I was born in Dalby the second eldest of six children, moving with my family to Brisbane aged two. I attended St Laurence's Christian Brothers College South Brisbane, representing the school in rugby union, cricket, swimming and tennis. I graduated from the University of Queensland Medical School in 1970 and represented the University in Squash.

The Mater Hospital Brisbane was where I did my Medical Residency before working in England for 12 months. While I was there experiencing a cold and wet summer with constant cloudy skies I realised how perfect the climate was on the Gold Coast and longed for the bright and sunny weather. I applied successfully for the Surgical  Registrar position at the Gold Coast hospital and following this excellent surgical training I entered a very happy period working in General Practice at Broadbeach and Mermaid Waters. Over time I developed three large Medical Centres, purchased a fourth as well as a Day Hospital. I continued developing and acquiring commercial and residential properties over this period.

For the last ten years I have studied and trained both here and internationally to further focus my skills in Skin Cancer diagnosis and surgical management.

An interest in genetics and breeding led me to one of my great passions in life, thoroughbred racing and breeding. Over the years a small band of thoroughbred  fillies and mares has morphed into a boutique collection of high quality mares with success in the sale ring and many black type winners on the racetrack. The most recent was Moqueen who won the Dulcify Stakes last Saturday at Randwick, is due to start in the Ethereal Stakes at Caulfield and nominated for the Oakes during Melbourne Cup Week.

I became a Rotarian over 40 years ago in the best Rotary Club on the GC and have thoroughly enjoyed this Journey. I have held positions of Community Service Director, Club Service Director and Sergeant on multiple occasions and these proved a good grounding for a satisfying year as President in 1981. Following my presidency I held positions on District Committees of Rotary Health and Research and assistant Medical Director of ROMAC.

I have enjoyed lots of Sporting interests including Tennis, Squash, Marathon and Half Marathon Running, cycling and snow skiing.

The greatest achievement in my life was to marry Claire 44 years ago and to have three children all of whom have succeeded in life and have achieved university and masters degrees. We have four lovely grandchildren who we both adore.

 

 

Frequently friends ask whether Rotarians receive special business benefits from their Rotary membership. Should Rotarians expect a special discount or some preferential service just because they are dealing with a fellow Rotarian? The answer is clearly "no." The Rotary Manual of Procedure expressly states the Rotary position on this matter. The policy, originally approved by the R.I. Board of Directors in 1933, is that in business and professional relations "a Rotarian should not expect, and far less should he/she ask for, more consideration or advantages from a fellow Rotarian than the latter would give to any other business or professional associate with whom he/she has business relations. " Over 50 years ago the concept was expressed that "true friends demand nothing of one another, and any abuse of the confidence of friendship for profit is foreign to the spirit of Rotary." On the other hand, if new or increased business comes as the natural result of friendship created in Rotary, it is the same normal development which takes place outside of Rotary as well as inside, so it is not an infringement on the ethics of Rotary membership. It is important to remember that the primary purpose of Rotary membership is to provide each member with a unique opportunity to serve others, and membership is not intended as a means for personal profit or special privileges.

 

 

(Scribe: Neil Jones)

This gala night kicked off with just on 140 attendees enjoying pre-dinner drinks and fellowship.

The Police Piper piped everyone into the function and followed with the National Anthem.

Following a video of our Police Service in action, our Channel Nine MC's, Bruce Paige and   outlined the program for the evening and announced the key apologies including the Minister for Police, Bill Byrne and Local MPs Ray Stevens and John Paul Langbroek. Police Commissioner Ian Stewart was also an apology. Unfortunately, Councillor for Broadbeach and Honorary Member Paul Taylor and Yvonne were late apologies due to illness.

President Bruce then addressed the gathering and is to be congratulated on the quality and content of his presentation.

Queensland Police Assistant Commissioner Brian Codd then addressed us with a wonderful mix of prepared and off the cuff remarks including a degree of humor. Brian was very complimentary of Rotary in general and The Rotary Club of Broadbeach in particular and noted that service above self is common to both organisations.

Douglas Milton said grace and dinner was served.

Following dinner, the awards presentation took place with President Bruce & Assistant Commissioner Brian officiating.

Coast Civilian Support Officer of the Year - there were seven nominees (Katrina Barling, Leanne Connelly, Nao Hirano, Tracey Hocart, Di Hoogendoorn, Leisha Lindberg and Nicole Mehiert) and the winner was Di Hoogerndoorn from Robina Police Station.

Gold Coast Police Station/Unit of the Year - there were four nominees (District Crime Prevention & Cross Cultural Unit, Domestic & Family Violence Task Force, Intel Command - Rapid Action Patrols and Taskforce Latro) and the winner was The Domestic & Family Violence Taskforce. The award was accepted on behalf of the unit by Acting Senior Sergeant Kayleen James.

Special Thank you - before moving on to the main award, Steve Lewis (son of Tony & Kathy) was called to the stage where he gave a heartfelt thank you to the Queensland Police Service and particularly all those officers present tonight, who had played a role in the location of his daughter who had been missing for almost 24 hours earlier this year.

Gold Coast Police Officer of the Year - nineteen officers were nominated but only six could be present (Senior Sergeant Mark Anderson, Constable Carleen Armour, Constable Michael Engelbrecht, Sergeant Lyndon O'Neill, Constable Deb Pokai and Sergeant Steve Young) and the winner was Constable Deb Pokai from Surfers Paradise Station

Deb received numerous nominations which directly related to her involvement in Adopt-a-Cop duties and other crime prevention programs. The award recognises her mix of community engagement, crime prevention and operational policing.

The PCYC raffle was drawn and the evening continued to the music of Retrosteel, the band of 2012 Police officer of the Year, Nick White of the Gold Coast Road Policing Unit.

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