Rod McDougall
President 2006-7
Rotary Club of Strathfield
The President's View
Wednesday 8 November 2006
A warm Strathfield Rotary welcome to all our guests this week. The meeting tonight is devoted to providing you with information about Rotary that we hope will assist you in making a decision about whether to become members of our organisation.
I believe membership of Rotary is an excellent way to join with like-minded individuals to combine fellowship with serving our community. If you feel you share our ideals and goals, I encourage you to join us.
My thanks in particular to Ray Wilson and Niall King for their efforts in arranging the evening.
Last week's talk on nuclear power by industry expert Dr Clarence Hardy was exceptional. I am confident it would have had an impact on the thinking of most of us about this topical and important subject. Certainly, the prime minister seems to have been listening!
The Christmas shoeboxes for East Timor project has been an unqualified success. In total, 1172 shoeboxes have been dispatched – in time for Santa to deliver them! A great project delivering significant benefit for very modest cost. Thanks to all those who contributed.
The Rotary Youth Driver Awareness (RYDA) gained some good exposure this week with a major financial commitment by the state government. Roads Minister Eric Roozendaal announced an initial two-year $130,000 grant to the program - a great endorsement of an outstanding Australian Rotary initiative. Keith Byrn will announce the start date for our club's training session at Sydney Olympic Park soon.
A reminder that proceeds from our Christmas party this year will go to drought affected areas in mid west NSW. Please give Brian Johnson your support.
Next week we welcome Mr John Murphy, the federal member for Lowe as our guest speaker. John is well known and respected within the club and the meeting is an optional partners night. Normal start time 6:00 for 6:30 pm.
Enjoy Rotary … by getting involved!
President Rod