What a great meeting highlighted by an impromptu speech from Colin Burns, as our scheduled guest speaker Jeff Rigby could not make it. We had an update from Zsofi, a presentation to Julie Priest (a guest speaker some months ago) for her Nepal Health Promotion Project and of course Ian (Bear) Coates for an entertaining Sergeants Session.

Wonderful to see Val Broad back at the club, and also Geoff McLeod whom has been overseas for a number of months. Barry Penna was noted with the shades on following some recent eye surgery.

Sounded like a fantastic vocational visit last Tuesday to the Tramways which was very well attended, thanks to Tom and Jos for hosting, and I believe any surplus funds were donated to Tram No 8 restoration!

A few more vocational visits are planned – Peter Readings new SIGN-A-RAMA premises and Reillys of Bendigo – details later.

Zsofi gave a quick update of her recent weeks - attending an AFL match in Melbourne, down to Castlemaine to visit friends and also getting far more comfortable at school and now enjoying the experience - Girton perhaps can be a bit daunting for newcomers at first, particularly when everyone is peaking a foreign language, ie English!. Sounds like Zsofi is getting to know and love the school - as the vast majority of our Exchange Students end up doing.

Rotary BusinessRotary District 9800 GSE Farewell (off to Cambridge) - Rockbank 30/9/12 12.45pm $25 per head.

The Club is sponsoring Elizabeth Nuttall and would be great to have some club presentation at the farewell lunch. Myself and Hugh Wheeler are heading down – certainly room in the car for other members to join us. Leaving Bendigo at 11.00am back around 4.00pm. See me if you would like to come along.

Honorary Membership The Board were delighted that their offer of Honorary Membership to Warren Cambridge, whom we know has not been in the best of health, was very warmly received. Warren maintains a strong interest in the club via the Fossicker and staying in contact with some of his Rotary friends. Warren advised me that his health has improved and he is hopeful of getting along occasionally to Club Meetings.

Probus Club of SandhurstCommerative function on Tuesday 2 October 2012 – I am unable to attend, and would appreciate a stand in representative. There is no cost to attend. Please contact / see me if you can attend.

Art Show Committee Myself and Past President Wayne Smith attended a 2012 wrap up event last Wednesday at The Club –

FossickerThe

PRESIDENT ELECT’S REPORT

Weekly bulletin of the Rotary Club of Bendigo Inc. - Chartered 30th July 1925 - District 9800

Editor: Noel Hobley noelhobley@bigpond.com - Distribution: The Terrace theterrace@phs.org.auCorrespondence: PO Box 131, Bendigo, 3552

PRESIDENT SECRETARY TREASURER PAST PRESIDENT Brian Figg Kaye Graves Wayne Smith Wayne Smith

BOARD MEMBERS:President Elect - Tom SeddonClub Service - Garry GunnellCommunity Service - Libby HughesInternational Service - Valerie Barker

Vocational Service - John KrakowiakNew Generations - Phil WestRotary Foundation - Hugh Wheeler

No. 42567 - Tuesday, September 11, 2012 - A002977L

we were both really impressed with the teamwork, expertise and experience of the committee required to bring this event together. All are congratulated and commended for the enormous effort and organisation required to “bring home the bacon” as this is the Club’s major fund-raiser.

Planning already underway for 2013. I believe Graeme as Art Show Chair is close to presenting a cheque to the Club – planned for next Tuesday Night’s joint meeting with Bendigo Strathdale at All Seasons.

Men’s Health Week (KAYE GRAVES)

Close to 400 attended the Thursday evening Capital Theatre event – with many Rotarians providing a healthy dinner option for attendees, tea/coffee inside, collecting the entry fees and gate security!. Thanks to all those helpers who helped out during the afternoon and evening - superbly coordinated by Mike Hughes.

Fellowship Event (IAN COATES)

Reminder re the upcoming Combined Night Meeting (with Bendigo Strathdale) - at All Seasons Tuesday 18 September 2012 a 6.15pm for 6.45pm start.

“Villian or Hero” - a true story presentation by novelist Robin DeCrespiney who provides some background to her recently released book through Penguin “The People Smuggler”. A great opportunity to share Rotary with another Club and also bring along your partner.

