INTERNATIONAL REPORT        2002-2003

This was my first involvement with this particular portfolio after several years of directorship by past Rotarian, Don Watkins. We welcomed Yola this year from Germany and helped her feel settled before she left home by offering her our welcome in her native language of German. I must thank Klaus for translating.

 

Yola proved to be, what I believe, one of our most friendly and easy-going in- bounders for a long time. The club has had no problems with her and she has been well accepted by all. We have watched her mature in the past 12 months and she has become part of us in that time. She has expressed to me her sadness at having to leave us in July and she will be missed by all. I must particularly thank the Rolle, Bottomley, Cressey, Murdoch and Grummitt families for hosting Yola during her stay in Australia.

 

Our out bound student Joanna Farage is, by all accounts, loving her exchange to France and we are all looking forward to her report upon her return early next year. To facilitate our club’s intention to concentrate on local projects next year, after participation over many years in the exchange programme, we intend to have a 12 month respite from the programme.

 

We had a slight change of pace this year for the International Fundraising night (established to help offset the cost of the exchange programme) and enjoyed a night at the Enjoy Court Chinese Restaurant at Runaway Bay. The function was well attended with almost 50 members and guests. We raised around $700.00. I wish to express my thanks to my wife Jan who did most of the organizing and came up with the concept for the night.

 

Other aspects of the International Portfolio which are still moving along include:

Stamp Collection- Several members support this cause (thanks particularly to Mike Coghlan and Peter Richards) and when the new district committee is established, our stamps will be collated and forwarded.

Polio Plus- Members only need to read RDU and listen to the words of our very own Brian Knowles to see what great steps Rotary is taking to meet its goal of eradication by 2005

GSE – Whilst we had no direct involvement this year, Lisa Murdoch is looking at possible applicants for the upcoming year.

SISTER CLUB – A rapport has been established with a club in India and the new board will investigate the possibility of a sister club relationship in 2003-04

 

I wish to express my thanks to the Board and Club for supporting my endeavours throughout the year

 

Mark Kent-Chairman