President's Report |
Monday 14 October 2024 |
Neville, as Acting Club Co-President reported the following on Colin’s behalf -

President’s update:
Looking forward:
Letter from Diana:
- A long report tonight but worth reading it all.
- Welcome members, and partners.
- Thank you to Janelle, Neville and Anne for caretaking my role since the beginning of Sept. I am fit and healthy and fully back in the President’s job – just not allowed to lift more than 4kg for the next 6 weeks.
- District Governor’s Presidents Sept meeting. Key topics.
- District Conference:
- Now have 26 Clubs including us have offered to give a 3 min video of their story to the World.
- There is 3 min video on the Conference and Venue https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aObH7mRi63Q&t=30s
- Focus will be on Pitch on Purpose. “Innovation Challenge for Students” on Social Impact, 1 day event before the Conference and select 20 Teams to go to Conference. Students from Secondary and Unis can enter competition. Want to work with Clubs through Youth Director. Already have seven Schools/Teams interested in participating.
- The Friday night theme is yet to be decided.
- RYLA is now open for applications – Starting Sun 7 Jan 2024
- Plea for all Clubs please to put their events in the “Upcoming Club Events: D9685” so they can be advertised in the District Newsletter.
- The Educational Sponsorship Packages launched with the aim to support our newly established scholarships program.
- District Conference:
- Poll on meeting venue. After considerable thought today I have decided to cancel this poll for the reason that we need to wait for the outcome of the Fit for Purpose project. It was also obviou after speaking to Sue this afternoon that any change in the way we meet needs to be done within the FFP programme. We will need to form a committee to work with the FFP Coach assigned to the Club to review its operation including meeting structure and frequency. If where and how often we meet needs be changed it come as a result of the committee’s recommendation to the club and consultation with members. The Board did not mandate a poll be held immediately but only recommended one at a Club Forum (Assembly).
- Fit for Purpose: Sue will provide a short summary of the outcome of the Workship she attended. Many thanks for being our Workshop representative Sue.
- Social Media: We have engaged with Rotary Pacific Public Image specialist for help with re-establishing our Facebook site. Keith will provide more detail later.
Looking forward:
- We’re still working with the RC of Carlingford to run their Harmony and Hearts Festival on Oct 19th to raise funds for Domestic Violence and Mental Health initiatives.
- Tree of Joy. Project well underway. Stickers for tree cards starting to come in. Anne will speak more about this project later.
- Melbourne Cup Night: We are joining with the Hills-Kellyville Club this year for a night similar to our traditional one. Meeting is on Monday 4 Nov at St Josephs Conference Centre Baulkham Hills.
- International team visit to Flores 3 leaving tonight and 1 a few days later Eleven TiB units going with the travellers.
- Club Health Survey: Thank you to Kerry, Edwina Bower and Carol for sending out the on-line confidential Club Health Survey shortly. Please fill in the survey as it provides valuable information to the Board to form future policy for the club. Members an partners will be consulted on any changes to club policy.
- A new Community Service Program starts on Friday to repair a shed and put up shelves at the Helping Heats Survive charity shop at Dural. Most of the materials have been donated from Michele’s Goods Rescued and Rehomed and Zoran’s demolition yard at Arcadia.
Letter from Diana:
9th October 2024
Dear Collin, Thank you so much for your email dated 5th October 2024. Also thank you for the offer of being your guest speaker at your meeting on the 21st October at the Vicar. I would be honoured to do this on behalf of Helping Hearts Survive. I will speak about how this all began and the vision we have moving forward. We have a committee meeting on Thursday night 10th of October, and we will discuss the Tree of Joy for the families that would be in need. We are deeply moved by your extraordinary generosity. Your incredible donation offer means more to us than words can fully express. Its not just the financial support that has touched me but also the trust and belief you’ve shown in Helping Hearts Survive. Your contribution will make a significant impact on bringing our vision closer to achieving goals that we have only just embarked on. Thank you for believing in this mission and your remarkable support. We promise to honour your generosity by working hard to make every dollar count, and by keeping you updated on the progress of your donation. With heartfelt gratitude, Diana Baird and HHS Team |
Closing Remarks
Westleigh
The first inhabitants of the district were Dharug people.
As with all the Hornsby suburbs, Westleigh was originally timbered. Much of the bushland appeal still remains, as clearing for houses has been carried out carefully to preserve native vegetation. The bush setting is also evoked with streets named after native trees, such as Stringy Bark Close and Spotted Gum Road.
