Special mention to members who participated in the Dahlia & Arts Procession. The float certainly got the attention that we were after and we've now been notified that we were successful in winning the best Community Service Float category. Well done!
Our club meeting was set aside specifically for the club to put the finishing touches to the plans for the Great Aussie Camping Swap Meet. PP Mick heads up the co-ordination and our members are keen to see the event a success.
Club members will be setting up on the Friday and then come Saturday morning there will be members on gate duty, BBQ duty, handling our club stall and generally being needed to run the event. Thank you to Barb (BBQ), Kylie (Club Stall), Tim (transporting of stall items) Geoff G (organising vouchers). Our thanks also to everyone who has indicated they will be participating and ensuring the event is a success.
Mick is still keen for additional sites and indicated that it is too late for an article in the Bendigo Times.
Rita reported that the Bookshop has received a further rather large donation of high quality books - well worth a look!
A plaque that was installed at the Butts Road end of Lake Neangar at the time of Celebrating Victoria's 150th was removed some time ago but was subsequently handed in to the Eaglehawk Police Station and is now in the hands of Elaine Harrington & Ayleen Kirkwood. Elaine Harrington has contacted the club asking the club to fund the reinstatement of the plaque. Given the plaque recognised an area that had been developed by Rotary (even though Rotary are not mentioned on the plaque) it was felt that the club could proceed with a view to including an additional plaque that explains the Rotary connection.
A brilliant start to a fabulous day. The weather, the food, the company - all a great combination to kick off a day of fundraising for the Bendigo Imagination Library Committee. Our club provided Egg & Bacon Sandwiches to make sure all the golfers were well fed before teeing off.
Investigations continue as to the best course of action with regard to the club's BBQ Trailer. As decided at an earlier meeting of the board, John was to obtain information about what was commercially available and Alison was to contact other rotary clubs to ascertain what was used elsewhere. This information was presented to the March board meeting and discussions continue with no final decision yet being made. The option of refurbishing remains on the table but the possibility of replacement is also a strong possibility - obviously costs will be a major consideration in the decision, as is the need to ensure compliance with legislations around the safety requirements, but just as important is that we achieve the best outcome for the club.
Information detailing an offer from D9800 to support attendance at the Conference has just been received and is as follows -
Dear Presidents,
I am thrilled to share an exciting opportunity to support and empower the next generation of Rotary leaders in our District. District 9800 is offering sponsorships for young Rotarians and Rotaractors (aged 18–35) to attend either:
The 2025 Rotary International Convention in Calgary (21–25 June 2025), or
The Multi-District Impact Summit/District Conference in Adelaide (16–18 May 2025).
These events will provide invaluable experiences – offering inspiration, leadership development, and networking on a global and national scale.
We encourage you to share this opportunity with a young Rotarian or Rotaractor in your club who embodies the values of Rotary and demonstrates leadership potential.
Key Details:
Funding Available: Full and partial sponsorships are offered, covering conference registration, travel, accommodation, and meals, based on financial need and merit.
Eligibility: Open to active Rotarians or Rotaractors aged 18–35, with a demonstrated commitment to Rotary’s values and a willingness to undertake a community project post-event.
This is an incredible chance to foster leadership within your club and across our District. I encourage you to identify and support a promising young leader in your club to apply.
For full details, please refer to the attached information. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out.
Let's work together to inspire and equip the future leaders of Rotary!
Yours in Rotary,
Michael J Lapiña Governor
29th March 2025
Truscott Reserve, Murdock Street, California Gully
www.greataussiecampingswap.com.au
https://www.facebook.com/greataussiecampingswap
Book a site - https://www.trybooking.com/1327897
Purchase an admission Ticket - https://www.trybooking.com/CXREU
Sponsorships are progressing
Promotional interview on Phoenix FM will be repeated mid March
Flyers have been produced for distribution
Members asked to help out over the weekend
Early Bird Site Fees available up until 28th February 2025
Event budget prepared by John J.
Club will cater with a BBQ
A Coffee Van is confirmed
Auctioneer to be confirmed
CoGB support confirmed
Club site - managed by members
Radio advertising has been booked with Gold FM (as a Platinum Sponsor of the event
A Platinum Sponsor of the Great Aussie Camping Swap Meet
https://www.goldcentralvictoria.com.au/
A Platinum Sponsor of the Great Aussie Camping Swap Meet
https://www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/
A Gold Sponsor of the
Great Aussie Camping Swap Meet
https://theprospectorsdepot.com.au/
A Gold Sponsor of the Great Aussie Camping Swap Meet
https://www.facebook.com/BendigoIronman/
Rotarians are invited to join the Karen Community at the Water Festival. Numbers are required for catering purposes so please let GP know if you will be attending.
