Governance Committees from top left: Foundation, Membership, Administration, Public Image and Fund Raising.

At last Thursday's meeting, members were shown an impressive new promo video for a new thrust from our "Friends of Tower" group which invites local people to share their stories about interactions with our iconic Bristol Hill Tower. You can see the promo video by clicking on this YouTube link: https://youtu.be/RKFtYk-cAm0

On November 2nd, Aviv Palti zoomed in from New Zealand and inspired our members with his Rotary club's work in Cambodia. Aviv is the President of the Melbourne Rotary Passport club, an online club with members who zoom in from around the world, and he was in New Zealand talking about the work of his club. Currently, the club is initiating a number of projects in Cambodia, one of which is also being supported with Global Grant funds generated by our own District 9780. Click "Read more..." to find out what is so exciting about these projects.

Our Fun Coordinator, Tracey Smith has once again ignited our sense of fun by decorating our meeting area with Halloween themed decorations, and using her chainsaw to gruesomely murder a member or two - poor Harold was the first victim (pictured)! Some members also got into the spirit and wore some gruesome costumes and eagerly consumed the candies and treats on the tables. A highlight was the animated witch/ ghoul/ spirit - (whatever?) - that interrupted our toast to Rotary with ghostly singing and glowing eyes! The fun culminated in a fascinating trivia quiz about the origins of Halloween with even more candy as prizes! Thanks Trace! See "Read more..." for pictures of the decor. 

Last Thursday evening, District 9780 Polio Chair, Gary Newton zoomed into our meeting to remind us to keep the Polio Cause active until the disease is eradicated from our world. Gary caught the Polio virus as a young child, and nearly died, but he hasn't allowed the crippling effects of the condition to stop him from living a full life, and in recent decades from dedicating much of his time to the elimination of polio. He is currently the force behind our District's new "Polio Plus Society" and he urges all our members to join by committing to donate at least $100 AU for the next few years until we can say that Polio has gone from our planet. See "Read more..." for more pix.

All members will be able to read the full minutes of our Annual General Meeting held last Thursday, but here is a list of the current Office Bearers for the 2024-25 Rotary year as appointed at the meeting.

President - PE Bec Lowery

Immediate Past President - PDG Geoff James

President Elect - Vacant

President Nominee - Vacant

Secretary - PP Thea Allan

Treasurer - Tracey Smith

Administration Director - PDG Anthony Ohlsen

Membership Director - Vacant

Public Image Director - Max Berry

Rotary Foundation Director - Vacant

Fundraising Director - PP Brian Reed

Community Director - PP Leigh Williamson

International Director - Vacant

Vocational Service Director - Vacant

Youth Director - PP Garry Higgins OAM

After almost 40 weeks of jackpots, Rotarian Louise drew the joker from the 12 remaining cards in the "Swindle" pack to win the jackpot prize at last Thursday's meeting. Louise has informed us that she plans to donate her prize to "ROMAC". She said, "I know that ROMAC had an absolute kicking during the pandemic as it had to pause aid and lives were lost.  We aren't geographically placed to assist ROMAC with hosting, so it is good to be able to donate and let ROMAC work out how that money is to be spent." Congratulations and Thanks, Louise! Next week we start again with 53 cards. See "Read more..." for a pic of the exact moment she drew the winning card!

In the middle of Ecuador, the small Rotary Club of Guaranda, Bolivar, was able to make a big impact with the help of a US$50,000 Rotary Foundation global grant. The club purchased equipment and supplies for a system of water tanks and piping that carries water from a mountain catchment, treats it, and delivers it to homes in the village of Cochapamba. The grant is just one way your generous donations to the Foundation are making a difference around the world. Make a gift to the Foundation in November for Foundation Month and share your support on social media.

Sixteen members and friends attended our club's second breakfast meeting at the "Daily Dose" Cafe on Thursday, October 19th. Some good food and fellowship was enjoyed by all, and Service Committee Directors provided a brief summary of discussions at the previous week's Service Committee meetings. See the article below for details of their reports.

