Rotary Club of Southport

Rotator – August 21, 2012 1

1955

District: 9640 Chartered 20th August, 1945 August 21, 2012 Charter No: 6069 www.southportaustraliarotary.org Volume No. 67-02

Club No: 17905

Service Above Self

THE ROTATOR of the

ROTARY CLUB OF

SOUTHPORT Queensland, Australia

ROSTER 28th, August

Chairperson: Lambert W Sergeant: Beth D Attendance: Peter E Treasurer: Pauline A Thanks: Don K Room Setup: Lionel P Meet ‘n Greet: Don D Scribe: Tony G

Int’l Toast:

ROSTER 4th, September

Chairperson: Pauline A Sergeant: Trevor C Attendance: Jim S Treasurer: Don D Thanks: Don K Room Setup: Bill C Meet ‘n Greet: Graham C Scribe: Bram B

Int’l Toast:

Rotary Club of Southport

Rotator – August 21, 2012 2

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE There was a small turnout for this week’s meeting which highlighted the fact that we need to be accurate with our forecast for catering purposes. I have had a meeting with Anita, the office manager at the golf club, and she has promised to try and get us connected to their wireless internet system which will make a massive difference to our presentation capabilities. The Rosies handover night is definitely set for the 4th September. We will need to know the numbers well in advance! The new mayor Clr. Tom Tate has agreed to attend so we should be able to get good publicity for Rotary. The D.G. visit this coming week is an important meeting and includes partners so let’s all be there to make her feel welcome. Sam Doumany has asked that we contribute to Operation Cleft. See you next week. Andrew .

BIRTHDAYS ANNIVERSARIES Lionel Perry, 25th, Lambert Wang, 26th. NIL

ROTARY INDUCTION SPOUSE BIRTHDAY NIL Ann Penfold 22nd.

TREASURER’S REPORT – 21st August, 2012

A Word from the Treasurer Annual Dues invoices for club membership were issued on 18

th July 2012 to all members (including prepaid

members) and to date there are approximately 20 members who have not paid. I understand that pre-paid members normally pay their dues quarterly with their pre-paid meals, but request that if you are in a position to pay the $255 upfront it would be appreciated. If not please let me know and the usual arrangement will continue. Invoices for the adjustment of prepaid meals will be issued in the next fortnight to those members.

The Bank account details for members to pay subs:

Rotary Club of Southport BSB: 064 430 Account No: 0090 0357

NOTE: All members who fail to send in an apology for non-attendance will be charged as per our club policy, which was agreed by all members at previous club assemblies. Last week there were 9 extra meals which the club had to pay for, representing a loss to the club of $171.00 of your money! Fines: $28.60 Year to date: $291.30 Billy: Year to date: $61.85 Carousel: $2,467.35 Year to date: $13,313.05

Steve Penfold Treasurer

Rotary Club of Southport

Rotator – August 21, 2012 3

Meeting 14th August:

Chris, Duncan and Trevor

Which one of these riveting

speakers had these gentlemen

totally engrossed and their

undivided attention?

PP Steve PP Peter O PP Pauline IPP Greg

Pres Andrew Anthony H

Sailing wound?

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Rotator – August 21, 2012 4

SCRIBE’S REPORT – 21st August, 2012 President; Andrew Middleton Chairperson; Steve Penfold Meeting opened at 6:20 by Chairman Steve with Grace and Toast to the Queen and Australia President Elect Lambert replaced the International Toast with one to our club (the Rotary Club of Southport) celebrating our 67

th birthday.

Lambert expressed concern about apologies not being provided by members. He needs them by 12.00 midnight on Sunday. He mentioned that he had booked in 28 for this night and only 18 turned up. The club is required to pay for the unused meals. He made clear to members that a no show and no apology will mean they have to pay. He is drawing up a spreadsheet with members’ names and the meeting nights that will be available on the internet for members to fill out. President Andrew reminded us that the DG will visit next week and it will be a partners’ night. Accurate numbers are essential for catering Anthony Hockings told us the planned handover of the new vehicles to Rosies was planned for 4

th September.

This is subject to final confirmation from various politicians and will be held on 11th September at the latest. The

club will be notified of the date as soon as it can be confirmed. (See President’s Message for latest) No heads and tails as we had run out of wine. President Andrew gave a short talk on the literacy kits and their ultimate destination and of the water project the club is involved in in Africa. (See further information page 6) Sergeant: Tony Gardner fined; Merv for his overseas absence until mid-November and Steve for usurping the Sergeants bell ringing duties. Lambert was confused as to which night he was chair after trying to steal the job from Steve. He had failed to read Vince’s excellent Rotator and members who failed to congratulate Vince paid up. Vince was in trouble for a proposed flight to the Caloundra with some friends in their planes next day for lunch, Peter Hobart paid for his recent Asian holiday. Don Knight has breakfast with his dog each Sunday in the same café and, Duncan paid for having nothing worn under his kilt. Carousel Roster: Peter Overell went through the carousel roster which was almost full for August and mentioned he will be away for the first week of September. Close of meeting; President Andrew closed the meeting, at 7:20pm, with singing of the National Anthem Raffle winner; Pauline A (said it was her first time in 3 years!) Heads ‘n Tails: There was no Heads ‘n Tails as we have run out of plonk!

