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Dear Fellow Rotarians and Friends

As I write it dawned on me that in two days’ time we will bid goodbye to 2019, an end of a decade. I hope you enjoyed Christmas with family and friends and are looking forward to welcoming 2020.

A new beginning and new possibilities awaits us in 2020, I am filled with excitement but with some trepidation.

As 2019 draws to a close, I reflect on the last 12 months. It has been a challenging year for many from an increase in homelessness, social exclusion, economic hardship for some, extreme weather, natural disasters from drought to bush fires and political unrest in many countries to mention a few.

It seems to me that every lunch meeting I was confronted with yet another tragedy and our thoughts turned to those impacted. As Rotarians apart from our prayers and thoughts I was encouraged to see so many roll up their sleeves to help in a tangible way. This has been one of those wonderful Rotary in action moments and I feel proud to be part of this.

Personally I suffered a loss of two very near and dear friend/ relative with days of each other. As I happily returned from lunch yesterday I received a message to say “ sad news - Uncle Stan has passed away this morning at 8.30am”

I visited Stan two days prior to Christmas with a small gift which cheered him up, he was 86 and didn’t enjoy good health for the past 12months so I am comforted that perhaps it is best for him RIP.

As we grow older it is clear to me that we are all visitors on this earth and we too will leave one day but when someone young leaves us I cannot help but feel a great sense of loss and sadness. 2019 also saw some changes including new faces on the Board but most importantly we have a new and energetic Membership Director Dr Sonu, who has

wasted no time in sourcing new members and revitalizing existing ones.

We successfully secured a number of high profile speakers with great topics and thought provoking issues to ponder. Thank you to all that contributed in securing amazing speakers.

A number of extra outings were held and appreciated by many, for those who could not join us may I encourage you to make the next six months a must to attend at least one meeting a month. I have not seen some of the members at all and I sincerely hope I do during my time as the President.

Centenary celebrations are well on the way, The Governor of NSW Her Excellency The Hon. Margaret Beasley is hosting a soft launch and we are expecting around 100 guests. This is our fundraiser.

Please support. If you are unable to attend would you consider making a donation in lieu of please. We need to raise $200,000 in this next six months and I need your help.

We need assistance with PR and Marketing. You do not need to be on the Board or a committee, we simply need someone to help us with our updates.

Thank you all for being incredible supporters, colleagues, visitors, new members and speakers - for your loyalty and support over the past six months. I recognise we wouldn’t achieve much without the contributions, commitment and dedication made by each and every one of you, I am very appreciative of this… thank you

To our friends who are unwell – I do hope 2020 will bring you good health.

Gary and I wish you all a happy, healthy and prosperous new year.

Warmest Regards in Rotary fellowship

Barbara Ward, President

PRESIDENT’S NEWSLETTER

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Value of Rotary Volunteering

A special report prepared for Rotary International by the Johns Hopkins

University Centre for Civil Society Studies estimated the value of Rotary

member’s volunteer hours at $850 million a year.

That Rotary member’s log a lot of volunteer hours should come as no

surprise to anyone familiar with the organization. But a new report just

released provides a powerful look at the impact of all those volunteer hours.

The special report prepared for Rotary International by the Johns Hopkins

Center for Civil Society Studies found that Rotary members had volunteered a

total of 5.8 million hours within a four-week survey period. Extrapolating

those results over an entire year, the report gave a conservative estimate of

nearly 47 million hours of volunteer effort generated by Rotary members in a

typical year. Analyses showed the economic impact of all those hours and

estimated the value conservatively at $850 million a year, if communities had

to pay for the services that Rotary volunteers provide.

Rotary, with the help of Johns Hopkins University, is the first global service

organization to conduct an empirical analysis of its volunteer’s impact using

an internationally sanctioned definition of volunteer work. The authors of

the report noted in their conclusion that at each stop, the analysis had

chosen the most conservative estimates.

“The lesson from this report is clear: volunteer service is not only a feel-good

calling – it may provide one of the more powerful, and one of the more

fulfilling, avenues through which to reach the ambitious United Nations

Sustainable Development Goals,” said Lester M. Salamon, director of the

Johns Hopkins University Center for Civil Studies.

WE NEED YOUR HELP for ANZAC DAY BBQ AND MS MEGA SWIM in May

ROTARY INTERNATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

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District Annual General Meeting The District Annual General Meeting was held on 15 November at Bankstown Sports Club. Two of our own Rotarians presented at the AGM.

David Hirsch - Chair of Sydney City Rotary Club’s Peacebuilding Group, spoke about what this group does to help build peace in the world. Sydney Rotary Club is our District’s first accredited Peace Building Club. The group works closely with the Institute for Economics and Peace. David is an Ambassador and workshop facilitator with the Institute for Economics and Peace.

