Guests Marj Ahrens (guest of Bob), Helen Bourne (club guest), Jim Vallelonga (club guest), Keith Weinel (Brian Burt), Rosey Olbrycht (guest speaker, visiting Rotarian) all welcomed by Chairman Deb Williams
PP Marie Louise Lees took the opportunity to update members on the latest news on the Polio eradication program. Type 2 strain and type 3 strain have been eradicated leaving type 1 strain wild virus as the only one left to control. The news is less rewarding than hoped. Afghanistan and Pakistan continue to report cases of wild polio virus and another 12 countries have reported cases of vaccine derived polio disease. These countries did not report any cases in 2018. On a positive note the problems in PNG, Indonesia and Mozambique have been resolved and no cases have been reported this year. Many reasons have been recognised for the breakdown of eradication efforts – security issues, lack of infrastructure, lack of clean water supply, poor planning or eradication programs, community resistance and other issues. Nevertheless the project continues as we are too close to our goal give up the fight now. The message we must all take away is to continue to raise funds and raise the profile of the campaign locally, nationally and internationally.
PP Kevin Clarke advised members that calendars for 2020 were available free at the meeting.
PP Wayne Murphy advised the first meeting for 2020 will be the annual bowls night on January 6th. Numbers are needed for catering as soon as possible.
PP Patsy Johnson repeated her plea for donation of stamps for fund raising toward End Trachoma.
PP Lance Hatcher reminded members of our commitment to the Gawler Carols on Sat pm the 14th. Volunteers are needed to erect shelters in the early afternoon and again later to cook fairy floss and donuts at our food stall. Members will be needed to take down and load our equipment after the event.
New Member induction: Helen Bourne was inducted as a member by the President and was welcomed to the club by all present. Helen was introduced to the club by PP Patsy Johnson. We look forward to hearing all about Helen in the coming weeks and months. Welcome Helen.
Mentor PP Patsy Johnson, newly inducted Rotarian Helen Bourne and President Steve Barilla
Friend of Rotary: PP Brian Burt introduced Keith Weinel who was inducted as a Friend of Rotary for the Gawler Rotary Club. Welcome Keith. We look forward to enjoying your company and your future contributions to our Projects. We hope you enjoy your association with our club and enjoy the friendships and Fellowship yet to come.
New Friend of Rotary Keith Weinel and President Steve Barilla
PP Marie-louise reported her visit to Whyalla as part of the planning process for the conference in 2020. During the visit she and the conference committee met with the Rotary Clubs of Whyalla and Whyalla Norrie. All is going well and the Conference planning looks to be on track.
PP Brian Burt reported his involvement in the interview process for prospective Veterinary students at the University of Adelaide. Part of the criteria for acceptance into the Faculty of Veterinary studies is the satisfactory interview to assess suitability. This process has been used for the past few years with a number of Rotarians being involved. Brian reported he was suitably impressed by the quality of applicants presenting for interview and recommended others put their hand up to help next year.
President Steve reported on the latest developments in the meeting venue discussions. Details of the talks are confidential and will be discussed further when more information is available. Talk to Steve if you need to be kept up to date.
Members were reminded to bring gifts for the Xmas tree – toys will be donated to the Northern Domestic Violence Service. Unwrapped toys needed for children under 12 years. Prize donations are also required for the raffle to be conducted on the night. Come with cash to win the auction of the beetroot to be held.
The sergeant session wasn’t conducted this week as Sergeant Barry had a more important mission. He was busy learning how to cook donuts with our new equipment. After a few questionable products coming from the fryer the team eventually produced some very acceptable donuts which were enjoyed by those who chose to stay on to taste. Many thanks to Jim Vallelonga for his time and patience as cooking coach for Barry and his team of donut makers. The first donuts cooked in anger will be on sale Saturday at the Carols Night.
Guest Speaker Rosey Olbrycht
Rosey Olbrycht was welcomed as our guest speaker by Deb Williams. Her topic was Citizen Advocacy.
Rosie is very familiar with the Rotary organisation being a member of an Adelaide club and a previous exchange student to Brazil in 1977. Her service to the community has been a long and valuable journey.
Rosey spoke primarily about the difficulties encountered by the people with an intellectual disability. What is life like for these people? How do we address their problems?
- 90% of Australian women with an intellectual disability have subjected to sexual abuse with more than two thirds having been sexually abused before the age of 18 years.
- 48% of people with an intellectual disability have experienced physical violence
- 1.9% of people with a disability have experienced sexual abuse
- People with a disability are more likely to be disadvantaged across a number of domains including poverty, unemployment, poor housing and social exclusion.
Some of the negative experiences commonly encountered by those with a disability are:
- Rejection, isolation and rejection
- Feel devalued
- Dependence and low expectations
- Lack of control
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- Limited opportunities and experiences
- Abuse, ridicule and neglect
- Lack of relationships
- Vulnerability and exploitation
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What makes a difference to their quality of life?
- Safety
- Real relationships
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- Having a home
- Choice and control
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Citizen advocacy encourages people to reach out to make a difference in the lives of the vulnerable.
Advocates are not paid – it is not a job. Nothing is reimbursed. It is purely a volunteer activity. Members were provided with contact details of the organisation for those who may be able to get involved.
Rosey would love to hear from Rotary members of your friends and family – there are people in our town who would benefit from our time and efforts.
Guest Speaker Rosey Olbrycht is presented with her thank you certificate by Chair Deb Williams
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