Saturday was a very busy morning at the shed. The meeting regards the manufacturing of the POD with Councillor Dawn Crichlow, Peter Whiffin, Larry & Des went ahead as planned and the response has been enthusiastic. The next step is for Des & Larry to review the design and investigate what materials can be used in the construction. Both Des & I had separate discussions with Dawn as we showed her around the shed. Dawn has agreed to try to assist with the removal of the old tyres. Also, I think Des convinced her to have Council look at the possibility of having our lease with the Council extended for another 15 years. Des went through the projects that we have done overseas, including the various Schools and the House of Hope. She was extremely impressed if not blown away by what the club and the associates were doing at the shed and the real contribution Rotary was making. Dawn was not aware of our work!
I also believe that the other things that seem to all happen at the same time added to the enthusiasm. Jo had organised Saeed and Mr Goss, Head of the Gold Coast Mosque to come to the Shed at 9.30 to discuss arrangements. They have offered us an old 40 Foot Container for storage. They are also interested in taking +200 wheelchair and Jo is working with them to assist of a school project they are funding in Uganda.
To top all this off at about the same time, the Prison Truck arrived to drop off finished wheelchairs and to take back 20 kits to paint, assemble and make into wheelchairs.
Our club members that made a special effort to attend included Jo, Angus, Andy, Adrian, Geoff, Neil, Doug, Paul & John. They made a significant difference and their contribution was well received. Thanks to you all.
Next Saturday 13th July will be a special Meeting & Barbeque to be held at the shed. This will be Joanne’s changeover for the shed. Please bring your wives, lover [ahem... I think he means and/or...! ☺ Ed.] & children. This should be a good morning for all.
The next Club meeting is on 17th July where we will discuss the project that the Rotary Clubs of Broadbeach, Gold Coast & Surfers Sunrise are jointly planning. It will substantially improve the facilities at the Mauna Hospital, Pentecost Island, Vanuatu. Each club has applying for a district grant to support the project. We all should know the results of the grant by the end of the month. Everyone remains very positive.
Specifically, the project involves the design & manufacture at our Project Shed on the Gold Coast of a “flat pack” building to house the Pathology and X-Ray facilities at Mauna Hospital, then shipping it to Vanuatu and to construct it on site. Des La Rance has agreed to give a presentation flowed by representatives from each Club. Also, District Governor Harry Bolton will be attending.
Doctor Graham Sivyer President of the Rotary Club of Broadbeach has arranged on Thursday evening for Des & me to give a presentation to the Gold Coast Medical Association (GCMA) on the project. The GCMA have already indicated support for the project and in addition the possibility of providing locum Doctors for the long term support of the Hospital. Further their involvement could have Medical Students for Griffith & Bond Universities to work in Mauna Hospital as part of their training.
Finally, discussions have progressed with Broadwater Southport Club regard the possibility of the amalgamation of the two Clubs. The next step, as Andy Bell indicated at the last meeting, is to see how they feel about us and we feel about them and can we work as one. Therefore, over the next few months we will have some meetings with each other and we will see how we go. I think we could learn much from their achievements particularly their fundraising activities and I believe they too will be impressed by our projects and capability. I am very positive about this merger.
Have a great week.
Mario Fairlie
This coming Wednesday 17th July we'll have the combined meeting with the Broadbeach Club, as previously advised. .jpg)
A what?? A Pod? Isn't that something to do with flowers? 
