From the President:
 
So, what do I think? I think that sometimes we move on so quickly that we don’t always think about the impact of some of the things we do has on the recipients of our work. This was driven home to me this week when I was invited, along with President Elect Gary and our Grants Coordinator Terry, to visit the West Gippsland Hospital and to see the equipment that our $7,000.00 disbursement had enabled them to purchase. It is fair to say that the people who will be using the equipment to train others in the Emergency Department were extremely excited about what they would be able to achieve using the mannequins, particularly in the treatment of babies and small children. However, there was one item that was adult size, it was a mannequin that they had never had and it was necessary that all Emergency Doctors were trained on it to insert lines close to the heart and other vital organs. In the past the doctors at West Gippsland had to travel to other places to do the training and then get their certification, now all of this can be done at Warragul. The people we spoke with left us in no doubt that the equipment that they had been able to purchase for training would definitely assist staff to save lives.
 
I think that the Club Assembly this week was an important opportunity for members to see just a snippet of what goes on behind the scenes. I think Roger’s presentation of what is involved in putting the Market together was an eye opener. He makes a very good case that it is much more than a one-person job and there will be a plan for a reorganisation of the Market operation. I ask that when that comes to a meeting with job descriptions you have a think at just how you might be able to step up. Treasurer Gary gave a very clear and concise break down of income and expenditure for this current Rotary year. Not surprising that with the cancellation of several Markets, a Swap Meet and a reduced Farm World due to COVID, our income is down.
 
Finally, my presentation on what a Rotary Club of Drouin might look like in coming years and the need for some regeneration, rejuvenation and recruitment whilst challenging for some was important to discuss. My point was our Club fulfils all the needs we have as individuals in Fellowship and charity work, either internationally or locally. However, what was the sustainability of Rotary as an organisation in the medium to long term in our community. There is much to be done but I think that if we “Think outside the square” we can introduce many more people to Rotary and its ideals without changing too much about the traditional nature of our current Club.
 
Some reminders; 1. Our Changeover Dinner is on Tuesday June 29th at The Royal Hotel. 2. The District Changeover will be held on Sunday June 27th at the Italian Australian Club Morwell at Midday for 12:30. Cost $45 per person. If you wish to attend, please let me know by June 9th and I will arrange a Drouin table. Thank you to everyone for you well wishes and thoughts during my recent illness it was much appreciated and I am in no doubt that I am on the mend.
 
Yours in Rotary, Russell