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Presidents Message
 
Successful well-run meetings do not happen by chance. It takes planning and the help of many. We have a roster system that is fairly distributed amongst all members and everyone will have the opportunity to have a turn in each ‘job’.  Please, if you are rostered it is up to you to find a replacement. If you are unable to do so, please let John D’Anna know beforehand. Our last meeting was rather hectic but luckily a few extra members chipped in to help.  Lindy was on the desk by herself and unfortunately not everyone got the message to come in the other way so we had people coming in at both entrances to the room. 
 
I must say a special Thank You to Eddie Klimowicz. After missing two meetings in a row for different reasons Eddie really demonstrated his flexibility to just step in and help out where needed. He had agreed to be the greeter for another member.  Not long after he arrived Rob French, who was to be our chairperson arrived at the door saying he really wasn't feeling very well. Eddie suggested that he should go home and to put Robs mind at rest he agreed to be the chairperson for the evening.  (and what a great job he did) I offered to double his pay.
 
Our meeting took on a youth theme with our scholarship students in attendance and our guest speaker Amani Matamu from Gold Coast Youth Services. Having looked after the Scholarships for a number of years Lyn MacArthur was the perfect person to introduce the Ernie Hicks Scholarship recipients in Melissa's absence. For something different I did an interview style question and answer session with Mariette final year, Andrew 2nd year and Jayden 1st year to help them inform us of their progress with their studies and their career goals for the future.  We bid farewell to Mariette as this is her final year.  It is a joy to see how much our scholarship students grow over the three years.
 
Amani informed us about the wonderful work they do with homeless youth and Samuel spoke to us from experience of homelessness, being supported by GCYS and now on a pathway to success. I am looking forward to our club supporting Gold Coast Youth Services with the amazing work they do. To round of his duties Eddie also gave a heartfelt vote of thanks. I offered to triple his pay. It is with the help of members like Eddie that keep our meetings on track when unavoidable things happen and I sincerely thank you.
 
I am looking forward to seeing you on Thursday and I am interested to hear what Dr. Sami Ahmad MBBS MSc FRACGP EDPM FFPMANZCA a Specialist Pain Medicine Physician has to say.  His specialty is very relevant to many of the people I assist in my work.   
"Dr Sami completed his Pain Medicine training at Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane QLD. He has a public appointment as SMO Pain medicine at PA Hospital and Visiting Medical officer at Brisbane Private Hospital and Sunnybank Private Hospital.
 
With a special interest in musculoskeletal pain, Dr Sami has been using biologics to
manage chronic debilitating conditions like osteoarthritis. To achieve accurate diagnosis
and precision guidance of orthobiologic injections, he has incorporated point-of-care
ultrasound (POCUS) into his practice.
 
                   
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Guest Speaker - 07 October
 
The guest speaker for this meeting is Specialist Pain Medicine Physician Dr. Sami Ahmad MBBS MSc FRACGP EDPM FFPMANZCA

"Dr Sami completed his Pain Medicine training at Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane QLD.
 
He has a public appointment as SMO Pain medicine at PA Hospital and Visiting Medical officer at Brisbane Private Hospital and Sunnybank Private Hospital.
 
With a special interest in musculoskeletal pain, Dr Sami has been using biologics to
manage chronic debilitating conditions like osteoarthritis.
 
To achieve accurate diagnosis
and precision guidance of orthobiologic injections, he has incorporated point-of-care
ultrasound (POCUS) into his practice.
 
This is a great opportunity to invite friends and partners.
 
 
 
ShelterBoxes for Haiti 
 
As previously advised, our club has generously donated $2,000 towards providing ShelterBoxes for Haiti following the recent earthquake and subsequent damage suffered by those in that area.
 
Good news from Haiti!
 
All of our aid has safely arrived, been re-packaged into family kits and is being prepared for distribution.
 
Since the 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck the country, damage reports have continued to escalate. 
 
Final reports estimate 61,000 homes were destroyed and an additional 77,000 sustained serious damage, leaving thousands of people homeless.
Working with Habitat for Humanity Haiti, we’re providing 2,000 families with shelter kits, including: tarpaulins, blankets, solar lights, kitchen sets, sleeping mats, mosquito nets and hygiene kits.
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Barefoot Bowls - Thursday 21 October
 
Our next Celebration and Vocational Event is happening on Thursday, 21 October at Broadbeach Bowls Club. The fun will kick off at 5.30pm, about the same time you will be kicking off your shoes! 
 
The night will start with a friendly and let's face it, competitive game of Barefoot Lawn Bowls followed by dinner and drinks. 
 
There is no charge for the bowling and you simply pay for your own food and drinks on the night. 
 
Final numbers for this fun filled evening are required by no later than Monday 18 October. 
 
Please email Marion directly to confirm your attendance by this date at marion@boulevardnorth.com.au 
 
This event will be in place of our normal club meeting due to be held that night and as always, invited guests and partners are welcome to come along and join in the fun on the night. If you've been thinking of bringing someone along to a meeting what better time to do so! 
Barefoot Lawn Bowls Information
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ROMAC Update 
Harold Sharp OAM - Chairman
 
My Fellow Rotarians and Friends of ROMAC

I sincerely hope this newsletter finds you safe and well and coping with the ongoing day-to-day challenges of the COVID virus.

Regrettably the Federal Government will still not allow us to bring children into Australia or New Zealand because of restrictions due to the pandemic.  However, we have around 40 patients on our waiting list who will be treated as soon as possible once border closures are lifted.

For your interest, ROMAC's contact in Timor Leste, Mario and his wife, Zhy Da Cruz, welcomed a new baby daughter recently, but while she was in hospital following the delivery Zhy was diagnosed with COVID.  Fortunately, she is okay and continues to improve daily.  Congratulations to Mario and Zhy from all at ROMAC.

