Hi all
Nice to see the club has taken it easy on me and letting me settle into the President's position comfortably.
This month started with a meeting on the 6th of May at Rice Village and had a delicious meal prepared by Barb which was that good some went back for seconds. We discussed a few club items but the main thing was organising help for the nature strip project which our club donated 30 hours labour to. We are helping by picking up trailer loads of mulch, delivering to site and spread on the nature strip then others will come and plant native plants.
On the 13th May we had a very nice and casual dine out night at 9 Kings in Porter Avenue Belmont. There was about ten of us there who all enjoyed a pleasant social night with lots of banter, laughs and very nice food.
On the 22nd May we had a vocational visit to Black Rock Reclamation Plant. Again there was about 11 of us there including a friend of Don's and we had a very informative tour, the weather was very kind to us also. After the tour a few of us met at 9 Grams in Unity Drive Armstrong Creek for lunch. A place worthy of a visit for coffee and a meal.
28th May we had our Bunnings BBQ. It was a fairly steady day and we almost cracked the $1000 profit mark. Thanks to all that were able to help on the day and now we have a three month break with our next Bunnings BBQ locked in for September. Thanks Gary for all your organising and running around and thinking of for winter.
Now after a month and a half at the top I feel I need a month's break in Bali ti get ready for the next year. See all your smiling faces at changeover.
Paul, the very acting President.
Committee updates
From John
Defying the Drift
Success! The Club has an applicant for the Defying the Drift Program in September 2026 – Felicity Guye. She is the younger sister of both Pheobe and Maurice, who we have previously sponsored to attend. It is hoped that everyone will learn of a successful application for one of the 30 places available in the next few weeks.
The Rotary Foundation
It is that time of the year when members and their families can consider their support for the Rotary Foundation. This is a simple way to support so many worthwhile projects throughout the world – clean water, eradication of polio or other global programs.
Since it was founded over 100 years ago the Foundation has spent more than $4 billion on life-changing, sustainable projects.
Some members have donated each year through the Centurion Fund - $100 per year. Ken will remind those interested in donating this year before the end of June with details.
Support for the Foundation is one way we can make an impact in our community and around the world.
Contact Foundation Director John if you would like more information.
Science and Engineering Challenge
The Challenge for 2026 is on Tuesday 23 and Wednesday 24 June at Deakin Waurn Ponds Campus of the University.
The Board has agreed to assist with sponsorship of the Challenge again. As well Christine, Peter Codd and John will be volunteering their time with running the activities for the students from the various local secondary schools.
The State Final for Victoria is to be held at Deakin in September this year. Anyone interested in volunteering their time for this program – please contact John
In case you missed it
Black Rock water reclamation plant.
Treats 70 million litres of sewerage a day, 85% of which is residential. Peak sewerage arrival is 10pm at night. From that 1.5 tons of hard rubbish screened out each day. 2030 is the goal for the plant to be producing 100% recycled water. The ultra filtration system is small enough to filter out a virus. The plant uses some technology that was developed by NASA. Presently Geelong is taking 60% of its water from Melbourne with Victoria's desalination plant topping up Melbourne's storage. Many of us were of the misconception the desalination plant was largely unused. It has produced 500 million litres of water since 2016.
You’re invited
By the Rotary Club of Geelong West
To a presentation and Q&A with
David Roberts, recently returned after 16 months as Station Manager, Mawson Base, Antarctica
When: Monday July 6th, 6.45 for 7pm
Where: Bareena Bowls Club, Noble St, Newtown
(Parking at rear via Huntingdon St)
Cost: $15 for light supper. Drinks purchase from bar
All welcome – members, family, friends
RSVP: Monday 29 th June, 2026
Until next month............