ATTENDENCE Members: Pauline Armstrong, Trevor Carr, Graham Cooper, Don Dinneen, Greg Dux, Tony Gardner, Peter Hobart, Anthony Hockings, Don Knight, Andrew Middleton, Peter Overell, Steve Penfold, Duncan Plastow, Merv Powell, David Randall, Vince Rehbein, Lambert Wang, Partners: NIL

Rotary Club of Southport

Rotator – August 21, 2012 5

Visiting Rotarians: Chris Hidle (Somewhere in UK?) Make Ups:

Other Clubs: PDG Graham Jones (Kingscliff) Carousel: Peter Hobart, Jim Scotte, Lionel Perry, Pauline Armstrong, Tina Ross, Beth Dermoudy, Peter

Overell, Vince Rehbein.

APOLOGIES To put in an apology please e-mail Lambert Wang on: lambert@beneficialequity.com.au Apologies need to be in by the SUNDAY MIDNIGHT of each week. Late (or no) apologies have to pay!!!

ALMONER Pauline reported that Gary Rickwood was in the PA hospital and has had surgery for a broken leg and pelvis the result of a sky diving misadventure. He should be transferred to a Gold Coast hospital in four weeks’ time but will be in hospital for at least three months. As it is his birthday on September 1 Lea has encouraged members, to send him birthday cards with vouchers for alternative hobbies now his sky diving is finished. Karl Flandorfer- Chemo affected his liver thus stalling the transplant last week. Liver OK now and operation going ahead on Friday 24th. Murray Prior is at home now and progressing slowly. Daniel Dinneen at home also and is improving beautifully. Richard Ham (honorary member) has just finished 7 weeks of radiation to finalise his Prostate treatment. GUEST SPEAKERS & CALENDAR 2012/2013

Partners are welcome at all meetings and vocational visits!!

Date Speaker/Topic

August 28 DG Sandra Doumany visit PARTNER’S NIGHT

September 4

September 11

September 18

September 25

Rotary Club of Southport Board of Directors: 2012/2013

President: PP Andrew Middleton Secretary: IPP Greg Dux Treasurer: PP Steve Penfold President Elect, Club Services: Lambert Wang New Generations: Michelle Wachter Community Service: Trevor Carr Membership: Don Dinneen Public Relations: Beth Dermoudy Protection Officer: PP Pauline Armstrong

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Rotator – August 21, 2012 6

Literature kits we send to Tanzania in recognition of our guest speakers.

Shukrain Madeje, Teacher at St. Andrew’s Preschool, Makang’wa Village. This is her first year following graduation from Preschool Teacher Training College.

She was sponsored through Amani.

Some of the children of the new St. Andrew’s Preschool, Makang’wa Village. I thought you may be interested in knowing that your literature is some of the initial material that this Preschool has. What is Amani and what does Amani do? Amani is a community-related and Christ-centred Non-Government Organization operating in the Chamwino District of Tanzania south of Dodoma. Working in partnership with local communities, Amani works to develop the local economy and relieve poverty through the following projects: Water Resources The cost to drill and equip a well in Tanzania is about $40,000 and the benefits of uncontaminated water are far-reaching. Life is totally transformed, the cycle of cholera is broken, the incidence of typhoid is greatly reduced and eye infections in children practically disappear. Amani has now drilled and equipped five wells, restored one abandoned well and completed four "hand dug" wells that are brick lined for long term use. Over 30,000 people from eight local villages rely on clean water funded/provided by Amani.

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Education Extreme poverty and illiteracy go hand-in-hand. To help combat these, Amani Care is emphasising the importance of education by building educational facilities and providing: •Pre-schooling, kindergarten and primary schooling; •Student Sponsorships; •Vocational training in agriculture, plant propagation and building methodology; and •Tuition classes open to all students in the community. Presently there are over 300 children involved in these programs. The Rotary Club of Southport has assisted in both these projects by donating literacy kits and providing funding to build a water tank and lay pipes to supply water to the schools.

DUTY ROSTER

It is the responsibility of the Chairman for the evening to ensure the attendance of the Duty Team.

If you are unable to do your duty on the night, it is YOUR responsibility to find someone to fill in for you and notify the Chairman accordingly.

