Our Last Meeting  - AGM & Jeff Hughes - This Story Australia

Sergeant Richard introduced Chris, our chair for the Day

 

Chris welcomed Guest Speaker Jeff Hughes, and visitors Adam and Michelle, from the Rotary Club of Raymond Terrace
And a special welcome back to Merv - Wonderful to see you back

 

Thanks for the photos Dave

 

Straight into the AGM

 

Deborah, our “AGM Coordinator” noted that the minutes from last year have been circulated on-line.

Richard moved that they be accepted, seconded Stuart - carried

The finances were circulated by Mark, who moved for their acceptance – seconded by Chris.

Proposed auditor BDO, moved Mark and seconded by Richard

 

Positions for, 2023/4 year.

Chris thanked those who put their hands up.

 

And back to the regular meeting

 

Presidents Report from Jim.

Chris, thanked Genta for his approach to the Rotary Club of Komaki

 

Our speaker, Jeff, was introduced by Chris “a few lines“ by torchlight

 

Thanks for trust.
Motto “taking action, and getting results“ also in French

Jeff started “This History Australia“ as a charity in 2019
People – Are too busy, uninterested and not connected

 

Their aim is to present stories from veterans in media form
About “the people“– not their exploits

Six Minute movie

 

Australia? What we do. Why we do it. Consequences, if we don’t
“Connection“ “listen“ and understand.

 

Covid effects on dawn service - veterans in the street

 

We don’t “cut out crap“ - the movies run between 12 minutes and up to 2 hours – one Timor vet - talked about a Part 2

Geoff has interviewed over 50 veterans
Storyteller/sharer.
The movies go to the family and to the State Library.

 

Centaur – he mentioned the RSL and Faye Clark (no guarantees on correct spelling)

Hospital ship/World War II/off Moreton Island
Largest loss by vessel, which was not a “warship“
DVA, partial grant

 

Last interview tomorrow – then editing.

Centaur commemoration.

It’s not “what happened“ but “what happened afterwards”

 

Chris, thanked, Geoff.

 

Deb – Türkiye.

 

Adam from the Rotary Club of. Raymond Terrace was “not prepared“ for an address, but swung into action.
Raymond Terrace is near Newcastle. He and his partner Michelle have been members for two years and now President.

Jim present to Jeff with a certificate of appreciation, and referred to the 268 lives lost on 14 May 1943.

 

The two up was done by Jim with Ana being the winner. Thanks to Roy Henzell for the wine.

 

Thanks Ian for stepping in and adding more names to the “role of shame”
My notes get bit confused at this stage, but there was a terrible joke about Why did the hanky dance? and putting a little boogie into it.

Jeff Hughes has had over 20 years experience as an educator across multiple levels of institutions across South-East Queensland. Lecturing in Film and Television Production in 2016, Jeff identified that something was missing in our fast-paced, stressful, deadline driven community. Something that harkened back to simpler days, and a time when qualities like morality and integrity were valued by the vast majority of us. Jeff believes that connection is one thing that can change society for the better today. Through a series of fortunate friendships and opportunities, Jeff has used his media expertise in Documentary Film to pull the community closer together by curating personal documentary interviews of our veterans. He believes that everyone has a story to tell, a yarn to spin and a laugh to share - and by stopping to listen, we can emotionally connect with others. Connection happens through shared experiences and although we personally may not know what it is like to lose a mate on the battlefield, or have the adrenaline pump through our veins as we land in a chopper in a hostile land - we all know what loss feels like. We all know that nervous feeling in our stomach or the stress of work deadlines. By preserving and sharing our stories in film we can provide rich memories for families, comment on the always evolving history of our nation and begin to address our traumas as we take the first step in the healing process - sharing our story.

 

 

 

Courtesy Courier Mail Feb 19th