President Missing In Action!
The bell rang and P2 was MIA! Must be worth a fine or two...he eventually surfaced to formally open the meeting and remind us that on this day in 1969, the Beatles launched their Abbey Road album and China successfully landed the un-crewed Chang'-4 on the Moon's far side in 2019.
Club Service Director Brian Johnson - Club Forum 2025
Brian chaired the Annual Club Forum 2025.
There were 35 members present, which constituted a quorum for the meeting being at least one third (19 members) of the Club membership (57 members).
Strategic Plan
The Club’s Strategic Plan was circulated to members prior to the Club Forum. Members approved the Strategic Plan.
Rotary Club of Mill Point Members’ Satisfaction Survey
The Club Survey was prepared, distributed and analysed by Veronica Lawrance. There was a 50% return which has provided some good suggestions. Survey results were circulated to members prior to the Club Forum.
Overall, satisfaction with the Club is 88%. The focus now is on areas of improvement and suggestions for what the Club can do into the future. Areas of consideration are within “service and the community” e.g. the number of local projects the Club undertakes; how much does the community value the Club’s involvement in the community etc.
Suggested new projects include youth homelessness and international health. Suggested additional activities include Christmas in July, visits to other Clubs and organisations, Swan Valley tour, sundowners, theatre nights.
Activities least enjoyed include the Art Show, Duck Derby, end-of-year Club Dinners (Changeover), all day Santa visits, Australia Day parking (longer shifts), Handover night, Club Forum.
How to attract new members includes continuing with the Angelo Street Markets, reaching out to new people, inviting friends to meetings. Stop/Start/Continue aspects were highlighted along with how the Club can increase leadership development opportunities.
Changeover Dinner
Members were asked if they prefer a traditional dinner, Friday lunch or Friday dinner. The general consensus was an evening dinner with a buffet style menu. Factors to consider are costs associated with evening entertainment, venue (if not at the RPGC) and the cost that members are prepared to pay for the event. Some members felt that there was an increase in camaraderie and vibrancy by having a lunch function, however this precludes those members who work from attending. If music is not available at an evening function then some members suggested an option of light-hearted entertainment. It was suggested that a survey specific to the Changeover be distributed to members.
Directors:
Community (Rick Sneeuwjagt for Gerry McGann)
International dinner night. The format is yet to be decided but the objective is to encourage newer members to attend. If members have any ideas please contact Gerry, Gorby, Bassem or Alison.
Container of linen has been filled (12,000-13,000 items of at least $100,000) and is ready to be shipped.
SOS Volunteers - Joy organises the roster so please contact her.
Fundraising (Angus Florence)
Projects are Dial-a-Santa and appreciation goes to Margaret Walton (more Santas are required); contributing to the OffTraq project; SOS; and a potential to develop What Three Words.
International (Raelene George)
Support has continued for the Sewing Sisters (within Papua New Guinea) and the Global Hand Eye Camp Charity. Other projects include the water project in Bali and Borderless Friendships. Thanks go to Jenny for the Sewing Sisters and to Reggie, Gerry, Astrid for the various Eye Camps.
There will be an Eye Camp in March 2026. Previously Rotary Clubs in the area have provided incredible support, especially in Sri Lanka.
Membership (Ian Kremmer)
There is a target of an increase of 6 members and 2 corporate memberships. Members are encouraged think about family and friends who would be interested in attending a meeting. There is also a focus on member retention. Ian encourages newer members to become involved in the Club Leadership.
Vocational (Michael “Gorby” Gottschalk)
75% approval of the types of vocational visits which have been undertaken by the Club; however, it is only approximately 20% of the Club membership who attends. The aim is to hold four Vocational visits/year (one every three months). Please provide suggestions to Gorby for vocational visits.
There is a need to recognise the value of what the Club does in terms of “in kind support” e.g. linen project ($100,000), distribution of bread ($20,000) to communities.
Youth (Garrick McCamey)
Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment (RYPEN) candidate (September) will come and talk to the Club. The Club will sponsor an exchange student and families are needed to host. The Club is supporting three students for the National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) and is seeking candidates for RYPEN.
Other Business
Michael Gottschalk: When does the Club find out about its incoming Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE) student so that planning e.g. education can occur as soon as possible? District will have information early in 2026.
Mike Collett: Does the Club do Exit interview as it would be beneficial knowing why members are leaving (Lessons Learnt).
Raelene George: For those on Attendance, there are two options for the Attendance Sheet (listed alphabetically by first names; listed alphabetically by surname).
David Rowell: Extended his thanks to Veronica Lawrance for the Club Survey and analysis of results. David encouraged all members to look at survey results. Gerry and David will look at feedback re community perceptions and value of the Club and will also provide look at providing Board summaries to members.
The full Minutes of
the Forum have been circulated, via email, by Secretary Alison Thair.
Directors' Reports and Member Announcements
Joy B: Congratulations to the organisers of Guess Who's Coming to Dinner and thank you to all the hosts and diners. A great night as usual.
Kelly G: Ride the Train to End Polio on 24 October or just wear your T-shirt all day! Help create awareness of how Rotary is succeeding in eradicating Polio from the world. Register on line (free) and/or buy your T-shirt ($20) which Veronica will deliver here https://www.trybooking.com/CYVGP.
Gorby: Sign up now for the vocational visit to Mundaring #1 Pump station on 10th October by contacting Gorby direct at mjgwaconsulting@gmail.com or phone 0417 935 504
David R: Como RC Classic Car Show is on this Sunday at Wesley College 9am - 2pm. Volunteers wanted, just show up and they will put you to work.
In Fine(s) Fettle...
- Hottest day since May 10 so all those who got our their shorts, thongs or singlets.
- Everyone still in their winter woollies.
- 3 outages in as many years so if you haven't 'Opted' out already pay a delay tax
- Green-wearers in view of Trump's warning to move away from the green energy scammers (you of course if you're wearing green)
- All Sarah's, Jeffereys or Fergusons in our presence as per ABC's Sarah Ferguson's "Excruciating Diplomacy"and the other SF losing millions of dollars for naming Jeffrey Epstein as her "supreme friend"
- RCMP members who did NOT complete the membership survey - we know who you are!
- Or very own Champion Poser Shaun O'Brien - stand up and show us your moves!
Winner of Heads and Tails :
Attendance : 36 attendees in all, including presenter extraordinairre Brian Johnson and special visitor Maria Lynn Tenoria all the way from the Phillipines who arrived at 4am this morning!
Maria presented P2 with her Club's banner and presented Veronica with a coffee mug and red pashmina!
We wish Maria well on her journey around Australia.
