This Wednesday, 21st February 2018, we'll present Pride of Workmanship Awards to several worthy recipients. It will be an evening meeting in lieu of our usual breakfast. Of course, bring your partners and friends along too! Several nominations have already been received, but if you have anyone in mind who deserves this award, simply contact Vocational Services Chair Richard Smith and provide him with details.
Surfers Paradise RSL Club
9 Beach Road
Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
(you can park in the Bruce Bishop Car Park across the road)
That's what is called dedication: Greg Beard, himself a Rotarian, has worked exclusively in the not-for-profit sector for almost 20 years. Whilst most of us would have heard about and seen the Mater Hospital in South Brisbane, few would be even aware of the extent of that organization: it comprises seven hospitals, Health Centres, the world-class Mater Research, as well as Mater Pathology and Mater Pharmacy. Greg's section, Mater in the Community is the philanthropic arm.
The story of Mater starts with a vision that remains as current today as it was in 1861 when the first group of Sisters of Mercy arrived on Brisbane and set up a 20 bed private hospital in North Quay. Check out this online video. This was the start of a tradition of providing compassionate care for the sick and the needy – which eventually led to the establishment of seven hospitals treating over 500,000 patients each year. Mater in the Community provides an opportunity to learn more about Mater today. Just a few salient facts: Mater Mothers Hospitals deliver more than ten thousand babies each year and providing specialist care for more than 2000 premature and seriously ill babies! Not just 'traditional' Hospitals: there is a Neurosciences Centre of Excellence including a Stroke Unit and an Epilepsy Unit, the Mater Young Adults Health Centre Brisbane for people aged 15 - 24. They provide education, they tackle homelessness and refugee health.
Did you know that Mater had the first Radiation Room in Queensland? Today, the technology certainly has changed: Micro Surgery, allowing operations which just a few years ago would have involved hospitalization for days and weeks, completed in a short time with keyhole surgery and the patient is on the way home in as little as 4 hours...
Sometimes it takes a while for news to penetrate... Still, worthwhile to report: Our Service Project Director, Rosie McIntyre, received an email from Lina Chang, our organizer over there with the Samoa Victims Support Group, that our school project in Samoa also made the local press there. Click on this link to read the full article in the Samoa Observer.
This picture, provided by Fred Hamblen shows "Colonel" Daryl Sanderson OAM addressing the troops at the Project Shed about how they have a container coming for 270 wheelchairs and they need to ensure they have that many ready when the container arrives 9 February...
Des La Rance was at the door (for Chris Thurtell), Geoff Croad was Chairman and Ian Mayberry was Sergeant.
We had an apology from DG Darrell Brown, Jo Gorman, Graeme Isaacson, Ray Higgs, Al Sirovs, Tania Laird, Chris Thurtell, Angus Miller and Neil Thurlow .
President Andy Bell welcomed all members and our regular visitor, Ross Augustine (RC of Frankston Sunrise), as well as our Guest Speaker, Greg Beard (see separate article). Andy signalled an upcoming working bee at The Shed - date to be advised. Ross Augustine briefly reported on his granddaughter Alissa Lott's recent commencement of her Youth Exchange Student experience in Minnesota, USA (see article on our website). We are looking forward to receiving a report!
Service Projects Director Rosie Rocco reported happenings from the Project Shed: We had a visit from the Rotary Club of Hervey Bay, who brought 10 finished wheelchairs and took the materials with them to make another 10. Also the Rotary Club of Brisbane was here - looks like they may want to become involved in our program?
Vocational Services Chair Richard Smith confirmed details of the upcoming Pride of Workmanship Dinner on 21st February - see separate article on our Website. We now have sufficient nominations. Note: it will be an evening meeting at the RSL Club, not at our breakfast venue.
Mario Fairlie announced that he'll produce a booklet about our recent project to build another classroom at the House of Hope in Samoa, and Franz Huber advised that a document prepared by Peter Morgan, detailing relationship between the Wheelchair Trust and our club, including the legal aspects, is in a document uploaded to the Documents Section of our Website (Member's only - you'll need to login to access it - contact Franz if you cannot remember your login.
Paul Seymour, obviously not concerned in the slightest about money if you leave your wallet on the table... Geoff Croad, what a mess, just to get ready... Ross Augustine, it is understood this is our last chance for a while to extract a fine from you, going home on Sunday... Andy Bell, what are they going to re-design? Franz Huber, don't frighten everyone... Col Livingstone was last in the door.... Angus Miller, obviously in anticipation of getting a new one, broke his old badge in two... Larry Murray, seeing how neatly you are dressed: are you going anywhere important? Mario Fairlie, how is it feeling, driving what is classified as the fastest SUV in the world? And all the Kiwis: just what is the world coming to? It is one thing to elect a woman to become Prime Minister, but an unmarried mother..?? ☺
Checking in at the hospital, Joe Bloggs goes through the usual routine at the front desk:
"... and whom should we notify in case of Emergency?"
"Well, those guys in Emergency, I guess."
To this day, I am delighted with my choice and firmly believe that there is no better place to undertake research. Australia offers a culture of academic freedom, openness to ideas, and an amazing willingness to pursue goals that are ambitious.
Prof Michelle Simmons, Quantum Physicist, 2018 Australian of the Year
This Wednesday, our newest member Charles Thomasson will do the traditional 'Man behind the badge' talk. Looking forward to it!
This Wednesday, 21st February 2018, we'll present Pride of Workmanship Awards to several worthy recipients. It will be an evening meeting in lieu of our usual breakfast. Of course, bring your partners and friends along too! Several nominations have already been received, but if you have anyone in mind who deserves this award, simply contact Vocational Services Chair Richard Smith and provide him with details..JPG)
That's what is called dedication: Greg Beard, himself a Rotarian, has worked exclusively in the not-for-profit sector for almost 20 years. Whilst most of us would have heard about and seen the Mater Hospital in South Brisbane, few would be even aware of the extent of that organization: it comprises seven hospitals, Health Centres, the world-class Mater Research, as well as Mater Pathology and Mater Pharmacy. Greg's section, 
Sometimes it takes a while for news to penetrate... Still, worthwhile to report: Our Service Project Director, Rosie McIntyre, received an email from Lina Chang, our organizer over there with the Samoa Victims Support Group, that our school project in Samoa also made the local press there. .jpg)
This picture, provided by Fred Hamblen shows "Colonel" Daryl Sanderson OAM addressing the troops at the Project Shed about how they have a container coming for 270 wheelchairs and they need to ensure they have that many ready when the container arrives 9 February....JPG)
