AGM 2023 & Robert Thompson on Rotary

 Election of Club Officers for 2024-25

Our Annual general meeting was held November 21, 2023, at Balgowlah RSL.

The following members were elected to the positions outlined:

A huge congratulations and thank you to all who participated in and supported the elections.

Di Hart reported: Inaugural Regional Council

Clubs throughout Zone 8 have voted and the following members have officially been elected to the inaugural Regional Council. The council will commence operating on 1 January 2024.

 

Chair: Dallas Booth, RC of Turramurra, NSW, Australia (D9685)

 

Chair-Elect: Tony Heyward, RC of Tawa, New Zealand (D9940)

 

Rotaract Nominee: Eeshwar Rajagopalan, Rotaract Club of Subiaco/RC of Elizabeth Quay, WA, Australia (D9423)

 

Portfolio Lead: Major Fundraising and Grants: Dr Peter Rogers AM, RC of Melbourne, VIC, Australia (D9800)

 

Portfolio Lead: Membership: Andy Rajapakse, RC of Burleigh Heads, QLD, Australia (D9640)

 

Portfolio Lead: Service Projects and Programs: Madhumita Bishnu, E-Club of Melbourne, VIC, Australia (D9800)

 

Portfolio Lead: Public Image and Partnerships: Neil McWhannell, RC of Wahroonga, NSW, Australia (D9685)

 

Portfolio Lead: Learning and Development: Euan Miller, RC of Norwood, SA, Australia (D9510)

 

A suitable candidate for the role of Portfolio Lead: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion will be appointed by the Regional Council.

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Car Rally

The postponement was outlined in a paper circulated by Lindy. A proposal for the new date plus additional initiatives will be available early Feb.

 

Spilstead Funding

Roger and John Darragh have met with James Griffin who will take the issues further.

 

Domestic Violence Walk

Liz MacDougall (Warringah Rotary) has circulated the information and it is summarised below:

Zone 8 - Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands - have a combined campaign to try to combat the horrendous issue of domestic and family violence.

Together with the Northern Beaches Domestic Violence Committee and Zonta a walk on behalf of Rotary Clubs of Northern Beaches is organised for Friday, 1st December, from Queenscliff Beach (start 9.30am) to Shelly Beach.

The new (Rotary) banner will be used on walk and the other organisations will bring whatever they want, all in support of the same cause.

It would be terrific if you can be there - please pass this around your circles.

Rotarians and partners/children need to sign on at the start of the walk.

We are hoping to make this an annual event - there used to be such walks under the White Ribbon banner but issues and Covid ended them a few years back.

I know it is late notice, it has been a struggle to get this across the line!If you can next week (by Thursday) let me know how many may attend that would be useful.

Kind regards,

Liz

Liz McDougall District Secretary, Rotary District 9685 (2021-2024) Secretary, Rotary Club of Warringah PLEASE LET ROGER OR SUE KNOW IF YOU ARE WALKING ASAP

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Our newest member, Robert Thompson – Friendships in Rotary and Achieving Quality

Following the AGM on Tuesday 21^st November 2023, our speaker was recently inducted member, Robert Thompson. Robert originally joined Rotary 17 years ago in Tasmania and was most appreciative of becoming a member for a second time when he and wife Ann returned to Sydney. He said that the reception of the club and members towards them was incredible and thanked everyone for making them so welcome. Robert covered a number of important areas on Rotary values and quality, and how it can be an essential part of our life.

Robert said his experiences with Rotary is best viewed in looking at the values of Rotary and the 4-way test. He observed however that the 4-way test and “is it the Truth?” doesn’t always promote good relations or friendships – have I just killed the Rotary organisation?

Robert said he looked at the Objects of Rotary; ‘service’ was mentioned 5 times. ‘occupation’ 4 times and ‘fellowship’ twice - however, he felt that the fellowship (and friendship) was the most important. The acceptance and support within a club is the most powerful factor in Rotary and “the greatest treasure” that it offers. Robert said that his second favourite philosopher, Aristotle defined a friend as one’s other self; gives without being asked; understands your problems; rejoyses your good fortune; supports through bad and tells unpleasant truths. (His favourite is Dr Suss).

