Summary of District 9520 Conference – 11/14 October 2007.

District Governor Peter, Ladies, Guests and Fellow Rotarians,

In his opening remarks to this conference on Friday evening, His Excellency the Governor of South Australia, Rear Admiral Kevin Scarce urged us all to continue doing what we do to strengthen our communities.

From that opening to this impending closing, we have seen the rich tapestry of Rotary programs, as well as topics of general interest, unfold before our eyes. The first speaker, Dr Ziggy Switkowski, spoke to the important, albeit somewhat controversial subjects of climate change, global warming and nuclear energy. This was an excellent factual address that focussed on the need for us to be conscious of the problems. These are subjects that certainly need to be aired and debated in our communities.

Saturday morning opened with Katrina Webb telling her story about how we should go about turning silver into gold, whether it be personally or in our Rotary Clubs. It was an amazing story that suggested there is always a positive to be found. It was about turning a disability into a positive, not a negative – it is about mastering life’s challenges.

Professor Dean Jaensch then spoke about what is wrong with Australian politics, and suggested that our constitution is out of date. He talked about truth in political advertising (many would think that is a contradiction in terms). He spoke of freedom of information and suggested that it should not be freedom from information. He expressed the opinion that we are often cynical when it comes to politicians. He charged us as Rotarians to be leaders in our communities to get people to focus on democratic representation.

At a time when we are constantly looking for better PR in our Rotary clubs, it was pleasing to hear Malcolm Elliott – “the Voice of Rotary” – and to know that his radio program is giving Clubs in this area that opportunity. It was also interesting to be a part of his interview on Rotaract. It is a worthwhile program that has certainly suffered in recent years. It offers young people the opportunity to give something back, as well as the chance for personal development and public speaking.

Next we heard the wonderful story of Tom Thorfinnson and the Haiti Water Project. This is a tremendous example of Rotary in action, of the value of our Rotary Foundation and of the opportunity to develop a cooperative partnership with another organization – on this occasion, World Vision.

Group Study Exchange is always one of our more popular programs, and it is easy to understand why after the presentations from the teams, which represented this District in both Sweden and The Netherlands. All participants are deserving of our warm congratulations.

Many believe that Australian Rotary Health (previously known as the Australian Rotary Health Research Fund) is one of our outstanding success stories. From humble beginnings on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria, as the result of the efforts of Ian Scott, it supported cot death as its initial emphasis. The success of the work of Professor Terry Dwyer in Tasmania in that field, as a result of a grant from the fund is well documented. It has since covered a variety of fields and is presently involved in mental health. As Professor Jorm told the Conference “Mental illness may not kill, but it may disable and not allow those affected to lead a full life”. He urged us all to raise community awareness about mental illness.

World Population is always a subject that raises a variety of reactions among the public at large. Many choose to ignore it and hope it will go way. However, as Dr Reid said it will not go away unless some strong action is taken. The problem will continue to grow with a comparable decline in our living standards. Whilst it may not affect us personally, it will probably affect our grandchildren and subsequent generations. I spoke earlier of the Rotarian Action Group Program of Rotary. There is one of these groups on Population and Development with the largest membership of any of the groups presently operating. This is a clear indication that Rotarians are conscious of, and concerned about, this problem.

David Benson and Jo Anne Vaughan then spoke on a program with which I have had involvement for some years – Life Education. I knew the Reverend Ted Noffs, better known for his association with the Wayside Chapel in Kings Cross in Sydney. Ted was the original instigator of this Life Education program. It is certainly a program deserving of your support. Their mobile displays give school children the opportunity to learn about the problems with drugs at an early age. There is a purpose built centre on the Gold Coast, supported by many of our Clubs.

Some years ago we had the pleasure of having Geraldine Cox address my own District’s Conference on the work she does for many children in Cambodia. It was a delight to again have the privilege of hearing this story. She cannot fail to impress with her dedication and commitment to the Sunrise Children’s Village. To step out of the comfort zone at age 50, as she did, requires great courage but you can be sure that the children she cares for are glad she did just that. Some of her stories of man’s inhumanity to man were heart rending. Her wish for the children of the village are no different to the hopes and inspirations of children everywhere – Long Life, Health, Strength, Wisdom and Peace.

