22 October 2009

Meeting Report
20 October 2009 

 51 Members
 1 Guest 
There were nine members absent without leave two weeks ago and seven this week.  

Email all apologies to Philip Lambers or call Philip on 9499 7407 ah or 9829 1512 bh

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Michael Moroney

Mike started learning his trade at the early age of 16 under the tutelage of top New Zealand trainer Dave O'Sullivan. He gained a foothold in the training ranks from an initial partnership with the famous mentor, O"Sullivan taking the position as O’Sullivan’s foreman.

After 6 successful years Mike was sent for a 6 week working holiday to Melbourne with Angus Amanasco where Mike saw another master in the trade.

Mike returned to New Zealand to train alongside Dave for the 1981-82 racing season and the following season Mike branched out on his own.  This move bought about Mikes attaining recognition within the racing industry. So far, he has been among the leading trainers for almost two decades in New Zealand.

After 18 years Mike decided he would take on Australian Racing, moving to Morphettville in 1999. Mike spent more than two years in Adelaide before moving to his well-appointed Flemington base.

Mike quickly forged his way to the top of the Victorian scene, the proof being his host of achievements including  40 Group One wins, two New Zealand training premierships with a top five finish on 16 occasions and the acclaimed Fred Hoysted Award for training excellence in Victoria after only his third full season in the state.

Michael numbers victories at all ends of the Group One spectrum, two-year-olds in the Blue Diamond Stakes, Ford Diamond Stakes (twice) and Manawatu Sires' Produce Stakes, classic three-year-olds in the New Zealand Derby (three times), New Zealand 1000 Guineas, New Zealand 2000 Guineas, New Zealand Oaks, South Australian Oaks, VATC 1000 Guineas and Victoria Derby, top sprinters in the Railway and Telegraph Handicaps and high class stayers in the Melbourne and Wellington Cups.

The Flemington and Matamata stables compliment each other, the former allowing increased prizemoney opportunities for the latter's graduates.

Ballymore Stables uses Paul Moroney Bloodstock as its bloodstock consultant for purchasing young racing stock and this combination of selection and training has become one of the most potent modern day horse racing forces.

Justin Kolbeck - US expert on Pakistan & Afghanistan attached to the American Consul-General office in Melbourne.

“The Pashtun people are a distinctive tribe,straddling Pakistan and Afghanistan”, said  Justin Kolbeck. Fluent in French and Pashtun, Justin recently spent a tour of duty as a US Political and  Economic Officer in Peshawa and was well qualified to inform us about Pakistan, past and present.

Pakistan’s Constitution is that of a democratic, semi-secular state, with an Islamic overlay, and with an official language of English.  Nevertheless, the old Tribal Customs and loyalties often prevail, especially in the regions bordering Afghanistan to the north west.  Since Peshawar is in the Swat Valley in the north west, the Pakistan’s central Government in Islamabad is in constant conflict with these old Tribal Customs. 

`“The Pashtun Tribes value these virtues: `Hospitality: Forgiveness: Revenge', said Justin.  Someone who is on the run from the Authorities and asks for sanctuary, will surely be offered hospitality, no questions asked.  Old needless grudges which disturb the peace should be forgiven.  However a mortal offense against a family member will lead to a vendetta.

In response to a question concerning the present trouble between the well equipped Pakistani Army and the Taliban, Justin explained that the root cause is extreme poverty amongst the Tribes.  A man, the Patriarch of the household who is unable to support his wife and family – and his parents – is in disgrace.  So if a Taliban thug offers him $200 a month and puts a Kalashnikov rifle in his hands, such a man is a recruit, with JIHAD as his motto.  The Talibans are not full time soldiers, but are mostly on part-time missions.  A compounding problem is that the educated elite in the Swat Valley are steadily leaving the area, with the poorest and the illiterate remaining – so the Taliban recruiters flourish.

Thanks, Justin, for providing us an insight into the – less than optimistic - situation in Pakistan.

Owen Tassicker.

Ken Maxfield - Camp Getaway 

Said Ken: “Camp Getaway is a retreat with camp based facilities and accommodation for people with special needs, while also catering to all abilities and age groups. People with special needs, especially children’s groups, have priority for bookings and usage”.

