Adrian Crowe was at the door, Karen Holland (for the first time) chaired the meeting and Ian Mayberry was Sergeant. We had apologies from Ray Higgs, Peter Morgan, Paul Seymour, Gerald East (and there may have been others - the mob can be a bit boisterous sometimes at Surfers Sunrise... ☺)
President Mario Fairlie greeted our visitors: , Rowan Johnstone and John Davis (both RC of Gold Coast), Harold Bush (RC of Broadbeach) as well as our two guest speakers from the Australian Anti Ice Campaign, Andrea Simmons and Leeanne Butcher (see separate article). Mario elaborated briefly on the previous Saturday's massive efforts at the Project Shed (see article last week's bulletin) and has confirmed that we have received the funds for the container transport from Papua New Guinea. Whooohooo! In addition to the 209 wheelchairs now on the way, another 250 are earmarked for the Gold Coast Islamic Society for despatch to a destination of their determination.
Mario outlined the discussions he held with other key people for the Vanuatu X-Ray project, also involving the Rotary Clubs of Broadbeach and Gold Coast, as well as with the Heads of Medicine of the local Universities. Lots of work needs to be done, which includes not only a lot of planning, fundraising and "paddling below the surface", but indeed will include an on-site visit to Vanuatu to meet with the local Government and Health Services officials, the Australian High Commission there and to check out the site. This is planned to take place in the second week of October, just 6 weeks away.
Larry Murray further outlined his vision for the Project Shed: should we buy a container for the purpose of storing finished wheelchairs and equipment to make space within the shed for other purposes? We are also looking for more "quality" bikes, suitable to be restored in readiness for another 'Big Bike Sale' before Christmas.