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The Weekly Bulletin of the Rotary Club of Wynnum and Manly Rotary District 9630 Bulletin Year 64 No 25- Date –04 - 01 – 2017 ROTARY SERVING HUMANITY
The Weekly Bulletin of the
Rotary Club of Wynnum and Manly
Rotary District 9630
Bulletin Year 64
No 25- Date –04 - 01 – 2017
ROTARY SERVING HUMANITY
December 8th Geraldine Simpson. 9th Donna Ford. 17th Rita Jensen. 20th Eric Batten. 21st Dave Warren. 22nd Mick Matthews. 23rd Jo Southill. 27th Robyn Wescombe. 30th Elaine Evans. 31st Jan Nolan. January 1st Marilyn Nixon. 3rd Mellissa Champley.
**** **** **** **** For your Diaries 2017.
January: 25th “Fellowship Night” at the foreshore Australia Day BBQ Tent.
March:17th - 19th Mike’s Steam Train Ride. **** **** **** ****
Report for Meeting – January 4th, 2017 - 6.00 p.m. for 6.30 p.m.
Programme: ROMAC Projects. Guest Speakers: Les and Jill Nock. Chairman: Graeme Wescombe. Visiting Rotarians: Allen Collishaw (Pine Rivers.), Jens and Katrina Dougherty
(Honiara – Solomon Islands) Rotary Partner: Mellissa Champley. Visitors: Robyn Mears and Nathan Hoet – (Exchange Student.) Apologies: Robyn Bunting, David Tighe, Bob Cushway, Ken Davies,
Christine Woodward, Roy Buckley, David Groves, Brian Pertezel, Phil Goodison, Elizabeth Noske, Rob Robergs, John Milles, Damian Nolan, Ken Burkitt, Mick Matthews, Dave Warren, Don Nixon, Jo Soothill, John Milles, David O’Connor, Trish Peddie, Harry Pregnell, Neal Schneidewin, Vicki Muskens, Andrew Hurst, Tony Fisher, Niels Coelingh-Bennink, Claire Brolan, David Lynn, and Bill Simpson.
**** **** **** **** Dave Warren writes: “On the eve of the Australia Day BBQ (25th January) the Club will hold a Fellowship Night for members and partners on the front beach under the “tent” and among the BBQs. You will need to bring your own chair and whatever drinks you require.
President Mike warned those who are intending attending the “Mick Matthews Classic” at Killarney to make your bookings ASAP. He has heard that there is a big family reunion on in Killarney that weekend and accommodation might be at a premium. He further suggested that those who have booked that they confirm that it is has been booked. Mike told us that he had had a letter of thanks from the local Ambulance group thanking the club for its donation of $560 from the last visit to Killarney
**** **** **** **** (Editor: ROMAC, for those who are new to Rotary, stands For Rotary Oceania
Medical Aid for Children. Its Mission Statement reads “ROMAC provides surgical treatment for children in Australia and New Zealand from developing countries from our Pacific Region in the form of Life Giving and/or dignity restoring surgery not accessible to them in their home country.”
I also apologise for not producing the right pictures. I had the camera set on the wrong settings and even though I pressed the button and the camera flashed, no picture was taken. So I have had to resort to older ones to satisfy the need to have some representation of our Guests.)
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Graeme Wescombe introduced our “member Guest Speakers” Les and Jill Nock. He indicated that Jill was going to speak “off the cuff” about their time in the Philippines. She produced the following statement which gives the essential facts around which her story is woven. She felt that this is a more meaningful way to express what ROMAC is and does.
“I met Dr. Gaye Ardanas in Wynnum, she had brought a badly disfigured little boy to Australia for corrective surgery and Bill Benham who was on the board of “Romac” asked me to pick her up and bring her to a Rotary breakfast meeting. I did this and she and I really hit it off, in a moment of madness I told her Les and I would come over and give her a hand in her clinic. She is a Government Doctor and is the only doctor for twenty five thousand people in a place called Talisayan in Mindanao.
