News

Sausage sizzles, skeptics and Science

We’ve been busy! Who knew a Bunnings Sausage Sizzle was still such a going concern? I must admit with the plethora of pastries and breakfast options in and around New Farm and Newstead I was nervous, even skeptical, thinking how can the humble sausage wrapped in bread compete with a ‘cruffin’ or a ‘gf df gourmet sausage roll’? Well, customers heading to Bunnings Newstead on July 22 knew, ensuring profits were made and not a scrap of food waste at the end of the day. A sincere thank you to Gary Bruce for leading this and organising the ‘ins-and outs’ of a workplace health and safety approved fundraiser built around a Bunnings portable BBQ kitchen. Thank you to our customers and also to non-member volunteers Terry, Julie, Wendy and Naomi, we have now adopted you as firm ‘Friends of Rotary New Farm’. A shout-out, too, to Matt – Bunnings staff member who started his work day quite early, trouble shooting our questions – including, ‘What set-up will work best? And, how can we put our sign up? Where’s the best spot to put….’

Below: Our ‘Bunnings Newstead Photo Gallery’ – including two of the quintessential ‘take your dog to Bunnings’ canine visitors.    

Image above: Graeme, Sue and volunteers Julie from New Farm State school and Wendy from Stephen Bates MP Office.

We attended our regular (2nd or 4th Wednesday of the month) meeting, at the New Farm Neighbourhood Centre. This week hosted Ian Kemish as guest speaker outlining the vision of 3rd Space. Ian joins 3rd Space’s Board with an extensive background in business, humanities, and academia. Ian’s Linkedin (accessed above) describes a 25-year government career included service as Head of the Prime Minister’s International Division, Ambassador to Germany and Switzerland, and High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea. He was also Head of the Consular Division at the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and was awarded membership of the Order of Australia for his leadership of Australia’s response to the 2002 Bali bombings. Ian with humility and empathy explained that 3rd Space’s Board must represent ‘lived experiences’ and identified deliberate action regarding recruitment. Member Denise asked Ian what the overarching vision of 3rd Space is, Ian replied, “To break the cycle of homelessness.” There was then discussion about 3rd Space being part of the fabric of organisations that provide support, friendship and dignity. He described 3rd Space as a day centre with access to Anglicare staff, showers, cafe, legal and medical health agencies including mental health care. Ian’s shared statistics were concerning: 120K + homeless people in 2021 on census night, with this being a 5% increase from 2016. A disproportionate number identifying as First Nations. We also recognised that the ‘face’ of being homeless had changed, it was for example much younger and included families. Further discussion centred around the notion of ‘supportlessness’ being the driver to ‘homelessness’ and the need for ‘intergenerational and early intervention programs’. Cultural capability came into the dialogue with the recognition that providing families or individuals with ‘a home’ may not be the solution if geographical locations are a ‘forced change’. On the agenda was also planning for the Pride of Workmanship awards and ‘New Beginnings’; member Dani’s heartfelt art show created in her classes attended by visitors accessing the New Farm Neighbourhood Centre’s services. This show is set for 2 September, 11am – 3pm at St Michaels and All Angels church, New Farm. Please get this into your diaries and invite others! All works will be sale and proceeds go straight to the artists.

Images below: the incredible talent on display at the 2022 New Beginnings Art Show at St Michaels All Angels, New Farm. Apologies that artists are not named.

Image below: the ‘New Beginnings’ Art Show flyer, courtesy of member coordinator Dani.

In the spirit of Rotary Fellowship, Past President Sue (2022_23) and Graeme (Secretary/Risk Manager/Admin. Insurance 2022_23) were unable to attend this week’s meeting due to supporting the Rotary Club of Redcliffe Sunrise for a Sue’s guest speaker spot centred on Polio Australia’s endeavours. Sue and Graeme set off at 5am to reach Redcliffe as the club’s namesake suggests for a breakfast meeting.

Image below: President Redcliffe Sunrise Brad Sleurink, Sue, Graeme (slightly back) Past President Rhonda, RCRS member and AG 22/23 Peter Morley.

Image/text above sourced from the Redcliffe Sunriser weekly bulletin.

Image above: students at the NYSCF sourced from website https://www.nysf.edu.au/programs/year-12-program/

This week in my role as Youth Services director I had the delight of popping into a nearby high school to meet the recipient of the National Youth Science Forum scholarship – a ten day Science immersion held at the University of Queensland campus next January. The Year 11 student has proved themselves as outstanding across the curriculum and was in no doubt thrilled to receive the application funding. We will release more details as the course draws closer. Huge appreciation to Holstein (Youth Director 2022_23) who did such a thorough job setting this up before she went on parental leave. There are so many great opportunities for youth via Rotary and if you know of anyone who would like to access these courses with approved funding, please share the information sheet collated on a page on our RNF WordPress site here.

Wrapping up, we have another Social Night coming up on August 2! We’ll be going to The Foxes Hollow, Newstead – the venue has a great menu for you to purchase a meal and drinks. Feel welcome to attend if you’d like to get a ‘taste’ of what Rotary New Farm could be like for you! Let our President know. Monica’s email is below. We thank member Monte for organising this!

Image above: courtesy of Rotary International – membership invite graphic.

We hope you enjoyed the recap of ‘the week that was’. If you would like to join New Farm Rotary, please contact Monica Fraser if you’d like to attend our meetings and ‘get to know Rotary’? We’d love to see you! president.newfarm@rotary9620.org 

We meet on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday mornings at 6.45am for 7:00am at the New Farm Neighbourhood Centre. At our morning meetings we alternatively discuss our projects, discuss our RNF club business or host an interesting and topical presenter.

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