24th March Meeting - Anna Wheildon - G20 Nerve Centre

Chair
Ann

 

Ann takes control

International Toast
Led by Norm to RC Singapore for the death of Lee Kuan Yew "recognised as the founding father of modern Singapore, and the only leader known to bring an entire country from third-world to first-world status in a single generation" (Wikipedia) but, according to Norm, his more important achievement was the banning of chewing gum in the country.

RC Singapore’s projects include water for Sudan, refugees, ebola, AIDS and polio issues. 

Visitors
Alf’s guest Geoff Leddy, not to be confused with his brother, incoming DG John Leddy.  John and wife Barbara will be visitors next week, and Geoff was keen to get in first and steal John’s thunder.

Apologies
Gerry, Julianna

Makeups
Golf day

President's Report
Welcome to Geoff - apparently there are another two brothers lurking in the background somewhere.
Golf day grossed $10,508 ono
Keep your eyes out for a platinum sponsor for next year.
Gerry’s trip Darwin takes precedence over “basking in the glory” of the Golf Day
RYDA coming up
ROMAC Trivia Night raised $18K
Alan expecting another grandchild.  

 

 

ROMAC Mag

Speaker
Norm introduced Anna but “won’t embarrass her as she’ll “go all funny””. 

 

G20 = goosebumps

Preparing this talk had the “memories flooding back” for Anna about her work in the G20 International Media Centre

 

A most “Anna”mated talk

It all started in April last year when Anna was listening to ABC Radio National and heard the call for volunteers. She applied but “didn’t tell a soul”.  Then there was the endless security checks, passports, “still happening” emails then in September … confirmation!!
Then back to codes, user names, passwords .. then they all change, then last minute venue change and how do you actually get there? more “secret agent” stuff & uniforms you have to “cover up” to avoid being a “moving target”

Finally the pre G20 morning tea with the TV cameras, Mayor, Premier, Tony Abbot for the “electric atmosphere” thank you to the volunteers.

Then back to courses, uniforms, go cards and how do you actually get there again?  Clean bus or dirty bus? screenings, control points, and no mexicans allowed.

Finally she was in …it was like heaven… We could “go anywhere”.  Anna was responsible for escorting the international media - being Floor Manager for the press conference was her favourite job, and she got to meet all the celebrities.

There was “big” Joe Hockey with his entourage - if he had tripped over the mike lead he could have squashed Anna flat!

Meeting “the Beast” was an even bigger experience. Obama’s vehicle was too big to turn in the carpark, and was protected by bodyguards, but Anna still managed to get some “happy snappies”  Rubbing up against it, was however, a step too far.

And the food!  This would need another talk in itself.  Best brownies ever!  Not even the salmonella for which the Convention Centre is now famous.  As Rudy noted “school principals don’t matter”

Anna “wouldn’t have missed it for the world”, and there is no truth to the rumour she has now applied for ASIO - and she wouldn’t tell us anyway.

Thanks Anna

 

Directors
Alan - Golf Day netted $6,500
Tennis Centre BBQ good PR
Judy’s sausage rolls mentioned in dispatches
John - Thanks to all on Gerry’s behalf for the Golf Day
Need a “sponsor hunter”for next year
Email to come so you can spill the beans on the good, bad & ugly
Gerry (and John’s) work recognised.

Rotary now has copies of “The Little Lighthouse” for discount $10

Sergeant Noel
Roger has the goods on Noel from the Golf Day and is now immune from fines
Sneak preview attached - Apologies to Alf - his next shot was better - Anyway, who would be stupid enough to play golf with the sergeant.

 

17th March Meeting - John Williams - James Cook University

Sad News

Today Darryl phoned with the news that past Rotarian Alex Hay has died.  Alex ran Caloundra Colour Copy Place in The Village Walkway in Ormuz Ave, and was the smiling face behind the collection of historic Caloundra photos he had at his shop.

We will pass on more as information comes to hand.

10th March - Ron Strong - Police Sieges & Negotiations

 

7th March - The Men's Shed has started

Some photos via Alan - always one to dig up the dirt

Program

3rd March Meeting - Dr Bridie Scott-Parker - Youth Accident Research

Chair
Alan
 

International Toast
RC Bali, (there are a few there according to Mr Google)
Thinking of current events there

Visitors
Dr Bridie Scott-Parker - to be formally introduced later

Apologies
Ann, Helen, Ron

Makeups
BBQ at USC, RYDA this morning

President's Report
Good publicity for RYDA
Next is 31st March - Alan to send round roster
$4,000 from USC BBQ
Trivia nighr coming up
25th April Duck Race $2,000 hire
 

Speaker
Gerry had Googled Bridie and was able to present a most complete account of her life and work, so I won’t try to outdo him here.  Dr Bridie is currently teaching at USC and specialises in youth accident research

Dr Bridie noted there were two spikes in the accident statistics at either end of the age spectrum.  On checking out her current company, she seemed relieved she had arrived safely while sharing the roads with so many Rotarians.

A quick plug for RYDA, one of the better educational programs.

Her two teenage children enable her to live her work. Her daughter got her L plates last Friday, and her 15 year old “Evil Kenevil” son has dreamed of honing since he was 11.
 

Adolesence is getting earlier - licences are available at 17.  Unfortunately full brain development occurs at 24 for girls an 29 for boys.  From an evolutionary perspective, boys have alway need to prove they are men through risky behaviour.  Unfortunately, propelling two tonnes of metal too fast on the street can be a little too risky.

Bridie’s recounting of her own teenage driving experience left us in little doubt as to the genetic background to her son’s hooning tendencies.  (and boy, did it feel good!)

The police response to the red “P”s, was discussed, and a Morayfield example showed how the system failed in some instances. A girl was stopped seven times as a learner, but always got off with putting on a “hysterical” act.
 

The media underplays the situation, whereas the minuscule number of shark attack victims are sensationalised, the two million per year killed on the world’s roads receive little mention.  The “road fatality” definition reduces the statistical numbers, and the 20-25 million injured underscores the seriousness of the situation.
 

Alan thanked Bridie for an informative talk.

Directors
Gerry - Golf Day - keep promoting - roster soon

Alan re Mens Shed - got the grant money, but also Tim Dwyer says they can use the shed near the High School.  Air Museum option is a 2,3,4 year program

publicity - should be pouring concrete in 6 weeks
Check out their work boots and Alan’s heritage shovel

Alf - Great guest speakers - bring guests

 

 always time for some birthday cake!

 

Sergeant Noel
 

Heidi’s psychedelic shoes were mentioned in dispatches.