Another member of the club Kerry said she would also come along with us as she went to the Philippines every year to help on the Island of Bohol. The 3 of us flew into Manilla, from there we flew to Mindanao, Cagayan de Oro, where we were collected by Gaye and a friend who then drove us 5 hours to Gingoog where we stayed. Gaye’s clinic is about an hour from there at Talisayan, but there’s no accommodation there.
Whilst we were there helping her in her clinic we bought her a fridge with club funds as she didn’t have one to keep her vaccines cold - it was a terrible place and the whole area is incredibly poor and very unsafe due to Muslim terrorists.
We had heavily armed police guarding us 24 hrs a day. Les always bought them breakfast and of course if we were feeding the locals in a village we fed them too, we did this feeding programme in villages with no running water, no power and no sewerage, we cooked over open fires with Gaye trying her best to help the locals, weighing the children, caring for the sick, and generally giving advice about everything relating to health and safety.
After 14 days the 3 of us left Mindanao and went by two ferries to Bohol where Les and other Rotarians from Sydney rebuilt a school, ripped out walls and put in new wiring etc. it was extremely hot and hard work, the lady Rotarians including myself went and worked in an orphanage run by nuns.
We bought them books, painted walls and helped in the vegetable garden, again very hot and hard work. Les and I left Kerry there and flew back to Manila from there we had a driver take us up to Angles City and Subic Bay.
At Angeles City we attended a Rotary club in a “Girly Bar” owned by one of the expat Rotarians and we visited an orphanage again run by the Rotary club, to say the entire trip was an eye opener is an understatement.”
Interspersed throughout her talk a slide show illustrated the journey Jill and Les had experienced and which she had attempted to share with us.
Jill left us all with aching hearts as she recounted these very unpleasant experiences of life for these poor people in this ultra poor environment of the south of the Philippines. It was hard not to feel ultra sadness that these people she lived and worked among were actually human beings living in the most appalling conditions.
We were impressed with the work of volunteers helping not only feed the children of the local orphanage but the villagers as well during the day. For most this is the only meal they receive.
A very moving presentation; the emotional content was not missed by us as we heard Jill tell her story. I am sure we will hear more!
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Below are some examples of the work of the ROMAC Surgeons.
Two-year-old Junitalia from Timor-Leste was a very sick little girl. She was diagnosed with a Tetralogy of Fallot (ToF) which meant her little heart had multiple problems and required urgent open heart surgery. Junitalia was referred to ROMAC for assistance.
East Timor August 11th, 2016
Isac, an extremely ill 14year old boy from Timor-Leste was referred to ROMAC with a suspected benign brain lesion.
He had lost all sight in his left-eye and had only partial sight in the right-eye.
East Timor April 1, 2016
No more hiding Zoe’s face under a blanket
Baby Zoe had an encephalocoele (protruding brain tissue) which covered most of her face and restricted her sight.
Her young mother covered Zoe face with a blanket so no one could see her.
Vanuatu March 12, 2016
At 3 years Kachico had an accident which resulted in a long nail entering his head. The nail was removed but metal fragments had been left behind.
This caused infections and the formation of a large lesion which continued to weep. Kachico was also suffering from headaches and fits. Solomon Islands March 11, 2016
Complex heart surgery for Junitalia:
Kachico can smile again
Adelaide responds to urgent call:
Miraculous surgical treatment saves Teretoriano:
Teretariano was referred to ROMAC by the Biro Pite Clinic in Timor –Leste. He had been diagnosed with a Wilm’s tumour of the kidney. As his mother had suffered TB, Teretariano’s grandmother Claudia had to accompany him. He arrived very ill and had to have immediate surgery.
East Timor July 13th, 2016.
