What an amazing Wednesday that was! After roaring around Tasmania on my motorbike for 5 days, I sailed back on the ferry Tuesday night, rode home at 6:30am for a quick shower and shave, then went straight into preparing for the Club Meeting. That done, it was off to Balwyn Park for a photo op with the other Eastside Cluster Presidents and Councillor Di Gillies featuring our Centenary of Rotary park bench and plaque (an R100 project). Then a Cluster Monthly meeting and straight to Conochie Hall - phew!There was a real buzz in the room: David T, Bernie and Tania were attending their first meeting as full members; we had Yvonne Wills and Rob O'Reilly attending again; member's partners Margret Baker, Bev Allen and Mandy Campbell; and our Guest Speaker Steve Roach supported by Myeloma Australia's Brian Rosengarten and Peter O'Brien (President and Treasurer respectively). Steve was obviously a popular drawcard as we had a near full attendance. Thanks to Peter Allen for setting up some pretty impressive AV.
Guest Speaker Steve Roach (CEO of Myeloma Australia) gave a captivating talk encompassing his own personal history (playing on Leigh Matthews was never going to advance his footy career!), the formation of what was to become Myeloma Australia by past Camberwell Rotarian Bob Moran and co-founder Brian Rosengarten, Steve's involvement since 2004 and his achievements so far, and more recently the development of the Rotary Outreach Myeloma Project (ROMP). Steve spoke eloquently and from the heart, and stressed the similarity in approach of the two organisations: focussing on getting things done in a practical, hands-on fashion, and helping people "on the ground". Truly an amazing collaboration between Camberwell Rotary and Myeloma Australia, and all credit to the committee chaired by Don Jago, supported by Peter Allen (who is on the MA Board), Adrian Campbell, Teresa Molella, Alan Lorenzini and Peter O'Brien.
It was then my pleasure to recognise Steve Roach as a Paul Harris Fellow, and present him with his certificate, medallion and lapel pin. Previously hidden from view, his wife Claire and children Sean, Courtney and Michaela joined in congratulating him and celebrating this important recognition, and Steve was suitably humbled. It was then my turn to surprise Peter Allen with his 4th Sapphire Paul Harris Fellow lapel pin, in recognition of all he has done and continues to do for The Rotary Foundation, our Club, Myeloma Australia and ROMP. Congratulations to both Steve and Peter, very well deserved.
By the time you read this, the International Women's Day Breakfast has been held, and what a success it was. Over 80 guests enjoyed a beautiful breakfast at the Amora Hotel, and guided by our MC Di Gillies enjoyed a fascinating series of top-line speakers who addressed issues including diversity and equality, the problems and positives coming from the pandemic, the opportunities for women, and the need for continual support, mentoring and team building during the lockdowns. A truly stimulating and uplifting series of presentations. Congratulations to the organising committee, especially our Fabienne and Kerry Anne. If you missed it, don't miss next year's!
On the technical side: if you have downloaded the ClubRunner app, you will already have an updated Directory in your hand, with our new members phone, email and address details - nifty eh? And it would appear the problems with paying for the weekly meetings on-line has been solved: but remember, if you are registering and paying for a guest as well, you must register yourself and SAVE; you then register your guest and SAVE; then you pay by clicking the PAY ONLINE button (check the $ amount).
That's it from me, have a great week in Rotary.
