Mater is a not-for-profit healthcare organisation which has been providing exceptional care to the Queensland community for more than 100 years at its hospitals at South Brisbane and Redland and now Springfield. Mater comprises seven hospitals, Health Centres (Brookwater, Hope Island and Redlands), the world-class Mater Research, as well as Mater Pathology and Mater Pharmacy, all with one aim—to provide exceptional care – meeting the healthcare needs of the community.
It all came about when I read a novel by William Forstchen'One Second After'. It is the first volume of a trilogy which, in rather detailed form, outlines the physical as well as psychological effects of an Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP), caused by a nuclear strike above the atmosphere of the earth. A novel, therefore it is fiction, isn't it? Numerous other novels in the dystopian genre have been written: from classics like George Orwell's 1984, Aldous Huxley's 'A brave new world' to more recent, modern writers such as Veronica Roth with her 'Divergent' series or Suzanne Collins with her 'Hunger Games' series. But it's not going to happen, isn't it..! All those hypothetical situations would be preventable, had the people been vigilant and arrested the decline before it was too late. (Hmmmm... would they?)
But coming back to EMP: is it fiction? I went digging a bit more and found numerous scientific references which clearly confirm what the underlying theme is all about. I give it to you in a nutshell: Should such an attack (or multiple attacks) occur, it will instantly (within seconds) totally obliterate everything that is electrical, electronic. Transformers will simply melt. All of them. Any device with electronics in them (transmission and communication equipment, motor vehicles, aircraft, ships, electric motors, just to list a few) are irretrievably damaged. It will not affect living organisms, e.g. nobody
will get killed, there will be no physical destruction as there would be in a ground based nuclear (or for that matter, conventional) attack. And before you get too comfortable: an EMP can also be caused by a Solar Flare albeit that type probably would not cause the failure of devices that are not plugged in at the time. The last one that would have had this effect was only 157 years ago (Sept 1859), when it burned the telegraph wires and equipment. And not even 6 years ago (July 2012), one "barely missed earth" according to NASA; had it come a week earlier...
So, think about it: No electricity. Not just for a few hours as in consequence of a cyclone. Not just for a few days. Not for weeks, not for years, for without electricity, there simply is no capacity to manufacture. There won't be any water (it is all pumped). No sewerage (yes, it is all pumped, and anyway, there is no water). Supermarkets will run out of supplies in a couple of days (panic buying). Buying? There's no money, it is all electronic these days - the banks won't be able to do anything for you...
Space does not permit me to go into great details. Perhaps pick up the novel yourself and read it. It provides a very clear outline of the human behaviour aspects of such an event too. Perhaps navigate to this link and get some more hard evidence: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electromagnetic_pulse.But what can you do about it? Quite a bit actually, at least to protect against an EMP caused by a Solar Flare. But that is the subject of another talk, another day...
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)
Freshly uploaded into the Download Section on the right: Col Laurensen answers the 33 Questions. [Gina Lollobrigida? Well before my time! NOT.] See if you can guess which one of his answers to Question 33 is correct?
At last Wednesday's meeting, Assistant Governor David Baguley presented Past President (2016/17) Simon Brook with two banners from The Rotary Foundation (TRF) for our club's special achievements in his year. Our club was recognized for punching well above our weight when it comes to supporting The Rotary Foundation. Quoting from a letter from TRF's chief Philanthropy Officer, of a total of 35,000 Rotary Clubs worldwide, we are one of just 1,573 (4.5%) clubs scoring in the Top Three Highest in Per Capita Annual Giving, and one of only 5,034 (14%) clubs worldwide to attain status as an Every Rotarian, Every Year club. And we are one of only 4,136 clubs (12%) to become a 100% Foundation Giving Club. To achieve this, the club must achieve an average of giving US$ 100.00, with every member personally contributing US$ 25.00 or more to TRF. Well done, fellows!
Richard Smith was at the door (for Charles Thomasson), Al Sirovs was Chairman and Tania Laird was Sergeant.
We had an apology from Charles Thomasson, Gerald East, Jo Gorman, Rosie McIntyre, Daryl Sanderson and Des La Rance. We understand that Jo Gorman was unexpectedly called to visit her mother who had suffered a stroke. We wish Jo's mum a speedy recovery.
President Andy Bell wellcomed all members and our visitor, Assistant Governor David Baguley. Andy asked Peter Morgan, a Charter Member and long term "legal eagle" who continues to advise the club and its board on anything relating to legal agreements and issues involving the Wheelchair Trust to outline to members the details of the relationship between the trust and the club as such. A document outlining Peter's assessment is uploaded in the Document Section of our Website(you need to log in to access it - after login, go to Organization, Documents, Service Projects, Wheelchair Trust).
