The Plains-Wanderers live in open areas with limited tree cover which is subject to a high level of competition with agricultural land uses.

In addition to their loss of native habitat, the bird is also subject to predator birds, foxes and cats which have reduced their numbers to the endangered category. The Werribee Zoo program has had some success in breeding Plains-Wanderers and some birds are now being shared with other zoos and a few released back into their native habitat.

As highlighted at the end of the presentation, a Club visit to Werribee Open Range Zoo should be considered in the near future.

Announcements:

Again this year Rotary Hawthorn will be supporting Camcare with The Winter Food Project at in-person meetings in June and July.  We ask members to bring non-perishable foods and cleaning products to meetings which will be collected at the front desk for delivery to Camcare.  This week’s Bulletin will have a listing of the items they are looking for, in particular canned fish, vegetables and fruit.

In response to members’ feedback we have scheduled a Club Forum meeting on Tuesday 2nd July at Kooyong.  This will be an opportunity for members to review current Club operations and projects with a view to improving both areas.

It would be appreciated if members could forward an email with topics they feel should be discussed at the Forum to Dorothy and myself over the next few weeks so we can ensure they are covered off during the session.

I am sorry to advise members that Peter Lugg has decided not to take on the President Elect role in 2024-25 due to his ongoing work commitments interstate.  The Club’s Board have decided to leave the President Elect role open for the interim period and will look at options to secure a replacement member for the role.

A reminder of the Auburn High Mock Interviews scheduled for Wednesday 18th and Thursday 19th September from 8:30 am to 12 noon.  Geoff Wright and I will be looking to confirm members’ availability as soon as possible to ensure we have the 32 interviewers required over the two days.

Footy tipping is becoming a bit of a cat and mouse contest as the top three tippers Richard Logan, myself and Demons of Old seem to follow the odds-on favourites each round now so we either all win or all lose each match.

The Changeover Dinner is next Tuesday 4th June at Kooyong starting at 6:30 pm.  The June Club Board meeting will be held prior to the dinner with both current and incoming directors attending.  We have 89 members and guests attending this year’s Changeover Dinner, which should be a very enjoyable evening as we transition to the new President Dorothy’s Era.

The next Club meeting is on 18th June at Kooyong and the guest speaker will be a Member Behind the Badge session, which is yet to be announced.

I hope you will be able to join us.

Doug McLean

President 2023-24