Acting Sergeant Neil Jones opened the meeting.
David O'Dwyer proposed the toast to our visitors, Rob Borbidge "the best ever Premier of Queensland" and Graham Jones, "the best ever District Governor of District 9640".
Vice President Ray, standing in for President Bruce welcomed all in attendance and particularly Rob & Graham. Ray reported that he had received an email from Bruce indicating all was going well with the touring group in Japan and that they had been absolutely overwhelmed by the hospitality of our Kasaoka Sister Club.
Ray also mentioned he had been in touch with Keith Hawton who was much improved and at home and John Harding who is in hospital and not faring quite so well.
Kevin O'Brien provided an update on the upcoming Young Achievers awards andextended special thanks to Harold Busch who has facilitated eight nominations ensuring the success of the project.
Past District Governor Graham Jones gave a brief report on the progress of the Malaria Vaccine Project extending thanks to our club for our partnering role in the project with Southport Club and for our significant contribution. Graham added that the project fund raising is nearing $100k on the way to the target of $500k.
Sergeant Neil raised the request from District Governor Michael Irving for contributions to the District Disaster Fund to support flood relief efforts within District 9640. After some discussion the members unanimously recommended that the Board consider an immediate donation of $5,000. This was subsequently approved by the Board by email round robin and the contribution made to District.
DG Michael has since written to the club as follows:
"Dear Neil
Please thank Broadbeach Rotary for this generous donation.
Please reassure your fellow Rotarians that all donated funds will be used for flood relief in our District.
Kind regards
Michael"
Jim Hawkins introduced Honorary Member and Guest Speaker The Honourable Robert Borbidge AO.
Rob was the 35th Premier of Queensland and served in State Parliament as member for Surfers Paradise for just over 20 years.
Since resigning from the Queensland Parliament in 2001 Rob has served on a number of private and publicly listed company boards and is currently Chairman of Cedar Creek Cellars, Chair of the Board of Advice for the Institute of Glycomics at Griffith University and Chairman of Life Flight Australia, among others.
Rob was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2006 and was also awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Griffith University.
Tonight he is speaking to us in his capacity as Chair of the Legacy Committee for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Rob commenced by adding his thanks and congratulations to the Club for our contribution to the Malaria Vaccine Project and added that he is confident that this project will ultimately be of world wide significance.
Rob then provided a very comprehensive overview of the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games including details of competition, venues, games village, associated infrastructure projects, volunteers, economic aspects and the Queen's batton relay, With regard to the latter Rob mentioned that it was very exciting to be in London recently for the start of the relay from Buckingham Palace and to see the Gold Coast so highly promoted on the world stage.
Rob then turned his attention to the benefits flowing to the City from hosting the games and highlighted such aspects as the obvious economic benefit, the world wide exposure from hosting the third largest sporting event in the world and the biggest in 2018, the new and upgraded sporting facilities, the games village which will become part of the Health & Knowledge precinct, and of course, the enhanced infrastructure in terms of roads, public transport, etc.
Rob fielded numerous questions not restricted to the Commonwealth Games and a vote of thanks was endorsed by acclamation from all present.
THE MEETING IN PICTURES
Toast proposed by David Vice President Ray in charge Kevin on Young Achievers
PDG Graham Jones Lucky John Monks takes out the daily double
Guest Speaker Rob Borbidge Speaker Host Jim & Ray extending thanks to Rob
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