President's Report |
Monday 24 March 2025 |
President’s introduction:
Welcome members, and partners. Welcome to Bass Bhaskaran visiting from Norwest Sunrise.
Thank you to the lawn mowers, line trimers and tree fellas who helped Anne last Wednesday. Anne will say more later.
Thank you to the Bunnings BBQ team led by Ros HH and Adrian who laboured away to add significantly to our charity funds while others relaxed at the Pullman in Penrith. Tony gave run down. The net for the day was ~$1600
Fifteen attended the District Conference dressed in another winning costume. We had two other clubs with worthy competition. You will see our costume at the next meeting at Hotel Pennant Hills on March 31. I will include some more feedback from the conference in my night report.
Kenthurst Club has invited us to join them at the Vicar to hear Rev Bill Cruise speak on May 12. The invitation has been accepted.
2025 Trivia Night booked for Saturday August 16 with Robert Bredin as our Quiz master.
I attended Norwest Sunrise last Friday to hear Krish Nair the 2024-2025 Hills Shire Youth Ambassador speak. What an inspiring 19-year-old. We should get him to speak to us. Krish was also the 2023 Youth MP for Castle Hill. He is an accomplished author and currently doing a double degree in Law at Macquarie University. Krish is a remarkable young leader who has dedicated himself to empowering youth and fostering community engagement. His journey from student leader to published author and youth ambassador serves as a powerful example of how passion and determination can create lasting change.
This is a unique opportunity to hear from an emerging leader who is shaping the future and inspiring the next generation of changemakers. Please invite a guest or a young leader who may be inspired from Krish’s story.
Helping Hearts Survive first ever Bunnings BBQ last Sunday. Slow start but going well when Anne and I left at around 10 am. It turned out to be a good day for them netting around $900 as top-quality sausages (350 sold) and bread were donated.
Janelle is speaking at RC North Gosford's meeting re Respectful Relationships Program.
RuffTRACK Trivia Night 29/03/2025 - so far, we have 8 members/partners attending (Neville, Janelle, Elise, Edwina, Robyn, Karen, Peter, Julianne) meaning we have 2 spare free tickets available plus other members still very welcome to attend and join us in the fun. Anne and I have another engagement.
RC Carlingford Pavillion Theatre event-on Thursday 2 April 2025 to see Glorious - based on a true story, this hilarious and heart-warming comedy tells the story of Florence Foster Jenkins, the worst singer in the world.
Closing Remarks
Welcome members, and partners. Welcome to Bass Bhaskaran visiting from Norwest Sunrise.
Thank you to the lawn mowers, line trimers and tree fellas who helped Anne last Wednesday. Anne will say more later.
Thank you to the Bunnings BBQ team led by Ros HH and Adrian who laboured away to add significantly to our charity funds while others relaxed at the Pullman in Penrith. Tony gave run down. The net for the day was ~$1600
Fifteen attended the District Conference dressed in another winning costume. We had two other clubs with worthy competition. You will see our costume at the next meeting at Hotel Pennant Hills on March 31. I will include some more feedback from the conference in my night report.
Kenthurst Club has invited us to join them at the Vicar to hear Rev Bill Cruise speak on May 12. The invitation has been accepted.
2025 Trivia Night booked for Saturday August 16 with Robert Bredin as our Quiz master.
I attended Norwest Sunrise last Friday to hear Krish Nair the 2024-2025 Hills Shire Youth Ambassador speak. What an inspiring 19-year-old. We should get him to speak to us. Krish was also the 2023 Youth MP for Castle Hill. He is an accomplished author and currently doing a double degree in Law at Macquarie University. Krish is a remarkable young leader who has dedicated himself to empowering youth and fostering community engagement. His journey from student leader to published author and youth ambassador serves as a powerful example of how passion and determination can create lasting change.
This is a unique opportunity to hear from an emerging leader who is shaping the future and inspiring the next generation of changemakers. Please invite a guest or a young leader who may be inspired from Krish’s story.
Helping Hearts Survive first ever Bunnings BBQ last Sunday. Slow start but going well when Anne and I left at around 10 am. It turned out to be a good day for them netting around $900 as top-quality sausages (350 sold) and bread were donated.
Janelle is speaking at RC North Gosford's meeting re Respectful Relationships Program.
RuffTRACK Trivia Night 29/03/2025 - so far, we have 8 members/partners attending (Neville, Janelle, Elise, Edwina, Robyn, Karen, Peter, Julianne) meaning we have 2 spare free tickets available plus other members still very welcome to attend and join us in the fun. Anne and I have another engagement.
RC Carlingford Pavillion Theatre event-on Thursday 2 April 2025 to see Glorious - based on a true story, this hilarious and heart-warming comedy tells the story of Florence Foster Jenkins, the worst singer in the world.
