This week we hear about a "Critical Incident"....its called Myrtle Rust.  Caro Brown has been working on the incident with other colleagues within the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment.  What is Myrtle Rust, why is a critical incident?  Why do we want to eradicate it, how do we respond, what can you do about it?  Find out this week!

Member's minute is Leigh Hart.

Its Agfest this week.  A big thank you to Toni and all members and friends who are volunteering for the Gate on Saturday.  We wish the Committee all the best for this great Northern event.    Saturday looks like it is the only day it won't rain (lucky us) but make sure you wear your boots and have some good warm clothing handy!  

For those who are busy with the Cocktail Party Planning, it is a thursday morning meeting for you at Hotel Launceston 7am as well!!

Last week


We had a great pop up meeting with old and new faces attending.  A fun casual night was enjoyed by all.  Thanks to Susan Nolan for not only organising the Pop Up Meeting, but also being our Club Captain for April.

Our exchange student Louis headed off on his Mainland trip.  No doubt he will have some wonderful stories when he heads back to Tasmania.

Things to note:
Board Meeting next week.  Anything of note for the Agenda, please forward email to [email protected] 

DISTRICT TRAINING ASSEMBLY will be held on the 24th May at the Cressy District High School. Registration will take place 9.00 -9.30.  RSVP to [email protected] if you are attending.  It looks like an informative session.


Happy birthday Susan, Melissa, Peta and Caro - WOW!

Words from our International President on Nepal



Dear Rotarian,
 
We express our profound sadness and extend our sympathies to all those affected by the devastation resulting from the 25 April deadly earthquake in Nepal. Rescue missions and emergency aid continue to arrive in Nepal for the 8 million people impacted by the massive 7.8 magnitude quake.
 
As we mourn the thousands of lost lives, Rotary joins many international agencies in providing immediate relief to survivors and mobilizing our expertise to support long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts.
 
How to help: 

• District 3292, Nepal, has established a disaster relief fund to provide needed equipment and supplies to affected communities. Contact District Governor Kumar Piya for information about contributing to the fund.
  
• Rotary’s service partner ShelterBox is working closely with Nepali Rotarians to coordinate immediate relief efforts. On Monday, 27 April, and Wednesday, 29 April, Rotarians greeted ShelterBox response teams in Nepal who will mobilize temporary housing and relief efforts. An initial 1,000 housing tents and 1,000 shelter kits will be distributed throughout affected communities. Two more ShelterBox relief teams and additional kits are ready to be deployed once further assessments are complete. Learn more about supporting ShelterBox’s relief efforts.
  
• As with all disasters, the Rotary family may apply for global grants to support long-term recovery efforts in Nepal. Once immediate health, safety, and relief efforts have been addressed, work with local Nepali Rotary members and their international partners to develop projects within Rotary’s six areas of focus. 

Our thoughts are with our Nepali neighbors during this difficult time. Thank you for continuing toLight Up Rotary through your compassion and generosity.
 
Yours in Rotary,
 
Gary C.K. Huang

Also note that RC Huonville also have a direct contact in Nepal and are also looking at supporting a club project.  Click here if you wish to make a donation:  https://donations.rawcs.com.au/Default.aspx?ProjectID=865&ReturnTo=4  make sure you mention Donation for Rasuwa District, RC Kalikasthan.

This week we are have another pop up fun evening planned.

So it is casual at Breakfast on Wednesday morning at the Titanium Bar if you are unable to make the evening session.

The evening session is about having fun.  A table has been booked at Kings Bridge Bar and Tavern (formerly known as Watermill Tavern/Red Ted's) situated at 147 Paterson Street, commencing 6pm (booked in the name of the club). 

Please RSVP to [email protected] to confirm.  At this stage, we have Sarah, David, Danny and Jann confirmed.  Caro and Susan are apologies.


Last week:
How exciting, we inducted Sarah Cannell into our club.  Welcome along Sarah!  Clark will also be introducing David to us as a prospective new member at our breakfast on 6 May 2015.


Thanks also to Kristy from the MS Society for coming along - we really enjoyed the discussion.  


Reminders: 

Kathy has organised a super month for May, so stay tuned as the program will be out shortly!

