Will Waterford opened the meeting as Dan Thomasson was unable to attend.

International Toast – Barbara Bailey toasted the Rotary Club of Honiara – Solomon Islands in our district of 9620.  They meet Tuesday at 6 pm at Heritage Park Hotel, Honiara, president is Elliott Mugamu Phd. and Treasurer is Andrew Botha;  there is no secretary and there are no directors.   They help in villages where World Vision is present;  they fight against fraud and corruption and care for victims of human trafficking. RAMS, Regional Assistance Mission led by Australia from 2003 has now wound down.   However, a new initiative has just begun with the help of two Rotary Clubs in Victoria.  Poverty is widespread and needs are considerable, so there is a major push to build a dental clinic in the hospital.

Vocational Moment by Les Pontin - I was an auctioneer, livestock manager and later real estate agent, being in the public eye almost daily, took me into volunteering.

I probably started approx. 70 years ago, being in a small rural town and farming district at Oakey, there was a need for volunteers for a lot of different organisations. At one stage, I was in 8 different volunteer groups, such as Jaycees - Pres. For 3 years, Oakey Show Society - Senior Vice President for 20+ years, Oakey Cemetery Trust (where he was also required to dig graves), High School P & C President for 3 years, Goombungee Show Society, Greenwood Hall Committee - President for 5 years, Oakey Chamber of Commerce – President for 6 years.

I left Oakey in 1987, bought a real estate business at Moffat Beach and within 3 months, I joined the Rotary Club of Caloundra Pacific and immediately became Vocational Service Director and where I have tried to volunteer in all of our projects;  also member of Caloundra Chamber of Commerce.   I retired from real estate in 2002, joined Hack now Comlink and was a Volunteer Driver for 20 years; also joined Kawana Companions for 20 years and on Board of Comlink for 5 years and CCSA Hall Committee member for 18 years.  I currently drive for Meals on Wheels, 2 days a week and in my third year as Volunteer for Friends for Friends.   My Vocation as an auctioneer has taken me to do countless auctions and raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for charities – an example being the recent Calpac Broadway in the Hangar where I auctioned 2 donated items and raised $1,500.

As you can see, my vocation has led me to be involved with a lot of organisations, charity groups and people and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute! 

 

Our guest speaker was member, Dr Peter Harding, who focused on the history, challenges and advancements in rural healthcare. Peter talked of his personal experiences as a doctor in Taroom and then the discussion covered the evolution of rural medical practices over the past 50 years, including the contributions of early doctors (incl Chinese immigrants with new medicines and acupuncture), John Flynn’s initiatives in aeromedical services and doctor training programmes, and the establishment of significant organizations like the Rural Doctors Association of Australia, development of free hospitals and Medicare.

The presentation highlighted improvements in health outcomes, particularly regarding life expectancy for rural males, as well as ongoing disparities affecting indigenous and remote populations.   Two main reasons for improved longevity – reduced motor vehicle incidents and decreased smoking rates.

Anecdotes shared by members included experiences about limited medical knowledge by rural doctors, rural access with Flying Doctor Services and Angel Flight, and the real-life challenges faced by pharmacists in these areas. The meeting concluded with an exploration of current issues such as illegal cigarette sales and the role of organizations in enhancing rural health initiatives, along with actionable steps for further engagement and improvement.   The number of Vietnam War casualties to road accident deaths was also highlighted.

 

   

The meeting ended with the usual fines and raffles – which always includes the sharing of chocolates to all members!   Sharing is Caring???

 

At next week’s meeting there will be 2 new members inducted, so let’s be there to welcome them to our beautiful Rotary Club.   Also a very interesting guest speaking, just ask Les Pontin!