Peter welcomed Chairperson Ali Bowyer to introduce Guest Speaker Fiona, Operations Manager and Senior Partner in Recovery Ready Communities Inc., a small, locally based Not-For-Profit. Fiona has lived and worked in the Dandenong Ranges since 1990. A very polished, articulate and interesting speaker, Fiona presented a lot of information and insights we could learn from.

 

Committee Reports:

1. There is a flyer being circulated regarding our meeting next week at Flavour Bomb at 6:30 pm, from where we will adjourn to the Emerald Museum for an 8:00pm. start. The cost is $20 and $10 respectively.
2. The Pride Of Workmanship Awards Dinner on 18 March at the Emerald Discovery Centre is fully booked, which is fantastic. Thanks to Linda and Rowan, we filled out an application for a grant for $500 which was successful. The amount will pay for most of the trophies.
3. Re the Gala Dinner theme of “Rotary Rocks, please see Lyn to try on your top.

1. In December in addition to Christmas hams, we donated $500 worth of chocolates and cakes plus Play-Doh to St. Luke’s Church. Tina received a card from them thanking us for our support.

2. If you’re not going to the March District Conference, Tina will circulate a piece of paper next week where you can put your name down for the event at The Hub. We will be saying what we do in the community and ask what does the community want Rotary to do for them? There will be fun involved as well.
3. Melinda received information that the Foothills Community Care group need a marquee, which our Board agreed to provide. Subsequently we found out that the Rotary Clubs of Rowville-Lysterfield and Knox also support this group, so we will contribute $1,000 for the marquee instead of $3,000.

• Thank you to Fiona.
• Reminder of the Vocational Night next Tuesday at Flavour Bomb costing $20 and the visit to the Museum for $10.
• The Friends of Emerald Lake Park – FELP – are conducting their annual Sycamore Blitz on the 1st and 9th of March. Help if you can please.

Sign here: https://hollandfestival.org.au/volunteer-applications/   Welcome to the Holland Festival, Australia’s premier celebration of Dutch culture, heritage, and community! Hosted annually by the Rotary Club of Casey, this vibrant event brings together over 6,000 attendees to experience the best of the Netherlands right here in Melbourne.   Join us on March 15th, 2025, from 10 AM to 5 PM at the expansive Caribbean Gardens, Scoresby. This year, the festival will be held outdoors on 45,000 sqm of beautifully manicured parkland, providing the perfect setting for a day of fun and cultural exploration. With parking for 4,000 cars, getting to and enjoying the festival has never been easier!   Experience the best of Dutch culture, from traditional food and live music to artisan markets and family-friendly activities. Whether you’re savoring freshly made stroopwafels, dancing to Dutch tunes, or exploring the vibrant vendor and exhibitor stalls, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.   As much as the Holland Festival celebrates culture, it’s also about giving back. Each year, proceeds from the event support vital local and international charities such as Interplast, Wheelchairs for Kids, and the Rotary Foundation. In 2024, the festival raised $90,000 for over 30 organisations, making a tangible impact on countless lives.   Join us for the 2025 Holland Festival and become part of a long-standing tradition of community, celebration, and giving.   regards Gus Rozycki District 9815 RCL Group#4

Other News