The first Europeans to explore the area were a party led by Governor Arthur Phillip in 1788. They probably travelled along the ridge close to where Duffy Avenue is today.
Settlers moved into the area around 1830, about the same time as in neighbouring Thornleigh. Among these were James Milson Patrick Duffy, and Samuel Horne.
Thorn and Horne were given grants of land in the district for their efforts in capturing a band of bushrangers. Patrick Duffy was granted 100 acres (40 hectares) to the north of Thorn's grant in 1830. When access to his land was cut off by another landholder, James Milson, the Colonial Secretary's Office ordered that the track be kept open, and this later became known as Duffy Avenue.
In the 1860s, with the subdivision of these early grants, new settlers arrived.
Much of the area was orchards and bushland until the 1960s, when it was opened for residential development.
The name Westleigh was proposed by Max Ruddock, the president of Hornsby Council, from a suggestion he received in 1967 and derived its name from its location, directly west of Thornleigh. From 1968 the area has been steadily developed as a self-contained suburb.
All the roads in Westleigh were designed to reduce through traffic, with the exception of Duffy Avenue and Quarter Sessions Road. Because of fears of bushfires or other emergencies, residents have petitioned for an alternative to Duffy Avenue, the only main road into the suburb.
Development as a residential suburb began in 1967 and was marketed by Stewart Upton a large real estate firm following the subdivision of the area bounded by Duneba and Eucalyptus Drive, and the former riding school which was situated near Billarga Road. Prior to this time the area was rural with many citrus orchards, with a small number of homes on acreage along Quarter Sessions Rd, extending north towards the former sandstone quarry near "Blackfellow's Head", which was used as a dumping ground for stolen cars of the 1940s and 1950s. The area was originally heavily timbered, so many streets bear the names of Australian trees such as Stringybark Close, Spotted Gum Road, Eucalyptus Drive, Hibbertia Place, Peppermint Gum place and Ironbark Close.[2] Although the naming of the streets seems only vaguely related to what was there before houses arrived, and many streets named for plants contain not a single representative specimen.
Westleigh was originally a housing estate west of Quarter Sessions Road. A small parcel of land was opened at the same time on the eastern side of Quarter Sessions Rd and this include Gum Blossom Drive and Bottle Brush Road. While classified as Thornleigh West for it postal address it was given a Westleigh address in the 1980s. This parcel of land was owned by a large home unit construction firm—RDC who built many project homes in Gum Blossom Drive. This company closed and the remaining land was sold to private parties in 1968.
- Directors – Please ensure you hold regular committee meetings.
- District Conference – Penrith 21-22 March. Early bird Registrations - early bird = $250 until 31 Dec after that $280 - now open open ourbetterworld2025.wordpress.com Accommodation packages for Friday night open at Pullman and nearby. There is 3 min video on the Conference and Venue https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aObH7mRi63Q&t=30s
- Don’t forget you can see the Club Directory, “What’s On” and “Calendar” on your phone. If it is not working for you, let me know and it will be fixed for you.
- Don’t forget to let Sandra and Anne Sharpe (17 Oct – 30 Oct) know if you are travelling or are not attending meetings so you do not get rostered on for meeting duties. All members are eligible for the duty roster and are assigned a role by Sandra. If you have a problem doing any of the duty roles let Sandra know as she is the only person who has control of the duties. Your role is posted in the Bulletin and the Bulletin email 6 weeks in advance.
- Next week is a Vicar meeting Our speaker is Diana Baird telling us about her Dural based charity “Helping Hearts Survive”. This is the charity we will be supporting with funds from our Christmas Market.
- This week’s bulletin includes the history of Westleigh and next week will be Castle Hill and that will conclude the series.
- So, Let’s stay safe look after each other and create some magic.
Westleigh
The first inhabitants of the district were Dharug people.
As with all the Hornsby suburbs, Westleigh was originally timbered. Much of the bushland appeal still remains, as clearing for houses has been carried out carefully to preserve native vegetation. The bush setting is also evoked with streets named after native trees, such as Stringy Bark Close and Spotted Gum Road.
The first Europeans to explore the area were a party led by Governor Arthur Phillip in 1788. They probably travelled along the ridge close to where Duffy Avenue is today.
