Conference Report - Brian
Brief report on District Conference last weekend. These notes do not do the conference justice. The speakers were outstanding. One of the best district conferences I've been to.
Conferences should be a part of your education about Rotary.
District Governor - RI's rep in the district. Responsible to organise the District Conference in line with the International Annual Theme. The theme this year is "Making a Difference". Speakers spoke on their businesses or life-stories which demonstrated that anyone can "make a difference".
Two speakers stood out to me: Professor Toby Coates - spoke on the development of transplantation, specifically where a child needed a pancreas transplant. Mother researched the Internet to try and find a cause of the child's illness. Referred to Professor Coates who thought, "there is no way this will ever happen in Australia." 18 months later a complex procedure was undertaken which resulted in the child being restored to health. Two people made a difference here - the mother and Professor Coates.
Dr. Jill Hicks (AM MBE) - Told of her life-changing experience of being 2 persons away from the bomb that went off in the London Underground. From her hospital bed she decided that her anger was not going to resolve anything. Developed a sustainable peace project to counter terrorism.
During her rehab, while getting used to her prosthetic legs, her therapist would occasionally push her over. When she complained he responded, "Having the confidence to fall means that you have the ability to get up."
Conference Report Saturday night - Judy
Conference Saturday night erupted with Jazz with James Morrison. James is making a difference in supporting and progressing young Jazz players with his James Morrison Jazz Academy.
Youth Exchange students ran a raffle and raised in the vicinity of $1500.
A donated trumpet, mounted on a board, which James Morrison played was auctioned for $3200 to support the Fire Appeal.
Support was also given to the "Seven Women Project" to support women in Nepal.
It was a great night. One of the best conferences I've been to.
