On another damp morning only the brave ventured out to the Bridge for breakfast and to hear Chris Rankin talk about his journey through life to date.

With Chairman Doug standing in for Gerard, the proceedings quickly moved as Doug searched his phone for the usual snippets of interesting facts and “What happened on this day’’?

Unannounced, both Rob Rosaia and John Cannon pitched in to assist Doug with their usual run of anecdotes and jokes, just to boost the joviality in the room. Thanks fella’s

Bruce Fraser and Kevin Reid, reminded us all of Federation Picnic at Malone Reserve Marong on Sunday August 26^th and White Night on Saturday September 1. Both are events require all hands on deck, so come along please with family and friends for a couple of activities for fun and fellowship, with funds raised supporting those individuals and communities in need.

Jim Rolfe has reminded us that the Vocational Visit will be to the Bendigo Tramways Depot on August 29. Normal meeting time of 7.00 am with breakfast and a tour around 7.30am. Cost will be $15.00pp

1 Tramways Avenue, Bendigo VIC 3550
(Corner of Tramways Avenue and Hargreaves Street)

 Ted Gretgrix provided a summary of the meeting for the Markets held at Ted and Liz’s. Apparently the catering was superb, with the Lamingtons squared to precision and lathered with coconut perfectly. Some business was completed with Chris Rankin looking after the computer functionality, Rob Rosaia coordinating the market layout, Paul Kirkpatrick (in his absence) to assist with queries. Teams will be organised for the various aspects required and hopefully market bookings for Australia Day will be live late November.

It was certainly recognised that the amount of time and Evelyn Lehmann has put into the market over the past few years has been extraordinary. Thanks Evelyn, hopefully you will only be a phone call away if we need help.

Drought Relief.

A portion of the funds raised at Federation Picnic and White Night will be allocated to supporting drought relief. Contact has been made with the Wilcannia community to identify what support maybe required across the broader population affected by job loss, reduced income and lack of water. Further conversations will be taking place.

The incoming team of 6 couples from Canada will be in Bendigo March 24-28, when we will be hosting. We have 8 volunteers for home hosting and we will be looking for a small team to put together the home hosting schedule and itinerary for the time the team are here. Any starters?

The outgoing team will be in Canada August 6-21

Maurice Woodburn informed members of the Multi District conference to be held in Melbourne Feb 15-17. Accommodation options are being sourced, with the cost of registration $175.00, further reduced for first timers and the gala dinner at $100.00 for those not attending the conference

Our most recent member Chris Rankin, introduced himself as a boy from the Western suburbs, born in Footscray and moving from Deer Park, to Mt Waverly, Point Cook and finally to Bendigo. A promising career as a footballer came to an end with a prolonged illness, so his experience in helping with his families cleaning business in Carisbrook and Maryborough led him to starting his own cleaning business at 18yo. Employing up to 10 staff, Chris realised that further education was required so after completing a B/Bus in HR and Marketing and then an MBA he then ventured into selling software. With the self-confessed arrogance of a millennial, Chris informed his employers of how they need to run their business. This move was highly successful, so in 2009 Chris started his second venture and in then 2012 setting up a trio of successful businesses in Marketing, Software development and HR. In 2015 a further 3 ventures of GO (Get Online) Jealous and Game were added to the portfolio.

This busy work schedule still allows Chris to spend time with his fiancée, family and friends as well as be a mentor for young students undertaking work experience, support the Breast Cancer Foundation, Movember and Alzheimer’s Australia as we’ll as his beloved Doggies.

Chris then went on to explain to the uninitiated the intricacies of Web Design. It is not Graphic design, or photography, or your life story on a page, or your entire marketing strategy. It is however an opportunity to be found and to support your business. With 3 major areas of Objective, Functionality and Budget Timelines, a successful website will be easily navigated, cost effective, be accessible from a variety of platforms, be updated easily by the owner (client).

A range of questions about Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), finding a good designer, the disconnect from a good website and poor face to face customer service completed a great presentation. Thanks Chris for an interesting morning and for your expertise in helping not only the club but some of our members who are challenged by some of the latest technology.

At the Cal Gully Reserve on Wednesday afternoon, Bruce, Sally, Merrin and Ted and I prepared lunch for the visiting team from Melton and the local Bendigo Football team and spectators. The game was both fast and furious with long kicks, vigorous tackling and fantastic sportsmanship exhibited by both teams. Melton were proving too strong and fast so the catering team led by Bruce, decided to fast forward the hamburgers to be ready at half time. This was a plan to slow to opposition down, but alas it only proved that a burger, can of coke and a smoke at half time, was a pick me up and Melton won by 10 goals. This was the last home game for the season and to continue our support for the team, Bendigo Sandhurst Rotary Club will be covering the cost of the Awards and Presentation Lunch and Trophies. Further details of the event will be provided for members to attend.

Graeme