President Peter Smith's Column

The President’s Column

Youth Achievement Awards:

Last Wednesday we were all inspired by the wonderful achievements of the recipients of this year’s Strathfield Youth Achievement Awards. The award presentation, in partnership with Strathfield Council, once again demonstrated and recognised the important contributions young people are making within our community.

We were pleased to have Cr. Tony Maroun, the Mayor of Strathfield, in attendance to help present the awards. Also from Council were Mr. Rob Bourke, representing the General Manager, and Mr. Joe Sumegi who is council’s Community Events Coordinator.

Joe Sumegi worked closely with Rod McDougall and who along with Rtn. Paul White introduced and spoke in glowing terms of all the awardees.

I would like to thank Rod McDougall for all the hours he contributed to making the evening such a success. Rod willingly did the hard-yards in not only organising the night, he sourced sponsorship, arranged the music, helped with the judging, printed programs and run sheets – the whole bit.

We were entertained on the night by the St. Patrick’s String Ensemble – and we were pleased donate $500, from the raffle proceeds, to St. Pat’s to help with their upcoming study tour to the USA. It is proposed that a further $500 will be donated to the band before 30 June to help these talented young musicians achieve their full potential.

Trivia Night:

The recent Rotary/Chalmers Road Trivia night, which was superbly organised by Bradley Ayres and his committee, was a great night and a financial success. There were over 100 people in attendance and a cheque for $3,000 was presented to Chalmers Road Special School at the conclusion of the evening. The raffle, as organised by the school, raised a further $1,200. All proceeds will be used by Chalmers Road to purchase special teaching aids for their students.

Red Shield Appeal:

My sincere thanks to all Rotarians and partners who helped make year’s RSA doorknock a success. With your help a total of $26,730 was raised (only slightly below last year’s record of $27,500). I would particularly like to thank Maree McDougall and Penny True – who were up before dawn, on the Friday morning, to help with the bucket parade at Flemington Markets (which raised $2,650).

This week we are pleased welcome Peter Cobon, a senior BMW executive from Frasers Motor Cycles, who will talk to us about outback bike travels – a bike safari.

Welcome to new members

Also this week we have the opportunity to welcome three new members. It will be my privilege to induct Peter Revelos, Adrian Risi and re-induct Rod Rimes into Rotary service. I know you will all be inclusive - and will make our new members most welcome.

President Pete