Last meeting, my first as President, was a casual meeting. Lots of fellowship and most of the world's problems were solved. What wasn't solved on Wednesday morning was carried over to Thursday evening, when we met for a drink at Benowa Tavern. For those of you who are new: on weeks where we don't have a "formal" meeting (as last week), we meet at Benowa Tavern for a social gathering, starting about 4:30 pm.) Come along, we have plenty of laughs.
Larry Murray was in attendance last Wednesday for the last time before he goes on holiday to the UK for a couple of months, we wish him and Pauline a safe and enjoyable trip.
We had a working bee at the project shed on Saturday, filling a skip bin with metal to be recycled, stacking the seats we recovered from the donated stacking chairs, for future wheelchair production, in one of the containers adjacent to the shed.
The weather was a bit of a challenge but that didn't stop a fairly small but enthusiastic group from the club rolling up their sleeves. I must say however the star of the show was Franz, he single-handedly achieved what 5 mere mortals would have struggled to to achieve. Well done Franz. [Thank you, Mr President. Though I admit I was feeling quite lonely after morning tea, finding myself among the discarded bikes, abandoned, all by myself... Ed.]
I am giving my vision for my year as President this Wednesday. I am planning on doing this just a wee bit differently. Here's a clue, I do not intend to do all the talking. Look forward to seeing you all, bright and bushy-tailed on Wednesday morning.
This is the first "formal" meeting after our Changeover, and our new President for 2024-25 will outline his vision for the upcoming Rotary year. This is also the time when members can bring up any issues, suggestions, or criticisms (only constructive, please, and only if you at the same time can suggest a solution!). In essence, a good ol' Club Assembly.
Remember the around 300 moulded seat chairs we were donated recently? Well, they had had their legs removed, which needed to be stacked into a large skippy bin and the seats stacked inside a container. And half a football field (OK, slightly exaggerated...) of bikes needed their wheels removed, chains cut off etc.. So, Wheelchair Trust Chairman Geoff called for a working bee, to which quite a few responded. And then it started to rain... But a perfect morning tea/coffee with the usual "calorie-free" cake and biscuits made it all worthwhile anyway. (Photo by Ian Mayberry)
Our new Rotary International President, Stephanie Urchick, has commenced her term only a few days ago. Her presidential theme is ‘The Magic of Rotary’. Her lead article in this month’s ‘Rotary Down Under’ magazine is well worth your time to read[yes, Henrietta, you DO have it, it’s emailed to all registered members.]
Allow me to quote: “… I would go so far as to say that belonging is The Magic of Rotary itself”. Some of you might have come across Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. After basic needs (food, shelter etc) and security (both largely taken as a given in our society), the Need to Belong is the next most important. I can attest to that: having run a small business, other than members of your family (very important) and your customers, you don’t meet many others. Membership in a Rotary Club fills that hugely important need. But it goes way beyond that: When you are a Rotarian, you to belong not to just any ol’ club. You belong to a world wide, exceptionally stable organisation that “does a lot of good”. Really corny term, isn’t it? Yet, that describes Rotarians and Rotary clubs, including Surfers Sunrise, perfectly: We send out wheelchairs to give disadvantaged children in developing regions the gift of mobility. We've sent out entire buildings to fill a desperate need of communities after a tsumami had hit it, or simply because they are located too far away from the centre of power. We promote leadership in supporting various youth camps, as well as the annual Lutzy Award. And once a week (or twice a week if you do volunteer work at the shed), we… belong to a group of people whose company you enjoy and whom you can have a reasonably intelligent conversation with. [OK you lot, I heard you. Stop it right there! 😊]
To quote Stephanie Urchick again: ‘The truth is, we’re not going to bring peace to the world, end polio, or grow membership by waving a wand and saying some funny words.” At the next meeting, our new Club President, Andy Bell, will outline his vision and action plan. Be part of it.
The inaugural School Sports Australia Games are coming to the Gold Coast from 25th July to 3rd August, and they are actively seeking passionate volunteers to help as Event Crew. UniSport Australia and School Sport Australia are bringing together approx. 2000 school student-athletes to compete in 6 sports. You will receive numerous perks, including a volunteer uniform, meals during your shifts, an official certificate of appreciation and participation in our volunteer engagement activities. Additionally, you'll have the chance to forge new friendships, network with sports enthusiasts and professionals, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
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
Until the lion learns how to write, every story will glorify the hunter. (African proverb)
“Stupid people elect stupid leaders who make stupid decisions. But intelligent people may elect intelligent people who still make stupid decisions.” Douglas Murray in ‘The Madness of Crowds’
I had a thought, and then another thought.
They bounced off each other, and now I can’t find either of them.
This is the first "formal" meeting after our Changeover, and our new President for 2024-25 will outline his vision for the upcoming Rotary year. This is also the time when members can bring up any issues, suggestions, or criticisms (only constructive, please, and only if you at the same time can suggest a solution!). In essence, a good ol' Club Assembly.
Remember the around 300 moulded seat chairs we were donated recently? Well, they had had their legs removed, which needed to be stacked into a large skippy bin and the seats stacked inside a container. And half a football field (OK, slightly exaggerated...) of bikes needed their wheels removed, chains cut off etc.. So, Wheelchair Trust Chairman Geoff called for a working bee, to which quite a few responded. And then it started to rain... But a perfect morning tea/coffee with the usual "calorie-free" cake and biscuits made it all worthwhile anyway. (Photo by Ian Mayberry)
Our new Rotary International President, Stephanie Urchick, has commenced her term only a few days ago. Her presidential theme is ‘The Magic of Rotary’. Her lead article in this month’s ‘Rotary Down Under’ magazine is well worth your time to read 
The inaugural School Sports Australia Games are coming to the Gold Coast from 25th July to 3rd August, and they are actively seeking passionate volunteers to help as Event Crew. 
