Wednesday 19 January 2010
The President's Column
For the last week all we have seen on the news is the devastation caused by the Queensland floods. There is a very real likelihood that we will soon see a similar situation in Victoria and NSW. Out of devastation has come stories of courage – and the massive turnout last weekend of volunteers to help with the clean up has been overwhelming.
ShelterBox has been there to assist with immediate relief – and I am sure as the clean up begins the damage and the community requirements will be become clearer about how we, as Rotarians, can best support our fellow Australians recover from these floods.
The Rotary International Board recently announced that John Hewko, formerly an international partner with the law firm Baker & McKenzie, will be Rotary’s new General Secretary from July 1, 2011.
John Hewko, an international partner from 1992 to 2004 at Baker & McKenzie. At B&M, he specialized in international mergers and acquisitions, privatisations and other international corporate matters. John participated in the development of the firm’s Moscow office and was the managing partner of its offices in Kyiv and Prague.
Last week, Wednesday 12th, we enjoyed our first social get together for the year when we joined the Strathfield Croquet Club in a “game” of croquet followed by a (flaming Roger) BBQ. While the Rotary Club was well represented, with 25 attendees including partners and guests, it was disappointing that only 13 Rotarians were in attendance. It is a pity that some 45 Rotarians and their partners missed a good evening of fun and fellowship. Maybe next year?
Our guest speaker this week is Richard Batterley - who is both a world renowned photographer and collector. As well as taking photographs, using modern equipment, he is also a collector of vintage cameras. His collection goes back to 1903 and has at least one camera in every five year period over the last century.
Quiz – what type of camera is this?
Some of his cameras are said to be “weird and wonderful” and some are the every day camera from their era. Some 40 camera will be on display on the night.
Also this week we welcome the Strathfield sponsored attendees from the recent RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Award) seminar at Blue Gum Lodge at Springwood. The RYLAians, Catherine Giammarco, Melissa Cameron, Joel Walker and Malia Puna will make a short presentation covering their activities and experiences at the week long seminar/camp.
Remember – next Wednesday is Australia Day so there will be no dinner meeting. Our next dinner meeting will be the Club Assembly on 2/2/11.
Shirley Del Prado’s family has given Rotary Shirley’s near new wheelchair – to either lend or donate to someone in need. Please let me know if you have any ideas or a likely recipient.
President Pete
