Berrima Banter - 21st July 2018 (Jul 22, 2018)

PLANNING MEETING - 18TH JULY 2018

We had a really lively planning meeting on the 18th where we discussed what we might and might not do this year in the way of Club service activities and events. There was a surprisingly good roll-up given the number of people who are out of town or have school holiday commitments. The main points that emerged were;

The Berrima Playground upgrade will continue to be the Club’s signature project, and it may well get up a head of steam earlier than originally expected as the Council is currently assessing tenders for the park master plan and is proposing to “fast track” the playground component.
The Club made a small loss last year so there will need to be a strong focus on fundraising activities this year. The plan is to have at least one major fundraiser in the next 12 months and a number of smaller-scale events (probably related to the 5-week months. It was noted that each event needs to be linked a clearly identified beneficiary.
The Community Service committee expressed their desire that not too many new projects be taken on this year. They propose to review all volunteering possibilities and make a recommendation to the Board on a suitable activity or activities in due course.
There was considerable discussion about homelessness and disadvantage generally in the Southern Highlands, and the possibility was raised that the Club, and Rotary more widely, could perhaps play a catalytic role in making sure that all the disparate groups are working together towards common goals and not competing with each other in this space. Further work is required to see if such a role is really needed and/or if we can realistically add value in this area.
One clear objective is that all current Youth programs be continued – RYLA, RYPEN, MUNA, NYSF and the 4-Way Test competition in particular. Others would depend on available funding and suitable candidates.
It was agreed that the Vocational Service awards will be reinstated this year, and a program to achieve this will be developed by the Vocational Service committee.
The International committee noted a couple of new projects that were being investigated for presentation to the Board. These included a possible expansion of the relationship with the Aussie Books for Zimbabwe organisation and participation in a variety of overseas construction projects.
The PCYC was seen as an obvious organisation for us to joint venture with on both fundraising activities and provision of hands-on support, particularly given the MOU that exists between D9710 and PCYC. It was agreed that the Club would hold one of its upcoming meetings at their facilities in Mittagong to explore opportunities for us to work together.
It was noted that all activities needed to have an estimated cost attached so that a realistic overall Club budget can be prepared. These should be provided to the Board before their next meeting on the 22^nd of August.
Progress on all activities will be reviewed at a Club meeting some time in September.

In conclusion it was agreed that the meeting on the 8^th of August would not take place, but that members would be urged to do a make-up at Bowral/Mittagong on the 7^th to hear John Hewson speak.