Don't forget to bring along your completed police check form and copies of three pieces of ID to the meeting on 6th May 2015 (if you have not already done so).  

Agfest Roster

Toni has forwarded an email to all regarding filling the Roster.  Thanks to all that have volunteered already.  Please email Toni with your preferred time to assist on Saturday 9th May 2015.

Entertainment book:

Toni has also organised the Entertainment Book for this year. Here is the link to circulate to your friends to encourage purchasing.  It is also on our Facebook site.    

Club Birthday with Rotaract:

The club is looking at a fun casual evening get-together with our Rotaract Club on Wednesday 20th May 2015.  Book the date in your diary.    It will be a full on party with balloons and party bags!  


Venue is The Original Pizza Pub 111 Wellington Street Launceston from 6:00pm.  RSVP to [email protected] by 15th May 2015.


Club Planning Day:


Our annual club planning day is proposed for Saturday, 30th May 2015 between 10-2pm.  Lunch will be provided.   Lock the date in your diary and venue information to be provided shortly.


Club changeover:


The club changeover is booked for lunch on Sunday 5th July 2015 (also Warwick's birthday!!).    The venue is Rosevears Waterfront Tavern.  

Did you know that Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is the most common neurological condition affecting young people in Tasmania? This week we have Kirsty from the MS Society of Tasmania join us.  It will be very informative as we learn more about MS.


Our member's minute is Leigh Hart.


Last week we enjoyed the company of Rachel Portsmouth from Laurel House.  We handed over a cheque for $600 from our International Women's Day Breakfast.


Caro and Louis (Exchange Student) also visited Rotaract.  Tony Butler from Rotaract was pleased to hear that our club was supporting his application to RYLA.  Rotaract were committing $100 towards his sponsorship.  Rotaract are looking forward to our joint birthday celebrations in May.






Dates to Remember

20th April - Janice's Birthday
21st April - Entertainment Book Launch
26th April - Marcus' Birthday

29th April - Pop up meeting at Red Ted's

9th May - Agfest gates.  Don't forget to put your name down

It has been a few weeks since our last blog, however the club has been very active.

Last week, the club had a discussion on our international program in the Philippines.  We talked about the proposal that Kalayaan Club has requested us to consider.  A small committee from the club is to consider the proposal and refer back to the club for a final recommendation.

The sub-committee for the Cocktail party for September also met on Thursday.  Enthusiastic members are planning a fun event - so stay tuned for details to lock into your diaries.

This week:


This week at breakfast we have Rachel Portsmouth who is a senior counsellor and educator at Laurel House.  We are excited to have Rachel with us as we learn more about this wonderful support service that formed part of our International Women's Day Breakfast.  We also hand over monies raised from the day to Laurel House.


Our member minute is Kathy Harris.


This week, Rotaract will also be meeting 6pm at Hotel Launceston Titanium Bar.  Jann and David are on the contact roster for the month of April.


A branding discussion will also be held on Monday night (tonight 13th April 2015) from 5:30pm at The Metz.  Everyone is welcome.


Things to note:


Agfest Roster


Toni has forwarded an email to all regarding filling the Roster.  Please email Toni with your preferred time to assist on Saturday 9th May 2015.


Entertainment book:


Toni has also organised the Entertainment Book for this year. Here is the link to circulate to your friends to encourage purchasing.  It is also on our Facebook site.    



Club Birthday with Rotaract:


The club is looking at a fun casual evening get-together with our Rotaract Club on Wednesday 20th May 2015.  Book the date in your diary.  Stay tuned for details.


Club Planning Day:


Our annual club planning day is proposed for Saturday, 30th May 2015 between 10-2pm.  Lunch will be provided.   Lock the date in your diary and venue information to be provided shortly.




Club changeover:


The club changeover is booked for lunch on Sunday 5th July 2015 (also Warwick's birthday!!).    The venue is Rosevears Waterfront Tavern.  


A bus will leave Sporties Hotel in Launceston at 12pm it will return around 3pm.  Cost is $10 per person.  


Lunch is not a set menu.  Your choice from the menu on the day.


Please RSVP your attendance and whether you will require bus to/from Launceston to [email protected] by no later than Friday 19 June 2015 so we can confirm bus etc.