Rotary Club of Maleny Bulletin for 7th July 2021

THE RANGE"  Vol. 64 No.1

WEDNESDAY 7TH JULY 2021

THIS WEEK'S MEETING

Maleny Hotel at 6:30 for 7:00pm for Guest Speaker Megan Lee from Barung Landcare.

APOLOGIES
Apologies please to Bernice before noon on Tuesday.

DUTY ROSTER
                         7th Jul           21st Jul         4th Aug
Duty Officer      Jim A             Rick V           Malcolm B
Assist DO         Michael G     Keith R          Lionel T 
Registration      Sherryl G      Laurelle O     Fran T
Fellowship         Bill H            John McL      Chris B

WOOLWORTH SAUSAGE SIZZLE ROSTER
24 Jul     0730 - 1030    Lionel T  Chris B  Angela G

               1030 - 1330    Andy S  Fran T  Roly N

PRESIDENT'S NOTES
a) Our next meeting at The Maleny Hotel on Wed 7 July 2021 under Qld COVID-19 Regulations is a dinner meeting. Following the end of the recent lockdown across the Sunshine Coast, we can all look forward to some fellowship, tall stories and an interesting presentation from Amanda Kennedy in relation to the Library Services available at our local Maleny Library. It will also be a memorable occasion with the upcoming induction of Neil Andison aka the Platypus Whisperer. His mentor will be Ric T.
b) Recent Club events and Community Service
- My sincere thanks to Bernice and John McL Jim A, Mike G, Craig S, Fran T Ric T and Paulette S for their assistance at our recent 62nd Annual Changeover Dinner. It was a pleasure to host our outgoing 9600 DG Neil Black, outgoing AG for our Hinterland Cluster Jan Lawton and our new incoming 9620 AG for our new Kenny Cluster, Tony Long. And a huge congratulations to Sherryl G and Jo Turner for their well-deserved PHF awards. Thanks again to all the members of the outgoing Board, and I look forward to working with our new Board and all our members in an exciting Rotary Year under the new theme for 2021-2022 Serve to Change Lives. The seed that Paul Harris sowed in 1905 has “blossomed into a large tree covering over 210 countries and geographical regions, with over 34,000 clubs with a combined membership of over 1,200,000 Rotarians worldwide. Incoming Rotary International President Shekhar Mehta, has urged members to become more involved in service projects, saying that caring for and serving others is the best way to live because it changes not only other people’s lives, but also our own. He has adopted the guiding philosophy that ‘Service is the rent I pay for the space I occupy on this earth, and I want to be a good tenant of this earth.’ Mehta encourages us to lead by example and inspires Rotary members to participate in projects that have measurable and sustainable impacts. 
- Many thanks to Chris B & Paulettte S for parking duties at Australia Zoo on Sunday 27 June and for Bernice and John McL on Sunday 4 July. My roster on Friday 2 July was cancelled due to the Lockdown. As I have reported previously, car parking at Australia Zoo has proved a solid source of revenue when so many of our usual other carparking and fundraising activities have been cancelled throughout our previous Rotary year due to COVID 19. 
- Another huge thankyou to Jeff C for his meticulous organisation of a very successful Shelterbox Display at Maple Street on Sunday 27 June and publication of an excellent timely article in the local GC&MN newspaper and MDSRC electronic news. And hats off to all of our club members and partners who attended throughout the day from 7.30 am for set up to about 2 pm for the packing up of the equipment. It was a very visible Rotary event showcasing one of our international charitable causes to our local community, enabled us to raise donations for Shelterbox from our community and visitors to Maleny and also proved a fine opportunity to enhance outdoor camping skills. 
- And congratulations to Rick V for assisting MACG with their COVID plan (spinners and weavers) for their part in Knitfest.  
c) Upcoming Events
- 28 Jul Due to the COVID 19 Lockdown across the Sunshine Coast from last Wed to Fri, our 30 Jun Vocational Visit to The Maleny Chocolate Factory behind Monicas Café & Pizza afterwards at Jenn’s Pizza located at Finbars Bicentenary Lane has been postponed to the 4th Wed in July namely Wed 28 July. We hope members are able to reschedule. 
- 1 Aug Kenny Cluster Joint meeting with new 9620 DG Wendy at Australia Zoo commencing 8 am to 10 am.
- 28 Aug Pride of Workmanship Dinner. The first facebook POW event notifications have been published, and GC&MN articles published and Paulette S and Greg W and Alan W have commenced walking around Maleny businesses to promote participation in the event commencing Mon 14 Jun 2021. If you would like to join us, please contact either Paulettte S or Craig S for arrangements 
- 17 Oct Kite Flying Event – at Beersheba Living Museum, Ziza Field and Maleny Settlers Green. We will be working with our Speak Up Now partners, Blackall Range Zonta Club, Maleny Neighbourhood Centre and Maleny District Sport And Recreation Club (Gail Denver) to plan and deliver this new creative arts and recreation event involving local children and their parents with a theme of Domestic and Family Violence and Elder Abuse Prevention.  
- Woolworths BBQ Roster. Just a reminder to keep an eye out for the roster.

