Heirisson Rotary Club

Notes taken at the Club Workshop held at Antico Café, 30 August 2018

Attendance

Members present:

Allan McLean, Doug Worthington, Bronwyn Denman, Richard Nolan, Sandra Brown, Ken Mullin, Warwick Smith, Rod Slater, Ross Jones, Greg Hunter, Don Burnside, Sofia Poyry (Exchange Student).

Member apologies:

Claudia Pierazzoli, Marie Badoche, Robin Arndt (note Robin provided his views about the matters discussed in an email before the meeting).

Guests present:

Sheridan Webb, Justin Walker

Matters discussed

Weekly Meeting Location

 For the foreseeable future and until member numbers grow, weekly meetings will continue to be held at Antico café.

Meeting Format

It was agreed unanimously that:

 Flags would be displayed for Thursday morning meetings

 The Rotary Charge for the month would be read at the first meeting of the month

 At other weekly meetings, grace would be said by Rev Ross Jones, or the Rotary Grace would be said by the President.

By a majority decision, it was agreed that:

 Sergeant’s Session would continue, at the discretion of the President.

 The National Anthem would be sung on special occasions (Anzac day, Australia Day) and at the discretion of the President.

Projects

Members confirmed their commitment to the Club’s three significant projects

 Homeless Project. This will continue to be led by Ken Mullin, with involvement from Ross Jones, Richard Nolan, Robin Arndt and Don Burnside.

 Bacon and Egg Stall at Stirling City Market (Allan McLean). This makes an important financial contribution (about $12,000 pa) to Club activities (e.g. Girrawheen’s Maths Camp, Interact Club, purchase of 6 3D Printers etc). Given reduced member numbers, additional support for Allan Mclean is required.

 Duck Derby in March 2019 (Allan McLean). Will be held at Hillarys Marina, in partnership with other organisations. Done well this has the potential to raise $60,000 for other organisations and $70,000 to $80,000 for Heirisson RC. Committee is Greg Hunter, Allan McLean, Warwick Smith, Sandra Brown and Rod Slater. Justin Walker to join committee to assist with media and marketing. The membership approved proceeding with the Duck Derby.

 A suggestion was for community events in East Perth – as part of a membership drive.

Club Governance

 Greg Hunter was confirmed – with acclamation - as the President for the remainder of 2018-19.

 President Elect – Allan McLean. Allan was nominated by Ken Mullin, seconded by Don Burnside and appointed.

 Treasurer – Bronwyn Denman. Bronwyn was nominated by Allan Mclean, seconded by Doug Worthington and appointed.

 Sergeant – Rod Slater has volunteered for the role. Accepted.

The Board now consists of Greg Hunter; President, Allan McLean; President Elect; Don Burnside Secretary; Bronwyn Denman, Treasurer; Ken Mullin, Community Services; and Claudia Pierazzoli, Youth Services.

Membership Drive

Ken Mullin highlighted the critical need to significantly increase membership by mid-2019 to ensure the viability of the Club. He called for ideas to increase membership. The ideas presented below were provided verbatim and are not in any order of importance, and will be developed further by the Board.

 Create a category of ‘corporate member’ for East Perth businesses;

 Identify gaps in our list of vocations;

 Target East Perth businesses and residential (many ‘empty nesters’ in East Perth);

 Promote the convenience of a short breakfast meeting;

 Personal contacts;

 Put a call for Expression of Interest (EOI) on the website;

 Focus on younger demographic (25-40) who are interested in humanitarian, environmental causes. Need to address the ‘fear of meetings’ and emphasise Heirisson’s commitment to projects;

 Publicise that Rotary is Bill Gates’ Organisation of Choice;

 Keep meetings fun and time-bound. Accommodate time-poor people;

 Promote our projects and the good they deliver;

 Have speakers who are aligned with our areas of interest and follow up with action items;

 Organise a public forum with local community groups (East Perth safety Group, East Perth Environmental Group);

 Network with the East Perth Business Community (25 employers in the area with more than 100 employees);

 All members commit to bring one new member into the Club;

 Have one to two evening meetings with family invited – on the 5th Thursday of the month;

 Promote younger gender-neutral image;

 Use ‘Eye Contact’ Exhibition in membership promotion;

 Need promotional material and messages;

 Posters in every staff room and in every house transfer package;

 Localised ‘Rotary means Business’ program;

 Multiple points of contact with potential members;

 Promote community networking – Royal Hotel; and

 Complimentary three month period after joining before requirement to pay fees.

Notes by Club Secretary Don Burnside

Rod Slater appointed as International Director.