As Ken warmed up, his enthusiasm for Camp Getaway spilled over. Located at Axedale outside Bendigo adjacent to the Campaspe River, it is now a District 9800 facility, with many clubs contributing to its extensions and improvements. It now provides accommodation for 60 people with special needs, enabling them to enjoy camp based recreation and outdoor activities. It also accommodates 40 Carers. Or 100 people in general camp mode.

Brimbank and the Bendigo Clubs featured strongly during construction of this modern facility. Balwyn has contributed dollars several times. Then the State Government Community Support Fund contributed $500,000 on a dollar for dollar basis.

The challenge now is to construct a new state-of–art kitchen which meets the criteria for accreditation by the Camping Association of Australia.

Said Ken: “Camp Getaway needs $150,000 for this work – and looks to generous Rotarians!” Ken added: “Working bee weekends have proved a great fellowship opportunity for clubs who can enjoy the many camp facilities after undertaking some work on the site such as landscaping/planting, painting, firewood gathering, weed control and more.

Thanks Ken, for an inspired tell-all about Camp Getaway.

Owen Tassicker.

On Wednesday the 11th of November we will be having a joint Rotary meeting with the Rotary Club of Alexandra.

A bus will pick us up from Eastern Golf Club at 4.00pm, we will be taken on a tour of Marysville, have a two course meal and a Rotary meeting at the Black Spur Inn, returning to Eastern Golf Club at 10.30-11.00pm.

Come along and hear what magnificent work the Alexandra Rotarians have achieved since Black Saturday. The main cost will be the bus fare, estimated at $30 per head, subject to numbers. Meal cost, two courses, $25.00, and drinks at bar prices.

I will be taking numbers and cash, next Tuesday.

Trev Penry

An Italian luncheon experience at Epoca Ristorante Pizzaria

It was a happy crowd of us – some 26 Balwyners with Partners – who gathered for a thoroughly Italian lunch on Sunday. It was a tasty affair, with pleasant service and bonhomie all around.

Richard Seeley was our chief organizer and club Restaurateur and our tantalizing selection of wines was by Kevin Walsh, our Vintner for the day.

There was lots of pleasant conversation, about family, recent movies, tears and smiles over recent football events, golf days in planning, and travels here and overseas. But oh, in the midst of all these pleasantries, a dark and furtive figure was lurking in the shadows – a phantom – who seized a bottle of prime wine that belonged to a distinguished lady & gulped it down before he could be restrained!

But it was a memorable afternoon – special thanks to Richard and Kevin.

Owen Tassicker.

i had a relieved Don Jones on phone to advise that he has had his final operation. It was a success and he could be out of hospital after more than two months in 10 days. Will be sent to rehab Wednesday, possibly under direction of Margaret Jack. Don wished to be remembered to all his Rotary friends and expressed appreciation for their support.

Driving the very positive Ben home, last meeting, he told me he was to turn 95 on 17 November. He went on to say that he had been to the Doctor yesterday who told him his pace maker was fine and Ben was pleased for him to say that it would be right for another 12 years!

Not 'care' but 'interesting' to see the Progress Leader has a write up this week on the winner of this year's Four Way Test speaking competition. Mark Caldwell is to be congratulated on rescuing this competition from 'too hard basket.'

Stan Hogg is still absent as he is having, like many of we older members require, some skin cancer removed. He is doing quite well and gradually adjusting after the trauma of last 12 months. He sends his regards to all members.

Please advise if you hear of any Rotarian or partner unwell.

Keith

Rotarians & Partners.

Garry and I wish to thank you for your support, phone calls, etc during my illness.

The “Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia” (a rare type of B cell leukaemia) is now controlled by chemo and, in a few weeks, I will know if I need more. The Pneumonia and Cold Agglutinin disease are under control. In short if you must get ill, get something easy to diagnose and pronounce, and not three things together!!

I am now slowly re-gaining strength.

Once again thank you for your care and support for us both.

Wendy Le Get.

Fifty years ago, the brother in law of a Member of the Rotary Club of Balwyn ran a local hardware business and was concerned about his ‘buying power’ and sales promotions.

The Rotarian from our Club came up with the idea of forming a group to buy and promote their stores and products.