MINUTES OF MEETING OF 16TH JUNE
President Greg welcomed members and guests Neil Andison again and Nathaniel Audley, a Year 10 student from the Maleny State High School Interact group. We listened to CL Claridge give a comprehensive update on the various activities that Rotary ( and of course RAWCS) is undertaking in Nepal. We all had our eyes opened to the excellent work and dedication of their team leaders to make such a difference to ethnic minority women and blind/disabled women in setting up their own enterprises.

Then our guest speaker, Nathaniel Audley reported on his attendance at the recent RYPEN Youth Camp at Coolum in May. He gave an informative and humorous talk on the challenges faced by the RYPEN members, describing the many activities that challenged their initiative, communications and teamwork, while being hit by many distractions to test themselves. Despite the pressure it seems they all enjoyed the event and found out a bit more about their own limitations and strengths. Nathaniel's mum, Mandy, who also attended our meeting, also found out what he did at the camp.

Rick V gave the vote of thanks.

CHANGEOVER NIGHT ON 23RD JUNE

SHELTERBOX DISPLAY

NEW GAZEBO

The Club acknowledges with thanks the receipt of a new gazebo from our State MP Andrew Powell.

FUTURE MEETINGS  AND EVENTS

14th July Board Meeting.

21st July Maleny Hotel at 6:30 for 7:00pm for Business Meeting.

1st Aug  DG's Kenny Cluster brunch at Australia Zoo.

4th Aug  Maleny Hotel at 6:30 for 7:00pm for Guest Speaker TBA.

BIRTHDAYS FOR JULY
11th Roly Neiper and Jacinta Townsend  

AND NOW FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT

THE PERILS OF MOVING HOUSE

Having recently moved, I have been unwise enough to dabble with flat pack furniture.  Let this be a cautionary tale to others.

It did not! However there was a solution:

Rotary Club of Maleny Bulletin for 2nd June 2021

"THE RANGE"  Vol. 63 No.22

WEDNESDAY 2ND JUNE 2021

THIS WEEK'S MEETING
Maleny Hotel at 6:30 for 7:00pm for Guest Speaker Kate Huth,  a Rotary Peace Fellow.

Apologies please to Bernice before noon on Tuesday.

DUTY ROSTER
                        2nd Jun          16th Jun        7th July
Duty Officer      Roly N            Chris B          Jim A 
Assist DO          Phillip S          Keith R          Michael G   
Registration      Paulette S      John McL        Sherryl G
Fellowship        Lionel T         John W           Bill H

WOOLWORTH SAUSAGE SIZZLE ROSTER
26 Jun     0730 - 1030    TBA

                1030 - 1330    TBA

PRESIDENT'S NOTES
1. Zonta Seeds of Change Forum on Sat 22 May 2021
It was a privilege to attend this forum against domestic and family violence and Elder Abuse held at the University of the Sunshine Coast. The key note speaker was Rosie Batty. And our own Sherryl G gave a magnificent presentation outlining the background,  approach to and numerous projects that have been completed and are planned for tackling this issue in the Sunshine Coast hinterland by our collaborative partnership of local service clubs under the banner of Speak Up Now. Sherryl also challenged other communities around Australia to adopt our grassroots model to effect change and make a real impact on community attitudes to respect.

