On Monday night we were fortunate to have two guest speakers, Haru Jayasekara from Rossmoyne Senior High School, accompanied by his mother Rose; and Jiri Lochman from Lochman Transparencies accompanied by his wife Marie; plus of course, our very own surfer extraordinaire, Anna.

The Club is sponsoring Haru in this years Four Way Test Speech Contest and at short notice, was with us to give his speech its first run. The contest is a competition for secondary school students in Year 10 for the first round in September and in Year 11 by the time of the District final in March of the following year. It highlights the concepts of the Rotary Four Way Test (see below), creates an opportunity for students to develop their public speaking skills and provides Rotary with valuable exposure within the community. 

Jiri is an expert photographer and a passionate and committed conservationist whose business motto is "Showing Australia in a Better Light". We report on his presentation below. 

Anna has survived her return to school and has still found time to get down to the beach for the sun, surf and surfing (on average three times a week, but sometimes more); and last weekend added water skiing to her sports repertoire. Aside from that, when asked by her fellow students, she actively promotes the idea of an exchange (or at the very least a visit) to Belgium. 

Now a big thank you is due to all members for agreeing that the Club devote a goodly part of the anticipated proceeds from the Silent Auction to the North Queensland Flood Relief Appeal which has been launched under the auspices of Rotary World Community Service (RAWCS) using their Rotary Australia Relief Fund. The appeal project is administered jointly by RAWCS and the District where the disaster has occurred. This allows for better coordination, accountability and targeted distribution and has the added benefit that personal donations will be tax deductible. To donate Click here. 

So this gives added importance and focus to our Silent Auction and what we are doing for the Appeal should definitely be mentioned when approaching potential donors. Please also use the flyer Ric Davies has provided plus the Fair prospectus, copies of which are available from me and can also be viewed by Clicking here   

There are also two other appeals currently running. Most pressing is for President Elect 2019-20. It has been agreed that role will be modified to achieve a better distribution of responsibilities and with the support of the many Past Presidents in the Club it will be very rewarding, not onerous. The other appeal is for nominations for District Governor 2021-22. If you are up for an incredible life changing experience, this would be it. 

Finally, if you are planning to attend the Barefoot Bowls night for members, partners and family next Monday 18 February 2019 at the Willetton Bowling Club (WBC), please register on the Club website or contact Mary Henderson direct. WBC will provide the bowls and the know how. We just need to turn up with soft soled shoes or bare feet. After the bowls we will be "fed and watered" and anything stronger will be available from the WBC's cash bar.