President Peter Smith's Column

The President’s Column

Graffiti Removal Project – I was pleased and gratified that the “expression of interest” sheet, which was circulated last week, revealed that 15 members would help should the project proceed. With only 28 members were in attendance last week that was a great result.

Last week we welcomed back Faye Yarroll (she last visited us in 2009) who shared with us her story of living life to the fullest with Bilateral Cochlear Implants. Faye is an extremely enthusiastic volunteer with the Cochlear Awareness Network – in addition to speaking to at least one service organisation a week she works with and mentors recent Cochlear recipients.

Volunteer Dinner - last Thursday evening I was pleased to attend the dinner organised by Strathfield Council in recognition the work done by the volunteers within the Strathfield Community. It was great to see that among the many organisations represented several have close ties with Strathfield Rotary – SES, Meals on Wheels, Girl Guides, Men’s Sheds and Homebush Boys High School etc.

Trivia Night – Bradley Ayres is doing his usual efficient job and has the planning for a great trivia night well in hand. Numbers from outside Rotary are looking promising – and we now only need our members to book (or join) a table to make it a profitable and fun night. All proceeds will once again go the Chalmers Road Special School. When? Friday 3 June. Where? Strathfield Golf Club. Cost? $20 pp and the Quiz Master? Peter Foss. Remember this is a “transfer” night (from Wednesday 1/6/11).

The Red Shield Appeal has always been well supported by Strathfield Rotary. However, numbers volunteering as drivers this year are down – as at last week only 17 members have indicated that they are available to help on the 29^th May. Last year we nearly 30 Rotarians volunteering – and we raised $27,500. It is worth mentioning that 100% the funds raised go to the community work of the Salvos – and none is allocated to the ministry of the Salvation Army. All of the marketing costs (printing, TV, collection kits etc are all donated by Sponsors and or media providers. A commitment Sheet is being circulated for the last time this week. Please reconsider volunteering - if not committed elsewhere.

Strathfield SES – as members will be well aware the SES Headquarters, on Coronation Parade, was destroyed by fire 3 years ago. Since then the SES have been occupying temporary premises at the Strathfield Council Works Depot at Weeroona Road. With a view of relocating to more suitable premises Strathfield Council have allocated the SES a vacant site adjoining their depot. SES is now launching an appeal “to build a new home”. The SES of course provides an invaluable service to the community – it is perhaps time the community returned the favour. An SES representative will make a presentation to our meeting on the 25^th May. However, the presentation will not necessarily be an appeal for money – but it will be an opportunity for us to learn a bit more of the rescue and community work of the SES.

Meriden Interact Dance – under the guidance of Karinne Bedingfield the Interact dance last Friday evening was a wonderful success – the Interactors sold 403 admittance tickets and made a net profit (after all expenses) of $4,720!! Kevin Beltrame did a great job organising several Rotarians to act as chaperones/protectors of the gate on the night. Kevin has of course worked closely with Meriden Interact club for a number of years and I congratulate him on his efforts – and subsequently the continued success of Interact at Meriden

Tonight we are pleased to welcome Bruce Allen as our guest speaker. Bruce is the Manager of the RI’s Rotary Foundation South Pacific & Philippines Office in Parramatta. He is a PP, a PDG, and a GSE Leader (to the Netherlands in 2001) and has a wealth of Rotary experience in many areas. Bruce recently helped Strathfield Rotary “sort out” a PHF problem – so he is also a good bloke! Please welcome Bruce to our meeting this evening.

President Pete