The Rotary eClub of Brindabella held their end-of-May meeting where members shared personal objects and stories about what was within arm's reach. The group participated in breakout room discussions to brainstorm ideas for using $5,000 over 6 months for a Rotary project, with proposed ideas including home repairs for homeless people, teaching cooking skills, outdoor movie sessions with environmental themes, and art packs for preschools. Members also discussed plans for the upcoming changeover luncheon on June 13th. The conversation ended with members sharing their hopes for the club's future activities, including scholarship programs, service projects, and potential collaboration with the Nepalese community in Canberra.
President Travis welcomed attendees to the end of May meeting of the Rotary E Club of Brindabella, noting that Alana was absent due to preparing for the Southern Highlands Model United Nations event. Travis acknowledged the traditional owners of the land, including the Wiradjuri, Ngunnawal, Dharawal, and Gundangara peoples.
Personal Object Sharing Session
The group shared personal objects and stories during the meeting. Jenny presented a Tumbarumba and District Telephone Directory for 2021, which she noted was more useful than the traditional phone book for finding local contacts. Other participants shared various items including a pen holder made by Beth's granddaughter, a Swiss Army knife (discussed by Norm and Wendy), a water bottle with a Brumby symbol (shared by Lindell), and a coaster made from recycled materials by a friend in Nepal (presented by Wendy). The conversation ended with Meg sharing a vinyl record from JB Hi-Fi's 50th anniversary collection that she received as a gift.
Rotary Service Projects Brainstorming
Group 1 — Haley, Norm & Wendy: Hands-on local service
The group felt strongly the club should run a project in Australia where members physically get involved — not just donate or fundraise from a distance. Two ideas came up:
- Community renovation — fix up a facility for people in need, such as homeless accommodation or a community kitchen. Members do the work, with a specialist or two brought in if needed.
- Budget cooking education — teach people on low incomes to cook from scratch rather than rely on fast food. Direct, practical, skills-based service.
Group 2 — Megan & Beth: Art packs for preschools
Inspired by Beth donating leftover arts and crafts supplies to a local preschool while downsizing — staff there were genuinely grateful, as they often pay for extras out of their own pockets. The idea:
- Source and assemble donation packs of art and craft materials for financially stretched preschools and daycares.
- Works well for an e-club — members in different locations can all contribute.
- Centre staff report back to the club on the impact, and the club's name in their newsletter could spark interest from parents as potential new members.
Group 3 — Roz, Ross & Rob: Community festival night
A multi-element community evening with an environmental and social flavour:
- Free outdoor movie screening for families, with films chosen for environmental themes.
- Flat-pack furniture bought and assembled by members for the event, then donated to a women's shelter or similar organisation afterwards.
- A brass band competition, with one heat held as part of the festival evening.