I reckon I’m getting better with practice at this induction-of-new-members process! This week it was welcome to Gilbert Habla, whose classification is Construction – Industrial. However, Gilbert is also boss of Habla Zig Zag Kilns which exports efficient brick-making kilns to under-developed countries. So I, for one, am looking forward to hearing his Member Behind the Badge talk in due course.
This week, we heard from AG Gabe Hau about his journey in Rotary: So many countries, so many stories! By a quirk of timing, next week we have his boss (DG Julie Mason) as our speaker; and she is always good to listen to. I always find myself looking forward to our next week in Rotary.
Our last meeting had an address byour friend AG Gabe Hau. Not a formal Rotary address but a reflection on his life and journey in Rotary.
A delightful talk spiced with humorous asides, but above all a very open account and insight into his personal drivers, thoughts, and family. As we listened we were able to browse a series of photo albums beautifully composed with hundreds of snaps of himself, family holidays, and food, and cartoon characters!
That's Gabe above in the middle with his supposed two adjoining key interests or passions.
Rotary of course has been a big part of his life and that comes through. The other, "food", is, one suspects, in part a manifestation of his self deprecating humour and really little more than that problem common to District officials who are attending lunches and dinners en route to visits to all District clubs. Still, those photo albums had some great shots of banquet displays which any chef (or consumer?) would find interesting, especially the Japanese cuisine.
We learnt that Gabe is British, Hong Kong born with secondary education in the UK and tertiary studies in Australia.
His efforts in community service started first at secondary school, with simple companion type visits to geriatric homes but broadened to much more organized support to them in several ways, all while still at high school.
Contact with Rotary came with an awarded rare prize to him before the school assembly by the local Rotary club.
Later in Australia while volunteering with the Country Fire Service he met Rotarians and joined a club in the Barossa Valley. Progression to Melbourne, he is a member of the South Bank club, and exposure to District Conferences has seen him explore the wider realms of Rotary and current AG role. Stories of the many friendships he has made in Rotary abounded.
A most interesting aside was Gabe's response to the question of his East-West cultural shift and his views on it. He noted that he never had thoughts on that, nor was never conscious of being disadvantaged by it. He laughed that he "now dreamed in English".
"There are so many wonderful Rotary stories to be told about new members and by new members.
For example I was able to induct Maureen as a new member in Rotary Altona City and when asked why she wanted to join Maureen spoke about feeling included from the moment she came to a meeting, impressed by the work done in the local community and in awe of what Rotary stands for.
Remember every month is Membership month and there are people who want to do what Rotary does so ask them to join you in your service and fun. Let’s have lots of new member stories sent to our wonderful editor and remember the question to ask new members…….What will it take for you to stay in Rotary for the next five years?"
Ed {This is a regular weekly item canvassing the views of each member---the answer is of interest. No personal comment this week from within our club... I'm sure to tap a few shoulders in the next few weeks , but here above is an observation by DG Julie Mason and the thoughts of a new Rotarian.}
It's the season of inductions (not indoctrination as one scribe was heard to say) . It was wonderful to see our occasional guest become a new member. That's the man beaming in the centre, with the formalities noted in the side images.
Gilbert Habla was previously a member and president of Toorak Rotary Club. Also past member of Toorak and now with us, Gordon Cheyne, recalls several delightful cocktail parties at the Hawthorn home of Gilbert and Janie.
Gilbert has more than 45 years experience in the brick industry with expertise in kiln design, construction, installation and maintenance. Internationally acknowledged for that within the industry, especially Asia Gilbert was appointed as independent consultant for the international brick industry.
Bricks, construction and cocktails we look forward to learning more about Gilbert and welcome him.
A frequent recent guest to our Rotary meetings has been Dr Peter Lugg. When there was need for medical expertise to sort out hospital surplus materials received at DIK (Donations in Kind) Peter got involved. Above and beyond any member commitment, Peter can be seen here collating and packing some of the materials.
Thanks Peter hopefully you can join us, but nevertheless you certainly are a "Friend of Rotary".
Get out the sombrero. The Shadow hears that Henry & Jane Drury are shortly off on a tour in Spain. (And, if true to the Drury travel form, other places as well!) We look forward to seeing them again in mid-October.
Good to see Ngaire Cannon back with us after she and Ralph had been sunning themselves in Thailand.
The Shadow also learned that David Bradshaw suffered a little sunburn in Port Douglas. (And let no-one say ‘serve him right’!)
I received an e-mail from Origin Energy, offering me massive discounts.
“Why doesn’t my own provider offer me a discount?”, thought I.
So, armed with my account number, I rang them, and told them about the massive discounts their competitor was offering me. I asked if they could match or even do better.
Sure enough, the lovely lady on the phone offered me a nice discount on both my gas and electricity, plus an extra 10% for using both services with them.
Obviously they are happy to continue billing you as usual, but you won’t get a discount unless you ASK!
I gave my sporran a congratulatory shake, and had a wee dram to celebrate.
Gordon Cheyne
Ed { Not sure if we have a frugal rival to The Shadow but who knows....}
There are so many worthwhile community programs available for Rotary and others to become involved in if resources permit. Here is a promo to "Hat Day".
Hat Day is Australian Rotary Health’s national fundraising and awareness day for mental health
research, celebrated each year on World Mental Health Day - Friday October 9, 2015.
Since the inaugural Hat Day in 2011, Rotary Clubs have been involved with events and like, of organisations who are hosting Hat Day events in their workplaces. This year, clubs in Hobart, Sydney and Melbourne will be hosting corporate launch events with high profile
guests and speakers.
Clubs can participate. One is invited/encouraged? to Register a Club for Hat Day at www.hatday.com.au.upon.request
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Why I'm in Rotary?
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