President's Report |
Monday 14 April 2025 |
President's Introduction:
Friday is Pirates Day.
Welcome members, and partners and Sue Sweeny, our speaker tonight along with President Dianne Jardine. Sandra will introduce Sue and Dianne later.
Thank you to Anne, Tony M, David and Sandra who turned up to mow the Kenthurst lawns and a little socialising over coffee afterwards
Thank you to Robyn for volunteering to join next year’s Board as Fundraising Director. We still do not have a Club Services Director which is going to make it very difficult to run the club including these meetings. We need a volunteer before changeover. We still do not have a President Elect for 2026-27 either.
You will receive the minutes from the Board meeting last Wednesday shortly. The following were discussed:
Closing Remarks
Thank you to Sergeant Tony C for capably guiding the meeting tonight
There is no club meeting next week. Instead, a few of us will be joining with Lions for their ANZAC Dinner. It is now too late to to join this group. The next meeting will be April 28 at HPHs. Judith Dunn OAM- Parramatta & District Historical Society will be our guest speaker. More information at https://www.parramattahistorical.org.au/index.htm and https://stjohnsonline.org/contributors/judith-dunn/
Portfolio Directors please for this year and next year please have your reports/plans to Keith and me by June 1.
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 Sandra know.
Rotary Leadership Institute. The club will pay for you to attend. Details in the Bulletin, including registration link.
Friday is Pirates Day.
Welcome members, and partners and Sue Sweeny, our speaker tonight along with President Dianne Jardine. Sandra will introduce Sue and Dianne later.
Thank you to Anne, Tony M, David and Sandra who turned up to mow the Kenthurst lawns and a little socialising over coffee afterwards
Thank you to Robyn for volunteering to join next year’s Board as Fundraising Director. We still do not have a Club Services Director which is going to make it very difficult to run the club including these meetings. We need a volunteer before changeover. We still do not have a President Elect for 2026-27 either.
You will receive the minutes from the Board meeting last Wednesday shortly. The following were discussed:
- Participation in Carlingford’s Pavilion Theatre fundraiser.
- Democracy BBQ
- Payments to the Foundation for this Rotary year
- Friendship dinners
- Potential Community Service projects
- International WASH project
- Club promotion
- Pride of Workmanship
- Youth Pitch for Purpose
- Change over venue – changing from Madison to Springfield due to unforeseen issues with Madison
- Project Plan template for new projects/events
- Fit for Purpose
Closing Remarks
Thank you to Sergeant Tony C for capably guiding the meeting tonight
There is no club meeting next week. Instead, a few of us will be joining with Lions for their ANZAC Dinner. It is now too late to to join this group. The next meeting will be April 28 at HPHs. Judith Dunn OAM- Parramatta & District Historical Society will be our guest speaker. More information at https://www.parramattahistorical.org.au/index.htm and https://stjohnsonline.org/contributors/judith-dunn/
Portfolio Directors please for this year and next year please have your reports/plans to Keith and me by June 1.
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 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.
Some facts about ANZAC Day
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Gallipoli is not a town
Just like there is no town called Noosa, there is no town or city called Gallipoli. Gallipoli is the area where the Anzacs fought and is near the famous ancient ruins of the city of Troy.
Anzac biscuits were square
Anzac biscuits were traditionally square and so hard that some men were said to have broken their teeth on them. They were sometimes ground down to make porridge, thicken a stew or fried as fritters. They were first supplied as rations and it was only later on that mums, wives, fiancés and girlfriends would make and send the biscuits we are more familiar with today.
Aboriginal Australians were not allowed to enlist in WW1
Despite not being legally allowed to serve, many Aboriginal Australians lied about their race to enlist. Sadly, their involvement is still rarely recognised even though it is believed that almost one thousand of them (out of an estimated indigenous population of 80,000) served during WW1.
Alec Campbell was the last surviving Anzac
The last surviving Anzac was Alexander William Campbell who passed away on 16 May 2002. Campbell joined the army at the age of 16 in 1915 and served as a stores-carrier for two months during the fighting at Gallipoli. He was invalided home and discharged in 1916.
All Anzacs were volunteers
Unlike the other countries engaged in World War I, conscription was not introduced in Australia. All the Australians who fought in World War I were volunteers. Prime Minister Billy Hughes made two attempts to introduce conscription: two conscription referenda were held in 1916 and 1917. Both lost to the ‘no’ vote.
