Adrian Crosier, is settling into his role as President and has been very active since his induction in July.
 
Here is Adrian's report for September outlining the many activities being undertaken by the Rotary Club.
 
Rotary Open Gardens to Aid Bandari Project
 
This year’s Rotary Open Gardens event will be held on Sunday 20 November 2016 and is being organised in conjunction with the Bandari Committee and the residents of Albert Road.  It will feature 10 gardens and includes refreshments.  All the proceeds from the event will be donated to the Bandari Project which is the major fundraising project for the Club during this year.  The Bandari Project has recently seen the opening of the first stage of educational facilities in the town of Mto Wambu in Tanzania.  Funds raised for the project will enable the continued development of the school.
 
Guest Speaker reflects on Canadian Exchange
 
As our club embarks on its first Rotary exchange for more than 20 years, we were pleased to welcome Guest Speaker Liz Foreman who spoke on her experience as a Rotary Exchange Student 30 years ago.  Ironically Liz also visited Canada which is the destination for next years exchange student Lisa Van Someran.
 
Liz reflected on the changes since her trip when she communicated with family and friends with cassette tapes sent by mail.  Liz also brought along her blazer which was adorned by hundreds of badges collected during her trip, each with a memory attached. 
 
Lisa has been through an extensive selection process to gain the position on the outbound exchange program.  She has been supported by Rotarian John Clue and other members of the Club.  A fund raising film night to assist Lisa will be held on Friday 2 December 2016 at the Reardon Theatre. 
 
New Community Project to benefit from Club Support.
The Rotary Club has agreed to support the community meals projects being introduced by Community House.  The Club has giving a $250 grant and has agreed to fill a month on the roster to provide free meals to community members.  Rotarian Harry Bracegirdle has taken a lead role in the establishment of the project which kicked off last Wednesday 14 September 2016.  Other agencies involved include Moyne Health Service, Port Fairy-Belfast Lions, Port Fairy Men's Shed and the Uniting Church.  It is a great opportunity to work with other agencies and local volunteers to provide a much needed community service.
 
 
Rotary helps local industry celebrate its first birthday.
 
Rotarians cooked a BBQ lunch for around 100 staff at the Sun Pharma factory in Port Fairy on Thursday 1 September 2016.  The lunch was done to celebrate the first birthday of Sun Pharma in Port Fairy.  Sun Pharma commenced operation at the factory 12 months ago after purchasing it from Glaxo Smith Clyne who had operated the factory for over 90 years. 
 
Spring Raffle to Raise Funds
 
The annual spring raffle has commenced with tickets on sale from now to 8 October 2016 when the raffle will be drawn. Tickets are $2 each with a fabulous prize of a wheelbarrow full of gardening goods plus a gift voucher all from Brookes Timber and Hardware.  The funds raised will be used to support the activities of the club.
 
Celebrating the Olympic Games.
 
The Club recently celebrated the 2016 Olympic Games with Guest Speaker John Chittick who competed in the Olympics in 1956 and 1960 running in the 110 yards hurdles event.  John gave us an insight as to how the games were organised back then compared to the massive event that was recently staged in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.  The transition from athletes being required to be complete amateurs who organise their own training to the highly professional world of athletics today is amazing.
 
Diary Dates
 
  • 19 September 2016 – Guest Speaker – Tony Austin
  • 20 September 2016 – Food Handling Training @ 3.30pm
  • 26 September 2016 - Visit by District Governor, friends and partners welcome.
  • 3 October 2016 – Bandari Project Update by Geoff Coxall
  • 10 October 2016 - Visit to Garry Stewarts Boat Shed
  • 17 October 2016 - Limestone Gallery Visit, friends and partners welcome
  • 29 & 30 October 2016 – Lighthouse Opening
  • 5 November 2016 – Salvation Army Walking Home Event
  • 5 November 2016 - Show Gates
  • 20 November 2016 – Open Gardens in aid of Bandari
  • 21 November 2016 – Annual General Meeting
  • 2 December 2016 – Fund Raising Film for Lisa Van Someran
  • 12 December 2016 – Rotary Christmas Party