It would be remiss of me not to mention a little bit more about the Conference. Not too much 'cos then we attendees wouldn't be able to say in person what we found most interesting/challenging.

So here's a list of the speakers with a very brief comment about each.

But before that I should say that the Rotary Internation President's Representative - Ishtiaque Zaman from Bangladesh - really helped to set the tone for the conference before it even started. The Highton "mob" were having dinner together before the conference started and it just so happened that the restaurant was filled with other Rotarians doing the same thing - including DG Geoff and RIPR Ishtiaque. We didn't know who he was but we soon found out after he came round to each of us individually and introduced himself - not as the RIPR but as a Rotarian. I've met other RIPR's at other conferences but this was the first time one has introduced himself rather than me having to go and find him. And it was the same right through the conference - he was standing at the door introducing himself as people came in. Great stuff.

Jonathon Welch was the first speaker on Friday night and gave an enthralling account of how he came to set up the "Choir of Hard Knocks" how it progressed to where it is today, how the idea has caught on not only in other parts of Australia but other places in the world, and what's planned for the future.

Patricia Cameron Hill & Dr Shayne Yates on Saturday morning had us in fits of laughter for about an hour and a half - including poking fun at Ishtiaque - who for the rest of the conference was known as "Hashtag".He not only took in good part, but gave back as good as he got !!! But there was a serious message behind it all. Rotarians have fun as part of the organisation. It's essential for our mental and physical health. But does the message get through to non-Rotarians that we enjoy what we do and have fun at the same time. Or are we seen as members of a serious, efficient, business-like organisation that's really good at getting things done - and that's all ?

Howard Randall (if you don't know him you haven't been to enough Rotary presentaions) delivered a challenging presentation on "Becoming a better leader" and encouraged us all to participate in the Rotary Leadership Institute.

Our own Pauline Stewart brought us up-to-date on the use of Social Media in promoting our clubs - enough said - she can do her presentation to our club sometime !!

Then in the afternoon Michael Sawyer on behalf of Australian Rotary Health gave us some insights and frightening statistics on Mental Health problems in the community.

Unfortunately Norm Tong wasn't able to make it - but as he was sick we'll forgive him. The video he sent on the work of the Mercy Ships in Africa was magnificent and really told the story.

Don Cullen was an inspiration talking about the Tibet Village project. Giving up a position of head of a company to go and do work in Tibet must rate as courageous (even if it's not the sort of thing most of us would do). The work he has done and the results he has achieved are nothing short of miraculaous and to try to describe them even briefly here would not do the subject justice. Have a look at www.tvpaustralia.org.au for more information.

We then had a choice of 3 breakout sessions. I attended one at which John Millington spoke about Integrating Karen Refugees into the Community in Nhill. Absolutely outstanding. And I'm told the other sessions The Maryborough Family Violence Program (PP Garry Higgins) and The Phillipines Alternative Schoolies Program (Geraldine Edar-Ralph) were just as good.

On Saturday morning we were treated to the best "Green" talk I've ever heard. Ian McBurney spoke on "Can Our Economy and Environment Thrive Together?" He was not only sensible but also presented some convincing arguments about the economies of "going green" and the advantages to be had by doing so. You can find out more about this impressive speaker at www.ianmcburney.com

Add to that the speeches by the RIPR, two of the most entertaining MC's I have come across, the superb meal on Saturday night, the good food, good fellowship and the opportunity to celebrate our Rotary good works and you come up with a really good conference.

The next two conference are in Geelong - it'll be a real challenge to match this one !!