RCB Bulletin Thursday 8 February 2024
President's Message
 
What a week -congratulations to all that worked on The Great Bayside Swim – this really is a wonderful Community event, but only made possible by a huge member involvement both on the day and in the almost year building up to it – planning and organising. I like to think the fund-raising component is almost secondary as it is far more than that - it is giving the Community a local event and showing the Rotary Flag. A great day indeed.
 
I also enjoyed last Thursday night – I have to really admire the philosophy of the Yimba Uganda team – not just helping folk in need – but giving them an education, training and skills and allowing them to become self-sufficient. It was wonderful, to have Emma, Anne-Marie, her mother Sandra Reddan and their young daughter Dembe. They gave a very comprehensive update on all the good work they are doing at Yimba Uganda. (See some highlights of their talk below).
 
 
This week will be different – our visit to RAW Gardens. Our host Miriam will be telling her story, and it is simply inspirational. It’s definitely a partner’s night, so hope to see all of you there.
 
President Arthur Hubbard
 
Secretaries Announcements
Secretary Nicole Chong was absent so Chairperson Colleen d'Offay presented the segment and first of all gave the apologies which were:
PP Julie Avery, Nicole Chong, Donna Wright, Eric Barr, Jo Kwok and Brendan Kierce.
 
 
Anne Holland: Anne spoke about the fact that The Rotary Club of Brighton has received a District 9800 grant to support a project to install a 24hr public access automated external defibrillator outside the Brighton Lifesaving Club & close to the bathing boxes.  The project funding is $6,000 and will enable an AED to be accessible to the public at all times. RCB is collaborating with Brighton Life Saving Club and Life Saving Victoria to complete the project and maintain the AED once installed.
The defibrillator will be funded jointly by the Brighton Rotary Charitable Trust and Rotary Foundation.
 
 
Geoff Cunningham: Geoff spoke about the Theatre Night at the Brighton Theatre Co on 24 February 2024. See poster below on how to book.
 
Stuart McIntyre: Stuart gave us a wrap up of the Great Bayside Swim 2024. 
He said that the Swim started in 2010 and this was the 14th Event (1 covid cancellation).
This year there were 72 on Rotary roster with 30 Lifesavers. The event was a swim event not an Aust Day celebration, but we acknowledged Australia Day. We had difficult weather. Had to abandon the principal 1400m event for safety reasons . Lifesavers devised a backup 1300m event inside the Marina. It was a hard day for the Lifesavers. There were 850 Event registrations and they had good Feedback from swimmers – they happy we didn’t cancel. Bayside Mayor and MP’s were present. Spectators (8,000 people according to James Newbury). Let’s not argue? The Baths and Royal Brighton Yacht Club gave great assistance. Sponsors were critical to success. Kieser provided complimentary massages for swimmers and Jellis Craig provided gelatos.
Outcome- Numbers Est made $42,000.
 
Highlights: The Kenny Award. Keiran Comrie rescuing the Lifesaving lady’s keys from                      the Porta-Lou.
 
Thanks: Leadership Team: Keiran, Eddie, Anthony, Narina Amazvas
               and Max Martin with Design and artwork
               Team Leaders:
               Max Martin - Design & Artwork
               Ian Stacy - Registration
               Donna Wright - Registration
               Colleen d’Offay - Tee Shirts
               Matt Nichols and Damien Hellard - MC’s
               Geoff Knight - Rotary Safety Officer
               Peter Johns - Marina Control
               Roger Fairlam - Starter
               David Finney - Marshals
               Wendy Davis and Di Allan - Medals
               Wayne Styles - Swimmers Refreshment
               Des Thomas - BBQ
               Rob Pinchbeck - Finish Marshals
               Mac Chapman - Change/Gear Storage
             Cameron Ward & Ivan Vojlay - Photography
 
Great to engage most of the Club, friends and families, to have a fun day and present Rotary to the public. See some of the Swim highlights below.
 
Rob Pinchbeck: Rob spoke about the Brighton Classic Car Show 2024 and that there were leaflets to place in letterboxes around Brighton and if anyone wanted to help to speak to him after the meeting.
 
Raffle Results from last week's meeting
 
At last week's Meeting the Raffle was run by PP Alan Pinkus with help from Di Allan and son Trent. The winners were Di Alan and a guest.
 

The Great Bayside Swim 2024 Highlights

 
International Update from Colleen d'Offay
The following is part of Colleen's presentation and if you have any questions on what's happening in the International area please contact Colleen.
 
 
Yimba Uganda Update
 
Anne-Marie and Emma gave a detailed presentation on what's happening in Uganda. Below is part of their powerpoint to give you a taste of the great work that they are doing at Yimba Uganda.