Rotary Community Major Art Union

The Rotary Club of Cairns-Mulgrave Inc. advises that it is proposing to conduct its annual Community Major Art Union between the months of April to September 2002. The major prize will again be a car.

Rotary seeks Expressions of Interest from local charities schools and sporting groups interested in participating in the Art Union. Participating organisations will retain a substantial percentage of the $2.00 ticket price for no outlay, other than a commitment to sell tickets in the Cairns Community.

If your group would like to be involved in this event that last year saw over $48,000 distributed to local participating organisations please contact:

Club Secretary
Rotary Club of Cairns Mulgrave
P.O. Box 2051
Cairns 4870

Enquiries -
David Kirchner
Telephone (w) 40323377. a/h 40547408
Written expressions of interest required by Thursday 7 March 2002
Subject to the approval of the Queensland Office of Gaming Regulation.

Cairns Mulgrave Rotary Club

Boxed Gift Pens Available Now

$15.00 each.
Please see Secretary Kevin if you would like one

Dream and Act:

Mankind is Our Business

Anyone travelling at the speed of 30 miles an hour would surely suffocate... newspaper article in 1840 regarding trains.
Electric lights are unworthy of serious attention... statement in British Parliament in 1878.
No possible combination can be united into a practical machine by which men shall fly... 1901 article in American Astronomer Magazine.
This foolish idea of shooting at the moon is basically impossible. Professor Bickerton 1926.
These quotations seem ridiculous in an era which has proven each to be wrong - yet all of them reflect popular opinion of their times.
If Edison had paid attention to the experts in 1878, if the Wright Brothers had heeded their self styled advisers in 1900 or if Einstein had listened to his critics, then progress and civilisation would have been seriously retarded.
Bishop Milton Wright once thundered from his pulpit: "Man will never fly. If the Lord had wanted man to fly, He would have given him wings. Flying is reserved for the Angels." It was a lucky thing for the world that Wilbur and Orville did not subscribe to his theory. They went ahead and solved a problem that man had been trying to solve for centuries.
You see, it was the sons of that same Bishop Wright who put the world in the air.

Everything exists in the mental realm before it ever can exist in reality. An idea must precede everything that comes to pass. Edison had an idea before he produced an incandescent globe, and Bell had an idea before he talked over a wire. Ideas are the seeds of things. Start with dreams and ideas. Nurture ideas. Cherish ideas. They will grow.

Chicago Lawyer Paul Harris had a big idea. In 1905 he brought together three friends and proposed to start a club that would foster fellowship among members of the business community. The idea took hold and today there are over 1.2 million business and professional leaders in over 29,000 Rotary clubs in some 164 countries, enjoying fellowship and working together in service to humanity.

Jonas Salk dreamed that polio could be stopped. Another big idea! So he developed a vaccine that has saved millions from that disabling disease. The status without Rotary was ample vaccine availability. With Rotary involvement it is thousands and thousands of people mobilised to administer polio vaccine worldwide. More than four million children who might have been polio victims are walking and running and jumping and playing normally. Next time someone asks you what Rotary does, tell them that.

Henry David Thoreau said If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost. That is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them. Purpose in life is found when you take the focus off you and your self-interest, and turn your thoughts and your activities to serving others. You focus more and more about how you can make the world a better place for all.

MAGIC happens when we take the time to allow special things to happen. MAGIC happens when we dare to dream with open eyes and make our dreams possible. Your greatest source of energy is your dream.

Our energy as Rotarians comes from being a part of a great, caring international service organisation and knowing that Mankind is Our Business. Treasure Life!

Terry Lees, Governor, District 9550, 2001- 2002

What's Happened This Year?

We would love to have any - photos - stories - certificates - anything at all of what has happened over the past year.

It's time to start putting the booklet for changeover together so please give any materials to Gina.

Gina Raccanello
Ph 07 4041 0565
Fax 07 4031 9011
Mob. 0407 178898
Email Gina@absolutecomputers.com.au

Australian Rotary Health Research Fund

MAY IS AUSTRALIAN ROTARY HEALTH RESEARCH MONTH

Rotary Clubs across District 9550 will raise funds for research into Mental Health through the inaugural Rotary Ribbon Week to be held on the week commencing Monday 20 May.

Rotary has decided to organise the Rotary Ribbon Week because we are told that one in five Australians will experience some form of mental illness. This means that all Australians, at some point during their lifetime, will probably experience in their family or in a close family friend or associate, someone affected by mental illness.

