Sergeant Merv called the meeting to order and welcomed Alan to the Chair.
 
Alan welcomed our guests:
 
  • Tiffany Hardy from MS Queensland and our speaker
  • Partners Irish & her bestie Shane
  • Visiting Rotarian Ken McMeekan RC Morwell & former Rotarian Anna
  • Gordon's guest Michelle from PW Golf Club
Gerry provided the international toast to Rotary Club of Kampala, Ugunda.  Members questioned his population count but Gerry assured us of its accuracy.
 
President Chris reported on:
 
  • TRF have revised their 5 areas of focus to now include projects to protect the environment and some name changes to other focus areas.
  • Photo Competition awards last Thursday was a most successful event and thanks to the members who attended and there was lots of enthusiasm form the participants.  Seems we may have a new sponsor next year's competition and while not a great fund raiser the event was great PR.
  • World Polio Day walk to be on 27 October from Centaur Park to Power Boat Club and looking to raise funds from participants.
  • Busy week ahead with RYDA and Bunnings BBQ.
  • Upcoming speaker on 6 August will talk on End Trachoma by 2020: https://www.endtrachoma2020.org.au/
  • Chris & Deb will setup a booth at Little Mountain Seniors Health & Lifestyle Expo at Meridan College on 2 August
Next week's meeting on 30 July is Vocational visit to Dicky Beach Surf Club.  Let Genta know if you have not already RSVP'd.
 
Roger introduced our guest speaker, Tiffany Hardy from MS Queensland.
 
Guest speaker Tiffany Hardy from MS Queensland:
 
Previous connection to Rotary at member of RC Toowoomba Garden City and served as Past President and Secretary, so has been involved in fund raising for a long time
Explained that Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is a long-lasting disease that can affect your brain, spinal cord, and the optic nerves in your eyes
MS happens when your immune system attacks a fatty material called myelin, which wraps around your nerve fibres to protect them
MS Queensland is the states biggest provider of support that helps with transition into new careers, help with NDIS plans and provides Well Being centres
Granston Lodge was a well known facility that provided long term accommodation, however this facility has now closed
At the beginning of the year MS opened a facility at Gold Coast with 24 hour care services
MS Queensland ambition is to develop a home for our clients at Sippy Downs (12 apartment style units) and Toowoomba and a Well Being centre at Maroochydore 
  
  

Click these links & watch each video on YouTube:

 

Chris thanked Tiffany for a very inspiring talk

 

Announcements:

    
  • Genta reminded us that next week's meeting on 30 July is Vocational visit to Dicky Beach Surf Club. Genta invited us to early morning swim at 6.30am and we can then enjoy a hot shower.  He was also promoting how you can win a new ozzie made Viking kayak by buying a raffle ticket to be drawn at the Japan Festival on 11 August @ Meridan State College
  • Treasurer Mark asked if all had received their fee invoices as they are due and payable.
  • Ron invited us to attend Vietnam Veterans Day (and Long Tan Day) on 18 August; firstly for a service at 6am at the Australian War Dog Memorial, Alexandra Headlands and then a service at 11am at Cotton Tree.
  • Our Sergeant Merv reminded us that RYDA was this week and also a also a big event for Wednesday 7 August with the 10,000th student.  Then he really got into his stride to tell us some quite funny stories.