Short Notes by Bob Antill
This last week has been full on. We attended Moruya changeover on Wednesday and Thursday evening Batemans Bay. Both were a celebration of the wonderful job done by Mike (Moruya) and Vere (Batemans Bay).
Vere and I have both been Presidents at the same time, twice, and this year I took over as Assistant Governor for Group one from Vere, a position I’ll now hold for another two years.
This Thursday night will be the changeover for Narooma and I get to hand the reigns over to Michael O’Connor. I wish Michael all the best and I know it will be a very positive year ahead. My thanks to all members of our fantastic Club for the hard work and support during this year, you are all a gift to the world.
Today we held our June Markets which not only exceeded expectations but the great turn out made it a fairly easy time full of fellowship with the extra bodies making the jobs easier, well done all and thank you.
Our Renewable Expo is starting to gather pace. Frank and his team are getting together a great line up of top quality speakers. Look forward to more exciting announcements.
Thank you also to my beautiful and understanding wife, Merinda. Without her support and help, this year would not have been possible.
“So long and thanks for all the fish”
Cheers
Bob
Butch Young’s Toolbox for Life’
The intensity and passion of last week’s guest speaker Butch Young touched many members.
Butch spoke about the realities and pain of living with schizophrenia for over 20 years, and of the stigma that often surrounds mental illness.
He also shared with us his joys and determination to live a normal and happy life.
Butch is employed by NSW Health at the Chisholm Ross Mental Health Centre in Goulburn as a consumer advocate supporting others with mental illness, helping them live positive and fulfilling lives.
‘I’m always amazed too at how healing it can be to tell my story,’ he said.
He spoke of the need to learn resilience, to learn how to throw the negatives away and make changes in your life, to retrain your brain, to think positively and accept responsibility.
Early intervention and communication he said were key.
‘Everyone needs love to get well, he said. ‘We all need something to go home to.’
Butch showed us his ‘Toolbox for Life’, a treasure trove of small reminders of positive things in his life that help him deal with various situations. Everyone probably should have one.
He also told us some sobering statistics.
· One in 100 people in Australia suffer from schizophrenia
· Australia has one of the highest suicide rates in the world, especially amongst men, and especially amongst men over 80.
· Different regions have higher rates.
Mike Young said when thanking him, Butch had given one of the most inspiring and moving talks he had heard.
