This week we were very honoured to have Lisa Coulson the Northern Manager of the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre as our guest speaker. Lisa spoke passionately about the many and varied services that the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre provided . She also explained the difference between Welcome to Country and An Acknowledgement of Country and when they should be used. Lisa talked about the restoration of the Palawa Kani language and the efforts that are being done to ensure that it is taught to the young. It was an informative discussion and all came away being impressed with the wide variety of the services being offered.

Our second guest was Natalie De Vito, the Executive Director of Junction Arts Festival held in Launceston from the 2nd to the 6th of September. Natalie got us all enthused about this fabulous event, she explained that there was everything from learning how to twerk to sitting on the back of a motor bike and listening to Bikers tell their stories. This festival is funded by the State and Federal Governments as well as our own Launceston City Council. It is a unique celebration of our town or as Natalie put it " It is a festival that embraces Launceston, particularly its parks and  lane ways. It is taking us on an adventure and encourages us to explore with all of our senses." Natalie inspired all at our meeting, and I am sure we will all enjoy this fabulous festival

Next week we have our District Governor John Dare join us , as well as the induction of our newest member Narisa Davenport. All members and their friends are encouraged to attend.   

This week we had our monthly Board meeting and I am very glad to say that our yearly plan was adopted and we now have a group of charities both locally, nationally and internationally that we have agreed to sponsor. Thus we have our target now we must apply ourselves to raising our money.

On Saturday the 22nd of August we held a BBQ at Bunnings Kings Meadows. We had a steady flow of hungry patrons and a lot of laughter as we cooked, chatted and cajoled our customers into not only buying our sausages but also taking the opportunity to  talk up our upcoming Cocktails for a Cause and Carols by Candlelight events. It is always lovely to see people's genuine interest in our work and how our club operates.
A huge thanks must go to Toni Wagner our BBQ Queen! She did everything from booking the space, buying the sausages and organising the roster, she also spent the day going backwards and forwards supplying change, extra onions and plenty of good humour. A very sincere thank you Toni from all of us, you are a wonder.

Next week we are luckiy enough to have  Lisa Coulson who is the Northern Manager of the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre as our guest speaker. All members and their friends are welcome to attend.



  

This week Tamar Sunrisers were extremely fortunate to have as our guest speaker Mr John Kirwin Tasmanian CEO of the Royal Flying Doctor Service. John was a passionate speaker highlighting the need for this service in our state. He spoke about the misconception that the Flying Doctors only worked in regions with blue sky and red dirt, Tasmania however, have many disadvantaged and remote settlements with the Brass Strait Islands and West Coast being two prime examples. John spoke about the 2015 report commissioned by the RFDS which highlighted the two major health related issues in Tasmania. Namely the high rates of lifestyle risk factors for chronic disease ( smoking, nutrition, alcohol, physical inactivity, obesity and mental health) and high rates of chronic disease and multi morbidity ( particularly cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, musculoskeletal conditions and injury.)
John told us about Tasmania having a regionally dispersed population with one third of Tasmanians living outside Hobart and Launceston, he also said that we have an ageing population with a higher median age than other states and territories. He said that those living in remote areas are more likely to be socio-economically disadvantaged and that rural Tasmanians experience poorer health outcomes than non-rurual Tasmanians, all of which highlighted the need for his service which is one third funded by the Federal Government, one third by the State and the remaining third is raised by donations. The RFDS is a registered charity with a long history of serving all areas of remote Australia. On behalf of the club I would like to thank john for his interesting and enlightening presentation.


Susan Dolby gave us a glimpse into one her favourite pastimes: viewing movies . The two she recommended The First Grader and Pride sounded excellent. Both were based on true stories and highlighted what we can achieve when we work together.


Finally it was lovely to welcome Rod back. He has recently been in New York and was able to catch up with members of the Rotary Metro Club of New York City.


Next week we have our Board meeting and please do not forget to come and see us at Kings Meadows Bunnings Saturday 22nd of August.



   

Our captain for August is Jann Rowlands. This week our members minute came from Clark who informed us that it was Bluestocking Week at the University. He was holding a HighTea to celebrate women in higher education and research, hosted by local comedian Kerri Gay it will be held at the Grove Cafe, Newnham Campus. All proceeds go to benefit the Malala Fund, which aims to empower girls through education.
Next Jann led us through a team building challenge where we were split into groups, a scenario was read and we had to imagine that our plane had crashed on a deserted island . We were then asked to list in order of preference what we would take with us, then combine with our group to make a group list. 
This challenge brought a lot of laughter as different people stated what they thought were the bare necessities , it also highlighted the lateral thinkers of the group. It was agreed that if ever we were in that situation Dave and Toni were definitely the people to be shipwrecked with, as their survival knowledge was amazing.
Next week we have John Kirwin, CEO of the Royal Flying Doctor Service  as our guest speaker, all member and friends are welcome.


Reminder that 13th August at Cube Aqua  there  will be a Cocktail committee meeting . All welcome.