At the 1st February 2024 meeting International Chef Lisa Mead spoke about her experiences as a highly regarded Chef in various countries and on many private yachts. She also whipped up a delicious treat using filo pastry with Chantilly cream, golden syrup and strawberries plus blueberries for members to enjoy. Since returning to Australia from overseas, she is now based in Australia and works with three super yachts located in Queensland and Sydney, where she has created an “indulgence yacht experience” during which guests join her for an onboard cooking workshop. A most interesting guest speaker who entertained members and guests with her address and cooking demonstration.

GUEST SPEAKER FOR MARCH 2024 -STATE DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF THE QLD RSL:  WENDY TAYLOR

Wendy trained as a registered nurse before joining the Royal Australian Army Corps as a Nursing Officer. She served nine years in the regular Army reserve and then sixteen years in the regular Army. She has been a part of the regular army in most of the areas that Australia has been involved in, in recent years including Somalia, the Gulf War, East Timor just to name a few. Her story is an incredible one of unselfish service to Australia. She has recently been re-appointed as State Deputy President of RSL Queensland. A remarkable woman with a remarkable story.  

GUEST SPEAKER FOR MAY 2024 – SENIOR MEDIA ADVISOR, RSPCA QUEENSLAND:  MICHAEL  BEATTY 

Michael Beatty has had a decorated career as a former reporter and host for a number of BBC radio programs where he interviewed the likes of artists such as Mick Jagger, Paul McCartney, Fred Astaire and Cary Grant just to name a few. He is a colourful character and a great story teller. Currently Michael spends his time as the Senior Media Advisor for RSPCA Queensland. His address to Club members was both humorous and lively as he relived some of the colourful moments that he experienced in distant countries. He was warmly applauded at the conclusion of his talk.   

GUEST SPEAKER FOR JUNE 2024: BETTY VANN. 

Betty spoke about “Men Behaving Badly”.  Judging by the comments post meeting her address was right on the money and hit the target. Betty is a busy person these days and we are most grateful for the informative subject matter that Betty included in her talk. She was warmly applauded by members and guests at the conclusion of her talk.

GUEST SPEAKER FOR JULY 2024: TIM MANDER.

Tim Mander has a great story to tell in respect of his career as a Rugby League Referee. Members were treated to a history tour of Tim’s time as a first grade referee both in Australia and on an International basis. Tim has an excellent sense of humour and his recollection of his on field encounters with players, including the likes of Wally Lewis, was quite funny. Tim’s talk was “off the cuff” and very entertaining. He was warmly applauded by members and guests at the conclusion of his very entertaining talk.

GUEST SPEAKER FOR AUGUST 2024: Dr. CHRISTOPHER REYNOLDS. 

His talk was a very inspirational one in terms of his desire to encourage young and old to have pride in Australia. He had amongst his list of worldly experiences the honour of working in the White House whilst Ronald Regan was President. He has also written two books on public health law. He has a new book out now titled “What a Capital Idea – An exciting look at Australian History.” He is an excellent public speaker and his talk was very much appreciated by the members present and acknowledged by acclamation at the conclusion of his informative talk. 

GUEST SPEAKER FOR SEPTEMBER 2024: JODIE ANDERSON-BELL. MANAGING DIRECTOR, GKS LAW. 

Jodie’s talk centered on Succession Law, Estate Administration, Advanced Health Directives, Enduring Power of Attorney, Probate and Last Will and Testaments.  She also spoke about changing circumstances in terms of marriage separations and blended families. These are important issues that folks in the latter age bracket should be aware of in order to avoid costly issues that may require legal advice and intervention in order to satisfy affected parties. Jodie’s talk was very professional and well received by those in attendance.

GUEST SPEAKER FOR OCTOBER 2024: VICTORIA GILL.   

Victoria is the Managing Director of Green Apple Wellness Centre which she has owned and operated since 1980. The Centre is located at Bald Hills and has provided holistic health solutions since 1978. Victoria is an incredibly passionate person and was fortunate to have grown up in a family that had a medical background. She regularly receives a number of referrals from Doctors because of her excellent reputation for achieving results with folk who don’t normally exercise on a regular basis. Her talk was an inspirational one and very professional. Her suggestions and advice was much appreciated by the members in attendance and acknowledged by acclamation at the conclusion of her talk.  

GUEST SPEAKER FOR NOVEMBER 2024: EVERALD COMPTON.   

Everald Compton AO was our guest speaker for November. Everald delighted members with a captivating series of short stories and anecdotes from his time in the United Kingdom, as well as his intriguing encounters with royalty both in Australia and the UK.  Everald may be 93 years young but he certainly knows how to tell a story and entertain.  Everald’s stories were much appreciated by those in attendance and he was thanked by acclamation at the conclusion of his entertaining talk.