The word “Anzac” is protected
The word “Anzac” is protected under Australian law and misuse can incur a penalty of up to 12 months in prison or a large fine. The Protection of Word ‘Anzac’ Regulations 1921 (Cth) (the Regulations) broadly state that to use the word ‘Anzac’ (or any word resembling the word ‘Anzac’) in an official or corporate manner, permission from the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs is required.
Origin of Anzac acronym
The acronym ANZAC was devised by Major General William Birdwood’s staff in Cairo in 1915.
What is Anzac Day?
Anzac Day, 25 April, is one of Australia’s most important national occasions. It marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War.
What does ANZAC stand for?
ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. The soldiers in those forces quickly became known as Anzacs, and the pride they took in that name endures to this day.
Why is this day special to Australians?
When war broke out in 1914 Australia had been a federated nation for only 13 years, and its government was eager to establish a reputation among the nations of the world. When Britain declared war in August 1914 Australia was automatically placed on the side of the Commonwealth. In 1915 Australian and New Zealand soldiers formed part of the expedition that set out to capture the Gallipoli peninsula in order to open the Dardanelles to the allied navies. The ultimate objective was to capture Constantinople (now Istanbul), the capital of the Ottoman Empire, an ally of Germany.
Museum At Home Webinar - Anzac Day Traditions
A view looking aft of lifeboat carrying unidentified men of the Australian 1st Divisional Signal Company as they are towed towards Anzac Cove on the day of the landing.
The Australian and New Zealand forces landed on Gallipoli on 25 April, meeting fierce resistance from the Ottoman Turkish defenders. What had been planned as a bold stroke to knock Turkey out of the war quickly became a stalemate, and the campaign dragged on for eight months. At the end of 1915 the allied forces were evacuated from the peninsula, with both sides having suffered heavy casualties and endured great hardships. More than 8,000 Australian soldiers had died in the campaign. Gallipoli had a profound impact on Australians at home, and 25 April soon became the day on which Australians remembered the sacrifice of those who died in the war.
Although the Gallipoli campaign failed in its military objectives, the actions of Australian and New Zealand forces during the campaign left a powerful legacy. What became known as the “Anzac legend” became an important part of the identity of both nations, shaping the ways in which they viewed both their past and their future.
Early commemorations
In 1916 the first Anzac Day commemorations were held on 25 April. The day was marked by a wide variety of ceremonies and services across Australia, a march through London, and a sports day in the Australian camp in Egypt. In London more than 2,000 Australian and New Zealand troops marched through the streets; a London newspaper headline dubbed them “the knights of Gallipoli”. Marches were held all over Australia; in the Sydney march convoys of cars carried soldiers wounded on Gallipoli and their nurses. For the remaining years of the war Anzac Day was used as an occasion for patriotic rallies and recruiting campaigns, and parades of serving members of the AIF were held in most cities.
25 April 1916: Australian and New Zealand troops marching down Whitehall London to Westminster Abbey.
During the 1920s Anzac Day became established as a national day of commemoration for the more than 60,000 Australians who had died during the war. In 1927, for the first time, every state observed some form of public holiday on Anzac Day. By the mid-1930s all the rituals we now associate with the day – dawn vigils, marches, memorial services, reunions, two-up games – were firmly established as part of Anzac Day culture.
Later, Anzac Day also served to commemorate the lives of Australians who died in the Second World War, and in subsequent years the meaning of the day has been further broadened to include those who lost their lives in all the military and peacekeeping operations in which Australia has been involved.
Anzac Day was first commemorated at the Memorial in 1942. At the time, government orders prohibited large public gatherings in case of a Japanese air attack, so it was a small occasion with neither a march nor a memorial service. Since then, Anzac Day has been commemorated at the Memorial every year.
Night Report |
14 April 2025 |
Sergeant Tony Coote opened the meeting, welcomed everyone to Hotel Pennant Hills and called on George to make a toast. George toasted the greatest country of all, Australia, mateship and Rotary.
President’s Report
Refer President’s report in Bulletin.
Sandra introduced our guest speaker Sue Sweeney, assisted by Dianne Jardine, from Cavalcade of History and Fashion.
The Cavalcade of History and Fashion is a volunteer, not-for-profit community group whose custodians collect, preserve and display a collection of historic fashion dating from the late 1700s. The collection has been amassed over the last 60 years and consists of over 18,000 items including men’s, women’s and children’s clothing and accessories. All items are original and have been donated. Where possible the history of the original wearer has also been collected and the item is named after its wearer. Through a “Museum without Walls” philosophy, the collection brings Australia’s social and fashion history to life through presentations, displays and exhibitions.
