Greetings, fellow members, associate members and friends of Surfers Sunrise Rotary,
We are permanently back on the beach! Last week’s meeting was our first ‘formal’ meeting at the Surfers Paradise Surf Club after their extensive renovations. And further good news is that the City Council restored free early morning parking times! “Our” councillor, Darren Taylor, will speak at our club on 22nd April – you can ask him all about this and other items relating to council matters then!
Last Saturday, Elizabeth Celi attended the President Elect Leadership and Development Seminar, designed to train incoming Presidents of the District. Judging by her report (see below), it was informative and well run.
A reminder that the 9640 District Assembly takes place at Yamba on Saturday 21 March (this should be the date for our members, as on Sunday 29th March we’ll run the Sausage Sizzle at Bunnings Nerang. All incoming Officers of the club should attend.
Remember, don’t put off till tomorrow what can be done today
This coming Wednesday 4th March will be a social meeting at the Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club. Come along for a cuppa and/or breakfast. If possible, the meeting will be in the upstairs venue, if the weather is nice, on the balcony (otherwise on the ground floor, at the northern end). Lots of good banter and laughter, and - believe it - sometimes there are more club related matters discussed and solutions determined than on a formal meeting! Note: renovations at the Surf Club have been completed. All future club meetings will again be held there.
Last Wednesday's speaker is, in my humble opinion, already a high achiever at his young age. Kenn Orbidalla, introduced by our member Fred Hamblen, is the very representation of a man who doesn't allow adversity to stop him from achieving. He is living testimony that proves that immigrants from so-called "developing countries" can become outstanding citizens of this great nation. They just go quietly about their business without much fanfare. Here are some of the major points:
His mother was has human trafficked to the Middle East before he was 10. His father was killed in a motorcycle crash when he was 16. He became the defacto mother and father for his two younger siblings - the three of them orphans in SE Asia.
He and his sister had experiences that defy description. Domestic violence was the order of the day. He lived in a car yard. Jobs in child care ensued (as he already had 4 years experience doing this). Despite all this, he studied hard, gained a Certificate (and worked in that field for 4 years) in Childcare. Now, he's enrolled at the University of Technology in Brisbane to study for a degree in Civil Engineering.
In the words of the famous Australian poet C J Dennis: "I dips me lid". Extraordinary. You can download a PDF of Kenn's PowerPoint with lots of photos - see Download files.
Here is a report directly from President Elect Elizabeth. Last Saturday, she joined the Presidents Elect of District 9640 at PELDS (yes, yet another Rotary Acronym: Presidents Elect Learning and Development Seminar), which was held at the Southport Yacht Club. "Facilitated by Past District Governors alongside the District Leadership Team for DGE Deb (Frugtniet)’s year, the day will equip you with the clarity, confidence, and tools needed to lead well from day one" was the promise of the Event description. And, judging by Elizabeth's report, it was "very worthwhile, inspiring and grounding in preparation for my President role". Here are some of her points:
several 2nd/3rd time incoming Presidents alongside many new Presidents learning the ropes, opportunity to connect with other PE’s was facilitated yesterday. Will aim to visit a few surrounding Rotary Clubs so we’re aware of eachother at least
nurturing our club members and the various reasons people participate in Rotary a positive focus for me coming into my President year
I'm considering nominating to the be the District QLD President's Rep for the year I'm President, basically a channel to share any Club President's issues with a District process/decision. Email for EOI or Nomination to go out in next few months, will keep you posted as I get it
District Assembly 21/3 and 29/3 open to all Members, particularly Secretary and Treasurer with regard to how insurance might be able be paid at Club level and possibly reduce membership subscription - more update ready at District Assembly
I've registered for the District Conference May 1-3rd (not doing the Golf Day on the Friday!). Registrations for tri-district conference close 10th April for venue deadline. There are some great speakers, not least the President for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games organising committee [See article below and flyer in the Downloads Section - Ed.]
Did you know that Andrew Liveris, the President of the Brisbane Olympic Games, will speak at the upcoming Tri-District Conference? This will be big. Real big: it will be the first conference where three Districts are combining. And it will be held on the Gold Coast, at the Royal Pines Resort.
OK, so you think that May Day is still a long way off... Put the dates in your calendar anyway. Expecting big numbers, this resulting in attracting some real high-profile speakers. Not only Andrew Liveris, but also other major movers and shakers, such as Captain Sarah Perry AM, the Captain of Windeward Bound. Yes, total attendance numbers can only be an educated guess. Logically, there is a good chance that there won't be enough seats. But you can book early. Download the Conference Flyeras well as theGolf Flyer (Download Section) for more details, and a link to book.
Duty Roster - note: subject to change - please check every week. Note: Fellowship duty also is expected to be at the Project Shed on the Saturday following the meeting
I worked in an orange factory until I got canned. They put the squeeze on me, said I couldn’t concentrate.
“One does not establish a dictatorship in order to safeguard a revolution; one makes the revolution in order to establish the dictatorship. George Orwell, 1984
Crazy people don’t know that they are crazy.
I know I’m crazy, so I’m not crazy. Isn’t that crazy?
Last Wednesday's speaker is, in my humble opinion, already a high achiever at his young age. Kenn Orbidalla, introduced by our member Fred Hamblen, is the very representation of a man who doesn't allow adversity to stop him from achieving. He is living testimony that proves that immigrants from so-called "developing countries" can become outstanding citizens of this great nation. They just go quietly about their business without much fanfare. Here are some of the major points:
Here is a report directly from President Elect Elizabeth. Last Saturday, she joined the Presidents Elect of District 9640 at PELDS (yes, yet another Rotary Acronym: Presidents Elect Learning and Development Seminar), which was held at the Southport Yacht Club. "Facilitated by Past District Governors alongside the District Leadership Team for DGE Deb (Frugtniet)’s year, the day will equip you with the clarity, confidence, and tools needed to lead well from day one" was the promise of the Event description. And, judging by Elizabeth's report, it was "very worthwhile, inspiring and grounding in preparation for my President role". Here are some of her points:
Did you know that Andrew Liveris, the President of the Brisbane Olympic Games, will speak at the upcoming Tri-District Conference? This will be big. Real big: it will be the first conference where three Districts are combining. And it will be held on the Gold Coast, at the Royal Pines Resort. 
