Happy Birthday Rotary 109 years. The Granite Grapevine. Newsletter of District Governor Tony Heading. Monthly Theme World Understanding

Transcription

1 District 9640 The Granite Grapevine Newsletter of District Governor Tony Heading Issue 8 Feb 2014 Feb Where s Tony 16 AG & Leadership Training Tweed Heads 19 District Conference Meeting Stanthorpe 21 GSE team departure to Mexico Brisbane International Airport 21 GC SUNS Meeting Oxenford 21 Meeting with Treasurer Southport 22 Swimarathon for Polio Murwillumbah 23 DG Selection Ocean Shores 28 ROMAC meeting Gold Coast Mar 6 District Conference Meeting Stanthorpe 8 PETS Ballina 8 District Awards Meeting Ballina 8 DG Visit RC Lismore 13 District Conference Meeting Stanthorpe D4180 GSE Team arrives Brisbane 15 Technology Meeting Southport 17 GSE District Welcome Star Cafe Coomera Valley RC 20 District Conference Meeting Stanthorpe 28 Rotary Leadership Institute Qld College of Wine Tourism 28 College of Governors Luncheon Qld College of Wine Tourism District 9640 Conference Civic Centre, Stanthorpe Engaging with the Governor Rotary joins leaders from all continents, cultures, and occupations whether it is in Rotary clubs, Rotaract clubs or Interact clubs. This month we have witnessed the charter of the Rotaract Club of Warwick, the second Rotaract club chartered in District 9640 this Rotary year. Two Interact clubs have also been chartered and there are three more in the pipeline. I thank the sponsor clubs and our District Leadership Team for their efforts to bring these future leaders into Rotary. We have also been privileged recently to meet many of the participants in the Rotary Youth Transition Seminar (RYTS), our Rotary Youth Leadership Awardees (RYLA), our Youth Exchange students (YEP) and our Group Study Exchange (GSE) team members. Rotary has made a huge difference to the lives of these young people and it would be remiss of Rotarians if we did not follow through on our investment and keep them engaged in our Rotary service activities. We are encouraging many of these future Rotarians to participate in our District Conference. During this month s focus on World Understanding, my mind turns to our forthcoming Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA) teams, our YEP students beginning life in another country, our Rotary Friendship Exchanges, our international Twin Club exchanges and the GSE Team we farewelled at the airport for a life-changing cultural and educational experience in Mexico. Soon the inbound GSE team from Mexico will arrive and I thank those clubs and Rotarians who have opened up their homes to host our international visitors. We live the world understanding value of Rotary when we foster life-long friendships. District Conference and the RI Convention in Sydney are wonderful opportunities to further foster these friendships. I hope to see you there. Please register for these events if you haven t already done so. Best wishes to those Rotarians undertaking activities such as the World s Greatest Meal, the Family of Rotary dinner, the RAWCS 50 year celebration dinner, the Swimarathon and other community events to celebrate Rotary s 109th birthday. Happy Birthday Rotary 109 years

2 Page 2 RI President Ron Burton s Message It was 109 years ago this month that Paul Harris and three of his friends founded the first Rotary club. His goal was simple: to create an oasis of friendship amid a city of strangers, with those who shared his values. Over time, the philosophy of Rotary developed and matured, and Rotarian ideals expanded to include service, vocational ethics, and international understanding. As Rotary grew and spread, Paul Harris envisioned a world in which conflict would ultimately melt away a world where personal connections and acceptance of differences would relegate war to history. If people could only come together in a spirit of friendship and tolerance, he felt, they would soon realize how much they had in common. Paul Harris was fortunate in his lifetime to see the Rotary idea take hold and establish itself in dozens of countries around the world. Every week, in 34,000 communities, his vision lives on in every Rotary club meeting. But nowhere in the world does Paul Harris' vision take life as vividly as it does at our annual Rotary International convention. At a convention, for a few short days, we see the world as Paul Harris imagined it: a world where men and women from every corner of the globe come together, to build peace, to serve others, and simply to enjoy one another's company. Differences of background, politics, culture, and religion are woven together, all part of one bright tapestry. It is an unforgettable experience, one that Jetta and I look forward to every year. Every convention is different, and every one becomes a memory that we cherish. This year, I will have the tremendous privilege of presiding over the 105th Rotary International Convention in Sydney, 1-4 June. Sydney is a vibrant international hub, a gateway between East and West, and a wonderfully appropriate city to host a Rotary convention. It is tremendously diverse, rich in culture and history, and one of my favorite cities to visit; at once exciting and relaxed, it is a place where I know I will always feel at home and always find something new to see and do. The first four Rotarians (circa ) Gustavus Loehr Silvester Schiele Hiram Shorey Paul P. Harris Membership All you need to do is ask! At Thursday's breakfast meeting, Coomera River inducted their newest member, Robin Davies (pictured with President Steve Sammes). Robin is the owner operator of the Riviera Yacht Club, located within the marine precinct at Coomera. He moved to the Gold Coast from Melbourne and saw the club in action at a 'sausage sizzle' fundraiser at a local Dan Murphy's store. Robin asked to help out and one of our members asked him to come along to a club meeting. Following a few visits, he was asked to join..it's all about asking isn't it? In 2014, Rotary members will gather to say G'day from Sydney. We will come together as friends and Rotarians, to reach out to the world and to one another, in an environment where all are welcome. I hope you will join us as we celebrate our successes, look to the future, and discover new ways to Engage Rotary, Change Lives.

