For the second year in a row, we supported Kaiser Malvern Open Day with a BBQ and collected income for the club. It was a great day of fellowship in a relaxed and fun environment, and we raised $350 for our club. We have another upcoming BBQ at Box Hill Bunnings on 14th November. We are looking for helpers and a sheet will go around closer to the event date.

Our team leaves next week for the annual Philippines Medical Mission.  Doug met with the team on Tuesday to discuss a range of matters relevant to the trip.

On Sunday a small crowd gathered at the Peace Poles in Victoria Park to participate in a ceremony to mark the International Day of Peace, which was on Monday. Cr Shima Ibuki, the Deputy Mayor, Cr Sophie Torney (also a member of RC Kew), the District Governor, Graeme Hope, and RC Kew President, Barb Brook, attended as well as many Kew members and John Pocock and Nora Ley from Canterbury. Despite the very gusty wind, which at various times blew the lectern then banners over, we carried on with the ceremony. The DG read the message from the UN which emphasised the need for work within and between communities and organisations to increase connections and reduce barriers in order to build peace. Just what we in Rotary aim to do.

We then had a quick walk around the oval and collected almost $50 for End Polio. Eleven of us then made our way to the Harp Hotel for a hearty and convivial lunch. Thank you to all who participated. The garden is looking good with mainly everlastings beginning to flower and lots of native bees about.

Nora advised Melbourne Uni Rotaract event scheduled for 29th September has been cancelled. Reference checks for Working with Children have not been completed by Rotary and it has been requested everyone complete these forms so they can be re-lodged. Nora is managing this for the FORaMEAL team and someone else in the club will be managing for non FORaMEAL members.

For our Christmas function on 14th December, there has been lots of support for the park. A late option has been raised for Eastern Bell Chinese Restaurant. We would have our own room, reasonably priced banquet and drinks.  John Braine recommended the Board discuss at the next meeting and make a decision on the venue.

There will be no meeting next week, but Michelle has organised an exclusive look at the Swinburne Flight Simulator. She will send an email requesting who would like to participate flying the simulator as there are limited spots. Dinner is around the corner at a pub prior to the simulator.

John Womersley

Our speaker on Monday Martin Craig has been a solicitor since 1981 and has worked for governments and corporations in  Australia and overseas.His main work is in the area of estate planning advice. He tries to provide practical, useful and informative advice.

To the audience’s surprise Martin advised that 47% of people in Australia die without a will. This is referred to as dying intestate. Fortunately, there are legislative provision to manage this scenario. Where there is no will “letters of administration” are needed to manage the process. Having a will does provide some certainty over the managing of a deceased’s estate and also some flexibility. When there is a will or the “letter of administration “process has been used, then probate can be applied for so that the deceased’s estate can be distributed.

Trust funds are also an option and these can provide some financial certainty for the beneficiaries. Recent taxation changes may impact this situation.Wills can be complicated if there is more than one spouse, several children from multiple marriages and a diverse range of assets. Finally, Martin advised in recent years there has been a large increase in probate filing fees – a matter to be aware of.

Many thanks to Martin for an informative presentation and also that he made himself available at very short notice.

A very pleasant and enjoyable day was spent with 27 students who completed 3 hrs of packing with much vim and vigour that resulted in the packing of 22,800 meals. The students were supported by 3 teachers who also readily participated due to the depleted student numbers. A fantastic contribution by all.

Our team of President Jill, Kyle, Alan, Alex, Pat, Helen, Kylie, Marg, Doug and me were well supported and our pic shows us have lunch time-out with lovely eats being supplied by Scotch. ( Oops - The photographer chopped off Jill & Marg – my excuse – not my skill set!) Kevin Xiao came for a short while too and supplied us all with a lovely coffee at the start of the day.

As advised, the Melbourne University Rotaract one scheduled for September 29 has been cancelled due to the inability of having a confirmed venue with truck parking in a reasonable distance. Hopefully, all the issues will be resolved and we can reschedule & conduct the event in March 2027.

We wish all the Eye and Ear Mission members safe travels and every success with their venture. We can all have a little break till mid-November when we again go to the Boat House for the 3 events with the Carey Students on Thursday 19 & 26 November and our lucky last for the year on Thursday 3 December.