BULLETIN 8 NovemBER, 2012

Rotary Club of Brighton IncP.O. Box 206 Brighton VIC 3186District 9800 Club Number 18309Chartered: 24 September, 1973www.rotarybrighton.com.auNo. A23508S ABN 29 236 561 983

President Peter Sherman H: 9593 1595 M: 0419 322 093President Elect Pat Kearns W: 9553 8038 H: 9553 8038 M: 0418 998 735Secretary Arthur Hubbard H: 9592 4465 M: 0411 124 204

www.rotarybrighton.com.ausecretary@rotarybrighton.com.auEditor, Designer: Max MartinPhone: 0409 822 378www.maxmartindesigns.com.aumax@maxmartindesigns.com.auPhotography last week: Cameron Ward

Rotary Club of BrightonVictoria AustraliaRotary Club of BrightonVictoria Australia

This week’s speaker:

Hon. Kim WellsTreasurer of VictoriaKim has been a Liberal member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly since 1992, representing first Wantirna and then Scoresby. He has been the Treasurer of Victoria since December 2010. Born in Leongatha, Victoria he was selected as the Liberal candidate for Wantirna before the 1992 Victorian state election, and was elected. He held the seat until 2002, when it was replaced with Scoresby, which Wells won. In 2000 he was appointed Shadow Minister for Corrections, Police and Emergency Services. He was the Shadow Treasurer from December 2006 to December 2010 when he became Treasurer of Victoria after having retained the seat of Scoresby with an increased margin of 14.14 per cent.

Pictured are Pres Peter Sherman, wonderful opera singer Seija Knight and father, Chairman PP Geoff Knight. See a summary of Seija’s perfomance and talk on page 2.

The Rotary Club of Brighton

Next week’s speaker - DR BARRY JONES Social Commentator

TIMOR LESTEA report from team member

Daryl Forge.

See page 5.

RAWDRotarians at Work Day

April 21, 2013.See page 4.

“An invitation toChristmas Lunch”

See page 8.

‘Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner’

See page 6 for Highlights.

Missed an issue of the Bulletin? You can find it on the websiteat www.rotarybrighton.com.auor contact the Editor by email to be sent a pdf.

NOVEMBER IS ROTARY FOUNDATION MONTH

Hostess Marion Nicholes serves dinner assisted by Kate Rouse during “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” last Saturday.Hostess Marion Nicholes serves dinner assisted by Kate Rouse during “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” last Saturday.

Last meeting’s Speaker & Entertainer - 8 November, 2012

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Seija Knight - Famous Opera SingerChairman PP Geoff Knight introduced his daughter Seija and spoke about her as a young girl who was good at a lot things in her early school years. She could have been a gymnast or a ballet dancer but it took her music teacher to point out what a fine voice she had. The rest was history. Seija got up to speak to us before singing her first item. She said she now lives in London with husband Quentin and son Aksel and performs regularly at Covent Garden Market where she busks with other top opera singers to supplement her income. A search on Google for YouTube will find many instances of her performing there. Some people have accused her of miming as her performance was so good. She asked them to come closer so that they could that she was singing live. She sometimes takes her son along with her as you can see in the photo below. Seija started the evening’s performance with an aria from Madam Butterfly. Seija said that in 2007 she was asked at late notice to sing the Russian (she only had a week to learn this) and English National anthems at Wembley at a European qualifiers soccer match. The crowd booed but not at her. It was the English fans booing the Russian team which showed bad sportsmanship. This also can be seen on YouTube.Seija’s second item was Dvorak’s “Song to the Moon”. Seija spoke more about her life in London and when singing at Covent Garden Market a lady asked her to sing on a cruise boat with 3000 guests but she was booked for a Stoke City engagement. She was offered alarge fee and was able to rearrange her program. When she got there however she found out she was to sing Whitney Houston and Righteous Brothers songs. This she did and also sang “Danny Boy” sailing into Cork. Seija’s third item was ”Danny Boy”. Seija said that she has sung about 50 times at Covent Garden Market.

Her fourth item was Puccini’s “Omio babbino caro”.She needs regular chiropractic work on her muscles and a massage from husband Quentin. She tries to engage with people in the audience and when she sees tears in their eyes she says it’s wonderful.Her fifth item was “Nes un Dorma“ (None shall sleep) from Puccini’s opera Turandot usually sung by 3 male tenors. She hoped she didn’t upset any opera purists. She didn’t!She hoped to be singing one day at all major opera houses around the world and singing at the Royal Opera in London. Seija then sang an encore item “Time to say goodbye” (Con te partirò) with lyrics by Sarah Brightman.To a standing ovation Seija was then presented with a bottle of Champagne by Pres Peter for her wonderful performance.