John Given OAM gave a report on the very successful 10th annual NSW Police Officer of the Year Awards held on 8th November where over 500 people attended. John showed a video of the history of these awards

Sydney Rotary Club Annual General Meeting

The AGM was held on 10th December at Castlereagh Boutique Hotel.

DISTRICT CONFERENCE

The District Conference will be held at the Wollongong Entertainment Centre on

Friday 20th March to Sunday 22nd March 2020– a wonderful venue right on the

beach, with inspirational speakers and entertainment.

Conference theme Reasons and it gives Rotarians a chance to focus on questions like: Why are we Rotarians? | Why did we become Rotarians? | What keeps us serving our communities?

Free workshops/training seminars, Wollongong Council and Rotarians to plant a tree; Saturday night’s dinner dance – “Roaring Twenties” -dress as your favorite pin striped gangster or an incredibly glamorous flapper, musician, band or song. There will be prizes for the best dressed individuals and clubs. Entertainment by the Blues Brothers.

For details of the program Booking:

Visit Our Website

Make a Donation

Become a Member

Book for a Coming Event

ROTARY HIGHLIGHTS

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David Hirsh our club member was a guest speaker at Sydney Cove's meeting on the 6th December aboard the John Cadman II, moored at East Circular Quay.

We were extended a warm welcome and met some new rotary neighbours. Thank you to Jeremy Wright who is ever so inclusive and upbeat.

Visitors from overseas exchanging flags with a beautiful sunny Sydney backdrop.

With Kai Hillman at the UNAA celebrations at the Cenotaph, Martin Place

Mayor Gail Giles-Geddes and Pink Elite Team @ Gunners Barracks George Heights Mosman

Rotary Club of Hurstville held TAFE NSW - St George College Awards on Monday 4th November at Gardens on Forest at Peakhurst. 6th presentation evening of the John Hardie Awards recognising extraordinary achievements of local students.

They are nominated by their teachers and their families are invited to join in the celebrations. It was a memorable Rotary fellowship evening. Zonta International Centenary was held at Strangers Function Room at Parliament House, guest speaker - Professor Kristy Muir has had a distinguished career in the ‘for purpose’ sector and is CEO of The Centre for Social Impact, an organization whose vision is to ‘catalyse social change for a better world’. Prof Muir is also Professor of Social Policy at UNSW. More appreciative of the efforts of Prof. Shirley Randell AO a member of our club.

ROTARY - OUT AND ABOUT

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The Rotary Club of Sydney Cove 2019 Rotary SOLAS Charity Regatta was held on Friday the 15th November at The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, Rushcutters Bay Home of The Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race Sydney Rotary are in discussions to partner in 2020.

Mr Melih Karalar Consul General Republic of Turkey Consulate General Sydney – celebrating 96th Anniversary of the Proclamation of the Republic of Turkey.

Christmas celebrations at the City of Sydney

Council, Sydney Town Hall.

ROTARY - OUT AND ABOUT

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The Social Outfit for Festive Drinks (and last-minute ethical Christmas shopping!) on Monday 23rd December held a gathering in the spirit of the season, to celebrate 2019 and all the wonderful change. The Social Outfit has moved through this year: new space, new CEO, new head of fundraising, new retail training program and new collaborations.

Lights of Christmas. Celebrating ten years as Sydney’s favourite free family Christmas event! OPENING NIGHT THURSDAY 5 DECEMBER. Featured performances from internationally acclaimed artists, singer Friar Alessandro and pianist Vivian Choi, supported by Artes Christi Choir and Orchestra. Beautiful evening with Chris McDiven

ROTARY - OUT AND ABOUT

World Malayalee Council held its Christmas and end of year dinner at Olympic Park

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Rotary Club of Ryde - Carols by Candlelight - Fireworks - Rides - Food trucks was held on 15th December at North Ryde Commons. Funds raised on the night went to worthy causes such as ROMAC –which provides life-changing surgery to more than 400 children across 20 developing countries. ROMAC is the Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children. ROMAC, with the generous assistance of many eminent Australian and New Zealand surgeons, provide life-changing surgery to more than 400 children across 20 developing countries.

