RCB Bulletin 12 June 2025 (Jun. 07, 2025)

Weekly Message

Last week President Donna was an apology and Pres Elect Colleen d'Offay stepped into the breach. Though numbers were down we

still had a very interesting meeting with a new member induction

and guest speaker Mark Talbot talking about the

"Magic of Church Street".

Colleen also welcomed guests Seng Goh, Mayor Cr Hanna El Mouallem, Maria Hicks, Lesley Kearns,

Alana Hollenberg and Andy from

'Sports Conscious' (thanks for the socks Andy).

Chairman Graeme Watson introduced our guest Mark and he provided a powerpoint which spelt out the attributes of our popular shopping strip and why it is very popular. Mayor Cr Hanna El Mouallem also joined in the discussion and spoke about the Council's ideas for improving Church Street.

Highlights of Meeting 5 June 2025

Secretaries Announcements

Anthony Langley presented his segment

Apologies: John Schmoll, Brendan Kierce, Pres Donna Wright, PP Norm Thomas, Stuart McIntyre, PP Des Thomas and PDG Dale Hoy.

Colleen d'Offay: Colleen spoke about the event coming up in August which will be a Comedians Night. She asked if anyone was interested in being part of a 4 person committee to please let her know after the meeting.

PP Julie Avery: Julie spoke about the Changeover Dinner and asked people to book for this event. See below for booking details.

Induction of New Member Seng Goh

PP Pat Kearns introduced New Member inductee Seng Goh and asked Pres Elect Colleen to start the formal proceedings. After Colleen offered the hand of Rotary in fellowship to Seng, Pat presented him with his induction package and his club badge. Pat said Seng's classification would be " Procurement". Seng lives in Creswick St East Brighton and holds a B. Business from Monash University and qualifications from the Royal Military College Malaysia. He served in the Malaysian Military rising to the rank of Major.

He is now retired but previously worked with Exxon Mobil, both in Australia and Malaysia. Pat Kearns is Seng's sponsor

and Roger Fairlam seconder. Seng looks forward to getting to know his fellow members and helping the club in any way he can.

Bayspeak Finals 2025

The 2025 Bayspeak Finals were held on 3 June at Firbank Grammar and exhibited a sensational calibre of young up and coming public speakers. Students in the junior and senior school categories spoke with passion, heart and enthusiasm across a broad range of interesting, thought provoking topics. From sexism, food wastage, poverty, ethics, bullying, dyslexia, the problems of the VCE system to glossophobia (fear of public speaking) - these students’ speeches were of such high calibre, that the adjudicators no doubt had a hard time separating

the winners.

Congratulations to all students who have participated and contributed to this year’s Bayspeak competition! Congratulations to the Individual Junior winner Sarah (Star of the Sea), and Junior runner up Keira. Congratulations also to Senior winner: Maëlys (St Leonard’s College) and Senior runner up: Ginger. The 2025 Senior School Bayspeak Award goes to St Leonard’s College and the 2025 Junior School Bayspeak Award goes to Star of the Sea.

Thanks and acknowledgement to members of the Rotary Club of Brighton, Brighton North and Sandringham and the Friends of Rotary(Thanks to members of Arthur’s son in law for timekeeping and daughter who was adjudicating) who volunteered in the organisation/committee (PP Arthur Hubbard/Nicole Chong) , adjudication (Tina O’Donnell and David Smythe) , MC’g to make this event a success (unfortunately Julie Avery & Heather Stacey were sick for the final and unable to attend)!# Thanks also to James Newbury MP who presented certificates and to Rotary District Governor Elect Peter Shepheard who said a few words on the importance of public speaking opportunities #thefutureisbright The winners now head to the Grand Final on 16 June at Melbourne Girls Grammar to compete with the best of the best of the four speaking comps from around Rotary District 9800!

Inter District Grand finals will be held 16 June at Melb Girls.

#wearerotary #supportingyouthopportunites #togetherwecan #rotarybrighton #youth

Report Jo Kwok

Rotarians Abroad

Anne Holland sent the photos below from last week of 100 years of Rotary in Naples, taken in Plebiscito Square.

Sergeant's Session:

PP Julie Avery

1. Maria Hicks - Seen living it up in Hong Kong recently (working);

2. PP Keiran Cromie - Conferencing in Vancouver;

3. Andy - Sports Conscious - See a lot of his shopping bags in Church Street. Can afford a fine;

4. Colleen d'Offay - Hasn't booked for Changeover yet. It would be no show without the Pres Elect;

5. Anthony Langley - Sarg thought it lovely of both Anthony and Keiran attending Russell McMurrays funeral last Thursday;

6. Wendy Davis - Big welcome back from her overseas jaunt;

7. Seng Goh - Nice Induction and lovely speech;

8. Tamer - Did not book for meeting;

9. Speaker Mark- We see your name everywhere in Brighton so that must be worth $$$$$$$$!;

10. Footy Comp - All those not in it fined;

11. Lesley Kearns - Top of the list in the Footy Tipping and taking home the prize money;

12. Paul Laband - Looking forward now since he has been on a holiday and looking tanned and healthy;

13. Mayor Hanna - Seen checking out the Pantry coffee previous weekend (actually working with his Mayoral hat on supporting the Traders - thank you).

Volunteer for the 2025 Science & Engineering Challenge

Seeking volunteers (with a current WWC) for the upcoming Science and Engineering Challenge Program details:

• Deakin University, Burwood Campus - 24 & 25 June -

8am to 3pm

• Morning tea and lunch and on site parking provided

• Full training will be provided. Can anyone interested please email youth@brightonrotary,com.au with EOI and also send their WWC details (Name, Number and expiry date)?

National Youth Science Forum (NYSF)

Applications

Applications are open to current Year 11 students for the National Youth Science Forum (NYSF), but closing on June 20. To apply for this iconic summer intensive:

https://www.nysf.edu.au/programs/year-12-program/ or for more info email Jo.kwok@brightonrotary.com.au

Book now for the District 9800 Changeover

on 5 July, 2025