Above: Seija singing at Covent Garden Market. Check it out on: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9xnjnpeZSg Seija & son Aksel at Covent Garden Market.

Seija singing Russian & English national anthems at Wembley Stadium 2007 - on YouTube

Rotary Club of BrightonVictoria Australia

Chairman: PP Ian MenceSpeaker: Hon. Kim Wells, Treasurer of VictoriaLocation: Milanos Bayview Room

Upcoming Meetings/Events:15/11/12 - Dr Barry Jones - Social Commentator16/11/12 - The John Ilhan Tribute Lunch - MCG Member’s Dining Room22/11/12 - Graham Ashton - Deputy Commissioner of Police28/11/12 - The Elderly Citizens Christmas Lunch - Brighton International29/11/12 - Maxine McKew - Former MP16/12/12 - Christmas Lunch (Sunday) - Sandringham Yacht Club 20/12/12 - The Children’s Christmas Lunch

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Week of 8 NovemberSergeant: PP Geoff Knight Hosts: PP David Efron, Peter JohnsProperty: Darren Donnellan, Chris Sparrow Front Desk: Mike Rundle, PP Julian GogliaRaffle: TBAWeek of 15 NovemberChairman: PP Paul NicholsonSergeant: Jeff Bartrum Speaker: Dr Barry Jones - Social CommentatorLocation: Milanos Bayview RoomHosts: Graeme Gude, Albert BurgioProperty: Cameron Spence, Norm Thomas Front Desk: Mike Rundle, Pat KearnsRaffle: TBA

CAN’T COME? YOU MUST FIND A REPLACEMENT! ROSTERED ON PROPERTY OR FRONT DESK? PLEASE BE ON DECK BY 5.30PM.

ROSTERS:THIS WEEK’S MEETING 8 NOVEMBER 2012

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A full house faced Daryl Forge while he delivered his report on the Timor Leste team.

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SERGEANT’SSESSION

Sgt Peter Johns* All St Kilda Supporters: Another

player in trouble at the club;* George Jerzyk: Seen sneaking

into Fitness First - getting into shape for yet another trip overseas;

* Peter Grey: Also seen at Fitness First gym;

* PP Robert Tucker: Granddaughter named Tibbs Jemima Tabor;

* Ron Stark: Suggested that one does not expect culture at our Rotary meetings;

* PP Ivan Vojlay: Reported that he spotted Elaine Mott sitting waiting for the bus and Herman has a new Merc and 2 Porsches!

* Geoff Shaw: Praying for rain so he doesn’t have to paint the house this long weekend;

* Rob Potter: Saw his Oncologist last Thursday and all is good!* PP Geoff Knight: Had a seriously short haircut;* PP Rob Tucker: He will be at Rotary every week from now on as

his Rolls Royce had some work done on the engine. It now does 5mph!

* Jeff Bartrum: Wearing Ian Mence’s old jacket?* Norm Thomas: Did not get to be Mayor of Brighton;* Cameron Ward: Didn’t upload Bulletin and Newsletter until 10

minutes to 6 last Thursday night and also had his Dad’s badge on;* PP Arthur Hubbard: ANZ Manager (not Arthur) shot through with

$20m - he has left the bank. Also fined Bob Challis;* President Peter Sherman: Vera thought Peter had been very

“respectable” all week and knowing him as she does she really was quite surprised;

* Late for Meeting Award: PP Alan Pinkus & Wayne Styles;* PP Geoff Knight: Dressed up tonight as daughter Seija

entertaining us;* The Travellers: Helen & David Grodski - Elizabeth & Rob

Potter - all in Italy;* Quentin (Seija’s husband): Mobile phone rang during meeting;* All who went to East Timor: The population has doubled since

the Rotary Club of Brighton has been going there.

“If I can see that far I will fine you!”- said Sgt Peter asking Members to shut up during his session.

“And getting a weekly massage is a help too!”- said husband Quentin when Seija said she needs regular chiro.

