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Thomas Sandholm Thomas was to be a keynote speaker at the cancelled District 9820 Conference, so we were the fortunate ones to occupy that space in his calendar! Since Thomas last spoke to us, he has published a successful book "Born to Sign" unfortunately not yet available in English. His book focusses on how the lives of hearing impaired people has improved over the last 50 years. For example, deaf people could not marry unless they were sterilized and sign language was forbidden. Thomas' parents fought for the right to have children and won! He is still working presenting the news in sign language to at least 4000 hearing impaired people in Finland and to a 400,000 strong audience of normal hearing people her prefer this format of the news! Illuka did a fantastic job signing and interpreting throughout the meeting and question time.  Topi, Ilkka after Chair Carol had presented their speaker glasses.  Ilkka in full swing signing Matt's speech Matt Luca Matt and his group of volunteers established and run the Victorian Slow Rail Journeys featuring overnight the Sleeper Train Experience. They run weekend trips to the Mallee Silo region, Mildura & Sunraysia, the Goldfields, and the Echuca - Deniliquin region. The goal is to return money into the regions that suffered during covid. It is a not-for-profit organization run by volunteers. They take groups up to 90 guests and trains are usually sold out. They leave from Southern Cross station and work closely with V-Line to ensure all works smoothly. Volunteers maintain the rolling stock and each trip requires about 10 volunteers to run it, plus a conductor from V-Line. Matt is extremely pleased with the amount of money their trips pour into the rural communities they visit. It has ensured the survival of many local businesses. For more information about the trips or becoming a volunteer, google their website slowrailjourneys.com.au . Matt does have a "normal job" but still has time to assist other non-profit organizations locally and overseas. He exudes enthusiasm and energy and gave us a most interesting talk.  Matt responding to one of the many questions he received.
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Last weeks meeting was very busy as expected. It was lovely to welcome Rhonda Vincent’s