- RC Carlingford are dedicating the funds from the night to support District 9685's Respectful Relationships program - particularly the new Educational Scholarships Scheme. Members of my District Committee will be attending, so too members of Christine's Club all the way from the Central Coast. It would be appreciated if there was some support from our Club too. Anne and I will be attending. It would be good if the other Pavillion Theatre supporters could also attend. Details will be in the bulletin.
- Please RSVP Janelle before Thursday 27 March.
Closing Remarks
- Next week is a face–to-face meeting with We will also have District Governor Elect Nominee Michelle Ellery present.
- The two Fit for Purpose video’s tonight presented by Mark Huddleston were thought provoking and well worth watching. Keith will add a link to them in the night report. We are signed up to this program and have until July 2026 to implement identified change. You will hear a lot more about this program over the next few months. Please embrace it.
- Directors, if you have not done so please book in for District Assembly. Please see the email I sent you. Please carpool as parking is very limited.
- Portfolio Directors please hold your committee meetings to address your activities prior to the next Board meeting. Only key outcomes need to be presented to the Board.
- If you do not have the “What’s on” and club calendar set up on your phone, please let Neville know so that a time can be arranged to do so.
- If you have a duty role and are unable to do it please swap with someone else and let Sandra know.
- If you are going on leave, please let BOTH Ros Hogan and Sandra know.
- Rotary Leadership Institute. The club will pay for you to attend. Details in the Bulletin, including registration link.
So, Let’s stay safe look after each other and create magic.
My report tonight has a summary of some of the talks at the District Conference.
Master of Ceremonies – Jonathan Usher. A very professional and humorous MC adding a little magic to the occasion.
Master of Ceremonies – Jonathan Usher. A very professional and humorous MC adding a little magic to the occasion.
As a young boy, he always wanted to be a Doctor but his parents urged him to work hard and forge a career as a Magician.
Now hailing from Cromwell, Central Otago, but originally from Chain Hills, Mosgiel where Anne hails from. Over the years, he has performed and MC’ d thousands of events all over New Zealand and Australia.
Jonathan has been a Rotarian since 1997 and has held numerous positions including District Governor in 2014/2015. He recently transferred to the Rotary Club of Cromwell and will be the President of that club in 2026/2027.
A snippet of his magic. https://www.facebook.com/RotaryRichmondNSW/videos/4251946701748852
Now hailing from Cromwell, Central Otago, but originally from Chain Hills, Mosgiel where Anne hails from. Over the years, he has performed and MC’ d thousands of events all over New Zealand and Australia.
Jonathan has been a Rotarian since 1997 and has held numerous positions including District Governor in 2014/2015. He recently transferred to the Rotary Club of Cromwell and will be the President of that club in 2026/2027.
A snippet of his magic. https://www.facebook.com/RotaryRichmondNSW/videos/4251946701748852
Program Highlights
Friday Night
Conference Dinner
We won again, but a couple of clubs gave us a run for first place. A peek at our costume as finish getting dressed up.
Keynote Speakers
Alan Finkel - Australia’s former Chief Scientist and neuroscientist, inventor, researcher, entrepreneur, educator and policy advisor.
Veena Sahajwala – Leading UNSW Scientist and internationally recognised materials scientist, engineer and inventor --------revolutionising recycling science.
Luke Winder - Sustainable Farming: Lessons from Regional Australia. ----
Mark Balla - “Operation Toilets – We Can’t Wait!” Rotary’s Water and Sanitation Projects. ----.
Audrey Barucchi - People for Nature.
Polin Phang - The Power of Volunteerism: Stories of People and Nature Thriving Together Rebuilding A Nation: Rotary’s Impact in --------Cambodia and Timor-Leste
Pam Pritchard AM - The Magic of Books: Closing the Education Gap for Indigenous Australians
Friday Night
Conference Dinner
We won again, but a couple of clubs gave us a run for first place. A peek at our costume as finish getting dressed up.
Keynote Speakers
Alan Finkel - Australia’s former Chief Scientist and neuroscientist, inventor, researcher, entrepreneur, educator and policy advisor.
- Spoke about energy issues in Australia and the solutions from an apolitical perspective. A mix including nuclear is the -solution.
Veena Sahajwala – Leading UNSW Scientist and internationally recognised materials scientist, engineer and inventor --------revolutionising recycling science.
- Spoke about converting waste to useful products such as 3D filaments and building tiles using micro processing plants.
Luke Winder - Sustainable Farming: Lessons from Regional Australia. ----
- Discouraged by the food system and the options he saw for his children, Luke Winder left his career as an electrician behind to pursue a mission to feed as many humans as possible with ethical, beyond free-range, nutrient dense, chemical free protein. He and his wife Pia own Tathra Place Free Range in Wombeyan Caves NSW, where they are producing duck, pork, beef, quail, chicken and lamb, using a multi-species cycle of rotation and rest to break pathogen cycles, stimulate plant growth, build fertility and sequester soil carbon.
