Guest speaker, Terry Moroney, a member of the Rotary Club of Albert Park, arrived at our meeting looking like a cross between Lawrence of Arabia and Yasser Arafat.

He was in fact donning the normal headwear worn by men in Saudi Arabia. He spent 5 years there working for a German telecommunications company in the 90's. He was originally contracted for 18 months but the contract kept getting extended.

Terry proceeded to give us a warts-and-all overview of life and culture in the Middle East. It would be fair to say that it wasn't all fair sailing and, based on some of his stories, it would seem he was lucky to return to Australia in a vertical position.

Some of the facts about Saudi Arabia are:

• It is officially known as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

• It is ruled by King Salman, who has handed control over to his son, Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman who has started to introduce some radical changes to the country.

• It's population is 33 million. Of these, 8 million people are non-nationals from countries such as Bangladesh, India and Pakistan.

• Terry was based in Riyadh, the capital. There are many roundabouts with water fountains.

• It is not uncommon to see 12-lane highways with many under and over passes.

• The streets are mainly the domain of men. Women tend to stay indoors.

• Alcohol is illegal. Supermarkets can sell non-alcoholic beer. However, it's amazing what can be done when you add yeast and sugar. The same goes for white and red grape juice.

• There is a public place in Riyadh called Chop Chop Square. This is where people found guilty of murder have their heads chopped off and thieves have their hands cut off. Terry never felt the need to pay a visit to this place.

• Expatriates, like Terry, lived in compounds. He lived in a 3-bedroom house.

• You take your life in your hands if you drive in Saudi Arabia because the quality of driving is atrocious.

The Rotarian Action Group for Multiple Sclerosis Awareness (RAGMSA) is organising the 2018 Global MS Lunch on Sunday 27th May.

The details of this important function are:

• Location: Highfield Estate, 330 Barringa Road, New Gisborne

• Time: 1pm for 1:30pm

• Cost: $50 per person which covers a 2-course lunch, tea, coffee and a complimentary glass of champagne on arrival

• Drinks: At bar prices

• Guest Speakers:

  • Prof Trevor Kilpatrick (MS Research Status)

  • Amanda Wendt (My Rotary)

  • Amanda Campbell (Living with MS)

There will also be entertainment, an auction, door prizes and a raffle.

If you would like to go, please RSVP by 22nd May to Diana Taurins on 0419 564 389 or email taurins3@vegas.com.au

WEAR SOMETHING RED in support of MS.

You are invited to join District Governor Peter Frueh and Anne and District Governor Elect Bronwyn Stephens and Mark for the District 9800 Changeover lunch at “The International” in Brighton on Sunday 3rd June.  

This year the Changeover will be celebrating our District and all that we have achieved together – Rotarians and Clubs, with assistance and support from the District Leadership Team. 

There will be fun, special projects and Rotarians honoured.

Entertainment will be supplied by our own sensational “Barking Dogs” with Sue Foley. So bring your dancing shoes.

Dress to impress but don’t feel the need to be uncomfortable.

In true Rotary style, there will be funding opportunities for two projects of $1,000 each. Submit a short, informal project plan, register a table of 10 before May 18th and be ready to claim the prize and announce the project to all our District Rotary friends. You could even gain support from other Clubs and possibly receive a Foundation District Grant.

Click here to view a flyer of the event.

Book now at www.trybooking.com/367423

• Our club changeover will be held on Tuesday 26th June at Jacksons on K restaurant in K Road.

• Our 50th Charter Anniversary is on 18th August and it will be held at the Werribee Racing Club. Our guest speaker will be Ian Riseley who is currently the Rotary International President. This is a major milestone for the club and we are expecting a large turnout of current and past members and partners as well as Rotarians from other clubs.

• The District Assembly will be held on Sunday May 20 at Tabcorp Park in Melton. Please let Graham Roper know if you would like to attend.

• It's a long way off but Graham Roper has already booked our Christmas Dinner at the Werribee Football Club's function room (Chirnsides By The River) to be held on 11th December. Add it to your calendar.

• District Club Service Chair Yvonne Flynn is seeking a Rotarian willing to fill the role of On-To-Convention Chair for the RI World Convention in Hamburg in June 2019. If interested, please call her on 0418 387 339.

• Read the May 2018 edition of the Rotary International Zones 7B & 8 Director's news by clicking here.

• Footy Tipping - Tony Todaro has joined Marty Vaina and Ian Hovey at the top of the ladder with 45 points. Marty has cried foul after he forgot to put in one of his tips. At the risk of seeming unsympathetic, stiff bikkies Marty.

• Rotary Club of Hoppers Crossing's incoming President, Sharon Crulci, visited our last club meeting. She is pictured here beside our President Elect, Graham Roper.

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