Sunday morning we joined in the youth exchange experience. What a great idea to have these young people actively involved in certain aspects of this conference. It is a popular program with some great young children. We heard from two of them from Brazil and Belgium and also heard from one of your own returned students from Sweden who spoke of the benefits he derived from participating in the program. He believed he gained confidence from his experience as well as the ability to become more independent.

Peter Marsham then reported on the Youth Opportunities Association, which he himself had started. It teaches youth to help themselves. Testimony to the success of the program came from many of the young people who have been involved. They admitted it had made a difference in their lives. Peter related some frightening statistics of children suffering abuse in one form or another. The most pleasing statistic was the success rate of his program. As was stated it teaches kids to learn to be human and to relate to others.

Next we heard from the three finalists in the Four Way Test Speech Contest. I never ceased to be amazed at our young and their ability to stand before an audience such as this and speak with such confidence. I believe that if I had been asked to do that at their age, I would have run the proverbial mile rather than be involved.

Phil Hollow then gave a refreshing presentation on the state of the Coorong and Lower Lakes. At first glance this would seem to be a matter that is only of concern to South Australia, but I believe it reflects on the wider water problem of the Murray/Darling basin, which also affects New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland.

Ian Sutherland spoke on Rotary’s Youth Driver Awareness Program. Any program assisting our young people in driver awareness, not only affects these young people themselves, but also benefits the wider community. As a grandparent, I applaud anything that can be done to increase the driving awareness of our young.

One of the success stories of our Rotary Foundation in recent years has been the Peace Scholars program. I believe the Trustees have taken a significant step forward with the establishment of this program. Scott Field, one of these peace scholars, gave a wonderful presentation that underlined the value of this work in the area of peace and conflict resolution. Scott, and all of our peace scholars, are deserving of our full support as they carry out this vitally important work.

As this Conference winds up, I would like to take this opportunity to extend thanks and congratulations to all who have helped make it the success it has been. On behalf of Nancy and myself, I would also extend to each of you our appreciation of the welcome that has been extended to us and also for your friendship during this weekend together. The Conference dinner last evening, with its superb entertainment, was an example of Rotary fellowship at its best.

The Conference chairman and his committee are also to be congratulated. There are countless hours of work that go into a successful Conference and they can certainly reflect on a job well done.

Finally, there are two couples to whom I would like to extend special thanks. The first is DG Peter and Meredith. If a Conference is a failure, the blame is usually placed at the feet of the District Governor. Therefore, I believe that if a Conference is a success, as this one has been the Governor is also entitled to much of the credit. From the time we were asked to represent President Wilf and Joan at this Conference, Peter has communicated with us on a regular basis. I thank him for this and believe he will be able to look back on “his’ Conference with a feeling of great satisfaction.

The other couple Nancy and I would like to thank are PDG Bob and Margaret Northcote. DG Peter asked them to serve as our aides at this conference and we thank them for their friendship and also for looking after us so well. We have enjoyed this Conference and it has been enhanced by their efforts.

We will both carry happy memories for our time spent with you in Adelaide this weekend and we thank you all for the opportunity presented to us.

Brian Knowles – Representative of President Wilf Wilkinson.

Conference Photos

Conference Feedback

Hi Peter -- Congratulations on the Conference. Switching to an earlier conference was a very good move and you were wise to select Westminster for the first of the new approach. Most folk didn't have to worry about accommodation and the cost thereof, coming so soon after previous conference. You gave us a good and varied selection of speakers, the organisation moved along smoothly and there was ample opportunity for traditional Rotary fellowship. Best wishes to you and Meredith as you continue your presidential year.
PDG Alan Lawrie

Dear Peter,
Congratulations on conducting such an excellent Conference. The overall standard of the speakers was very high, all the arrangements ran smoothly, and the performance of your Conference Committee and Club was first class. They should all be highly commended and thanked for their efforts. The Dinner was an outstanding success! No doubt you will have had a promotion from a Musical entertainment group in Victoria, as I did, which offers to present at a cost which seemed to me to be in excess of $6,000. Your choice of entertainment was substantially better value and everyone, with no exception I know of, thought you had a real hit! So now you, Meredith and your club can relax in the knowledge that you have achieved a great outcome. Congratulations to you all on your effort, clearly accomplished without any apparent internal acrimony (not always evident in some past situations).
Kind regards
IPDG Robert Northcote

Dear DG Peter and Meredith,
Congratulations on an excellent conference!! You did a wonderful job securing such great speakers, particularly given the short timeframe.
I heard many very positive comments about the conference and not one negative one - now that's something!! Again, congratulations and many thanks.
Lynne Tomkins
President Rotary Club of Brownhill Creek.

