Members Attend District Conference in Geelong

The Rotary District 9780 Conference was held in Geelong on 12th-14th March 2010 at Deakin University's Waterfront Campus. The conference was hosted by Rotary Club of Highton Kardinia.

Our participants stayed in Torquay at member Sue and member Michael's seaside retreats. At Sue's we must have neared a record of how many people can bunk down in one house. Polite maneuvering demonstrated the adaptability of Rotarians as we shared facilities with a lot of good humour.

A maxi taxi was the chosen mode of transport to and from Saturday nights dinner and entertainment. A good call as even the taxi driver was breath tested.

Keynote Speakers included:

 Christine Nixon Chair of the Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority. Christine that her priority is to help communities recover and rebuild in a way that is safe, timely, efficient, cost effective and respectful of each community's different needs.  

Professor David de Kretser, Governor of Victoria. Professor de Kretser talked about advances in scientific research in and around DNA. Research in these fields is opening new doors to diagnoses and treatments for many illnesses.

Annette Allison, Public Affairs Manager for the Royal Flying Doctor Service talked of the size and scope of the service that started from one aeroplane to fifty-one today. The service provided by the Flying Doctors is essential for people living in remote areas and for travellers criss-crossing the country.

Leah Aylward, a PHD student within the umbrella of a Rotary World Peace Fellow. Leah believes peace in the world can be achieved with graduates of Rotary's Peace Fellowships playing an important role.

Andrew Lewis is working on a project called 'Eco Living'. Andrew works with Neighbourhood Houses to introduce and teach sustainable living practices.

We heard of the demands currently being experienced by ShelterBox, as   catastrophes are being felt around the globe. Polio-Plus, continues to work to alleviate polio from the world. Group Study Exchange both inbound and outbound were introduced to us as were Youth Exchange students and Rotaractors of Geelong.

Food is always an important part of a conference did not disappoint. Saturday nights event 'Rotary Rocks' saw many Rotarian's reliving their youth as they jived to rock and roll music.