Rotary District 9830 Tasmania District Governor s Newsletter September 2013 Toby Gets His Wheels Appeal aims for $100,000 to fit out two wheelchair taxis The Kia Carnival van gift-wrapped for the Neilson family Toby on board for the first time "Give Toby Wheels" Chairperson Joan Rylah at the presentation of the Kia van to the Neilson family Carer Jackie Dolting is excited as Toby tries out his new wheels (photos courtesy of Brian Neilson)
2 Toby Gets His Wheels Hospital Equipment to Fiji The "Give Toby Wheels" appeal, brilliantly promoted and organised by RC Somerset, reached a major milestone with the handover of the wheelchair-adapted Kia Carnival van to Toby Neilson's family. The smile on Toby's face as he was manoeuvred into the back seat compartment of the van, said it all. RC Westbury recently loaded a container of hospital equipment for Lautoka in Fiji. The equipment loaded included 26 hospital beds, assorted wheelchairs, walking frames and a large number of cartons of medical supplies. Toby boards the van Under the brilliant leadership of the "Give Toby Wheels" appeal chairperson, Joan Rylah, the community response has been overwhelming. So much so that the appeal target has been raised to $100,000 which will enable the fit out of two wheelchair-adapted taxis for the Burnie-Wynyard area. Toby's grandfather, Leigh Newman, was an extremely proud man to see the handover of the van to the Neilson family, knowing that his epic walk from Smithton to Hobart had made a major contribution to the fundraising. Congratulations to Joan Rylah, Leigh Newman, RC Somerset and all involved on a fantastic success. Rotary Tasmania now has its own dedicated Interplast committee of Mary Dwyer, Lou Mason, Fiona Blizzard and Claudia Stern. The committee was formed to ensure that every Rotary club in Tasmania has the opportunity to hear about the work of Interplast, and the difference that our District has made, and is making to Interplast. Interplast has supported 70 surgeons and nurses to train in Australia, sent over 600 volunteers on medical programs, provided over 32,000 consultations and performed over 21,000 life-giving operations. Last year, a surgical mission was sent to Fiji with funding support from RCs Hobart and Sorell. We now have a speaker in each of the three regions to spread the word about the great work done by Interplast. It is a great evening, a great story, and one we want to tell. For more information and to arrange a speaker, please contact Mary Dwyer on 0417 369 506 or maryd@impactsolutions.com.au
3 Despite From evidence DG Bruce of some fatigue September is Youth Service Month (formerly New Generations) and it is very pleasing to see clubs supporting our young people in a number of different programs. The Windeward Bound adventure in July was very well supported by a number of clubs around the District and the success of this was reported in last month s edition. As Gill and I travel around the District attending clubs on our official visits, we are made aware of a number of clubs that are supporting young people in their local schools and communities with awards and scholarships. We are frequently reminded of clubs' support of the regular youth programs throughout the year and the very positive effect these programs are having. Model United Nations Assembly Inbound and outbound exchange students getting to know each other at the orientation camp at "The Lea" at Dynnyrne Nine international youth exchange students have settled into life with their new host families, clubs and schools. A very successful orientation weekend was conducted in early August by the District Youth Exchange Committee headed by Chair Gill Whitehouse. Outbound students and some ROTEX students also attended during the weekend and all the reports I have received have been very positive. The outbound students commenced their preparations for their year overseas with some nervousness but gained confidence during the weekend from the camp leaders and fellow participants. The incoming students met each other as a group for the first time and commenced the bonding process. The National Youth Science Forum interviews were conducted in August with 18 students being successful. This is an excellent program which frequently changes the planned career path for a number of participants. This year s group will attend Forums in January, 2014 and we eagerly anticipate their reports. Plans are being formulated for other Rotary programs involving young people. Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA), Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), the Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment (RYPEN), and the Science and Engineering Challenge are just some of the Youth Service programs being planned over the next ten months. The Youth Driver Awareness program is also being planned for delivery to northern students in October. Youth Driving Awareness in action This support of our younger generation demonstrates what Rotary is all about and very much encapsulates the current Rotary International theme Engage Rotary, Change Lives. We, as Rotarians, are certainly changing the lives of all the participants through their involvement in these Youth Service programs. DG Bruce
