Please send apologies to Peter Hodgson before 10am each Monday at: peterhodgson@optusnet.com.au
Next Meeting – 4th October 2016
Attendance desk:
Kim Wilkins & John Turner (Reserves: Noel Phelan & Sally O'Neill)
Set up & pack up:
Peter McNair & Ross Pickard (Reserves: Derek Matz & Michael Bartok)
Speakers & topic:
David Coker Topic: North West Rail
Rotary Club Meeting September 27th 2016
Introduction
President Paul welcomed everyone and the evening’s guest speaker, Prof Mike Dureau. He also welcomed guests Hiroki Iijima, Angie Fernandes & Suki Owens.
Toast
Kim Wilkins proposed a toast to the Rotary Club of New York – Club No 5, founded in 1909. Their foundation raises about $40,000 each year which helps to support the Salvation Army, YMCA, various youth clubs and soup kitchens to name a few charities. It also formed the 9/11 foundation to aid those affected by the 9/11 disaster.
Announcements
President Paul drew everyone’s attention to the need for nominations for the RYLAH camp, the registrations for which are now open. Contact him or Yvette if you have any potential nominees.
10th Inoue Yasushi Award Ceremony is on 7 Oct 2016 at Sydney University. Several members are already going but if you are interested in attending, contact Masanori.
Pride of Workmanship awards will be held in November. If you have a suitable nominee for this award, please contact Kim Wilkins.
Noel Phelan spoke about the immense work carried out in clearing out the gardens at Taldumunde by John and Jackie Taylor. Noel, Sally & Valda will now plan the building of a low maintenance garden. Dulux have delivered $2000 worth of paint at Neutral Bay and Mosman Rotary have volunteered to paint.
Volunteers are needed for a Bunnings BBQ on 23 October. Contact Sally if you can help. Funds raised will go to Taldumunde.
Chris Switzer spoke about the Rotary Foundation’s Centurion Club which currently has 15 members with hopefully 30 members by 30 June 2017.
Chris also advised of an upcoming bucket appeal on 29 October for End Polio Now day. Volunteers are needed. Northbridge Plaza would like a Rotary presence at the Plaza so are happy to support this bucket appeal.
It was also suggested that in the week before the fireworks next year, a booth would be set up at the plaza where people could pre-purchase tickets for the fireworks.
Pictures on the Pitch will take place next year and the Plaza has agreed to sponsor the event.
Guest Speaker
Bob Edwards introduced the guest speaker, former Northbridge Rotarian, Prof Mike Dureau, engineer and a director of the Warren Centre for Advanced Engineering. He is past president of RedR Australia, a humanitarian agency providing emergency relief in conflict and disaster areas.
Mike gave a stimulating and though provoking talk on Australia’s energy needs. He spoke of future energy security, renewables, security of supply, competitiveness and carbon emission. Interestingly, he said Australia absorbs more CO2 than it emits due to its forests and the vast oceans surrounding it.
Peter Antaw gave the vote of thanks to Mike for his talk.
Cambodia is one of the poorest countries in the world, and for people who have no means to pay, adequate health services are difficult to access.
Recently the Rotary Club of Northbridge supplied some dental equipment to the Samrong Health Centre (pictured below) in the Sotnikum Hospital, which is located about 34km eastern side of Siem Reap, Cambodia. The Health Centre services a population of 200,000, and had no proper facilities for providing dental care.
The equipment supplied includes a dental chair, autoclave, x-ray machine and dental consumables. The project was supported by Club funds, a donation from one of our members, and a small District Grant. The equipment was sourced from a supplier in Phnom Penh, ensuring that spare parts and maintenance/repairs will be available locally, and shipped to Siem Reap by road.
Spare parts and additional consumables will be funded by revenue from patients who are able to pay a fee which is less than the cost of a private service. The very poor will receive the service for free.
Photo of village life near Siem Reap & the new dental equipment
Citation for the awarding of a sapphire pin to Sally O’Neill at the Rotary Club of North Sydney lunch, 4th August 2016
Sally O’Neill joined Sailability Middle Harbour in 2005 soon after it was formed. From the outset her skills and ability shone out and I very quickly suggested she became our secretary and sailing day co-ordinator which she gracefully accepted.
Showing considerable initiative she put in place all the necessary structure and systems which have allowed Sailability to grow and function properly. Sally has overseen our growth from two boats and 5 members to 6 boats and 45 members.
Her boundless energy and dedication to our cause have resulted in hundreds of disabled sailors enjoying the opportunity to go sailing on the beautiful waters of Middle Harbour. Further, she has brought together volunteers from all walks of life to work together like a well oiled machine to make each sailing day a success.
So in recognition of the considerable contribution you have made to the success of Sailability Middle Harbour over the past 11 years, it is my pleasure to award you a sapphire pin to go with your Paul Harris Fellowship
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