Quotes of the week!Quotes of the week! As heard during the meeting 1 November:

Daryl Forge gave a report on the team that went to Timor Leste. As you will all know, 6 Club Members went to Timor Leste to construct a children’s playground. Going to Timor Leste, I was pretty ignorant about the country. Now that I’m back, I’m still ignorant, but I’ve been doing some research. Here are some interesting facts: In September 1999, 78% of the Timorese population voted for independence. Following this vote, the Indonesian militia ran amok - killing people, driving 260,000 Timorese towards West Timor, and stealing or destroying 70% of the infrastructure - (including roads, bridges, hospital and schools). Since then the population of Timor has doubled from 500,000 to over 1 million people, due to a high birth rate and the return of refugees. Today 30% of the population is under the age of 15. Half of the population is illiterate. Although the Constitution specifies Portuguese and English as the working languages, the reality is that the two official languages are Portuguese and Tetum, a local indigenous language. There are 33 indigenous languages. Less than 40% speak Tetum.In summary:• 50% illiteracy • Poor quality infrastructure • No national languageKirsty Sword Gusmao, wife of Prime Minister (Shenana) Xanana Gusmao, is a former Bendigo girl. The Bendigo-Maubisse Friendship Committee was formed to deliver education programs and raise living standards in the Maubisse District. The City of Greater Bendigo provides all recurring funding and support services. Rotarians provide the majority of volunteers.Over the past 5 years the BMFC has:• Sent 50 containers to Timor, containing 240 cubic metre of re-cycled,

second hand or donated goods. • Sent 32 working teams to complete various projects.These teams have:1. Built a school at Liquetei using re-cycled materials. (The school consists

of 3 classrooms for 120 students, septic toilet, staff room, store room and running water and generated electricity.) Our first two teams were involved in this work.

2. Provided clean water and hand washing facilities for the Groto Secondary College.

3. Transformed an old dilapidated hall into a volunteers home, with all modern Western luxuries, many not available to the locals.

4. Sent Literacy Coaches to show the local teachers how to tell stories, as there are few tetum language books in print.

5. Restored 2 of 12 classrooms of Flecha Primary School. Last year, our team replaced the roof on the school.

6. Completed a solar power project to provide solar power to 4 homes in 3 rooms. These solar systems replace candles and kerosene lighting, and sell for $100 each.

7. In the process of establishing a Womens’ Community Centre. What Next?BMFC is looking to develop a Youth Training facility for Vocational training. We will continue to support BMFC, as long as members show interest. We are actively seeking to identify a project that can be owned and controlled by Brighton Rotary.

Welcome to everyone on a very special night. I’m especially pleased to see so many wives and partners here tonight and this a credit to Seija Knight’s talent. Seija who will perform for us is the daughter of PP Geoff Knight who is our Chairman tonight. Sinnka Knight, Seija’s mother is also here with Seija’s husband Quentin. Welcome to you both. Now I know you are all here to listen to Seija and not to me but I have a few items to mention.

Daryl Forge will give us a report on the team that went to Timor Leste. Following on from our speaker Harold Mitchell’s great talk at our Club, Stuart McIntyre and myself will meet with Harold to see what more we can do as a Club to help in this area of Timor.

I also have to report that Greg Biggin is in hospital in Brisbane. He is suffering from complications of Pneumonia. Our thoughts are with Angela and we wish Greg a speedy recovery.

Tonight we will see the last Joker Raffle and somebody will win the jackpot of $300. We will come up with something to replace the raffle and Members will be notified in due course.

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PRESIDENT’S REPORT

SECRETARY’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

President Peter gave a short introduction to the meeting:

Secretary Arthur Hubbardintroduced his segment.

Quentin Keeble and Sinnka Knight enjoying the evening.

Some Highlights of last Meeting 1 November!

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SO PETER’S BEENQUITE ‘RESPECTABLE’

THIS WEEK VERA?

YOU SANG BEAUTIFULLY SEIJA!

DO YOU FIND PAINTING A BIT HARD GEOFF?

HMM I GUESS ITS NOT AS HARD AS CHOOSING A BABY’S NAME EH ROB?

ARE YOU INTO THAT FITNESS STUFF LIKE

GEORGE, ALEX?

YOU KNOW THAT BRUNETTE THE

SERGEANT SPOKE OF WAS MY WIFE, ROB?

SHORT? I LIKE TO GET MY MONIES

WORTH!

“Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” Highlights - 3 Nov

The Presidential arrival!

Great Fellowship!

A Great Club Event!

Pre dinner drinks at Milanos!

Dinner at the Nicholes!

A time to catch up!

Organiser Barry announces the hosts!

FITNESS??YOU’RE KIDDING MERV!

I HAVE TROUBLE GETTING UP THE STAIRS!

