Dear Rotarians and friends of Rotary,

I can't believe we are already in February. Australia Day, with its barbecues, beaches and burnt backs and bums has come and gone, taking its annual political controversy with it. The Australian summer continues with alternate periods of heatwave and rain, making BOM predictions as reliable as picking the winner on the 2:15 at Randwick. I'm still not sure if we're in la nina or el nino at the moment: let's just call it changeable weather and be glad New South Wales hasn't had too many bushfires.

We are well into the Strathfield Rotary programme for 2024. This kicked off with a visit to NSW Parliament House which, as you may have seen on the news, has recently been extensively renovated, with a complete external paint job - less gloomy maroon, more heritage beige. Those who were able to join were treated to fascinating tours of the upper and lower chambers, lunch in the Strangers Dining Room (funnily enough I didn't know anyone there) and a chance for certain members to indulge their fantasies by occupying the speaker's chair or pretending to sit on the government front bench. Thanks to our local MP and Rotarian Jason Yat-sen Li who took the time to drop in and speak to us over lunch.

We have also held our first Club Assembly which gave us the opportunity to take stock of where the Club stands half way through the Rotary year. I presented a mid-term assessment of what I personally thought was going well (active and interesting programme of events; building community relations with local schools, the Council and political representatives; generosity of members in supporting local causes) and what needed more work (building existing member engagement and new membership; identifying and executing meaningful community projects involving our membership). Service directors also gave their reports on their projects and activities. Unfortunately, we didn't have as much time as I would have liked on general discussion from the floor although we had a robust exchange on longer term investment of Club service funds.

This week we had our first speaker meeting of the year: Simon Cowie, General Manager NSW - The Heart Foundation. Simon has an impressive pedigree, not in international talent show judging as my mispronunciation of his name embarrassingly seemed to suggest, but as a paramedic and as a representative of various not for profit organisations in many locations around the world. These have included some difficult and dangerous environments in developing countries and trouble-spots. Simon's personal heart-related health issues early in his life give him his own unique perspective for his current role. The valuable lesson we were able to take away was that we need to take care of our hearts - eat less salt and sugar and take more exercise, especially walking - to live longer and more healthily. He also highlighted the crucial importance of immediate emergency treatment of heart attacks and the invaluable role of defibrillators in saving lives.  

 

The speaker meeting was, I believe, enjoyed by everyone but, as you may have seen from the recent exchanges on the Strathfield Rotary WhatsApp Group, attendance was, to say the least, disappointing. As I mentioned earlier, we have made particular efforts this year to have an interesting and engaging programme of speakers and events, thanks particularly to the efforts of Programmes Chair Bradley Ayres. I do appreciate that regular attendance is difficult for some members, that we all travel from time to time and that members are faced with personal circumstances that take priority. However, an active speaker and events programme is only sustainable if we have a decent and regular attendance by members, preferably with a few guests. Also, our Club fellowship depends upon our members developing and maintaining social bonds through regular contact with other members. I would therefore encourage everyone to mark Wednesdays in their diaries, to come along and enjoy good company and interesting speakers. I would encourage you to visit the Club's website (expertly maintained by Raymond McCluskie who also provides regular emails with useful links) to find out what is going on. Look out for the notices of meetings sent out weekly by Peter van der Sleesen with the booking links you need.

As I mentioned (but we didnt really get to discuss) at the Club Assembly, in view of the challenges, I think we should at least have a discussion about moving to fewer (say two) meetings a month, as is the case with many other Rotary Clubs. I started the year strongly supporting the status quo, however, seeing the effort required to arrange speakers, and the challenges of attendance, I am no longer so sure even though there is some risk of losing cohesion. This is not a decision for my year but I believe it is a nettle that will need to be grasped sooner rather than later.

Maybe we should also have another go at a 'hybrid' meeting. We tried one last year with rather mixed success: I am not sure we got many more members attending although a few of us were able to join from our holidays and PDG Jeremy Wright apparently joined from a field of cows. There were also a number of technical sound issues but hopefully this can be improved. I don't think it is the answer to all our attendance problems but I am willing to persevere to see if it can help make the Club more accessible to those who can't attend in person.

So, in the interests of spruiking our wonderful events, what have we got coming up in the next for months?

Next Wednesday, 14 February, we have Laura Jamieson talking to us about the History of the Strathfield Symphony Orchestra. Yes, I know it's Valentine's Day but rather than trying and failing to get overpriced bookings at crowded restaurants for 'Lovers' themed menus, bring your partners along to hear about a wonderful local institution.

The following week, on 21 February, we have rescheduled the previously postponed Croquet Social Evening. Those who have attended before will know that as long as the rain stays away, it's a fun evening hosted by the ever hospitable Croquet Club. Bring partners, friends, families and potential new members. Not to be missed.

On 28 February we have more from the performing arts. Peter Phillips, Musicologist will be talking about Reproducing Piano Rolls. This somewhat enigmatic sounding topic promises to be unique and fascinating.

Preparations are well under way for our International Women's Day Event planned for Wednesday 6 March. This will be a special event to recognise women and celebrate their inspirational contribution, with some great entertainment. You will recall that we have had similar events in the past which have been highly successful and enjoyable. Please note this will be a partners' event and I would encourage everyone to join us for a fun evening. Further details will shortly be made available and, in the meantime please save the date!

That's all for now. I wish you all the best for the weeks ahead.

Nick Hamilton-Kane
President
8 February, 2024