This weekend just gone a number of our Club Members, accompanied by their partners attended our Districts 9820 Annual Conference. It was a fantastic three-day event from all aspects, encompassing Rotary Presentations, the ability to catch up with fellow Rotarians and network and a very friendly and extremely enjoyable social atmosphere. Brief Overview / Report on Conference The Conference commenced on Friday evening, which was held in the “brand new” Gippsland Performing Arts Centre in Traralgon. So new was the facility we were privileged to be the first major event to be held in the facility, which does not “open“ until next week. With a number of Members registering on Friday evening we then made our way into the main theatre to hear from a number of dignitaries and a very warm, enthusiastic and vibrant welcome from Ms Kellie O’Callaghan, the Mayor of Latrobe City. It was then off to dinner and our team from Mornington all gathered at one of the cities eating establishments being The Little Prince Eating House & Bar, which provided a very, very tasty feast of Tapas, so much was the food quality and content as the night drew on the call of “ no more food “ was heard !. Our dinner and fellowship on Friday certainly set the scene for the weekend and what a great way to commence Conference in the company of fellow Club Members and Partner’s. PS there appears that a moderate amount of Red & Wine accompanied the meal, Saturday saw an early start with a very, very fine breakfast within the Dinning Room of our accommodation at Bridges on Argyle. Saturday, as you would expect, Saturday was always going to be a very full on day. From the outset it was very evident that the focus and emphasis for this conference was The Environment. The team from Rotary District 9820 that organised and provided us with a number of Guest and Key Note Speakers should be very proud of their efforts which saw a number of National and International Speakers address us. We heard from the RIPPER, PDG Jennifer Scott (Rotary International Presidents Personal Representative) WOW what an amazing and dynamic presentation, PRIP Ian Risley who made a number of presentations, Vic Grosjean who spoke very passionately in regards to our Ocean environment’s. We also heard from local Presenters of Ray Mackay, Charles Allen and Erin Coldham. Our own Ross Kilborn got a “gig“ in regards to the Peninsula Trail and his presentation was brief but very precise in regards to The Peninsula Trail, which from my observations and looking around at quite a few number of other Rotarian’s in the Theatre was very well received especially in regards to the very large scale and massive financial, and huge community benefits of this project. After a very full day it and a “mountain of information and conversation” it was off to dinner. This time our MTM: “ Merry Team of Mornington”, gathered at our Accommodation for an eat in. Rather than head downtown we sent out for a dine in, with a supply of Thai cuisine delivered and by the very gracious and extremely helpful Accommodation hosts allowing us to utilise the Dinning Room to partake in another evening of great food, enjoyable conversation and the occasional glass of Red. Sunday morning saw a few “sleepy heads “ rise a bit later and make their way to the Conference venue for the final morning of Presentations and formal Announcements and the Closing Ceremony. After reading the brief Bio on the morning’s Key Note Presenter that did provide an insight to her life and challenge’s really didn’t not prepare all of us for what we were about to hear!! Ms Leigh Woodgate arrived on stage and from the very outset, after an eye opening intordution via our MC. What I can say was the most uplifting, inspirational and motivating story I have ever had the privilege to be a part of. Her life from a young child thru to where she is now today after what she had had to endure is really cannot be put into words. From being trampled on by every horse in Steeplechase Race, the massive and unbeliable injuries she suffered and her ten year fight back to regain her life was truly uplifting, Leigh’s message was very simple “ don’t complain just get up and do it!!!. The Conference could not have finished on such an inspirational note, that touched everyone, and put all our lives into prospective. After a brief morning tea/ early lunch we all via a number of different route’s, made our way back home to gather our thoughts and “ take in” the key messages that were delivered over the Conference. A very, very big thanks goes to our own Jo Davie, for coordinating all aspects of our Clubs involvement in the District Conference. On behalf of all our Club’s Members and Partner’s, who partook in this weekends Conference, I would like to extend a great job, well done Jo and tanks so much. In 2023 our 9820 District will be held over the period Friday 24th to Sunday 26th of February 2023, just down the road at The RACV Cape Schanck Resort. A fantastic opportunity for as many members as we can muster form Mornington Rotary to turn out to host fellow Rotarians from across our district and to showcase our own Mornington Peninsula. See you there ! | 
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