Sue and Dianne brought along some beautiful clothes and gave a PowerPoint presentation showcasing significant items from their collection.
It was a most interesting presentation.
Election BBQ - Tony Coote has had a good response from members volunteering for the BBQ to be held on 3 May at West Pennant Hills Public School.
Directors’ Reports:
Community Services - Sandra advised that District wants to update data. If there are any changes to contact details, please let Sandra know by 27 April.
Foundation - Karen requested members make Centurion donations by early May.
International - Andrew advised NTA implemented a reading competition for students from 15 schools in West Timor. The reading competition aims to improve literacy among middle school students, enhance English speaking and skills of students, train students to speak confidently in public and foster a love of reading. A lot of stories were provided by Teacher In The Box.
Our Rotary Club donated $500 for this competition which was held last Friday (11 April). The $500 covered the total cost of running the competition on the day. This is a very worthwhile cause and the Club would like to continue this donation on an annual basis.
Social - If you would like to host a friendship dinner or lunch please let Sandra know.
Angelo drew the raffle ticket which was won by Ros Hogan.
April Birthdays - Colin, Neville, George, Vince, Robyn, Tony Makin, Todd, Ros Savio and Angelo
Bouquets - Tony Coote donated a bouquet to Julianne Stanton who took to the stage showing off her dancing skills in a show at Sydney Grammar, St Ives.
Martin Collins attended a wine tasting fundraiser organised by Norwest Sunrise supporting homeless people in our community. He gave a bouquet to Rotary Clubs for focusing on homelessness in the Hills District.
David Turnbull was pleased to see Sandra join the gardening team at Kenthurst. She was a very good weeder!!
Congratulations to Tony and Glenda Coote on celebrating 51 years of marriage.
Heads and Tails - won by Colin Sharpe
Colin closed the meeting.
President’s Report
Refer President’s report in Bulletin.
Sandra introduced our guest speaker Sue Sweeney, assisted by Dianne Jardine, from Cavalcade of History and Fashion.
The Cavalcade of History and Fashion is a volunteer, not-for-profit community group whose custodians collect, preserve and display a collection of historic fashion dating from the late 1700s. The collection has been amassed over the last 60 years and consists of over 18,000 items including men’s, women’s and children’s clothing and accessories. All items are original and have been donated. Where possible the history of the original wearer has also been collected and the item is named after its wearer. Through a “Museum without Walls” philosophy, the collection brings Australia’s social and fashion history to life through presentations, displays and exhibitions.
Sue and Dianne brought along some beautiful clothes and gave a PowerPoint presentation showcasing significant items from their collection.
It was a most interesting presentation.
Election BBQ - Tony Coote has had a good response from members volunteering for the BBQ to be held on 3 May at West Pennant Hills Public School.
Directors’ Reports:
Community Services - Sandra advised that District wants to update data. If there are any changes to contact details, please let Sandra know by 27 April.
Foundation - Karen requested members make Centurion donations by early May.
International - Andrew advised NTA implemented a reading competition for students from 15 schools in West Timor. The reading competition aims to improve literacy among middle school students, enhance English speaking and skills of students, train students to speak confidently in public and foster a love of reading. A lot of stories were provided by Teacher In The Box.
Our Rotary Club donated $500 for this competition which was held last Friday (11 April). The $500 covered the total cost of running the competition on the day. This is a very worthwhile cause and the Club would like to continue this donation on an annual basis.
Social - If you would like to host a friendship dinner or lunch please let Sandra know.
Angelo drew the raffle ticket which was won by Ros Hogan.
April Birthdays - Colin, Neville, George, Vince, Robyn, Tony Makin, Todd, Ros Savio and Angelo
Bouquets - Tony Coote donated a bouquet to Julianne Stanton who took to the stage showing off her dancing skills in a show at Sydney Grammar, St Ives.
Martin Collins attended a wine tasting fundraiser organised by Norwest Sunrise supporting homeless people in our community. He gave a bouquet to Rotary Clubs for focusing on homelessness in the Hills District.
David Turnbull was pleased to see Sandra join the gardening team at Kenthurst. She was a very good weeder!!
Congratulations to Tony and Glenda Coote on celebrating 51 years of marriage.
Heads and Tails - won by Colin Sharpe
Colin closed the meeting.
