President Peter Smith's Column

Our “guest speaker” last week, was Rotarian Darrell Slater, who when wearing his other hat as Major D.A.J. Slater, gave a very detailed and interesting Job Talk on his career in the Salvation Army. Darrell also gave us an insight to his previous Rotary experiences including being President of other Rotary clubs. Even though the night concluded with yet another win to the Maroon’s we can forgive him for being a Queenslander – just this once.

RI’s Council on Legislation, Rotary’s “parliament,” recently met to deliberate and act upon all proposed enactments and resolutions submitted by clubs, district conferences, the General Council and the RI Board. Here are a few highlights from the 2010 Council:

E-clubs became a permanent part of Rotary International.
A fifth Avenue of Service was added: New Generations Service.
Transferring and former Rotarians must obtain a certificate from the board of the previous club confirming the prospective member’s prior membership in that club.
No club may limit membership in the club on the basis of sexual orientation.
The RI Board was requested — through a resolution — to consider proposing legislation to the next Council to create a new type of membership: satellite club membership.

As Treasurer Keith reminded us last week – Invoices will issued shortly for our annual fees. It would be appreciated if you could pay promptly as we have to remit our dues to Rotary International and Rotary Down Under in the next few days.

Last Sunday 11 July; PP Kevin and Suzanne, PE Trevor and Nanette and Marlene and I all travelled to Richmond for the District Changeover at the Richmond Club. It was a well attended and well organised afternoon – with the new GD Marilyn asking all clubs to be “bigger, better and bolder” in 2010/11. It was good to see that the proceeds from the raffle, on the day, of some $1,500, were donated to PolioPlus.

Wednesday 14th July is of course our Club Assembly – hopefully an occasion for some great new ideas and suggestions.

President Pete