Date Chairperson Sergeant Attendance Treasurer

Thanks Room Setup

Meet ‘n’ Greet

Scribe

28 Aug Lambert W Beth D Peter E Pauline A Don K Lionel P Don D Tony G

04 Sep Pauline A Trevor C Jim S Don D Don K Bill C Graham C Bram B

11 Sep Greg D Beth D Rita D Phil K Lionel P Mervyn P Duncan P Vince R

18 Sep Jim S Tina R Michelle W Gary W Lambert Leanda C Peter E Tony G

25 Sep Peter H Anthony H Graham J Peter O Steve P David R Tony S Pauline A

2 Oct Paul B Trevor C Bill C Graham C Beth D Don D Rita D Greg D

9 Oct Phil K Don K Lionel P Mervyn P Duncan P Vince R Tina R Jim S

If you wish items to be placed in the Rotator you can do this by e-mailing: vinnie.r@bigpond.com before midnight on Wednesday.

ROTARY GRACE & FOUR WAY TEST

ROTARY GRACE

Oh Lord and giver of all good We thank Thee for our daily food May Rotary friends and Rotary ways Help us to serve thee all our days

FOUR WAY TEST

1. Is it the truth? 2. Is it fair to all concerned? 3. Will it build goodwill and better friendships? 4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

Rotary Club of Southport

Rotator – August 21, 2012 8

Did you know a wheel has been the symbol of Rotary since Rotary’s early days?

The first design was made by Chicago Rotarian Montague Bear, an engraver who drew a

simple wagon wheel with a few lines to show dust and motion. The wheel was said to illustrate

‘civilization and movement’. Most of the early Rotary clubs had some form of wagon wheel on their

publications and letterheads. Finally in 1922, it was decided that all Rotary Clubs should adopt a single

design as the exclusive emblem of Rotarians. In 1923 a ‘keyway’, to signify a working and engaged

cog, was added to the wheel and the design which we now know was formally adopted as the official

Rotary International emblem.

Service Above Self was adopted as an official Rotary motto at the 1950 RI Convention.

The phrase Service Above Self dates back to the 1911 convention in Portland, Oregon, USA. Paul Harris asked

Ben Collins, president of the Rotary Club of Minneapolis, Minnesota, to address the convention after Collins

told him that the Minneapolis club had adopted Service, Not Self, as its guiding principle.

Fire at Yalari – Leanda Cooper.

Around 1:30am on Monday 20th August a loud explosion woke the neighbours in the area of

the old Coomera Lodge. A few got up to see what caused the noise and found the shops in the

Maudsland Plaza engulfed in flames. The fire department was called and by the time they

arrived almost all the 9 shops were on fire. The fire burnt for well over 4 hours and over 75%

of the shops have suffered severe fire damage. The rest suffered smoke and water damage.

Yalari occupied the first floor and has suffered a complete loss. The roof has collapsed, the walls

at the back of the building caved in, the 1st floor has collapsed onto the ground floor, with

windows showing the tell-tale signs of blackened smoke curling up from the edges. There was

no loss of life and no one has been injured.

I had gone for my early morning work and missed the 6am call from Waverley and Llew

Stanley, the founders of Yalari. They had been called down to the complex by the police around

2:00am to move the company Prado that had been left in the car park overnight and to help

with assessing what materials were in the premises that might be of concern to the fire

department. By the time I arrived at 8am the 1st floor of the building was a smoldering shell

and ground floor was blackened, with broken windows and debris. Despite having been warned

of the condition, it was still a shock. The area around the building was dry, no signs of the

powerful water pumps or cannons used by the fire department only a few hours earlier, the

occasional whiff of smoke, but parts still smoking - especially from the south west corner of the

first floor that used to be our 'store room'. I stood across the road in the gravel strip in front of

the Coomera Lodge looking at what was my office window and could see the broken glass &

chard remains.

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Rotator – August 21, 2012 9

There was blue & white police tap around the premises as police and fire inspectors went about

their business. There were only two fire trucks left, with one being the large cherry picker that

was being used by the inspectors to survey the damage. It was obvious that the fire had started

in the carvery - one of the newest tenants and had suffered for numerous retrofit fitout

problems (mainly associated with a leaking roof around the ventilation and extractor fans).

The inspectors interviewed all the tenants looking for any information that may assist them with

their investigation. They even asked me if I had any problems with any of the tenants or knew

of any problems between tenants. Gossip at these types of incidents can provide all sorts of

interesting tidbits of mis-information. In the true spirit of Rotary I did not engage in any

conversations that was not the truth, not fair to all concerned, did not build goodwill or better

friendships and was not beneficial to all concerned......

