelled in the community service arena. Community service is a win/win, with helping the community and helping to promote Rotary. A lot of work goes into all the projects, and a lot of it goes unnoticed. A big thank you to all of those involved. Well done! MEN S HEALTH - Who can? You Can! Coordinator: Brian Doherty The theme for the 2009 Men s Health Week was Look out for your Mates ; the project goal was to get blokes to ask a mate how he is really travelling, as this could be the most valuable thing they ll ever do for him. We know that when it comes to personal property we are only too happy to keep an eye on things, so then, we should also look out for signs that a mate is struggling in his personal life. Over a two thousand men and women attended the various men s health events during September 2009, with the flow on effect of the program reaching a far greater audience. The health messages and social marketing provided via editorial human interest stories, live radio discussion and distribution of educational material increased the exposure of men s health to the wider community. A very positive and worthwhile community service program. BOWELSCAN Coordinators: Daniel Buttolph and Libby Hughes. This is the eleventh year that our club has been involved in this community health awareness Program supported by Australian Rotary Health. The program involves distributing testing kits, collecting the completed tests and dispatching them for analysis at Barwon Health, Geelong. These inexpensive kits are made readily available to the public through our network of Community Pharmacies which have assisted us each year, a service for which we are most grateful. After analysis the results, both positive and negative, are posted to all participants. Last year there were changes at organizational level with Max Fry taking over the role as Bowelscan Program Coordinator. This year the Bowelscan Committee was forced to increase the cost of the kits from $6.00 to $ This has been caused by the rising cost of postage, printing, courier, advertising and the National Levy on all kits sold. There is also a requirement to maintain scholarships for research into the various aspects of bowel cancer. We are yet to collate the final figures, at time of writing, we appear to be heading towards similar figures to last year. The aim is to achieve a greater level of public awareness of this most common form of internal cancer in people aged 40 years and over, affecting 1 in 18 males and 1 in 26 females in Australia. There is a 90% chance of cure if the cancer is found at an early stage. The 2009 program produced 147 positives from kits tested. The club s thanks are extended to Bill Gray, Malcolm Andrew, Libby Hughes and Daniel Buttolph as well as the staff and pharmacists of all our local Pharmacies. ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE Coordinator: Rosemary Davies The environment committee addressed a number of issues and new concepts for In consultation with the environment officer of the City of Greater Bendigo it was established that Vic Roads are responsible for the cleaning of roadsides and they were not PAGE 10

11 happy with volunteers working on roadsides without special safety aspects and prior authorization. As a result we looked at alternative projects and a small group of committee members and several volunteers from the club assisted in a tree planting operation as part of our environment activities. In conjunction with the Harcourt Landcare group we assisted stabilizing the upper catchment areas of the Barkers Creek to prevent future erosion in the area. This is a very small group of landholders who were very thankful of any support. Over several hours on a Saturday morning in August we planted several hundred trees (after we had hiked across wet cow paddocks to get to the site). The end of the day was celebrated with a rustic BBQ of all participants at the Barker farmhouse and many thanks were given to our group for participating in the day. Apparently we excelled in out prowess and efficiency, planting more trees in those few hours than any other combined groups had done before! Now we know a little piece of North Harcourt is all the greener environmentally for our efforts. Our second project saw us involved in the inaugural