Presidents Notes

President Usha's Notes

24 February 2021

Dear fellows,

"This is a changing world; we must be prepared to change with it. The story of Rotary will have to be written again and again."

Paul Harris, My Road to Rotary

Room 711

On this 116th Anniversary of RI, we are reminded of these words of RI Founder Paul Harris. What would he say to our change to the virtual meetings and service model throughout the last year? A new story began where many clubs survived and thrived on this platform including us. On this occasion, General Secretary RI, John Hewko has released a video welcoming Rotarians to take a virtual tour of One Rotary Centre (click), located in Evanston, Illinois, USA. On display here is Room 711, a re-creation of the site of the first Rotary club meeting where Paul Harris and three of his colleagues met for first time in downtown Chicago Office on 23rd February 1905.

Vice President-elect

Valarie Wafer, a current RI Director from the Rotary Club of Collingwood, South Georgian Bay, Canada, has been appointed as Rotary International Vice President for 2021-2022. Valarie comes with a 27-year career as a Tim Hortons restaurant owner, one of Canada's iconic restaurant brands, where her restaurant operations were widely recognized for their employment of people with disabilities.

District News

D9675 AGM is scheduled for Friday 26th February with a packed agenda including a motion to adopt an updated Constitution subject to the approval of RI.
The 2021-22 District Team Co-ordination workshop was held this Saturday 20th Feb with the theme "how to work most effectively for our Clubs in the year ahead". A well planned and informative day where District team leaders presented succinct summaries on how they intend to co-ordinate this responsibility based on the workshop theme. (photo courtesy Rtn. Renga Rajan)

Time to spread the Rotary Wheel! One highlight of the workshop was a discussion on the need for increased visibility of the Rotary Brand as a priority. In the past, Rotarians have been well known to perform altruistic deeds and not seek public recognition. Well, it may be time to rewrite the story. Preliminary research presented by a UTS student showed a possible link between lack of widespread Rotary branding and information about Rotary with low interest in membership.

Another reminder to book for the D9675 Conference to be held March 19th, 20th and 21st at Sydney Masonic Conference and Function Centre, 66 Goulburn St Sydney. All booking details are on the District website. There is a fabulous line up of speakers including Elisabeth Murphy - The Critical Importance of the First 2000 Days of a child's life and Nischal Panday - the Rotarian Heart Surgeon, Medical Director at the Multi Speciality Clinic in India.
PDG Di North has requested participation from clubs in a centenary fund raising event sponsored by Blacktown city club. More details further below.

On the Home Front

International Women's Day celebrations for Wednesday 10th March are in full swing. Our Committee Chair Rtn. Ying Ho has some great surprises up her sleeve for the evening which she says will be revealed closer to the date. Keynote speaker for that evening will be Ms Lisa Moloney, Principal of MLC School, Burwood. The flyer is now available and registrations are open which can be made using the Humanitix link on the flyer.
Graffiti Removal action comes up on 28th March. As it happens every year, PP Peter Smith will be co-ordinating the event. Director Jan Barrett is planning for Anzac Day Service on Sunday, 25th April accompanied by a delightful breakfast, a rare morning meeting for us.
Our Grand 50th Anniversary Dinner and Celebration originally planned to be held on 13th March has been postponed and may be held on 22nd May or 29th May this year. Strathfield Council has granted permission to hang our 50th Anniversary outdoor banners at strategic locations in Strathfield. Rtn Roy Ellis has offered to be the first sponsor for the banner and the club seeks two more sponsors.
The current pattern of weekly meetings (alternate - Zoom / in-person) will continue for the time being as most members are comfortable with this pattern.
The Strategic Planning Committee held another meeting last week under the watchful eyes of AG Rick Vosila. With constructive criticism and input from committee members, the first stage has passed the litmus test. An early draft report will be circulated in the coming weeks and discussed at the face to face club meeting on 7th April.
Last week we had the privilege of hearing from Alan Kirkland, the CEO of CHOICE magazine.
This week we hear from George SIOPIS, Founder & CEO, Nutigenius on the "The importance of physical activity and overall fitness to reduce the risk of adverse Covid-19 outcomes".

Look forward to our meeting.

Usha Garg
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