2. A huge thankyou also to Ian Demack and the Maleny Neighbourhood Centre as our partner in Speak Up Now for organising a fantastic Candelight Ceremony/ Vigil against Family and Domestic Violence and Elder Abuse at Tesch Park Maleny on Thursday 20 May 2021. Speakers included Cr Winston Johnson, Member for Glasshouse Andrew Powell and Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace who recently chaired a commonwealth investigation into the issue delivering 81 recommendations to tackle D&FV&EA.

Andrew Wallace also spoke of the extent gravity and pernicious impact of pornography on all levels of society, how it is impacting on respect in Australia between family members and steps he sees as necessary to stop our children from being flooded with it through inadvertent searches.
3. The 2021 Maleny Agricultural Show
Wow. The words "Best Show Ever" are already being thrown about. As your President, I am so proud of the selfless involvement of so many of our club members and their partners, past members and their partners, and prospective members in the  planning for, and the tireless and dedicated volunteering of their time and undertaking of enormous contributions to the operation of the Friday Gate, the Parking at Maleny Pioneer Village and Hoppers land, at the guess the weight of the bull competition, and at our Rotary Food Stall.

And apart from the tremendous value for money fare we have provided to so many Show attendees, it was just so satisfying to witness so many people return time and time again for our Maleny Show Stopper Steakburgers , pea and ham soup or pumpkin soup, hamburgers, egg and bacon burgers, hot dogs,  tea or coffees, sausages in a blanket, and wide range of pizzas.
Thank you one and all for making your contribution to a great Maleny Show.
And now it's off for the clean up on Sunday morning.

MINUTES OF MEETING OF 19TH MAY

President Greg opened the meeting with the usual formalities.

Members had a warm welcome for CL Claridge who has returned from an extended stay in NZ. We also welcomed a visiting Rotarian from Melbourne who is also John Whan’s brother.

The meeting received a very comprehensive briefing from President Greg covering a number of topics/events including:

• A student from Maleny Senior High is attending the RYPEN Camp at Coolum,

• Greg, Sheryl, Paulette and Jeff attended the RYDA course at Corbould Park Racecourse. Students from Maleny High and the Maleny Flexi School attended and were all impressed with the program.

• On the 12th May a strong contingent of Rotarians from Maleny attended the dinner at the Sunshine Coast University. Maleny Rotary ran the bar which resulted in a nice profit to the Club

• The Candlelight Vigil and Walk for domestic violence awareness is to be held at Tesch Park on the 20th May.

• Sheryl is to be a key note speaker on the Domestic Violence Awareness program at the the Zonta ‘Seeds of Change Forum’  on 22nd May,

• Jill Morris is holding an environmental day at her property and requested some assistance with car parking.

• President Greg announced that the 2021 Changeover Dinner will be  on 23rd June at The Orangery.

Karen Heading from the Maleny Show committee spoke about the complex issues for the Maleny Show this year. There are significant restrictions and requirements that all members rostered for Show Gate duties needed to be aware of in order to comply with the Show Society’s COVID safe plan. There were a number of questions from the floor and Karen was left with a few extra issues to consider.

After Karen left a number of members spoke briefly on their recent activities including:

• Jeff on a Shelterbox display planned for Sunday 27th June,

• Jeff reported on discussions with Council staff at Mary Cairncross about the number of donated bench seats and plans for their installation somewhere in the Park,

• Bernice spoke about and passed around a roster for the Rotary food kiosk at the Maleny Show.

• Jim spoke about the roster for the Show Gate at the Show.

Sergeant Chris was an apology for the meeting so members were left to self-reflect on their misdeeds and redirected their fines money to the Polio Pig.

Unfortunately the meeting was running over-time so the presentation from CL on the projects in Nepal was held over to a later meeting. CL very graciously accepted the apology from President Greg. We look forward to hearing from her very soon.

The meeting was closed shortly after 8:30.