At last Thursday's breakfast meeting, Directors provided a brief summary of the October Service Committee meetings. Vocational Director Meryl reported that the November planned Vocational visit would be postponed until January and that names had been mentioned for next year's Shine On Awards. Youth Director Martin mentioned that plans were underway for Rotarians to participate in Mock Interviews at the Maryborough Education Centre. Contact Martin if you are interested in being involved. Shane (pictured right) reported that the Melbourne based "Donations in Kind" group had offered to come to Maryborough to collect donations of equipment currently being organized and vetted by our International Committee members. Community Director Leigh reported that a number of projects were on the go and that the committee would be recommending to the Board that $1000 be donated to the Salvation Army to support their efforts in dealing with local homeless people, $1000 would be donated towards next year's local Pride Festival and that funds would be provided to support the publication of the new Family Violence booklet produced by Rotarian Dr. Lowen Clarke.

Service Committee members wore silly hats to commemorate "Lift the Lid" Day last Thursday, but at the same time, they made some serious inroads into planning their projects and fund raisers for this Rotary year. "Lift the Lid" is the latest variation of "Rotary Hat Day", a day for Rotarians to consider supporting Australian Rotary Health's efforts to improve mental well-being in our communities. See more pix by clicking "Read more..."

Tony Hudson has been working with Sutton Tools for 44 years and has been Works Manager at the local plant since 2002. Last Thursday, he provided members with a passionate and comprehensive overview of the history of the place from the time the site was linked with the Patience and Nicholsons company or "P&N". The Company is now a world leader in the production of high-quality, endurable drill bits and other tools at five different sites across the Southern Hemisphere. Tony is not far from retirement, but Rotarians thoroughly enjoyed his passion for the purchase and use of the latest "whiz-bang" machines to ensure the factory remains at the forefront of tool production in the world.

Instead of our "INK Spot" this week, John Warner from the "Toastmasters" organization dropped in to tell members about this newly established organization in Maryborough, and invite members to attend on a Tuesday one a month night at the Mill House. As John reminded members, Rotary International has recently affiliated with Toastmasters International because their goals are mutually compatible. Toastmasters aims to improve participants' speaking skills so that they might be more influential and effective in doing good in the world.

At last Thursday's meeting with the District Governor, we played the first draft of a three-minute promotion video for the club that we plan to air on FaceBook in the near future. The video briefly illustrates 23 of the main programs and projects planned for the current year in relation to the service areas of Community, International, Vocational and Youth, and also the Rotary Foundation. Members who saw the presentation are invited to provide suggestions for tweaks to President Geoff. We will put the draft video on YouTube in the next week - see the link on our web page on Monday.

World Polio Day is coming up on October 24th and we invite members to consider using that day as an opportunity to donate an amount to the Rotary Polio fund to try and finish the job of ridding the world of this terrible disease. For a donation of AU $100, you can actually become a member of our Rotary District's new "Polio Plus Society". Check out the email sent to members this week by PDG Anthony about how you can best contribute to Rotary programs - including Polio Plus.

Last Thursday, Salvation Army Team Leader for our area, Ronald Stobie provided a clear and comprehensive overview of the problems of homelessness in our region. Ronald explained that the problem is real but complex. Whilst there aren't that many people who sleep on the streets of Maryborough at night, over 60 people "couch surf" in our town because they have nowhere to live. Furthermore, a growing number of people are living it rough in the bush on the outskirts of our town - some of whom are doing so because they can't find somewhere affordable to live. Some people are homeless because that's how they want to be, but most sleep rough for a whole variety of other reasons such as the break-down of their relationships with their family, mental health issues, or a lack of affordable housing. Ronald explained that whilst some other Metropolitan Salvation Army centres receive some Government funding to deal with homelessness issues in Melbourne, the same Government funding is not yet available in this area. See "Read more..." for some of the responses being made by the Salvation Army.

