Meeting Opened 1900 hrs at Lang Lang Primary School
President Scott opened the meeting and welcomed all along.
Family of Rotary:
- Jan gave us an update on his Granddaughters experience with Rotary Exchange Program - Leaving in mid January for Italy.
Guest Speaker: Cr Trudi Paton - Council & Community Updates.
Recently appointed CEO of Cardinia Shire, James Collins was discussed as a positive development. His background in planning and his willingness to challenge “how things have always been done” were welcomed. Members expressed optimism about his early focus on trimming unnecessary spending and improving Council’s responsiveness.
Capital Works Grants
Capital Works Grants are currently open, and members were encouraged to consider whether any Rotary-related projects might benefit from applying.
Planning Scheme Review underway
Rotunda / Foreshore Project
Still pending; noted that the Rotunda is on DECCA (Dept. of Energy, Environment & Climate Action) land, not Council land.
Continual follow-up needed with DECCA contacts - Travis has engaged.
Lang Lang Community Recreation Precinct Walking Tracks/Footpaths
Council currently reviewing pedestrian & bicycle strategy.
Path priorities discussed:
- Soldiers Road path to Rec Reserve,
- Westernport walking track section,
- Connecting the Bunyip Track.
- Council officers will visit Friday to discuss works with Sam & community groups.
Dumped Rubbish & Burnt Out Cars
Regular illegal dumping reported on Thwaites Road and other rural areas.
Members advised to report new incidents promptly.
Lang Lang Soccer Club
The Lang Lang Soccer Club continues to grow, but its expansion brings challenges—particularly around scheduling conflicts between junior soccer, cricket, and footy allocations. Members considered whether school facilities could again be used to ease some of the pressure. Council officers will also meet with the club on Friday to explore solutions.
Show Society & Horse Sculptur
Still awaiting official signage for the horse sculpture. Concerns raised about artificial-looking base around sculpture; suggestion to use woodchips.
Turning Point Church
Youth behaviour issues and repeated break-ins were revisited. In response it was raised that Turning Point Church has expressed interest in bringing its youth program to Lang Lang on a rotating basis. Several members acknowledged the potential benefits, especially in providing local teens with structured activities, though there were mixed views about perceptions associated with church-run initiatives. Still, there was agreement that Rotary could support in some way—possibly through providing a BBQ when the group visits.
President Scott thank Cr Trudi for her updates.
General Business:
Carols by Candlelight
The event to be held on the first Friday in December, is well advanced in planning. The community band has finalised the playlist and supplied all the song lyrics to ensure the printed programme matches the performance. Sonia(Community Bendigo Bank) has offered to arrange the printing. Volunteers are being organised, and members will contribute supper items—cakes, slices, pies, and sausage rolls. Signage around town is being updated, and gaining access to existing Facebook page is underway to promote the event.
It was discussed that there is the need to purchase a new Christmas tree for the hall. A pre-lit tree was suggested to make setup easier, and a suitable base is already available in the shed. Members agreed to source one in time for the Carols.
Community BBQ
Sam invited the club to run a BBQ at his upcoming cattle sale on 5 December. Although attendance numbers are unpredictable, the event offers a chance to raise funds and maintain Rotary’s presence in the community. The club expressed willingness to participate from 10am onwards.
Working With Children Checks were again emphasised—especially relevant for the Santa role at Carols. Additional WWCC approvals have been processed this week, and members were encouraged to complete theirs promptly.
Youth Programs
The club revisited RYLA, RYPEN, and the potential revival of Rotary Youth Exchange
Lang Lang Primary School Scholarships
Lang Lang Primary School has invited Rotary to participate in their Grade 6 Graduation presentation this year. The school already has long-standing awards sponsored by Bendigo Bank—Academic, Arts, and Sports awards, each valued at $50. Rotary has been asked if they would like to add an award of our own.
There was discussion about introducing a Rotary-sponsored award that recognises qualities aligned with Rotary principles. It was decided to create 2 awards: A “Community Values” award for one Grade 6 student intended as an overarching recognition rather than an academic or sports-based award & designed to honour students who demonstrate positive values, leadership, or community spirit. It was agreed to be $50, matching the Bendigo Bank award amounts
This award would be presented by Rotary at the graduation ceremony, pending club confirmation of the amount and format.
Discussion of a Support-Based Award
Alongside the values-based award, members also discussed the possibility of a practical support award, designed to discreetly assist a graduating student whose family may be experiencing financial hardship as they transition to secondary school.
Key points from the discussion:
The idea was to provide $50 toward schoolbooks or school costs for a student whose family is “doing it tough”
Teachers could discreetly identify the recipient so the student is not singled out publicly for financial reasons
The award could still be presented as a “Community Award”, without reference to hardship
This option was discussed as a way for Rotary to meaningfully support families while maintaining the dignity of recipients.
Secretary’s Report – Casey Hamblin
Communication received around Cardinia Shire grant for Lang Lang Carols - $1400 & $600
Treasurers Report – Michele Hird
Small influx of funds through the member banking token programme, $188 as well as term-deposit interest. The DG Dinner, however, resulted in a minor loss, $180 due to several booked attendees failing to attend.
