Gidday to all at members, associate members and friends of Surfers Sunrise Rotary, A formal meeting was held last week and we were honoured to have Chloe Chan, whom we jointly sponsored to attend the National Youth Science Forum in Canberra, as our guest speaker. Chloe did a wonderful job in the face of great adversity. If anything could go wrong, it did. Firstly the big screen upstairs decided not to work. Mario and Franz eventually fixed the gremlin. Chloe then embarked on her presentation when loud piped music came over the speakers. Our Foundation Chair, Elizabeth the Magnificent, managed to sort out this problem, sadly after stopping for a few minutes, it started up again and again Elizabeth put on her Wonder Woman cloak and got it stopped. A few minutes later workmen decided they should walk around in the ceiling making a racket and causing the ceiling to shake. Did any of this upset young Chloe, not a jot. She forged on and gave, as I said, a wonderful presentation. With young people like Chloe you have to think the future of Australia is in good hands.
On the other side of the coin, it seems to me that we are danger of losing our way as a country of tolerant, kind , forgiving and respectful people. Sadly I am of the opinion that before you argue with someone, ask yourself, is that person even mature enough to grasp the concept of a different perspective. If they are not, then there is absolutely no point in even starting an argument. It seems that in todays divided world sometimes an argument is not worth your energy. It is often apparent that, no matter how clearly or rationally you present your argument or express yourself, the other person isn’t listening to understand a different point of view - they’re listening to react and have already made their minds up and are unwilling to consider any point of view other than their own. There is a vast difference between a healthy discussion and a pointless one. It’s sad that people resort to nastiness when an opinion is tabled that is not in line with theirs. I believe Rotary and Rotary ideals has never been more relevant by pushing the charter of Service before Self, accompanied by adherence to ’The Four Way Test’. This mindset, and I have not met a single Rotarian who does not believe in or adhere to it, is what sets Rotarians apart in setting positive examples and leading their communities in these troubled times.
We'll have a casual meeting this week. Look forward to seeing you all there. Nothing changes if nothing changes and do as you fear most.
Every second Wednesday, when we don't have a "formal" meeting (as was last week), we simply gather for a cuppa and/or breakfast at the Surfers Paradise Surf Club - Bistro area downstairs. Usual time, 07:00 am onwards. All welcome! No speeches, yet sometimes there are more problems solved than on a formal meeting (not necessarily all relating to our Rotary club though... ☺)
As President Andy mentioned in his closing remarks, we always hear the mostly negative stories about "Today's Youth" and - regrettably - one hears so little about young emerging leaders who quietly beaver in their classrooms, the school library and slave over hot computers to qualify for the rather stringent requirements to be selected to attend the annual National Youth Science Forum in Canberra. Future leaders in their professions who well may make headlines when they publish their discovery some years hence. Considering that it is quite expensive (over $3,000, of which our club sponsors 50%), the event is usually oversubscribed and participants are selected purely on their level of scientific knowledge and in particular on aptitude.
Chloe, who currently studies at Queensland Academies Health Sciences, was selected to attend this year's event (back in January). Last Wednesday, she presented with the quiet assurance and poise of a person years beyond her age, outlining her week of mixing it with fellow STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) students, professors and professionals of various disciplines at the ANU in Canberra. Events in laboratories, the Canberra Cyber Hub, Mt Stromolo Observatory, direct links to CERN in Geneva, individual discussions in very small groups with professionals, meeting with alumni of previous NYSFs, developing 'buddy' relationships, just to name a few. "I am really glad I went, knowing now what I wouldn't want to do (now, there is an original thought!) She has now principally settled on Cyber Security, a branch of science that most definitely will be at the forefront still for decades to come.
We wish you every success in your career, Chloe. Thank you for taking time out of your busy life of study to report back to our club members.
(A copy of Chloe's PowerPoint presentation can be downloaded - see Download Files on the right. Photo: Chloe with our meeting chairman of the day, Mario Fairlie)
Let's have a social event with a difference: indulge in your food being cooked right in front of your eyes - Japanese Teppanyaki style!
Cost: $58.00 per person - includes the Mazusaka Combo Buffet - but it's a la carte, alternative choices available. Email Adrian for copy of menu. Note: the restaurant is fully licensed and is not BYO
Where:
Matsuzaka Teppanyaki & Japanese Restaurant
Shop 4, 300 Marine Parade,
(Aqua Building - parking underneath, entry from Imperial Parade)
Labrador 4215
When:
11:30 am, be seated by 12:00 pm
Sunday 20th May 2025
You must book (no prepayment required though, all pay their own bill)
IPP Doug Lipp and Fundraising Director Ross Augustine are organising a Business Luncheon fundraiser. It will be held on Friday 20th June 2025 at the Surfers Paradise Golf Club. Look out for details shortly. Meanwhile, Ross is looking for Raffle Prizes - please contact Ross directly
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
Do not worry about opportunities you may have missed. You might miss another one whilst your are worrying.
"Even if I were a bad right wing guy, to the extent of whether my arguments are right or wrong, they're right or wrong independently of whether I'm right or left." Bjorn Lomborg, Environmental Economy Author
About 20 years ago, I took in a boy to raise; his biological mother didn't want him anymore. He gets along so well with the other kids but he never listens to me, so I contacted his biological mother but she doesn't want him back.
Every second Wednesday, when we don't have a "formal" meeting (as was last week), we simply gather for a cuppa and/or breakfast at the Surfers Paradise Surf Club - Bistro area downstairs. Usual time, 07:00 am onwards. All welcome! No speeches, yet sometimes there are more problems solved than on a formal meeting (not necessarily all relating to our Rotary club though... ☺)
As President Andy mentioned in his closing remarks, we always hear the mostly negative stories about "Today's Youth" and - regrettably - one hears so little about young emerging leaders who quietly beaver in their classrooms, the school library and slave over hot computers to qualify for the rather stringent requirements to be selected to attend the annual National Youth Science Forum in Canberra. Future leaders in their professions who well may make headlines when they publish their discovery some years hence. Considering that it is quite expensive (over $3,000, of which our club sponsors 50%), the event is usually oversubscribed and participants are selected purely on their level of scientific knowledge and in particular on aptitude. 
Let's have a social event with a difference: indulge in your food being cooked right in front of your eyes - Japanese Teppanyaki style!
IPP Doug Lipp and Fundraising Director Ross Augustine are organising a Business Luncheon fundraiser. It will be held on Friday 20th June 2025 at the Surfers Paradise Golf Club. Look out for details shortly. Meanwhile, Ross is looking for Raffle Prizes - please contact Ross directly 
