Presidents Report 8th December 2023
Nash is Off to Denmark
Last weekend, Judy and I along with DGE Lesley headed off to Portland with Nash as he participated in the Final Preparation Weekend before heads off to Denmark on the 20th January 2024.
At our meeting last Monday night, Nash delivered his presentation to those online and in the room. As you may be aware Nash can expect to deliver his presentation many times during his exchange.
Nash was presented with an Akubra Style hat from RC Torquay by his Club Mentor Kelly Binyon.
Nash will make a fine ambassador for Australia, Rotary, our Club and the Surf Coast.
Youth Protection and Child Safety
Also, at last Monday’s meeting PP Graeme Cox (RC Port Fairy) in his role as the District Youth Protection Officer visited and spoke to those present.
Graeme spoke about our individual legal responsibilities relating to the Protection of Youth/Children. Firstly, by understanding the requirements of Victorian State Law, Rotary International’s Youth Protection Policy, District 9780 and RC Torquay Policy and Code of Conduct.
He also spoke of the requirement that all Rotarians must hold a current Working With Children Card and where a member is likely to have one on one contact, they must have completed a Rotary Youth Volunteer Information and Declaration Form.
When asking yourself, why must I do this? Think of this!
If your child or grandchild was involved in an activity conducted by Rotary – what would your expectations be?
John Mc Donald OAM Prize Presentations
You will remember the following John’s November 2022, his partner and fellow Rotarian Maggie Isom, the McDonald family and the Rotary Club of Torquay made a bequest in the form of a financial scholarship for chosen young students to assist in their future education.
Last Tuesday night I made the first of three presentations this year at Winchelsea PS to Jesse Finau, presenting him with a Certificate and a Voucher to the value of $200 to assist with his educational expenses. I also presented book to Isabelle Purcell is recognition of her excellence in literacy.
The other two John McDonald Prizes will be presented at Lorne PS by Rhonda Anchen and at Deans Marsh PS by Maggie Isom.
Geelong Youth Engagement – Kokoda Experience
On Friday morning Judy and I represented our respective Rotary Clubs at the Geelong Youth Engagement Breakfast, celebrating the achievements of 22 young students in completing the 96 kilometre Kokoda Track.
The students commence the program in February each year having been nominated by their respective schools and selected to participate in the program.
Following this they embark on a rigorous schedule which not only prepares them physically but also their mind and spirit.
We were fortunate to hear from two of the participants whose family life and disfunction is a sad reality for many young children today. Very Sobering!! But to listen to both young women speak of the impact that the experience and the difference it has made in their lives was truly inspirational. I can’t explain to personal impact on me except tears were involved and you had to “Be in the Room Where It Happened”
I also caught up with Peter Raidme and AP Andrew Brown from Surf Coast Secondary College who were there supporting 3 Students who participated in this year’s program. We will invite Peter, Andrew and the students to a meeting early next year as well as Kelly Taylor from Geelong Youth Experience.
I recommend we commit to supporting our local youth through sponsorship of this program.
I will end with a quote sourced by one of the Student Mentors in describing the personal impact for him:
“We are Not Spectators. We have the power to influence and make a difference.”
