Guest Speaker Report
by
Rotarian Ian Johnson
Wednesday 22 April 2009
Last meeting was a Rotary Information Night. Six members spoke at the meeting to inform prospective members of aspects of Rotary and to provide information on our club.
Paul White spoke about being a “New Rotarian”. Paul noted that members of the club covered a wide range of occupations and a wide range of interests. Paul had found that fellowship is a significant aspect of being a Rotarian. He also enjoys the guest speakers at the weekly meetings. Paul noted that Rotary is an international organisation. Whilst in Nashville Paul had attended a local club meeting and had been made most welcome. Paul noted that at every Rotary function there is a raffle to assist with fund raising. Paul said that the key to his Rotary experience was “community engagement” with schools, youth and industry. In conclusion Paul stated that he was happy to contribute what he could to the club and noted that what people got out of Rotary was closely related to what they were prepared to put into it.
David Croft spoke about “Rotary International”. He noted that Rotary was the first service club. Rotary had grown from humble beginnings in 1905 with four members to now having 1.2 million members in 200 countries and geographical regions. Rotary has 534 districts with our district being District 9690. David spoke about the four way test that Rotarians should apply in their business and professional lives:
- Is it the truth?
- Is it fair to all?
- Will it build goodwill?
- Is it beneficial to all?
David spoke about the programs run by the Rotary Foundation in developing countries the largest of which is the Polio Plus program. David also referred to the Australian Rotary Health Research Fund which has raised $25 million. In conclusion David noted that Rotary gives ordinary people the opportunity to do extraordinary things.Our third speaker was Rod McDougall who spoke on “Youth and Vocation Service”. Rod advised us that between 200 and 300 young people benefit from our club’s activities each year. These include participants in:
- leadership camps
- driving skills courses
- Meridan INTERACT
- Australian Business Week
In Rotary a strong emphasis is placed on high vocational standards. This places Rotary in an ideal position to give recognition to the vocational achievements of others through:
- the Pride of Workmanship Awards
- the Police Officer of the Year Awards.
These award nights are attended by leaders in the community and are given substantial publicity in the local press.Our next speaker was Ray McCluskie who spoke about “Community Service”. Ray noted that “service is our business”. For example we help out in the community by providing a barbecue at Carols by Candlelight and at other community events. We also assist with the Red Shield appeal and assist other charities. We organise social events to raise funds to assist in providing these services. We also provide direct assistance to:
- the School for Seniors
- the local Probus Clubs
- local community projects.
Whilst providing these services we also have fellowship and fun.Our next speaker was Bert Houston who spoke on “Club History”. Our club was chartered on 19 April 1971 when we were sponsored as a new club by Burwood Club. There were 25 original members one of which was Peter Foss who is still an active member of the club. The original club meeting place was the Strathfield Recreation Club. In 1991 the rules were changed to allow female members and the club admitted its first female member in 1992. In 2008 our club sponsored the new Breakfast Point Rotary Club which was a significant achievement in the history of our club. Over the years our membership has included seven mayors and numerous councillors. Strathfield is now the biggest of the 36 clubs in District 9690. In conclusion Bert noted that the club had many members of long standing and expressed the hope that the strength, vitality and worth of the club would appeal to prospective members.
Our final speaker was Peter Manenti who spoke on “Why I am a Rotarian”. Peter advised us that he has been a Rotarian since 1971 when his name was put forward by his then employer. After 30 years Peter is still a Rotarian. Peter advised us that his family and his business have priority over his Rotary commitments. Peter has made some good friends through the fellowship offered by Rotary. In conclusion Peter noted that he felt that he owed the community something in return for the success he has enjoyed in his business life and through Rotary his small contribution becomes significant.