A MESSAGE FROM ANGELA WITH AN UPDATE ABOUT THE EBENEZER CHILD CARE TRUST

EASTER CELEBRATIONS

The mothers and children joined the rest of the Christian community across the world to celebrate the death and the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. They gathered in the chapel to share the word of the Lord and discussed the importance of Easter. The children and the mothers sang and danced in fulfillment of this wonderful occasion.

OUR WONDERFUL DONORS FUND HOUSEWARES 
ECCT Executive Director, Owen Lisulo thanks donors for the ability to purchase 8 mattresses, 2 washing machines, 2 upright fridges and 1 stove for the homes. "It could not have come at a better time than this. We highly appreciate your continued donations to support our mothers and children. These items will help to make work very easy for our mothers” he said.
WELCOME TO RECEPTION CLASS 
Last year only three babies were going to school. Before the beginning of the school term, 6 babies were assessed in order to see if they were ready to start attending school. This has brought the total number of 9 children attending school from the baby's home leaving only two children at home; Brian and Elliot who are less than 2 years old. The children are very excited about this new development. ECCT endeavors to foster an early love of learning in the children. 
NEW VOLUNTEER SOCIAL WORKERS 
We have three Volunteer Social Workers who are currently working with Sunford Muchindu - the permanent Social Worker. We have Beauty, Chinyama, Mulenga, Mumba and Heather Nkobaika who are now working closely with the children. The volunteers have certificates in Psychosocial and Child Counseling.

HEALTH TALKS WITH THE CHILDREN 

Social workers Heather and Sunford sat with the toddlers, older boys and girls to discuss various issues that affect them. The topics which were covered during the discussion were; prevention of accidents, hygiene, family values and importance of education. 

Thank you for your continued support and generosity. You have given health, education and hope to over 500 severely disadvantaged Zambian children. 

FUTURE MEETINGS  AND EVENTS

9th June Board Meeting 

12th June RSL at 10am for the launch of Jack Wilcox's new book - Maleny Weather 1880 - 2016

16th June Maleny Hotel at 6:30 for 7:30pm for Business Meeting with Nepal update from CL.

23rd June Changeover Night at The Orangery.

30th June Vocational visit to the Chocolate Factory at 1630h followed by pizzas in Finbars.

BIRTHDAYS FOR JUNE

1st Mike Edwards  

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES FOR JUNE

1st Chris and Judi Ross-Smith  16th Alan and Mary Wilson

AND NOW FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT

ITS NICE TO BE RIGHT OCCASIONALLY

Rotary Club of Maleny Bulletin for 19th May 2021

   "THE RANGE"  Vol. 63 No.21

WEDNESDAY 19TH MAY 2021

THIS WEEK'S MEETING
Maleny Hotel at 6:30 for 7:00pm for a Business Meeting.

Apologies please to Bernice before noon on Tuesday.

DUTY ROSTER
                        19th May             2nd Jun          16th Jun 
Duty Officer      Fran T                 Roly N            Chris B 
Assist DO          Jeff C                  Phillip S          Keith R    
Registration      Bernice McL         Paulette S      John McL
Fellowship        Alan W                 Lionel T         John W

