It’s been a busy month.
We are now awaiting the outcomes for our two District Grant programmes. This process started early and applications were submitted by 31 July on time.
Along with our busy programme there has been plenty happening. I am thankful for the many people giving me support for this year. You will notice Sue is all over the programme pending for the next few months. We have made an attempt to have as much of our programme up well in advance, as we line up various interesting speakers for our Mondays. Thanks also to Stuart who stepped in to chair the 8th August meeting as Pippa and I spent some time with our daughter’s family before they headed to Dubai this month. I think by the time you are reading this Stuart will be enjoying some time in Europe with his family. Thanks also to Richard for chairing the August board meeting.
We have had a number of meetings with the Cromwell Lions Club as we prepare to jointly host ‘Meet the Candidates’ for this year’s local body elections. We have a team assisting, but feel free to come along and hear the various candidate’s views on several topics.
We have had a small change to our team this month. Jackie Dann is now heading up the Membership role in our club. This is much appreciated.
Our Assistant DG Keith McIntosh is back on board after a short illness. We will be picking up our regular meetings again this week.
This month I represented Rotary as an independent contributor to the Cromwell High School selection of students for various local Scholarships which are awarded by Central Lakes Trust and Pioneer Energy. Whilst the successful applicants at the time of writing are not yet announced, I can say I was extremely impressed with the calibre
of young people in our schools, with their passion, commitment and achievement in and around the community.
It was great to have Richard appointed to the Mokihi Trust that has a Memorandum of Understanding with Rotary around the work being undertaken at Rotary Point. At this time, further working activities at the Richards Beach site will occur, once Rotary has had discussions with the Mokihi Trustees around next steps and the plan for the next 12 months. The work to date has seen the planting of hundreds of trees, with few losses due to weather and pests. Thanks to Fin and his team, Rotary can be proud of the work to date.
Our Fishing Classic is going to be run by Mark Mexted. If you are keen to help him, I am sure he will be pleased to have you on board. Mark has registered the event with Fish and Game and will be ready to get support around this event.
I met online with other Rotary club presidents to discuss the new Insurance cover for Rotary.
There has been a comprehensive (and still not quite finalised) review of cover for Rotary clubs and projects under the new District. There has been significant work put in to join everyone under one policy, with the same cover and a better premium. A couple of outstanding issues is the cover under ‘Youth Protection’. It is important our policies for volunteers working with vulnerable people and youth are in line with the legislations. This will fall under a new policy called Risk cover. The main take home is that cyber cover, crime cover, general property cover and travel insurance cover is in place.
Event cover, cancellation cover and SOPs are needed. Forms will be available.
More clarity around youth protection cover is coming.
However, running a fireworks display, burning of fires and the cutting down of trees is not covered. Andrew Smith has kindly made himself available to sign off any projects that may require notification, SOPs and cover.
Interest in the Melbourne Conference is growing. If you are thinking of Conference in Melbourne, please chat with Adrienne and remember the inaugural District 9999 Conference dates of 24-26
th March 2023 in Oamaru. We will get a small working team in place for these fun events.
September speakers confirmed are Brian Reed, Central Arts Trust on the 12th and Kate Agnew, Director Global Netball and Netball World Cup on the 26th. We hope to see you there.
Bernie
