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President Geoff opened the meeting with rotary grace and a toast to the queen and people of Australia.
He welcomed our visitor Adrian Whiting and visiting rotarians Diedre and Phillip Tome.
Phillip had his dragon boat hat on and invited members to join a dragon boat team for their event on 27/11/16.
Diedre had her sunrise rotary hat on and invited us to the 25th year of charter event on19/11/16 (rsvp 14/11/16).
Exchange Student Willis
Willis has changed host families and is now with Ken Taylor and family. Willis is having fun travelling the local
area and beyond.
The rotoract club is having their charter dinner this Saturday night, and members can still book a spot online.
Rotary Information
Ken Cook reminded us 24/10/16 was world polio day.
Sergeant Session
Peter Crozier gave us a Polio Plus test and reminded us that there was
a 1000 cases of polio a day in 180 countries in 1985. Today the only remaining cases occur in
Nigeria, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. Over 2 billion children have been vaccinated against Polio.
IFCR cricket.
David Benn gave us a round-up of the successful IFCR cricket week in Wagga. He thanked the organising committee
and club members for their help and assistance running the event. The event was very well received by participants
and the media.
Secretary Report
Gerry Gerlach reminded us that World Diabetes day is 14/11/2016.
Next meeting is Melbourne Cup day - bring your money!
There is a gears and beers meeting next Wednesday.
Richard Rossiter
Richard is organising a site visit to Big River plywood factory at Forest Hill on 8/11/2016.
Member Update
Geoff Hamilton
Geoff gave us an update on his new venture in Tasmania where he running a mixed farm and renovating the
homestead. He is planning to move there soon.
On his farm he leases an area to a poppy grower for the (legal) production of codeine, morphine and thebane.
The crops are strictly controlled by the pharmaceutical companies, and there are 3 main companies contolling
production.
The crops are expensive to grow, with lots of sparaying for mildew - sometimes weekly!
The gross margin can be up to $3000 per Ha but the costs can mount up.
When harvested the alkaloid is in the top of the plant and the stalk - not the seeds.
The plants are dangerous, with 2-3 backpackers a year dying from ingesting the poppies!
Tasmania has 50% of the worlds production of the alkaloid which is the basis of the production.
Paul Milde
Christmas cakes orders will be taken next week.
ROTARY FOUNDATION
FOUNDATION FACT NO: 14
“Did you know that only contributions to THE ROTARY FOUNDATION accrue PAUL HARRIS recognition points?”
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