The ARHRF has to date contributed in excess of $1.5 million towards funds research into mental illness. It has pledged to invest at least $5 million with the aim of funding research projects that will result in better treatment and services.

For further information contact Andrew Gricks on (07) 47725655 or email gricks@finpac.com.au

Isa Bunny Post Conference blues? Fear not!

We have a veritable plethora of opportunities to OD on Rotary information and be re-reinvigorated over the next few years. Jim Spencer is already on the job organising next year's Conference in Cairns.

Cairns is a beaut place but leather things go green and furry for some strange reason and it is green and soggy instead of nice and brown and dusty. But that isn't sufficient reason not to register NOW.

Have a look at the inside front cover and last page of the 2002 - 2003 Directory. Jim's bash is then followed by the 2003 International Convention in Brisbane so you can go to Cairns from 2nd to 4th May and then zip down to Brisbane from 1st June to 4th June. Catch all the info on the Net at rotary.tnq.biz for Cairns and www.rotary2003.org for Brisbane. I'll let your members who attended the Isa Conference tell you all about it.

From my point of view it was great. I would have liked to see a bit more time spent in Sec's specialised training in the PETS session though. If anyone has a view on how to optimise Club Sec's training in this era of PENS/(PEPS, Group Assemblies and PETS please give me a nudge. Talking about Sec's training - most of what Sec's need to know is contained in the Club Secretary's Manual. Make sure the incoming Sec has his/her copy!

The 2002 - 2003 District Directory has been issued - 10 copies to each Club. Incoming Sec - get yours! Incoming Sec - think about getting the latest copy of the Manual of Procedure (MOP). Read it and astound your fellow Rotarians with your knowledge. If your stingy Prez won't give you the gratis Club copy, order a copy from the South Pacific & Philippines Office in Parramatta. Michelle Fuller at (02) 9635 3537 will sort you out.

Looking at the Directory, I see a huge leap forward in our ability to communicate effectively and efficiently throughout the District through generic email addresses. It will only work, Incoming Secs, if you ensure the email address you use is linked to your generic address. Big "D", our DICO, and all those involved in setting the system up deserve lotsa-clap. (Ask the Conference attendees who saw the Pick-a-Box session - hilarious!) Just to reinforce a point made at PETS,

Incoming Secs - several of the District Awards (see page 97 of the Directory) are based on Monthly Attendance Report information. If you miss a report your Club misses an opportunity to be recognised. Please get this aspect of your job under control right from day one and make yourself familiar with the awards. Aim to reward yourself and your Club by having your performance recognised at the Cairns Conference.

Meanwhile, current Secs - start preparing to hand-over to the new guy. Pass on the benefits of your experience as the Primary Information Conduit of your Club. Hoo Roo. The Isa Bunny

Snippets:

To carry a grudge is like being stung to death by one bee. - William H. Walton

Nature gave men two ends -- one to sit on, and one to think with. Ever since then man's success or failure has been dependent on the one he used most." - Robert Bloch

It is the commonest of mistakes to consider that the limit of our power of perception is also the limit of all there is to perceive. - C.W. Leadbeater

Successful District Conference

Outback hospitality a winner

The Outback Muster, our District Conference for 2002, was applauded by attendees as being one of the best ever.

Close to 300 Rotarians and partners enjoyed one of the spotlight activities on the District 9550 calendar. With the attendance of the RI President's Representative, Dr. Yoshio Sakabe and his spouse Ikuko, from Japan, Rotary Foundation Regional Coordinator Ewan and Ailsa McKenzie from New Zealand, GSE teams from Germany and Italy and 34 YEP students from 18 countries, the Conference was very much an international event.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Sakabe gave the Conference an "excellent" rating, stating that it was very well organised and that he was full of admiration for the way in which those attending were treated and for the content of the programme. He was also very impressed by the Conference venue, Rotary House. Dr. Sakabe also expressed the feeling that he must now be a real Aussie because he had visited the Isa! Activities commenced with District Team Training on Thursday and PETS on Friday.

DGE Jeff Crofts delivered his goals and objectives for 2002/2003 to an enthusiastic group of Rotarians. The atmosphere was charged with positive energy. The Welcome BBQ on Friday evening had a focus on youth with a presentation by the German GSE Team, followed by a concert featuring performances by the visiting YEP students.