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Some happy snaps of the touring Wynnum and Manly Rotary Club and the Minutes of a make-up Meeting - 01/01/2017 at Salamanca, Tasmania. Attendees: PP Dave Warren – Chairman
Robyn Bunting, Vicki Muskens, Bill Simpson Partners: Marie Warren, Geraldine Simpson Visitors: Sue Roady (Virginia USA) & Jan Norris(Gold Coast)
Meeting opened at Noon. 1. A summation of Camping around Tasmania’s Inland Camping
facilities was given by Dave and Marie on mid Tassie camping sites and the mid Island Lakelands. The presentation was well received by those in attendance. Marie’s description of erecting tents in severe conditions was noted by those in attendance. In particular Robyn’s response to wet weather issues, was that when these sort of conditions prevailed there is always at least a 3 star hotel nearby, was supported by most of the members in attendance.
2. Bill noted that since he and Geraldine had been in Tasmania that indeed Tasmania’s Summer had been experienced on Wednesday between 1330 and 1400hrs. This was confirmed by Geraldine.
3. It was agreed that Tasmania was in fact the producer of Australia’s largest Oysters, in particular at Bangor and Bruny Island.
4. Bill also noted that he had viewed a Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron yacht EL2075 docking at 1615hrs at Constitution Dock on the 29th December when he was returning from the tasting ceremony at the dock.
It was agreed that Willie Smiths and Franks Cider places were worth a visit. 5. Both sites are wheelchair friendly according to Bill.
6. Vicki advised that there had been a lot of activity at Constitution Dock last night and in the early hours of today.
7. Sue advised of the benefits of Mercedes Benz touring and the many added features on board with the vehicles. Geraldine was grateful for Sue’s technical information. As Geraldine had referred to the Benz SUV as a truck or at least it handled like one!
After lots of fellowship was enjoyed by those in attendance meeting closed 5pm.
Unfortunately, there were late afternoon storms in Hobart on Sunday. Which resulted in local flooding, Camping grounds were out of the question and after the assistance of world renown author G. S. Willmott (ex QLDER) a B and B was organised for Dave and Marie.
Bill and Geraldine arrived home at Woolmer’s Inn at Sandy Bay only to find the new waterfall feature in their room. After much ringing around they were relocated to the last vacant room in Hobart at the
Hadley’s Oriental Hotel, where they enjoyed a comfortable dry night.
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Vicki ckecking out another way of raising funds.
2017 – A new year, a new beginning. It is around this time of year that many resolve to make a change in their life somehow. Spend more time with family, be more positive, focus on health etc. As Rotarians, we should also look within and resolve to make a change that not only improves our lives, but that of our local Community and the world as a whole.
In numerology, 2017 comes down to the number 1. It may seem that 1 is insignificant, has little power, and is unable to make a difference. Yet, it only takes 1 to come up with an idea, start a project or initiate a change. Before long that 1 is joined
by many other 1’s, allowing great things to be accomplished.
There is now only six months left before Selwyn takes over the reins as President. The Board and I remain focused on goals we wish to achieve. We need the help and support of all in the Club.
Please join us as we strive to make a difference to those in need, and hopefully leave the club and our community better for our work.
Be the change that you wish to see in the world (Mahatma Gandhi)
Yours in Rotary Michael
From Mellissa: “This article is not about Rotary, but of my New Year flight over Antarctica.”
New Year over “the Ice”
As many members were aware, I spent New Year experiencing a scenic flight over Antarctica (a 50th birthday present to myself!)
The party began at Melbourne airport where passengers could have their photo taken with a penguin (not a real one) while Shiraz Jazz Band played some warm-up tunes.
We boarded our 747 at 6pm Dec 31 2016, and I was lucky enough to be seated front row, window, in the upper deck of business class which held only 18 passengers.
The journey down to the Antarctic took about 3 hours - plenty of time for dinner, drinks, more Jazz, talks with Experts who have lived and worked on the ice and
videos on the many Arctic research projects.
Roster for the Bunnings Sausage Sizzle – 8th February, 2017
8.00 a.m. - 12 noon – Bill and Geraldine Simpson with Robyn Bunting.
