Tracy will be giving an artist floor talk on Sunday 4th May at 3.00.

Online Boating Safety Course (BSC)
About The Online Boating Safety Course
Is it compulsory for any person wishing to obtain a general or personal watercraft (PWC) licence to complete a Boating Safety Course prior to undertaking the licence test.
One method of satisfying this requirement is via the on-line presentation. The applicant has 12 months to complete the course and sit the licence test.
To complete a Boating Safety Course you must ensure that your PC meets our System Requirements. First time users will be required to Register in order to purchase a course. A $10 fee applies for each course and the acceptable payment methods are VISA or MasterCard.
Alternatively, you may prefer to purchase a DVD or video presentation of the Boating Safety Course from the following link: MVDOnline.

As Australians, we are in a unique position to help stop the human rights violations taking place right now in Tibet.

Kevin Rudd is the world leader who not only can speak to the Chinese leaders in their own language, but also happens to be visiting Beijing the week after next to meet the Chinese President and the Premier. Add to that the impending Beijing Olympics, where the world's eyes will focus on China, and we have a once in a generation chance to resolve this crisis.

Human Rights Petition

A concerned offshore resident has forwarded this message to the editor:

As you read this, Tibetans are mourning an unknown number of their dead from these recent protests - the number is unknown because China is keeping out all international media and human rights monitors. But China can't afford too much damage to its international reputation, and will listen to Australia's concerns. Foreign pressure is mounting, but no-one is better placed to be the voice of reason than Australians.

Let's not miss this rare chance to make a real difference. Please sign the petition today:

http://www.getup.org.au/campaign/StandUpForTibet

A Wonderful Autumn Recipe

Baked autumn fruit compote

Ingredients
* 3 oranges
* 1 vanilla bean, halved lengthways
* 2 small royal gala or pink lady apples, cored, cut into 1cm wedges
* 1 large bunch (1kg) trimmed rhubarb stalks, cut into 5cm lengths
* 1 cup (220g) caster sugar
Method
1. Preheat oven to 180°C. Thinly peel rind from 1 orange then cut into fine shreds and place in a bowl. Juice peeled orange and add juice to bowl. Scrape seeds from vanilla bean into bowl and add bean. Add apples, rhubarb and sugar. Toss well. Peel skin and pith from remaining oranges then cut into rounds and set aside.
2. Transfer apple mixture to a non-reactive (glass, ceramic or stainless steel) ovenproof dish. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and baste with cooking juices then add orange slices and bake, uncovered, for a further 15 minutes or until fruit is tender. Serve warm or at room temperature. (Source: www.taste.com.au)

Kindy to the Point

Saturday 5th April 2008  9-3pm

SIOCS (Scotland Island Offshore Children’s Services) are presenting a stand at Church Point to promote our Kindy

Bring along your family, friends .…in fact anyone who is interested in finding out about our service.
Our staff will be running craft activities all day. Come along and make giant bubbles or a paper bird!

Staff, Committee members and parents will be on hand to answer your questions and talk about our Kindy…

For more information contact us on 9979 7856 or siocs@comcen.com.au

Remembering the Gyuto Monks on Scotland Island

Those of you who were on the Island in 2001 will remember the Gyuto Monks who blessed us all with their presence – an evening of wonderful harmonic chanting, creating a sand mandala in the Community Hall, Jampa Tashi’s teachings in the evenings, workshops in the park and cricket after school. It was a wonderful week!
“Today we bring you news of Jampa Tashi and Gen Pende who gave us so much and both of whom connected deeply with many Australians. This is the situation:

Jampa Tashi has a serious heart condition which requires immediate surgery. He has two huge blockages in his arteries which could cause a fatal heart attack. Sonam Rigzin has been with him in the hospital in Delhi and has seen the scans which verify the diagnosis. We have asked the monastery to find the necessary funds and have the operation done as soon as possible, on the basis that we will raise the funds needed here in Australia. If you can help us in any way to do this, please do.

Gen Phende is also not at all well. Yesterday he was hospitalized in Delek Hospital, Dharamsala and needed massive blood transfusions. A jeep full of monks from the monastery was rounded up in the middle of night to go Mcleod Ganj to give him blood. Unfortunately only three monks matched his blood group. We are awaiting further information at this stage.

The value of these old monks to the future of the monastery, to the Dalai Lama's Gelug lineage and to Tibetan Buddhism in general cannot be underestimated.

Please remember Jampa Tashi and Gen Phende in your hearts and minds and in your prayers. Send them love and, if you can, send them practical help. You can do this by sending donations to Gyuto House Australia Inc., 20 Taylors Lane, EWINGSDALE, NSW 2481.All funds received will be sent immediately to Gyuto Health Dept., Gyuto Tantric University in India.

Since this broadcast, the response was overwhelming and Jampa Tashi has now had the operation and is recovering.  The funds received not only covered Jampa Tashi’s medical expenses, but produced a surplus which has now been put towards the purchase of an Ambulance for Dharmsala, the spiritual centre for the Tibetan people in exile and the home of the Dalai Lama.  At present, there is only a jeep to transport seriously ill monks to Delhi and, on some occasions, these trips have not been able to save a life. For all of those who remember the Monks and wish to donate additional funds, please choose one of the options above. (Submitted by Cass Gye)

West Pittwater Community Association AGM

The AGM of the WPCA was held on Sunday March 30th. This well attended meeting elected a strong committee, headed by Michael Wiener as president and with new secretary Penny Gleen. Among the new committee members are Margie Morris and Tejinder Gill who changes role from Secretary to committee member.

Attendees heard of developments at Church Point, news of a fundraiser to gather funds for a solar panel at Pittwater High School and a great car sharing plan.

Annual General Meeting - SIRA
NOTICE

The Annual General Meeting of the Scotland Island Residents’ Association (SIRA) will be held:
ON: Sunday 6 April 2008
AT: 10:00am
IN: The Scotland Island Community Hall, Catherine Park, Scotland Island

All residents are invited to attend. VOTING is restricted to financial members of SIRA. Current members are eligible to vote. Membership for the financial year 2008-2009 ($20) may be paid prior to commencement of the meeting. New 2008-2009 financial members are also eligible to vote.

Order of Business:
9:30am Morning Tea and Registration
10:00am Commencement
Welcome
Previous Minutes
President’s Report
Treasurer’s Report
Election of Office Bearers