4 Introducing Jean Weeding Assistant Governor for Group 9 After attending Hagley Farm School, Prospect High School and Launceston Matriculation College, I commenced work at the Launceston Bank for Savings at Westbury; transferring to Launceston in 1974. During this time, I was a member of the Hagley Rural Youth Club, became a Queens Guide, and before my first marriage was a Lieutenant/Leader of the Westbury Group. After marrying and having three children I returned to the workforce on a casual basis whilst contributing to life on our own farm with my previous husband at St. Leonards and then Cressy. My three daughters, Edwina, Josephine and Louisa all live in the north of the state along with my two wonderful grandchildren. As a young person growing up, I was encouraged to participate in community activities, be involved in volunteer organisations and have a strong work ethic. Consequently, these attributes instilled by my parents, Jack and Jessie Pearn, have become second nature. Born in Launceston, I am the eldest of three girls raised on our parents mixed dairy farm at Hagley. We were encouraged to participate in all facets of farm life, which included milking cows, feeding calves and driving tractors. My first encounter with driving was on a 1939 Lanz Bulldog tractor I was just six years of age. Stopping required both feet pushing as hard as I could on the clutch pedal whilst clinging tightly to the large steering wheel. The Pearn family are perhaps best known for their large assortment of traction engines, vintage tractors and farm implements. Reputed to be the largest privately owned collection in the Southern Hemisphere, from the mid 1960 s the Pearn Bros opened our farm to raise funds for local charities. In later years the Rotary Club of Westbury became involved in Steam Day, an event which was the first of its kind in Tasmania. When in the early 1980 s my father Jack and his brothers Verdun and Zenith wanted to retire from farming the Westbury landmark, Pearn s Steam World was conceived. With the collection donated in trust to the local community, Pearn s Steam World is now operated by a band of volunteers including family members, all working hard to maintain and improve this important agricultural legacy. In 1999 I had a sea change and moved to be with Paul Weeding on his property Okehampton, at Triabunna. Paul and I were married in 2006 and between us we have eight adult children and 16 grandchildren. Along with their partners, it makes for large family gatherings. At present I work three days per week at Service Tasmania in Triabunna, but you can never get farm life out of your blood. I enjoy helping Paul on the farm, whilst maintaining a large garden and keeping the farm bookwork in order. I joined RC Spring Bay in 2003, serving a term as Club President in 2010/11. The pinnacle of the year was being named Club of the Year for the District. Spring Bay is a small club which enjoys fellowship, contributing to our local community as well as overseas projects in a relaxed and informal manner. I am relishing the challenge of being Assistant Governor of Group 9 working with the five clubs in my region; namely Tasman Peninsula, Bellerive, Howrah, Sorell and Spring Bay and consider it both a privilege and an honour to have been asked to be part of the District Leadership team under DG Bruce Buxton. New look Rotary Website now live The updated Rotary International website has been launched. To open, go to www.rotary.org.
5 DG or not DG, that is the question The RC Hobart Charity Art Show has been going for 24 years. It remains an important part of the local arts community. The Art Show provides the chance for both up and coming as well as established artists to gain a showing and a chance to sell their art work. The event attracts important sponsorships from major sponsors including Forestry Tasmania, Wrest Point, Dulux and Co-Op Toyota. The Art Show raised approximately $15,000 including some $3,500 from artists' auctions. Other points of interest included: 42 volunteers giving 300 hours of their time 156 artists with 412 pieces exhibited 202 items sold including close to 100 major art pieces 1,400 show visitors over the weekend Whether 'tis Nobler in the mind to suffer The Slings and Arrows of Outrageous Sergeants, Or to take Arms against a Sea of fines, And by opposing, end them; to counter the stinging fine, to sleep No more; and by Dinner Gong, to say we: Start the Meeting The Heart-ache, and the thousand Natural shocks That flesh is heir to? 'Tis a consummation Devoutly to be wished. To meet. to sleep, To sleep, perchance to Dream of RYDA, RYLA and MUNA; Aye, there's the rub, For in that dearth of acronyms, what dreams may come, When we have shuffled off to Meetings Close. Rotary gives us pause. There's the respect Thus the Four Way Test does make Cowards of us all. And thus the Native hue of Resolution Is sicklied o'er, with the pale cast of Thought, And enterprises of great pitch and moment, Two of the 412 pieces of art on display at the Art Show (Source: RC Hobart Bulletin) With this regard, their Currents turn awry, And lose the name of Action. Soft you now, The fair Sarge? Nymph, in thy Fines Be all my sins remembered. (Inspiration: Hamlet by William Shakespeare) Contributor: Richard Doyle
