Darrell Brown was at the door (for Simon Brooks), Ray Higgs was Chairman and Andy Bell was Sergeant. We had apologies from Gerald East, Richard Smith, Graeme Isaacson, Mario Fairlie, Simon Brooks and Larry Murray.
President Charles Thomasson welcomed all members, our special guest speaker Angie Bell MP, visitors DG Andy Rajapakse, "Honorary Queenslander" Ross Augustine (RC of Frankston Sunrise), Catherine Palin-Brinkworth (RC of Gold Coast), Ann O'Connor, Kristen 'KJ' Jewson and Dean Castell (guest of Paul Smith, and proposed to be the second Corporate Member of the Bank of Queensland). Charles highlighted the recent feedback and thanks we received from South Africa relating to the recent container of wheelchairs despatched there. He also updated us on the status of the new website for our Wheelchairs Trust (almost done, thanks to Craig Parker, Rotaractors KJ Jewson and Matt Haywood) and the X-Ray Unit for Vanuatu project.
Following Angie Bell's address (see separate report above), DG Andy Rajapakse complemented our club for the work we do: "Your club is one of trhe most amazing clubs in our team" Andy massaged our ego... He specially mentioned District Officers from Surfers Sunrise: Mark Twyford (District Treasurer), Doug Lipp (District Finance Officer), Ray Higgs (former Peace and Conflict Resolution Chair). Worthwhile mentioning: the district added 32 new members just this month! Andy presented a copy of the '100 Years Rotary in Australia' book to President Charles.
PDG Darrell Brown confirmed that we are assisting the Tamborine Mountain club by supporting two RYPEN (Rotary Youth Program for Enrichment) candidates, plus adding one of our own, Malia McMahon, nominated by the Surfers Paradise SLSC (picture right).Secretary Mitch Brown held the fastest election in history: Darrell Brown will represent our club at the business section of the upcoming District Conference, while President Elect Paul Seymour promised to have exact details of the Changeover Luncheon by the end of the week.