Yes, this coming Wednesday 19th November will be a social meeting at the Surf Club. While, during the Surf Club's renovations, our 'formal' meetings are held at the TRYP Hotel in Southport, on alternate weeks we'll continue to meet socially at the Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club. Come along for a cuppa and/or breakfast. The meeting will be in the upstairs venue, if the weather is nice, on the balcony. Lots of good banter and laughter, and - believe it - sometimes there are more club related matters discussed and solutions determined than on a formal meeting!
Since our Charter in 1987, our club has gradually built a reputation of doing things somewhat differently and unconventionally. It started with our VERY unconventional club banner (sadly, bowing to progressive thinking pressures, now relegated to 'History' – you can still find it on our website), and continued with being rather relaxed about attendance at a time when Attendance was still written with a Capital letter (anyone remember Col Johnson’s ”50 mile rule”? 😊). Another one I remember is a record for the shortest speech by a District Governor ever (at our Changeover 1997, when Paul Gillet (may he rest in peace) broke all records with a 30 seconds speech...)
We now have another unconventional event to add to the list: A District Governor’s visit where the DG doesn’t give a speech at all, but engages the troops in a Question and Answer session. Very refreshing indeed!
His concept is “Look outside to see what’s happening outside” (I don’t know whether willingly or accidentally, he borrowed this from a Horror Game “Look Outside”...) After briefly introducing himself (you can read it all on the District 9640 website) he asked questions. And John answered in a clear and uncomplicated manner. Including a question on what is happening with Regionalisation? The answer is too complex to publish in this post. Allow me instead quote the (in)famous Italian politician and diplomat, Niccolo Macchiavelli: “There is nothing more difficult to carry out, nor more doubtful of success, nor more dangerous to handle, than to initiate a new order of things. For the reformer has enemies in all those who profit by the old order, and only lukewarm defenders in all those who would profit by the new order.”
Last Saturday, at the Wheelchair Shed, Des celebrated his 84th birthday. Congratulations!
For those who haven't met Des yet: He is the man who, back in around 1996, invented the concept of repurposing discarded bicycles and use the frames to make 'Rough Terrain' wheelchairs. The first 10 were delivered in 1997 - download the story in the download files on the right. (Photo by Al Sirovs)
In last week's bulletin, we reported on the despatch of a container with 121 'Rough Terrain' wheelchairs, together with some conventional ones, destined for Colombo, Sri Lanka. What wasn't mentioned, was that the Rotary Club of Gladstone Sunrise QLD, paid $2,000 for the purchase of the shipping container. Usually, the shipping company supplies the container, but Colombo requested one, for permanent use for their shipping and storage. Thank you, Rotary Club of Gladstone!
This gives me an opportunity to highlight the continued contribution of Rotary Gladstone to our wheelchair project. For years, we've had an arrangement in place, where we send them the 'unfinished' raw materials, which they then enhance to the end-user stage, and return the finished product to us, ready for shipping overseas. It should also be mentioned that the Toll Group is providing free transport to/from Gladstone - much appreciated.
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
Since our Charter in 1987, our club has gradually built a reputation of doing things somewhat differently and unconventionally. It started with our VERY unconventional club banner (sadly, bowing to progressive thinking pressures, now relegated to 'History' – you can still 
Last Saturday, at the Wheelchair Shed, Des celebrated his 84th birthday. Congratulations!
In last week's bulletin, we reported on the despatch of a container with 121 'Rough Terrain' wheelchairs, together with some conventional ones, destined for Colombo, Sri Lanka. What wasn't mentioned, was that the 
Our Christmas Breakfast is set for Wednesday 17th December 2025. Our convenor Graeme Isaacson will advise details shortly. Put it into your diary now!
