I am back after a wonderful cruise of the South Pacific. Thank you Alon for deputising for me whilst I was away.
The next few weeks are very busy ones for our Club. Next Monday is our Annual General Meeting. Please try to attend.
Christmas Carols at Crows Nest is on the Sunday 9th of December from 4 to 7 pm. We have been asked to run a BBQ on that night . Proceeds from this will go to a local charity.
Monday the 10th December is our much awaited Giving Night and Christmas Party . It is an evening event so no lunch time Rotary Meeting that day.
2018 Tree of Joy begins on Wednesday the 12th of December and finishes on the 21st of December. Crows Nest Club have been allocated the first five days to roster on our wonderful members, partners and rotary friends for this fantastic project. A Roster will be circulated and I ask you to please consider coming along.
At Today’s Meeting we decided that we would again be collecting non perishable food items to be made into Hampers for those in need in our community. I will be collecting any donated items starting from next week .
Our speaker last Monday was Doug Parris, Program Director of the Western Harbour Tunnel & Beaches Link.
Doug started with an overview of the route, and the drivers. Firstly the Western Harbour Tunnel goes from Rozelle to the Warringah Freeway (Cammeray), bypassing the CBD. As well as relieving pressure on the CBD, it will significantly reduce congestion on the Anzac & Harbour Bridges. The Beaches Link from Cammeray to Seaforth will improve the slowest transport link in Sydney (Military road), not to mention the Roseville & Spilt bridges (e.g.30-40% decrease in traffic). Beaches link will extend thru an enlarged Wakehurst Parkway to the French Forest Hospital, and also thru to Balgowlah. Also note these two roads will link to the M2, M4, M5 and West Connex meaning direct access to the airport. Yes Dee Why to the airport travel time will REDUCE by up to 41 minutes. NSW roads is working with NSW transport to ensure integration with trains & buses. (i.e. Off ramp to North Sydney, so buses can link with Sydney Metro)
The current stage of the project is in Community engagement thru to December this year. Then next year there is an environmental assessment prior to the planning approval. Construction should start in 2020 and finish in 2026, but it is NOT approved yet!
Doug also took us thru a few construction challenges like the tunnel in middle harbour & planning truck routes to minimise disruption. Numerous questions were cut short, due to time, but overall a very informative session. We thank Doug for his time, and frank & open discussion.
News
Big Thank You from Taldumande House for the Toiletries we sent.
BBQ was a success last weekend with extra bread & sausages being purchased. We had our first transactions on the new Square Q Point of Sale device. Extremely entertaining day with our customers on the 'Onion debate'.
Angelo is co-ordinating officer elections for the AGM on November 26th. Please see him if questions. The agenda has been issued. Directors are asked to submit their annual report to Mark by Friday 23rd.
Alon is progressing the Giving Night. He would appreciate your input to the list of charities to receive donations by November 29th. The venue will be confirmed before then. Please keep Monday 10th free (evening).
We have agreed to support this year's Crows Nest Xmas Carols with our usual BBQ. Volunteers needed for Sunday 9th December 4-7pm.
No-one has claimed the Melbourne Cup Trifecta yet. Maybe a windfall for the club! Please check your tickets - the winning numbers are 23, 9, & 17.
Sue has received the Tree of Joy dates from Chatswood, and will be asking for volunteers.
120 RYPEN applicants for 80 positions. RYLA still has vacancies.
Reminders
Monday 26th November the Club's AGM
Monday 26th November - Rotary Foundation Dinner @ Olympic Park
Thursday December 6th - Board meeting
Sunday December 9th - Crows Nest Carols BBQ
Monday 10th December - Club's Christmas Party and Giving Night
Friday 29th - 31st March 2019 - District Conference