YES, BUT I WON’T MENTION THE WEEK

BEFORE JUDEE!

YEAH OF COURSE I KNEW THAT JACK.

OH THANKS PETER AND FOR THE GREAT

LIGHTING TOO!!

WAS THAT A No1

OR A2 GEOFF?

WELCOMEMAX!!

SO WHY DIDN’T YOU OFFER TO GIVE ELAINE

A LIFT IVAN?

OH, I WAS BUSYAND COULDN’T STOP

ALAN!

BayviewTravel

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Birthdays Rev Kenyon McKie 06 November Tony Rouse 10 November Michael Jess 11 November Daryl Forge 12 November

Anniversaries Bill & Barbara Kneebone 05 November Jack & Karen Joel, OAM 08 November Alan & Di Pinkus 11 November

Birthdays & Anniversaries

The Club meets Thursdays at 6pm for 6.30pm at Milanos Hotel, The Esplanade, Brighton Beach.

Rotary Grace “For good food, good fellowship and the privilege

of service, we give you thanks O Lord.”Rotary Toast

“To Australia, The Queen of Australia,Rotary International & the Rotary Club of Brighton.”

Welcome to all visiting Rotarians & Guests

IT’S EVERYTHING YOUTHOUGHT WE WEREN’TThe Pursuit of Excellence

The John Ilhan Lunch - 16 NovWould any Rotarians who have friends who would like to attend this fantastic Lunch please contact Pat Kearns on 0418 998 735.

Auto dynamicsMelbourne’s premier service centre for prestige European cars.BMW l Mercedes l Audi l Porsche l Volkswagen

Free pick up and delivery service for Rotary Members Courtesy vehicles I Log-Book Servicing ElectricalPre-Purchase inspections I Roadworthy testing I Brakes Mechanical I Qualified Factory Trained Technicians

Contact Erik Vandenbergon 0413 576 600 or 9585 1676Cheltenham: 228 Centre Dandenong Rd, CheltenhamClearwater Brighton: 43-47 Nepean Highway, Elsternwick Phone: 9014 9492www.autodynamics.com.au

Environmental Print congratulates the Rotary Club of Brighton on their sustainable approach to printed material. t 9555 1244 | f 9873 8845 | steve@enviroprint.net.au | www.printeasy.com.au

You are all invited to a fabulous lunch and great entertainment on Sunday, 16 December at 12 pm for 12.30pm. That’s when our Christmas Party will be held at the beautiful Sandringham Yacht Club on the bay. Cost will be $80pp (all inclusive).For bookings contact Geoff Knight on 0418 551 084or Geoff Cunningham on 9592 4953.

Rotary District 9800 Conference in Albury 2013If you are thinking of coming to the Conference in Albury (and why wouldn’t you be?)

please contact Tom Buxton on 0428 324 809. There is an Early Bird Return by 12 December 2012 and you can register online at www.rotaryconference9800.org

The final Joker Raffle was held last week with PP Arthur Hubbard and PP Brett Parkin presenting

PP Des Thomas with the $300 jackpot!Pres Peter announced it was to be the last Joker Raffle but before that there was a draw for the winner of the Ladies Prize - a bottle of Champers - the winner was Sally Morris. Then it was onto the final Joker draw with the first name drawn out of Members present being PP Des Thomas. He was very happy to win the $300 Jackpot.

Stay tuned for to see what replaces the Joker Raffle!

Front Desk Report from last meeting 1 November Attendance: Members: 59 Percentage: 60% Make-ups: Nil Apologies: Tom BuxtonMember’s Partners: Jill (PP Jeff Bartrum), Joyce (Bob Challis), Sue (Roger Fairlam), Marianne (Julian Goglia), Helen (PP David Grodski), Stephanie (pp Arthur Hubbard), Sally (PP Barry Morris), Elaine (PP Herman Mott), Jennifer (PP Tony Nanfra), Kim (Tony Naughton), Marion (Rob Nicholes), Christine (Paul Nicholson), Elisabeth Aloni (Rod Potter), Suzanne McCourt (PP Stan Rankin), Leone (Geoffrey Shaw), Vera (Pres. Peter Sherman), Jan (Norm Thomas), Anne (PP Rob Tucker).Club Guests: Max Kroening, Judee Stevenson, Seija Knight;Member’s Guests: Karen Markby (PP Peter Johns), Quentin

Keeble, Sinkka Knight (PP Geoff Knight).

Brighton Rotary Christmas Lunch 16 December