Sergeant Mark asked us to lend him our ears, and introduced President Frank who reminded us that Ludwig van Beethoven died on this very day. Michael Berris said he is now decomposing!

Frank welcomed guest Peter Harding and partners May Gowlett, Lynette Wallis, Donna Waterford, Maria Carroll and Lyn Mason.

We sang Happy Birthday to Bryan on his birthday.

Christine proposed a toast to Rotary International, which comprises many different types of clubs all over the the world.
Member’s Talk
David Millar, a long-term real estate agent in our local area, presented a history of real estate on the Sunshine Coast and outlined the current state of play in the industry.
Directors’ and Members’ Moments
Peter Hovey was looking for one more candidate for our Pride of Workmanship evening. Tony Long was able to oblige.
Will announced that Peter Harding is to be inducted as a new member.
Bruce summarised the current international service program – the Philippines Outreach Project, KIVA, Operation Christmas Child, the Türkiye/Syria Disaster Response, ROMAC support, the Solomon Islands Project and The Rotary Foundation. He appealed for any old mobile phones and laptops for Malou’s work.
Christine told us how Di Latham was doing. A working bee to support her is planned.
Guest Speakers

 
Bruce introduced Stephanie Whelan, CEO of Equityworks on the Sunshine Coast, and three employees: Drew Russell, Payge Hollis and Cobi Burrell.
This organisation was started 23 years ago to help people of all ages with intellectual or physical disabilities obtain employment. Their message is “everyone is employable.” They connect the disabled with employers through a process of customised employment. A person’s skills, abilities and passions are identified and then matched with a suitable employer – the discovery process.  Drew and Payge work as mentors and show by example what can be achieved. Potential employees never ask for a job. Work experience opportunities are organised so they can showcase their skills and find their niche. The team believes that work matters – it is not just about the pay but about increasing self worth and interacting with the community.
Steph thanked us for the opportunity and passed on her appreciation to all members. Her team would love to visit any of the members’ businesses and learn more about them.
David Wallis thanked the speakers, saying their work dovetails well with the spirit of Rotary.
 

 

Sergeant Mark came up with his usual supply of jokes, and fined all those who had escaped the dreaded COVID – there were quite a few.

 

Peter Higgs asked questions about the Solomon Islands, and Maria Carroll came out on top.
 

Raffle
Marion won the coveted meat tray.
National Anthem - Frank led the singing as usual but we are all still singing “YOUNG and free”. Yes, we all like to think we are young …… or perhaps we don’t think we are ONE.