Guest Speaker: Elizabeth Lodge CEO Children First Foundation.
 
Elizabeth spoke of the strong support provided by Rotary to the CFF since its establishment in 1999. CFF is an Australian based charity which facilitates life changing surgery in Australia for disadvantaged children from developing countries. These children  are unable to access the surgical procedures they require in their own countries.  The relationship with Rotary and D9790 has continued to grow from strength to strength. Throughout the past 20 years, CFF has enabled over 450 children from 32 countries to receive the treatment and care they need. (This includes Kingsford  from PNG, who thanks to the determination of Catherine & Charles Rattray was accepted as a patient at CFF and thus received life altering surgery).
Elizabeth’s address was accompanied by a moving video which highlighted individual children’s stories and  the amazing work of so many volunteer medical and health professionals (many of the referrals come from Doctors undertaking humanitarian work in developing countries). 
Rotarian Catherine thanked Elizabeth highlighting the wonderful work that CFF did to change Kingsford’s life and provide a future for him. Elizabeth accepted a gift of a Four Fathers CD.
 
 
3 Minuter Bobby Dewar
 
Bobby’s address titled ‘My Rotary’ reflected that when he joined Rotary, many years ago there were only 13 members (all men). Now with  a membership of nearly 50 Bobby encouraged all our ‘newer’ and ‘new’ members to  accept roles of responsibility within the club as it is imperative that in order for the club to continue to grow, new ideas and new inspiration is needed. Bobby assured the ‘newer’ members that they would be fully supported and guided by the longer serving Rotarians.
 
 
 
Open Gardens: Glenn Milliken
Glenn provided a final update which included a break down of entry, plant sales, Garden Club donation & Rotary BBQ profit. Final figure of $9,542 was an excellent result. Glenn thanked his committee and other club members who provided Glenn with great support and ensured the weekend ran smoothly.
 
 
 
 
 
Elizabeth Lodge CEO Children First Foundation.
 
 
 
Janet Troup and Pres. Elect Helen Gibb from the RC of Alexandra
 
Tom Farrell RC of Alexandra
 
 
 
Sgt. Terry Hubbard
 
The Catering Team Yea Calisthenics