Here we are halfway through our Rotary year.  Time to reflect on 2024 but more importantly look to 2025.  How are we going with the plans we envisaged?  Do we need to revisit these plans, particularly for our club and portfolios?  For me, my focus and plans for the year were always on membership, how can we engage members and encourage them to attend meetings and get involved?  How do we attract members to our club?  To update our marketing materials to ensure we are delivering a cohesive brand.  It has certainly been trial and error!  Some worked, some did not!  I have learnt many valuable lessons and for that I am very thankful!  Yes, I need to revisit my plans and make adjustments!  In February we will discuss where we are at and what we want to achieve before the end of our Rotary year.

 

Monday 16^th December is our Christmas Party and it will also be our last meeting for the year.  First meeting back for 2025 will be Monday 3^rd February.  All Directors are asked to come prepared for that meeting to discuss their portfolios and ideas for the remainder of our Rotary year.

Remember to bring your “Secret Santa” gift to the Christmas Party.  Patricia has some surprises for us and we have some very special guests, including prospective members. It should be a fun night!

 

Last meeting we had a very interesting speaker, Alan Lawrenson.  He spoke about our energy crisis and possible solutions.  A number of members took advantage of purchasing his best-selling book “Australia’s Looming Energy Crisis”.  It was very interesting to hear the different points of view!

 

The Annual General Meeting of the club took place on 2^nd December and the minutes from that meeting will be available from our Secretary very soon.

 

We will be holding a BBQ in Burwood Park on Friday 24^th January.  Please contact Keith Weeding if you can help?

 

Together we can make a difference! I was very proud to join the walk and rally on 4^th December in Parramatta to Say No to Domestic and Family Violence. The rally was organised by the Rotary Club of Environment and Habitat and several clubs from 9675 and 9685 were represented.  The speakers were exceptional, delivering powerful and relevant messages. Check out the video clip created by Mark Tanner from Drummoyne Rotary https://youtu.be/oPGLFUyCcLw

Thank you, Walter, for joining me. We must continue to speak out and raise awareness of these horrendous crimes.

 

Last week I was honoured to represent our club and present end of year awards to students at North Strathfield and Campsie Public Schools.  These awards came about due to our PRISCA program.

 

On Thursday 12^th December I was thrilled to attend the Mayoral Christmas Appeal at the Woodstock Community Centre.  Again, another opportunity to spread the word of Rotary!

 

Monday, 16th December, will be your last chance to donate school supplies or provide a gift for Chhengky. Please feel free to add a personal note and maybe a photo. School supplies can be exercise books, journals, colouring pencils, post-it stickers, glue sticks, and sticky tape. I will be leaving for Cambodia on 11th January.

 

A friendly reminder that our Semi-Annual fees of $210, being for January to June 2025, are due on 31st December. Electronic payment via bank transfer to the general account is preferred. Please reference with your last name.  If you need an invoice, please advise our Treasurer Keith keith.weeding@gmail.com

Account: The Rotary Club of Burwood

BSB: 112-879  Account: 111453926

 

Please remember to send your apologies to Past President Sergeant Irene if you are unable to attend a club meeting. Email:  cigiardino@gmail.com

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If you have any articles you would like to see in Spoke, please send them to me at denniseh100@gmail.com Spoke is produced the week before each meeting, and the deadline for the Monday issue is 5 pm the Thursday before.

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I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your families a Christmas season full of peace, joy and happiness. Looking forward to seeing you all on Monday night, bring your Christmas cheer!

 

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