President Howard opened the meeting at 7.07 with approx. 30 joined via Zoom, and with the news that Rotarian William had a cardiac problem leading to hospital admission. (We were relieved to hear subsequently that he is recovering well.)

 

Liz introduced the guest speaker, Conrad Guziewicz, a successful local and international entrepreneur who, amongst other achievements has played a major role in three IPOs, incubated 25 start-up companies, established the PEC Innovation Centre and led real-estate and high-tech ventures in the County and elsewhere. He has recently chosen to focus on “social entrepeneurship”, using skills and knowledge gained through business to support homeless people, particularly with regard to Kate’s Rest, a shelter in the County that could prove a model to address the issue of homelessness more widely.

 

Mr Guziewicz began by describing his initial contact with Father Hart at the former fishing camp on Big Island (Kate’s Rest) where nineteen people, who would otherwise be homeless, are currently living, supported by Father Hart personally. The property is quite large but there is only one main building with all the utilities and a number of “cabins” many of which are in serious need of renovation. He explained how, because of NIMBYism, there had been efforts to close the use of the property as a shelter which provides a key component for homeless people to seek support - a postal address. He continued to detail the establishment of a Board of Directors or Trustees, including representatives from the legal and medical professions and law-enforcement. With a more formal and recognized organizational structure, Kate’s Rest is now able to apply for charitable status which will facilitate fundraising and broader access to other kinds of support. In closing, Mr Guziewicz made it clear that he will continue to be active in providing financial resources to this cause, including the funding of a ‘tiny’ home ($100.000) and is hoping that the Club and/or individual members will partner with him in this endeavour.

 

He took questions and comments from several members and was thanked by yours truly who also requested the Club to consider meeting the request for $6000 for building repair previously submitted to the Board, to encourage donations in cash and kind from individual members and to discuss long-term support for Kate’s Rest.

 

Under Club business, President Howard reiterated that the Bottle Returns Service is closed due to the latest Covid restrictions, until further notice. No information regarding this had been received from the Health Authority to date. Barry gave an up-date on the on-line auction and the local “Trash Bash” initiative was discussed. Phyo explained that he would be in contact with Evan Nash to co-ordinate with the Rotary Beach cleanup to be re-scheduled. David Smith shared that, as a result of last year’s on-line auction, he is now driving a new Ford Mustang Mach 2 E in white. Keep an eye out for it!

 

President Howard requested member support for the annual District Conference being held virtually on Saturday June 26th. Ten members are needed to attend the morning session as well as an unspecified number in the afternoon. This will ensure the Club has access to an additional $500 of funding from the District. Registration is $10.00 per Rotarian. With regard to the Covid vaccination clinic in Picton, Lisa Lindsay had reached out to the Club for volunteers on April 14, 26 & 29. All potential openings were covered by the end of the meeting at 8.20.