Each Club representative gave a brief rundown on what the club has been doing and plans for the future. There have been a variety of successful local service projects happening in clubs from fundraising for wheelchairs to supporting local schools and the elderly as well as ongoing overseas projects. The call went out from a couple of clubs for assistance and in true Rotary spirit the challenge was met.
Following the Club representatives, Area Governor Rick Henke spoke about using each other and our ideas as a resource-working together as one. He also reminded us that the International President is challenging every member to bring in a new member to grow Rotary. His second reminder was the concept of Rotary days of service. It's a concept that Rotary Clubs hold at least one day of service which they advertise to the public, where the public is invited to participate type in hands on collaborative, doing type service alongside of Rotarians. For example tree planting, clean up Australia Day, building projects. This gives them the opportunity to experience what we do rather than just attending a meeting and listening.
Brian Burt then introduced the Hon John Dawkins. John was an active member of Rotary for 14 years until he became an elected member of Parliament and the last 10 or 11 as an Honorary member of the Gawler club. He spoke of his pride to be working to establish the first South Australian friends of Rotary group. Despite his concerns that at this time of year he would struggle to gather people together a good core of members from both the Liberal and Labor parties but importantly the cross bench members attended and showed their interest. He also spoke with pride of his other great passion and that is the Suicide Prevention Network.
Gawler President Mark Smeaton introduced the the final guests for the evening, Johnny and Jake from Black Ops. They were invited back to speak to the larger group about the journey to establish the group and where they would like to take it. Mark outlined the commitment Gawler club have made to them and the group and encouraged other clubs to become involved in this much needed outlet and support for our returned Veterans.
In closing meeting 3091 Mark reminded everyone to book tickets to the James Bond Movie night on the 12th November with proceeds going to End Polio and to fulfil our commitment to upgrading the TVs at Gawler Health Service.
