Happy Monday all – not everyone’s favourite day of the week - It was certainly hard for me to come back to work this morning after such a glorious weekend. According to The College Times, Monday is the 6th worst day of the week – topped by Tuesday which a US work stress and happiness survey, found feels like the longest day, can be the most stressful and apparently the most miserable! Good job we have Rotary to look forward to the next day.
However, we can set the week off on a super high note. I have some news that I’m pretty sure no Surfers Sunrise President has had to share for at least two decades – that one of our members is about to become a father. No prizes for guessing with that as a clue –I’m absolutely thrilled to tell you that Simon and Jodie are expecting their first baby in late April. They will make fantastic parents and that is one very lucky baby. Congratulations to you both and we can’t wait to meet Baby Brooke -McClintock in the spring.
“A new baby marks the beginnings of all things – wonder, hope, and a beautiful dream of possibilities.”
Down at the Shed things are humming along – the Open Bike Sale Day not only produced funds and got our name in the community but it produced two new volunteers – both men came to buy bicycles and were so impressed that they have started working at the Shed. Welcome to John “Wheeliebin” Foster (you can ask him about his nickname when you see him) and Ray Drowley; both men have applied to become Associates so we will get them registered this week. The rickshaw is back in progress and Des has sourced great cushioning for the seat, so the prototype is just a couple of weeks away from being ready to trial. Meanwhile, John Hall, one of our long standing Associates is growing his hair in preparation for the World’s Greatest Shave where, on March 13th he will have his hair shaved off as a fund raiser for leukaemia. John lost his wife at Xmas last year to cancer and with a number of friends suffering too, felt compelled to do something to help. We will certainly be making a donation – if anyone wants to help John personally – go to leukaemiafoundation.org.au and search for his name.
On this note, I would like to acknowledge the tragic passing of Christine Carberry this week, who, having battled and beaten breast cancer in the last twelve months, was taken suddenly by a brain haemorrhage on Friday. Please read the tribute to her below. We thank Christine for all that she did for her Club and condolences to Christine’s family and friends – and especially to Mario who was very close to her.
We have a couple of events that need your support- the first is the Pride of Workmanship Awards – I know Richard is in need of nominations- there will be people you know who go above and beyond in the quality of their work – and we want to hear about them. Secondly, you need to get a wriggle on if you are registering for the Conference- we had the support of many Clubs last year to boost our attendance so its our turn to reciprocate. Accommodation in Lismore is not plentiful and you don’t want to be caught out. Finally – it’s a casual breakfast on Wednesday- hope to see lots of you at Bumbles for fellowship and action!
On a daily basis we hear about Muslims detesting Christians, Sunni and Shia Muslims being at war, and one only has to go back half of a life time to the major conflict between Protestants and Catholics in Ireland. Let's not, for a moment, even consider the question of which branch of Christianity is right: Catholic, Anglican, Pentecostal, Mormon, just to name a few). And of course the issue with Judaism and the rest of the world seems to have gone on since time immemorial. Oh, have I mentioned yet Buddhism, Hinduism, Sikhism, Baha'i...?
So, when I read in the Burleigh Rotary Club bulletin that there were some volunteers who were running a Multi Faith Centre at the Commonwealth Games, my first vision was along the line of someone trying to herd a bunch of cats... "Not so!" assured us our Guest Speaker, Kay Chiswell. Together with Lakshmi Narasimhan and a number of other volunteers, they indeed managed to organize and arrange for the athletes and their officials from all over the Commonwealth to pursue their peaceful pursuit of worship - whatever their religion. As a matter of fact, so successful was their enterprise that they have been asked to come up with a similar solution for the upcoming Olympic Games in 2020! Their team had representatives of various faiths that were catered for at the village. There were national faith leaders and chaplains. There were international, professional sports chaplains who belong to the Christian faith. Quite straight forward, isn't it? Not so sure... Let's just see: the principal task (one assumes to be) was to provide a place where people could "express their faith". But also a place to come to if they needed to talk to someone about whatever issue, not necessarily relating to their faith. Seeing the Games were in the Easter Period, a number of different Holy Days fell into the period. And overall, still to cater for the needs of individual faiths. In the humble view of your Editor, a gargantuan task!
And so the Christians, the Muslims, the Jews, the Buddhists, the Baha'i, the Hindis and the Sikhs all shared the Multi Faith Centre, to worship, to meditate, to talk, to seek inner peace. Sounds almost impossible? Well, from my point of view, perhaps Kay and her team should move on to the UN and give them a couple of lessons on how it's actually done.
With great sadness, we advise that Christine Carberry passed away on Friday 11th January 2019, aged 63 years, succumbing to a serious cancer.
Even though not a formal member of Surfers Sunrise, Christine was regularly involved with Rotary and particularly with our Club's projects. Her father introduced her to Rotary when Christine hosted many international students on their cotton/cattle farm in Narrabri. She was one of the first women to join Rotary in Australia and then became a member of the Rotary Club of Dili, Timor Leste. Christine and Rae Fairlie worked together in Sydney and became the best of friends. Over some 8 years in the 1980's and 90’s, Rae & Christine raised more than $400,000 for Rotary's Polio Plus. They were both awarded Paul Harris Fellowships for their contributions.
When our Club decided to build a school for the village of Mata'afa, which had been wiped out by the 2009 tsunami, Christine's personal connections in Samoa, including in the Ministry of Education, became invaluable. Without her intermediary, this school may never have happened. She also organised a $5,000 donation by the Rotary Club of Lane Cove (Sydney) towards the School Project and subsequently took time off to work on the construction of the School in Samoa.