Cost is $25 pp for two course meal with tea/coffee. We have 34 going at present - RSVPs to be finalised in next few days (let Brian Figg know if you are a late acceptor and we’ll squeeze you in!).

Thanks Bear for coordinating RSVPs.

SPECIAL PRESENTATION (VAL BARKER) International

Our special guest Julie Priest was invited forward by Val. Julie had previously given an inspiring presentation to the Club in May 2012 about her Nepal Health Promotion Project. Subsequently through the network of Rotary, and particularly some great work from Garry Gunnell, the club has sourced financial support of $5,000 towards this project through the Planet Wheeler Foundation via Rotary Australia World Community Service.

Some background on Planet Wheeler (not the Hugh Wheeler!) Foundation – established by the Wheeler Family the original people behind the Lonely Planet Guide which eventually sold to BBC Discovery Channel. The Family now use funds to support international projects and are pleased to support Julie’s Nepal Health Promotion Project.

COMING UP

18-Sep Robing de CrespignyVillian or Hero” - a true story presentation by novelist Robin DeCrespiney

Joint meeting with the RC of Bendigo South at All Seasons. 6.45 pm start.

25-Sep Karen Quinlan Bendigo Art GalleryFashion as Art, Exhibitions, and the new Gallery Extension

2-Oct Wayne Smith TreasurerSilverpot to Samoa: RCBs finances, explained

9-Oct Zsofia Szabo Hungary Incoming Exchange Student

16-Oct David Lloyd, Manager The Capital Our new theatre and what it means for cultural programming in Bendigo

23-Oct Bendigo Youth Choir (TBC)

30-Oct Vocational Day History of RC Bendigo Club Projects

The Rotary Club of Bendigo is delighted to present a cheque of $5,000 towards this project and we look forward to hearing from Julie on the project progress and outcomes.

Rebuilding Samoa (COLIN BURNS)

Colin presented to me on behalf of the Club a Certificate of Appreciation from the Rotary Club of Apia. Such is Colin’s heartfelt connection with Samoa he asked me to read out the letter - a copy of which and the Certificate are attached to this Fossicker. The Club will formerly respond with a letter of acknowledgement and thanks.

Guest Speaker - Colin BurnsColin gave a moving and inspiring talk to the Club, the job opportunity that has presented itself, and what Rotary means to him.

Colin over recent months has been doing some work in Victoria for Iluka Resources, a major mineral sands miner, and has been offered senior role overseeing the establishment of a number of mines in WA, most within a vicinity of 300km of Perth. Colin and Sandra have now started looking for a place in Perth.

Iluka Resources mine mineral sands from ancient inland sea beds to mainly produce Zircon (used for ceramic coating on tiles), Ilmenite and Rutile (a titanium dioxide product used as a whitening agent for paint and is even that white middle coating on your Smartie! in between the coloured bit and the chocolate - hopefully I forget that when next eating Smarties).

Colin then spoke of his passion for Rotary - and emphasised just that the Rotary gives its members with passion the opportunity and forum to do things and projects that make a significant difference. Obviously Rebuilding Samoa and helping it’s people has been a passion of Colin’s for many years and one of his major joys comes from introducing members whom have not been, to experience the fulfilment of participating in such projects - and those same members wanting to return again and again.

His best year in Rotary was his year as President in 2003/2004 - the major challenge during that year was the relocation of the Art Show which successfully came to fruition despite some difficulties.

Colin reminded us all that Rotary is a volunteer organisation - you can’t be sacked for not doing something or stuffing up!, but enjoyment and

fulfilment comes by contributing and making a difference.

Colin was also the District Chair for RAWCS (Rotary Australia World Community Service) and last night stepped down due to his impending move to Perth.

I love one quote attributed to Mr C Burns - “I know that Rotary changes lives, because it changed mine”.

A big loss for our Club, the District but not I am certain Rotary! - I’m sure a keen Perth based Club will quickly latch on to Colin when he knows where his “digs” are, and invite him to join and no doubt we will hear that club sending a team off to Samoa!!