Hi Peter & Meredith,
Just a quick note to say thank you and congratulations for giving us a GREAT conference. The speakers were interesting, very thought provoking and a good mix of topics.
I know it took a lot of time, effort and many other people so please pass our thanks to them also.
Congratulations again,
My Best regards,
Sue Pullens
President Rotary Club of Morialta.

Dear Peter and Meredith
Please allow me to congratulate you on a very successful conference. It was light-hearted, entertaining, informative and full of fellowship, what more could we want from a conference.
You can both now put your feet up and smoke a cigar or may be two. Shakti and I were privileged to have taken part in the proceedings. There is no fee for this statement, as it is the truth and nothing but the truth.
With kind regards
SATISH
IPP RC Marion

Hello Peter,
Firstly, congratulations on a great Conference. The Saturday night function was impressive but the outstanding thing was the quality of the keynote speakers. I thoroughly enjoyed all of them.
Many thanks for thinking of Interplast when donating the proceeds from the auction. I will forward the cheque for $1,000 on to them.

Thanks again,
Roger Baker

Gentlemen,
Congratulations to yourselves and the members of RC Somerton Park on putting on an excellent District Conference. The organisation was terrific; the venue was great; the speakers were inspirational, thought provoking and in some cases mighty scary!. I didn’t fall asleep once !!.
The dinner and entertainment were worth every dollar - and far exceeded our expectations. If your objective was to top up the enthusiasm, renew the commitment, and inspire the Rotarians of D9520 to greater achievemnets in Rotary - I'm sure you succeeded handsomely.
Once again congratulations on a job very well done, and thank you !!..
Keith Jacobs
RC Marion.

Dear Peter & Meredith
On behalf of the Rotary Club of Eastwood I would like to congratulate you both and the RC of Somerton Park on hosting the District Conference.
This was the first I had attended and thought it was relevant to the Rotary membership and at all times was professionally presented.
Once again congratulations on a successful conference.
Regards
Tony Simmons
President RC Eastwood

Dear peter;
It is Sunday PM and while travelling home l felt that the three days was both educational and stimulating to me as both a Rotarian and a club president - well done.
Please pass on my sincere thanks and gratity to the organizing committee (and the club) for putting together a good mixture of speakers and entertainment.
What was learnt from the speakers and the friendship tent, plus what fellowship that was developed made the conference a 'value for money' - well done.
It certainly made-up for not going to New York the week before and rushing back to get to the Sunday sessions. Again an excellent conference and (snob now) thanks for awarding the 'ditance award' to the club - it will give them a boost and encouragement for next one in Mount Gambier.
Again thanks
Jeremy Seward (Esq) CPA, CD
President RC Mildura Deakin

Peter
Congratulations on such a successful conference. Cecilie and I enjoyed it very much. The hard work that you and your club put into organising all the events paid off and we both thought that the choice of speakers was probably the best that we had experienced at all the Rotary conferences we had attended.
The highlight for me of course was the excellent finale with "The Song". It was the first time I had heard it at a conference and I thought it came over as a very professional number. You will no doubt now be working on organising the next world conference. Westminster School might not be large enough for that.
Well done.
regards
Alan Moss
RC Hyde Park

Hello Peter and Meredith,
Wow, what a conference. Congratulations on a fabulous weekend of fun, stimulating guest speakers who issued many challenges and of course great food, entertainment and lots of fellowship.
It is one of the best conferences I have been to. I welcomed the return to beginning conference on the Friday evening and being in conference all day Saturday and Sunday morning. And as for your choice of guest speakers. Brilliant, the topics were so relevant to our lives today and what we are doing as Rotarians. Thank you Peter and Meredith.
Regards,
Lesley Mitchell
RC Robinvale Euston

