Friday 11th
Rotarians, Youth Exchange students, and GSE participants joined in a street parade led by a piper from the Naracoorte Pipe Band that made its way from Bordertown Oval along the main street and back again stopping outside the Civic Centre where participants were welcomed by Mayor Richard Vickery.
First Plenary Session
Following a welcome by MC Alan Richardson the official party took the stage accompanied by the respective national anthems followed by the Youth Exchange students presenting their country flags. Further welcomes were given by President of the Rotary Club of Bordertown, Chris Mackereth (welcome to Bordertown), Mayor Richard Vickery (welcome to the Tatiara District), DG Ken McInerney (welcome to Conference). Opening remarks were provided by RI Presidents representative (RIPR) PDG Ken Linkhorn from D 9910 New Zealand
Keynote Speakers were Steven Dunn, from Dynamiq , and David Brooker Chairman of Sports Shear South Australia. (A
highlight was the shearing on stage of two sheep, one by hand clippers and the other by electric comb)
Saturday 12th: Presidents, AG’s and Partner’s attended a breakfast with RIPR PDG Kenneth Linkhorn & DG Ken McInerney at the Bordertown Hotel. Presidents Elect and Partner’s attended a breakfast with DGE Geoff James at the Woolshed Inn Hotel
Second plenary Session:
Welcome DG Ken McInerney
Address by RIPR PDG Ken Linkhorn on various Rotary issues
RYLA Chairman PP Barry Clark Mt Gambier west introduced Keynote Speaker: Mieka Main RYLA Experiences”
Panel discussion with outbounders and inbounders from RYLA , Youth Exchange , and GSE .
Third Plenary Session:
Keynote Speaker, Lieutenant of SA Mr Hieu Van Le AO, introduced by PP Julie Burdett from RC Naracoorte.
An inspirational and moving address by Lt Van Le on his and his s life in Vietnam after the war , and their harrowing journey to Australia as unwanted refugees received a standing ovation (Another highlight) Followed by panel discussion with Lt Van Le and three refugees of recent times now resident in SA.
Public Relations Committee Member AG Tony Stewart R/C of Highton gave an address on Rotary Public Relation’s and introduced PDG Jessie Harman
PDG Jessie Harman provided an enlightening presentation on ‘Strengthening Rotary – Great Stories of Success’.
Fourth Plenary Session (Break –out Sessions)
Main Hall
President Andrew Shouksmith, Naracoorte Rotary Club, Chair District 9780 Rotary Health spoke about the activities of his Committee, followed by PP David Goldsmith (Service Above Self Award) Chair D9780 RAWCS. on “Support for Dental Health in the Pacific Islands.” Rotary Grants Sub-Committee Chairman Jerry Leach RC Mt Gambier Lakes spoke about District Grants “Looking to the Future” followed by Dr Tony Gregson AM who covered The Svalbard Global Seed Vault. Mandi Wendt and Rick Purvis from RC Melbourne Park gave a lively presentation on the topic “Rotary in 2014 and Beyond – New Tools and Techniques”.
Little Theatre
“Sustainable Environment” – AG Community Services Patsy Moore RC Portland Bay covered Rotary’s activities in this area as did Steve Bourne covering Portland and the Community Gardens and “Water and the Environment” AG Sue Williams addressed “Youth Service” and the tasks of the Youth Exchange Committee followed by Lucy Dodd a returned RC Bordertown Exchange Student to Denmark in 1999. Shelter Box Australia Secretary Tim Klar reported on recent Shelter Box activities followed by Alastair Douglas covering the Australian Foundation for Fostering Learning in the Philippines (AFFLIP)
Saturday Evening – Conference Dinner
Presented by the Rotary Club of Bordertown at the Bordertown Racecourse. An absolute hoot – everyone dressed accordingly as cowboys and cowgirls and had a great time – thank you.
Sunday 13th
Fifth Plenary Session
Chairman PDG Brian Trenery reported on the activities of the D9780 The Rotary Foundation Committee followed by the presentation of TRF awards by PDG Ted Gaffney. Senior Sergeant Paul Maslunka covered the Rotary Mentoring Police Program. As part of the Club Projects Round-Up MC Alan Richardson interviewed 4 Rotarians involved in overseas projects: RC Belmont (Anglesea School Project in Peru), RC of Swan Hill Sunrise (Schoolies in Thailand), RC of Mortlake (Schoolies in the Philippines), RC of Naracoorte (Hospital Project in Papua New Guinea).
Sixth Plenary Session
MC Alan Richardson introduced Keynote Speaker Sam Leach, 2010 Archibald Winner
DGE Geoff James led the On To Conference 2015 presentation with members of the RC Maryborough
DGN Jane Cox on planning for 2015 – 2016
PDG Cathy Roth encouraging attendance at the Sydney Convention 2014
AG Jean Wise conducted the presentation of Rotary Awards
PDG Chris Sims on Conference Resolutions, District appointments for Council on Legislation, Director Nominating Committee and Vice Governor PLUS the presentation of a sapphire pin to PP Mary Elliott as a recognition for her contribution to Organ Donor Awareness. (Highlight for Mary and RC Torquay)
Closing Remarks – RI Presidents Representative PDG Ken Linkhorn Rotary District 9910 New Zealand.
Closing Remarks DG Ken McInerney.
Close of Conference – a wonderful event with congratulations to all concerned.
Mary and Chris