Sergeant Richard welcomed us all to the meeting and introduced our Chair Deborah
Deborah welcomed Emily and Kate from Comlink Companions, who will be more formally introduced later
A special callout to Pam for hosting our Christmas party
In honour of Merv's passing, Mark proposed the International Toast to the Rotary Club of Gizo
Thanks for the photos Dave
Merv, and other members of our Club, performed service projects there, including on the hospital. Rotary Club of Gizo meet at PT109
PT-109 was an 80-foot (24 m) Elco PT boat (patrol torpedo boat) last commanded by Lieutenant (junior grade) John F. Kennedy, future United States president, in the Solomon Islands campaign (Thanks Wikipedia)
From: Kerrie Kennedy <divegizo@icloud.com>
Hello Mark,
Subject: Re: International Toast to RC Gizo
Hello Mark,
Subject: Re: International Toast to RC Gizo
Great to here from you. We are so sorry about Merv. Thank you for the thoughts for RC Gizo
Club was Chartered 2000. For years we have struggled to function and hardly there now, as previous members are reluctant to pay for memberships. The hospital is working with us to identify a project for water supply We have asked for a location with minimal transport arrangements for logistics and reducing costs in fuel etc. Essentially the membership is just myself and Matthias Amalo, Jopa and Yolonde Semi. PT 109 is registered as the meeting location but really is more likely in the street either in front of the dive shop or The hardware belonging to the Semis.
Kind regards
Kerrie Kennedy
Kind regards
Kerrie Kennedy
Elaine introduced Emily and Kate
She met Emily outside the library. She is the Program Manager for Comlink Companions
They provide community aid, especially to seniors. In some cases age prevents social inclusion
Connections are so important for our well-being
Comlink links volunteers with like-minded people.
As Sergeant Richard noted, an "Aged Care Tinder”
- Weekly or Fortnight meetings.
- Reducing loneliness and social isolation
- Mutually beneficial
- Reimbursement so no financial impediment
Their clients are on home care packages or on the waiting list.
Darryl asked about those with no care packages
Answer is that there are no "government guidelines”
Their work doesn't impact packages
Answer is that there are no "government guidelines”
Their work doesn't impact packages
They are located near the Sunshine Coast University Hospital.
Their volunteers are mainly retired but can be all ages.
Kate started 35 years ago in Caloundra
Conlink started out as “transport", now they have 600 staff from Logan, Ipswich, Toowoomba, Mackay and Townsville – and recently Melbourne
They do a full range of aged services including home care packages
The Government service “My Aged Care” can be tricky and difficult
"Your choice" for providers
"Transport" no one does it like Comlink
"Transport" no one does it like Comlink
Social support is run by Kate
People can be lonely but have no home care packages.
They have events every day December example - event are held at the University of the Sunshine Coast Creative Arts Hub
But there is more and more, from lunches, fish and chips, to a fishing group. It could be part of a Government package or commercially available.
On 1 July there will be aged care reforms all the packages including Home Care - Levels 1 to 4
Mark asked about the transition to age care "nightmare"
Sue said that you should "never say no" – think about your worst day and "don't be too proud" register as soon as you can, and I think that's when you turn 65
Debra thanked Emily and Kate for the talk
Directors Mark talked about the Bohol donations and thanked those. There will be a "wra-up next week" Christmas person items.
Jim said that the there was more biogas "they can use”
Darryl gave us some travel news – you wil soon need a Visa to go to the UK and to Europe - can be done online
For New Zealand. You need a "declaration" also coming back to Australia
If you're travelling to China you're in luck - no Visa required
Elaine asked if Gary Denton was okay? Yes, he'll be here next week.
Sergeant Richard awarded the "Perpetual Paddle Award" to Pam
This is for a “stand-up” person from Rotary.
This is for a “stand-up” person from Rotary.
It’s carved from antique timber was and has mysterious mystic runes inscribed by Richard - A good “shit stirrer” if ever there was one
Apparently there's going to be no nativity scene in Canberra this year - and no, it's not religious persecution - they just can't find three wise men and a virgin
Judy and Sue will be away next week celebrating Sue’s 70th at the Deer Park (surely they could've found somewhere less expensive)
Thanks Chris