Over 300 delegates attended the 2018 Rotary District 9600 Conference in Maroochydore last weekend.  There should have been more and those that weren't there missed some amazing, inspirational stories as well a the Flower Power Love-in on Saturday Night.
Like its bigger cousin, the International Convention (being held in Toronto, Canada in June), the purpose of the District Conference is to provide opportunities for networking, inspirational addresses, and discussions on Rotary-related matters.  The event recognises the service programs, projects, and public relations achievements in our District in order to inspire Rotarians to become more involved in service.

The conference also gives Rotarians and clubs a vision of Rotary beyond the club level and provides a memorable fellowship experience.

Many Rotarians have said that they were never truly enthusiastic about Rotary until they saw an inspirational presentation at a District Conference.
 
And so it was that a few of us travelled north to the Maroochy RSL for part or all of the Conference.  Gerry, Sue, Chris, Les, Joy, Neville, Ann, Peter, Arnaldo, Deb & Patrick were there!
After the opening formalities, the Federal Member for Fairfax, Ted O'Brien MP talked about the changes in society that Rotary tackles head-on as one of the beacons of society that stays true to its of motto of Service Above Self.
 
The District Governor foreshadowed what lay ahead, including his appearance at the Peace-Flower power love-in and then PDG Liz Courtenay from Christchurch - representing the Rotary International President - left us with some catchphrases for us to put to good use:  Ask what can we do for you, rather than tell people what we can do for them; encourage young people to be selfish by volunteering as that will do them good (if they mention it in their CVs).
 
We learnt that Dream Cricket is looking for a coordinator in order to launch in our District.
 
Sarah Brown told us about the Purple House which the DGs Partner Bo introduced to many of our clubs as her project for the year and to which a substantial donation was presented on the Sunday.
 
Dr Allison Waters, who runs the Childhood Anxiety Disorders Research Program at Griffith University, presented on healthy young minds, anxiety disorders, and the merits of cognitive behaviour therapy vs Problem Solving Therapy.  Her research was funded by Australian Rotary Health.
 
One of our Rotary Peace Fellows at the University of Queensland, Miku Lagarde spoke passionately about the 'pathway to peace' in the Philippines, and her firm belief that Peace education is the soul of Peace-building.
 
Safe water and the Sky Juice Foundation led us towards lunch.
 
Dr Emma Leslie AM took the stage after lunch and spoke about her role as an Australian-Cambodian in conflict transformation and peacebuilding.  Her comments about the North Korean situation were fascinating.
 
The Royal Flying Doctor Service was represented by Heather Stott, and then Mike Wassing told us about Queensland Fire & Emergency Service and how their volunteers make a difference.  He has no problem recruiting volunteers and reminded us that volunteering does not lend itself at all well to a command structure.
 
MC Chris Jocelyne took the opportunity to tell us a little about how ROMAC works to transform lives.
 
Rotary District 9600 and club delegates met at the end of the day to approve a new Constitution, elect a District Treasurer and support the petition to Rotary International for EarlyAct to be recognised as a Rotary Program.
 
A few backed up on Sunday morning for what was really an inspiring Conference session.
 
Firstly PDG Bruce Allen - who runs the regional Rotary International office in Parramatta - presented on the work that The Rotary Foundation has done, and is doing in India.  He reminded us that 'We are fortunate as we have much more than we need to be content.  He mentioned that grants for low cost housing ($3,000 will build a new house) are back on the agenda.  
 
When you give to The Rotary Foundation, you are directly supporting Rotary’s work. Your gift makes our service projects — projects that eradicate polio, promote peace, and develop communities — happen.
Inspector Corey Allen told his story of cleaning up the crime figures by helping the homeless in the city of Brisbane
 
PDG Cathy Roth OAM presented on PALZ or Professionals with Alzheimer's.  PALZ is a new network providing support for Professionals - like her husband - with Alzheimer's and related diseases helping them to be remembered as what they are and not what
 
Nicole George told her story on navigating conflict and building peace Solomon’s and Bougainville.  Women in security bring the paradol to calm a situation.
 
Wendy Protheroe is the next District Governor and she took the opportunity to present her 2019-19 team.  Next year's conference is in Brisbane 22-24 March at the Grand Chancellor Hotel which she says has rooms available for $190.  Looks like a good weekend in the big smoke.
 
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