At last, the battery for the new Forklift for the project shed has arrived. Treasurer Charles Thomasson made the payment for it last week, so the machine should arrive this week. The mezzanine floor has finally been certified thanks to Simon Brooke and to Geoff Croad, who went to the shed early last Wednesday to meet the certifier.
The District Conference is on at Ballina this Friday and Saturday. Darrell Brown is going down on Friday to the College of Governors luncheon and is attending the business session which is being held on Friday at 5:00pm. Franz is driving down on Saturday and is willing to take anyone who wants to attend for the day.
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Franz has again set up a 'Survey Monkey' for members to vote on the Rotarian of the Year, so vote now. He also needs directors reports as soon as possible, so he can do up the book for the Changeover.
Formal meeting this week. Hope to see all there
Thought for the Week: Some men see things as they are and ask, "Why?" I dream things that never were and ask, "Why not?" Robert F. Kennedy.
This Wednesday's guest speaker is Susan Sheehan, a professional speaker, coach and consultant. Her topic for his presentation will be 'Resilience'. She will be accompanied by Caroline Barton, her business partner in their company, SC7 International. Usual time 07:00 for 07:30 sharp start, at the Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club.
If you heard just a few minutes about Bob’s work and business career, you could be forgiven if the term ‘Jack of All Trades’ springs to your mind. After all, over a lifetime of honest toil, he held such a wide variety of trades. But, looking at it a bit closer, you’ll learn that upon leaving High School in the town of his birth, Moree (Northern NSW), Bob had completed formal training as a Motor Mechanic, then, working at a local Panel Shop business, within a few short years, at age 21, he was promoted to managing the company…
At age 29, he embarked on a career as a Poker Machine Technician (Aristocrat Leasure etc), not long into this career he started his own business. Together with his staff, he represented four major brands, both selling and providing technical support. “I eventually sold that business” he said, “and I bought a Bobcat and a Woodchipper.” He soon found himself contracting to major companies such as Boral. He added a mobile Streetsweeper, Tippers and Watercarrier trucks to his fleet, where his company was engaged in major projects including airport and road construction.
Some 10 years ago, he and his wife Dawn decided to move to the Gold Coast. “I bought a cab license. Then, the government decided to increase the number of Taxi Plates from 312 to around 500, and the job became harder and harder, so I decided to sell out and retire. Fortunately, well before Uber turned the industry inside-out.” he said.
Bob and Dawn are parents to 4 children, grandparents of 10 and (so far) have 5 great-grandkids. Their children “work in a variety of professions, including law-enforcement, specialising in Terrorism” he declared with well-justified pride.
What about hobbies? “Well, in my younger days, I’d ride Trailbikes, I’d waterski, and play Golf. I was a member of the local Volunteer Fire Brigade. At a young age in Moree, I joined the local brass band, playing the Fluegelhorn, Cornet and Tenorhorn. [Fluegelhorn? Click here for a sample. Ed.] And now I work at the Wheelchair Shed. I much enjoy the work and the social interaction with other volunteers.” Even though at present he is somewhat incapacitated, due to recent Carpal Tunnel surgery on both of his hands. Bob enjoys listening to country music, for example Slim Dusty and Daniel O’Donnell. He supports both the Titans as well as Manly in Rugby League, a sport he played himself in his younger years as a Halfback and Hooker.
Jack of All Trades? I don’t think so! A man with a wide variety of skills, a family man extraordinaire. And when you meet him, wearing boots and a T-Shirt, the very essence of a true Aussie!
It's time to elect this Rotary year's Rotarian of the Year. As the vote is only open to active members, the link cannot be published. Just a reminder: voting closes on 30th May. If you didn't receive the email, please call or text Franz Huber.
(Photo: At last year's Changeover, (then) President Mitch Brown presents the trophy to our Fundraiser extraordinaire, Ross Augustine)
Mark it in your diary now:Sunday, 16th June 2024. As some "key members" expect to be absent during the usual period around the end of the Rotary year, this year's Changeover Luncheon will be held early. It will be held at the same venue s last year's (and wasn't that a hugely successful event!): the Braeside Estate on Gooding Drive. Watch this space for final details, including a booking site to be set up.
Duty Roster - note: subject to change - please check every week. Note: Fellowship duty also is expected to be at the Project Shed on the Saturday following the meeting