The Saturday Conference sessions included a traditional Aboriginal welcome by Kalkadoon elder Monie Holt, a keynote address by Managing Director of MIM Holdings Limited Vince Gauci, the Italian GSE presentation, discussion groups dealing with six important Rotary issues and their impact on our District and the International Flag ceremony featuring the YEP students.

The atmosphere for the DG's Dinner at the Irish Club on Saturday night was set by the DG Terry introduces the Italian GSE team magnificent outback decorations arranged by Rotary partner Karen Schafer and the theme outfits worn by many of the diners. Youthful exuberance was again a focus with outstanding entertainment by the Mount Isa Irish dancers, the Dance Academy and Bush poet Veronica Weal. It was indeed a night of fun and frivolity!

Sunday morning saw an early start with the PHF and First Conference Attendees breakfast at the Buffs Club. Highlights of the Sunday Conference sessions included the keynote address by Rotary Foundation Regional Coordinator Ewan McKenzie, the Dream and Act presentation by DG Terry Lees and the Open Forum which provided the opportunity for delegates to have their say. And who could forget the unforgettable Pick-A-Box - The Great Rotary Quiz with "Bob and Dolly Dyer?"

A fitting conclusion to the Outback Muster was an evening of good food, fun, dancing and wonderful fellowship at the House of Friendship in Rotary House. Those attending Conference were promised that The Isa Experience is one you will never forget! Based on the feedback on Sunday night and Monday morning, the promise was well and truly delivered.

It is now up to Cairns to do better than the outstanding benchmark set by the Isa in the Year of the Outback. "Pick-A-Box"……………………………………………………………………………..DG Terry

Polio Plus

We are winning the battle against polio. Last year there were less than 500 cases of the wild polio virus and only 10 countries remained polio-endemic. 90% of these cases were found in only three countries - India, Pakistan and Nigeria. However, there is still much work to be done to eradicate this dreaded disease from the face of the earth. Funds are urgently needed for National Immunization Days and surveillance activities etc.

The current PolioPlus Partners Open Projects List contains 18 polio eradication projects in Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroun, Cote d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinee, India, Liberia, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan and Sudan in need of a total of US$6.4 million..

Examples of financial support of such projects are as follows:- - US$270 can provide 100 vaccine carriers in Liberia; - US$200 can provide 100 T-shirts in Cameroun; - US$20.25 can purchase a banner for Benin. Funds are required for other items such as thermometers, refrigerators, cold boxes, reagents and surveillance stickers.

Further details of the Open Projects List are available on The Rotary Foundation section of the R.I. website. This is the time of the year when many Rotary Clubs give to The Rotary Foundation and recognize one or more persons in their community as Paul Harris Fellows.

I am requesting that they contribute at least some of these funds to a PolioPlus Partners Project. District Designated Fund (DDF) contributions are also very welcome and gratefully accepted. Contributions are needed now to help save children's lives.

Yours in Rotary, PDG Pat. Galligan,
Zone 7 Coordinator 1999-2002,
PolioPlus Partners Task Force , 26th April, 2002

Call For Nominations for ACAP

Nominations are called for candidates who wish to be elected as a member of the Committee of Management for the Australian Corporate Alliance Program Ltd (ACAP). The position of Regional Director for Region C becomes vacant effective 30 June 2002.

Prior to agreeing to be nominated potential candidates are requested to familiarise themselves with the following documents, copies of which can be obtained from the District Governor, along with the nomination form.

o The Role Specification for a committee member

o The list of desirable skills. Candidates must be Rotarians but do not need to be DG's or PDG's.

All Rotarians with the necessary skills are potential candidates. Rotarians may put themselves forward to be nominated by the Governor of their District. Candidates should include a brief summary of their qualifications for the position sought. If an election is necessary because there is more than one candidate, the summary provided will be circulated to the DG's who will vote to elect the member.

Candidates on nomination must also complete a "Consent to Act" form which has been supplied to the DG. Please note that the residential address required must be real address and not be a P0 box.

Nominations may be submitted by 3pm (Eastern Standard Time) on 28 May 2002, to Don Cox, PDG, Chairman, Australian Corporate Alliance Program Ltd at PO Box 179, Summer Hill, NSW 2130 28 June 2002 has been nominated as the date fixed for the election.

