Membership Night

Chairperson: PP Christine Sims introduced PDG Chris Sims, Rotary year 2009-2010, Brian Burch, one of our longest serving members, and David Fisher, one of our newest members.

 1^st Guest Speaker: Chris spoke on “What in the world is Rotary”?

·         Paul Harris, founder of Rotary and the book ’75 years service’

·         Rotary principles, networking, matching grants

·         Programs including – educational, literacy, disabilities, sustainable farming, youth exchange, Rotary health and global polio eradication.

·         Code of ethics .

·         Caring for humanity doesn’t feel like work; it’s fun, satisfying, rewarding, constructive, so if you care join us.

A short DVD followed, building upon and making clearer, the principles Chris spoke of.


 2^nd speaker: PP Brian spoke on “What the Rotary journey means to me”.

·         His 1^st intro to Rotary was through his Dad, PP Geelong Rotary Club

·         Rotarian Trevor Cole rang Brian to ask him to come to a Geelong West meeting, where he felt very welcome and knew many friends of his father. He joined!

·         Brian shared with us some changes he’s seen over 30 years – women joining, members allowed from all walks of life, youth exchange, polio plus (intro of politics), tree planting, dialysis centre in Geelong & machines for St.JofG, Oz Kick and combined BBQ’s with other clubs. Many other great programs.

·         He said “BBQ’s don’t drain money from members, just time and effort.”

·         Left Apex and looking for a new social outlet in his life now kids were growing up.

·         His father had been in Rotary, so when Peter Hynes asked him to a meeting he felt he didn’t need to look any further.

·         Rotary meant he could still serve the community and join with a diverse range of people from all cultural back grounds.

·         His time has been enjoyable and he loves the blue book – went to Rocklands Rotary last week where they have only 10 members: a great experience.

Christine Sims thanked all speakers for sharing with us, why they’re proud to be Rotarians.