Reporters from all the major networks were on site and looking for that scoop that was going to

make their story. Except for Yalari all the businesses were family owned - the Carvery, the

Supermarket, The Dog Pouch Groomers, Maudsland Dentistry, Maudsland Medical Centre and

the Pharmacy. The business owners and staff stood around - probably looking like stunned

mullets! I avoided the press - I couldn't handle the proverbial 'how do you feel right now'

question from a reporter when it was obvious we were all incredibly upset. Waverley on the

other hand dealt with them beautifully and graciously talking about Yalari and what we do and

what the loss will mean for us.

The rest of the morning was spent contacting banks, directors, staff, students, parents, sponsors,

redirecting phones & emails, the list was endless. We have a major fund raising dinner in

Melbourne on Thursday night (23rd Aug) and so we took stock of what needed to be done for

that. I focused on getting our banking arrangements sorted out as we need to have Internet

banking (security tokens were lost in the fire!) and the server restored from the off-site backup

facility. I can tell you that the staff at Ashmore BOQ were by far the easiest to deal with and

did not keep throwing up what they can and can't do for me in...' a situation like this'.

(Duncan - thanks, what a great team you have - one phone call and I got a response I could

work with).

We had a team meeting at the Coomera Lodge at 1pm and started dividing up the work. The

team at Yalari has been fantastic. We had a communication strategy in place by 10am, we

had updated our website with the news and had redirected the emails to personal email

addresses while the server was being rebuilt, and started looking at offers for alternative office

space that afternoon. F&J Computers (our IT support) have been brilliant. Our server was

restored on to a temporary box by 11am Tuesday morning.

24rs later we had been offered (and accepted) office space for 6 months by the Gold Coast

Titans, we have been provided with temporary laptops so that we can get the office up and

running, Freehills has provided a conference room with Internet access, printing facility, etc. so

that we can finalise the plans for the Melbourne Dinner (380 guests coming!), server has been

restored and emails are working.

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Rotator – August 21, 2012 10

48 hrs later I am sitting on a train heading to Brisbane to work in the Freehills offices with 3 of

my colleagues again today to finalise the paperwork for the Dinner. We fly out Thursday

morning for Melbourne and will return on Friday afternoon.

So .........how do I feel right now? Teary......I don't cry unless I am talking with family, I manage

to hold it together otherwise. Thankful ....... that there was no loss of life. Tied......... as I have

only managed 2 and 3 hrs sleep in that past two nights. Thankful..... that people are being

generous with their offers of support, and Amazed .......at how great the Yalari family has been

and especially Llew and Waverely. We have all had the occasional 'urrgh' moment but have

shaken our heads, smiled knowingly at each other and just got on with it.

Yalari will continue and our scholarship program will continue - all the stronger (what doesn't

kill you can only make you stronger!). While our operations may be interrupted for a week or so

we will continue. I am not so sure about the other shop owners. To keep it in prospective .... We

were fortunate to have only lost our operations and not our business and we did not suffer the

loss or injury of a loved one like the families involved in the fatal car crash on the Nathan road

around 9:30 on Monday morning. In the grand scheme of things it is like hitting a speed bump

a little too fast. Mind you this is not what I expected for my last 3 months at Yalari. While I

had hoped to go out in a blaze of glory I didn't mean it literally! Leanda.

NEARBY CLUBS FOR ”MAKE-UPS”

Monday;

6:30 PM SURFERS PARADISE: Mantra Legends Hotel, Gold Coast Highway & Laycock St, Surfers Paradise.

6:30 PM RUNAWAY BAY: Paradise Point Bowls Club, 22 Thrush Ave, Paradise Point.

Tuesday:

Wednesday:

7:00 AM PARKWOOD: Parkwood International Golf Club, 76-122 Napper Rd, Parkwood. (except every 4

th week see web site)

7:00 AM SURFERS SUNRISE: Southport Yacht Club, Main Beach.

7:15 AM HOPE ISLAND: Hyatt Hotel, Sanctuary Cove.

12:30 PM MERMAID BEACH: Quality Inn, Markeri Street, Mermaid Beach.

6:30 PM ASHMORE: Ashmore Steak & Seafood Restaurant, Ashmore Rd (Cnr. Reed St).

Thursday:

7:00 AM BURLEIGH HEADS: Burleigh Heads Surf Club, Goodwin Tce, Burleigh Heads.

12:15 PM COOMERA RIVER MIDDAY: The Lost City Tavern, Cnr Reserve Rd & Brygon Ck.Rd, Coomera.

6:30 PM SOUTHPORT NORTH: Ashmore Steak & Seafood Restaurant, Ashmore Rd (Cnr. Reed St).

Friday:

7:30 AM BROADWATER SOUTHPORT: Southport Yacht Club, Main Beach.

12:30 PM GOLD COAST CENTRAL: Panorama Suite (3rd

Flr), Gold Coast Arts Centre, Bundall.

Further information can be found in the District Directory.