Settlers moved into the area around 1830, about the same time as in neighbouring Thornleigh. Among these were James Milson Patrick Duffy, and Samuel Horne.
Thorn and Horne were given grants of land in the district for their efforts in capturing a band of bushrangers. Patrick Duffy was granted 100 acres (40 hectares) to the north of Thorn's grant in 1830. When access to his land was cut off by another landholder, James Milson, the Colonial Secretary's Office ordered that the track be kept open, and this later became known as Duffy Avenue.
In the 1860s, with the subdivision of these early grants, new settlers arrived.
Much of the area was orchards and bushland until the 1960s, when it was opened for residential development.
The name Westleigh was proposed by Max Ruddock, the president of Hornsby Council, from a suggestion he received in 1967 and derived its name from its location, directly west of Thornleigh. From 1968 the area has been steadily developed as a self-contained suburb.
All the roads in Westleigh were designed to reduce through traffic, with the exception of Duffy Avenue and Quarter Sessions Road. Because of fears of bushfires or other emergencies, residents have petitioned for an alternative to Duffy Avenue, the only main road into the suburb.
Development as a residential suburb began in 1967 and was marketed by Stewart Upton a large real estate firm following the subdivision of the area bounded by Duneba and Eucalyptus Drive, and the former riding school which was situated near Billarga Road. Prior to this time the area was rural with many citrus orchards, with a small number of homes on acreage along Quarter Sessions Rd, extending north towards the former sandstone quarry near "Blackfellow's Head", which was used as a dumping ground for stolen cars of the 1940s and 1950s. The area was originally heavily timbered, so many streets bear the names of Australian trees such as Stringybark Close, Spotted Gum Road, Eucalyptus Drive, Hibbertia Place, Peppermint Gum place and Ironbark Close.[2] Although the naming of the streets seems only vaguely related to what was there before houses arrived, and many streets named for plants contain not a single representative specimen.
Westleigh was originally a housing estate west of Quarter Sessions Road. A small parcel of land was opened at the same time on the eastern side of Quarter Sessions Rd and this include Gum Blossom Drive and Bottle Brush Road. While classified as Thornleigh West for it postal address it was given a Westleigh address in the 1980s. This parcel of land was owned by a large home unit construction firm—RDC who built many project homes in Gum Blossom Drive. This company closed and the remaining land was sold to private parties in 1968.
So, Let’s stay safe look after each other and create magic.
Night Report
Night Report 14Oct24
Opening: Sergeant Neville opened the meeting, and Janelle presented the toast to rural health.
President’s Report
President Colin thanked Janelle, Neville and Anne for caretaking his role since the beginning of September and provided his report (see elsewhere in the bulletin).
Sue reported on the Fit for Purpose conference which sounded like a full weekend. See elsewhere in the bulletin for Sue’s report (apparently assisted by her friend AI). In view of this initiative and the survey which Carol had issued to members today, the discussion on venue and type of meetings will be held at a later meeting.
Editor: Sue's report immediately follows this Night Report
10 on Me
Then followed an amazing insight into three of our members.
Kaye
Kaye joined Rotary after coming across a Tree of Joy, having arrived from Adelaide where Rotary is less known than Lions.
Kaye amazingly joined the army because she fancied the khaki uniform. She was the best female recruit and commenced a tough life in the infantry. In the Adelaide University Regiment she was greeted by a piped band at the end of a tough exercise. She joined a junior leadership course. With her second husband, she was posted to Rome for 1 ½ years, living a high life including being flown to Brussels for dinner.
Adrian
Adrian provided a detailed description of his wonderful work on Mondays at Freedom Solutions Australia. This not for profit organisation provides support for disabled people under two headings:
Karen
Karen was born in Ramsgate, UK, the embarkation point for the D-Day landings. Her brother still lives there. Her parents were a Primary School teacher and a home mum. Dad received several medals as a bomber pilot in the war, including being a “Path Finder” – he dropped flairs so the following bombers could see the target (very scary). Karen married and decided to go overland to Australia, hitchhiking to Singapore and then by cargo ship to Australia. They ran a couple of motels and settled in Westleigh. Karen had two children and then decided to study conveyancing which has been her vocation for 20 years. She joined Rotary thanks to Carol.
Director’s Reports
Elise Corner
Elise has had a busy holiday, being taken to Queensland by Nicole and Todd, seeing the big banana and big prawn. Back to school this week but Taronga Zoo next weekend.