3 Page 3 District Conference Engage Rotary, Change Lives General Information Registration All attendees must pre-register using this link: Dress is smart casual for all sessions and events. Coats are recommended for evening functions as Stanthorpe can be cool. Ties are optional. There is no theme for the Saturday night Dinner Dance to be held in the Rotary marquee. Clubs who have Rotary shirts are encouraged to wear them on Saturday for the roll call. Please bring a hat if you are participating in one of the Granite Belt Experiences. Theme Puzzle will be rebuilt during roll call on Saturday morning. Don t forget your club piece! Enjoy the Granite Belt Experience FUN, FLAVOUR and FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM Friday, 28 March Rotary Leadership Institute Program Qld College of Wine Tourism College of Governors Luncheon Qld College of Wine Tourism 1.00 Display and Registration areas set up 2.00 Registration Desk opens 5.30 Pre-Dinner Drinks - Entertainment by Beviaqua 6.15 Move to dinner seating Grace 6.30 BUFFET DINNER - Entertainment by Beviaqua 8.00 Call to Order - PLENARY SESSION 1 Arrival of Official Party & Flag Ceremony National Anthem Welcome to Country Kath Wenban Civic Welcome & Official Opening Cr Peter Blundell, Mayor, Southern Downs Regional Council 9.30 CLOSE Welcome to Conference - DG Tony Heading RI President s Representative PDG Howard Tong Keynote Speaker - Kim McCosker How One Little Book Changed My Life

4 Page 4 Program for District Conference PROGRAM Saturday, 29 March Registration Call to Order - PLENARY SESSION 2 Opening remarks - DG Tony Heading In Memoriam - Lighting of the Memorial Candle announced by Fran Hodgson Keynote Speaker - Dr Hayley Linthwaite The C Word: Conflict, Creativity, Change RI President s Representative PDG Howard Tong Roll Call of Clubs Rebuilding the Conference Theme Puzzle District Awards # MORNING TEA Call to Order - PLENARY SESSION 3 Keynote Speakers - Akram Azimi/Michael Sheldrick - Rotary s Impossible Dream Keynote Speaker- Professor Michael Good - How Close Are We To Preventing Malaria By Vaccination? Entertainment by local Bush Poet - Jack Drake Keynote Speakers - The Brains Trust (Julian Buttigieg, Andrew Nolan, and Glen Gorton) The Rickshaw Run LUNCH Weeroona Park 1.00 Call to Order - PLENARY SESSION 4 District Awards #2 Entertainment by local Bush Poet, Jack Drake Keynote Speaker - Brendan Porter - Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children Inbound Group Study Exchange Team from D4180, Mexico 2.30 Granite Belt Experience farm tour/apple picking or museum 7.00 DINNER Rotary Marquee, Sullivan Oval Entertainment by Penny Davies, Roger Ilott & the Ring-Ins

5 Page 5 PROGRAM Sunday, 30 March Optional breakfast Business Session - Civic Centre Program for District Conference Call to Order - PLENARY SESSION 5 Group Study Exchange Team to D3450 Hong Kong, Macau, Mongolia (2013) Keynote Speaker - Catherine O Sullivan - From GSE to Bond DGE Wendy Scarlett - Preview 2015 District Conference Keynote Speaker - Corey Bell - Shining a Light on Rotary on the GC SUNS Horizon District Awards #3 Introduction of Keynote Speaker - Keith Abraham MORNING TEA Call to Order - PLENARY SESSION 6 Keynote Speaker - Michael Sheldrick/Akram Azimi Refugees: Deviant Identities and Criminalised Journeys District Awards #4 Conference Appreciation - PDG Howard Tong, RI President s Representative 1.00 LUNCH Keynote Speaker - Keith Abraham - Engagement with Passion Closing Remarks and Thanks - DG Tony Heading Now that you have seen the program, you will have realised that this is a District Conference not to be missed. If you haven t registered yet, please do so today by clicking on this link:

