Monday July 13th 2020 saw President Mark Staples handover to incoming President Ian Pocock.
Year in Review: Despite the Challenge of COVID19 we have a number of achievements.
Community Services under Sue’s management
Key achievement is that we have reactivated a strong relationship with the Crows Nest community centre. It is great to see CEO Denise here tonight. Tom was MC at their Seniors week, Philip was their ‘best Santa ever’ at their Xmas lunch, we ran a BBQ for Children’s week, submitted a grant for IPADs in Ian’s year, and also have a Laundry for the homeless on the radar. Our biggest CCNC project, in conjunction with North Sydney & North Sydney Sunrise clubs, was setting up a Dementia Café at the centre. All the prework was done just before COVID19 shut the centre down. We plan to open the Café in Dementia awareness week in September. Big effort by both Denise and Sue.
Another big event was our sponsorship of the Neuroblastoma Gala Dinner in February which raised $150,000 for research into this cancer that only impacts kids under 6 and kills 50% - great cause and great exposure for the club.
We again participated in the 2019 Tree of Joy Christmas project at Chatswood Chase. Crows Nest Rotary together with neighboring Clubs in the Chatswood and Roseville areas collected donated Christmas gifts and hampers from the local community and local business organisations. These were distributed to a large number of charities and organisations bringing a little happiness to those less fortunate and struggling in our community. Lets not forget our continued support for Mary’s house, a refuge for victims of domestic violence, as well as a BBQ for the Crows Nest Xmas Carols and participation in the Crows Nest Fair. I’m sure I missed a few other activities.
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Philip leading the youth portfolio this year, enabled Phoenix House to receive our contribution, together with a District Grant, to establish a new IT Laboratory for their teenagers. Phoenix House continue to run educational services and a ‘drop in’ coffee shop for youth. Their CEO Edward is here tonight. Taldumande Youth Services continue to receive our support and they remain in our focus with simple things like $250 for a microwave a few months back.
The Club sought applications for Rotary District’s annual Youth Programmes, such as, the Model United Nations Assembly, Rotary Leadership Awards, and Rotary Youth Programme of Enrichment, but this year there were no applications and many programmes were cancelled due to COVID19. Thanks Philip. Also for Zoom and eBulletin efforts.
I did give our local community priority over International. Our local Police commander has reminded us that the lower North Shore is NOT immune from the problems of homeless, domestic violence, youths. However, Internationally Crows Nest Club, under Ian, is working with Mosman Club on the supply of water suitable for drinking and sanitation purposes at the future Teachers Training College in Maliana, East Timor. On hold with COVID19 with the architect awaiting Government approval for his plans.
Unfortunately after 3 years, we had to cancel our project for water harvesting and the construction of suitable toilet blocks at two schools in East Pokot, Southern Kenya. Lack of finance from the local Rotary club, tendering issues and the final nail in the coffin was COVID19, plus recent floods. This was disappointing given the effort put in by Ian & Howard as well as our partner SoTheyCan.
With Howards Guidance we were award the District Silver Award for our continued support of ShelterBox. Please talk to Howard if you haven’t heard of ShelterBox.
We continue to oversee RYLA in East Timor and support the annual Orphan’s Xmas party in Dilli. Thanks Ian – Also an eBulletin editor.
Whilst small our membership is stable with no net loss of members this year. Director George has returned from his 2 year sabbatical and I’m know that Ian & George have big plans for this year
We remain key supporters of the Rotary Foundation as well as ensuring that we apply for the maximum grant which I have already mentioned. Director Bill tells me 3 members were centurions this year, and I have personally given two Paul Harris awards to members for significant donations. They do not wish any fanfare.
In the vocational world we had to cancel our planned for a joint Pride of Workmanship awards function, in March, with 4 other local clubs, but it is fantastic that director Tom can present to our nominations shortly.
Thanks Tom & Bill for their input to the board. Also lets me not forget to also acknowledge our treasurer, Owen, and my right hand man – Secretary Angelo.
On the financial front, for those of you who missed last December’s Giving night, it was a pleasure to see PP Sue give away over $50,000. I have already given $16,000 for charities like Blaze aid and a few already mentioned. Unfortunately I need to mention that word COVID19 AGAIN. Our BBQ income was down by at least $10,000 this year, so this year’s giving night dinner will be main course only. No entrée, no desert.
Appropriate at this time to acknowledge my mentor, our member Harold Sharp, for being appointed Chairman of ROMAC Australia & NZ. One charity I do NOT intend cutting this year. ROMAC flys in Children from Oceania for life saving surgery that can’t get in their own country. Well done on your Queens’ birthday honors (OAM) as well.
Finally a big Thank you to all club members for their support. For a small club you have achieved a lot.
It also gave me great pleasure to present Paul Harris Awards to two members for many years for service above & beyond.
Sue Raveane - Running the busiest portfolio of community services, including the D-Cafe project, assisting in other portfolios and a very successful year as President.
Angelo Raveane - Consistently performing extras duties with great success. Melbourne Cup trifecta , Overseeing East Timor RYLA, Tree of Joy assistance, BBQ backup, chasing up District on significant issues to chasing members for dues & attendance at functions etc etc.
Sue also presented Joy Sweeney with a Paul Harris award for her many years of active support to the club.