Around 150 bike riders from all over the State set off from the Summerfield Winery last Friday morning for the Club's 10th Annual Grand Final Holiday Tri Circuit Bike Ride. The weather was great, and riders were very appreciative of the opportunity to ride through some beautiful wine-growing country, catch up with fellow riders and enjoy some pizzas at the recently expanded Summerfield Winery restaurant. We need to particularly thank PP Brian Reed for shouldering most of the organization of the event, and members and friends of the club for a full day of setting up, conducting and dismantling the various components of the occasion. It was great to have past member Peter Haywood, the originator of this event, to join us on this tenth anniversary ride. Funds raised on the day will be used for our club's Youth Development programs and International Emergency relief. See "Read more..." for more pix, including one of Peter.

District Governor Ian McKay visited our club last Thursday and inspired members to follow the theme of Rotary International President Gordon McInally - "Create Hope in the World". Ian challenged us to keep up the effort to rid the world of Polio once and for all, and to give due attention to the world-wide crisis in anxiety and depression by supporting research programs like Australian Rotary Health. See "Read more..." for more pix.

Whilst at the club last Thursday, DG Ian (left) made PHF Multi-Recognitions to four of our club members. Multi-recognitions are presentations to people who have continued to donate money to the Rotary Foundation - in amounts of US $1000 - after receiving their initial Paul Harris Fellow recognition. PP Alison Teese and Club Treasurer John Williamson (middle) were both presented with Double Sapphire pins, and President Geoff and PP Meryl (right) were presented with Major Donor pins and the accompanying crystal trophy for Major Donors.

On Friday, DG Ian McKay visited the Bristol Hill Tower area and Pioneer Cemetery to check out the club's vision to work with other community groups and develop the area and possibly use it, in the future, as some form of Peace Park. Ian is pictured standing beside the Pioneer's memorial cross imagining the area as a future peace park or possibly a memorial to victims of family violence.

Governance committees met last Thursday to develop their strategies for the coming weeks. Pictured is the Membership committee supplemented by two visitors on the night, Geoff and Laurie. See "Read more..." for pix of other committees.

PE Bec Lowery provided members with a great introduction to the Rotary Showcase at last Thursday's meeting. The presentation was the same one that Bec gave at the recent RLI week-end in Hamilton (pictured) and is available for download and viewing on our club website. On the left side of the Home page under the calendar and under the "Site Pages" heading, click Rotary Resources and Ideas, and then "Ink Spots" and then "INK 92 - Rotary Showcase Overview"

Dr Jonathan Haidt engaged our members last Thursday through a video of him speaking at an Educational Symposium in the USA during 2019. Haidt argued and continues to claim that Generation Z (those born between 1997 and 2012) are facing serious problems in life such as anxiety and depression largely because of the negative effects of social media and the practice of over-protecting anti-fragile kids. You can watch the full 30-minute talk and 30 minutes of questions on YouTube at

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87_iQMiZ09g&t=2233s or search in YouTube for "#EIE19 Keynote Jonathan Haidt" See "Read more..." for more pix and his solutions.

Rtn Tracey Smith delighted members yet again with a well-prepared fun segment for our final meeting in August. Trace came up with a "Famous Footwear" quiz and members had to guess the famous identities wearing the footwear on the screen (can you guess the one on the screen at left?). If you guessed wrong, you had to use the Charades or Pictionary methods to inform the rest of the members of the right answer. It was a lot of fun, and we discovered many hidden talents and treasure troves of trivial knowledge in our members and partners. Thanks again Trace for a great event. 

Congratulations to PE Bec Lowery for completing her Rotary Leadership Institute Training today and qualifying as an RLI Graduate. Bec put in many hours to complete the course that extended over three separate days and covered a wide range of leadership topics such as Effective Leadership, Building Stronger Clubs, International Service, Public Image and Public Relations, Strategic Planning, Membership Development, Team Building, Club Communication, Rotary Ethics, and Service Projects. The course is ideal for any members who are contemplating leadership positions in Rotary, or for anyone wanting to know more about how Rotary works. Thanks, Bec, for giving Rotary your valuable time!