Rotary and City of Greater Bendigo Swap Day, as part of Planet Ark s National environment week in November. The concept was to swap CDs, clothes, shoes, sporting equipment or children s games and trade for a token, as outlined as a concept on the Planet Ark site. This concept has been trialled very successfully in Sydney and a strong group of club members took part in the event. The ABC s Jonathan Ridnell MC ed and though the crowds were light on we were very excited about the whole concept and all very keen to see it go ahead next season. Discussions have generated a few ideas that would generate more income in future events. The council were happy to be involved to some extent and I advised them that the board was keen to continue our involvement if the opportunity arose. Council even suggested that running it on more occasions would be a valuable exercise in reducing waste going to landfill and encouraging recycling. One persons junk is another persons treasure, so to speak. It was an interesting experience, has increased our profile in the community and did not cost us anything to trial. Except for the efforts of Rotary members on the day and some negotiating for council s help, participation and support in the project. A very big thankyou from me, Harcourt Landcare and City of Greater Bendigo to all the Rotary members who took part on both events. Another rather green project that did not come directly under the Environment committee was the olive pruning at the Ruff property. Thanks too all those members who helped on the day, the ability to help Julie as she looks after Ron during his declining health was very rewarding. MOTHER S DAY CLASSIC Coordinator: Noel Hobley The second annual Mother s Day Classic took place, no surprises here, on Sunday, May 9, and this years event more than doubled in size to last years inaugural event. With nearly 1000 participants coming along to walk and run around Strathdale Park to Kennington Reservoir and back the event has established itself in Bendigo. Members manned the BBQ for the early rises and after some slow trade, pre-race, the participants brought their hunger back with them and good sales were recorded. With an early start, some great participation and a quick pack up we were all able to head home by and fulfil our own Mothers Day commitments. For the record the participating members raised $250 for distribution by President Andrew and the organisers raised nearly $17,000 for Breast Cancer research. PAGE 11

12 Community Service - continued DIRECTOR: GLENN REILLY KNOW YOUR NUMBERS Coordinator: Libby Hughes On Sunday, May 23, club members manned a site at the Bendigo Showgrounds where we performed free blood pressure tests for people attending the National Beef show. We manned the site from 10am until 1pm and completed approx 80 blood pressure tests on the day. We were very well received, everyone appreciated what we were doing and they recognised it was a Rotary event. We did have a few people who had high BP and didn t know, one being a young guy (about 26) who looked really fit, but had high BP, so we gave them the info and suggested they go to see their GP s We have enough resources left to do it again next year. The location was good, people were happy to have a seat and wait, they had come for a stroll and a browse. EASTER ART SHOW Coordinator: Graeme Clark This years event was really quite successful with around 700 paintings being on show and the feeling was that the standard of work had improved over last year. All the members are to be congratulated for the way in which they were organised over the week and through Easter. With 141 paintings sold over the weekend, with a total value of $63,000 received, the outcome was fantastic and many compliments came from artists as to the efficient way in which the paintings are received. Well done to Brian and Darryl and their team, certainly makes one proud to see all the team pull together. The preview evening sales were down a bit but the sales seemed to consolidate through the weekend and although we didn t exceed last year s sales we got very close. Thanks must go to Kurt for his diligent logistical and negotiation skills, when we started out this year we looked to be only able to utilise the ground floor of the town