 

Robert said Rotary friendships do last since they are grounded in doing good - being best for one another, best for friends and best for the community. Moreover, on a personal note, achieving friendship with one’s offspring means that the product of helping them grow into to freedom has worked, because friends are independent partners in their relationships.

Robert further explained this with the achievements of their children. Robert and Ann’s HR consultancy company has now been developed by their son Ben into a group of international companies on his return from London. Since Ben took it over has international group of companies that share a common goal, “To permanently improve the way employment is managed by making it easier and more valuable, for everyone.” These companies include Employment Innovations, Power2Motivate, Global Reward Solutions, Keypay and Employment Hero and have been valued at $2 billion.

Daughter Sara lives in Southern France and has a book and great blog: How to French Country with Sara Silm. It is a must-read for advice on achieving the French Provincial look, alongside a gorgeous visual tour of the chateau that Sara now calls home. She shares her tips for embracing the refined elegance of French Country style anywhere in the world.

Regarding Service:

Robert said the work of the two doctors who were recent guest speakers of the club, epitomised service and their work reflected its key principles.

Robert cited the book Doing Good Better, where the author, William MacAskill introduces the principles underlying effective altruism and sets out a practical guide to increasing your impact through your charity, volunteering, purchases, and choice of cause.

The criteria the book sets down can be briefly set out as:

·      How many people benefit and by how much?

·      Is this the most effective thing that you can do?

·      Is this area neglected?

·      What would have happened otherwise?

·      What are the chances of success, and how good would success be?

The best example of this being applied is very evident with Bill & Melinda Gates and Polio eradication & prevention (which of course is also embodied into Rotary and the Foundation). And we are almost there!

Attaining Quality:

When Robert and Ann established Enterprise Initiatives, it had over two thousand small & medium enterprise clients throughout Australia and the quality of achievement was the key principle. Robert’s initial work in this area was a program that he developed for the Institute of Management programs just like RYLA.  At that time was the top selling program at the Institute of Management for many years. 

The future of Rotary and the embodiment of its values in both enterprises and the community through programs such as RYLA is a most attractive opportunity for the future.

 

President Roger Gray and Robert Thompson

Everyone thanked Robert for a most insightful and very enjoyable talk

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Christmas Party: PAY IT NOW

Christmas Dinner (see Flyer above)

Tuesday  December 5th 2023  Dinner at Balgowlah RSL Wine Room from 6pm 

New Year BBQ 

Tuesday  January 16th 2024  Informal BBQ at Clontarf Reserve from 5pm 

District 9685 Conference

Friday & Saturday   March 15-16th 2024

Friday: Crowne Plaza, Pine Tree Ln, Terrigal NSW 2260 
Saturday: EV Church, 331 Terrigal Dr, Erina NSW 2250

Charity Golf Day & Dinner

Friday  April 5th 2024

Friday at Wakehurst Golf Club  Details TBA

Finally:

One day a florist went to a barber for a haircut. After the cut, he asked about his bill, and the barber replied, 'I cannot accept money from you, I'm doing community service this week.' The florist was pleased and left the shop.

When the barber went to open his shop the next morning, there was a 'thank you' card and a dozen roses waiting for him at his door.

 

Later, a cop comes in for a haircut, and when he tries to pay his bill, the barber again replied, 'I cannot accept money from you, I'm doing community service this week.' The cop was happy and left the shop.

The next morning when the barber went to open, there was a 'thank you' card and a dozen doughnuts waiting for him at his door.

 

Then a local politician came in for a haircut, and when he went to pay his bill, the barber again replied, 'I cannot accept money from you. I'm doing community service this week.' The local politician was very happy and left the shop.

The next morning, when the barber went to open his shop, there were a dozen politicians lined up waiting for a free haircut.

 

And that, my friends, illustrates the fundamental difference between the citizens of our country and the politicians who run it. Well some of them.