PP "Mallee" Rowe provided members with a detailed description of his recent course, along with Murray Henderson, to complete a qualification to be able to put out road signs that can stop or change the speed of traffic. The qualification is required for them to be able to put out the traffic signs for our upcoming Tri Circuit Bike Ride. The great thing is that the course also qualifies them to be "lollypop" men. Both guys are to be applauded for sticking out the four-hour course which, we are told, will some day soon become a seven-day challenge! Oh well, at least some trainers will be kept in work.

Last Thursday, PP Derrick and Karen Marsden shared their experiences of their recent trip to Samoa where Derrick played in a cricket tournament. The cricket was memorable, but so were their times with the wonderfully friendly people and the beautiful environment. Whilst there, Karen visited a home for abandoned babies and was so moved by the sad circumstances surrounding two of the infants that she nearly adopted them! Thanks Derrick and Karen! 

Our Board met last Tuesday and a completed a productive meeting. Vocational Director Meryl gave notice of a Vocational visit on October 14th, the venue still to be confirmed. Treasurer John provided a report on funds yet to be allocated from fundraisers during the last three years and it was moved that, subject to member approval, $1000 be sent to the Toilet Warrior as a follow up to his talk last year, $1000 be donated to ROMAC as a follow up to the visit by AG Jill Oliver recently, $1000 be donated to Australian Rotary Health for work on mental well-being when DG Ian visits us later this month, and $3000 be made available for local literacy development and issues to be raised by forthcoming speakers e.g., the local homelessness issue. $3000 will be donated to the Rotary Foundation and also used to fund Paul Harris Fellow Recognitions during this Rotary year, and $3000 has been set aside for our Sri Lankan project with efforts currently being made to reestablish links with the community to which we had originally directed the funds. Members present at Thursday's meeting voted approval of these plans.

Our updated club badges arrived this week and are available to members at club meetings. The new badges have the word "Club" attached to our logo and a slightly different cloud arrangement for clarity. We also gave members the opportunity to determine their own classification statement or not have one at all. Members may either take the badges with them or leave them at the club from week to week - whatever suits.

Wildlife Rescuer, Rob Armstrong shared at last week's meeting, his passionate concerns about the fate of Koala Bears in our area. Rob argues that Koalas are not as plentiful and safe as a species as is suggested in some "official" channels, so he wants farmers, landowners and service groups in the Maryborough area to consider the idea of growing the appropriate gum trees in the form of access corridors between known Koala feeding areas. He also wants our Council to consider launching a public awareness campaign to encourage drivers to slow down to 80kph in areas where koalas may cross main roads.

"Olly" Maher has collected over 44kg of ring pulls from drink cans to support the supply of wheelchairs to young disabled people who are struggling to afford such necessities. Last Thursday, he sought feedback from Rotarians on where his bags of ring pulls could be sold and suggested that Rotarians might join him in collecting the pulls for this cause. Ring pulls may be left with PP Noel Jennings at the Country Trends store in High Street, Maryborough.

I first started thinking about a "career" in 1963, when I was listening to the radio late at night. It was when I first heard the Beatles on radio, and they were singing, "From Me to You". I loved it, and at that moment I knew I wanted to be a "pop" star. So, I started learning guitar and within a year I was in a band and writing songs. I was lucky my brother owned an entertainment agency, so he got me quite a few gigs. However, within a couple of years I knew I wasn't good enough to make a living as a pop star and whilst I loved the rock'n'roll, I was scared of the "drugs and sex" that everyone believed was part of the scene.  At the end of form 5, I had no clue what I should do for a living. My father got me into a part time course of electrical engineering, but I didn't really like it. When I told my Form teacher I had no clue, she simply said, "You are meant to be a teacher." So that's what I did. See "Read more..."

Our club's Service committees conducted their first face to face meetings for this Rotary year on August 10th. Together, members planned ways we can create hope in the world over the coming 11 months. Pictured in action is the Community Service committee chaired by PP Leigh Williamson. See "Read more..." for images of the International Service, Vocational Service and Youth Service Committees.

PP Robert "Mallee" Rowe shared his Vocational Classification through an interview with Rotarian Max at our last meeting. Mallee discovered his "calling" in life when he was sitting in a pub, even though his mum had warned him that nothing good will come out of being in a pub before lunch! At that pub, a mysterious guy came up to Mallee and told him he should be a Civil Engineer. Click "Read more..."