Nicole also gave an update on Georga who is really enjoying Chile. She is in the basketball team and doesn’t want to come home.
Sergeant at Arms
Neville treated us to a sports quiz. Nicole and Elise scored a perfect 10 (the night reporter also scored a perfect number – a circle).
President Colin wrapped up the night
Cawas had slipped in during the meeting and was welcomed back with his new bionic shoulder.
Don’t forget the conference.
Opening: Sergeant Neville opened the meeting, and Janelle presented the toast to rural health.
President’s Report
President Colin thanked Janelle, Neville and Anne for caretaking his role since the beginning of September and provided his report (see elsewhere in the bulletin).
Sue reported on the Fit for Purpose conference which sounded like a full weekend. See elsewhere in the bulletin for Sue’s report (apparently assisted by her friend AI). In view of this initiative and the survey which Carol had issued to members today, the discussion on venue and type of meetings will be held at a later meeting.
Editor: Sue's report immediately follows this Night Report
10 on Me
Then followed an amazing insight into three of our members.
Kaye
Kaye joined Rotary after coming across a Tree of Joy, having arrived from Adelaide where Rotary is less known than Lions.
Kaye amazingly joined the army because she fancied the khaki uniform. She was the best female recruit and commenced a tough life in the infantry. In the Adelaide University Regiment she was greeted by a piped band at the end of a tough exercise. She joined a junior leadership course. With her second husband, she was posted to Rome for 1 ½ years, living a high life including being flown to Brussels for dinner.
Adrian
Adrian provided a detailed description of his wonderful work on Mondays at Freedom Solutions Australia. This not for profit organisation provides support for disabled people under two headings:
- “Unique Solutions” alters and creates special structures to assist disabled people – wheelchair modifications, special tables and chairs, bed modifications, toilet seats and commodes, etc.
- “Freedom Wheels” adapts bicycles and tricycles to allow disabled people to have exercise and transport solutions. This is the section where Adrian works.
Karen
Karen was born in Ramsgate, UK, the embarkation point for the D-Day landings. Her brother still lives there. Her parents were a Primary School teacher and a home mum. Dad received several medals as a bomber pilot in the war, including being a “Path Finder” – he dropped flairs so the following bombers could see the target (very scary). Karen married and decided to go overland to Australia, hitchhiking to Singapore and then by cargo ship to Australia. They ran a couple of motels and settled in Westleigh. Karen had two children and then decided to study conveyancing which has been her vocation for 20 years. She joined Rotary thanks to Carol.
Director’s Reports
- Community Service: Anne:
- Thanked the team for grass cutting at Kenthurst last month but the grass has grown again and will be cut again on 24Oct24 – more grass cutters will be made welcome.
- Tree of Joy meetings are continuing.
- A new scheme to patch up the shop at Dural for Helping Hearts Survive will commence on Friday with a few days work.
- Fund Raising: Bob advised that the Christmas Market is progressing – help will be needed on 30Nov and the morning of 1Dec to set up; we think we have two santas (Anne has made a new cool Santa suite); we need more elves; flyer has been sent to market stall holders and some have already responded.
- Kerry advised:
- RuffTrack visit is next Monday morning.
- Next Bunnings BBQ is 26Oct at Castle Hill. Need cakes and more volunteers.
- Visit to the Female Factory is on 12Nov24.
- Public Image: Keith advised that Rotary Pacific has employed someone to sort out the problem with Facebook not accepting our blogs.
- Youth: Janelle reported on the three Coona Kids who attended the Science event this weekend. They had a ball being shown the sites of Sydney during their short visit.
- On the Domestic Violence front Janelle reminded us of the Harmony & Hearts Event this Saturday (see the email from Carol for details) - all welcome.
- International: Peter and the troops are in the air on their way to the Donors Visit to Flores.
- Membership: Carol advised she has three possible visitors for the next meeting.
Elise Corner
Elise has had a busy holiday, being taken to Queensland by Nicole and Todd, seeing the big banana and big prawn. Back to school this week but Taronga Zoo next weekend.
Nicole also gave an update on Georga who is really enjoying Chile. She is in the basketball team and doesn’t want to come home.
Sergeant at Arms
Neville treated us to a sports quiz. Nicole and Elise scored a perfect 10 (the night reporter also scored a perfect number – a circle).
