Plans are well underway for our 73rd Changeover Dinner on Monday 27 June at the Moe RSL. The Annual Report is being compiled by our diligent club Secretary, Maureen Bishop, and I have completed my President’s report…finally! 

I am pleased President-Elect, Robin Noakes, is planning an important project and will share details with members upon his return. A Special Board meeting, held online on Friday afternoon, resulted in Board members endorsing the Presidential project. A grant application has been submitted to Loy Yang B and a District Grant is also being prepared. PE Robin thanked PP Diane Wilkinson for her administrative support during his absence. 

At District level, I have been busy with overseeing MUNA registrations for an assembly to be held at Nossal High School on 20 August. 

On a social level, I met up with three Fijian women on Saturday for a hot chocolate and a chat. They have signed a three-year contract with the Federal Government’s Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme. They have an opportunity to develop skills and send income home to support their families and community. Le, Emi and Kini are slowly settling-in to a vastly different way of life but have not adjusted to the cold weather. They are also missing family and loved ones. They were a bit excited when I suggested spending time at my home cooking together. They talked about their favourite traditional Fijian foods and recipes, and so our ‘cook-off’ will happen on Saturday 4 June at my place. I cannot wait. Nor can they! 

This week we have a Club Assembly where Committee Chairs, Alan Bishop, Diane Wilkinson and Acting Chairs, Rog Taylor/Helen Morrison, will report back to the general membership, and Secretary Maureen will update the club regarding Changeover preparations.  

I will also be providing an update regarding the food can collection initiative, ‘We CAN Do Better.’ Bill Connell is assisting with the activity and will be seeking members to sign up for their preferred two-hourly block, each Thursday during June. Cans collected will be handed over to the Gippsland Christian Community Church (GCCC) food bank service. 

The following Monday, (30 May), is a social night at Silver’s Bar & Grill in Morwell, where we will meet at 6.15pm for 6.30pm start. Program Coordinator, Rog Taylor, will be seeking confirmation of numbers at our meeting on Monday night. DG Bill and his partner, Judy will also be attending our social night. 

Safe travels to Rotarians who are travelling overseas, and to those who are taking short breaks. Enjoy! My turn will come eventually… 

President Di