hall and that would have severely limited the result, if I am any judge. Also to Daniela for her handling of the roster, which can be a pretty thankless task but one she has proved she can do very well indeed. We are still waiting for final figures but anticipate handing over about $20,000 as our contribution to this years funding. The wine choice form Water Wheel wines this year was excellent and the catering from Table Talk Catering was up to its normal high standard. I would like to thank the Sponsors Bendigo Advertiser as the major sponsor, Bendigo Bank, Bendigo Toyota, Wild Plumbing, SASI marketing and WIN TV for the great promotional program. TRAFFIC CONTROL AND PARKING Coordinator: Wayne Smith This year the club provided traffic control and carparking services on four occasions during spring 2009 and on one occasion during autumn The first activity was the Beach-Party Race Meeting held at the Bendigo Racecourse on Caulfield Cup Day, 17 October Nine members provided their services on what turned out to be a pleasantly warm day. The second activity was the Chevy Show and Shine held the following day at Lords Raceway. Talk about no rest for the wicked. Eleven members, some backing up from the day before, provided their services on an equally pleasant day The third activity was the big one, Bendigo Cup held at the Bendigo Racecourse on 28 October Fifteen members helped out on cup day and all worked very hard to achieve a smooth and well organised result for which we received due praise from the jockey club. The fourth activity was the RV and Caravan Show held at the Bendigo Racecourse on 20, 21 and 22 November Nine members presented each day to help out, with two spouses also present on the Sunday. The number of cars parked on each of the days was nearly as many as we parked at The Cup. The weather was good on the first two days but Sunday was a different story. Torrential rain and biting winds made it an interesting experience. PAGE 12

13 The name of Community Carols correctly brands the event as it would not be possible to present such and involved and high class program without the input from many varied community organizations including the performers, compére, advertising sponsors and equipment suppliers. The efforts of all these people is greatly appreciated by the Rotary Club of Bendigo The final activity was the Regional Primary Schools Cross Country Championships held at the Bendigo Racecourse on 26 May In all, our efforts raised some $9,000 for Club funds and I would like to pass on my heartfelt thanks to all those members (and spouses) who participated. COMMUNITY CAROLS 2009 Coordinator: Colin Nankervis Once again Rosalind Park was the venue for another successful Carols event. For the second year the Club partnered with Bendigo Community Telco, as our major sponsor, to present Carols 2009, the effort and enthusiasm of the Bendigo Telco team lead by their Chief Executive Officer, Phillip Lazenby, was greatly appreciated and added a professional touch to the presentation. SWAP MEET Coordinator: John Flood Once again the combined Rotary Clubs of Bendigo rallied around to provide the catering for this year s Swap Meet at the Prince of Wales Showground. A huge effort by Rotarians, partners, families and other volunteers made it an efficient, enjoyable and profitable event. For three days, food flowed from the two kitchens, four barbecues and six drink/icecream trailers, as volunteers worked hard behind the scenes, in a co-ordinated effort to feed the masses, from the 1300 stallholders and the general public. A profit of about $40,000 was made from the event with such proceeds being allocated as follows: Horizon House...$6,000 Eaglehawk Soccer Club...$6,000 Vision Australia...