President’s Report

15 November 2017
 
Last Week’s Speaker
 
Well, another fabulous evening was had last week, with our highly anticipated and very entertaining speaker – George Ayoub – former Test Rugby Referee, current member of the Super Rugby panel for Television Match Officials (TMO’s), and Director of Sport at Santa Sabina College, Strathfield.  A large group of guests joined us, largely due to the efforts of both PP Joseph and RTN Arie.  Thanks to you both, collectively bring some 20 guests along on the night!  And, they weren’t disappointed; George has us all mesmerised with his tales of Rugby, Ref’ing and Rules interpretation around the globe, including being at the forefront of the TMO introduction.  Great vibe in the room.  We finished quite late again (sorry…), but no-one seemed to mind so much this time (whew!).
 
Meeting Chair This Week
 
So, you’ve probably figured this out by now, but I’m not here this week; just some work-related commitments.  I think it’s actually a good thing, giving others a chance to chair the meeting every now and then.  This week it will be RTN Prabhat, although it doesn’t necessarily have to be a Director each time I’m not available.  Stay alert!  I may tap any one of you on the shoulder at any time, asking you to chair a future meeting.  I thought it might be nice for Prabhat to chair this meeting, as his daughter – Pallavi – is our guest speaker tonight.
 
Next Few Weeks
 
We have a hectic few week’s coming up as we sprint to the end of the calendar year:

• 22 November 2017: Pride of Workmanship.  Next week!  This is one of our signature events, expertly organised by RTN Usha (and assisted by Director Paolo).  Please come along and support our local, largely unsung heroes on the night.

• 27 November 2017: WHG Interclub Debate, hosted by Burwood Club.  RTN Nick has been representing us in the lead-up to this, and it looks like he will be our debater on the night!  Always good to have someone with legal training take up that spot.  Again, this should be a fun night – especially with the topic “Women are Better Drivers” and Nick in the team that’s arguing in the negative.  Good luck, Nick!  Remember, this is a Transfer Meeting from 29 November 2017; don’t turn up at the Golf Club on that evening.

• 6 December 2017: AGM and Elections: Always a very important evening, to set the scene and direction for the upcoming Rotary year.  Come along and be a part of our future.

Christmas Party for Members
 
And, the week right after our AGM – 13 December 2017 – we have our Christmas Party for Members.  PP Grahame has kindly agreed to coordinate the event this year, ably supported by partners of Members: Penny True, Marie McDougall, Helen Hamilton-Kane and Christine Vosila (guess who’s probably doing all the work!).  Details are being finalised now, including venue.  Stay tuned for more updates.  This should be a great celebration to cap off the calendar year.
 
This Week’s Speaker
 
This week we welcome back to our Club, Pallavi Sinha.  Pallavi is the daughter of proud parents, RTN Prabhat and his wife, Neena.  Pallavi is an accomplished lawyer, academic and public speaker, often appearing on TV programs, such as the 7:30 Report.  Tonight she will be speaking on the topic of “Education and Resilience in the 21st Century".  This promises to be another thought-provoking speech; I’m sure you will all enjoy it.
 
See you next week at the Pride of Workmanship Awards.

 
 
Rick