February 19th 2025
It was great to welcome our club's guest Ben Hill, a member of the Rotary Club of Narre Warren who has moved into the Bendigo area. During a chance meeting with Tim Watts it was quickly established their shared Rotary involvement so naturally Ben was quickly invited to come along and join us for the night. Ben has several years rotary experience, having been President of Rotaract and then moving into the Narre Warren club. Thanks for joining us Ben, and for your contributions to our club discussion, especially the compliments about our promotional flyer for the Great Aussie Camping Swap Meet - always great to get feedback - especially when it was so positive! We look forward to your next visit.
A huge thank you to everyone who chipped in and in any way contributed to the success of the catering at the CFA event last weekend. The clubs finances were boosted by the overwhelming success of our members contributions over the two days - well done team. And it's always dangerous to single out people, but I'm going to - a huge thank you to Lindsay Walkington who went above and beyond expectations for both days along with Eric Smith who worked tirelessly in the leadup and over the weekend with rostering and support. And to those members who worked longer shifts - your efforts didn't go unnoticed, thank you.
The CFA were extremely happy and have already booked us for the February event next year. There has also been an additional request for another weekend but as it is the January long weekend the board indicated on Wednesday night that we should not commit to that extra request.
Eaglehawk's club meeting is moved to Castlemaine on the 5th March for our members to experience the Castlemaine club and to learn about the work they are currently doing in their community. Confirm numbers with Carmel by the 26th February and she will also be handling the car pooling logistics, so let her know if you can take others with you or if you will be needing a lift.
The wrap up meeting of the Christmas Stocking Raffle Committee (RC Bendigo South & RC Eaglehawk) has now paved the way for the disbursements to be shared between our two clubs. It was significantly lower than the 2023 raffle, a reflection of how tough it is financially for many in the community at the moment. Our seven partnering community groups were grateful (and somewhat surprised) to receive the same amount as in 2023 but understand that this arrangement will be revisited going forward.
The Dahlia & Arts procession on the 15th March will feature our club's float - The Great Aussie Camping Swap Meet, whilst also promoting our club to the locals. Earlier in the day we'll be setting up in Canterbury Park our donuts/drinks stand, it was so popular last year that we have received a special invitation to again participate.
And this week is the 120th birthday of Rotary.
Rotary started with the vision of one man — Paul Harris. The Chicago attorney formed the Rotary Club of Chicago on 23 February 1905, so professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful, lifelong friendships.
Over time, Rotary’s reach and vision gradually extended to humanitarian service. Worldwide, members have a long track record of addressing challenges in their communities and here at our club we have established Eaglehawk Rotary as a renowned asset within community service. Happy Birthday Rotary, here's to the next 120 years!
President Alison
