Unfortunately, I have to start this newsletter by saying that we unfortunately at this late stage have to change our DG Official visit from tomorrow till next Thu 1st April 2021. As I advised members a short while ago Philip's wife, Trish Reardon has just taken ill and he needs to stay with her tomorrow rather than leave her alone in Tasmania where they live. As a result, he gave the option of coming on live tomorrow on Zoom or attending next week. We have chosen the latter option.
I have advised the hotel and they were very good about the last-minute change. Unfortunately, the change will mean that with all the juggling of shifts Ida did so she could make it tomorrow she now will not be able to make it next week. Hopefully, everyone else will make a special effort to next week's meeting as successful as our previous International Women's Day meeting.
I have also invited our friends at Philip's Club, Southbank RC to join us as well.
Tomorrow morning I will be meeting up with Don McQueen at Haileybury College, City Campus, with the Head of Campus, Caroline Merrick to work out plans for our club providing the school a Rotary Peace Pole.
Last week, I mentioned that the Melbourne Rotary Club is having a historic 100 year "Birthday Bash" lunch meeting on 21st April 2021. It is at the main Ballroom at the Sofitel Hotel in the city so it will be a really grand event with a packed agenda. More details to come. What I didn't mention was that I already had a short break away for a few days that was booked last September and so couldn't go but now I will be pleased to advise President Marion McLeod that I have decided to get my priorities right and have cancelled the last day of our holiday so Judy and can attend. It would be great to have some of our members join us there.
I can also advise of another Melbourne Rotary Club event that is the club's Angus Mitchell Oration which is on 7th April 2021. The speaker is Deputy Secretary Commonwealth Dept Health Prof John Skerritt.
Dr. Skerritt has a high national profile dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. In his current role, he is also responsible for the Therapeutic Goods Administration and the Office of Drug Control.
Details of the meeting are:
Date: Wednesday 7th April 2021
Time: 12.40 for 12.50pm start till 2pm prompt
Venue: 1st Floor Dining Rooms, Sofitel Hotel on Collins Melbourne
Cost : $55pp two course lunch
Book: https://events.humanitix.com/angus-mitchell-oration
Enquiries to Jo Mavros, E: office@rotaryclubofmelbourne.org.au, T: 03 9654 7242
As I advised last week our District Conference this year is a virtual one for 2hrs only between 11.00 am and 1.00 pm on Sat and Sun the 1st & 2nd of May. We will still try and organize club dinners and again more info to come later.
Our Speaker last week was Giorgio Migliaccio from Destiny Rescue and he gave us an update that was incredibly interesting but very distressful to listen to how shocking the lives of some many young people are in so many countries (mainly Asian) where they are basically forced to live as slaves in the world of prostitution. The work they were doing to free people from this terrible life is quite amazing and they then have the challenge of ensuring that they all get an education and skills to re-enter a "normal" lifestyle. I suggested to him that can be an area where Rotarians can assist and I challenge readers of this newsletter to think of creative ways we might be able to assist.
After the meeting, Giorgio sent me a link to an amazing video of a massive sting that they did in Manila together with the local police and the army where they rescued about 200 people in a single raid of which 78 were underage. If there is sufficient interest I will play it at tomorrow's Zoom meeting.
Lastly, I can advise members that your president has now had his 1st Covid vaccination.
Details of tomorrow's Zoom meeting is that it start's at 7.30pm
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86429608167?pwd=YzN2cnN5cWlWNExSY3lqTVhCcnNnQT09
Meeting ID: 864 2960 8167
Passcode: 768453
President's Message