I was excited to head off last Friday for the road trip to Tenterfield for the District Expo with Natalie and Vivienne. I hadn’t been to Tenterfield for few years since last going to the Opera in the Vineyard in Stanthorpe. The Expo definitely had a lovely country feel and everywhere we went the locals asked us if we were having a good time.
The speakers overall were better than I expected with positive reports from others who attended. I must confess we missed a couple due to getting a little lost finding the location of the Expo after a bit of shopping. Without a doubt the highlight for me was spending time with other members of our club and their partners and especially getting to know the newer members better. Other than that, what happened in Tenterfield stays in Tenterfield.
As well as the Expo it’s been quite a busy three weeks, Barry Lane lead a team of helpers for our first Bunnings BBQ. Story and photos below. In the photos you will see a group of people enjoying themselves. Whilst these BBQs are a fund raiser, they provide fun and fellowship, give members the opportunity to get involved and to feel included and we have the opportunity to engage with the public. A personal thank you Barry and John Davis for your effort in make it a success. Barry, you rallied a terrific team and you gave up going to the District Expo to make sure this first one ran smoothly. On behalf of the members of the club thank you all for the hard work and a great result.
The Botanical Bazaar committee have been busy locking in Speakers, Exhibitors, Foodies, organising the decoration of the Butterflies and the launch of the Early Bird ticket sales. Please share share share the BB Facebook posts. David and his team are moving ahead with preparations for the Ramble.
As Louise is away Barry took over organising the Rize Up house that we furnished on Saturday. It started out as an all-girl team assisting Barry, however, we were lucky to have Mark Urquhart and Andrew Foskett help on the day. Due to previous injuries, that I have, I was an ‘extra’ assigned to the Kitchen and Bathroom while the others did all of the heavy lifting up the stairs and assembling all of the flat pack furniture. It was hot and heavy work but lots of team work with smiles and comradery.
We will be treated to two exceptional speakers this week. Please see below for details.
No One Can Do Everything but Everyone Can Do Something
Note down Thursday 21 April in your diaries as we are very pleased to advise that our special guests for this meeting will be the recipients of the Ernie Hicks Memorial Scholarship.
Given this scholarship runs over a 3 year period, we will have all 3 students in attendance on the evening including our first year student.
If you have attended a meeting with the students previously you will know how wonderful it is to have the students come along and update the members on how their studies are going as well as watch the students progress and grow during their time with us particulary given the scholarship is awarded to students who have faced a personal adversity whilst still gaining entry to University.
If you haven't yet met the scholarship students then this is your opportunity to come along and see just what a difference your club is making to the Youth on the Gold Coast.
We hope to see you all on there on the night!
Membership Summit
What makes our Rotary Membership Memorable?
To find answers to this big question, our District Membership Team has organised a one-day summit to discuss “Making Rotary Membership Memorable” on Saturday 23 April.
The venue is the new Rydges Gold Coast Airport Hotel. The summit starts at 9.30 am with Tea Coffee, short bites and ends at 3pm including lunch and a beer. Plenty of time for interaction and networking. Only 100 seats are available.
We are inviting all Rotary District Leaders in Australia to hear from & meet face to face the inspirational guest speaker Rtn. Jason Browne from Pennsylvania in the USA in District 6290. This is one rare opportunity never to be missed.
Along with Jason a host of workshop facilitators will also be there on the day. For more information please see the attached flyer below.
On the programme TWO presentations about two serious and interesting causes.
Paul Mergard, CEO, Destiny Rescue
Destiny Rescue’s mission is to rescue children from sexual exploitation and human trafficking and help them stay free. They operate rescue, reintegration and prevention programs in multiple countries, and raise funds and awareness in the United States, Australia and New Zealand.
For the past 20 years, Paul has worked for leading International Not-For-Profits organisations like Destiny Rescue, Compassion Australia, and The Salvation Army to help change the lives of children who live in poverty and slavery.
Gareth Edwards will be speaking about the logistics around RizeUp’s homes programme
The RizeUp mission is to drive awareness of domestic and family violence within society by generating life-changing, practical support for the families affected, giving them the hope and empowerment to move on to a life free from violence.
To do this, we bring communities together, facilitate volunteers, and make real, far reaching and practical contributions to these families.
Founded by CEO Nicolle Edwards, Rizeup Australia is a community-driven organisation of passionate men and women, dedicated to supporting the many families affected by domestic and family violence.
This is a great opportunity to invite colleagues, friends and partners.
Below is information and Flyer re Scenic Rim Field Day which will be held on April 8th &
9th at the Harrisville Football Oval.
Should you wish to attend or for further information please contact Scott Champion at scott.champion63@gmail.com
The Fassifern Valley Rotary Club is running
the inaugural Scenic Rim Rotary Field Day on April 8 & 9 at the Harrisville Football oval.
Along with many and varied exhibitors, ranging from commercial businesses, to not-for-profit organisations such as Lifeline and 4 Aussie Heroes, we will have presenters speaking on bee-keeping, equine veterinary care, cattle nutrition and water management, to name but
a few of the topics during the field day, and
also working dog and horsemanship demonstrations.
The fund raising focus for the Scenic Rim Rotary Field Day is to assist the fight against domestic violence, homelessness and mental health issues within the Scenic Rim community. For more information about purchasing tickets or exhibiting at the field
At the 2017 Launch of MVP, Sir Peter Cosgrove made this comment, “Working together ‘white coats’ and Rotarians can eliminate malaria. Let’s make it a reality!”
This memorable mantra lit the torch for us, as has his continuing encouragement over the last five years. I thank him and Lady Cosgrove for this inspiration and enduring support. However, as I said at the Anniversary, “We are not there yet!” So what has changed since 2017?
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Research Project Update
Behind the Lab Doors
Celebration of the 5th Anniversary
Introducing our National Ambassador
Q&A with Sandy Doumany OAM
Q&A with Laraine Brennan
Colin’s Way - Kayaking for a Cause
Spotlighting Teresa Dawson and malariavaccineproject.com
A huge shout out to everyone that helped out with the club's first sausage sizzle for the club on Sunday 27 March at Bunnings, Southport.
A hugely successful result and great fellowship with all involved.
Thank you Eddie, Corbin (John D son), Mark, John & Louise D, Lisa, Michelle, Marion, Sue, Wendy, Lea, Lindy, Melissa and Jenny and outstanding efforts to make today a wonderful success.
We sold out of everything and all had a great day.
