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RCoB Chills on a Friday Evening

The first Friday evening social meeting was held at the United Service Club on 7th September. In all, there were 20 people registered for the event. A late apology was received from Dan Adler who ran out of runway preparing for his imminent trip to LA. We were pleased to see some Rotary fellows who have been precluded from attending by work commitments recently and it was also pleasing to see so many Rotarians' partners attending. A special welcome was also extended to Andrew Lyon, President of the Fortitude Vally Club and his wife Margaret.

President of the Rotary Club of Fortitude Valley, Andrew Lyon and wife Margaret with Paul Choy and President Chris Muir

The only item of business on the agenda was a presentation by President Chris showing some photographs from his recent ~~fishing~~ research expedition to the waters off the Northern Territory. The intrepid crew braved hot weather, crocs, fierce barramundi, mud and no doubt flies to bring us a report replete with beautiful scenery and a disturbing situation analysis of the amount of plastic waste washed up on the Wessel Islands.

President Chris presents on his trip north.

Before and after the presentation, members, partners and guests we able to enjoy fellowship in the salubrious surroundings of the United Service Club. We will return to the United Service Club on the 7th of December for the RCoB annual Christmas Party and on the Fridays following the first Mondays of October and November we will be holding social events in lieu of a Monday meeting. See You There!

RCoB helps Red Frogs Help Students

Red Frogs is a support network for young people, aiming to provide safety responses, referrals to professional services, education and alternative event programming. Each year 24 tonne of ‘Allen’s Red Frogs’ (provided by Nestle), are used as an ice breaker to connect Red Frog volunteers with 1.43 million people (predominately youth & young adults) in environments such as Schoolies, Universities, Festivals, Schools, Skate Parks and Sports Events.

The Rotary Club Of Brisbane became a major partner of the Red Frogs program in September 2017 with a commitment of $50,000 across two Rotary years.

Rural Endoscopy Training Makes a Difference

Endoscopy training of rural GPs at the Princess Alexandra Hospital is already starting to make a difference to rural Queenslanders. The project was initially the brainchild of RCoB's Professor Gerald Holtmann who also happens to be the Director of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the Princess Alexandra Hospital.

Dr Jennifer Wharton from Thursday Island at the PAH Rural Endoscopy Training Centre observed by Prof Gerald Holtmann, Director of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, PAH and Dr Derek Holroyd from Proserpine.

Gerald was concerned about the amount of travel required of rural patients who generally need to travel hundreds of km to regional centres for endoscopic examinations. This is not a problem that can be solved simply by spending money to locate equipment in far-flung locations. Trained personnel need to be on-hand to perform the procedures, and they just are not available in rural areas. Gerald brought a proposal for the training of rural generalists in endoscopic procedures to his Rotary Club, who agreed to seed-fund a start-up project to the tune of $20,000 in collaboration with the Princess Alexandra Foundation and Queensland Health.

Luke Dons Dress for Legacy (and raises $2500)

Life must be hard in the financial planning industry, because our very own Luke Marshall recently took a break from it to compete in the Canungra Challenge, a gruelling exercise based on the torture undergone by our service men and women in training to serve our country. It represented an opportunity for civilians to put the JPs on the other feet, so to speak, and serve the families of service personnel who have seen active service by supporting Legacy Australia.

Luke wore a tasteful floral number to the Canungra Challenge.

2018 Charity Golf Day Breaks Records

The Rotary Club of Brisbane Charity Golf Day was again held in fine sunny weather at the Virginia Golf Club this year on 15^th June, the course was in good condition, and fairways were a bit more forgiving. quality of greens was generally good. The club’s golf co-ordinator, Andrew Halliday had all the necessary paperwork and sponsors' banners in place, motorised carts all individually named, with the help of John Smerdon selling raffle tickets and myself attending to the registration of players, the pre-game issues of the day were quickly attended to. Breakfast was served, bacon and egg muffin with coffee, and players were briefed on the day, its purpose and method of scoring. The clubs golf co-ordinator then identified where the special prize holes were, advised there was a map of the course on scorecard and then directed the field to the respective start holes.

This year we again had a grand raffle as well as our multi draw prize table with some great prizes.

It is important to note that several of our clubs’ members helped with prizes on the day and these include:

Rotarian Georgina Bishop for providing two beautiful bangles which would have pleased some players mother, girlfriend or partner when they got home, one was on the raffle table and one was allocated for ladies nearest the pin.

Rotarians: Michael Stephens, John Smerdon, Don O’ Donoghue, Gerald Holtmann, Graeme Whitmore all of these members provided cash donation’s, I sincerely thank them for their generosity and financial support to our day, where practical these cash contributions were paid into a PAF for future use, and finally to Price Line Pharmacy ( James Delehunty) & Jacqueline Page ,for raffle prizes.

This year we also received cash donations from persons outside the club, and they included Mr Paul Wall, Mr Derek Morell, & Mr Earl & Marg Ryan, these have been acknowledged by the issue of certificates which have been delivered or posted.

