President Peter Smith's Column

• The Changeover last Friday night was a fitting end to a great year under (Past) President Kevin.

PP Kevin and Suzanne should be congratulated not only for a very constructive and enjoyable year but also for the organising the actual changeover night – from the table presentation, the PHF’s, to the thoughtful Maurie Awards – the total package!

• It was a pleasure to see such a good attendance – including the Mayor Tony and Mrs May Maroun, Mr. Steven Zenos representing our State Member Virginia Judge and the Federal Member John Murphy and Adriana. Their attendance, I believe, is recognition of high esteem Strathfield Rotary is held within the community.

It was also great that DG Paul Reid and DGE Marilyn Mercer and their partners were also able to attend and share in the spirit of the evening.

• The investiture of Rotarian Janelle Watson and Denise Taylor as a Paul Harris Fellows was justifiably a highlight of the evening – as was the recognition given to PP Raymond McCluskie of the Strathfield Rotary Service Above Self Award for 2009-2010. Congratulations to Janelle, Denise and Raymond – well done.

• As announced at the Changeover the nominated major charity for 2010-2011 will be Parkinson’s NSW. It is hoped that the club will get behind all fundraising efforts to not only support this very worthy charity but all local, RI and community projects we will be endeavouring to help during the next 12 months.

Parkinson's NSW is a non-profit, community-based organisation which provides, research, information, counselling and support to people living with Parkinson's disease, their partners, carers and families.

Parkinson’s NSW relies entirely on donors and benefactors – and incidentally is strongly supported by the Sydney Markets Authority. I urge you to have a look at their website (click)

• June/July is of course the Changeover month for Rotary worldwide – and to help celebrate the District 9690 Changeover PDG David and Margaret Croft, PP Ted and Mary Ingall, PP Kevin and Suzanne Freund, Trevor and Nanette Duxbury, Marlene and myself will travel to Richmond on July 11 when we will represent the club at the changeover from DG Paul Reid to DGE Marilyn Mercer.

• Thank you to everyone who has expressed their good wishes – and most importantly their support - for the coming year.

President Peter