Thanks everyone for your patience last week in the part-finished Common. With the assistance of the portable PA from Diamond Creek Rotary, an improvised drinks table and a top speaker in Judge Paul Lacava, it turned out to be a great night. We look forward to the new look and increased space when the renos are complete.
Judge Paul Lacava certainly provided a clear and understandable overview of the workings of our court system. It was an eye-opener to hear of the complex mandatory issues and benchmarks which must be assessed by the judge in the sentencing process and the review of perceived lenient or excessive judgements by the Appeals Court. Paul’s examples of over simplification and misrepresentation of judgements by the media highlighted an extra overlay of misinformation and criticism which the judges face daily.
The courts have a role of interpreting community values through the law, and in the process, can influence community values and behaviours. We are fortunate to have a legal system with people of the calibre and integrity of Judge Paul Lacava.
As we build momentum toward the Bollywood Bedazzled Charity Ball It is timely to consider the very different social norms which confront the slum communities of Bhopal. Marion will show how Muskaan School is addressing these; and what has been achieved with the building project. I look forward to catching-up next week at the Heidelberg Golf Club. Cheers, President Kevin
Lower Eltham Park BBQ 9:30 am - 2:30 pm
You are responsible for finding a replacement if you are unable to do your rostered duty and notify Lyn Truran ljtruran@bigpond.com
This week we will be graced by a presentation from our First Lady, Madam President, Melania………..sorry, sorry….. that should read Marion Hadingham. Marion will, for the benefit of newer members tell us about the origins of the Muskaan school building project, its progress over……can you believe it……… nearly 7 years and the future plans for further development of the school and the opportunities for its students.
The project has been one which our Club has supported over the years and which we currently support under our International Committee’s banner. Members have also provided indirect support by attending various Bollywood fund raising functions. In this regard a further support opportunity is imminent with the “Bollywood Bedazzled Charity Ball” to be held on Sat 6 May 2017 at the Manningham Centre, Doncaster.”
Chair for the evening will be International Director John Skinner, while Vicki Mackrell will lead the fine session.
Kevin Hadingham: See report re Board Meeting. Conference excellent particularly the House of Friendship with a lot of interest in Aquabox, the Muskaan school and the Bollywood Ball fundraiser.
Brett Linsell: Nick Ikonomou gave a fantastic presentation at Rotaract – very well received.
Ian Toohill: ‘Shave for a Cure’ has had great support and raised approximately $7,000. Thanks to all involved.
Graham Miles: Please support Foundation by joining the Footy tipping. So far only 21 x signed up. Cost is $60 and great prizes – 50% goes to Foundation.
Con Proussalis: Conference was great – particularly the Aussie Pub on the Friday night. Good speakers – highlight was Jacqui Cooper the Australian Olympic aerial skier and motivational speaker. Next year’s conference to be at Yarrawonga/Mulwala. Early registration only $120 instead of $150.
Ken Paynter: All bike riders – Ken, Alan and Trevor – as well as 25 x others survived the Ride to Conference. Approximately $16,000 raised in total.
Alan McCleary: District has matched us $ for $ for the CAVE project. Now $3,000 available for students transitioning from primary to secondary school. Still waiting to hear from DVLC - students benefit from participation at BBQ including rides on the train!
Mike Englefield: At next week’s meeting at Heidelberg Golf Club, Marion Hadingham will update us on the Muskaan project which has now been running for 8 years. Back at The Common the following week for an International night when Lawrence Staub of RC Sunbury will speak about the Solomon Islands project.
Irene Cant: Raffle tickets available for a great hamper including liquor, cosmetics etc. to be drawn for Mothers’ Day.
Rob Kilkullen: Support needed for the Anzac Day celebration from 5.30am with Montmorency/Eltham RSL. Always a great community event.
Speaker: This week's speaker was County Court Judge, His Honour Paul Lacava who presented on the work of the County Court and some of the issues surrounding sentencing of sex offenders and young offenders with particular reference to how the courts deal with members of groups such as the Apex gang. There are many complexities in relation to sentencing and community outrage over ‘soft sentencing’ is not always well-informed. The damage being wrought throughout many communities - both rural and metropolitan - by ICE (methamphetamine) addicts is very sobering to hear as are the harmful effects on all involved.
Confirmed $500 donation to Banksia Palliative Care Service. A person living in Eltham has a terminal illness and does not have any support services. Banksia Palliative Care, a GP, and RDNS are providing services pro bono. Banksia requested assistance for pharmacy costs.
Approved $500 to The Pavilion, a project of RC Preston. The building will enable hands-on vocational training for at-risk youth. (on the site of old Macleod Tech)
Approved $250 to co-sponsor a DVLC student to RYLA with RC Greensborough.
Approved a Child Safety policy and Code of Conduct and approved appointment of Diane Penkethman as Child Safety Officer
Approved engagement of McKean Partners to update Club Rules and Bylaws to align with current State legislation
Approved sign-off of 3 year lease for 1/1 Brisbane St for storage and Aquabox operations
Donation to Judge Book Residents Association for registration, insurance and servicing of community bus.
The Summary Report of Service Programs has been updated following the meeting and this can be accessed by members on our Club Runner website.
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