Thinking and memory - try it out for yourself


As the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine approached, a firsthand account shows how Rotary members are responding to this humanitarian crisis.
Learn how Rotary clubs are taking action in the United States, Bolivia, the United Kingdom, Spain, and Malaysia.
Albert Bourla's story of how his parents survived the Holocaust provides a vivid picture of the Jewish experience in Thessaloniki. His story has important lessons today for all of us in our very troubled world.
Second woman nominated as Rotary International presidentEVANSTON, Ill. (January 24, 2023) — Stephanie Urchick, member of the Rotary Club of McMurray, PA, USA, will become the second woman to take office as president of
ShelterBox: A desire to help, a global relief partner, opportunities to respond after disastersShelterBox, an internationally known disaster relief organization and one of Rotary's key partners, originated as a Rotary club
In May 2019, two long-standing organizations, Toastmasters International and Rotary International, formed a unique strategic alliance, drawing from the strength of their many similarities and complementary differences. The opportunity for Toastmasters members is primarily to establish fellowship and make new connections, contribute more to communities, and potentially elevate clubs. Rotary members have the opportunity to develop new skills and may ask to visit Toastmasters clubs or receive evaluations. Toastmasters also developed eight educational courses for Rotarians and Rotaractors, available on Rotary International’s Learning Center, which can be accessed by their members in nine languages.
Check it out HERE
Did you know?
What famous orator said..."Ask me to speak for an hour then give me 30 minutes notice, ask me to speak for 5 minutes, give me 24 hours notice?"
A lovely Day to Participate in a Walk For Polio at LA Balsa Park
Sunday the 14th of August saw The Rotary Club of Alexandra headland engage in a successful Walk For Polio at LA balsa Park , at Point Cartwright. It was a brilliant day with representatives from The Rotary Club of Maleny; The Rotary Club of Caloundra Pacific; The Rotary Club of Brisbane; and the Rotary club of Alexandra Headland join together with members of the local community groups, with the purpose of raising awareness about the affects of Polio and the need to raise some funds, to eliminate this devastating disease, that targets children under the age of five. Our thanks also to the Rotary club of Nambour who gave a most generous donation in support of the Rotary Club of Alexandra’s Headland’s Walk for Polio.
With some experienced Heart Foundation walkers and a Sports physiologist from the University of the sunshine coast, the walkers set off at a comfortable pace on the wide council path to the end of the breakwater wall.
A lot of interest was generated by costumed walkers one of whom was a Santa Claus.
Dogs came well attired by their owners with colourful collars or a knitted coat. One gorgeous toddler came in a bright yellow jump suit. There were prizes galore for many of the participants. Excitement was the order of the day especially when Santa Claus was spotted by the board riders.
It was a day which lent itself to making friends and creating bonds with Rotarians from different clubs.
It was lovely to see families spend time with their children in brilliant Sunshine with spectacular scenery ,
The Rotary club of Alexandra Headland sends out a voter of thanks for the visiting Rotarians from a variety of clubs and hope this event won’t be the last we all get to meet again.
Thanks also go out to the visitors who attended this walk who represent our local community.
A vote of thanks goes out to the high proportion of Alex Headland Rotarians who came together and set up for this event in the early hours of Sunday morning, to ensure a great day was had by all.
Lastly thanks go out to President Skye and Past President Wendy who without their help this walk would not be able to occur.
It was a bonus to have at our walk the District Chair of Rotary Foundation for Polio- Bruce McNaught, who himself is a survivor of polio. Also thanks to Sue Mackenzie who is president of New Farm .Sue is also a polio survivor and is on the Board of Polio Australia.
Joy
Mark is an advocate in supporting those in need. Through a water-skiing accident in early 20’s he became a tetraplegic and through determination recovered but has spent his adult life in a wheel chair. (Prior to the accident he was a State Champion water skier).
The wheelchair did not stop a successful teaching career, ending up Principal of various Qld country and city primary schools before retiring a few years back. But there were challenges … like the principal’s professional development programme being held in the Polo Club in Brisbane where there was only access via stairs. After three years at the same venue, he challenged Qld Education and won …. They now run the development programme in a disability access venue!
He also challenged Qld Police Service after being treated badly by a young police officer. He told us, he was self-represented against Senior Barristers and won the QCAT case!
Following retirement and during his mother’s end of life experience at Hopewell Hospice, he became a volunteer which led to a full-time job as CEO. Through his determination he managed the hospice and made all “clients” feel comfortable. He even ran “Death Café” discussion groups to allow the hospice clients and their families to open the discussion to ensure greater understanding of what they had generally been through and how they could face their future without fear.
Mark mentored many young kids when life threw the challenges and continued mentoring his friends through Toastmasters. In Toastmasters he faced challenges with determination and ultimately became the World Champion of Public Speaking – a contest that starts with 30,000 Toastmasters at a club level and eventually ends at the World Championship!
Mark continues to share his dynamic speaking skills at events around the world; he also mentors many people around the world who aim to follow similar footsteps (or wheel marks).
While facing challenges of life and Education Qld, he was also the Chair of Disabilities Qld to ensure others in similar situations have successes!
Mark Hunter shared his stories openly and courageously with us.