“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
SEPTEMBER IN REVIEW
A Month of Service & Connection
September brought together the many sides of Strathfield Rotary: public recognition of outstanding service, conversations with local families, engaging guest speakers, practical fundraising and the friendship that keeps our club strong.
Thank you to our members, partners, volunteers, speakers and supporters for every contribution throughout September.
THE MONTH AT A GLANCE
03 SEP
21st Police Officer of the Year Awards
05 SEP
Strathfield Spring Fair
09 SEP
Dr Laith Barnouti FRACS
16 SEP
PDG Jeremy Wright AM
23 SEP
Guest Speaker: Dr Tracey Clement
27 SEP
Bunnings Greenacre BBQ
30 SEP
Who Wants to Be a Millionaire
3 SEPT | 21ST ANNUAL POLICE OFFICER OF THE YEAR AWARDS
Honouring Those Who Serve
A celebration of police and community service at Strathfield Golf Club.
Our signature awards evening brought together NSW Police, Rotary members, community leaders, sponsors, families and friends to recognise service within the Auburn and Burwood Police Area Commands. Recognition covered sworn police officers, unsworn employees and the Rotary Community Award, culminating in the overall Police Officer of the Year Award. Congratulations to every nominee and recipient. Funds raised from raffle sales support NSW Police Legacy and PCYC Auburn's basketball court upgrade. Thank you to the organising POOTY committee and Committee Chair Anjali Jain for their hard work, dedication and 'Yes, we can do it' attitude, which delivered a great outcome.
We received very positive feedback from District Governor Shane Burette of District 9675, Superintendent Anthony Toynton of Auburn PAC, Superintendent Christine McDonald of Burwood PAC, and other guests. It was especially heartening to see sponsors come forward with generous support, even during a challenging economic climate.
5 SEPT | COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & FUNDRAISING
Strathfield Spring Fair
The Rotary stall at the Strathfield Spring Fair.
The Strathfield Spring Fair gave our club an opportunity to meet local residents and introduce Rotary's community work. Our distinctive Rotary marquee helped make the club visible and welcoming. The day also opened conversations with people interested in volunteering and membership. Follow-up with prospective members was part of September's recruitment work, building towards the November Members Open Day.
GUEST SPEAKERS
Ideas That Inspire Our Club
9 SEPT
An Evening with Dr Laith Barnouti
Our 9 September meeting welcomed Dr Laith Barnouti FRACS, a specialist plastic and reconstructive surgeon, for an engaging guest presentation at Strathfield Golf Club.
Dr Barnouti brought more than 25 years of clinical experience to the evening.
The club's meeting invitation also introduced his role as a Senior Lecturer at the University of New South Wales and his book, Your Guide to Modern Plastic Surgery.
16 SEPT
PDG Jeremy Wright AM
PDG Jeremy Wright Highlighted two key pillars of Rotary International:
1. Supporting The Rotary Foundation
Financial Efficiency: 91% of donations directly support service projects.
Trusted Charity: Consistently earns 4-star Charity Navigator ratings for transparency, governance and financial accountability.
Global Impact: Funds projects across seven areas: peace, disease prevention, clean water, maternal and child health, education, economic development and the environment.
Local Benefits: A portion of donations returns to Rotary districts after three years to fund local community projects.
2. Membership Development – The Future of Rotary
Greater Impact: More members mean stronger clubs and greater capacity to deliver community and international projects.
Fresh Ideas: New and diverse members bring energy, innovation and valuable skills.
Club Sustainability: Membership growth ensures continuity and long-term success.
Leadership Opportunities: Encourages personal growth, mentoring and leadership development.
Broader Reach: Flexible membership models attract younger professionals, businesses and diverse communities.
Dr Tracey Clement at the September meeting; club fellowship pictured alongside.
23 SEPT
Dr Tracey Clement
Dr Tracey Clement joined us from McGlade Gallery for our 23 September guest-speaker meeting. The evening continued our varied program of local speakers and offered members and guests a connection with the arts community.
27 SEPT
Bunnings Greenacre BBQ
A successful club fundraiser brought members together for a day of practical service.
Thank you to everyone who cooked, served and helped. The afternoon shift was short of volunteers - additional support for future BBQs will help share the workload.
30 SEPT | FELLOWSHIP
Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?
PP Nick Hamilton-Kane hosting the club's game-show evening.
September ended with a wonderful social evening full of fun and laughter. Thank you to PP Nick Hamilton-Kane for organising and hosting a brilliant game show, and to Helen for keeping score. Helen also earned a valuable point by recognising a very young Nick among the photographs of celebrities!
Our Winning Team
1 Top Gun | 2 Super AI | 3 Tawny Frogmouth
CLUB ACTIVITY & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Building Lasting Connections
Membership and Volunteering
September's community outreach continued through social media, follow-up with prospective members, and preparations for our Members Open Day on 13 November, featuring a country evening theme. Planning included brochures, forms, a welcome kit and invitations to people interested in joining Rotary or volunteering. A live country band will bring the evening to life with country favourites, complemented by line dancing, country trivia and plenty of fun and fellowship.
Upcoming Events & Meetings
WED 14 OCT: Visit to Grace's Place
WED 21 OCT: Martin Collins - Wills and Estates A fascinating talk on a topic of crucial importance in planning for our families' futures.
FRI 23 OCT: End Polio Train Ride
WED 28 OCT: Lift the Lid on Mental Health A guest speaker will discuss mental health, one of the most pressing issues in society.
WED 4 NOV:DG Shane Burette and RCL Bharathi Rengarajan - Hear our District Governor's plans for Rotary at a time of change. Shane will be joined by Bharathi, our local Rotary Community Leader.
WED 11 NOV: No meeting Transferred to Members Open Day.
FRI 13 NOV: Members Open Day - Country theme. Wear your best country outfit and bring potential members for music, fellowship and line dancing.
WED 18 NOV: Jane Hall - Wildlife Preservation As Wildlife Health Project Officer from the Taronga Conservation Society, Jane has overseen many conservation projects and promises to be a fascinating speaker.
WED 25 NOV: Transport Heritage NSW - TBC
WED 2 DEC: Strathfield Rotary Club - Annual General Meeting. A must-attend event for members as the club chooses next year's Board and the President for 2028-29.
WED 9 DEC: No meeting Transferred to the Christmas Party.
SAT 12 DEC: Christmas Party at Strathfield Golf Club. Dress: Festive Cocktail.
Our 9 September meeting welcomed Dr Laith Barnouti FRACS, a specialist plastic and reconstructive surgeon, for an engaging guest presentation at Strathfield Golf Club.
