Guest Speaker Report
Wednesday 7 July 2010
by Rotarian Ian Johnson (reporter)
Our guest speaker was fellow member Darrell Slater. Darrell told us that he was born in Queensland. He married the girl across the road and joined the Salvation Army.
In 1984 he moved to Bexley with his belongings in a trailer and a three month old child. He underwent training for about twelve months and was commissioned at Sydney Town Hall in early 1986.
Darrell then worked in various suburbs of Sydney before returning to Queensland. By that time Darrell had six children.
Darrell spent a number of years working with street children in inner-city Brisbane. He was also appointed Chaplin for the Queensland Fire Brigade.
Darrell’s Rotary “career” has involved many clubs as he has moved around with his job. He has been Club President a number of times as well as serving as Director and Secretary for various clubs.
In relation to his job Darrell told us he could not do anything else happily. He enjoys his life as a Salvation Army officer caring for people and helping them. At one time Darrell was appointed Chaplin for a Rotary District and was able to combine his job with his Rotary involvement.
Darrell finished his talk by telling us two stories from his work experience with good outcomes. One involved two street children who returned home with Darrell’s assistance and settled down. The other story was about Darrell’s involvement with Schoolie’s Week on the Gold Coast. Darrell and his team were able to assist many young people who were in trouble. After answering questions Darrell was thanked by President Peter Smith.