12.00 noon – 3.00 p.m. – Marie Warren, Deb McManus with Robyn Schneidewin.
“Set Up” and “Pull Down.”
Les Louis and Les Nock
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Clear skies allowed us to be amazed as we experienced over four hours flying over the incredible landscape of Antarctica. We mostly stayed in the Australian territory along the South-east section which sits in the
Southern Ocean.
Highlights were close views of the Balleny Islands, Cape Adare, Mt Minto (highest peak), Ninnis Glacier, Mertz Glacier, Cook Ice Shelf and Davies Bay.
We also flew over Mawsons Hut in Commonwealth Bay and Dumont D’Urville where the French have their research station. (No
Fraser we did not go near Mt Eberus) Although it was too high to see wildlife, we were able to pick out the buildings of the research stations, flow of the sea ice, the direction of glacier flows and significant rock formations.
Midnight sun provided spectacular array of colours on the ice. At no time did it get darker than twilight - even at 2am.
We toasted the New Year with champagne in hand as the Band played Auld Lang Syne
with icebergs beneath us. Our final route saw us fly over the geographical point known as the South Pole.
The return journey provided a few hours to catch some sleep, before breakfast and disembarking back at Melbourne at 7am Jan 1, 2017.
I was amazed at just how clearly the views could be seen from the plane flying low at less than 10,000 feet. Antarctica offers much more than just ice and its sheer size and beauty is mind-boggling.
An experience like no other. Happy New Year!
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Rotary Australia World Community Service Ltd
Rotary’s Aid Program Donations in Kind - Northern Region –
152 Freeman Rd, Durack Newsletter December 2016
From Our Book Sorting Department To unloading in the Solomon’s
To building a new Library.
Once again thank you for your assistance in providing the Solomon Islands with books. Please pass on my thanks on to the Rotary team. We have been able to successfully complete the province's first provincial library thanks to your assistance and we look forward to receiving more books from you in the future!
We thank all those schools and Council libraries who donate books to us and the volunteers who deliver them.
Jessica Hampton, Provincial Education Training Support Officer, Malaita Education Authority, Solomon Is.
Donations In Kind – Northern Region Consignments Sent July – December 2016
From July to December we have loaded 29 TEUs (e.g. 20’ Equivalent Units i.e. 1x40 = 2 x2 0s) and shipped 25 containers.
Approx. A$1.54 million second hand value. Countries shipped by TEUs
PNG 9 Timor 1
Solomon’s 3 Sri Lanka 4
Fiji 4 India 2 Vanuatu 2
We have also helped several Club projects with equipment and finances for PNG, Vanuatu, Fiji, Timor and Sri Lanka.
We are looking for funding of containers to Tonga, Samoa, Timor, Nauru and PNG. Are you willing to help??
MORE ON DIK
Ken Evans reported that, at the request of Blue Care Lindum’s Occupational Therapist, a team of our Rotarians transported a hospital bed from Alexandra Hills to a person in need at Thornlands on December 13th, 2016. Roy Buckley provided his vehicle and trailer, David Tighe, Bob de Lange and Ken assisted.
A Manly West resident recently approached Secretary George by email, resulting in Ken collecting 2 pairs of crutches and other equipment for delivery to the DIK warehouse in due course.
Our Club has been rostered to assist loading containers at the DIK warehouse on Saturday, February 4th, 2107, commencing at 8.00 a.m. We have to confirm to the organiser that our members can assist – please advise Ken as soon as possible if you can help.
Transport to and from the venue will be arranged as usual leaving from outside Shangri-La about 7.00 a.m. and returning about 11.00 a.m.
**** **** **** **** (Editor’s Notes: – A message from Robyn Bunting: “ Hi All. I hope everyone had an enjoyable Christmas and is heading for a prosperous New Year.
