Volume 77 Issue 17 Tuesday 08 November 2011 Lt. Cmdr. Andrea Agarides is not your normal fighting sailor. She is an historical archeologist whose brief it is to preserve and protect historical and cultural heritage in the areas of our armed forces operation. She has spent time in Iraq and her Ph. D. thesis is on the protection of same in this region. This degree to add to the six she has already attained. Her passion for history and archeology was plainly evident as she spoke, and it seems likely that we might have the pleasure of hearing from her again, she has so much to tell us. The operational area that is Iraq is also the cradle of civilization(hard to believe from recent behaviour) and the ancient sites of Ur, Babylon and Nineveh, to name but a few, are of extreme significance to all of us for the insight and sheer beauty of their culture . It is a huge shame that these sites and the museums have been pilfered and damaged in some cases beyond redemption. Her task is a difficult one especially in a hot war zone, but she is just the sailor to do it. An American warship is tied up next to an English warship. An American sailor leans over and yells to a British sailor "How's the world's second largest Navy doing?" The Brit replies: "Just fine, mate. How's the world's second best doing?" Having passed the enlistment physical, Jon was asked by the doctor, "Why do you want to join the Navy, son?" "My father said it'd be a good idea, Sir." "Oh? And what does your father do?" "He's in the Army, Sir." The Four Way Test: Raul Cunha Of the things we think, Raul is on exchange from Brazil and his host club is Moonee say or do: Valley, He is staying with Peter and Le igh Baker, when you Is it the TRUTH? see him say hello! Is it FAIR to all concerned? Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned? The Rotary Club of Essendon P.O Box 161 Essendon, VIC 3040 Club President: Steve Roe Club Secretary: Rob Thomas www.rcessendon.com.au Birthdays: Please contact Deb Phelan Jan Murphy 12 Nov. The type of groceries which are ideal Anniversary: are pasta, noodles, canned foods, flour, Today’s Attendance Wal Dibben 1970 sugar, t/paper, tissues, toiletries etc. Stephen Roe 2001 basic everyday items but nothing 37 members and guests perishable , If you can read this you have a strong mind: 7H15 M3554G3 53RV35 7O PR0V3 H0W 0UR M1ND5 C4N D0 4M4Z1NG 7H1NG5! 1MPR3551V3 7H1NG5! 1N 7H3 B3G1NN1NG 17 WA5 H4RD BU7 N0W, 0N 7H15 LIN3 Y0UR M1ND 1S R34D1NG 17 4U70M471C4LLY W17H 0U7 3V3N 7H1NK1NG 4B0U7 17, B3 PROUD! 0NLY C3R741N P30PL3 C4N R3AD 7H15. PL3453 F0RW4RD 1F U C4N R34D 7H15 . Wal Dibben 41years of dedicated rotary service-Well Done CONTACT To facilitate the widest distribution of Contact. Please Weekly Raffle: John Marshall forward any email address failed to draw the Joker. Consolation prize that you might l ike Contact Anne Ramsay Jackpot now over $900 sent to that is not already less than 10 cards left in deck! receiving it. ROTEX is a group of enthusiastic returned youth exchange students from D9800. We provide first-hand knowledge to help guide and orientate the future ‘outbound’ students on what to expect from their year away, and support the transition back into Melbourne life, on their return. Having the support of ROTEX while on my exchange made such a huge difference to the quality of my year away. Most importantly it encourages the students to socialize with each other, utilizing another support group: each other. This is one of the huge advantages of the Rotary Youth Exchange program, the many networks of support. We take so much joy in being able to aid the ‘inbound’ students that come to D9800. We work along side the Youth Exchange committee in welcoming the students, and helping them adjust to their new life in Australia. We have our uses, at the orientation camp in Axedale, we are basically a set of walking/talking translators. We know the cultural differences, and can give first- hand advice on homesickness, school, language troubles and many other challenges this outstanding group of young adults will come across. In previous years sadly the number of in and-outbound students has declined, with it the need for very many ROTEXers. However we are thrilled with the increase in students this year, and have a full program lined up for them! As our district is so vast, our number one task is trying to get all the students together as much as possible. We try and organize a social event for the students every 6-8weeks. Events vary from a picnic in Botanical