President's Message: June 2020

Hello Everyone,

We are now in winter and the end of another Rotary year is at hand.

Well, what a year it has been.

COVID -19 has dominated the news for much of 2020. Even the tragic bushfires in January seem so far away.

COVID -19 has changed the world and Rotary.

Our club has responded to the pandemic by launching on 22nd May "Connecting Manningham".

This project will reach out to our community by bringing the people of Manningham together, promote local businesses and produce programs that will enrich the lives of everyone. We are partnering with Manningham Rotaract for this program. Well done to Vicki and Rod from the community committee for leading this project.

I believe that “Connecting Manningham” will have a huge impact in our community and will extend well beyond the COVID -19 pandemic.

With restrictions easing, I have been asked when are we going back to face to face Rotary meetings.

It is unlikely that we will ever go back to the way we ran our pre COVID-19 weekly meetings.

Handshakes, hugs and kisses are out, and physical distancing will be in for a very long time.

I have been told that there will be a maximum of 4 people per table and 1.5m separation between tables.

No more buffet style meals, no shared food platters or bread baskets and no shared bottles of wine.

Attendees who are unwell or coughing will be asked to stay at home.

Zoom meetings will continue to feature. When we do have face to face meetings, they may be zoomed to cater for those members who for various reasons cannot attend these meetings.

Challenges are always part of life, and as Rotarians, we will respond to them and find ways to continue to serve the community.

This is my last editorial for this newsletter, and so I would like to thank all our members and the Board for their support and their contribution to the ideals of Rotary to make this world a better place.

A full report of the year’s activities will be in the club’s annual report.

See you all at the club zoom change over on Saturday 4th July.

Regards,

Brian Tyedin