Mark Balla - “Operation Toilets – We Can’t Wait!” Rotary’s Water and Sanitation Projects. ----.
- The idea for Operation Toilets Australia (OTA) was brought to the Rotary Club of Box Hill Central by club member Mark Balla who had learned during a trip to India that many schools in the developing world have no toilets.
- He learned about the terrible impact this had on the lives of the children in these schools, and most particularly on the lives of adolescent girls in the schools and he felt compelled to do something about it.
- The Rotary Club of Box Hill Central adopted the mission with gusto and the rest is history. To date we have reached over 100,000 children plus many community members with projects in India, Ethiopia, and Nepal.
- Mark has a TED talk explaining the issue in more detail. Will show it on one of our Zoom nights
Audrey Barucchi - People for Nature.
- Audrey is a dynamic and purpose-driven executive with over 15 years of expertise in sustainability, ranging from cleantech innovations to conservation efforts. Audrey’s profound understanding of the energy sector, climate science, and environmental challenges has positioned her as a leading voice in the field. Her career has spanned a variety of roles, including significant positions in scientific communications and sustainability project management across start-ups and multinational corporations. Her talk outlined her sustainability projects.
Polin Phang - The Power of Volunteerism: Stories of People and Nature Thriving Together Rebuilding A Nation: Rotary’s Impact in --------Cambodia and Timor-Leste
- Safe Water Programs are a critical centerpiece of Sustainable Cambodia’s community development strategy. They provide a necessary base upon which other community development programs such as Food Security and Healthcare can build. Before the Safe Water Programs, many of the communities in which Sustainable Cambodia operated had no source of clean drinking water, forcing the villagers to carry water over long distances and/or gather dirty water from nearby scum-covered ponds. This significant workload is often the responsibility of school-age students and thereby reduces, if not eliminates, the time available for studies.
- Families helped to gain access to clean water in three ways:
- Wells: Providing communities with steady access to water, opening doors to many other programs
- Bio-Sand Filters: Supplying villagers with a cheap and reliable method to make water potable
- Rooftop Rainwater Harvesters: Further increasing communities’ access to clean water
- The Safe Water Programs are designed to work in conjunction with one another to address each aspect of water resources, from availability to safe household use. Wells and Rooftop Rainwater Harvesters are installed, granting access to a steady supply of water for a community. A BioSand filter is then used to treat the water, removing most of the disease-bearing bacteria.
- Everything changes when clean water becomes available! Sickness and disease are dramatically reduced. Water becomes available for growing vegetable gardens or for fishponds, addressing hunger and malnutrition. Children who previously had to work for hours every day hauling water are able to attend school regularly. Life begins anew!
Pam Pritchard AM - The Magic of Books: Closing the Education Gap for Indigenous Australians
- Turramurra club with support from Chatswood/Roseville and Chatswood Sunrise has provided books to Moree East Public school since 2021 which has 87% indigenous children.----
Pitch For Purpose Student Innovation Challenge
- The challenge aimed to empower students to solve real-world environmental challenges and promote innovation and design thinking.
- Dural Public School won the primary school's challenge.
- Marsden High School won the secondary school's challenge.
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2025-26 Conference is Newcastle
The link below provides a humorous promotion video. www.instagram.com/changemakerevanburrell/reel/DHhOmsBTfua/ |
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Night Report
Tonight, the Club viewed two Vimeo presentations from Mark Huddleston.
These are displayed below and you can start each by clicking on the relevant picture
These are displayed below and you can start each by clicking on the relevant picture
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If you become enthused or interested in Fit for Purpose, here is a link to all twelve presentations ...
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Humour
Something from the Pun-Dits... courtesy of Cawas
- Man who sneezes without tissues... takes the matters into his own hands.
- Lightning sometimes shocks people... because it just doesn't know how to conduct itself.
- A prisoner's favourite punctuation mark is the period... It marks the end of his sentence.
- A rule of grammar... double negatives are a no-no.
- Sleeping comes so naturally to me... I could do it with my eyes closed.
- Atheists don't solve exponential equations... because they don't believe in higher powers.
- I have a new theory on inertia... sadly it doesn't seem to be gaining any momentum.
- The man who survived mustard gas and pepper spray is now a ‘seasoned veteran’.
- What did the grape say when it got stepped on? Nothing, but it let out a little whine.
- If you don't pay your exorcist... do you get repossessed?
- Pencils could be made with erasers at both ends... but, what would be the point?
- I was arrested after my therapist suggested I take something for my kleptomania.
- A hungry traveller stops at a monastery and is taken to the kitchen... a brother is frying chips.
- "Are you the friar?" he asks. "No. I'm the chip monk" he replies.
- Yesterday I accidentally swallowed some food colouring... My doc says I'm OK, but I feel like I've dyed a little inside.
- What's the definition of a will? It’s a Dead Giveaway.
- Two peanuts were walking in a tough neighbourhood and one of them was a-salted.
