Conferences in Australia

The trip to the SPA was scheduled to coincide with conference season. The plan was to spend the weekends in conference and the weekdays in Listening Tours. I wanted to make the most of my time in Australia. Conference was an opportunity to meet many clubs that I would not be able to visit or were not able to organize a Listening Tour.  I also wanted to give the Australian conferences an international flavor, having a International President at conference who was non-Australian. 

I noticed the Australian districts have a few traditions that we do not have in the USA districts. The toast to Quota and the response to the toast were new to me. Thankfully, Beris and Chris prepped me on my role and I hope I did a creditable job.  Charles handled the Quota Grace, the invocation and  blessing for our meal.  He was not so keen on the formal walk into the banquet. He obligingly helped me lead the singing of the American National Anthem. I have said the pledge at conferences in the US, but I have not been asked to sing before.

An obvious difference from US conferences- the District Sec/Treas does not take the minutes of the conference. Why does this district officer sit observing the proceeding while the host club adds this responsibility to their many other duties? We need a little Lazy Leader attitude here.

All 3 of the conferences had excellent guest speakers and presentations on service opportunities. I was involved in a variety of leadership training sessions in each district. The lunch banquet in District 24 featured 3 inspiring women of different generations telling their story of success and overcoming hardships. The theatre singers from Beenleigh provided the entertainment for the opening night in District 30. They were terrific!

District 30

District 30 is among Quota’s largest districts, boasting 16 clubs in Queensland AND  2 new branches this year. QI Brisbane South was our gracious host for conference. Governor Robyn Brydon with her district team conducted a well run conference with a variety of presentations. My favorite was a report on the Quota response to the Queensland flooding. Our generous members and friends donated over $80,000 for relief. The money was distributed to schools and communities for a variety of needs. One astute schoolmaster asked for assistance to pay additional months salary for a counselor for the children impacted by the trauma of flash-flooding. A heartwarming story was told of a woman moved to tears when receiving a voucher for house paint because she was allowed to select the color for her home.

This district has several joint service projects and added an new one this year. The district will help educate Aboriginal children from an island off the northern shore of Australia. Previously the district help to fund a cochlear implant for young boy.

He returned to conference this year. His mother explained his excellent progress in language development and school work. He is now at a comprehension level equal to hearing students his age.

District 40

The Peppers Resort in Airlie Beach was a beautiful location and a distraction from the work of conference. We were treated to a report from new club QI Mackay’s Rural North and the new branch, Silver Q branch of QI Townsville, both of which are doing well. QI Whitsunday reported on their Quota Cares Month project that was just recognized among the top 5 entries in that contest.

The clubs are easy to identify by their shirts and scarfs. \And they have embraced the new Q logo!

This district is fun-loving! The costumed call to conference and the club skits broke up the serious business of conference.

Governor Marcia presented me with a special gift.    Tools of my trade! It was the many pounds of chocolate that had everyone laughing. Lt Gov Darlene Chaffey presented me with candies the names of which were the words and phrases in the story Gov Marcia told of my trip. I will not say the pounds of chocolate were the only reason I needed an extra duffel bag for the trip home, but it was a contributing factor. All of it arrived safely in Louisiana, all except those needed to sustain us for the journey.

District 24

Unfortunately, I was only able to attend one day of this conference after traveling from north Queensland back to New South Wales during the night. It was well worth the effort to attend the luncheon and hear the dynamic women guests. President Elect Chris was present on Saturday and I stepped up to give the QI presentation on Sunday morning.  During her inspiring toast to Quota, PDG Gloria Cook mentioned I was better speaking out from behind the podium, understandably so when I can not be seen from behind most podiums. I happily took her instruction and moved out for my response which seemed to amuse everyone. I appreciated being able to participate in the installation.  

I understand I missed an entertaining evening on Saturday, but I did get to enjoy dinner with several members on Sunday. 

I would happily return to any of these 3 districts for conference. I am confident I would receive real value for my investment of time and money. These district officers provided their members with the kind of conference experience that connects members to the international organization, motivates and encourages, and develops the wonderful fellowship we all enjoy in Quota. Well done! Perhaps I should go to Walcha next year?