6 Australia Day Honours Kay Danes OAM Member E-Club NextGen Qld Page 6 KAY Danes, of Wellington Point, has been honoured with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the community through promoting social justice and human rights. An author and humanitarian, Kay has been living between Australia and the Middle East for two years, as her husband Kerry, a member of the Australian Defence Force, is on deployment in the Middle East. She has worked tirelessly for many years in Australia and overseas, raising awareness of human rights and social justice, having experienced the violation of her own human rights 13 years ago when she and her husband Kerry, while working for a security company in Laos, were unlawfully detained over a dispute between the Laotian Government and one of their clients. They spent almost 12 months in a prison in Laos, where they were tortured and interrogated before diplomatic efforts secured their release, and a pardon was given by the President of Laos. Among the many projects on which she has worked, Kay, who is completing her Masters in Human Rights, has helped create greater safety for Australian travellers by helping to educate the community about not expecting to find in other countries the same judicial processes as those found in Australia, and has run campaigns to improve health and education for people who live in poverty and those affected by war zones and conflict. In Australia, she also campaigns to improve literacy among indigenous Australians and supports the Soldier On charity, which assists Australian soldiers who were wounded in Afghanistan. She has helped renovate a women s prison in Afghanistan, and has also been a volunteer consultant to the National Human Rights Commission of Australia, the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties and the Secretary to the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture. Kay is currently starting a project called Blankets and Books, which aims to supply orphans in Jordan with care packages containing books, a blanket, small toys, crayons, pyjamas and more. She said receiving the OAM didn t seem quite real. It s hard to describe the feeling, but I m really proud that whoever nominated me and whoever selected me, thought me worthy of this award, she said. Kay attributed her drive to help others to her parents, who were self-funded missionaries in the Philippines. Written by Judith Kerr and published in The Bayside Bulletin 26 January 2014 District Conference Stanthorpe March A weekend of fun, food and fellowship which is not to be missed. Please register today if you haven t already done so. Friday night is filling fast!

7 Australia Day Honours Col Lee OAM Member RC of Ballina-on-Richmond Page 7 Col Lee wrote: No doubt this is a great honour for me to receive such recognition for the many things I do and have done. In a radio interview today, I said that there is no doubt that Rotary has played an enormous role in me receiving this award. Rotary has presented me with many opportunities and challenges in my 28 years as a Rotarian but it has given me confidence with great people around me to make things happen. I am so blessed to be married to my wonderful wife Julie, who supports me all the way in everything I do. Julie has contributed enormously in me being nominated and receiving this prestigious award so I look at it as a joint award. The Investiture Ceremony will take place at Government House in Sydney on 30th of April where Her Excellency the Governor will conduct the Ceremony. Ballina Shire Community Event of the Year La Balsa Anniversary RC of Ballina-on-Richmond Published in The Northern Star L to R. Trevor Emery, President Wayne Crawford, Ballina Australia Day Ambassador George Negus and Ballinaon-Richmond Las Balsas co-ordinator Sheila Aveling. In his summation of the Las Balsas 40th Anniversary civic reception and dinner, Ballina Mayor David Wright said: "Of all the functions that I have attended, this was the best organised, run and the most enjoyable. I cannot applaud the Rotary Club of Ballina-on-Richmond enough for running such a professional and significant historical function of great importance for Ballina in recent times. Your job has been nothing short of outstanding. On behalf of Ballina Shire, thank you".