After many months of discussions and deep consultations with a lawyer etc, the Mitre 10 Group was formed. Apparently so simple, it had taken months of thought into the organization and legal ramifications. Initially there were four members but this grew quickly to eight and now is nationwide with 440 members. Despite Bunnings and other rivals, the Mitre 10 group are going well.

The Mitre 10 Group celebrated 50 years of operation (Golden Anniversary) in Melbourne a month ago at a supplier display and convention with all the nationwide Members participating.  A main street of the display centre in Melbourne Show Grounds had a large 1 meter by 5 meter sign proclaiming IAN NISBET St.,

Yes, our Ian Nisbet, who with Ted Gillies, at their own expense checked out The Rotary Canberra Market. They materialized the then wild idea of a ‘Camberwell Sunday Market’. It was only passed by the our Board by the Chairman’s vote. Then through negotiations with Len Cheffers, CEO of Camberwell Council, won Council approval …. and our Sunday Market was on its way.

Our Member, P.P. Ian Nisbet, also started or, as badge says, was 'FOUNDING FATHER' of Mitre 10.

Congratulations IAN

At its September meeting, the RCOB Board agreed to release funds of $5,000 to project RELISH for this financial year.

Project RELISH is an initiative of the Rotary Club of St Kilda that began in 2008. It was tasked with producing a recipe book with recipes contributed by local restaurants and cafes. Our club has agreed to a sponsorship for the Relish 2010 project.

Now Community Service has solved the perennial problem which we all face at this time of year - What can I get as a Christmas present ?

Relish 2010 is the ideal present for all ages – “Good Food for a Good Cause”

It is not just a recipe book – it is also a restaurant guide as well It is attractively priced at $15.00 All proceeds from the sale go to our nominated charity - FairShare

It will be available from Tuesday October 27th we the club has the task of selling 1,000 books and raising money for FairShare.. Please don’t feel constrained by the suggested number of five copies, you can request as many as you can sell. We are expecting Rotarians in their own businesses will request significantly more. Details on project RELISH are available at web-site www.relishrecipes.com.au

Kevin Walsh

From D9800 RAWCS

Dear Fellow Rotarians,

You have all heard about the two tragic recent events in Samoa and Manilla. Those of you who attended the RAWCS Seminars at International House recently will recall the Clubs that had projects in these locations. Both Clubs - Rotary Club of Sunshine in Samoa and Rotary Club of Brighton Beach in The Philippines have been in contact with the Clubs they have been working with in both locations and have pleas for urgent assistance. While we know that the usual disaster aid agencies and Governments will be the first responders, the needs that always remain after the first rush of assistance passes, must be addressed.

The list below is the list of goods that Frank Dri has received from his Rotary contact in Samoa and this is an appeal to all Clubs to assist Sunshine meet these requests quickly.

A similar request exists for the flood victims in Manilla and Ruth Carlos is seeking many of the same goods.

If you are able to assist either or both with any of the articles from this list, please let Frank and Ruth know and arrange to get the goods to the DIK store - your DIK store as soon as you can. Please use the list as the guide to the items required - this is not a general appeal for anything you have that is surplus to your needs. It is a very specific list of items requested. If you have any queries in this regard please refer them to Frank on 0438117 810 or Ruth on 0407 566 079.

Sunshine Club is arranging for a container of goods to be assembled as soon as they can and Brighton Beach is looking to arrange separate transport. It will also be helpful if you have goods to let Bill Dagg know by an email so that an appropriate record of your donations can be assembled. The DIK store is at 400 Sommerville Road West Footscray and Bill's contact number is 0425 741 045. The store is open from 9am to 3pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Rotarians are good at this sort of appeal - lets show everyone that our compassion and caring is still strong.

Cheers,

Bob Glindemann - District 9800 RAWCS Chair

Here's a Shelterbox update on relief efforts in Samoa, Sumatra & Manila

Click to view

Plan to be spontaneous tomorrow.

NOTE
There are many other Rotary events scheduled for the year. Please refer to the calendar in the club website for details. You can click on the "Agenda" tab for a summary.

27 Oct 09 - Ballymore Stables . . .   Michael Maroney

3 Nov 09 - No meeting

10 Nov 09 - Outing to Rotary Club of Alexandra

For details of meetings beyond the dates above, click on the READ MORE link below

District 9800 newsletter "Networker" 
You can subscribe to Networker if you wish. Follow the link when you open this page.

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