Rod McDougall
President 2006-7
Rotary Club of Strathfield
The President's View
Wednesday 27 September 2006
"Keeping the bastards honest" is one way of describing the job of our guest speaker last week. It turns out that the auditor general's office is not just interested in annual statements of account – but in fact how well the state government are spending our money. Bob Sendt had some interesting and amusing examples of where there was a definite need for improvement!
This week District Conference Chairman Bert Houston and I presented to the conference coordinators in the clubs in the district. Approximately 90% of clubs attended the briefings, one held at the golf club and one at Emu Plains. I am pleased to report that the response was very encouraging and Bert was congratulated on the professionalism evident in the planning for the conference. Most attendees were enthusiastic and keen to get back to their clubs to encourage attendance. Thanks to Alan Taylor, Angelo Franco, Kevin Beltrame and Carol Houston for their assistance.
Interact Chair Roger Vince presented the Rotary Prize for Citizenship for 2006 to Ella Bauman at Meriden’s recent prize day. Roger is a strong supporter of the Meriden Interact club and recently also attended their changeover evening.
A reminder to reserve Wednesday 8 November in your diaries. Our Rotary Information Evening will be held that night and we are looking to have a good attendance to welcome and introduce our club to prospective members. Please give Ray Wilson names and contact information of those you suggest should be invited to the meeting.
A copy of the club directory is again part of this edition of the bulletin. Club members are requested to check their entry and to advise secretary Roger Vince of required changes.
This week we extend a warm welcome to two Australian Army veterans recently returned from service in Basra in Iraq, as our guest speakers.
Enjoy Rotary … by getting involved!
President Rod