Meeting Report meeting held 27/11/21
Meeting 3096 was opened by chairperson Ron Lloyd. Guests were Alan Murray and Yvonne Thomas from Gawler UCare, Anthea John, guest of Helen Bourne and regular special guest Harrison Clinch.
Apologies were received from Bon Ahrens; John Lyons; Patsy Johnson; Colin Bazeley; Deb Williams; Mark Forgie; Daniel Berrett; Dave Griffiths; and Julie Tekyll.
Ron invited Harrison to choose the recipient of the fines for the evening in honour of his birthday. Harrison selected End Polio.
Members and directors were called to address the meeting for Rotary Spots.
PP Steve Barilla reminded everyone to be vigilant in regard to Covid-make sure you use QR code, keep distances, wear your mask and sanitise hands regularly. Keep checking the SA health website for any updates.
PP Brian Burt reported that he and PP Dave Griffiths were invited to attend the Gawler and District College presentation and awards night to present the Gawler Rotary Community Service Award to Jessica Wallace (Yr 12). Brian said they were once again impressed by the calibre of awardees on the evening and also the general presentation of students-he believes that the future is in good hands.
Tom Kelly a friend is developing some land in Gawler and is clearing trees. There is a possibility of turning this into a fundraiser. Members would go along and cut wood to be sold as firewood. Please see Tom if interested and available.
President Mark Smeaton represented the club at the official opening of the Gawler branch of law firm Scammell and Co. Scammell and Co are our first corporate members and headed by member Anthony Barilla. Mark said it was a fantastic evening and he was honoured to represent the club. The event was also attended by Julie Smeaton and Steve and Grace Barilla.
Mark also thanked everyone for their attendance on the One and All dinner cruise on Saturday evening and said a wonderful time was head by all. Mike Williams, Pres Mark and Kathy’s husband Pete even climbed the shroud.
Ron asked Harrison to stand and a rousing rendition of Happy Birthday was given followed by the cutting of a sparkler adorned birthday cake which was served for dessert.
After a short fellowship while everyone enjoyed their meal Sergeant Barry announced his session was interactive for the evening and he would be the roving reporter to give everyone an opportunity to share what was happening for them this week.
Ron then invited the evening’s first Guest Speaker Alan Murray to speak to the club about UCare’s Financial Planning and Counselling services for veterans.
Alan spent 9 years in the Australian Army and following his discharge studied accounting. He then spent 30 years in various accounting, administration and management positions in both government and industry. After his retirement he trained as a financial counsellor, and it was during this time he identified a need to provide support for the veteran community. Not just financial counselling but to improve their financial literacy. The Veterans Wellbeing Pilot Project was developed in 2020 and UCare Gawler now offers financial wellbeing education to ADF members and Veterans on the base at Edinburgh and through Ex Service Organisations throughout South Australia. It is a free and non-judgmental service.
Training is provided through both face-to-face sessions and webinars. The webinars were developed in response to Covid limitations. Financial advice is given to assist people plan the long term; Financial counselling is to assist people to improve their financial literacy so they can manage their finances in the short term. It is about having the knowledge, the skills, and the ability to manage your own finances to look after your day to day living expenses, to identify needs from wants, and to help give members the skills to create budgets. Both are valuable services. They are trying to become part of the ADF transition process to provide advocacy, and secure funding for financial literacy, education, and financial counselling for veterans and servicemembers and their families. The advantage of getting to serving members is to give them financial literacy skills before they actually transition out of the defence force.
Ron invited Guest speaker Yvonne Murray to speak about the Gawler UCare Christmas Hamper appeal
The Christmas Hamper appeal has been running for many years and this year will provide over 350 hampers. The Christmas hamper program works with the Department of Child Protection and Aboriginal services, including the new mothers birthing program. In addition to providing hampers to farming families, veterans and local community members who can come in and fill out a form. It helps make those families have a bit happier Christmas. Donations will help families who are experiencing severe financial hardship, food uncertainty and put food on the table this festive season. For children living in poverty receiving a new toy or a few Christmas tree treats helps them to experience some joy at such an appropriate time of year. Toys, festive treats and canned items are still required. This year 174 local children will benefit from this program.
In his closing address President Mark announced that the club would be donating $500 to the UCare hamper appeal.
He reminded members and guests that next week’s meeting is a visit from the District Governor Jeff Neale and his wife Jenny and urged all members to attend. He also reminded everyone that the Christmas dinner is approaching fast, and invitations will be going out this week. Please give donations for the auction to Kathy. Gifts for the Salvation Army Toy appeal should be brought on the night and a reminder not to wrap them. Entertainment is organised and will be a surprise.
After the Four way test President Mark reminded Directors there was a board meeting following and closed meeting 3096.
