Again this week’s meeting will be back to our usual venue the Fosterville Tennis Centre

 

Last week we had the pleasure of presenting Marg O’Rourke with a Paul Harris Fellow recognition, a very worthy recipient. A high achiever in business and community especially at Local Government level.

Which leads to the next subject. If any member would like to nominate any person(s) for a PHF recognition please contact myself, for relevant forms and information.

 

Big thank you from Karen to the members who assisted with marshalling this Sunday past (see photo) Karen mentioned this day raises around $50000 for local charities a very big contribution.

 

A few events on our calendar coming up very quickly. The Duke night to be held at the Bendigo Cinemas, $20 per see Allie for tickets. Stan with the fellowship committee has organized a bare foot bowls need numbers by Monday night.

 

There was a cluster meeting on the weekend held via zoom, listed below a few items of discussion

 

Our club was asked to coordinate with Eagle hawk and other clubs to help with Rotary Float for Easter Fair

 

For a Meal event has been cancelled and transferred to the Sunday after Conference in Albury

 

Judy suggested that the Cluster Clubs have a combined dinner on the Friday night of Conference.

 

“My Rotary” Clubs are required to update their achievements.

“Foundation Dinner”, Bendigo South to organize.

 

Kangaroo Flat continue to support the community’s most needy by providing meals at their club rooms once per week, 60 last week.

 

Castlemaine holding Truck show in June

 

Rochester, Pie and Port night back in Rochester 7^th of May. Currently in the process of judging their Mural competition

 

The guest speakers for the conference can be seen by following this link prepared by the District Governor.

 

Margaret O’Rourke

In 2016, the Greater Bendigo City Council was undergoing a period of unprecedented unrest, there was controversial around the building of the Mosque, several conduct panels were investigating the conduct of councilors, this had a negative impact on the council staff. Margaret decided it was a time for renewal on council and initially encouraged others to stand for council.  However, she was encouraged to stand herself and was successfully elected as councilor for the Eppalock Ward. She did not realise that this would lead to her being Mayor for four consecutive terms.

Margaret explained that the work of a councilor takes at least 15-20 hours a week, reading documents prior to the council meeting, councilors are involved in attending committee meetings (there are 42 committees requiring councilor representation). An important role is attending public events such as the Easter Celebrations including the parade, Naidoc Week, Anzac Day and Australia day. There have been civic leadership events in schools and the setting up of the Youth Council, to ensure young peoples voices are heard in local government. There is a huge range of things councilors are involved with and you never know what will happen from one day to th next and Margaret has met a range of very interesting people including Jane Seymour, Quetin Bryce, Cadel Evans and Richard Branson.

 

There are many tours that come through Bendigo and one highlight was when the Archbishop of the Coptic Church visited Heathcote. Some proud moments fr Margaret include, the introduction of a smoking ceremony, welcome to country at the induction of the Mayor, school visits and the Dahlia and Arts Festival and of course visits to Maubisse. The challenge of leading through the pandemic in 2020 had many interesting moments. Margaret has been thrilled to participate in numerous citizenship ceremonies. There are also plenty of great things happening, the expansion of Bendigo Airport, Art Gallery expansion and the National Chinese Museum of Australia to mention a few.

Margaret was thanked for her presentation and following this a ‘surprise’ presentation took place.