This week has been a busy but rewarding week, dotted with joyful events.

 

On Monday we hosted our District Governor, Peter Shepheard and his father, Neil at our meeting. Other guests were Local Community Group Leader, Michael Stillwell, Jonathan Shepherd, Fiona Anderson and Shane Gellie.

 

Peter helped with the induction of our newest member, Fiona Anderson, presenting her with her Rotary pin and welcomed her into the worldwide family of the 1.2 million Rotarians. Val Cunniffe, who has known Fiona since she was a baby, is her mentor. It was lovely to meet Fiona’s partner, Shane Gellie, and for him to be present at this exciting event in Fiona’s life.

 

It was DG Peter’s 43^rd club visit with only 18 more to go! See later for a full report on Peter’s address. He has many interesting stories. Peter shared his aims for the district; aims which will resonate with Canterbury Rotary members that to attract and retain members clubs need to make their Rotary Club a place where people feel they belong through a welcoming culture, great speakers, activities and projects to have people working together and developing friendships.

 

Then on Tuesday I helped the backbone of the FAM team, Doug. Nora, Val and Co-President Jillian, wash dry and repack into the correct crates (finding or replacing missing/broken parts along the way) ready for the November and December packing events. As usual, the people made the work fun.

 

Tuesday night was a change of pace when Jonathan, representing RC Kew, and I, representing Canterbury Rotary, attended the second City of Boroondara evening Citizenship Ceremony. The Hawthorn Town Hall was full and more than 170 new Australians had received citizenship by the end of the evening. From our front row seats we had a perfect view of proceedings, including the Mayor, Sophie Torney, happily welcoming the assembled throng and the Australian Girls’ Choir as they sang “I Still Call Australia Home”, and after the Oath of Citizenship was made, “I  Am Australian”. John Pesuto, MP for Hawthorn, spoke eloquently about our country, Australia. With its democracy, freedoms and diversity it is to be treasured.

 

When you think about it, except for first nations people, all Australians are descended from immigrants. So, it was very moving when everybody spoke the Australian citizenship affirmation, which I include below, as it reminds us of our responsibilities as a citizen of Australia.

 

      As an Australian citizen.

                         I affirm my loyalty to Australia and its people.

whose democratic beliefs I share.

whose rights and liberties I respect

and whose laws I uphold and obey.

 

Carey Baptist Grammar School Boat House on Boathouse Drive Melbourne.

 

Best to go to Flinders Street Station by train, bus or tram, cross over the bridge, turn left and walk along river pathway till you reach the Boathouse.

 

The FAM truck will be parked near the entrance to building. Stair and lift access for supplies. Students and teachers will be assisting.

 

Set up 8.45am for all events.

 

First session 10 am to 11.30am then lunch break and recommence 1pm till 2.30pm

 

FORaMEAL events happen as a result of a lot of planning and preparation.

 

Below are members of the FORaMEAL team giving the equipment a thorough clean for the next event.