Thank you to Rog Taylor for kicking off our new segment ‘At the Podium’. He spoke about his passion for horse racing and his 15 year association with the Moe Racing Club. The victories of ‘Dark Eyes’ was fondly recalled as well as key people who introduced him to the exciting life of thoroughbreds, barriers, bookmakers and statistics!
I would also like to thank Barry Dunstan for his attention to detail in preparing an application to seek a community grant from Latrobe City Council. Moe Botanic Gardens Option B offers a long-term advantage with a new structure being built rather than patching the old shelter. The BBQ’s are not fit for purpose and there is no lighting or water available. Members had an opportunity to ask questions and voted in favour of proceeding with the application for a $7,000 grant and supported the commitment of club funds to cover the budgeted costs. Barry will finalise the proposal and complete the Latrobe City Council Grant application due for submission on 17 August. Barry is also applying for a second grant, for equipment up to $2,000.
Members are very welcome to put their thoughts on paper about future projects. The plan is to develop staged projects to provide a long-term vision for improving amenities in the Moe Botanic Gardens.
On Tuesday night, a Special Board meeting was held to vote on the Moe Botanic Gardens Rotary Centenary Project and to support a minor equipment grant application to purchase a portable defibrillator. The Board approved the proposed Botanic Gardens project (Option B), with an agreement to commit club funds of up to $16,000. In relation to the portable defibrillator grant application, the Board also agreed to meet any shortfall up to $1,000 from Club Funds.
Diane Wilkinson chaired a Zoom meeting for the Club Constitution Working Party on Monday night post Club Assembly. Group members, (Len Cairns, Peter Kingsbury, Bryon Puddy, Diane Wilkinson and myself) are currently reviewing the Club By-Laws.
Lastly, many thanks to the Club Property Officers, Ross Maxfield and Alan Bishop, together with Bill Connell and Robin Noakes, who have audited all of the club’s property stored at our Rotary Shed in Moe. Great work!! Thanks so much Ross for preparing and typing up the list. It was noted that 12 electrical leads have disappeared over the years!!
My quote for this week is from Helen Keller (b.1880, d.1968) who at 19 months of age suffered an illness that left her deaf and blind. She went on to achieve a Bachelor of Arts and graduated from Radcliffe University in 1904.
“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.”
Another week of disastrous news in relation to numbers of COVID-19 positive cases, not only in Melbourne but now extending into NSW with pockets in Queensland as well. The news that elderly members in metropolitan areas are now being impacted and dying, filled me with sadness.
Again, my thoughts are with all members who have loved ones in lock-down and I do hope that things will improve this coming week.
Please remember, it will be mandatory from midnight on Sunday, to wear a mask when out and about. Take care. Be safe.
Yours in Rotary,
President Di
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