Gardens to a Football match, through to our annual ROTEX Camp at the beach. This year it is being held in Anglesea in early December. We aim to add similar weekend-long events to our schedule, like camping in regional Victoria or even joining another district’s ROTEX for double the fun! Our most recent day out was ten-pin bowling at Victoria Gardens in Richmond, the students had a fantastic time, fighting it out over an afternoon of sugar and hotdogs. But I think to be completely honest, it wouldn’t matter where we went, or what we did - they just enjoy being together. It is truly heart-warming to watch a group of complete strangers develop such strong friendships over their orientation, and those bonds only grow stronger over the 12 months. One of the fabulous things about being involved with ROTEX is that it keeps the memories fresh, I went on exchange to Germany in 2005, but the continued rehearsal of my stories and experiences makes it feel so fresh and exciting. I remember vividly the feelings of anticipation and excitement of walking through the gates at Düsseldorf airport to meet my first host family. It being basically dark, although only 3pm and then attempting to sit in the drivers seat in the car. I love the relationships I am able to form with the students. Each year we go through the motions of saying goodbye to one group, and welcoming another. But they are never the same as each other, each group has a completely different energy from the last, they are always entertaining and absolutely fascinating to be a part of. By staying involved with the Youth Exchange program, I feel like I am not only making their lives a bit easier, but I can hold on to my experiences much longer; there is always a willing pair of ears to hear a story or two! The more events we run, the more past exchange students we can involve, it is just as much fun for us, as it is for them! We welcome all into our alumni, if you went on exchange in ’55 or ’05, we welcome you to be a part of our group. We always say that if you don’t look back on your exchange, you must have been walking around with your eyes closed! At the moment, we are making some memorabilia jumpers for our past students, with your name, country and year of exchange on the back! It’s also an ideal way of getting in contact with returned students. If you are interested in purchasing a jumper, or simply making contact, please email me ([email protected]) for more details. Brigette Barson-Cole Chairperson ROTEX committee Help yourself and help the Club by banking with Strathmore Community Bank. Take out a home loan and the club will received up to $500, take out a 3 month fixed term deposit and the club will receive up to $50 etc. For more details drop into the branch at 337 Napier St or call branch Manager Philip Stewart on 9374-2607. 2012 Rotary District 9800 Early Bird discounted registration closes soon Where: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre – a truly world class venue and must see precinct When: 9 – 12 March, 2012 (Labour Day long weekend) What: A chance to see Rotary in action at it’s finest along with a programme of top class speakers and entertainment: • Tony Jones: ABC Journalist (Four Corners, Lateline etc) • Ken Lay: Acting Police Commissioner • Amanda Vanstone: Former senator and ambassador to Italy • Annette Kimmitt: managing partner of Ernst & Young’s 1500 person Melbourne office • Choir of Hope and Inspiration (formerly Choir of Hard Knocks) • etc Cost: $450 with early bird booking pre 9/12/11 (then $495 per person) For bookings or more details see www.2012melbourne.com.au With our national carrier in the headlines so much recently I thought that it might be instructive to look at the two men responsible for the whole mess. P J McGinness DFC DCM (1896-1952) Born at Framlington, Victoria, on 4 February 1896, Paul McGinness was a youth of courage and daring. He joined the 8th Light Horse Brigade in the Australian Imperial Forces and won the Distinguished Conduct Medal for outstanding bravery at Pope's Hill in Gallipoli in 1915. Known to his friends as 'Ginty', he transferred to No.1 Squadron, Australian Flying Corps, in Palestine, where his gallantry and skill in action earned him a Distinguished Flying Cross. With seven confirmed victories, he became one of the few recognised air aces in Palestine. Hudson Fysh was his observer. After leading the survey of the air race route, McGinness became the driving force to establish Qantas and raised much of the capital that was needed.