We had another 'trial' meeting at the Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club. Larry Murray was at the door, Doug Lipp was Chairman (on behalf of Peter Morgan) and Andy Bell was Sergeant.
We had apologies from Peter Morgan, Mario Fairlie, Paul Seymour, Simon Brook, Rosie Rocco, Daryl Sanderson, Des La Rance, Bob Harrison (and a late apology from Graeme Isaacson).
President Jo Winwood welcomed all members as well as our visitors: District Governor Terry Brown and his wife Carol Brown (RC of Lismore), David Baguley and Rowan Johnstone (both RC of Gold Coast), Honorary Member George Keily and visitors Michael Brown and his partner Lynn Clarkson-Brown. Jo commented on the recent Peace Fellows dinner meeting the previous week: whilst it was a bit crammed, it was certainly a very successful event: some 80 people participated, representing 8 clubs and we even had a visitor from East Timor!. Advance notice: we have contracted to control the parking at the Gold Coast Business Expo (6th - 7th September) for the Bump-in and Bump-out periods. In return, we will have a desk there to promote ourselves. Jo also referred to Bob Harrison and Des LaRance: while Bob is still remaining in Hospital, Des's heart-attack scare has proven to be something else and he is again on his feet.
Ray Higgs briefly elaborated on Parking at the Surfers SLSC - negotiations are continuing to allow us some reserved parking - watch this space.
David Baguley outlined details of the upcoming Gold Coast Ramble (it's happening this coming Sunday 5th August!): really need some additional volunteers. It would appear that his appeal bore some fruit: some 11 members signed on. Note: change of starting venue to Surfers Paradise Appel Park (opposite Circle on Cavill). See website www.gcramble.org.au.
Treasurer Mark Twyford urges you to pay your dues if you have not done so already, Secretary Mitch Brown outlined that all club documents, including Board Meeting Minutes, are openly available to members via our club's website www.rotarysurferssunrise.org - you need to login to the Member Area (top right side). (If you need assistance, feel free to contact our Webmaster Franz Huber).
District Youth Exchange Chair Chris Thurtell brought us up-to-date on what's happening in relation to our YE Students: Gigi and Benedetta are safely back in their home countries, and a YE Outbounders briefing will be held shortly.
Honorary Member George Keily announced that he has organized another bag of about 200 spectacles to go to Donations in Kind. Further, Apple Marketing has provided up to date figures of their fundraising efforts for our Wheelchairs program: they raised some $3,000 in just one week, with a total (as of 24/07/18) of $4,750 banked and over $5,000 of promises still outstanding. Well done, thank you!