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Last Week’s Speaker
Well… the night finally arrived. The long awaited presentation by
Paolo on the High Speed Rail concept, followed by a discussion by PP
John Elvy on the project itself, as well as potential property
impacts of such an enterprise. It was tough work keeping Paolo’s
enthusiasm and obvious passion for the project at bay (read, within
20-minutes), but we managed to get both speakers in, answer a few
questions and still finish the meeting not much past 8:30pm! And
what a great turnout – some 40 members and guests in the room, who
all seemed to enjoy the discussion – including one of Paolo’s
associates – Carlo Vimercati – who flew up from Melbourne just for
the meeting. My thanks again to Paolo for promoting the night and
encouraging past and present members to the meeting. It looked like
a good reunion for many of them, particularly catching up with PP
John Elvy. Well done, and congratulations Paolo… you pulled it off!
It was also a great opportunity on the night to announce the
successful completion of the Global Grant project that we
participated in last year, supporting the Rotary Club of Mumbai
North Island, as they upgraded the facilities at the Mother Teresa
English Medium High School. It was particularly special as Ross
Brown was in the room, and we were able to publicly thank him once
again for his generous contribution, making the grant possible.
Rotating Sergeant’s Session
As has been communicated already, we will be reverting to the
popular ‘Rotating Sergeant’s Session’ concept – starting on 13
September 2017. Tonight as there appears to be some kind of special
connection between our Sergeant and the guest speaker,
Sergeant-at-arms, Anu will perform her normal Sergeant duties
throughout the evening. Next week we have a Transfer Meeting to
Ryde College of TAFE Training Restaurant, so I’m not sure if we’ll
have the opportunity for a Sergeant’s session there. The next
‘normal’ meeting back in the Club is therefore 13 September 2017,
when we have the Meriden Interactors joining us.
Rick’s Run For Rotary
It’s over. OK, OK,… I’ll let it go. No more mention of if from now
on…
Strathfield Spring Fair
This is once again fast approaching – 2 September 2017. Andrew
Aravanis, Community Service Director, is circulating a Commitment
Sheet to ensure we have the BBQ covered on the day. Please help out
if you can; should be a great day. This year proceeds from the BBQ
will go to The Catherine Sullivan Centre (CSC), one of our named
beneficiaries for this year. Members of the Board and staff from
the CSC will be in attendance at the BBQ, helping out and promoting
the good works of the Centre.
Tonight’s Speaker
OK, I was being a little facetious when earlier on in this report
when I referred to the ‘special connection’ between tonight’s
speaker and our Sergeant. Milind Kamkolkar is of course the son of
members Anu and Umesh, and will be delivering what I’m sure will be
an interesting speech tonight. Milind is in demand as a speaker
around the world, and with a job description that includes ‘CDO, AI
Activist, Digital Health Innovator, TedX speaker, and Health Startup
Advisor’, who knows what we might hear tonight! Whatever it is, I’m
sure it will be special and not to be missed.
Rick
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