President Peter Smith's Column

Last week we welcomed PP Terry Davies from Australian Rotary Health. Terry spoke to us about how we can support the goals of Rotary Health. Terry also spoke at length about the high instances of mental health and suicide within our community.

I believe that many were or are like me – while concerned and certainly compassionate about the victims – “it was something that happened to others”.

How wrong was I?   By sheer coincidence when I came home from Rotary last Wednesday – and hearing about suicide rates etc – Marlene informed me that day our nephew from Orange, had just attempted suicide. While he has survived (?) he was flown from Orange to the RH hospital in a critical condition. I guess it takes something like that to take you out of your complacency and comfort zone.

I have since found out that over one million people commit suicide every year. The World Health Organisation estimates that it is the thirteenth-leading cause of death worldwide. It is a leading cause of death among teenagers and adults under 35. There are an estimated 10 to 20 million non-fatal attempted suicides every year worldwide – that is 20 times more than there are Rotarians in the world! What can we, as Rotarians, do?

This week our Guest Speaker is Mark Wallace from Rotary Down Under. Mark will no doubt have many Rotary stories that did - and didn’t – make the pages of RDU. Please make Mark welcome this evening.

Our AGM is scheduled for December 1 –and while the most important items on the Agenda will of course be the Election of Officers for the Board 2011-2012 it is proposed that the following two items be also submitted for determination:

a)   A new Constitution and By-Laws

b)   The Strategic Plan for the next 3 years

Both items will be circulated to members at least 10 days prior to the AGM

Paul Harris Fellowship Luncheon

The 2010 Tri-District Paul Harris Luncheon will be held at the Epping Club on the 22 November. We are advised that the guest speaker will be Kalyan Banerjee – the President Elect Rotary International 2011-12 – who will be making his first speaking engagement in Australia.

Why not enjoy wonderful food, wine and fellowship, while at the same time witness the recognition of a number of new Paul Harris Fellows?

Bookings and payment online at: www.rotarydownunder.com.au/events/phflunch

  Cowboy logic: “Never kick a cowpat on a hot day.”

President Pete