On Wednesday 3rd Dec '25 we held a Club Forum, where members came together to share and learn about our Club.
Each committee sat together and after a lively discussion over breakfast, each Director gave a short update on their committee's activities for the year, highlighting new initiatives and activities.
Membership Committee: Garry (on behalf of Karen) reported that we have 62 members in a 50-50 split male and female. The focus is on recruitment and retention, particularly care and engagement for new members. The mentor program is being revised, with a New Member Questionnaire to be circulated for feedback. A New Member Night is planned for 2026.
International and Foundation Committee: Elissa reported that a tally of donated foreign currency and small change will be made at the end of 2025 and the initiative will continue into 2026. Our speaker for next week will be Anthony Sim on the Upendo Foundation supporting an orphanage in Tanzania. Money donated to the Ambon project will be used for much needed food. Members were reminded that a significant proportion of Rotary Foundation funds are spent used to support projects in Australia as well as those initiated by Australian Rotary Clubs overseas. Elissa reminded members that we have club banners for exchange if members visit other clubs here or OS.
Public Image Committee: Huy said our social media was reaching a wide audience and he reminded members to continue to Like and Share social media posts to boost our profile. The Public Image team have been doing a lot of work behind the scenes, including work to boost search engine optimisation and there has been an amazing over 17,000 views of our posts in the last few weeks. New club merchandise is coming soon!
Fundraising Committee: Graham thanked everyone in the club for supporting fundraising efforts including last week at Springfest. He reported that fundraising this year so far is on target for meeting our budget. Activities for the remainder of the Rotary year will include Redline Speedway and Footy gates; Bridge Mall Market; Youth Day Out; etc.
Community Services Committee: Chez reported that, we have several members volunteering for the Rotary Op Shop, which, so far this year, has donated $16K to local service projects. Surplus funds remain and they are looking for other projects to donate. The Op Shop still needs volunteers so please consider if you have an hour or two to spare. Other projects are the Lucas Community Garden, support for the Community Care Centre, the Wellness Centre, the Soup Bus; the Salvation Army Christmas Appeal through Jan Ross’s gathering; and several initiatives aimed at reducing domestic violence. The committee is looking for new ideas for 2026.
Environment Committee: David (on behalf of Sarah) reported that the committee is planning a working bee to install seats in Centenary Park; recycling bottle tops and blister packs collection will continue; the City Council has signed off a new policy on nature strip gardens, so members are encouraged to make their own, with committee members happy to assist. There is Clean Up Australia Day planned and in addition the committee is considering initiating a social ‘Walk against waste’ walking group.
Social Committee: Kay reported that Friday Night Drinks will continue next year; there are approximately 50 on the list for the Christmas Party and there will be ‘regifting’ for our last meeting of 2025. Activities planned for next year include a lawn bowling session and a family picnic in the park in January.
Youth Committee: Harry reported that several students have been supported to attend school camps; the swimming program is continuing but needs additional promotion; and we continue to enjoy having our two exchange students.