AG David Baguley had a special presentation to make: our club was recognized for punching well above our weight when it comes to supporting The Rotary Foundation. Quoting from a letter from TRF's chief Philanthropy Officer, of a total of 35,000 Rotary Clubs worldwide, we are one of 1,573 (4.5%) Top Three Highest in Per Capita Annual Giving, and one of only 5,034 (14%) clubs worldwide to attain status as an Every Rotarian, Every Year club. (See separate report and picture).
David also foreshadowed the next Gold Coast Ramble, which will be held on 5th August 2018. The Surfers Paradise Alliance have assured us every assistance possible. Some 6 - 7 Charities have so far agreed to participate, and we'll be nominating the Malaria Vaccine Project. We also are looking for some volunteers for the Salvo's Red Shield Appeal. Note, this does NOT involve door knocking. More about this as we get closer to the date.
Vocational Service Chair Richard Smith confirmed that our club will run a Pride of Workmanship Award on Wednesday 21st February 2018. It will be an evening meeting, held at the Surfers Paradise RSL Club. Cost is only $20.00 per person, which includes a sumptuous dinner. See separate article.
Doug Lipp elaborated briefly on a meeting he had when in Albury with people who had been involved in the Melbourne Commonwealth Games 2006, and District Youth Exchange Chair Chris Thurtell expressed his gratitude to all who help with his portfolio. Our new YE Student Gigi (introduced last week) is currently in Melbourne.
Not too many got away scott free last Wednesday. For a start: All those without badges on (lots of them...), Simon Brook – where are our NEW badges? Peter Morgan accused (in error by the Sergeant) for encouraging Al Sirovs to have a double knee replacement... Doug Lipp – Magic Millions failure Running in his Stride... Franz Huber, your reporting of the Sergeant's sessions is sooo wrong...! [My plea that it was only a feeble attempt to spice it up a little fell on deaf ears. Anyhow, the Sergeant kindly provided me with her list, so no more slip-ups! Ed.] Meanwhile, Tania herself will pay $2 for every week her “33 Questions” is not sent to Franz... Mitch Brown is all striped up... Fred Hamblen was stealing pens... Chris Thurtell, you were late! To close off, Graeme Isaacson paid $2 for the opportunity read a newspaper article he had especially cut out. It dealt with the relationship of Heart Attacks, Diet and Sex. Regrettably, your Editor was too stunned to write it all down...
At the recent International Assembly, RI President Elect Barry Rassin released the new theme for 2018. Here it is!
District Webmaster Denis Hallworth has uploaded the videos to the District Website. Click on this link. Denis also has uploaded the links to 12 videos of individual speakers from that event (just below it, or go direct via this link.
Our problem right now is that we're so specialized that if the lights go out, there are a huge number of people who are not going to know what to do. But within every dystopia there is a little utopia. Margaret Atwood, Author.
“Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.” (Clarke’s Third Law). Arthur C. Clarke, Science Fiction Writer
It all came about when I read a novel by 
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.
At last Wednesday's meeting, Assistant Governor David Baguley presented Past President (2016/17) Simon Brook with two banners from The Rotary Foundation (TRF) for our club's special achievements in his year. Our club was recognized for punching well above our weight when it comes to supporting The Rotary Foundation. Quoting from a letter from TRF's chief Philanthropy Officer, of a total of 35,000 Rotary Clubs worldwide, we are one of just 1,573 (4.5%) clubs scoring in the Top Three Highest in Per Capita Annual Giving, and one of only 5,034 (14%) clubs worldwide to attain status as an Every Rotarian, Every Year club. And we are one of only 4,136 clubs (12%) to become a 100% Foundation Giving Club. To achieve this, the club must achieve an average of giving US$ 100.00, with every member personally contributing US$ 25.00 or more to TRF. Well done, fellows!
AG David Baguley had a special presentation to make: our club was recognized for punching well above our weight when it comes to supporting The Rotary Foundation. Quoting from a letter from TRF's chief Philanthropy Officer, of a total of 35,000 Rotary Clubs worldwide, we are one of 1,573 (4.5%) Top Three Highest in Per Capita Annual Giving, and one of only 5,034 (14%) clubs worldwide to attain status as an Every Rotarian, Every Year club. (See separate report and picture). .jpg)
Not too many got away scott free last Wednesday. For a start: All those without badges on (lots of them...), Simon Brook – where are our NEW badges? Peter Morgan accused (in error by the Sergeant) for encouraging Al Sirovs to have a double knee replacement... Doug Lipp – Magic Millions failure Running in his Stride... Franz Huber, your reporting of the Sergeant's sessions is sooo wrong...! 
At the recent International Assembly, RI President Elect Barry Rassin released the new theme for 2018. Here it is!.PNG)
