The guest speaker today was Greg Penno from the RC Bendigo Strathdale to speak about the MEC Project.
The Fellowship Committee are organising some social activities. Judy asked everyone to keep June 13th free for a Winter Warm-up. More details to follow.
The committee would like some ideas from the members about what activities they would like to do. See Judy, John Pacher, Liz or Ray if you have an idea to contribute.
The Valentine Ball Committee have met and decided to continue next year. There will be a new recipient for the funds raised but this hasn’t been decided yet.
For the Ball to be successful, more volunteers are needed on the committee. Judy asked if there were 2 people who would put their hand up to help out. Contact Judy if you can help out.
MUNA is on at the end of the month and our club is doing the catering. Volunteers are still needed for Saturday and Sunday. If you have not seen the kids in action at MUNA it is worth seeing – passionate speakers, vibrant clothing and exciting atmosphere. Volunteer some time and see our future leaders in action – it’s worth it.
Phil Harris reported that he is going to East Timor next week with Lindsay and Judy Murphy to do some more work. He isn’t sure exactly what he will be doing but he re-assured Patti he will get plenty of photos of where the knitting goes!
Instead of the sergeant session, Stan Hendy gave a small talk on his start in the SES. He was in Nhill at the time and a volunteer group was formed for road rescues. It wasn’t until 1989 that they were properly equipped (they got their first Jaws of Life).
Thanks Stan for this insight into the beginnings of the SES and how you were involved.
Our guest speaker – Greg Penno spoke about the MEC Project in Cambodia.
MEC (meningoencephoceole) is a malformation of the brain and facial structures that leads to protrusion of the brain out of the skull and is life threatening. It is very treatable with surgery and the RC of Phnom Penh is very involved with identifying children and supporting them to get the surgery at no cost to the families.
There is a Centre for Child Development where the surgery takes place.
It is believed this condition is caused by the poor nutrition of the mothers during their pregnancy.
Greg has been closely associated with this project since he visited Cambodia and is trying to help raise funds to keep it going. By doing the surgeries in Cambodia, the local surgeons are being trained up to be able to do them. Currently a British surgeon is doing the surgeries. It is much cheaper to do the surgeries in Cambodia rather than bring the children to Australia to have it done.
Have a great week everyone. Cathie
Concrete pour Camp Getaway
