Rotary International President - K.R.Ravindran
District 9780 Governor - Jane Cox Rotary Club of Grovedale President - Lesley Goode.
Meeting Number - 1849
We had almost full attendance at our meeting last night. It was great to welcome back Sandy Kee after his long convalescence and pleasing to have a number of partners and a visiting Rotarian David Sykes from Geelong East present.
Our guest speaker was Jill Moodie, who is the Executive Director of the Barwon Health Foundation. She gave a most interesting presentation of the history of the hospital and Barwon Health. She pointed out that since its inception in 1852, the hospital has relied on the generosity of the community for major development. The Barwon Health Foundation continues to raise funds to supplement Government funding. The current campaign – Project Love seeks to raise $3 million to renovate the chemotherapy day rooms and enlarge the oncology pharmacy. And as part of Project Love, Andrew Jones (President Belmont Rotary) is seeking support from Group 9/10 Rotary Clubs to raise $100000 to provide a Rotary counselling space
Set Sail for Geelong – District Conference: Carlie, Jan, Greg, Graeme S, Bill and Devi, Don and I are attending for various amounts of time. Reports about the highlights of the conference will be presented at the 30th March meeting.
Meeting schedule vote: Of the 20 members who voted, 16 were in favour of having one meeting free week per month and of those, 13 opted for the 1st week of the month. So we will continue with the current arrangement – NO meeting on the 1st Wednesday of the month.
Ride the Bellarine April 3rd. – Thank you to Bob, Ray, Don, Heather and Graham for volunteering as marshals for the ride. Greg Plumridge is still in need of helpers. Please contact him at greg@tyrepowergeelong.com.au if you are able to help.
Peter Codd and Lindy Lester are riding on our behalf and are seeking your sponsorship. You can give cash to Peter or he has set up an online donation facility.
Entertainment Books– Cost $60 this year. Paul handed out order forms. Please return ASAP with cash or credit card details.
Good Friday Fish Festival, Leopold Primary School – Don is seeking helpers for this event. All proceeds to Royal Children’s Hospital. Please contact Don if you can assist.
Paul Desbrow-Annear: Entertainment Books are now available. Early bird offers. Paul has posters to be hung in businesses.
David Carlyle: Participated in glitter day at school
Carlie Hannah: Has joined the ICE Project. A meeting yesterday revealed exciting possibilities. Carlie joined the Family Support Group. Carlie will let us know if/when we can help. The Northern Bay College is testing a range of strategies to help.
Don Lester: Is looking for support (Cooking) for the Good Friday Appeal at the Leopold Primary School.
We were privileged to hear from Jill Moodie, the Executive Director of Barwon Health Foundation.
Together with our community we build healthier lives, inspired world class standards.
The Foundation’s mission is to partner with our community , we raise funds and invest in excellence in medical services, facilities, research and education to advance health and wellbeing for all.
Jill’s theme was the historic development of the Geelong Hospital.
During the 1840’s the people of Geelong became concerned for disease and accidents including drowning of men. Andrew Love, a Presbyterian minister and the first permanent minister of any denomination, brought to people’ attention the need for a benevolent charity. Local doctors since 1841 had treated those who could pay.
The government was only interested in security building a court house, 2 watch houses and a prison.
Through her speech Jill developed recognition of local input into medical, hospital and care. Throughout our history local men and women raised money to develop initially the Geelong Infirmary and Benevolent Asylum (1852 – 1923).
The 1850’s the gold rush put pressure on the hospital.
Over and again governments promised and failed to come through with the funds needed to develop basic requirements. Fortunately local citizens picked up the need.
In 1927 the Australian Cement workers negotiated an insurance scheme as they donated to the hospital in return for free treatment. GMHBA was the first of its kind.
BARWON HEALTH FOUNDATION is running THE PROJECT LOVE APPEAL. The aim is to raise money for the Andrew Love Cancer centre ($3M). This will update the style of care as well as equipment.
I am sure I haven’t reflected her contribution adequately… you should have been there!!!