$5,000 And about $21,000 was distributed between the six Rotary Clubs. A special vote of thanks to all those who contributed with time and effort and who, surely enjoyed the fun and fellowship of this great annual event. STAR THROWER PROJECT Coordinator: Larrie Winzar The perfect summer weather helped to attract a very large crowd and highlighted the acceptance of Rosalind Park by the Bendigo community as the ideal venue for Carols. A new format for the program was trialed in 2009 and the popular duo of Kate DeAraugo and Venessa Fields presented a high class opening bracket to the main Carols program. During the past 12 months, the Star Thrower program, an initiative of the Rotary Club of Bendigo, continued to flourish. Rural women experiencing hardship whether financial, physical, mental or emotional - as a result of the prolonged drought, were offered a day of pampering in Bendigo with the generous support of Bendigo businesses, particularly The Green Olive, Silk Day Spa, SM Hair Studio and Eden Body & Soul Essentials. Individual women from rural areas shared a day with a female Rotarian or female partner of a Bendigo Rotarian. Sincere thanks to the generosity of those who volunteered their time to create a very special day for each of these women. PAGE 13

14 Club Service DIRECTOR: KAYE GRAVES Club Service is integral to the ongoing function of Rotary. This directorate undertakes the practical work that ensures our well oiled machine (our Rotary Club) provides the best opportunities for all and ensures our club functions at an optimal level. The many and varied tasks include organizing & setting up for the meeting, engaging speakers, maintaining & developing the program and roster, entertaining, seeking funds & fines!, capturing the important rotary history and engaging Rotarians to attend the annual conference. As the Club Service Director, I appreciate and thank the coordinators of the various committee in this directorship Frank Lean, Garry Gunnell, Colin Burns, Andrew Hampton, Barry Penna, Craig Watts and Ian Coates for their dedication and wisdom in this work to ensure the smooth and vital management of our Rotary Club. ATTENDANCE & DIRECTORY Coordinator: Frank Lean Club Attendance for the Rotary Year has been 67% which is a little better than last year and at most meetings we have about forty-five members present. Members have attended Rotary Club meetings in Samoa, South Africa and the United States as well as both in Victoria and interstate. The majority of make-up credits, however, have been for attendance with genuine input at club projects including the Easter Art Show and the Christmas Carols by Candlelight. Rotarians from Spain and the United Kingdom, plus Victorian and interstate clubs have enjoyed fellowship at our club s meetings. About 8% of our members have achieved 100% status for the year. HISTORY Coordinator: Colin Burns The activity under History was the inclusion of the following in the electronic records: SERGEANT AT ARMS Co-ordinator: Ian Coates Suggest our Sergeants have had a good year. We have had 10 Sergeant participants for the year and everyone has been required to be a Sergeant 5/6 times for the year. Our Sergeants for the year have been Ian Coates (c) Bruce Reid (dc) Val Broad, Rosemary Davies, Brian Figg, Frank Lean, Geoff McLeod, Glenn McMahon, Peter Reading and Wayne Smith. I thank everybody for their participation and co-operation in being a great group to work with for the year. PROGRAM Co-ordinator: Garry Gunnell During the year our meetings have been made interesting and enjoyable with a good mix of local speakers. This year the club has trialed having one night meeting per month. This has worked very well and allowed the opportunity for members who have difficulty making a lunch meeting the chance for some Rotary fellowship and participation in club meetings. Some highlights this year with Guest Speakers have been Linda Beilharz, Clayton Jones, Rod Campbell, John Mulder and our own Exchange Student Kristin Brandtsegg Lome. It is important for members to attend as often as possible and I would like to thank my committee for their support and assistance in helping to make this another good year for the quality of speakers. REGALIA Co-ordinator: Barry Penna The weekly meetings appear before us, as we arrive, without fuss and this happens around most members without their knowledge or concern. This is a credit to the team that arrive early, set up the official paraphernalia and packup after us, and we thank Barry and his team for this effort and the Bendigo Club of the storage and help in facilitating this. All available documents from the 2008/09 Rotary year including Annual Report, Fossickers, Board Minutes, Presidential correspondence, Changeover events and various other events. Board minutes and Fossickers for the 2009/10 year PAGE 14

