Mayor Alice welcomed our guest speaker, the Hon. Michael Kirby who was introduced by Chairman, Paul Armstrong. Approximately 80 members and guests enjoyed the lunch held at Murray Gardens where the. Michael Kirby gave us an entertaining address on the complexities of the Australian Constitution, referring in particular to a recently published book by Dr. Bede Harris from Charles Sturt University… a book Michael was to launch at another event later in the day.

When he retired from the High Court of Australia on 2 February 2009, Michael Kirby was Australia’s longest serving judge. He was first appointed in 1975 as a Deputy President of the Australian Conciliation & Arbitration Commission. Soon after, he was seconded as inaugural Chairman of the Australian Law Reform Commission (19 75-84). Later, he was appointed a judge of the Federal Court of Australia, President of the New South Wales Court of Appeal and, concurrently, the Court of Appeal of Solomon Islands. His appointment to the High Court came in 1996 and he served thirteen years. In later years, he was Acting Chief Justice of Australia twice.

In addition to his judicial duties, Michael Kirby served on three university governing bodies being elected Chancellor of Macquarie University in Sydney (1984-93). He also served on many national and international bodies. Amongst the latter have been service as a member of the World Health Organisation’s Global Commission on AIDS (1988-92); President of the International Commission of Jurists, Geneva (1995-8); as UN Special Representative Human Rights in Cambodia (1993-6); a member of the UNESCO International Bioethics Committee (1995-2005); a member of the High Commissioner for Human Rights’ Judicial Reference Group (2007-) and a member of the UNAIDS Reference Group on HIV and Human Rights (2004-). Since his judicial retirement, Michael Kirby was elected President of the Institute of Arbitrators & Mediators Australia from 2009-20 10. He also serves as Editor-in-Chief of The Laws of Australia. He has been appointed Honorary Visiting Professor by twelve universities. And he participates regularly in many local and international conferences and meetings. He has been awarded many honorary doctorates. In 2010, he was awarded the Gruber Justice Prize. He is also presently a member of the Eminent Persons Group which is investigating the future of the Commonwealth of Nations; and has been appointed to the UNDP Global Commission of HIV and the Law. In 2010, he was appointed to the Arbitration Panel of the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (World Bank).

Guest Speaker – Youth Exchange

Penny Sell introduced herself as a former Rotary Exchange Student, to Japan,  sponsored by the Rotary Club of Tallangatta some years ago … 1980’s ?  She spoke of her strong belief in the Exchange Programme then, and currently, and its humanitarian values being as important today as was the case in her year. Penny spoke of embracing the culture of her host country, being involved in festivals, weddings and other special events. Her motto for her year was … ‘Rotary teaches to adapt’.

Penny then introduced us to her daughter, Gabriel, who returned earlier this year from a Rotary Youth Exchange to Germany, living in Oberursel, a city about the same size as Albury-Wodonga.  Gabby was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Wodonga and recently gave an excellent address at the 9790 District Conference in Ballarat.  Gabby’s opening quote was the Rotary Four-Way-Test … her basis of support during her special year. Gabby outlined her preparation prior to departure, her assimilation on arrival (smile and say ‘Yes”!), including weekly language classes, new friendships, extended family … her host families were all involved in various professions. She enjoyed school, food, people, art school and beer (with permission from her hosts)!! Gabby mentioned the lifestyle of the people, similar to Australia, humorous, good natured, very punctual and organized.

Travel during her year included a caravan tour of Sweden, with her host family, as well as the Y.E.Europe Tour, with all other Exchange Students, including Italy, Spain, Belgium, Hungary, Monaco.

Gabby was complimented on her command of the German language, achieving 100% in a language skills diploma course. The Mayor of Oberursel was so impressed with her ability in this area that he has offered Gabby employment in local government for her Gap Year after she completes her HSC at Albury High School. An offer  which Gabby intends to accept. A number of members commented after our meeting that Gabby’s address was the best we have ever heard from a returned Exchange Student … sorry Alice !!  Gabby exhibited attributes of a proud Australian Rotary Exchange Student ……PS. Gabby says she is now re-learning how to speak English!

Guest Speaker: Sylvia McAra provided us with interesting information relating to her clinical trial research into Glyceryl Trinitrate and the effects and responses, following treatment of selected diabetics and those with impaired circulation. As a Charles Sturt University (CSU) researcher  Sylvia is  investigating a reliable method of improving blood flow to cold feet, a symptom of poor blood supply, which will also help treat foot ulcers and pains. Glyceryl Trinitrate, has been used for 150 years to treat the heart disease angina, causing blood vessels to widen and allow more blood to reach the area where patches containing small doses of the medication are applied.  Early results are promising and suggest this is a useful treatment in many cases of impaired circulation. Sylvia indicated 100 participants are required to be her ‘guinea pigs’ … (“we need people who complain of cold feet” !) …  only 10 more are needed … she asked members to keep her project in mind when networking amongst friends. Following completion of her PhD Sylvia believes larger studies of a similar nature will follow. Each participant will have a review of medical history and provision of information to their doctor, and blood circulation is checked during each visit. Sylvia also mentioned the new state-of-the-art clinic at CSU … high quality, low-cost foot care.

Martin Williams from Australian Red Cross presented a interesting outline of the organisation detailing the many areas in which it is of service to the communities world wide. Built on a basis of volunteering and commenced 150 years ago, following the first world war. Martin also explained the universal symbols of Red Cross world-wide … Emblems of protection … The Red Cross, Red Crescent and Red Crystal are international emblems of protection and neutrality in situations of armed conflict.  The emblems identify people or facilities engaged in the provision of medical aid or humanitarian assistance, and in any language they mean ‘Don’t shoot!’ Those who wear or work under the emblems are to be protected at all times. Protected people include medical personnel and chaplains attached to military forces, and humanitarian workers including Red Cross or Red Crescent delegates. Medical sites, vehicles and equipment are also marked and protected. Deliberately misusing the emblems to gain a military advantage is perfidy, and is a war crime.

Commitment when others turn away Red Cross is there for people in need, regardless of nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions. We are impartial, neutral and independent. Each day innocent people live with conflict and the indignity of discrimination. Each day Australians need blood to help battle cancer. Countless lives lost could be saved through first aid. We are the keepers of the Geneva Conventions or the ‘laws of war’; we talk to military, governments and militants alike. We are guided by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to create, together, sustainable solutions with a new determination. We train people in first aid, motivate the next generation to make their community a better place and with the help of half a million Australian blood donors, we save lives. And we are committed to supporting our Red Cross partners in Asia Pacific, helping them build strength in their own communities. We are in it for the long haul. Red Cross is there for people in need, no matter who you are, no matter where you live.

Martin mentioned there are lots of ways you can become involved with Australian Red Cross. Membership When you become a Red Cross member, you’re joining one of the largest and oldest humanitarian organisations in the world.

Young humanitarians Take action and make a real difference in your life and the lives of others. Volunteer in Australia By volunteering with Red Cross you can help to improve the lives of the most vulnerable people.

Volunteer overseas You can now volunteer with Red Cross in Asia, the Pacific and Africa.  Fundraise for us By fundraising for Red Cross you’ll help people in need both here in Australia and around the world, and you’ll have fun while you’re doing it. Donate blood People who give blood are united by their generosity and the desire to give something back to the community.