No doubt I didn’t capture all of Colin’s enthralling talk - we will have an opportunity to see Colin from time to time over the coming months.

Thanks Colin for your impromptu talk - you are an inspiration to the Club and Rotary.

Before stepping away from the podium, I took the opportunity to present Colin Burns with his Paul Harris Fellow Ruby Pin in recognition of his continued voluntary donations to the Rotary Foundation. Not to miss an opportunity, Colin advised the he makes the Foundation his sole choice of charitable donation.

Remember next week September 18 - a NIGHT meeting at All Seasons as a joint meeting with Bendigo Strathdale.

Enjoy your week.

President Brian Figg.

WEBSITE: Click to visit District 9800 newsletters and videos

ROSTER SEPTEMBER 18 SEPTEMBER 25 OCTOBER 2Chairman N/A B. Ackerman N/ASergeant at Arms N. Hobley N. Hobley N. BannanCorporals G. Clarke

I. CoatesJ. GallagherK. Gilchrist

M. HorneL. Hughes

Cashiers V. BarkerJ. Bruce

D. CoiaN. Cox

D. WattsB. McMahon

Regalia J. Mahoney J. Mahoney J. MahoneyReception N. Burdon

C. BurnsT. DobeliB. Doherty

B. GrayG. Gunnell

Grace D. Buttolph B. Figg A. HamptonFour Way Test J. Cartwright J. Flood N. Hobley

A Notice for Chairman - To assist the President and as a courtesy to guest speakers, when the president calls for visiting Rotarians and guests to be introduced, the Chairman for the day is asked, please, to stand and introduce the guest speaker by name with the comment that he/she will be more formally introduced later in the meeting.

Members are reminded that if for any reason you are unable to fulfil the duty for which you are rostered it is your responsibility to arrange a replacement

Anniversaries September 18 to September 25BIRTHDAYS: Norma Martin Sept. 19, Geoff McLeod Sept.

22.ROTARY INDUCTIONS:

Neil Burdon Sept. 19, John Cartwright Sept. 24

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES:

Jack and Joyce Svanosio Sept. 20, Ken Gil-christ and Kaye Graves Sept. 22, Jim and Mau-reen Mahoney, Barry and Carol Penna Sept. 24.

NOTE - NEXT WEEK

JOINT MEETING - SEPTEMBER 18with Rotary Club of Bendigo South

at All Seasons

Robin de Crespigny author of

‘The People Smuggler’ - a true story presentation “Villain or Hero”

From Penguin: With enormous power and insight, The People Smuggler tells a story of daily heroism, bringing to life the forces that drive so many people to put their lives in

unscrupulous hands. It is an utterly gripping portrait of a man cut loose from the protections of civilisation, attempting to retain his dignity and humanity while taking whatever path he can out

of an impossible position.

Rotary District 9800 Group Study Exchange Farewell A joint project between the Hobsons Bay Cluster & the Port Phillip Cluster

RSCP: The Shepheards 9369 8358 by 24th September

Clubs to group book as per sheet attached. Cheques payable to: Rotary Club of Altona PO Box 138, Altona 3018

Or Direct Credit to Rotary Club of Altona BSB: 633-000 A/c: 117125468

Join us to Farewell our RD9800 team as they embark to RD1080 in the Cambridge-Norwich area in the UK Steven Bourke – sponsored by the Rotary Club of Central Melbourne Sunrise Kirsten Brewer – sponsored by the Rotary Club of Brighton North Virginia Loftus – sponsored by the Rotary Club of Camberwell Elizabeth Nuttall– sponsored by the Rotary Club of Bendigo Karen Lillywhite – sponsored by the Rotary Club of Chadstone- East Malvern Team Leader Julie Mason. Rotary Club of Wyndham

The Gamekeepers Secret Inn 1555 Melton Hwy, Rockbank.

Melways Map 353 A9 http://www.gamekeepers.com.au/

Date: 30th September 2012 Time: 12:30 for 1pm Cost: $25 ~ Nibbles/Finger food

Drinks at Bar prices

MEMBERS GOING - MORE PASSENGERS WELCOME

CONTACT BRIAN FIGG