Attendance report:

This year we keep the day to a Friday morning, hoping that this would increase the numbers along with a return to Virginia Golf Course. Attendance this year was better, with 59 players finally teeing off, the good thing is that we only had one defection, and mor importantly ten ladies were in the field. The challenge for day was a four-person Ambrose event, with a special double Perrier system of handicaps. This makes the scoring fair as the handicaps for the day are taken on six hidden holes selected by the club. This was the second time in eight years that I have played and was intending to defend our teams title, but alas it was not to be. Part of last years’ winning team with some new players (two ladies) teamed up, and were close but not quite there, although they took out a few of the major prizes.

Most importantly, a good day was had by all and in excess of $8000 was raised for doing good in the world.

Rotarians Bend Backs for Donations in Kind

27 Rotarians were at DIK last Saturday 23^rd June.

This was the wrap up of DIK’s time at Durack. This is because the owner wants his property back, and gave 6 months’ notice last November. From our club Brisbane Rotary, there were 6 members – Denise Schellbach, Keith Watts, James Delahunty, Jacqui Page, Robyn Burridge and John Smerdon.

Most awarded club in District 9600

The Rotary District 9600 Changeover event took place on the 17th of June at the Old Petrie Town. Past District Governor John Lane reported on a very successful Rotary year with numerous achievements as examples before passing the collar to District Governor Wendy Protheroe. The Rotary Club of Brisbane was the only Club to get two awards at the event: the Alan Ward Memorial Shield for outstanding activities in vocational service and the Herrington Shield for best club bulletin.

Rotary Club of Brisbane President Daniel Vankov with the two trophies, the Alan Ward Memorial Shield and the Herrington Shield, at the Changeover event together with District Governor Wendy Protheroe.

RCoB Celebrates 95th Anniversary in Queen Street Mall

The Rotary Club of Brisbane was chartered on the 29^th of May, 1923, becoming the third club in Australia after Melbourne and Sydney. We celebrated our 95^th anniversary one day early in the Queen St. Mall on 28^th May. Since it was not a major anniversary, the celebrations were low-key, but nevertheless it was an important event for the club both in terms of the visitors who came to celebrate with us and the culmination of a significant service project.

(From Left) Visiting Rotarian from Kobe East Masaki Sawada, Pres. Daniel Vankov, DG John Lane, Pres. Elect Chris Muir and Past President Keith Watts at the 95th Anniversary Celebrations.

Rotaract Rivercity Puts on a Good Night

On the evening of May 2nd, The Rotaract Club of Brisbane Rivercity held the culmination of a multi-week professional development workshop at the Pig'N'Whistle.

The focus of the workshops were three skill areas particularly valuable to young professionals - interview skills, public speaking skills and conflict management skills. To that end, Rotarians attended meetings of Rotaract Rivercity over a number of weeks to impart theoretical knowledge in these three areas, and then on the evening of the 2nd May, about a dozen Rotarians from the city cluster clubs, including RCoB's own Luke Marshall and Mark Williams came together with Rotaracters to put the icing on the cake with practical exercises. Cluster Assistant Governor Lisa Bateson was also present, underlining the importance of the event.

Rotaracters and Rotarians Come Together for Professional Development

Police Commissioner's Visit Tops Charts

Each year our speaker coordinator Denise Schellbach organises one or two "special event" speaker meetings at the United Services Club for the RCoB, other city clubs and invited guests from the general public. For the last couple of years Police Commissioner Ian Stewart has featured to acclaim. This year was again a sell-out function with over 90 Rotarians and guests attending.

Police Commissioner Ian Stewart gave an entertaining address on "Project Sentinal" and security around the Commonwealth Games. The United Services club once again did us proud with the lunch, service and venue and President-Elect Chris Muir did a great job as last-minute emergency MC. Many thanks Denise for all the hard work that went into this event. It was a corker!

Police Commissioner Ian Stewart with event organiser Denise Schellbach and President Danial Vankov

RCoB Takes Part in "Target 1414" Tree-Planting Project

When he took office in July, 2017, Rotary's global leader, Rotary International President Ian Riseley challenged all Rotary Clubs across the world to plant one tree per Rotarian as a sign that Rotary is committed to sustaining and improving the environment. Rotary District 9600, to which the Rotary Club of Brisbane belongs, took up the challenge with project "Target 1414" to plant at least one tree for each of the 1414 Rotarians in the 65 clubs throughout the district.

Rotarians from District 9600 present and ready for action in project "Target 1414".

Dela's Roast a "Burning" Success - Raises $10,000 for Donations in Kind

Sunday 29th April saw 134 guests including about 50 members, past members, family and friends of the Rotary Club of Brisbane converge on the Victoria Park Golf Club Ballroom to celebrate 46 years of hard Rotary-ing by one James "Dela" Delahunty in a testimonial "roast" luncheon.

James "Dela" Delahunty (centre) with master roaster Phil Gresham (left) and President Daniel Vankov (right)

The event was held to support the Donations in Kind programme of Rotary in Australia which ships serviceable furniture, equipment and supplies that are no longer needed in Australia to destinations such as Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands that have need of them. To date, thousands of containers of goods worth an estimated $52M have been shipped.

