We were entertained by a good close debate last Wednesday. Considering it was the first round the standard of debating was very high. St Paul’s College were successful and in the next round will be the away team against Galen College, Wangaratta taking the negative position for the subject …“That Australia is under-populated” The other school we sponsor, Xavier High School, have a bye this round, however, as this could be a disadvantage in the second round we have organised a “friendly” debate against another school having a bye, Wodonga Senior Secondary College. This will be held at Belvoir Wodonga RC meeting at Café Grove on Wednesday 27th June, 6pm for 6.30pm. Xavier will take the negative in the first round topic “That good communications are killing good communication”. Please let me know if you would like to come along to support Xavier and meet members of another Rotary Club. Roger Beardwell
… Vale – Dr John McDonald
Dr John McDonald has had a long involvement in management of patients with cancer, beginning with training in pathology at Guy’s Hospital, London, where he gained Membership of the Royal College of Physicians. On returning to 
Australia, he was elected to the Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of Physicians. He worked as a Clinical Haematologist at the Royal Childrens’ Hospital, Melbourne, and as assistant Physician to Outpatients at St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, as well as in his private practice. John returned to Albury as a specialist physician. John McDonald joined the Rotary Club Albury Hume on the 17thSeptember 2008. He was elected to the Board in 2009/10, was president elect in 2010/11 and President in 2011/12. As a Rotarian he set a wonderful example giving of his heart, mind and capacity in everything he did. John had a vision of life one can only describe as panoramic. He was creative, talented, as was evident by the writing of his book” The Mind and the Matter” as was his humility, a quality most endearing. Embraced in his dedication to his book he wrote “This book is dedicated to the patients, who have taught me everything.” One of his strongest characteristics was his happiness, his laugh that came from deep within and the light of sheer joy in his eyes. These are the things those who knew him well will recall when they think of him. Throughout his medical career and his love for humanity he made a positive difference to the lives of many who came in contact with him. His extraordinary courage in facing his approaching death was remarkable. Some men go through life never seen, never heard and never lay a brick, but John McDonald had been seen, has been heard and has made a significant contribution.
From Margaret Margaret is so thankful to all at our club for our sincere condolences. The flowers she said were magnificent – John’s and her favourite colours. She will acknowledge John’s love of Rotary at a future time
Club Meeting 06 June 2012
We were addressed by Major Graham Docksey, OAM (Retd). Graham has served in all ranks as a soldier over a 46 year career in the Army. He enlisted in 1964 as a soldier. In 1965 he was posted to the 3rd Battalion of the Royal 
Australian Regiment where he trained as an Assault Pioneer specialising in demolition, mines and booby traps. In December 1991 Graham was commissioned as a Captain and posted as Training Officer, Staff Officer, Army Community Service Officer and as a Project Officer. In 1995 he was appointed as the Chairman of the Royal Australian Army Ordnance Corps Museum. In December 1997 Graham was promoted to Major and posted as the Second-in-Command of Distribution Division at the Army Logistic Training Centre at Bandiana and also maintained his role as the Chairman of the museum at this time. In May 2002 he transferred to the Army Reserve and was posted as the first Manager of the Army Museum Bandiana one of the largest and most diversified Army Museum’s in Australia. The museum is part of the Australian Army History Unit. Since 1998 Graham has visited Gallipoli thirteen times and escorted his first group to Gallipoli in 1999. In 2002 Graham spent time at Gallipoli conducting further research visiting all 31 cemeteries and memorials across the three battlefields. In 2005 he visited the Sandakan prisoner of war site and followed the path of the death marches of 1945 as well as visiting the Commonwealth War Cemetery on Labuan Island. In 2010 Graham visited the North Africa Battlefields and cemeteries. At present Graham is researching the members of the 2/23rd Battalion (Albury’s Own). He has photographed the 141 graves in North Africa and has visited New Guinea and Labuan Island. Graham’s address focused on these experiences. Graham has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia and a Chief of Army Commendation and recently was presented his Second Federation Star for 45 years by the Chief of Army in Canberra.
Club Meeting 31 May 2012
Acting President’s Report– Last week we heard from Graeme Maddox about his RFE trip to Taiwan. Graeme and his wife Chris have been on several RFEs, so ask him how it works if you want more details. Rotary Friendship Exchange is a 
Rotary International program open to all Rotarians, that several of our members have been involved with over the years. Graeme gave us an insight into the culture, hospitality and wealth the team experienced with their various hosts … Rotary involvement by members differing to that of Australian Rotary … Taiwanese have a strong work ethic … and a love of golf ! If you have time and want to try it, all you have to do is ask. We have a busy weekend coming up, as we have a barbeque at Harvey Norman and the Winery Walkabout work at Stanton and Killeen Wines. Thank you in advance to all who will be working on these projects. I trust that the Captains of each work group have checked on availability and preparedness of the members who will be working on their shifts.
Club Welfare
Comings and Goings. We welcome back Julie Frauenfelder from Noosa. Terry Simmonds should also be heading back after a week on the sunny Sunshine Coast. Regular visitors and ex member and now retired Peter Isbister and wife Helen are planning some great trips.
General Information. President John keeping up his brave fight to overcome his illness and we all wish him well.
Member Achievement. So many members giving their time and effort outside of Rotary to other needy community causes. I wish you would let me know about these to share with other club members. Congratulations to Justin and Tabitha on their new arrival Seamus Joseph born on 17 May now our youngest member. Mum and baby both well.
Tony Brandt Resigns. Tony Brandt resigned from the club last week citing the pressure of additional work in his role of President of Wodonga TAFE Board. With the Victorian Government funding being reduced by one third his involvement will be increased with the restructure of the facility. Tony was inducted into the Rotary Club of Albury Hume on the 16th April 1978 under the classification Law – Private Practice. During that time he has been president (1984-85), secretary on a number of occasions and served on the board in most portfolios. He has also been made a Paul Harris Fellow. During his 34 years with the club he has had 20 year of 100% attendance.