On Saturday, the District held a seminar at Southport. The major topics covered in the presentations were:\Rotary Foundation
- Rotary Insurance
- Child Safety
- Membership
Rotary Foundation
The Rotary Foundation is the charitable arm of Rotary International. Its purpose is to turn donations from Rotarians, clubs, businesses and other supporters into projects that improve lives, both in our local communities and around the world. We should look at the Foundation not simply as somewhere to donate money, but as a potential partner in expanding the impact of our service work and as a possible source of funding for suitable projects. Our wheelchair project is one possibility worth investigating, particularly if there is an opportunity to collaborate with Rotary clubs overseas.
Rotary Insurance and Governance
The District Insurance Officer addressed a number of important issues relating to insurance, governance and risk management. The emphasis was on ensuring that we meet the relevant requirements at Rotary events, meetings and projects, and that the necessary records and reports are completed and retained.
This includes keeping current ‘Certificates of Currency’ for our insurance policies and ensuring that attendance registers, with appropriate sign-in and sign-out procedures, and incident and injury report forms are available at our events and projects. These are important responsibilities, and we must ensure that our club continues to follow the appropriate procedures.
Child Safety
The seminar also covered the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations. This Australian framework helps organisations protect children and young people from harm, listen to their concerns, and create environments where they feel safe, respected and included. The key message is that child safety is not simply a matter of having insurance, obtaining Blue Cards or adopting a policy. It must be an integral part of how an organisation operates, with appropriate procedures, training and oversight.
Membership
Membership was also discussed, although I have not included those matters in this report.
Queensland Rail Supports Our Wheelchair Project
Some positive news is that we have reached an agreement with Queensland Rail to receive bicycles from its lost property collection that remain unclaimed. We now need to arrange transport from Brisbane to the Shed. I expect there will be some very good bicycles among them, along with others that may not be quite so useful! Nevertheless, they should provide valuable materials for our wheelchair project, and we are grateful for this opportunity.
Visitors to the Wheelchair Factory
On Monday morning, we will welcome a group of Rotarians visiting the Wheelchair Factory. My understanding is that they represent the Rotary clubs involved in the distribution of the last 40-foot container of wheelchairs we sent overseas. It will be a good opportunity to show them the work being done at the Shed and the difference our project makes to people in need. Also, this may be the opportunity to have them involved with us in receiving a Grant from the Foundation.
A Big Thank You
Angus Miller, many thanks for all your work organising the breakfast at the Shed. The cooking was fantastic! Bevan also did a great job chairing the meeting and introducing our visitors, along with our local Federal, State and Local Government representatives. I believe everyone thoroughly enjoyed the morning.
Next Up — The Golf Day!
Raffle tickets are now available for our Golf Day on 26 October. Charles, Doug and Ross have everything organised, and all we need now is good weather! They need your support, so please make yourself available to help on the day.
We also need everyone's help over the next week to sell as many raffle tickets as possible before the event. Every ticket sold helps support our fundraising efforts. And remember — you don't have to attend the Golf Day to win!
Have a wonderful week, everyone.
Mario J Fairlie,
For many Australians, polio is something we rarely think about today. But for a generation who grew up before vaccination, it was a frightening reality that could change a child’s life forever. 
Yes, you might think it is early, but... last year, we missed out on those that come in a tin. And they are the same price as last year's: $22 in a carton, $25 in a tin! So, better order them now!
Best ever raffle prize that money can't buy: 
I never argue with flat earthers.
