Introduction

One of the most inspiring programs that Rotary has embarked on in Australia is “Interplast Australia & New Zealand”.

Barb Wall – an ageing ex-squash Professional and member of the Rotary Club of Upper Blue Mountains Sunrise - approached her club and asked for their support in her effort to come out of retirement and return to the court after 20 years to compete in the World Masters Games being held in Sydney – in October 2009. Their support would be by way of working with her to raise $45,000 – the amount needed to send a medical team overseas for an Interplast program in one of the developing countries who are serviced by the program.

The “Gift of a Smile” was born. We hope that by raising money for Interplast, many children and adults who are severely disabled will be able to smile again!

The little fellow featured on our website was operated on by a team from Interplast in Fiji in 2005. He and his family visited the Interplast team in Fiji in 2009, and said thank you. The photos are graphic evidence of the impact an operation can make to a child’s life. It can change a life forever!

By approaching our vast network of contacts through the amazing medium of the internet, we hope to achieve our target. This will be a very personal challenge for all of us and we urge you to join us in our endeavours. This is one time when your donation will have real meaning. It is relatively a small sum of money to change one person’s life through Interplast - forever. We will appreciate the smallest of donations – every dollar will add up to the “Gift of a Smile”.

What Interplast Do

Interplast Australia & New Zealand sends teams of volunteer surgeons, anaesthetists, nurses and allied therapists to developing countries in the Asia Pacific Region to provide free treatment and medical training.

Treatment

Interplast volunteers provide free treatment to people living with a disability from a congenital condition such as cleft lip and cleft palate or aquired conditions such as burns scar contractures.  Treatment is targeted to indigent populations who would otherwise not be able to afford to access services.

People living with a disability are among the most disadvantaged in the world.  Many suffer from treatable deformities and injuries but are unable to access treatment due to poverty, isolation and the lack of surgeons skilled in plastic and reconstructive surgery.  70% of the patients of Interplast are under 15 years of age.  Often these children are ostracised from their society simply because they look different, or cannot perform simple tasks for themselves.   They often do not go to school because they are teased by their peers.  They potentially live a life without friends, or an education and often are a continual burden on their family.  A simple operation will repair their condition, and give them the confidence to attend school, restore functionality, and grow up to contribute economically to their family and ultimately the community in which they live.
www.interplast.com.au

Barb and the ‘Life. Be in it.’ Squashies come out of retirement

After 20 years in retirement, Barb was inspired to return to the court by her friend, Sue Wiles who had been training for the World Masters Games in Sydney, but in her case – in the swimming pool.  Finally her competitive nature got the better of her and she decided to take up the challenge. A few weeks ago Barb was reflecting on how wonderful she was feeling in both mind and spirit and what an amazing feeling it was to be back on the court playing the game that had been a huge part of her life for 35 years.  More importantly how blessed she felt to be healthy enough to embark on such a challenge at the age of 61.

In March this year, Barb had the great thrill of being inducted into the Australian Squash Hall of Fame with fellow competitor from the late 1970’s Sue King. Sue had won the British Open in 1978, followed by Barb in 1979. Needing a bit of help to get moving on the court again, Barb approached Sue who lined up immediately to give her old competitor a hand! The old team is back in business!!

Also coming out of retirement to help boost the profile of the “Gift of a Smile” campaign are “The Squashies” - 8 wonderful little cartoon squash players who were created by Alex Stitt and developed with Barb’s help over 20 years ago. Barry Backhand, Debbie Dropshot, Frankie Forehand and Vicky Volley and friends are set to make a comeback and be a driving force behind the campaign. ‘Life. Be in it.’ Australia have given their full blessing to “The Squashies” efforts and we thank them wholeheartedly for their support.

Playing Heather McKay in the final of the British Open in 1977.

5 x World Champion, Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist 2002, 2 x British Open Champion, Female Athlete of the Year 2001, 2002.

Winner 1978 British Open Squash Championship.