One of the most enjoyable tasks of a Club President is to induct a new member. And so it was last Wednesday, when we welcomed Thomas Robinson to Surfers Sunrise. We much look forward to your continued engagement, Thomas, with our club and Rotary in general.
Now doubt another successful day at last Friday’s Bunnings sausage sizzle. Thanks to all who assisted: Ian Mayberry, Angus Miller, Andy Bell, Adrian Crowe, Fred Hamblen, Franz Huber, Darrell Brown, Doug Lipp, Mark Twyford, Charles Thomasson, and a special thank you to our organiser, Ross Augustine. While talking about fund raising, don’t forget that the annual Golf Gay is fast approaching (Monday 30th October) at Surfers Paradise Golf Club). We need plenty of assistance with raffle sales, Corporate Sponsors, and prizes.
Our next formal meeting will be the visit from District Governor Dave Harman. All members should make a special attempt to attend for this day. At the moment we have a number of members away on holidays , so please be there for that day.
Thought for the week: Keep your face forward to the sunshine and you can not see the shadow. Helen Keller
Nominated by Evan Mita, this last Wednesday morning we inducted Thomas (picture, with President Doug Lipp), under the classification of 'Youth Services'. Very appropriate too: Thomas works for Mission Australia, where he specialises in working with disadvantaged youth to embark them on a career.
We much look forward to your 'Rotarian behind the Badge' (tentatively set for 1st November) and your ongoing participation in the activities of our club!
(from left): Matt Hayward, Kristen 'KJ' Jewson, John Groves (the master builder), Mitch Brown, Ava Pearson, Hudson Sirovs, Al Sirovs and (front) Dan Snart.
Not your average meeting last Wednesday: Not only did we welcome a new member (see separate article above), but the team that went to Pentecost Island, Vanuatu to erect the X-Ray Unit at Mauna Health Centre fronted the club.
This wasn’t a simple task by any means: Master Builder John Groves eloquently outlined the enormous task of getting the X-Ray and Pathology Lab Unit built. After a two day trip, by Air to Port Vila, then by ‘Rock Hopper’ plane to Lonorore and a three-hour boat trip to the Mauna Health Centre, the task was to unpack the “flat pack” building which was shipped in two containers from our project shed in Arundel in February this year. There isn't much flat space there! To get it up the hill and re-erect it was a massive task. “Without the huge work of locals, it would never have happened”, John said.
Hard work it might have been, but the team was unanimous in declaring the exercise as a “once in a lifetime experience”. Twelve days of basic accommodation in a guest house, no electrical power (except in the Medical Centre), locally cooked
meals, rainwater (boiled). “We were surprised that, with the exception of some short term “Bali Bellies”, no serious illness resulted”. Apparently, due to lack of rain in preceeding days, there was a bit of a water shortage. Then, upon arrival, it rained for 11 out of the 12 days… Wanna beer? A three hour trek to a ‘Yacht Club’…
But it wasn’t all work: Dancing with the locals, the very obvious appreciation of the people for the donation of the building with the resultant improvement of local health care.
And local airline trouble are not unique to Australia: After a three hour return trip by boat… there was no flight. Cancelled. Eventually, a day later, they got back. And very much worth mentioning: the team met its own airfares and travel expenses!
John Groves will lead a follow-up team to go back on the 11th October to put down the floor boards (which needed replacing due to water damage). Another team, led by Dr Graham Sivyer, will go there to train the local staff on the operation of the X-Ray and blood pathology equipment.
Thank you, team! Your work and dedication did Rotary proud.
Check out the Photo Album (photos by Kristen ‘KJ’ Jewson) – see right hand side
Last week, I interviewed our member Al Sirovs at the project shed and got quick answers to my 33 Questions. Then, when back home, Al realised that he did the same exercise in 2016... OK, check out the Download Files on the right, where you find the updated document. What has changed? Go on, check it out!
On Saturday 7th October (i.e. Saturday week), there will be a professional photographer at our Project Shed, commissioned by Rotary Down Under Magazine, which is distributed to all Rotarians in Australia and New Zealand. Here is your opportunity to have your picture in the national media... No need to emphasise: we want as many members and associate members there on Saturday week!
This year's Surfers Sunrise Golf Day will be held on Monday, 30th October 2023, at the usual location, the Surfers Paradise Golf Club. It will be a 'Shotgun Start' at 12:00 pm (registration from 11:00 am). Several options:
Corporate Hole Sponsor (includes 4 players, signage and advertising)
4-player Team
Single individual player
Chief organizers Doug Lipp and Charles Thomasson are looking both for players, helpers as well as Raffle Prizes. Invite your friends, associates, customers, suppliers and make up a 4-player team or two! Tickets are strictly limited. Bookings close on 23rd October, or when all tickets have been sold.
Secure online booking site is now open. Click on this link, or scan the QR Code:
The annual Golf Day on 30th October will be one of our major fundraisers for the year, and the raffle we conduct forms a very significant part of the income generated. Fundraising Director Ross Augustine needs your assistance to get a big table of prizes together. Congratulations to Evan Mita, who has received a commitment for a week's holiday stay at the Mariner Shores Resort! Thank you!
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
Note: Wednesday 12th July is a formal, NOT social meeting to bring the calendar into alignment.
I asked the Bunnings chick where to find grommits. She said “I’ll see” and walked away. Then I asked another one, and he also said “I’ll see” and walked away. Eventually, I found them myself, in Aisle C.
Prejudice is a great time saver. You can form an opinion without having to get the facts. E.B. White – American Author (Charlotte’s Web, etc)
"Stop worrying, Franz," the magpie said when it landed on my foot, "take it from me: it's a dead cert!" ...
Welcome to our newest member, Thomas Robinson!
Last week, I interviewed our member Al Sirovs at the project shed and got quick answers to my 33 Questions. Then, when back home, Al realised that he did the same exercise in 2016... OK, check out the Download Files on the right, where you find the updated document. What has changed? Go on, check it out! 
On Saturday 7th October (i.e. Saturday week), there will be a professional photographer at our Project Shed, commissioned by Rotary Down Under Magazine, which is distributed to all Rotarians in Australia and New Zealand. Here is your opportunity to have your picture in the national media... No need to emphasise: we want as many members and associate members there on Saturday week!
Invite your friends, associates, customers, suppliers and make up a 4-player team or two! Tickets are strictly limited. Bookings close on 23rd October, or when all tickets have been sold.
The annual Golf Day on 30th October will be one of our major fundraisers for the year, and the raffle we conduct forms a very significant part of the income generated. Fundraising Director Ross Augustine needs your assistance to get a big table of prizes together. Congratulations to Evan Mita, who has received a commitment for a week's holiday stay at the Mariner Shores Resort! Thank you!
"Stop worrying, Franz," the magpie said when it landed on my foot, "take it from me: it's a dead cert!" ...