15 HEALTH ASSESSMENTS FOR THE RURAL COMMUNITY Coordinator: Kaye Graves There is a considerable variation in health outcomes for rural and regional Australia within each geographical location. Populations in rural and remote Australia generally have poorer access to healthcare services and experience poorer health than people living in major cities. They also have higher levels of mortality, morbidity, and health risk factors than those who live in major cities (Drought Policy Review: A Changing Perspective 2008). The farming industry has historically paid little attention to the health of itself and its families, even though it is a significant factor in the viability of the industry s human resource, the basis of its productivity and the future of the rural and the greater community (Brumby. S et al 2006). Farmers throughout the Loddon Campaspe Region are an ageing population who are working harder, longer and ultimately relying on family members to provide the extra labour needed to survive in the current climate. The current drought has proven to be one of the most severe and prolonged in history and a pervading sense of vulnerability and helplessness is beginning to permeate through many communities (Judd. F, 2005). Bendigo Community Health Services (BCHS) like other organisations throughout Australia has identified that the rural sector tend not to seek medical advice unless there is an emergency situation. To try and combat this and make health advice more accessible, BCHS has developed a Rural Health Program. The Rotary Club of Bendigo and the City of Greater Bendigo provided generous sponsorship for this program. Completed June 30, The following health assessments were conducted in the following settings: Bendigo Livestock Exchange (7) Dingee (33) Woodstock (8) Redesdale (11) Goornong (3) Bendigo Livestock Exchange (13) Lockington (40) Common Themes identified included: Elevated BMI 67% (BMI greater that 26 and waist circumference greater than 94cm). Elevated cholesterol 46% 9Greater than 5.5mmol/L). Elevated blood pressure 40% (Greater than 140/90mm/Hg). Elevated Diabetes risk score 53% (15 plus Ausdrisk). Hazardous or Harmful Alcohol use 33% (Male 4-6 standard drinks). Elevated HAD Depression Scal 13% (Score greater than 8) Referrals to GP / Men s Health Clinics 67%. In the month of June it is proposed that health assessments will be conducted in the following areas: Dingee, Raywood, Serpentine, Livestock Exchange, Wedderburn and Heathcote. MEN S HEALTH WEEK 2009 Co-ordinator: Kaye Graves Rotary Club of Bendigo was again a major sponsor of 2009 with two Rotary Club of Bendigo representatives participating in Bendigo Mens Health Working party. Over 1500 people attended the Men s Health Week events, of those that completed questionnaires 39% had attended for the first time. Sincere appreciation goes to the Rotary Club of Bendigo for the ongoing support and assistance with social marketing (distribution of 10,000 brochures). Further appreciation goes to Charlie Martin for organising a BBQ that successfully feeds over 400 patrons in 90 minutes. Special thanks also goes to Brian Doherty and his team to receive admission fees, donations, managing crowds & queues, set up venues, prepare patron information and collecting evaluations. Planning for Men s Health week in 2010 is well underway. ROSTER Co-ordinator: Craig Watts The roster is perhaps one of the least recognised but most important areas within the weekly meeting structure. Not everyone rostered is always able to perform their duties but the roster is the basis on which every meeting is run and without such we d all be wandering around in circles for the first half of each meeting organising job. Thanks Craig for a job most needed. PAGE 15

16 CLUB SERVICE ACCOUNT JULY 1, 2008 TO JUNE 5, 2009 INCOME CLUB SERVICE ACCOUNT EXPENSES CLUB SERVICE ACCOUNT Membership Fees $19, Meeting Collections $5, Club Raffle-Donations $2, Fines-Donations $2, Admission Fees to membership $ Changeover Dinner $5, Hats & Shirts $ Interest - Sandhurst Select $ Fellowship $2, Internet Website Telstra $ We Care $ Badges & Banners $ Bank Fees Club A/c $ Bendigo Club Memberships $1, Fossicker Newsletter $1, Internet Web Site $ Change Over Dinner Next Admin $ Changeover Dinner $4, Christmas Evening $1, Club Directory $1, Consumer Affairs Annual Fee $39.70 Public Relations Work $ District Assembly $ District Insurance $1, District Levy $5, Postage $72.73 Presidents Allowance $1, Printing & Stationery $ Rotary Caps & Shirts $ Rotary Down Under $3, Rotary International Dues $6, Vic Roads Trailer Rego $1, Tandem Trailer costs $1, Fellowship $1, Working with children checks $ Bgo fire relief $35.00 Transfer to Project Account $4, Total Income $39, Total Expenditure $39, PAGE 16

