Recently information has been distributed to members regarding a proposed regionalisation pilot program involving District 9640. If you haven’t already done so, I encourage you to engage with the material and discuss it with other members.
The Club has been trying to confirm a meeting with Cr Ryan Bayldon – Lumsden to see if he can assist with resolving some of the building defect issues at the Project Shed. As yet a date hasn’t been tied down. A meeting with him is becoming imperative as the sustainability audit report meeting with Gold Coast City Council is scheduled for next Tuesday, 30 August 2022.
Board meeting this Wednesday morning and beverages for those interested at the Benowa Tavern on Thursday afternoon commencing at 5 pm.
Don’t forget to prebook for the Lutzy Award breakfast to be held next Wednesday, 31 August 2022.
This year's winner of the Lutzy Award will be presented again at the Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club. You'll have a hearty, plate served breakfast of Bacon & Eggs (choice of fried or poached), Sausage & Fried Eggs or a bowl of Acai, for the same cost as last year's ($11.00 per person). Hey! Where else can you get a hearty meal for $11.00? You MUST pre-book and pre-pay. Click on this link to book: https://www.trybooking.com/CBIOV.
Note: If you have pre-paid your meeting fees, there is no charge - please advise Franz Huber of your meal choice.
(Image is from last year's presentation to Jet Milford - Ferguson)
This is somewhat equivalent to receiving a telegram from the Queen… At yesterday morning’s meeting, PDG Darrell Brown was presented with a framed letter from our current Rotary International President, Jennifer Jones, congratulating him on his 50th year of Service Above Self.
And well deserved too: Not only is this a rare occurrence, but in those years Darrell has held just about every officer’s job, including multiple runs as Club President, and numerous District Committee Chairmanships, culminating in his appointment to District Governor in 2017-18.
In the words of C.J. Dennis: ‘I lift me lid’. Congratulations!
Photo: Darrell with Assistant Governor Sheila Ponting and fellow Architect, PP Simon Brook, whom he sponsored to join Surfers Sunrise in 2014.
Last Wednesday we were introduced to an organisation the majority of us didn’t even know it existed: My Community Legal (MCL) provides “a free, responsive and accessible legal service to those who most need it”, Zoe outlined. The vast bulk of MCL’s services are provided pro bono publico [yes, Henrietta, my Latin might be a bit rusty, but I still remember that this means free of charge!].
But they are not only there to provide legal services, they are also engaging in legal education. This might be related to clients, but also provides emerging lawyers, such as Zoe, with an opportunity to practice under the supervision of experienced law professionals. Whilst MCL is giving advice, they do not go to court on behalf of clients. However, they can refer clients to the appropriate services.
Established in 2014, MCL has grown to service up to 45 clients every week, currently around 1000 annually. Whilst all areas of legal services are addressed, heavy emphasis is given to Domestic Violence – some 781 clients last year. Yes, it is a major problem: “1 in 4 women has experienced emotional abuse by a current or previous partner. Even more concerning: 1 in 6 have experienced physical or sexual violence” Zoe informed us.
You can check out Zoe’s PowerPoint slides – see Download section on the right, which include contact details.
In four weeks' time, on 14th September, DGN Lisa Hunt will visit our club to talk about the proposed Regionalisation Pilot program for Zone 8. This zone includes Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific islands. Our District 9640 has been chosen for a pilot program, aimed to determine whether the proposed new governance scheme is feasible, workable and indeed whether the expected benefits will materialise.
If adopted, this would involve major changes. In essence, the current Districts would be abolished and replaced with regions (approximately 2 - 3 per District).Hence all members should inform themselves before all clubs in the district are asked to vote, shortly after DGN Lisa’s presentation.
There is a major websitehttps://rotaryzone8.org/page/rotary-regionalisation-project(which largely outlines the proposed scheme, thus naturally leading to the ‘Pro’ side of the argument). It contains a very detailed outline, including an extensive list of Frequently Asked Questions.
To learn more about the negative side, a PDF with two opinion pieces by PP Peter Truer (RC of Boonah) and PDG Jeff Egan (RC Mt Warning AM) has also been distributed to all members. It is important to note that both are stating their personal view, not the official view of the District. To save you finding it, I’ve uploaded it to the Download Section on the right.
Paul O’Neill was at the door, Peter Morgan was Chairman (standing in for Larry Murray). We had apologies from Gerald East, Ross Augustine, Mario Fairlie, Larry Murray.
President Mitch Brown greeted all members and guests with his now regular Welcome to Country. We welcomed Assistant Governor Sheila Ponting, who visited specifically to do a special presentation to PDG Darrell Brown, celebrating his 50th Year in Rotary (see separate article above).
Mitch gave advance notice of the upcoming board meeting on 24th August and the Sausage Sizzle on 2nd September. He also noted an upcoming big Rotary Dinner to promote The Rotary Foundation – separate invitations were sent to all members.
Following Zoe Humphries’ presentation (see separate article above), Treasurer Charles Thomasson encouraged everyone to pay up their membership dues, Graeme Isaacson outlined the procedure of getting the correct meal at the Lutzy Award presentation on 31st August.
In closing, President Mitch reminded all of the upcoming Club Assembly on 28th September to discuss our club’s Strategic Plan.
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
I just realised that the paper towels near the Petrol Pump are for you to wipe away the tears after you've paid for filling up the tank.
A small coin in a big empty jar makes a lot of noise. This is what makes the theatre of terrorism so successful. The state has created a huge space empty of political violence, which now acts as a sounding board, amplifying the impact of any armed attack, however small. The less political violence in a particular state, the greater the public shock at an act of terrorism. Yuval N Harari, ’21 Lessons for the 21st Century’
You asked for a dad joke:What did Cinderella say when her photos did not show up? Someday my prints will come! [OK, I'll see myself out. Ed.]
This is somewhat equivalent to receiving a telegram from the Queen… At yesterday morning’s meeting, PDG Darrell Brown was presented with a framed letter from our current Rotary International President, Jennifer Jones, congratulating him on his 50th year of Service Above Self.
But they are not only there to provide legal services, they are also engaging in legal education. This might be related to clients, but also provides emerging lawyers, such as Zoe, with an opportunity to practice under the supervision of experienced law professionals. Whilst MCL is giving advice, they do not go to court on behalf of clients. However, they can refer clients to the appropriate services.