8 Around the Clubs on Australia Day Page 8 Rotary Club of Boonah Australia Day has come around again and another successful function has been held in Boonah. This is the fifth year that the function has been held since Boonah Rotary spearheaded the move to reintroduce an Australia Day ceremony in the town. In March 2008, Boonah Shire Council was amalgamated with Beaudesert Shire Council to form Scenic Rim Regional Council and most Council functions were moved to Beaudesert. Australia Day 2009 arrived, and the community discovered there was no Australia Day ceremony in Boonah it too had moved to Beaudesert. There were a good few people who had their noses put out of joint by this decision including many members of Boonah Rotary. The President at the time negotiated with Council in an effort to redress the situation, but Council was steadfast in its decision. Boonah Rotary, with the assistance of other service organizations in the community (Lions, Quota, Inner Wheel and the RSL), then set about creating a Boonah Australia Day event. A new set of Australia Day awards was created The Fassifern Australia Day Awards where local people are recognized by local people. Activities such as this, where there is a lot of club involvement with the community, really do help to raise community awareness of Rotary, and when members talk about Rotary to the public, the reaction is usually I didn t realize Rotary did so much. This activity is well worth the effort. Keynote Speaker Stephen Robertson, Mayor John Brent, with Senior Citizen of the Year Ann Andrews, Citizen of the year Meredith Stone, and Member for Beaudesert Jon Krause. Rotary Club of Byron Bay The Byron Bay Rotary Club continues to explore ways to improve closer connections and relevancy within the local community. Australia Day 2014 was one example, where the usual breakfast session got a little bit "bouncy." The addition of a jumping castle (pictured) was an intentional effort to get 2014 "off-the-ground", to attract younger families, and to set the stage for a fun day of celebrations, music, community acknowledgements and awards. Our club is embarking on a 2014 strategic plan designed to enhance closer community connections and foster deeper engagement with a new range of fundraising activities, youthfocussed programs, and a "Conscious Byron" events schedule that will run throughout the year. Committing to the shift from purely membership driven "activity" towards closer "engagement "will see program teams evolving to include both existing members and those who simply want to be a "Friend of Rotary" or connect with some of our communityminded projects. The doors are wide open our programs are exciting. This is a great way to Engage Rotary, Change Lives.

9 GSE Team to D4180 Mexico Page 9 Best wishes to the Team who departed Brisbane on Friday, 21 February Team Leader Margarita Rickard RC Mt Warning AM (Murwillumbah) Margarita Rickard is the Team Leader for this great group of young professionals from District She is a retired businesswoman in the field of retail, with over 30 years experience. Born in Spain, Margarita migrated to Australia with her family when she was 9. She married Gary, an Australian soldier, in 1980, and they have travelled around Australia for 20 years with the Army. Margarita and Gary have three children, Matthew 25, Elisabeth 24 and James 21. Until 2012, they managed two businesses, a farm and a happy family life. Now both semi-retired, they always have one eye looking out, ready for another adventure. Margarita is a keen gardener and can t wait to explore Mexico's garden. She loves crafts and looks forward to experiencing her namesake in its birthplace, Puebla. Rotary has been in Margarita s life since She has held a position every year, including President 2011 and Treasurer Margarita became a Paul Harris Fellow in July 2013, and is currently the District Membership Chair. Team Member Laura Hollingsworth sponsored by RC Glen Innes Laura, 25, is from Glen Innes in the northern tablelands region of New South Wales and is a registered nurse and midwife. Laura currently works full time in the healthcare industry but is also involved in her family s beef cattle business. Laura balances her time between these two professional interests and ultimately wishes to increase the time which she contributes to the beef industry. Laura is an experienced horse rider who has competed since a young age. She is also a keen sportswoman who is passionate about health and wellbeing, and the benefits of physical activity. Laura is looking forward to experiencing the vibrant and festive culture of Mexico. She is interested in engaging in as many opportunities as possible whilst in Mexico, and is hoping to develop both her personal and professional skills.