WOOLWORTH SAUSAGE SIZZLE ROSTER
26 Jun     0730 - 1030    TBA

                1030 - 1330    TBA

PRESIDENT'S NOTES
It's a huge welcome back to CL C and Leon from the land of the long white cloud and I am looking forward to hearing  CL's report on our Nepalese projects.
- Over the past weekend our Rypen representative Nathaniel Audley from Yr 10 at Maleny State High School attended the Rypen camp at Coolum.
- Many thanks again to Sherryl G, Jeff C, Paulette S for joining me recently  to help out with assisting the smooth running and delivery of the RYDA youth driving education project at Corbould Park to a huge cohort of local hinterland students from Maleny State High School, and the Maleny Flexi School accompanied by teachers and staff and who were also joined on the day by students and staff  from Caloundra Christian College. All the students were of their best behaviour, and very engaged. This is a youth driving program that delivers a real impact at a yr 10 level just before many of these students are to start getting either their L or P plates. Saving just 1 life makes it so worth it.
- Our club was also well represented by 14 members and their guests at the recent RUSCCF Dinner and Presention at the USC on 12 May. It was great to hear of the fantastic achievements being made by our local regional university and from the 3 PhD student candidate recipients of this year's scholarship awards. It is hoped that one of the recipients, a creative writer, will attend a Rotary meeting later this year to address us on her work in the Domestic And Family Violence space.
- And a huge thankyou to Chris B and his team Jeff C, Jim A, Alan W and Paulette S who managed a great bar on the night.
- The month of May is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. I hope many of you can join me and Sherryl G at the Candelight Vigil at Tesch Park and Walk to the MNC being organised by the Maleny Neighbourhood Centre on 20 May commencing at 5pm.
- And on the following Saturday 22 May, it would be fantastic if we could have as many members as possible to join me in listening to and supporting Sherryl G who will be delivering a presentation on our  local grassroots approach to and achievements that have made by our collaborative partnership known as Speak Up Now in relation to the prevention of Domestic and Family Violence and Elder Abuse at the Zonta Seeds of Change Forum being held at the USC.
- Paulette S is also organising a small group of up to 4 of our Rotarians to provide parking assistance on World Environment Day on the 6th June at Jill Morris' s property known as Book Farm at Reesville where a weed identification forum and eradication project is being held.
- And of course, the Maleny Agricultural Show is almost upon us. It's great to see so many hands being put up for assistance by our members and even others from nearby clubs for either parking duties at the gate and or with food preparation and service at our annual Rotary Food Stall.
- Bernice has reminded me to request that all members who are assisting in the Food Stall must send in to her their Certificate of Completion of the "COVID 19 Dining in" on line course as soon as possible,
- We are still looking for a few members to take on some Directors role in our incoming board. If you are interested, please contact me over the next few weeks.
- And lastly, our Changeover this year will be held at the Orangery on 23rd June. It is a Partners Night. As we change clusters within the new 9620 District, it will be great to have present our outgoing AG for our existing Hinterland Cluster Jan Lawton and our incoming AG for our new Kenny Cluster Tony Long.

Looking forward to catching up with you all either at our next project meeting at the Maleny on 19 May or at the Maleny Show or one of our upcoming activities over the next month.

MINUTES OF MEETING OF 5TH MAY
President Greg welcomed members and guests. There was time for some business before the meal.
• Greg thanked those who attended our successful Cluster Breakfast on Saturday 24 April at the Community Precinct to celebrate 100 years of Rotary in Australia. The morning concluded with John Whan riding in a 1919 Essex Speedster holding the Centenary banner aloft as other club members walked behind in procession around the Ziza Field. A fitting finale to a great morning celebration with the other clubs in our cluster.
• Reminder re the USC Rotary Scholarships Night Wednesday 12 May. Maleny club is running the bar. No cash transactions. $1 added to each drink to cover security costs.
• Rotary Youth Driver Awareness (RYDA) day at Corbould Park, Caloundra on Thursday 6 May. Greg, Paulette, Jeff and Sherryl will attend. Year 10 Maleny High students plus the Flexi School will be attending.
• Bernice sent around the roster for the Food Stall at the Maleny Show – Fri & Sat 28-29 May. All food service volunteers must do the COVID Safe food training course through TAFE. Send Bernice your certificate when completed. Easy course, registration not so easy.
• Anzac Day services went well. Book vouchers were donated by Rotary to schools.
• Speak Up Now- Domestic and Family Violence project update: May is Domestic and Family Violence Awareness Month.
• Candlelight Ceremony starting at 5pm at Tesch Park on Thursday 21 May, followed by walk to Maleny Neighbourhood Centre for BBQ, speakers and live music.
• Zonta Seeds of Change D&FV Forum at USC, Saturday 22 May, 8am-1pm. Sherryl to do short presentation on behalf of Speak Up Now committee.
• Reminder that the Speak Up Now – Stop Domestic and Family Violence in Maleny and the Blackall Range Project is a combined RC of Maleny, Zonta Club of the Blackall Range and the Maleny Neighbourhood Centre combined project.
• Paulette alerted us to a live comedy act coming to Caloundra which she recommended as a possible club social activity.