Dinner and a Tree Planting Ceremony with RI President Ian Riseley

During the past week or so, Rotary International President Ian Riseley has been in his home country of Australia. The main event for the trip was the Rotary International Presidential Peacebuilding Conference held in Sydney, but we were lucky enough to have him in Queensland for a few short days before he boarded his plane for Singapore and points beyond.

Rotary International President Ian Riseley (with shovel), PDG Juliet (at his left) with participants in the tree-planting ceremony.

2019-20 Rotary president selected

Mark Daniel Maloney selected to be 2019-20 Rotary

Rotary gives millions in grants to fight polio 2018

Rotary announces US $96.5 million to end polioEVANSTON, Ill. (August 15, 2018) — Rotary today announced nearly $100 million in grants to support the global effort to end polio, a vaccine-preventable disease that once paralyzed hundreds of

Gladiator stars reunite at End Polio Now event

‘Gladiator’ stars reunite at End Polio Now

Rotarian helps clean rivers around the world

A challenge to clean the world's riversIn 2009, Salvador Rico stood in the waters of the Russian River in Northern California with other members of the Rotary Club of South Ukiah. They were there for a river cleanup, during which they

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Professor Ross Young

Sep 24, 2018

Advancing our knowledge of PTSD in Defence Force Veterans

Professor Margaret Sheil AO

Mar 06, 2019

Achieving diversity, the experience of the Queensland University of Technology

Councillor Adrian Schrinner

Mar 06, 2019

Achieving diversity, the experience of the Brisbane City Council

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Burnett Cup - City vs Country in Mundubbera
Mundubbera Golf Club

Sep 22, 2018
12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Lunch Meeting
The Brisbane Club

Sep 24, 2018
12:30 PM – 1:45 PM
Lunch Meeting Cancelled - Public Holiday
The Brisbane Club

Oct 01, 2018
12:30 PM – 1:45 PM
BBQ Meeting - Mark Williams' Place
Oct 05, 2018
6:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Lunch Meeting
The Brisbane Club

Oct 08, 2018
12:30 PM – 1:45 PM
Lunch Meeting - Club Assembly before Board Meeting
The Brisbane Club

Oct 15, 2018
12:30 PM – 1:45 PM
Lunch Meeting
The Brisbane Club

Oct 22, 2018
12:30 PM – 1:45 PM
World Polio Day Dinner
Club Pine Rivers

Oct 24, 2018
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Lunch Meeting
The Brisbane Club

Oct 29, 2018
12:30 PM – 1:45 PM
Lunch Meeting Cancelled due to Social Event Friday
The Brisbane Club

Nov 05, 2018
12:30 PM – 1:45 PM
Social Meeting - Venue TBD
Nov 09, 2018
6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Lunch Meeting
The Brisbane Club

Nov 12, 2018
12:30 PM – 1:45 PM
Lunch Meeting - Club Assembly before Board Meeting
The Brisbane Club

Nov 19, 2018
12:30 PM – 1:45 PM

Guest Speaker 13th August 2018

Our Guest Speaker on August 13 was Patrick Pickett, Music and Artistic Director of the Queensland Pops Orchestra.

Patrick Picket accepting a certificate of appreciation from President Chris Muir

Patrick took us through a rollicking journey tracing his creative life from humble beginnings as a member of his school pipe band through joining the army as an apprentice musician to becoming Director of Music - Army and organising a string of musical spectaculars in and out of Australia. During that time he saw overseas deployment in Bouganville, East Timor, the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, the celebrations for the Sultan of Brunei's 80th birthdays, the 90th anniversary of Gallipoli and elsewhere. He also talked about his life and goals outside the army, including a stint as CEO of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra and current assignment as Artistic Director at the Queensland Pops Orchestra. He also talked about ongoing work to provide stable work for musicians at the Australian Musicians and Orchestral Services. Thank you, Patrick for a most entertaining insight into the things that go on behind the scenes in the production of musical spectaculars.

Member in the Spotlight - 6th August 2018

Today Rotarian Ryan Muller treated us to a high-energy narrative about his life so far. We all thought he was a mild-mannered accountant, but actually he has played against Sean Pollock and almost played against Jonty Rhodes (in hockey), has jumped off tall buildings without a parachute and has a black belt in karate. Do Merrotts know what they actually have stalking their cubicle jungle?

Guest Speaker 30th July 2018

Our Guest speaker for July 30 was Chloe Sainsbury, an exercise physiologist from the University of Queensland. Chloe, a PHD candidate at the University of Queensland, made an impressive presentation despite issues with the data projector.

Chloe’s area of research is in the impact of exercise on people recovering from chronic medical conditions but more specifically cancer survivors. The research has shown not only what we have always known that “exercise is good for your health” but that in people recovering from cancer, the key benefits of increases in fitness, muscle mass and strength, a reduction in fatigue, an increase in functional activity, reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, increased connectivity and improved quality of life are all areas that are greatly impacted by cancer treatments and require rehabilitation.