10 GSE Team to D4180 Mexico Page 10 Team Member Andrew Bradley sponsored by RC Mullumbimby Andrew, 28, is from Pottsville Beach on the Tweed Coast of New South Wales. He grew up in this area with his Mum, Dad and three older sisters. Andrew is a Marketing Coordinator for a 5 Star Resort. Andrew has a Diploma in Holiday Parks and Resorts and is passionate about marketing. His role involves project managing all marketing activities including website design, social media, managing e-newsletters and customer feedback. Andrew loves spending time with family and friends, travelling and relaxing at the beach. Andrew is looking forward to meeting some fellow tourism marketing professionals and to tour some of Mexico s top tourism properties and marketing agencies. Whilst learning about the Mexican way of life, culture and creating friendships along the way. Team Member Kieran McAndrew sponsored by RC Grafton Midday Kieran is a 32 year old water management professional from the riverside of Grafton. Kieran is the father of Owen (5) and Fitzroy (2), and his wife, Katrina, is currently pregnant and due in April Kieran is employed as a Water Cycle Engineer at the Clarence Valley Council. His role involves operation and planning of drinking water and sewerage infrastructure, as well as disaster planning, particularly for floods. Kieran is looking forward to meeting Mexican professionals who work in these areas. When he's not at work, Kieran enjoys playing with his two young boys, watching sport (cricket or rugby league), and listening to music. Kieran is excited about observing all aspects of Mexican culture, including tasting tequila and listening to mariachi music. Team Member Nicholai Poulson sponsored by RC Mt Warning AM Nicholai is a 25 year old lawyer from the beach side town of Tweed Heads, in New South Wales. He considers that practicing in law provides him the opportunity to stand up for the rights of people, to make a difference for the greater good in the world. Nicholai hopes to be able to attend other law firms and courts while in Mexico to gain a greater understanding of the Mexican legal system. Nicholai looks forward to meeting new people and gaining a greater understanding of the Mexican history, culture, and way of life, while building a strong, ongoing network of friends and business contacts. In what little spare time he has, Nicholai enjoys reading true crime novels, running, exercising, and spending time with his family and friends.

11 It s RYPEN Time Again! Page 11 An eager team of Purpleshirts is currently planning for the 2014 Rotary Youth Program of ENrichment, and is now calling for the help of every Rotarian. Each club is asked to source and sponsor applicants who should be chosen on the basis of their personal qualities. They do not have to be outstanding students, but young people (aged 14-16) who would benefit from being able to develop their personal qualities and skills. RYPEN is designed for the Cultivation of Youth. It gives awardees the opportunity to experience a weekend camp with a program designed to develop the awardees self-confidence, communication skills, and desire to be decision makers and active community members. Information packages have been sent out to each Rotary Club. For more information, please contact Kahli (RYPEN Committee Secretary) on Charter Night for Warwick Rotaract Club Sponsored by RC of Warwick DG Tony Heading, District Rotaract Rep Troy Lawlor and Charter President, Mindi Devine Some of the Charter Members of the Warwick Rotaract Club in their international dress

12 Page 12 On To Sydney Convention Have you registered? If not, please click on this link: Special Activities at Sydney Convention Concert at the Sydney Opera House Great Aussie BBQ Rotary Restaurant Night Australian Rules (AFL) match Sydney Swans vs Geelong Cats Host Hospitality Night Party at Wildlife Sydney Zoo Australian Banquet at Parliament House World Record-Breaking Bridge Climb Coffee Cruise Tall Ship Harbour Cruise Corroboree on Sydney Harbour Feast on Sydney Harbour Cruise The Gnome Convention Vivid Sydney Paul Harris Fellow Recognition Total in District 9640 for January = 8 Paul Harris Fellow (PHF) 4 One Sapphire (PHF+1) 1 Three Sapphires (PHF+3) 1 Four Sapphires (PHF+4) 1 Ruby (PHF+6) 1 With the footy season upon us again, it is time to renew our fund raising activities with the Gold Coast SUNS Horizons Program. Last year, a number of Rotary clubs in District 9640 sold raffle tickets at the SUNS home games at Metricon Stadium, raising thousands of dollars for charities supported by the GC SUNS Horizons Program and individual clubs. It's on again this year. Obvious benefits by participating in the program are: Message from PR Chair Harold Busch A great social night out with fellow club members and members of other Rotary clubs at the footy. Great seats are available this year for ticket sellers from the commencement of play. Great publicity for Rotary. Value add our charity fundraising through this Rotary D9640 GC SUNS partnership. Distant clubs can share in the fellowship of selling tickets at the footy, and a weekend on the Gold Coast. Perhaps you may like to home share with local Rotarians. Some limited free parking available (car pooling is necessary). A spreadsheet has been sent to clubs to nominate their preferred game for ticket sales. Simply enter you club name in the allocated column and return to Harold via (hbusch@hotmail.com.au). Please ensure when nominating your club you are confident of providing a minimum of 5 sellers (distant clubs 2 sellers). Final allocation of games will be advised in due course. We look forward to another fantastic season of fellowship, PR and fundraising with Rotary clubs in District Enquiries please contact: District PR Chair Harold Busch SUNS P ship Chair Clinton Ford Thank you to the clubs and Rotarians who have forwarded articles for publication. Please showcase your club by sending articles to dianneheading@bigpond.com Next Month s Theme Literacy