Michael Berris opened the meeting and called on P Peter who welcomed all and introduced the guest speaker, Jason OPray.
President’s Update:
P Peter welcomed all in attendance to the meeting and those members with recent birthdays.
The canoe club at Maroochydore has asked for us to put on a BBQ on Sunday 10th March, which coincides with the District Conference.
The winning ticket of the Rotary Club of Caloundra Pacific Christmas Trailer Raffle went to Narelle in Ipswich
Members moments
Win Fowles has a great array of upcoming guest speakers:
- Jake Larkin, who did a youth exchange in France in 2006, and is now a computer software person – he will tell how he benefitted from the experience.
- Jenny and David Allen of Friendship Force
- Jenny Currie, president of Caloundra Residents association
Win said Jason OPray and other Mayoral candidates would be speaking at the Powerboat Club next Wednesday 24 January.
Evelyn McCorkell has been in recent contact with Pattie Wilson and passed on her thoughts and regards to everyone.
Tony Long reminded us that the Golf Day (fundraising) will be on Friday 4 October.
Christine Craig has secured Unity College on 7 March for the ROMAC Trivia Night. Christine is doing registrations, Greig will organise the food, Michael will do the bar, and Peter Hovey has volunteered to be MC.
International Toast
Graeme Bowden proposed the International Toast to the RC of Kathmandu, Nepal.
Chartered in 13/4/59: District 3292 President Sushil Kumar Karki https://www.facebook.com/sushil.karki.79/?locale=pt_PT
Graeme gave a summary of Nepal Rotary, being busy and active especially following last year’s earthquake and COVID19.
Guest speaker
Cr. Jason OPray - Third generation Sunshine Coast family, 12 years as a local councillor.
Jason spoke of his respect for Rotarians, understanding what it is to be a volunteer, having been a surf-life-saver for the last 40 years.
Jason talked about the impact of the 2032 Olympic games on the Sunshine coast, which would host at least the marathon, kite boarding, mountain biking, basketball (SC is bidding for a national franchise), the preliminary soccer rounds, 200k cycling, 50k walk and the Paralympics.
Using the marathon as an example, he discussed the implications of the competitors and their entourage arriving in the area to train on the marathon course before and during the event. Numbers will swell as extended family members come along to watch.
Accommodation is clearly an issue, with international travellers arriving and expecting to book into hotel rooms. There is currently little incentive for developers to build hotels as opposed to accommodation units.
Jason discussed infrastructure, public transport and sources of funding, all in the context of population growth in the area, which is expected to reach over 500,000 by 2041. He mentioned the “Matilda effect” which has produced an “explosion in women’s sport.”
The Sunshine Coast urgently needs disabled access to venues, to public pools and to beaches.
My Rotary Story
Christine Craig spoke of her experience of coming to know Rotary.
Philippines Project
Ross Harrison advised members that, inspired by the tremendous amount of work done by Malou helping and sponsoring children in the Philippines for many years, a team of five (Ross, Dan, Greig, Malou and John) will visit the Philippines at the end of January for 8 days to inspect possible school-based projects and liaise with two local Clubs to establish what the needs of the region are.
The team will attend a District conference and visit a children’s home while there.
January is Vocational Services Month
Greg Rayment, Director Vocational Services, left a flyer on each table highlighting his visit to Kerry’s Corner and encouraging Members to wear their Rotary shirt and get at least four photos at a local business they visit (one picture to include yourself and the Rotary logo). Also get two or three facts about the business that visited, and email photos and facts to raymentgp@gmail.com.
Greg has requested all Rotarians wear their Club shirt out in public and participate in the programme, which is designed to create links with the local business community and promote the Rotary brand.
Greg has requested all Rotarians wear their Club shirt out in public and participate in the programme, which is designed to create links with the local business community and promote the Rotary brand.
Sergeant Fines
Michael Berris found due cause to fine most members for random misdemeanours.
Raffles
Graeme Bowden and Les Pontin distributed raffle prizes and as is custom, the chocolates were shared amongst members.
