Last Week's Meeting - 2 August 2022

• Chris Adams – in reasonable spirits – thank you for all the messages
• Kerry Champness about to have 6^th doze of Chemo, reached out as well and expects to be back shortly
• We are also thinking of Heather and wish her well

Guest Speaker Paul Douglas – AKA Dougie - All about The Grub Club and more

• General opened 11 yrs ago there was nothing like that in the area and Belle said it would work (and it has)
• There was the option to take on the venue that is now Sticks and Stones or the General  so took on the General as we know it.  At times they may be wanting a bigger venue, however sometimes only 6-8 in seated but the place still has a vibe
• Dougie and Belle believe the community aspect they have built and deliver is something really special
• Now employ over 60 people
• During the pandemic there was a lot of support from the Govt.  They survived on takeaway  – within 3 days of lockdown in March 2020 they had created an online site and home meals delivery.  They were delivering over 100 x per week – we were lucky to operate whilst receiving job-keeper to finance staffing
• Dougie feels like they nailed it in lockdown
• Nov 2020 we cam out of lockdown like the roaring 20’s we were only allowed 5 people in house so people came to venues to catch up
• At the end of the final lockdown we were allowed as many in a hout so this killed the industry, and it was not what the catering industry thought it would be
• Since Nov there has been a roller-coaster of sickness and people getting back into lives.  It has been a hard 9 months – across the board across all 3 businesses been tricky – inconsistency is hard to deal with
• Lot of others venues are finding the same
• Think this will be the norm moving forward back to an inconsistent norm
• All about future-proofing and make business sustainable
• Relaunching home delivery service next week – new App called Cookaburra is the vehicle for their business
• The App is a one-stop shop – menu changes every week.  48 hrs to order cook to order now we can do a stir-fry and a fresh salad – launching under The Grub Club
• You can’t be a bums on seat venue any more
• Focusing energy on Bam Bams
• Rise of food costs – lot of digital apps in the business, live feeds invoices vs food costs set at a % scan invoice feeds costs through to recipes
• Produce from local suppliers where possible via Aldo at the veggie shop – always have ethical produce at the back of mind
• Try and support the community where they can important to be involved

• Belle helping Emerald PS with website and Dougie is involved in the food on the Fair Day
• Thank you for supporting Rotary in the past
• Belle is graphic designer of KFRWT

• 1991 Mother saw ad about interest meeting for Roteract – beginning of journey – fundraisers, district balls etc – time of our lives whilst learning how to network, lead and work as a team – you don’t forget those skills
• 1996 – looking for something more, moved to Rotary – RC of Noble Park
• RC Noble Park has a good soul and heart Carol was a Roteracter and second female in the club – Roteract helped Carol become established in Rotary
• Earned respect by working hard and putting in and showing respect to older members
• Felt lucky and grateful to be in Rotary - Gratitude is an important thing to learn along the way and the contribution people make forms part of the culture of the club.  Everyone does what they can
• Carol has taken on most Rotary roles during her journey
• 2007 daughter was born morning after changeover and year of Pres. Elect!!  Timing :)
• 2008-2009 president of RC of Noble Park
• Conference is exciting and looking forward to Canberra – forming friendships and collaborations
• Feb 2009 – resigned from Rotary and moved to Wantirna South ran Scout Group when taking a break
• March 2020 joined Rowville-Lysterfield
• Passionate about Rotary – has been in Rotary a long time
• Look forward to a good year this year and spending time with Emerald, Belgrave & Monbulk
• Strong female representation and will be a good year under Marcus – excited to be part of journey this year

Committee Reports

• Aust Rotary Health Fund – lift the lid walk – through COVID help needed for mental health
• Any disaster aid – ready willing and able
• John Ritchie – Bowel Scan man – hone in on this especially in support of Heather Nielsen – would like to work with John to bring this project forward
• Used stamps – Philatical Garbology – keep used stamps – give them to Lorna – the project supports different projects at different times
• Bike ride after conference – John Shaw and friends!!!See if others can join in the Latte Set – 19-24 March

• Welcome to the Hills brochure ready for Board approval – to be distributed to Real Estate Agents.A big thank you to Russ Nielsen for working so hard on the design
• Another big thank you to Andrew and Kelly McAllister for making out Notice Board in town super interesting
• Know Your Rotarian – we will be running meals in homes with 3 couples.We need volunteer hosts – hosts provide the main meal, the other couples bring an entrée and the dessert.It would be good to organise these event during Sept and early Oct.It is a great opportunity to know members you don’t often sit by.

• Catherine unwell so a person down
• Vicki will send roster around – please sign up
• Meeting Emerald PS – stall holder chat Sunday evening with some of the committee
• Need people Friday pm to load up the trailer - please let Emma know if you can assist
• SES or CFA on the day?   We are still working on this
• Reviewing Market in December