Larry Murray was Chairman and Peter Morgan was at the door. We had apologies from Gerald East, Mario Fairlie, Tash Price, Adam Sheppard, Andy Bell and Angus Miller.
President Paul Seymour welcomed all members, visitor Tanya Twyford and of course our special guest, RYTS awardee Kate Worboys and her mum Pat.
After Kate's presentation (see article below and Download Files on right), Paul O'Neill briefly gave us a 'Man behind the Badge' talk (see separate article below), followed by Wheelchair Trust Chairman Larry Murray elaborating on the planned happenings at the project shed. We are aiming to fill a 40-foot container to be sent to South Africa again. Not only wheelchairs will be included, but they also asked for tools: gardening tools, power tools.
Paul O'Neill: Man behind the BadgePaul was born in 1952 in Coburg, Victoria, one of four siblings. From an early time, he had a special interest in cars, taking on car detailing jobs to earn himself some money (Paul called it the 'University of Life'). Professionally, for the last 18 years of his working life, he was the District Manager of the Gold Coast Hospital. "I was 'head hunted' into that job" he said, and, by the looks of it, he never regretted it. He retired some ten years ago.
We asked what his major passion would be? "My wife Maria (she was born in Italy), my family, my grandchildren. As to activities: camping. Paul owns a substantial caravan and frequently hitches it up and hits the road. When at home (other than a serious dedication to Rotary), he enjoys visiting the Botanical Gardens and the beach. And travel! He recently visited Italy - "it's really great to have your very own interpreter..." he quipped...