Announcements
Peter Russell outlined the role our Club played in the highly successful 2026 Mary’s House Walk Against Domestic Violence. Along with the Rotary Clubs of Lane Cove, North Sydney Sunrise and Crow’s Nest 12 members assisted in providing a highly successful barbeque and refreshments for participants in the walk. A history making $218,000 was raised on the day for Mary’s House.
Eleanor Chevor reported on the Tree of Joy working bee attaching ribbons to gift tags for the trees. 450 tags were attached. There will be second Trees of Joy working bee to attach the balance of the tags on Tuesday 10 November. All members are encouraged to help.
David Hyde complemented members on the enthusiastic buzz around the room as members discussed unrecognised opportunities to improve the Fireworks. He encouraged members to recognise opportunities in all that we do, to inform the wider community about the club and to create a well spring of interest within the community in our activities. He discussed how photos add to the attractiveness and appeal of the Bulletin and asked members to photograph our Rotary efforts and submit the photos for inclusion in the Bulletin.
David distributed a flyer describing the work of Catherine DeVrye who is our speaker on November 17. Catherine is an acclaimed author, speaker and businessperson, she will speak about her latest book Beyond Timbuktu- Journeys of Hope and Humanity. This is a free event, members are encouraged to invite friends and neighbours to join us on the evening. There will be no formal meal served at this event. Tickets can be booked through Humanitix. Catherine’s book will be sold on the evening for $43. All proceeds from book sales will be donated to Medcin Sans Frontieres. David asked all members to treat the event as an opportunity to promote the club and encourage new members to join us.
Members were invited to join a group attending the 17 December Matinee performance of "Christmas Carol Goes Wrong“ described by reviewers as an “irresistible Christmas treat full of physical comedy, collapsing sets and unhinged timing”. Members were asked to let Sally or Fay know if they are interested in attending.
New name tags are to be ordered in the coming weeks. On a simple vote the concensus was for magnetic backings.
Following the group work, ideas to promote the Fireworks were suggested they will be considered by the Board before proceeding.
President John advised that Kate Curtis, President John and David Robertson are undertaking a review of club activities to ensure we remain a “child safe” organization. Club members will be updated on progress.
Members were reminded that District Governor, Michelle Ellery will be visiting the club on 24 November.
Incoming President Kevin encouraged members to join the 2027 Board.
Club Working Night: 2027 Fireworks
Following the toast President John noted the 2027 Fireworks will be the 40th Anniversary of Northbridge Community Fireworks, organised by Rotary Northbridge. The Anniversary is recognised as an ideal opportunity to build club membership, especially with younger members. Local school students and hence their parents, participate in the fireworks.
He broke members into 5 groups. President John outlined his goal for the night’s meeting:Each group was asked to brainstorm and report back to the club on two aspects of the fireworks event:
- A possible theme for the 2027 Fireworks;
- 2 possible new activities to support the Fireworks, based on their chosen theme.
Suggestions will be reviewed by the Board for inclusion in the 2027 fireworks.
President John informed members that the core planning committee of 4 including the president, Enzo Smith, Richard McDonald and Garth Carter has been established to coordinate firework’s organisation.
Post Script
Thanks for reading this far. Now if you have good ideas for future bulletins, think interesting events, movie / book reviews, photos (especially), then send them to us at: clubservice@northbridgerotary.com.au. Thanks !