Recently ROMAC's IT Support Chair, Richard Woodburn, undertook a review of ROMAC patient information and has reported that the number of children treated by ROMAC since our inception currently stands at 537.  There have been more cases on record - in actual fact, these total 634 - but because some children have had to return to Australia or New Zealand for follow-up treatment, sometimes on multiple occasions - the case numbers outweigh the actual patient numbers.
 
Thank you to those of you who purchased wine through our recent Tyrrell's Special Wine Offer for ROMAC.  This has been another successful event and an important contribution to our fundraising targets.
 
Train Ride to End Polio 
 
The 2021 Rotary Train Ride to End Polio will take place on Friday, 22 October.
 
This year's route will include only the Gold Coast’s main train stations starting at Varsity Lakes and finishing at Helensvale station.
 
At Helensvale station we will transfer to the G-Link tram travelling to the Broadbeach South stop and back to Helensvale station.
The last leg will be on the main train again from Helensvale to Varsity Lakes station.
 
There are two ways that your club can participate in the event:
Rotarians can either meet the train or tram at any of the stations for a photo opportunity (bring you club banner and/or your ceremonial cheque with you for display);
 
AND
 
Rotarians could complete the ride or part of the ride on the train and/or tram entering and leaving at any of the listed stations.
The more participants, the merrier!
 
The train ride will take place during early morning peak-time ride starting at 07:10 am and finishing at 09:52am to allow as many Rotarians as possible to participate in the ride and to get maximum exposure.
 
Our aim is to create awareness amongst the general public about the Polio Plus program and about Rotary. 
 
If you are able to attend on the day please let Rotary Foundation Chair Melissa Neilsen know by emailing melissaneilsen1979@gmail.com 
 
Polio Train Timetable
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Community Update
 
Rize-Up
Another Rize-Up house was completed on Saturday 25th September. Just wanted to say a huge thanks to the following Rotary Members that assisted:
 
  • Lindy Dupree
  • Glenn Wran
  • Greg Bowler
  • John Davis
It was a very rewarding day setting up a house for a Mum and new born baby. Also I love working with Rotary Members on these houses and finding out more about their lives, as during the set-ups there is much chatting, joking and music.
 
Please watch out in the following weeks for a call out for Rotary member volunteers, for more Rize-Up houses to assist those escaping Domestic Violence in our community. If you are new to our club please take a moment to ‘on-board’ with RIze-Up. If you have any questions please seek me out in the next Rotary meeting. I’d love to help and discuss.

Here is a photo from the Rize-Up house on the 25th September:

Balwyn Grant proposal
Finally, I have submitted the Balwyn Grant proposal for funding to support the Gold Coast Youth Service (GCYS). The aim of supporting  GCYS through our club is to address the ever growing issue of Youth Homelessness. It is a very exciting project in collaboration with GCYS of supplying laptops for the Youth Training arm of the service. Our club is also working towards compiling welfare packs (hygiene packs) of new clean underwear and socks for GCYS.

Louise Davis
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Rotary Race Day 
 
Did someone say Spring Racing?
 
The Surfers Paradise Rotary Race Day is back this year and will be held on
Saturday 23 October 2021. 
 
The cause of the day is helping to raise funds and awareness for the Malaria Vaccine Project. 
 
Everyone is invited to come along and support Rotary and this wonderful cause.
 
Attached is a copy of the invitation with all the details to come together as Rotarians and help support the Surfers Paradise Rotary Club in their fundraising efforts.
 
The cost per person is $85 which entitles you to a hot and cold buffet lunch. 
 
Tickets can be purchased by either clicking on the Try Booking link or by scanning the QR code.  And of course, there are prizes for the best dressed male and female categories along with best hat and plenty of raffle draws. 
 
So what better time to dust off the suits and pull out the fascinator's for a wonderful day out at the races.
 
If the event is cancelled due to COVID, full refunds will apply.
             

Major Equipment Donation
Courtesy of the Rotary Club of Surfers Sunrise Bulletin
 
Major equipment donation by South Coast Radiology

Major donation by South Coast Radiology: Medical Equipment technician, Ben Loots and
Dr Graham Sivyer (RC of Broadbeach) have arranged for a perfectly working Computed Radiology Imaging System to be donated for our Mauna Health Centre X-Ray Unit project.

At the time of collection, Ben Loots baked (another) almond cherry cake to thank SCR.

The donated imaging equipment will save Rotary U$10,000 by eliminating the need to purchase a Digital Detector.
 
Our sincere thanks go to South Coast Radiology and their chief radiographer Steve Wills. 
 
(Photo supplied by Ben Loots -  above; Ben Loots, SCR Radiographers Amy, Phil and Dr Graham Sivyer)
 
View Race Day Invitation Here
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Executives & Directors
President
Kathy Hogan
 
Immediate Past President
Melissa Neilsen
 
Secretary
Mark Urquhart
 
Treasurer
John Davis
 
Executive Secretary
Mark Urquhart
 
Club Administration
John D'Anna
 
Community Service
Louise Davis
 
Vocational Services
Marion Simon
 
International Service
Viv Mallinson
 
Membership
Glenn Wran
 
Rotary Foundation
Melissa Neilsen
 
Youth Services
Baz Lane
 
Club Services
David Geelan
 
Club Information
We welcome visitors to enjoy great fellowship at our club meetings and memorable fund-raising events 
Gold Coast Rotary
Service Above Self
Thursdays at 6:15 PM
Southport Golf Club
Cnr Slatyer Avenue and Poinciana Crescent
Southport, QLD 4215
Australia
1st and 3rd Thursday of month at 5.45 for 6.15pm
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District Site
VenueMap
Venue Map
ClubRunner Mobile
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