Dear Peter and Meredith,
You can feel very proud of the obvious success of the Conference and I congratulate you both for achieving such a great result.
I lost count of the number of times people came up to me expressing positive feedback about the entire Conference.
Tom Thorfinnson was a real drawcard and I’m sure great things will result from your initiative to invite Tom to speak at the Conference.
Kind Regards.
Trevor Andrew

Dear Peter,
I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate you on a very successful conference. I was particularly inspired by the calibre of guest speakers especially Geraldine Cox and Katrina Webb. Also thank you to the Conference Committee for the donation of $1000 towards Interplast for my walk.
I will be doing everything I can to promote the Conference next October in Mount Gambier and especially home hosting. I also made new Rotary Family friends this past weekend.
Peter, once again thank you.
Yours in Rotary Service.
John Burfitt
President RC Red Cliffs

Peter,
Also, I would like to say what a great conference you organised last weekend.
Well done to you all.
Cheers
Carole Tye
President RC Flagstaff Hill

Dear Peter,
Congratulations on your District Conference.
I know that you were concerned at the level of response that this Conference might receive from District 9520 Rotarians owing to the fact that we had just come off a Conference only 6 months earlier but I believe that you would be happy with the outcome of the Conference weekend.
From the beginning with registrations on Friday I felt that we were in for a great weekend and was not disappointed as the weekend progressed.
The line-up of speakers was exceptional, with the address from Dr. Ziggy Switkowski it was evident that again we would be challenged as Rotarians to get out there and do whatever we can for the betterment of our society and world.This continued for the duration of our Conference right to the final speaker, Scott Field, an excellent example and my first exposure to the Peace Scholar Program. Certainly causes us to think!
Saturday night was Conference Dinner night and we were fed, entertained and danced to our hearts content. WOW! that floorshow was exceptional, definitely world standard entertainment at a Rotary District Conference! Worth the $70.00 alone!
Again Peter, congratulations to you and Meredith for an excellent Conference, also to the Rotary Club of Somerton Park.
Robert Fick
President Rotary Club of Edwardstown

Dear Peter and Meredith
Congratulations on your very successful District Conference. Antoinette and I thoroughly enjoyed the thought provoking speakers and the opportunity of fellowship during the Cocktails and Dinner.
Thank you also for giving us the opportunity to chaperone Tom. This was a bonus for us and certainly added to our enjoyment of the Conference and furthered our knowledge of Rotary in the international arena.
Congratulations also to the Somerton Park Club, their hard work under the time constraints has made it an even greater achievement. I was also pleased to see the way in which the other Group 8 clubs assisted.
Regards
Malcolm Lindquist
AG Group 8

To Peter Ochota, Roger Blackmore, Peter Hammond. Trevor & club Members
Hi Guys,
Thought I would put pen to paper and again thank you for a great convention... I have been involved with many over the years and this would be the first that I have written back about !
I believe you took on a hard convention since it was the 2nd in 6 months and not only did you pull off a great one, but you made extra monies as well, and immediately distributed funds to share with others.
The encouragement you all were to each other and to me was outstanding and it truly reflects where your club is at. It is the first time we have been offered accommodation and let me tell you, my Wife was truly thankful, it made the whole experience for her so much more enjoyable, and we all know how important it is to have our wives happy !
The highlight of the convention was the Gala Dinner, The venue, the music, the meal, and of course the entertainment. I do not believe we have had better anywhere, so Congratulations again...
I look forward to visiting and working with your club again
Regards
David Tunkin
Conference MC
RC Broken Hill South

It was a great Rotary District Conference on the weekend. At our meeting last Monday night we gave a brief summary of each of the 12 Guest Speakers to the members who did not attend. I think they now felt they missed a good Conference. I think it was the best value for money District Conference I have attended because of no accommodation or travel expenses and we seemed to have a lot of guest speakers over a short period of time ( basically two days).
Bob Cooper
President
Rotary Club of Glen Osmond

Peter, hi. Congratulations again on a terrific weekend.
Peter Poulton
RC of Kent Town