Ballot papers will be distributed after the nominations close on 28 May 2002, and each Governor on Region C will be eligible to have one vote. The successful candidate will hold the position of ACAP Committee Member for a 3 year term commencing 1 July 2002.

INTERPLAST NEWS

Mega's story. Inbound Interplast patient Megawati Esis returned home to East Kalimantan on Sunday 17th March after successful surgery, carried out by Dr Peter Hayward at Concord Hospital, .to remove a Vascular formation of blood vessels from her forehead and scalp.

You might wonder how Interplast selects patients with more serious conditions for correction in Australia. Mega was first seen by Dr. Sally Langley, a plastic surgeon from New Zealand who was part of an Interplast Australia team visiting East Kalimantan in Indonesian Borneo during November 2000. Mega's sister Rahayu works in the Geology department of KPC (Kaltim Prima Coal) a joint venture with Rio Tinto in Sangatta.

The Interplast teams are hosted by a privately run clinic at the mine site to assess and treat local people free of charge. Rahayu would have no doubt heard of the clinic prior to their arrival and registered her sister for the clinic. It is possible that Rahayu is the only educated member of the family, as people in this area will often channel their limited resources into the education for one child, as they cannot afford to do more. This is only speculation to some degree however Rahayu speaks English while Mega and her parents do not. Rahayu also has a job with a big company, while Mega lives at home with her parents in a village.

To have Mega's condition treated in Indonesia would have required a visit to Jakarta or Surabaya as facilities for pre-operation scanning in East Kalimantan are inadequate. The expertise and equipment is available in Jakarta, but the cost of getting there would have been too expensive for the parents let alone the cost of treatment.

Part of Interplast's charter is to bring patients to Australia for the domestic programme if this is the case. Dr. Sally recommended Mega for treatment here because of the dangerous nature of the surgery and the possible loss of a large amount of blood. So Interplast swung into action, Visas were arranged, airline ticket purchased, home hosting for Mega found with James and Diane Brigden of the Rotary club of Hunters Hill, theatre fees and hospitalisation donated by Concord Hospital, Volunteer surgeon Peter Hayward was ready, he visited Mega on Saturday and Sunday at the host family's residence, explained through an interpreter what Mega could expect.

He found a generous person to fund the MRI and scans, Rotarian wife Sue Smith drove Mega to her scans and medical appointments over the next few weeks, and then it was over. Through a combined effort of Interplast and Rotary, 22 year old Mega had been given a chance of a normal life. Prior to leaving Australia through the kindness of the interpreters Edi and her husband Bob, Mega was taken to an Indonesian cultural night at Randwick.

The editor of an Indonesian magazine "Gamelan" was present and Edi told Mega's story. Shortly afterwards Mega was invited on the stage by the MC who told the whole story in Indonesian. I did not understand much of it however Rotary and Interplast were mentioned numerous times. The MC talked Mega into participating in singing competition with the audience being the judge of the winner.

I was approached by a stream of people wanting her name, she was an average singer but won by a landslide!!. She was presented with a large gold box which she opened the next morning, it contained a toaster. The attachments show before and afterphotos. Bear in mind some 3 months or so is required for complete healing.

Yours in Rotary Neville Hodgson

Youth Exchange Report

Welcome to May, and placement time for our incoming northern hemisphere students for the 2002/2003 year.

Many clubs would have received a call from me requesting the club to consider hosting an inbound student for a year starting in July or August. This time of the year is our largest intake of students. I have to find places for 25 students, and support from the clubs is vital. At the time of writing this report, I still have quite a few students to place. Please, when you get the call, say YES!

As reported last month, selection for outbound students for 2003 is complete. 35 students have been selected for a life altering experience for 2003. Once again, the quality of students interviewed was amazingly high, and many more than 35 would have been suitable to send out on exchange.

However, the numbers sent out must be balanced with the numbers brought in, and 35 is our Districts limit. Safari for our current inbound students is almost over. Safari finishes in Mount Isa on the Friday of conference. I am sure many great experiences were had by all, including our escorts. Thanks to Warren Leeder, Joan Barber and Kay Barber for giving up their time to escort our safari.

Reports from our current outbounds continue to flow in, and in most cases exchange is proceeding with few hiccups. For sponsoring clubs, please remember to maintain contact with your outbound student, as the contact is very rewarding for all concerned.

I look forward to meeting as many fellow Rotarians as possible at conference.

Yours in Rotary Youth Exchange, Trevor Williams.