I attended the Mdpet (multi district president elect) meeting on Saturday and Sunday 5th and 6th of March. There were over 200 attendees.
There were 2 keynote speakers, David Parkin talking on leadership and Men’s health. He pushed the line of situational decisions, flexibility and communication.
He has prostate cancer but was checked early enough to be able to be treated. Data shows that more men die from Prostate cancer than women from breast cancer. He said men were hopeless in getting checks. Rotary was backing his charity foundation called Male bag which supplies prostate checking machines into regional and outback clinics as well as funding research.
The second speaker was Dr Emma Leslie who spoke to us from Cambodia where she lives with her family. She has spent time in North Korea and Myanmar over the past few years and was nominated for a Nobel peace prize due to her work in Asia. Very down to earth and very interesting talk on peace.
We also had a video from Incoming RI International President Jennifer Jones who talked of her Theme Ïmagine Rotary”. Her theme is taken from John Lennon’s song, imagine. Her logo is inspired by an Australian Aboriginal artist, it turns out she likes Australia which is why she has chosen Melbourne for the international Conference next May / June.
We had lots of breakout sessions discussing various aspects of Rotary, all very informative. I am looking forward to being able to serve the Rotary club and put in place some of the ideas discussed over the weekend.
John Welsh
