10 September 2003
Good evening fellows and guests.
As this week’s meeting is a transfer meeting to The Northcott Society s the meeting will not be the traditional format. The proposal is that Jacqueline Booth will provide us with background information about Northcott current projects and services provided to their clients. This will be followed by a tour of the facility, which will provide an insight into the services, and work carried out at the facility at Parramatta, followed by a light meal.
Congratulations to Domenico Alvaro, who was a winner in the recent Awards of Excellence, conducted by the Master Builders Association, for his home in Bowral. An article published in the “Domain” section of the Sydney Morning Herald on August 30 provided an insight into Domenico’s passion for building, description of the Bowral home during its construction and Domenico’s attention to detail. Once again congratulations Domenico, well done.
The Board has recently approved Leave of Absence for the Following members, Brian Hennell, David Croft, Bob Templeman and Warren Abbott.
Euan Watson is recovering from recent ill health and I offer best wishes to Euan for a speedy recovery.
Our speaker next week will be Virginia Judge MP, who will speak on the subject “From Local Government to State Government”.
A message from Jonathan Majiyagbe, President, Rotary International:
Dear fellow Rotarians,
Within the Rotary world, Australia also is closely linked to the popular Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) program, which began at the district level in Queensland in 1960 and was adopted as a Rotary program at the RI Convention in Sydney in 1971.
Because September is New Generations Month on the Rotary calendar, this is the time for Rotarians to focus on the programs that support the development of youths and young adults. If we believe that young people are the leaders of tomorrow, we should Lend a Hand in molding them in the most beneficial ways possible. I encourage all clubs to use the slogan "Every Rotarian an example to youth" in club bulletins and publicity materials during New Generations Month.
It is also relevant to recall the Rotary Code of Policies, which states that Rotary clubs should provide a forum for young people to share their concerns, hopes, dreams, and ambitions, as well as their ideas for solutions to problems that beset them and their communities. It is essential that clubs and districts identify socially and economically disadvantaged youths with leadership potential and invite them to participate in RYLA.
Another important program is Rotaract, Rotary club-sponsored clubs for community-minded men and women between the ages of 18 and 30. Rotaractors are involved, energetic, and very committed to the Rotary ideal of service. Every Rotaractor is a potential Rotarian, so any Rotary club that does not already sponsor a Rotaract club should consider doing so this year. You will find Rotaractors' fresh ideas and perspectives to be most valuable, and when these young people eventually join you as full Rotarians, their presence will help energize and diversify your club.
Rotarians also promote the ideal of service to young people through the Interact club program.
School-based Interact clubs provide youths between the ages of 12 and 18 the opportunity to work together in fellowship dedicated to service and international understanding. Of course, one of the most rewarding and popular of Rotary's programs for young people is Youth Exchange, which offers students the opportunity to learn firsthand about other cultures by living and studying abroad.
And as business leaders, Rotarians are in a unique position to provide vocational guidance and career opportunities to young people. Clubs should participate in local school projects that emphasize the importance of a good education. Likewise, we should initiate or support projects that address problems such as homelessness among children, child abuse, and domestic violence.
This month, let us Lend a Hand to the new generations and secure a future for our clubs, our communities, and our world.
Jonathan Majiyagbe
President, Rotary International
Have a good week
Keith