Yes, I admit that I'm not the most objective person to judge a Rotary District Conference; I just might be slightly biased... This would have been the umpteenth conference I attended over the past four decades. To answer a question posed by Greg Forster, the Conference Chair: "Don't you just feel a little bit prouder that you are a member of Rotary?" the answer is a resounding "YES!". If you ever have organised a chook raffle, you'd appreciate just how much work goes into running such a massive event as smoothly and consistently on time as this one was. Congratulations, Greg and all your team. Take a bow.The number and variety of speakers and exhibits are way to wide to review in this space. For those of you who were unable, unwilling or simply too (insert your choice of words) to attend, the Conference Booklet is still available on the District Website, so you can read up on some of what you missed. Allow me to pick just one of the keynote speakers: Do you know anyone who suffers, or is at risk of getting Dementia (or whatever the specific name of each sub-type is called)? Perhaps you are at an age you are concerned about your own potential to go "ga-ga"? [Stop talking about yourself, Franz!] Yes, not a nice term, but I meant to shake you a little. Dr Daniel Blackmore, a senior post-doctoral research fellow at the Queensland Brain Institute, outlined in a clear, consise and easily understood way his research team's work. Initially they researched with old mice. Now they are at the stage where they have humans. No, don't visualise caged human guinea pigs, with little tubes and wires hanging off them. Just brief, physical exercises. No drugs. They can't reverse the condition (yet), but they can keep it from getting worse. And here is the killer statement: "85% of brain diseases are preventable" he said. "How?" I hear you ask. Now, isn't that exactly what you wanted to know? Watch this space: Dr Blackmore agreed to speak on the Gold Coast if we organise an event.
There were some great speakers, some good and some perhaps could do with a bit of training by a Toastmasters club. But it certainly was worth my time.
Oh, almost forgot: the Boogie Wonderland dinner / dance on Saturday night: I must be getting old. I simply was unable to handle the constant, eardrum-destroying, deafening thump-thump-thump of the massive speakers. And unvaryingly the same beat, non-stop. Don't people want to have a break and have a soft smooth melody where one can cling to one's partner (provided permission is given, or even encouraged)? Never mind about having an intelligent conversation?
Lots more pictures on https://www.facebook.com/RotaryDistrict9640/ Warning! Some are depicting quite unexpected dress and behaviour of people you thought to be the proverbial conservative, stuffy old Rotarians!