Chairman Ian Cairns opened the meeting with his thought for the night; never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has. (Margaret Meade)
President Trevor Williams welcomed everyone, making good time to arrive here from Peterborough.
Welcome Ross and Sandy, Monique, Alex & Paul (Michelle unable to attend).
Went to a Board Meeting last week, discussions; John Parkinson from ‘Let’s Talk’, grants still available, tree planting day on the 14th April.
Club guests;
Bryce Pace our guest speaker this evening.
Ben & Toni (exchange students)
George McLeod (Rotaract)
Exchange student Sarah has arrived home and will also address the meeting tonight. Unfortunately, Carly is unwell and not able to join us.
Members guests; Leanne guest of President Trevor welcomed.
RYLA - Rachel Furnell advised we have secured sponsorship for RYLA Rotary Youth Exchange 8-13 April 2018. District Conference is coming up, please contact Rachel for further information.
Rotary jackets are available, finalising the order, please let Delia Jenkins know if interested.
Next Meeting - Anne Adams reminded the meeting we have ‘barefoot bowls’ next week. Please fill out the forms on your tables for catering at the Bowling Club.
Peace Concert - last chance next week for tickets ($30 each)
FOLKIE - David Brown distributed a list on each table of allocated shifts for the festival. Three shifts still available, seeking volunteers.
Fines
Graeme Ross, Steve Giddens both popular in The Standard newspaper
FOGO bin trial being undertaken in Warrnambool, can anyone tell me what FOGO stands for? Food Organic Garden Organic
Keith & Anne traders re. Liebig Street upgrade
Tony Austin to attend a meeting 9.30 Sunday, ‘phoned and still in bed at that time
Anniversaries for several members
Fines to members not wearing badges
Random numbers of members via scientific ballot method
GUEST SPEAKER - Bryce Pace was introduced by Terry O’Neill.
Bryce, at the age of 9, was diagnosed with autism and after not being given a voice in primary school due to his diagnosis, Bryce hid his autism at Brauer Secondary College for several years. Since Bryce broke his silence, mid 2016, he has been dedicating his time to changing the stigma that surrounds autism spectrum.
In 2016 Bryce was a recipient of a Warrnambool youth achiever award, a recipient of the John King Citizenship Award and he was also elected as one of 15 Executive Board Members for the 2016 - 2017 Victorian Student Representative Council. Bryce also won the 2017 Victorian Disability Emerging Leader Award for his work in advocating for autism acceptance and inclusion.
As a young autism advocate, Bryce has been invited to write and speak on behalf of autistic students on many occasions including addressing a state parliamentary enquiry.
Bryce recently approached our club for sponsorship to contribute to a teacher professional development workshop being held next month at Brauer college. The workshop will hear from autistic students and parents of autistic students, on how to better cater for and harness the emerging abilities of these young students, together with discovering new ways to better include autistic students in classroom activities.
Bryce described how at the age of 9, prior to his diagnosis, he was placed in a Special Educational setting which resulted in being two years behind his peers in Year 7. Thanks to my wonderful mother, also a teacher, who would teach me at the end of the day until I caught up and fitted in at Brauer.
Last year Bryce decided to help teachers understand autism spectrum. He will be connecting with students around the South West district next month, sitting on a panel to answer teacher’s questions; “what it is like coping with autism spectrum from our point of view in a classroom”. My mother will also attend and be part of the discussions, open to anyone in the educational sector.
In asking for questions for Bryce to answer from the floor, Terry noted in Rotary Down Under (Feb 2018 Issue 602), the theme 2018 – 2019 is ‘be the inspiration’ and Bryce certainly fits that description.
Bryce was presented with a certificate and badge in recognition of his speech and the donation by Rotary of a malarial net to an island in the Pacific on his behalf.
Louise Keogh welcomed our exchange students home - Carly and Sarah have returned, Sarah will be speaking tonight.
Sarah Forbes spent 12 months on Rotary Exchange in France, hosted by four families, including trips to bordering countries.
School was very different, expectation of a longer day in the classroom, 2 hours for lunch, however enjoyed the subjects.
I was living in the Bordeaux region, beach in the vicinity, wine producing industries, only 2 hours from Paris by train, many tourists to the area.
Went on a two week tour of Europe, 10 countries in that time with 44 exchange students on the bus together, we all bonded like a family. Summer holidays from July – August, my family travelled over and we visited Scandinavia together. Grandparents came over also.
I enjoy snails, we would have culinary cook-ups, opted to prepare Honey Joys for our Australian specialty.
There were 5 – 6 Rotary weekends on the trip, and I wish to thank Rotary for the experience of a lifetime.
During question time Sarah answered …
Learnt French in Years 7/8/9 at Secondary College. Language was a big challenge, taking 3-4 months before I could get a grasp of French. Conversational French at first, grammar will be the big challenge now that I am studying Year 12 French.
Saw Axel twice, so good!!!
Big issue with getting through customs with an exchange student from Swan Hill, finally got his 5kg ham the next day but his chances didn’t look good.
French must endure a high risk of terrorism, ID badges worn and you do not have the freedom to leave the class due to the high risk.
Refugees are on the side of the road all over France.
At first, I thought the 12 months would go slowly and I would be excited to go home, but I was sad to leave the new life found in France.
Australian accent was a shock when I came home, and I adopted the custom to kiss everyone on both cheeks.
By the end of the year I hope I will have a clearer pathway of what I would like to do.
Paul Forbes said the preparation was over 4 weekends prior to Sarah travelling, there are organisations you would pay for the experience; however, Rotary gave us confidence knowing Rotary was organising the event.
Carly is disappointed not here tonight due to ill health.
Louise thanked Sarah for the talk and acknowledged the fact she would have been a wonderful ambassador.
You can view Sarah's powerpoint presentation here.
President Trevor thanked Sarah for her discussion, and thank you Louise for all the preparation she puts into our Exchange Student program.
Reminder that three vacant shifts remain at the Folkie. See David if you are able to help.
Thank you Bryce, all the best for your future.
Sunday - CFA BBQ 9.30 – 2.30
Trevor surprised us all by announcing that he "popped the question" last weekend to his lovely partner, Leanne, and she accepted. No date for the nuptials yet. Congratulations to Trevor and Leanne.
Last week Andrea spoke about the wonderful "game" dinner that was prepared for the auction winners. Thanks were extended to Mal, Vicki, Svet and the team who worked hard to prepare and present this dinner. Below are some photos of the group enjoying their meal, the beautifully prepared food, and the workers behind the scenes.
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