17 PROJECT ACCOUNT JULY 1, 2008 TO JUNE 5, 2009 INCOME PROJECT ACCOUNT Silver Pot - Rotary Foundation $ Anniversaries - Rotary Foundation $67.00 Art Show $18, Donations Received $1, RAWCS Stickers $ Bowelscan Project $ Carols by Candlelight $12, Bendigo Cup Parking $1, Cross Country Parking Donation $2, Parking Bendigo Leisurefest $2, Star Thrower Project $2, Operation Cleft $ Mother s D/Classic (End Polio Campaign) $ Penna Breakfast (Cardio Bike) $ GSE Dinner $3, Storm the Stage $80.00 Swap Meet $6, Swap Meet reimbursement $ Operation Cleft Golf Day $7, Orphanage South Africa donation $ Bgo fire relief $4, Ambulance Books $50.00 Transfer from Club Services Account $4, Subject to Auditor EXPENSES CHARITABLE DISTRIBUTIONS PAID Carols by Candlelight $2, D9800-DIK Store Fund $1, RighRighteous Pups (Swap meet) $1,000 Bendigo Resources Centre (Swap meet) $1,000 Bendigo Youth Choir (Swap meet) $1,000 Rypen - District 9800 Camp $ GSE Team farewell $3, Catering Expenses Projects $1, Storm The Stage $ Swap Meet Committee $2, Art Show Stands $ Art Show $ RAWCS $ Star Thrower Expenses $ Robe To Bendigo Golden Trail $ Men s Health Week $1, MUNA $ Weeroona College $ Youth Exchange Outbound Exp s $ Youth Exchange Hosting Exp s $2, Ambulance Victoria GPS $ Horizon House $1, Operation Cleft $8, Kokoda Homestay $1, Bendigo Bank Fire Relief Fund $9, Orphanage South Africa $1, Samoa Project $5, Rural Community Health Program $5, ARHRF $1, Cardio Bike Bendigo $ St Lukes $4, Chaplaincy Conference Bendigo $1, St Lukes Tool Replacement Scheme - Fires $1, Shelter Box Australia $2, Rotary Foundation $6, Total Income $72, Total Charitable Distributions Paid $72, PAGE 17

18 Paul Harris Fellows Recognising the outstanding contribution by these Rotarians and Rotary friends. Barry Ackerman Malcolm Andrew Bruce Beasley # Valerie Broad Reg Brock # Bruce Burns # Colin Burns Daniel Buttolph Warren Cambridge John Cartwright Alan Cox Allan Dingle Brian Doherty Ray Downey (Sapphire) # John Flood Bill Gray Garry Gunnell (Sapphire) Max Gunnell ** # Ken Hesse # Clark Jeffrey # George Jennings # Warwick Johanson John Krakowiak Frank Lean Neil McLean # Geoff McLeod Bryan McMahon (Sapphire) Jim Mahoney Charlie Martin Dal Martin # Bernie Masterson # Cyril Michelsen ** Ron Meurer Ian Monotti Hal Moors Violee Myers-Davey **# Colin Nankervis Joe O Sullivan # Margaret Paulsen Ray Paulsen (Sapphire) Jack Paynting # Barry Penna Carol Penna ** Bruce Perrin Frank Perrow # Norm Phillips Ted Rankins Bruce Reid Kevin Reilly (Sapphire) Ron Rogers Des Samson Eugene Sandner # Keith Scarrott # Cas Sens Ron Slattery # Murray Stapleton ** Jack Svanosio Joan Thomas ** Robert Trethewey # Tom Tweed # Bob Vanstan # Rosalie Vanstan Daryl Watts Hugh Wheeler Ron Wilkinson # Bruce Williamson # Larrie Winzar # Deceased ** Non-Member Paul Harris, age 28, soon after he started practicing law in Chicago in PAGE 18

19 LARRIE WINZAR Paul Harris Fellow As president o FRANK LEAN Paul Harris Fellow Again it gives me DANIEL BUTTOLPH Paul Harris Fellow As president o BRUCE REID Paul Harris Fellow As president o BRYAN McMAHON Paul Harris Sapphire As president o PAGE 19

20 Officials District Governor (D9800) Iven McKay Assistant Governor (Goldfields) Linda Barrow Board of Directors President Past President Vice President President Elect Hon. Secretary Hon. Treasurer Club Service Community Service International Service Membership Program Fellowship Rotary Foundation John Gallagher Andrew Hampton Geoff McLeod Wayne Smith Kaye Graves Daniel Buttolph Joy Bruce Glenn Reilly Nicole Cox Brian Figg Rosemary Davies Graeme Clarke Hugh Wheeler Club Officers New Generations Public Relations Fossicker Protection Officer Public Officer Web Officer Nick Bannan Noel Hobley Colin Burns Ray Paulsen Ian Monotti Colin Burns PAGE 20