Fellowship - 2003/2004

Barry Murphy has been the Captain of Groups.  He and President Bob met with all Group Captains early in the year where the President emphasized the importance of group activities to the overall success of the Club.  This emphasis has under-lined how we approached group operations during the year.  There are differences in the ways in which groups undertake their respective activities; they manifest themselves mainly in the way group functions are organized. They are not an issue provided that members and their partners enjoy their activities, and that the spirit of fellowship and service is strong in the groups.  The groups are running smoothly, although attendance levels remain an issue in some. 

The President attended a meeting of each of the 13 groups, and the Christmas functions of each of the Groups.  In regard to Christmas functions, the financial burden imposed on group members by hosting both the President and the Captain of Groups, together with their partners, to these functions was recognized, and thus only the President and his wife attended group Christmas functions.

Peter Bailey was in charge of Inter-club Visits.  Four visits were organised during the year, to Southbank, Albert Park, Melbourne-Latrobe and Carlton.

Peter Clark was the On-to-Conference Chairperson.  The District Governor Don Jago welcomed the 700 delegates to the Adelaide Conference Centre.  The keynote speakers included Jeff Kennett, Robert Champion de Crespigny, Hugh Evans (Oak Tree Foundation) and Mick Dodson. Theo Loehr, the great-great-nephew of Augustus Loehr, one of the original group that founded Rotary, was in Melbourne for the Grand Prix and he came to Adelaide especially to address us on "One Founder, One Family, One Community".  His speech was the highlight of the conference. Informed, outrageous and hilarious as only Campbell McComas can do!                                                                                                                 

District Service Directors informed of the developments and projects in their areas, whilst the Club Presidents had the unenviable task of presenting a report in one minute.  Most, but not Bob, took longer!  Our booth was outstanding with an audio-visual display and posters of our current and future activities.  Our history book and "yellow jacket" were for sale.  Congratulations to all concerned, particularly Jill Hibbins and Cynthia Richards.

What was special for our 32-member contingent? Firstly, the On-to-Conference Car Rally arranged by Commodore Clark and Tour Marshall Trumble.  Secondly, the Club's dinner on Friday night at Chesser's Cellar arranged by President Bob.  Congratulations to the On-to-Conference team, Peter and Sandra Clark and Alan and Jan Trumble for a job well done.