Notes from the Meeting 22 June 2017

OPEN:

President Mike officially opened the meeting with the loyal toast.

INTERNATIONAL TOAST:
Win Fowles proposed the toast to the Rotary Club of Custer, South Dakota.

It is in Rotary District 5610 which serves 41 clubs across South Dakota, northwestern Iowa, southwestern Minnesota, and northeastern Nebraska.  The Rotary Club of Custer meets Mondays at noon and the current Club President is Rex Jorgensen. Amongst other activities, the club runs a food pantry, which receives and distributes to those in need; they participate in Highway Cleanups; they collaborate with the Lions Club and the Local Council in park improvement and maintenance projects (picture), including installing a wheel-chair accessible fishing pier. Custer is near Crazy Horse and Mt Rushmore, and it's income is derived primarily from tourism, precious metal mining and timber.  The coldest ever recorded temperature was -41.7°C in 1963.

 

The Sunshine South Cluster Changeover Dates for 2017:

 

 

                         

 

 

COMMUNITY SERVICE:

Win Fowles advised that the LNP government, under the guidance of Tim Nicholls, has announced that if they are elected Queensland will have its own Veterans’ Affairs Minister to assist with issues such as homelessness and employment for former service men and women.  It is important that any policy designed to help ex-ADF personnel return to civilian life, is apolitical and a letter has been sent to the Premier stating this.

 

Win also heard Major Susana Fernandez speak and recommends that anyone who has an opportunity to do so, should also go along to hear what she says.  Major Fernandez was the first female Australian Defence Force Academy graduate to complete the Army’s pilot training course, and then became a Squadron Commander of an Australian Army helicopter detachment in Afghanistan where she flew Chinook helicopters.

 

GOLF DAY:

 

Tony Long updated us on the golf day - we currently have 2 corporate sponsors, Shadforths and Workplace Central; 29 invitations have gone out and we have 11 confirmed teams participating, a few that are fairly certain, and only 11 to go.  Peter Hovey has again donated his ''Eagles' Nest" in the Bunya Mountains and Robyn Hills has donated a photography session.  Tony has done a wonderful job to have the golf day so far progressed at this early stage.

 

 

 

 

 

OTHER NEWS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LES PONTIN  raised $2500 for the Sunshine Coast Community Sleepout to support of St Vinnies.  He thanked all those who donated and purchased the  Art Union tickets.  We'll be thinking of you on Changeover Night Les, when you are supporting this great cause and we all wish you well.

 

Les also said Meals on Wheels are short on drivers, so if you can put in one morning a week or a couple of mornings a month it would be greatly appreciated.  If you are interested, please speak to Les.

 

 

QAM OPEN COCKPIT WEEKEND, as we were reminded by Peter Higgs, is a TWO DAY event, which provides us with an opportunity to raise funds.  He has plenty of volunteers for Saturday, but not enough on Sunday. Hands went up around the room to volunteer on Sunday, but if you would like to come and assist on the 1st or 2nd of July, please contact Peter.

 

OUR PENULTIMATE MEETING WITH THE CURRENT EXECUTIVE:

GORDON WATSON advised that after Changeover, Wendy Gillson from the Rotary Club of Kawana would be the Assistant Governor for the District. He also provided the dates for all the Changeovers in our cluster, (noted above) including the District Changeover which is in two weeks on the 1st July 2017. 

 

Gordon has attended his last Cluster meeting as Assistant Governor,  and he presented President Mike Healy with a small gift and thanked him for his support, his leadership of the Rotary Club of Caloundra Pacific and his continued community involvement.  Mike thanked Gordon and also appreciated the support from everyone in the Club.

 

RIKI TIKI:    

Manfred Klink conducted a successful Riki Tiki.

 

SERGEANT at ARMS:    

Aub Tucker was a well-informed sergeant.

 

NEW MEMBER:

Dave Handy was inducted as our newest member. Dave Handy has been actively involved in the building industry for over 40 years and brings his vast knowledge and expertise in all facets of this to the Club.  He has also been involved in sports including cricket, water polo and rugby league in a variety of roles, and benefits the Club with this diversity.  President Mike Healy presented him with his badge and Rotary Pin. 

 

GUEST SPEAKER:

Terese Finigan was our guest speaker. Her current role as Caloundra CBD Curator has her interacting with local business, property owners, council and other stakeholders to progress initiatives that will contribute to the achievement of the vision for the Caloundra CBD.  She also has a long history with Rotary, being an International Exchange Student more than 30 years ago.  She spoke to us on how we could use techniques to increase our publicity and increase our membership.  She suggested we use 'stories' for connection.   

RAFFLE:

Conducted successfully by Graham and Les.

 

CLOSE:
President Mike thanked all for attending and thanked the duty team.  The meeting was closed with the singing of the National Anthem.