Hi Everyone,

Firstly, I'd like to thank everyone for the warm support at our most recent meeting. The belief everyone showed was very encouraging, particularly as we approach much critical work over the next 18 months. I'd like to thank Rob Deshon for his guidance and support. He truly has an amazing heart, as we all know and he is the ultimate diplomat statesman. I'd also like to thank the returning board members, Ian Wilson (Treasurer), Robyn Schatz (Youth), Brian McAllan (Vice President), Ken Cowan (Local Service), Denise Payne and returning member Ian McPherson (International). I'm looking forward to working with such a wonderful and good-humoured team.

Key Focus - New Members

All successful clubs and organizations are always focussed on renewal. We need a laser focus on this. Despite the wonderful and incredible depth of experience in Ashmore Rotary, the need for renewal remains urgent.  As I mentioned in the meeting, inviting, finding and retaining new members is my key goal over what remains of my 18 months.

Personal Invitations - Who do you know?

When I asked members, it was striking how almost every single member was invited, in person, to join Rotary. Every long-standing member could remember when and who invited them. Stories of people knocking on the door "welcome to the neighbourhood. Perhaps you should come to our Rotary meeting?" 

Please think about who you might invite. I'd like to organize a regular new member night, perhaps quarterly, to grow our membership. We are blessed to have so many long-standing members with amazing track records of community service. It is still dizzying to me all the things that have been achieved by the club over its life - so many things! Let's now use our combined networks, community ties and family links to recruit the next generation of community service heroes. More information on new member nights to come soon.

President Owen Caterer

Meeting on March 4 2026

We had 20 members at our meeting last night which was a good turnout.

The green Team were on duty and everything ran smoothly.

Kumbah catered for us again and provided a lovely 3 Course meal

Chairman Nina opened the meeting & introduced Secretary Rob Deshon.

AGM

Rob Deshon announced that tonight we will complete our AGM obligations which was put on hold from our December 2025 meeting. He announced that we now had a full board for 2026/27 Rotary year.

Announced that Owen Caterer will be President for 2026/27 year. Handed over to Owen who announced his board. President   Owen Caterer, Vice President Brian McAllan, Secretary Rob Deshon, Treasurer Ian Wilson, Youth Robyn Schatz, Community Ken Cowen & Brian McAllan, International Ian McPherson, Administration/Bulletin Denise Payne.

Denise Payne did a great presentation on “ KIVA” (KIVA.org) a wonderful organization that lends funds through NGO’S to mainly women in third world countries.

We have been involved in KIVA since 2013 to this Not-for-Profit organization based in San Francisco that basically provide micro lending to woman who are unable or have problems getting finance. Most of the loans are very small but it allows women to start or extend their small business. Interestingly there is a very low default percentage. The program is available in 80 Countries through the world. After the loans are repaid, the funds are recycled to other recipients. As a club we have about $4200 of funds out in this system. Members who have ran this program say there is great satisfaction in knowing we are helping someone from a poor background to earn a living. Denise suggested anyone can go into KIVA web site kiva.org and start you own account. 

Norm Coventry promoted a Rotary Parkwood Project. High Tea with funds raised for a Breast Cancer Organisation.

Rob Deshon promoted the Tri District Conference on May 1-3 at Royal Pines and the District Assembly on 28^th March.

Ian Wilson promoted the Easter Raffle that starts on March 16. He advised that there is still a lot of spots to fill and asked members who haven’t put their name down to look at the roster and fill some spots. He encourages members who have supported the raffle roster to also try to fill the vacant spots. The Easter raffle is a great fundraiser for the club & last year's profit was $4500 so he encourages all members get involved.

President Owen closed the meeting and suggested to members that we all need to think hard and invite guests to our meeting that hopefully will be prospective members. He observed that that is how most of us got involved in Rotary & it is the best way to increase our membership.

Rotarian Ian Wilson