Warrnambool
‘Life’s a Beach’
Enthusing, inspirational, great fellowship, educational and bloody good fun.
The group from Ocean Grove that attended all had a great time and most of us have booked already for 2008 in Swan Hill where the theme is colonial!
From the opening ceremony to the close there was plenty of good Rotary stuff to keep all of us involved in some way.
The opening at Flagstaff Hill Maritime museum was exceptional, especially the weather which was so not ‘Warrnamboolish’. No wind and pleasantly warm. Some of the Early birds got to see the sound and light show. It was excellent. Highly recommended to anyone visiting the Shipwreck coast.
Breakfasts in various groups on Saturday were a great time to mix with others and find out about different activities. The International one which I attended focussed on ‘Volunteering’ especially for overseas projects. The overwhelming message was Do It!!
Over the conference there were 4 keynote speakers. Sounds heavy, but each had a truly inspirational message that really gave you heart that with enthusiasm and commitment anything is possible.
Royce Pepin, managing a group of pharmacies and on various boards and community groups spoke on his commitments and showed that 24hours in a day could certainly be used to the maximum in community service.
Moira Kelly. Who would dare stand in her way? When she saw an opportunity for service to do good not only locally but also overseas she went for it. No lack of qualification or experience was going to stop her achieving what she saw as the ‘right thing to do’. Her work in helping kids from the Bronx, to Uganda, Romania, India, Bosnia, Albania made us all feel a tad inadequate in our community efforts. Currently much of her energies are going toward organising kids to come to Australia for a range of life changing operations. She has adopted two boys, one, Emmanuel who is in a wheelchair and has a range of physical disabilities, sang ‘We are one, We are Australian. Not a dry eye was to be seen. What can be achieved with passion and energy.
Matt Tripovic (Rear Admiral) spoke at the Saturday dinner on his time in the services. He linked the work of the ADF currently closely with Rotary in that both were community service. However, the main message I got was that with his mother present he still seemed to be making sure he behaved himself. He kept checking with her if what he was saying passed her standards –even a Rear Admiral can be scared of his mum!
Kevin Mc Intosh is Head Coach of Australia’s Paralympic Cyclists. During his time as coach the team has gone from just competing to being the number one team in the world. His message was simple, every obstacle, or disability can become a window of opportunity.
The various committees gave reports on the many achievements of Rotary in the District.
It really give you a buzz to think that you are in some way a part of the achievements of Rotary.
Exchange students presented as did GSE teams (including an ex-student of mine who is an outbound GSE member). All well prepared and certainly made you feel that each project was well worth while.
The dinner was great fun on Saturday night –Sunday was slower!
The RI president’s representative waxed lyrically about how wonderful Rotary was and bagged us for the cricket (he was Kiwi sports journalist who did have the gift of the gab)
However, he did meet his match when Wal Kelly launched into him with a dissitation on the Defib project. Wal was at the door into the House of Friendship and let me tell you not a sole left the conference without knowing about the Defib project. (I suspect they will be on every street corner in the district. Well done, Wal. A great effort.
So next year come and join a great time in Rotary at Swan Hill. I’ve booked 12 rooms. Eight have gone already. $50 deposit to me will secure your accommodation.
Dates are Feb 29th and March 1 & 2.
Rod Greer
Sec.