Running her own business in Timor Leste, Christine was highly respected in her community, working for and with the local government as well as with the Diplomatic Corps from several countries, Charities and as a director on the Hospital and large Corporations. She indeed was a unique woman, extremely strong willed, very determined, very helpful, with highly ethical and moral beliefs. She loved her work and loved her sisters, staff and family. A truly gutsy lady; she will be sadly missed by all.
The Funeral will be held on Monday 21st January, at 11:00 am, at the Sacred Heart Church, 50 Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters. Photo above: at the 2011 Changeover, (then) President Ray Higgs presented Christine with a special recognition by the Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS) for her work in Samoa.
On 20th February 2019, we'll again hold an event to recognize Vocational Excellence (in the past, we called it Pride of Workmanship Award).
We often hear complaints about poor service, but the 'Quiet Achievers' out there remain unrecognized! Here is your opportunity! You may nominate any person whom you consider to have provided you with excellent service and/or has shown a high level of skill in their profession, trade or vocation and whom you consider worthy of recognition. The nomination form is in the Download Section on the right side. Please send it directly to Richard Smith, our Chief of Vocational Service who is in charge of the organizing committee. Details are shown on the form.
OK, so it seems still to be a long way off - almost 3 months away. But accommodation will soon become hard to get - other people have already booked. Your Editor and his better half will go down on Friday for the three days.
Why attend a District Conference?
Well, to start, it's fun: you meet lots of interesting people (the most interesting Rotarians DO attend the conference - not meaning to be bragging about myself of course)
You will hear Keynote Speakers for which you normally would pay hundreds of dollars to attend
The dinners are always superb fellowship events. The Saturday Night dinner is always very vibrant; this year they have a top notch Jazz & Swing band. Yes, we dance!
You learn a couple of things about Rotary which you may not have known before
Registration for Rotarians and their partners is free of charge, however, in fairness, a fee applies to partake in the events which serve food. Click on this link to go to the Registration Page.
John Chirio was at the door, Col Laurenson was Chairman and Andy Bell was Sergeant.
President Jo Winwood welcomed all members and guests Catherine Palin-Brinkworth (RC of Surfers Paradise), Eric Stephens (RC of Burleigh Heads), Ross Augustine (RC of Frankston Sunrise), with his charming wife Coryn and grand daughter Alissa Lott (who had just returned from her USA Youth Exchange), Lucy Thorburn (outgoing YE student to the USA), and of course our Guest Speaker, Kay Chiswell (see separate article above). Jo briefly elaborated on a recent Project Shed executive meeting held, as well as the need to concentrate on Membership Development, particularly in view of the recent passing away of Bob Harrison and two of our members transferring to Associate Membership.
After Kay Chiswell's presentation, both Alissa Lott and Lucy Thorburn (picture above right)gave us a brief outline - Alison about what she just had come back from, Lucy with a "test presentation" of how she will represent the Gold Coast, her family, her Surf Club and our Rotary Club to her hosts in the US. We expect Alison to return again soon for a more detailed outline.
Newly baked Project Shed Chief Larry Murray advised that they were looking for "clients" for their wheelchairs. Col Laurenson, in his capacity as Chief of Donations in Kind (Northern Region) quickly held up his hand: just keep them coming! We'll find space in the containers!
Ray Higgs brought up the issue about our traditional club banner, which - based on recently published board meeting minutes - was going to be replaced. In answer, Secretary Mitch Brown outlined the principal rules as outlined in the Club Constitution in relation to such matters.
Franz Huber promoted the upcoming Lismore District Conference, held on the last weekend in March. Registration for Rotarians and their partners is free. However, accommodation in Lismore could gradually become scarce, so book soon! See separate article for more details. Franz is also looking for 5 hosts to accommodate the Rotary Friendship Exchange visitors from Seattle and British Columbia in November. A total of 12 visitors (6 couples) will come. Our club will host the visitors for 4 nights, starting Thursday 31st October 2019. Naturally, Franz & Catherine will host one. Pleasecontact Franz directly if you would like to be involved.
Duty Roster - note: subject to change. Please check every week:
New duty: Fellowship. What does it entail? Your job is to ensure that all members, in particular new members, visitors and guests, and in particular the Guest Speaker, are welcomed, are introduced to other members and are comfortable. If required, explain the usual procedures, e.g. when we have our meal, when the speaker is expected to be at the rostrum etc.
This coming Wednesday 16th January 2019 we'll again meet at
On a daily basis we hear about Muslims detesting Christians, Sunni and Shia Muslims being at war, and one only has to go back half of a life time to the major conflict between Protestants and Catholics in Ireland. Let's not, for a moment, even consider the question of which branch of Christianity is right: Catholic, Anglican, Pentecostal, Mormon, just to name a few). And of course the issue with Judaism and the rest of the world seems to have gone on since time immemorial. Oh, have I mentioned yet Buddhism, Hinduism, Sikhism, Baha'i...? 
With great sadness, we advise that Christine Carberry passed away on Friday 11th January 2019, aged 63 years, succumbing to a serious cancer.
On 20th February 2019, we'll again hold an event to recognize Vocational Excellence (in the past, we called it Pride of Workmanship Award).
OK, so it seems still to be a long way off - almost 3 months away. But accommodation will soon become hard to get - other people have already booked. Your Editor and his better half will go down on Friday for the three days. 