Just a reminder - if you are cleaning or renovating over the break and have any unwanted furniture or household items, Silky Oaks would be very grateful of donations to use in their refuge houses. Please let either myself or David Tighe know and we can organise collection.”
Robyn tells us: “Our next creative markets morning is Sunday. January 15th. Currently the roster is: Set - up - Conor McManus and Les Nock
6.00 a.m. to 9.00 a.m. - Deb and Conor McManus, Les and Jill Nock
9.00 a.m. to 12 noon - Vicki Muskens and Bob Rose (1 volunteer needed)
12noon to 3.00 .p.m. - ????? (3 Volunteers needed)
Please let me know if you can be involved.” **** **** **** ****
Next Meeting - January 11th 2017 - 6.00 p.m. for 6.30 p.m. Programme: Rebirthing PC's and Laptops. Guest Speaker: Chris Johnston. Chairman: David O’Connor Doorkeepers: Glen Ford Tony Fox. Fellowship: Andrew Hurst . Equipment: Jo Soothill Matthew MacDonald. Sergeant: Conor MacManus.
Next Meeting - January 18th 2017 - 6.00 p.m. for 6.30 p.m. Programme: A.F.L. Queensland. Guest Speaker: Nicholas Liparota. Chairman: David O’Connor. Doorkeepers: Sandy Marshall Fraser McGregor. Fellowship: Damian Nolan . Equipment: Brian Pertzel Harry Pregnell. Sergeant: Conor MacManus.
Next Meeting - January 25th 2017 - 6.00 p.m. for 6.30 p.m. Programme: Fellowship Night. Venue In the Australia Day BBQ Tent. Chairman: Michael McKerrow. Sergeant: Mick Matthews.
Next Meeting – February 1st 2017 - 6.00 p.m. for 6.30 p.m. Programme: Brisbane Airport Corporation Update. Guest Speaker: Jessica Shannon. Chairman: Tony Fox. Doorkeepers: Graham Pearson Jill Nock. Fellowship: Les Nock. Equipment: David Preston Rob Robergs. Sergeant: Mick Matthews.
Next Meeting – February 8th 2017 - 6.00 p.m. for 6.30 p.m. Programme: Where are you going and How you got there. Guest Speaker: Faye Caughey. Chairman: Bob Rose. Doorkeepers: Andrew Simpson Gordon Walters. Fellowship: Robyn Bunting. Equipment: David Tighe Christine Woodward. Sergeant: Mick Matthews.
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APOLOGIES AND EXTRA GUESTS
Contact Sel Payne – ‘phone - 0419653175 or Email:[email protected]
[email protected]@[email protected]
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2016 - 2017
ROTARY INTERNATIONAL
and
DISTRICT 9630 OFFICERS
R.I. President John Germ District Governor Doug St Clair District Governor Elect Elwyn Hodges District Governor Nominee Chris Reynolds Assistant Governor David Field
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ROTARY CLUB OF WYNNUM AND MANLY
OFFICERS 2016 – 2017
President Michael McKerrow Vice President Sel Payne Secretary George Englert - (M) 0418 780 999 Treasurer Peter Boddy President Elect Sel Payne
SERVICE DIRECTORS Club Dave Warren Community David Tighe Fund Raising Robyn Bunting International Niels Coelingh-Bennink Vocational Andrew Simpson Youth Service Matthew MacDonald Youth Exchange Programme David Groves – (M)0499 949 547) Membership and Publicity Steve Jones Youth Protection Officer Niels Coelingh-Bennink
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The Rotary Club of Wynnum and Manly Chartered - October 23, 1953
Presentation of Charter - April 10, 1954 **** **** **** ****
Bulletin Editor – Sandy Marshall
All correspondence to: The Secretary, PO Box 2, Wynnum QLD 4178
Email:- [email protected]
Our meetings: Each Wednesday - 6.00 p.m. for 6.30 p.m.
Shangri-La Reception Lounge, 1969 Wynnum Road, Wynnum West.
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