6 Successful District Grant Applications Club Central Launceston Central Launceston Deloraine Devonport Devonport SE Huon Valley Kingston Latrobe Lindisfarne Queenstown Salamanca Somerset Tamar Sunrise Project description Installation of a picnic table and chairs at Royal Park, Launceston Provision of a Medstor Trolley for Melaleuca Home for the Aged, Devonport Provide laptops for Dover District High School under the "One Laptop per Child" program Provision of four nebulisers to Cystic Fibrosis Tasmania Provision of an automatic external defibrillator at the Lindisfarne Shopping Centre Provision of bike helmets for youth under a Bike Safety program in conjunction with Tasmania Police at Queenstown Provision of training and equipment for the Dorsu social enterprise centre in Cambodia Books for Babies literature program. Congratulations to New Paul Harris Fellows Recipient Tammy Palmer Peter Shelley Awarded by Rotary Club Bellerive D'Entrecasteaux Channel Welcome to New Rotarians New Members Club Zac Brakey Somerset Steve Wiggers Hobart Sam Brodribb Hobart Peter Bulman Hobart Marilyn Taylor Westbury Bill Parker Spring Bay Zac Brakey of RC Somerset became the third youngest Rotarian, at age 26,. inducted into RC Somerset in the 33 year history of the club. Passing of Charter Member RC Ulverstone lost its remaining charter member with the passing of Reginald (Reg) Thomas on 14 August 2013. He joined RC Ulverstone on 22 April 1957. Reg leaves his wife Pat and daughters, Beverley and Helen. The Heartstart Defibrillator to be installed at the Lindisfarne Shopping Centre by RC Lindisfarne following a successful District Grant Application. Books for Babies (RC Tamar Sunrise) This program provides a quantity of books to Child Health Clinics in Launceston's disadvantaged areas, so that each new baby born in that area would be presented with a good quality, age appropriate book. It aims to foster in children an enjoyment and love of literature. DG's Newsletter Editor, Rod Oliver (centre), worked in Smithton in 1999-2000 and attended RC Smithton meetings. He was back relieving recently and met over dinner with Rotary acquaintances, Russell Hugo, Rex Odgers, Arnold Lane and Neville Wells Guess who in Vietnam? (Answer on page 7)
7, Postie Bike Challenge Hobart to Alice Springs August 2013 RC Glenorchy hosted the start of the 2013 Postie Bike Challenge from Hobart to Alice Springs. After a hearty breakfast at Hobart Showgrounds, 52 riders on Honda CT 100 Postie Bikes headed for the first night stopover at Cradle Mountain. The second day took the riders to Devonport to catch the Spirit of Tasmania en route to Alice Springs. The Postie Bike Challenge has been going since 2002. Motorcycle adventurers have taken on the challenge of riding a small capacity motorcycle vast distances across the Australian landscape for a good cause. World heritage rainforests, deserts, open plains, snowy mountains, river crossings, bitumen roads, dirt roads, corrugations and bull dust provide the backdrop to the annual Postie Bike Challenge. Riders from Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom and USA have participated in the event. They all have one thing in common - a great sense of adventure! Answer to question on page 6: PDG James Wilcox. (Kathy shouted James a trip to Vietnam after he completed his term as DG.) Saturday 19th October Rivers Arms Hotel, Ulverstone Tickets: $65.00 per person Enquiries and tickets: Lindsay Morgan on 64 252 580 Free, Free, Free Guest Speaker: Craig Hamilton Inspirational Mental Health Speaker Ulverstone Civic Centre Friday 18th October 10.00am - 3.00pm featuring information, advice and testing on a wide range of health matters Mayor Jan Bonde Ambassador Expo 2013 Plenary Sessions - Free Entry Building a successful life presented by Chris Appleyard First session starts at 9.30am, second session starts at 11.00am.
8 President Hal Radin, on a trip to the Philippines, visited the school that RC City Central Hobart has supported as it's main international project. The Rotaract Club of Sandy Bay proudly displays the Presidential Citation presented by DG Bruce (second left). The club donated $10,000 to various Rotary projects last year, including $5,000 to the Tasmanian Bushfire Appeal. Classic Photo September 1998: RC Ulverstone West moving a beach cottage from Ross Walker's place on Beach Road to the Ulverstone Museum site where it is now. Is that Rocky Findlater directing the driver? Visiting Rotarian Willy Heywood from Lautoka, Fiji with Rotary Exchange student Johanne Aaqvist and DGE Ken Moore at a RC Burnie meeting Eyes down at the District Leadership Group meeting at Perth for Assistant Governors Else Phillips (foreground) and Jean Weeding