7 sleeps to go

With only 7 sleeps to go, the final arrangements are all in place.

The GSE Farewell is being hosted by Hillarys Rotary Club on Monday 30 April. At that time the team will be issued with their Foundation pins by the DG.

It will also be the first time for family to see our uniforms etc in full flight and we will make our presentation for the last time before departure.

We leave at the very early time of 5.45am on Thursday so I expect that by the time we leave Sydney, snoozing will not be an issue.

I am very proud of the team, their commitment, effort and time they have contributed throughout the last 8 months. The team has visited Rotary Clubs, attended part of conference and other Rotary functions (including hearing the RIPE speak) to ensure that they are aware how Rotary operates, know about Rotary projects and are well prepared to be ambassadors not only for Rotary but also Australia.

I feel honoured to be leading such a fantastic team and know that they will do everyone proud as well as having a wonderful time taking advantage of every opportunity that presents.

Bring on the 7 sleeps......

Nedlands Lunch Presentation

The GSE team visited the Rotary Club of Nedlands for their weekly lunch meeting. This was the teams last official club visit before leaving

The team made their club presentation and Jeffrey Williams recieved the Club banners from acting President Rick Forlarno.

Its now only 13 days till the team leaves Perth for Los Angleles via Sydney. This time in a fortnight, the team will be winging their way accross the Pacific.

The next club visit will be on the 30th April at Hillarys for a farewell dinner for the team.

Western Endeavour Breakfast Presentation

On Tuesday 18th April, the GSE team presented a club meeting (breakfast) of the Western Endeavour Rotary Club. Western Endeavour sponsored my nomination for GSE, and is also the club of our Team Leader. We had the opportunity to practice our presentations for the USA, as well as hear more about the work of Western Endeavour.


One of the highlights of the breakfast was meeting a young boy from East Timor who is in Perth as part of the ROMAC program. ROMAC is a rotary program of the districts of Australia and New Zealand which aims to provide medical treatment for children from developing countries in the form of life saving and/or dignity restoring surgery.

Team Leader Rebecca
presenting to the club

Suzanne receiving the Western Endeavour

club banners from president, Alma Dender

Attending a range of club breakfasts have provided us with the opportunity to build a better understanding of rotary, and also develop many friendships to foster on our return.

Thank your to the Rotary Club of Western Endeavour for inviting us to your club meetings. To find out more about the club, please visit their website.

19 days to go!!!

Its 19 days till we depart and I don't think any of us can believe its coming round so fast. Its gone from being so far away to almost on our doorstep.

Its almost down to the brass tacks as they say as the final checklists are worked on and completed.

This week we will be delivering 2 presentations to the clubs that had team members selected and the printing of business cards, post cards, flyer and profiles will be completed.

All of the gifts have been purchased and the final preparations are underway.

Hillarys Rotary Club are hosting the final farewell function where the team will be farewelled and presented with their foundation pins on MOnday 30 April 2007. Family and friends are also expected to attend with the DG and DGN in attendance as well.

We fly out at sparrows at 5.45am on Thursday 3 May which will make it a long day. We plan to stay in Anaheim and spend some time together as a team before we get underway on what will be a wonderful exchange.

East Perth Breakfast Presentation

It’s only three weeks ‘til our departure and yesterday morning was the team’s second practice run of the presentation we will be making in Southern California.

Team with President Roger Acacio

A big thank you to the Rotary Club of East Perth for inviting us to present at their breakfast meeting, it was a great opportunity for the team to meet the club that sponsored my application and I can’t wait to tell them all about our trip when we return.

President Roger presents East Perth banners
for exchange in California

Visit to Matilda Bay

The team attended the breakfast meeting at the Rotary Club of Matilda Bay on the beautiful Swan River this morning.

It was the first time the team had a chance to practice the presentation they will make to Rotary clubs in District 5330. The presentation was very well received.

The team pictured with president, Bob Dunn:

The Rotary Club of Matilda Bay sponsored my application so it was great I could meet many of them before the trip. I look forward to telling them all about our travels when we return.

9450 District Conference

Jeffrey, Suzanne, Jill and Rebecca attended the District 9450 Conference at Hotel Rendezvous Observation City in Scarborough to see the GSE Team from 5330 present at the conference.

It was the first time the team had an opportunity to wear the uniform polo shirts which were very well received.

A brief meeting was held to finalise flight details and club presentation in preparation for our visit to Matilda Bay on Wednesday.