Rod McDougall
President 2006-7
Rotary Club of Strathfield
The President's View
Wednesday 9August 2006
A warm Strathfield Rotary welcome to the students, teachers, parents and friends visiting this evening from Strathfield Girls High. It is our pleasure to be able to host your literature extension evening. Good luck to all those making presentations.
Last week's talk and video screening by Ian Robertson, the CEO of Rotary Youth Driver Awareness (RYDA) was an eye opener for all of us, I believe.
I can only quote Past President Steve Taylor when he remarked when thanking Ian "What a difference a week makes!". RYDA exemplifies why many of us are Rotarians. While some of the concerns raised at the previous week's club assembly do require addressing – the benefits of doing so seem minor in comparison to an investment of effort in support of RYDA.
Thanks to Keith Byrn and Allan Teale, work to identify a local venue where we could conduct the driving component of the program is already under way.
I spoke with Rick Collins this week. He sends his best regards to all in the club. Rick still finds that his schedule makes it difficult to attend Rotary and has applied for leave of absence until end 2006.
Next week will see one of the highlights of our Rotary year with the presentation of Police Officer of the Year awards. Kevin Beltrame has been hard at work and a great night is assured. Commissioner Ken Moroney will join us to present awards and deliver the after-dinner address.
And in closing, an exchange student recently presented DG Harley Tarrant with a Swedish district banner. Harley has issued a challenge to those of artistic bent to design a District 9690 banner, and perhaps a pin, to be used by exchange students, GSEers and travelling Rotarians. The winning design to be presented at the district conference. Deadline for entries is 31 October 2006.
Enjoy Rotary … by getting involved!
President Rod