Dear Rotarians and friends of Rotary,

After disappearing for a week, the President's Message is back. Like a lazy student failing to present his homework on time, I could blame it on my laptop crashing, an unspecific but debilitating illness, or even an ambitious but unmeritorious claim that my (imaginary) dog ate the first draft. The truth is I just didn't get round to putting fingers to keyboard. Anyway, I haven't received any complaints, apart from a polite enquiry from webpage editor Raymond, so I assume it has ruined nobody's week.

This week I would like the Club to think about our guest speakers. Almost every week we have someone different to address us about something that they are invariably passionate about, whether it be a charitable cause, their life's work, their involvement in the community or a matter of public interest. All give their valuable time to share their experience, knowledge or views with us.

This year we have been privileged to hear from numerous speakers who have provided information about our local community, details of advances in medicine, different perspectives on technology or simply a fascinating insight into their own lives. In particular, you will recall some of our guest speakers of the last few weeks: Dr Joanneke Maitz and Dr Anthony Cutrupi from the Burns Unit of the ANZAC Research Institute at Concord Hospital; our own Rtn Matthew Elias; Michelle Davies at Chalmers Road School; Rowanne O'Mullane, CEO of Strathfield Private Hospital; our Mayor, Cllr Karen Pensabene and Strathfield Council General Manager, Michael Mamo; and our District Governor Tonia Barnes.

A couple of weeks ago we enjoyed a talk from Allison Yee-Brogan and Stuart Blundell who told us about another community organisation, Inner West Neighbour Aid, which is doing great work through its permanent staff and volunteers to support the elderly around their homes and gardens and in the local community, through numerous programmes. I think it is really helpful for our Club to have an appreciation of what other local organisations are up to and the services they provide - maybe we can work together in some way.

Then last week we had a rather different talk from Martin Thomas AM. This was probably as close as we get to dipping our toes in the pool of political controversy. Protecting the environment is now a key area of interest for Rotary and, in the past, we have had speakers addressing the challenges of climate change and the need to decarbonise. This begs the question of what we can and should be doing about it. Martin was clear in his view that nuclear power must be in the mix. Although Martin was too modest to permit us to say too much about his experience, his membership of the 2006 Switowski review commissioned by Prime Minister John Howard, undertaking detailed research and inspection of nuclear facilities worldwide, and other senior appointments, is indicative of someone who knows what he is talking about. I am sure we had members and guests in the room who may have different views on the viability, costs and safety of nuclear, but the sense I got from those attending was that it should at least be in the conversation in search of a clean and sustainable energy source. watch Nuclear talk slide presentation (mouse click to advance)

Such a comprehensive speaker schedule does not put itself together. It requires someone to spend a considerable amount of time identifying and approaching potential speakers and making arrangements for their visit to the Club as well as handling cancellations and rescheduling. I would like to thank Bradley Ayres for his fabulous efforts in putting our programme which is now pretty much full up until Christmas. We are now working on next years events and we would really like ideas and contacts from members.

I realise that attendance at Club meetings is not always easy for members with work, family and travel commitments. However, I really would like to encourage members to attend meetings if they possibly can. To be a thriving club, not only do we depend on regular fellowship between members, but we need good attendance at meetings to do justice to our dedicated speakers.

As you will see, we have a really great programme for the next few weeks. This week we have Sue Clark, the District Community Services Chair talking about Rotary's partnership with Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, a free book gifting program devoted to inspiring a love of reading in the hearts of children everywhere. We will then have a visit from Lisa Brown, the Principal of Meriden School, a wonderful local private school with which a number of us have strong connections. Keith Roffey will address us about The Rotary Foundation, a cause of which we long been generous supporters. Then, on 1st November we will have special guest: the actor Paula Duncan, star of numerous TV shows, who is promoting a wonderful cause the Australian Gynaecological Cancer Foundation - this will of course be a partners evening and we will be making it a special event. Please put these details in your diaries now!
 

Please could I ask you all to register for meetings every week as soon as possible after the Humanitix booking link (click) is open, sent to you by email and available on the webpage. This helps with planning for the catering for the meetings.

Finally, I would like to note the sad passing of our Honorary member Ross Brown AM, whose obituary and funeral details appear on our Club website (click). Although I did not know Ross personally, I know he was a close friend of many of our members. I would like to express my condolences on behalf of the Club to his wife Joan and their family.

 

Best wishes,

Nick Hamilton-Kane
President
30 September 2023