Six Maryborough Rotarians (can you find them in the pic?) travelled through the rain to Ballarat last Thursday evening to enjoy the guest speakers and show our support for PRID (past Rotary International Director) Jessie Harman at the "Celebrate Leadership" event held at the Ballarat Golf Club. The event was hosted by the Rotary clubs of Ballarat South and Wendouree Breakfast. Jessie shared from the heart the lessons she has learned personally from her experiences as a leader in Rotary, culminating in being the first woman from our Region to become a Director on the Board of Rotary International. See "Read more..." for more pix and details.

Around twenty Rotarians gathered at the Daily Dose Cafe at 7am last Thursday for a special breakfast meeting. The meals started arriving as soon as members sat down and most people had been fed by 7.30am. Those Directors in attendance provided a 90 second "turbo summary" of the main decisions made at the most recent Governance and Service Committe meetings, and members were on their way to work or whatever around 8am. Thanks to Anthony for doing the organization for this event. We will soon survey members about how we proceed with the idea of some breakfast meetings in the future. See more pix in "Read more..."

Thanks to those who helped out at the Bristol Hill Working Bee last Sunday morning. See more pix by clicking "Read more..."

On August 3rd, members enjoyed an inspiring video presentation by the past Health Officer of Scotland, Prof. Harry Burns. The presentation was suggested by PP Garry who explained that Harry's insights had influenced the Go Goldfields committee in their efforts to improve the social health of our Maryborough Community in recent years. When there was a move to set up a conference in Maryborough to establish the "healthiest community in the world", the name of Prof. Burns was recommended as a world leader in this field. To watch the complete video on YouTube click: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_LrL1Hsum0&t=246s See "Read more..." for more information and the list of the Adverse Childhood Experiences, also known as ACE's that Harry talked about.

PP Leigh, PP Terry and past member Austin served indigenous and Torres Strait Islander children at their special barbeque held at the IGA Carpark last Friday. Even though it was a wet day, a large number of children attended and enjoyed the event. Thank you guys! See more images including one of Terry with a painted face by clicking "Read more..."

Rotarian Max interviewed PDG Anthony about his Vocational Classification at Thursday's meeting and members discovered that Anthony's vocational journey initially revolved around civil engineering. Anthony's first employer was the late PP Jeff Mackay - father of PP Martin, and he first employed Anthony and Martin to work for the Maryborough Shire in 1974. Anthony's job was to be one of only two active engineers in the town at the time - the other one being his employer, Jeff Mackay. See "Read more..."

This District seminar is on September 9th (Geelong) and also on September 10th. (Warrnambool) Book at TryBooking.com/CKHSS.

For members who are interested, and thanks to Craig Roberts, a member of the "Friends of the Tower" group, there are some interesting documents about the Bristol Hill Tower available for viewing and download on our club website. One is the complete Souvenir Booklet of the opening of the tower in 1933. (See the picture.) Other documents include a list of Gold mining claims. You'll find the link to the page under the list of Executives and Directors on the left-hand side of our web site home page.

Our club members were pleased to welcome District 9780 Assistant Governor of Group D, Jill Oliver to our meeting on July 27th. to hear about the great work of R.O.M.A.C. (Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children). R.O.M.A.C. provides operations and procedures for children under the age of 15 who live in countries where the required medical procedures are not available. Jill provided an overview of how R.O.M.A.C. started, its early history, its objectives, the countries involved, the criteria for selection, some of the recent patients and some "success" stories. (see "Read more..." for details and how to donate)

Constantino Rumac became our club's newest member on July 27. Tino is the partner of Lynne Hiscock who was also inducted into our club just a fortnight ago. Tino was nominated for membership by Rotarian Noel Jennings, who will also act as Tino's mentor in the coming months. Tino has described his Rotary classification as a tradesman, and we look forward to him using his skills and interests in serving the club, our community and the wider world. Welcome, Tino! We hope you enjoy your time in Rotary. Pictured are President Geoff, Tino. PP Noel and membership Director, Trace.