A warm Strathfield Rotary
welcome to the students, teachers, parents and friends visiting
this evening from Strathfield Girls High. It is our pleasure to
be able to host your literature extension evening. Good luck to
all those making presentations.
Last week's talk and video
screening by Ian Robertson, the CEO of Rotary Youth Driver
Awareness (RYDA) was an eye opener for all of us, I believe.
I can only quote Past
President Steve Taylor when he remarked when thanking Ian "What
a difference a week makes!". RYDA exemplifies why many of us are
Rotarians. While some of the concerns raised at the previous
week's club assembly do require addressing – the benefits of
doing so seem minor in comparison to an investment of effort in
support of RYDA.
Thanks to Keith Byrn and
Allan Teale, work to identify a local venue where we could
conduct the driving component of the program is already under
way.
I spoke with Rick Collins
this week. He sends his best regards to all in the club. Rick
still finds that his schedule makes it difficult to attend
Rotary and has applied for leave of absence until end 2006.
Next week will see one of
the highlights of our Rotary year with the presentation of
Police Officer of the Year awards. Kevin Beltrame has been hard
at work and a great night is assured. Commissioner Ken Moroney
will join us to present awards and deliver the after-dinner
address.
And in closing, an exchange
student recently presented DG Harley Tarrant with a Swedish
district banner. Harley has issued a challenge to those of
artistic bent to design a District 9690 banner, and perhaps a
pin, to be used by exchange students, GSEers and travelling
Rotarians. The winning design to be presented at the district
conference. Deadline for entries is 31 October 2006.