President Colin wrapped up the night
Cawas had slipped in during the meeting and was welcomed back with his new bionic shoulder.
Don’t forget the conference.
Night Report: Tony Makin
Date: 14Oct24
Date: 14Oct24
Speech to Club Members: Fit for Purpose Workshop
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Sue Moore |
Good evening, everyone!
I’m excited to share some highlights from our recent Fit for Purpose Workshop, which kicked off at 10:00 AM on Saturday. We tackled some important topics that I believe will shape the future of our club.
First, we explored how we found ourselves in this Membership Crisis. It’s crucial to understand our past to navigate the path forward. This led us to a fascinating Club Transformation Case Study, showing us what’s possible.
We then shifted our focus to how we can emerge from this crisis. We discussed creating an inclusive club and adopting best practices that can help us thrive. One of the standout moments was our look at irresistible clubs around the world, particularly some innovative examples from the USA.
We also examined the importance of public image and partnerships, and I was particularly intrigued by the session on leveraging AI tools like ChatGPT to amplify our club’s impact. As I have just started a new job, I’m excited to consider how AI can help streamline tasks like meeting minutes.
The workshop addressed challenges such as engaging millennials and asked the crucial question: Are we relationship material? These discussions sparked some valuable insights.
On Sunday, Karen Purdue inspired us with her perspective as a change enthusiast, setting a motivational tone for the day. We then worked on a Club Fitness Plan Worksheet, drawing from the notes we took during Saturday’s sessions. This plan will be a work in progress, and I’m eager to discuss it with the board before sharing it with all of you. Our coach will provide quarterly check-ins and support whenever needed.
The fitness plan focuses on both internal issues—like membership, meetings, administration, and culture—and external factors such as public image, promotion, service, partnerships, and fundraising.
I learned so much from our fantastic speakers, but the real value came from the conversations I had with Rotarians from other clubs. Those discussions were incredibly enriching.
I’ll be summarizing the workshop at our board meeting this Wednesday, and within a month, we’ll make the slides and a recording of the event available to everyone.
Thank you for your attention and your commitment to making our club the best it can be! Let’s move forward together.
Just letting you know that this speech was written by AI from the notes I gave it.
I’m excited to share some highlights from our recent Fit for Purpose Workshop, which kicked off at 10:00 AM on Saturday. We tackled some important topics that I believe will shape the future of our club.
First, we explored how we found ourselves in this Membership Crisis. It’s crucial to understand our past to navigate the path forward. This led us to a fascinating Club Transformation Case Study, showing us what’s possible.
We then shifted our focus to how we can emerge from this crisis. We discussed creating an inclusive club and adopting best practices that can help us thrive. One of the standout moments was our look at irresistible clubs around the world, particularly some innovative examples from the USA.
We also examined the importance of public image and partnerships, and I was particularly intrigued by the session on leveraging AI tools like ChatGPT to amplify our club’s impact. As I have just started a new job, I’m excited to consider how AI can help streamline tasks like meeting minutes.
The workshop addressed challenges such as engaging millennials and asked the crucial question: Are we relationship material? These discussions sparked some valuable insights.
On Sunday, Karen Purdue inspired us with her perspective as a change enthusiast, setting a motivational tone for the day. We then worked on a Club Fitness Plan Worksheet, drawing from the notes we took during Saturday’s sessions. This plan will be a work in progress, and I’m eager to discuss it with the board before sharing it with all of you. Our coach will provide quarterly check-ins and support whenever needed.
The fitness plan focuses on both internal issues—like membership, meetings, administration, and culture—and external factors such as public image, promotion, service, partnerships, and fundraising.
I learned so much from our fantastic speakers, but the real value came from the conversations I had with Rotarians from other clubs. Those discussions were incredibly enriching.
I’ll be summarizing the workshop at our board meeting this Wednesday, and within a month, we’ll make the slides and a recording of the event available to everyone.
Thank you for your attention and your commitment to making our club the best it can be! Let’s move forward together.
Just letting you know that this speech was written by AI from the notes I gave it.
Sue Moore
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Photos
RC Beecroft Gin Night ... Friday 11th October 24 |
courtesy of Kaye Carter |
Daniel Dummer (President) with Kaye Carter
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Sandra Ross, Kaye Carter with Robin McShane (President, Beecroft Garden Club)
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