Earlier this afternoon the District Rotary Youth Exchange Program held their 2018 – 2019 Inbound Student Graduation Ceremony.They couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day for the function held at Darling Point Park, Lower Esplanade in Manly.This cohort of YEP Inbound Students will head home in early July, and the 2019 – 2020 Inbound cohort will arrive later in July, where we will welcome Nicolai to our club.

Veronika received her Graduation Certificate from District Governor, Jitendra Prasad, and D9630 YEP Chair, David Bray.

She also received a novelty award from D9630 Rotex.For her outgoing nature and her ability to make new friends, her adventurous spirit, and because she is comfortable in any environment she was selected as the student “Most likely to run away and join the circus”.
CONGRATULATIONS VERONIKA!

Thank you to Sandiellen and Paul from the Benawarra Community Development Association for speaking to the members present tonight. It was a most informative and interesting presentation which could lead to further collaboration in the future.

Past President Jamie Knowlman presents a Certificate of Thanks to Sandiellen Black and Paul Devine from The Benawarra Community Delvelopment Association.

Last Sunday some of our incoming club management board attended the 2019 Members Forum at Rotary Headquarters, Bostock House – Wacol.As well as the 2019/2020 board members, the day was open to all Rotarians, especially newer members looking to gain a greater understanding of the workings of Rotary International.

Thanks to the incoming board members and new members that attended from clubs all over the district.

Tonight our club was privileged to have the District 9630 Youth Exchange Committee Chair, David Bray, visit our meeting and talk to the membership about our responsibilities and requirements in relation to our work with young people within our club projects.

David (Pictured) spoke on all facets of Rotary Youth Programs in relation to the application of the Rotary International Youth Protection Policy.

Tonight the Rotary Club of Brisbane Taylor Bridge welcomed a new member.

Membership Director, Margaret Willis (Left) welcomes our new member Fernanda (Fefe) Serra de Queiroz to the club.

Last night Kate and John Butler spoke to us about their charity organisation, Vitae, which was formed in 2006 to redirect young males who are heading down a pathway to delinquency.

These boys are not yet criminals, but are on the verge and need intervention. Generally, they lack a good male role model and this is what Vitae seeks to provide.

The Vitae Challenge is a 12-month program directed to 11 – 13 year-old boys and relies on school counsellors to identify those boys who are at risk.

Generally, these youths are mostly on the south side of the river and mainly in the Logan area.

The Challenge costs about $2,500 per child and consists of 2 phases; Bush and Mateship.

The Bush phase is 2 x 5-day sailing trips to Stradbroke Island, spaced about one month apart, which separates them from external influences and develops a sense of self-worth, self-reliance and teamwork.

The Mateship phase provides the boys with an alternate older male role model who can act as a mentor and requires that person to spend about 6 – 8 hours per month, keeping in contact with the boy by phone or other electronic means weekly and by a face to face monthly meeting which could be a simple chat, a meal or attendance at a sporting match or other function or activity—the range of activities is unlimited as long as the activity does not expose the boy to any danger or illegality.

For further detail please visit their website vitae.com.au.

Rotary Club of Brisbane Taylor Bridge member, Coreen Auld, thanks John for their presentation to the meeting.

Tonight’s club meeting was a celebration, marking seven years since the Rotary Club of Brisbane Taylor Bridge was chartered on May 7th 2012.

Several charter members were on hand for the celebrations.(L to R) Past member Damian Ebzery, Stephen and Rhonda Ganko, Steve Bennett and the Charter mentor, Graham Osterfield from the Rotary Club of Brisbane Centenary.

Last night, Roger Crawfoot, the District Chair for Australian Rotary Health (ARH) visited our club.

He presented President Debra with a certificate celebrating that our club has attained a contribution level to ARH equal to $250 per member.

Well done to all, but a great thanks must go to Mary-Ellen and her team, for their drive and passion throughout her organisation of our 2018 Trivia Night.

Put this date in your calendar, April 16th 2019.
It is our Annual Small Business Forum.
A panel, moderated by Graham Young and featuring Kate Carnell, the Australian Small Business Ombudsman and other small business powerhouses.

This is a FREE event but we will ask for a gold coin donation at the door.Booking details with Trybooking are on the flyer.

Last weekend, a group of our club members attended the 2019 Rotary District 9630 Conference at the Royal International Convention Centre in Bowen Hills.

Past President Craig Clarke, the Conference Registrar, along with the other organising committee members, from many clubs in our district, spent 18 months putting the conference program together.

PP Craig is pictured here in the “Bunker” prior to the start of the conference with PDG Chris Wright and DG Jitendra Prasad.
Speakers at the conference included

Craig Challen SC, OAM who spoke to us regarding his involvment in the rescue of the young footballers and their coach from the flooded cave system in Thailand.

Mark Huddleston and Michael McQueen, seen here swapping their latest publications.

Evan Burrell who spoke on the use of social media to lift and enhance the profile of you Rotary (or any club).Evan tells us that not all hero’s wear a cape.
Mark (Seaford, SA), Michael (Crows Nest, NSW) and Evan (Tunnmarra, NSW) are all Rotarians, and more information about them can be be found on their websites.