Club Bulletin News 9 January 2024
Welcome
President Luke opened the meeting advising that tonight there would be no speaker and it would be a relaxed meeting as the first meeting of the year.
Toast
Michael Bartok gave the toast to the Rotary Club of North Sydney. This club is closing after 95 years due to declining membership. It had an annual Tree of Joy, a market at Crows Nest and a project in Papua New Guinea. There was an article about the club’s closure in Northside Living.
Announcements
Sally O’Neill advised that the Bunnings BBQ was quieter than usual with people still away for the holidays but still managed to raise $1,420.
Sally also advised that she and the Club Services Committee are looking at a number of events during the coming year for Club members including possibly organizing a theatre night to Chicago the Musical; The Odd Couple; Dawn French; and Opera on the Harbour. It was suggested that the club not forget the Willoughby Theatre Company or the Ensemble Theatre. Other possible outings for the Club may include a tour of the new airport, a trip to the Southern Highlands; a trip to Cockatoo Island or one of Noel Phelan’s navy harbour tours later in the year.
President Luke reminded all members of the importance of keeping regularly hydrated following an incident at the Bunnings BBQ last week.
Treasurer John Bolton discussed the 6 monthly membership dues which are now due. He reminded members that the dues are now $250 each half year. The dues may be paid on the square at the Tuesday meetings or via direct transfer to the club account.
John also reminded members of the upcoming 40th anniversary dinner where tickets may be purchased online at Rotary Northbridge's 40th Anniversary | Humanitix.
Helen Gulson advised that even with a number of past presidents attending we only had 32 out of a capacity of 90 and only 13 members had so far purchased tickets so she asked that members organize their bookings as soon as possible.
Eleanor Chevor advised that a large number of children’s Christmas presents had been donated by the public at the Tree of Joy in Northbridge Plaza. A number were picked up by the Starlight Foundation, a further 50 to 60 were gift wrapped the week before Christmas at Ranald Stewart’s home, and delivered to Robyn Sexton’s house where they were taken to an Aboriginal charity in Waterloo.
Further presents were picked up from the Plaza on Christmas Eve and in the new year taken to the NICU at RNSH where they were enjoyed and appreciated by the children.
Eleanor also showed a number of toys and knitwear she is making for the club for future donations.
President Luke reminded all members about helping to sell tickets for the Super Lottery where the sales so far have been disappointing. Kevin Tattrie reminded everyone that family members are able to purchase tickets but not Northbridge Rotarians. There followed a general discussion about whether we might need to have a stall in the Plaza at some stage and further measures which could increase sales.
Club Secretary Liz Grey advised on the progress of the Project in Dhulikhel in Nepal where a global grant has been approved and the monies now paid for the project.
Kim Wilkins