Michael introduced our Guest Speaker for the night, Neil Andison, the Maleny Platypus Whisperer. Neil went to sea at age 15. He spent 10 years in the Australian Navy and then 10 years in the RAAF. He retired in 2000 after running an electrical business as well as a job driving cherry pickers. He peppered his presentation with loads of platypus facts as well as photos taken of the platypus he has encountered, and named, in the Obi Obi in the stretch from the Showgrounds to the Community Precinct.
He cleared up early, the misconception that the plural of the Platypus, a marsupial, correctly called Ornithorhynchus anatinus, is ‘Platypus’ not ‘Platypii’ as some of us learned at primary school.
Some platypus facts noted by Neil:
• A fully-grown platypus should have approximately equal proportions of tail, body and head/beak.
• Neil can often tell the female platypus by bare patches on their tails.
• They are genetically similar to birds and reptiles (they walk like a reptile)
• Males have 2 spurs on the inside of the back legs, these spurs have a toxic venom.
• They are found exclusively in Australia & only found east of the Dividing Range.
• They can live up to 20 years in the wild.
• They cannot hear or see, eat or breathe underwater.
• They use electro and mechano receptors to sense their food sources.
• They mate between June- October in Queensland.
• They need to forage for about 16 hours per day to maintain good health, so can be seen at any time of day if you are patient and have time to wait…and wait…to spot them.
• The biggest danger to them are fishing nets- their heads get caught in the netting and as they can only survive about 3 minutes underwater, they drown. Dingoes, Pythons, Birds of Prey as well as feral cats, dogs and also domestic dogs prey on platypus.
• In dry weather they can travel up to 8km overland to reach another waterhole.
• When you see a kingfisher in a creek or waterhole, good chance a platypus may be nearby.
.• Platypus can detect electrical impulses of their prey as well as the pressure waves of obstacles in the water that they need to negotiate.

Neil has an absolute passion for the platypus in the 1.8 km reach of the Obi Obi which he has been observing and photographing for 8 years. He gets up at 4.30am most mornings to walk the creek, looking for the familiar ripples in the water made by the movement of the platypus bills. He has identified at least 11 individuals, many of which he has named and can identify by markings on their bill or head. He showed pictures of Patch, Little Patch, Polyanna and Cleft. In 2020 he turned his passion into a business and now he leads Platypus Whispers tours for small groups on the Obi Obi. His mobile number is: 0412 518 952 or check out his Facebook page if you would like to join one of his 3-hour tours which run from 6am or 4pm on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Mondays.

Neil was a congenial presenter and fielded many questions. Sherryl gave the vote of thanks and presented him with our bespoke RC of Maleny Platypus bag which he was very happy to receive.

FUTURE MEETINGS  AND EVENTS
26th May Board Meeting

28th and 29th May Maleny Show

2nd June  Maleny Hotel at 6:30 for 7:30pm with Guest Speaker Kate Huth, a Rotary Peace Fellow

9th June Board Meeting 

12th June RSL at 10am for the launch of Jack Wilcox's new book - Maleny Weather 1880 - 2016

16th June Maleny Hotel at 6:30 for 7:30pm for Business Meeting 

23rd June Changeover Night at The Orangery.

BIRTHDAYS FOR MAY
4th Angela Griffin  15th Greg Williams  18th Cilla Vickers  22nd Peter McQuoid

AND NOW FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT

SOME STORIES HAVE A HAPPY ENDING

Look closely at the picture first and then read the story:

This actually happened to an Englishman, in France, who was totally drunk.

  A French policeman stopped the Englishman's car and asks if he has been drinking.

 With great difficulty, the Englishman admits that he has been drinking all day, that his daughter got married that morning, and that he drank champagne and a few bottles of wine at the reception, and many single malt scotches there-after.

 Quite upset, the policeman proceeds to breath test the Englishman and verifies that he is indeed completely hammered.

He asks the Englishman if he knows why, under French law, he is going to   be arrested. 

The   Englishman answers with a bit of humor, "No sir, I do not! But while we're asking questions,  do you realize that this is a British car and my wife is driving on the other side?”

" Every day may not be good, but there is something good in every day!"