You gotta love Australia and all its Public Holidays – we are only just back from Christmas and heading into another long weekend of celebrations. Anyone think it ironic that with all the controversy around the cancelling of Australia Day this year we are technically staging two- one real one and another one to push the point home ? This week’s controversy of course has been the Gillette ad and I did wonder whether Larry’s beard (only just removed) and Geoff’s new growth were "in -advance" protests of the latest “toxic men” campaign. My lovely husband started his own growth protest but he is not a man to place principles before comfort and at the first itch on day 3, succumbed to his gleaming Gillette blades.
The fact that these things make my message this week means I have little to report. Not because we aren’t doing much- we are- but its all business as usual and going swimmingly.
A couple of things we do need to note: Franz’ call out for speakers is an important one - quality speakers attract great visitors as well as potential members, which we are desperately in need of, as we know. Please think about your contacts – and their contacts too - and lets see if we can fill the second half of the year with some outstanding guests. More nominations for Excellence in Workmanship are needed (Richard I have two to submit!) – lets make it a humdinger of a night (and for anyone reading this bulletin who isn’t a member of our Club that’s fine. We are looking for nominations of people who do an outstanding job – whether its your local café, the barber, your mechanic, it’s a shout out to people who go above and beyond).
We are going to be working with other Clubs in the cluster to develop the RYDA program a bit more- such a great program and not enough schools and parents participate so watch this space as we push this (with your help as always- start thinking about which School (s) you would be prepared to approach).
And that’s it from me folks until Wednesday when we hear about all things how to treat Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and other mental health issues naturally, without drugs. Looking forward to it!
This coming Wednesday 23rd, we'll have a very special speaker with a refreshing message: David Lomman is a Naturopath, specializing on natural, drug free methods to heal Mental Health issues, such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Choose from the club's Buffet or from their extensive breakfast menu (download from the link below the image on the left), or just have a cuppa. Note: order in the bistro downstairs, then take your meal to the upstairs restaurant and enjoy the fellowship!
As you are aware our exchange student Lucy Thorburn left on Saturday morning for her much anticipated 12 months as an exchange student to the Minneapolis region, USA. Whilst her flight left at 11.55am, this photo was taken around 9am at Brisbane international. In addition to the usual customs and immigration procedures you have to allow a further 75 minutes when going to the USA for additional security screening. Her flight time to LA was 14 hours followed by a 3 hour layover then another 4 hours to St Pauls International Airport. I can report she has arrived and was warmly welcomed by her host family and host Rotary club. Sincere thanks to my fellow club members for helping Lucy on the way. (Photo by Chris Thurtell)
On 20th February 2019, we'll again hold an event to recognize Vocational Excellence (in the past, we called it Pride of Workmanship Award).
We often hear complaints about poor service, but the 'Quiet Achievers' out there remain unrecognized! Here is your opportunity! You may nominate any person whom you consider to have provided you with excellent service and/or has shown a high level of skill in their profession, trade or vocation and whom you consider worthy of recognition. The nomination form is in the Download Section on the right side. Please send it directly to Richard Smith, our Chief of Vocational Service who is in charge of the organizing committee. Details are shown on the form.
This is a Multi District event, together with Districts 9600 and 9630, featuring Past Rotary International Director and Trustee of The Rotary Foundation, Bryn Styles. Adding additional interest is that in 2000, Bryn led a Group Study Exchange Team to Australia.
The dinner is held in Loganholme - $55.00 per person includes dinner. See full details in the PDF, available from the Download Section on the right. NOTE: This conflicts with our Excellence in Workmanship Award night.
OK, so it seems still to be a fair way off - two months away. But accommodation will soon become hard to get - other people have already booked. Your Editor and his better half will go down on Friday for the three days.
Why attend a District Conference?
Well, to start, it's fun: you meet lots of interesting people (the most interesting Rotarians DO attend the conference - not meaning to be bragging about myself of course)
You will hear Keynote Speakers for which you normally would pay hundreds of dollars to attend
The dinners are always superb fellowship events. The Saturday Night dinner is always very vibrant; this year they have a top notch Jazz & Swing band. Yes, we dance!
You learn a couple of things about Rotary which you may not have known before
Registration for Rotarians and their partners is free of charge, however, in fairness, a fee applies to partake in the events which serve food. Click on this link to go to the Registration Page.
It's out! Rotary International President Elect Mark Daniel Maloney has announced the Theme for Rotary International for the upcoming Rotary Year. Click on this link for more details.
Duty Roster - note: subject to change. Please check every week:
New duty: Fellowship. What does it entail? Your job is to ensure that all members, in particular new members, visitors and guests, and in particular the Guest Speaker, are welcomed, are introduced to other members and are comfortable. If required, explain the usual procedures, e.g. when we have our meal, when the speaker is expected to be at the rostrum etc.
As President Jo in her message points out, Membership Development is a priority for our (or any other) club. Membership is the responsibility of every member. So here is one of my favorite quotes:
You can't hire someone else to do your push ups for you. Jim Rohn
“Tennis is a young man’s game. Until you’re 25, you can play singles. From 25 to 35, you should play doubles. I won’t tell you exactly how old I am, but when I played, there were 28 men on the court – just on my side of the net.” George Burns (he lived to 100!)
This coming Wednesday 23rd, we'll have a very special speaker with a refreshing message: David Lomman is a Naturopath, specializing on natural, drug free methods to heal Mental Health issues, such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder..jpg)
On 20th February 2019, we'll again hold an event to recognize Vocational Excellence (in the past, we called it Pride of Workmanship Award).
OK, so it seems still to be a fair way off - two months away. But accommodation will soon become hard to get - other people have already booked. Your Editor and his better half will go down on Friday for the three days. 
coming Rotary Year. 
