Bulletin July 2016
Welcome to the July Bulletin.
In this edition the following stories are covered
 
 
  • Annual Changeover Dinner
  • New Board Installed
  • Lighthouse Opening Fundraiser
  • Meals on Wheels Roster
  • Annual Donations
  • Youth
  • Social Evening held
  • Friends of Rotary Group Established
  • Club Communications improved
 
 
 
Annual Changeover Dinner
 
The Club hosted its annual changeover dinner on Monday 4 July 2016 at the Star of the West Hotel with 73 Members and guests in attendance.
 
Special guests present at the Dinner were the local member for South West Coast, Roma Britnell, MLA for Western Victoria, James Purcell, Mayor, Cr. Colin Ryan (Moyne Shire Council), Cr. Ralph Leutton (who was also present in his role as President of Moyne Health Services), Past District Governor, Jane Cox and Assistant District Governor Janey Preston.  The Club was also pleased to have representatives present from neighbouring Rotary clubs, members of the Port Fairy-Belfast Lions Club and representatives from other community organisations.
 
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of a $7,500 cheque by out-going President Michael Crowe, to the President of Moyne Health Services, Ralph Leutton.  The monies were raised during Michael's term as President and will be used to purchase special equipment for the Port Fairy Hospital's refurbishment program.  Another special moment in the evening was the celebration and birthday cake for the Club's oldest member, Col Martin, who turned 102 on 30th June.
 
Special thanks go to MC Bernie Waixel, Jill Gleeson and Margeret Broers for room decorations, Margaret Whitehead and Brett Murray for the raffle and Peter Smith for the general organisation of the evening.
 
New Board Installed
 
At the Changeover Dinner a new board was installed for the 2016/17 Rotary Year.
The new board members are as follows.
 
President – Adrian Crosier
Secretary - Peter Smith
Treasurer - Jeff McLean
President Elect - Bill Moore
Immediate Past President - Michael Crowe
Director (Service Projects) - Bernie Waixel
Director (Youth, PR) - Jill Gleeson
 
Lighthouse Opening
 
Again the Rotary Club took up the opportunity to open the Lighthouse over the Queens Birthday weekend as a part of the Port Fairy Winter Weekends festival.  The tours were very popular with long queues waiting for their opportunity to inspect the historic lighthouse.  The Club raised just over $800 for the day which was a great outcome.  Thanks to Rotarians Bill Moore, Margaret Broers, Robert Whitehead, Maureen and Reg Beattie  and friends Member Peter Gleeson for their efforts of being tour guides on the day.
 
Meals on Wheels
 
The Rotary Club of Port Fairy is scheduled to deliver Meals on Wheels around the town during the week 25 to 29 July 2016.  Volunteers can register on the Clubrunner website.
 
Annual Donations
 
The Club recently made its annual distribution of grants totalling $14,990.  Apart from the $7,500 given to Moyne Health, many local organisation and international aide projects received funds.  Local groups included Community House, Marine Rescue Service, Lifeline, Moyneyana Festival, Port Fairy – Warrnambool Rail Trail, Port Fairy Citizens Band, Port Fairy Surf Lifesaving Club, St Vincent de Paul Society,  Tasty Plate and The Francis Foundation.
 
Youth
 
Past President and Youth Affairs Director, John Clue, was proud to announce recently that the Club's nominee for the 2017 Rotary Youth Exchange Program, Lisa van Someren, has been selected by the District 9780 Exchange Committee to visit Canada.  This is the first time in 20 years that the Club has participated in the Youth Exchange Program and we look forward to working with Lisa and her family to support her on her travels.
 
Friends of Port Fairy Rotary
 
The Friends of Rotary has kicked off with significant interest to date.  We have 16 Members already enlisted and they have had a couple of get togethers to date.  Thanks to Margaret Whitehead for taking on the role of Coordinator of the Friends Group.
 
Social Evening
 
A social evening was held on Monday 27 June at Madagalli Restaurant.  Thanks for Michael Crowe for organising a very enjoyable function and also thanks to Margaret Whitehead for putting together a raffle on the night. 
 
 Club
 
As a result of a Club Strengthening Grant from the Rotary District and support from Damian Gleeson from the Star of the West Hotel, we recently installed a 55 inch smart TV in the Taylor Room at the hotel.  The TV will be used to improve our audio visual presentations and is in accordance with our recently adopted Communication Strategy.  Special thanks to Rotarian Brian Atkins for his assistance with installing the TV.