Graham Beckett introduced Kevin who is a Professor of Paediatrics and Child Health at Flinders University. He is a leading medical educator and is Presiding Chair of the South Australian Department of Health Medical Education and Training Council. He holds and has held a number of eminent positions in State and national organisations relating to improvement of child health. He is also President of IPALA, International Pediatric Academic Leaders Association.  

 

Kevin reflected on his experience some 45 years ago when visiting a refugee camp in Thailand. There were about 60,000 people there who had escaped across the Mekong while under fire from the Viet Cong. They had no food, little water and many of the kids had malaria. There was no health support and little hope. Developing countries historically have high levels of infant mortality - 4% and above in the worst cases. He resolved to rescue some of these children.

 

Some years later he was a consultant on child health in Hanoi and when visiting a hospital intensive care unit there became upset to learn that Australia had refused to assist with paediatric skill enhancement of Vietnamese health deliverers. When visiting Ethiopia with the WHO he determined that there must be a high priority given to training of health care workers....the key to kids health is a competent and motivated health workforce. It is a global problem and the answer lies in Planning, Governance and Education. Upskilling of locals must be in their own settings.

IPALA, with an international board from Australia, UK, South Africa, Turkey and Indonesia, was established to deliver child health training. It aims to empower locals by running courses in their areas in a fashion that is pragmatic and contextually suitable, and to bring in resources where necessary. As yet, there is no external funding/sponsorship to boost the campaign. The 2 biggest child killers are infection and malnutrition, both of which can be effectively managed with a skilled workforce.  

 

Kevin was applauded for his address.

Greg McLeod reported on the club's involvement in Mosaic last weekend and in the Peace Pole ceremony at Mitcham Primary School today. Mosaic was 6 hours of enjoyable and noisy multicultural entertainment (with great costumes) at the Dom Polski centre. We had a table, engaged with the vibrant crowd, and handed out lamingtons (hopefully the real deal - made from stale cake??).

Today we had the Peace Pole ceremony which went very well until the wind gusted and the rain arrived.....about the time our Prez addressed the many school kids....... Other than the brief speeches from RC Mitcham's Lee Camporeale and Rhonda, the highlight was the contribution made by 8 students on the importance of peace in the world.....a heartwarming event. see Rogues Gallery below.

 

John Peacham reported that he now had a full crew of 19 for the Variety Club BBQ at the zoo on Wednesday September 24. Variety requires that the sausages and onions for the expected 1300 disabled guests and carers be cooked by 10.30am. JP grabbed a few volunteers to ready the trailer at Rob's place tomorrow. The consumables will be picked up and delivered to the zoo on Monday night of the 22nd, and Campbelltown will borrow the trailer ready for their stint on the Tuesday. There is a need to check out the condition of the marque as this is needed for the City-Bay Fun Run.

 

Patsy Beckett reported that Bill Baxter is on the mend.....his collapse appears to be virus related....and Ken is fine.

 

President Rhonda announced:

Chris Davis advised that the nominations for the Teachers Awards closed on Friday and the ceremony will be here on 21 October.

The POOTY ceremony on Friday 5 September at the Showgrounds was very successful. Next Tuesday, SA Police Officer of the Year 2025 will be addressing us. Guests include his wife, supervising police personnel and nominators. Partners are welcome to attend.