ROTARY - OUT AND ABOUT

Above and right - The Team from Rotary Club of Ryde, along with the local state member Hon Victor Dominello

Bottom right of this photo is Harold Sharp, Chairman, ROMAC

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Chair: David Hirsch

The Rotary Club of Sydney is a Rotary Peacebuilder Club. We are the 2nd club in Australia to

receive this status, the only other Australian club is the District 9800 E Club and some 142 others from around the world. This Group is composed of a group of Rotarians committed to promoting peace. Our vision is a peaceful world, where peace is maintained at a local community, regional, national and international levels. Peace and conflict prevention/resolution includes a wide range of issues from a micro-level of street violence, domestic violence and cyber bullying through to issues of a macro-level such as armed conflict between nations, ethnic groups and war. One of the aims of the committee is to engage newer, younger members and those with backgrounds from troubled countries and are also keen to involve other interested Sydney based Rotarians and community members. A Rotarian Action Group is an autonomous, international group, recognized by Rotary International, with a passion for a particular type of service. Rotarian Action Groups provide assistance and support to Rotary clubs and districts in planning and implementing service projects in their respective areas of expertise.

Hugh Mackay AO, was the guest speaker on the 7th November. Hugh is the bestselling author of 19 books, including The Good Life, The Art of Belonging, and his latest: Australia Reimagined.

Hugh has always had a finger on the pulse of Australia – recognising what we do well but also calling out our weaknesses and flaws. Peacebuilding starts with us and our attitudes toward others.

Hugh presented a timely address entitled Building a Culture of Compassion followed, as always, by a group discussion.

Meeting Times:

1st Thursday of the month 6.00pm to 7.30pm. Castlereagh Boutique Hotel, 169 Castlereagh Street, Sydney The meeting often includes a guest speaker and there is no cost to attend.

SPOTLIGHT – PEACE BUILDING COMMITTEE

Sydney Rotary Peace Building Group Dinner on 6th December

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Will be celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2021 and the campaign is underway to Raise Awareness, Inspire Engagement and create a Call to Action. We deserve to showcase and celebrate our first 100 years of community service. A wide range of special events and projects which will be spread across the year, and range from philanthropic activities to gatherings, all of which are designed to celebrate its achievements, to raise the profile of Rotary in the community at large and to look at the future of Rotary in Australia. Need to know more:

Centenary Project - The Rotary Club of Sydney

Overview 2021 marks the Centenary of Rotary in Australasia. This is a unique chance to celebrate all Rotary’s achievements over the last 100 years and demonstrate the enduring relevance of the Rotary motto “Service above Self”. For this key milestone, Rotarians in Australia and New Zealand, in coloration with UNICEF and partners, have a bold ambition: To immunize 100,000 of the most disadvantaged children across the Pacific in four years.

The Context Despite some improvements in Immunisation rates across the Pacific, more needs to be done to stop diseases such as cervical cancer, pneumonia and diarrhea claiming lives across the region. For example, in the Pacific Island country Kiribati, shockingly 1 in 18 children die before their fifth birthday.

Immunisation Program -2018 -2021 Across nine Pacific Island countries – Cook Islands, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Samoa, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuta – Rotary will help introduce three life –saving vaccinations to prevent diseases including cervical cancer, severe diarrhea, pneumonia, blood infections (such as sepsis) and meningitis.

Impact Rotary and UNICEF are aiming to reach 100,000 children including adolescent girls within four years. However, this is just the beginning: Rotary’s support will help strength the broader Health system for the sustainable delivery of vaccines, so that future generations will continue to benefit in the long term – a truly inspiring Rotary legacy.

For more information:

Centenary of Rotary FUNDRAISING IN FOCUS

One in 16 children die before the age of 5 in 9 Pacific nations. Rotary is going to stop that!

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The 2019 Rotary Police Officer of the Year Awards is the most prestigious event in the NSW Police Force calendar year. This year's event will be held in the Grand Ballroom of the Hyatt Regency, Sydney on Friday 8 November. The evening allows the Force’s best to shine and be acknowledged for their professional excellence and dedication. These awards provide an opportunity for members of the public and fellow Police Officers to acknowledge outstanding acts of courtesy, kindness, understanding, compassion, courage and devotion to duty by members of the NSW Police Force in the Riverina Police District. The evening was fun and it was inspiring to hear the great work done by the NSW Police particularly in the remote areas of NSW. In attendance were; Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AO QC Governor of NSW and Mr Dennis Wilson, Representing the NSW Minister for Police and Emergency Services The Hon Adam Crouch MP, NSW Police Commissioner Michael Fuller, Representing Jodie McKay and the NSW Opposition The Hon Hugh McDermott MP, Dianne North Rotary District Governor for District 9675, Kaima Lellan District governor for District 9685 and Peter Ford District Governor for District 9710.

ROTARY POLICE OFFICER OF THE YEAR AWARDS

8th November – Gala Dinner

Rotary Police Officer of the Year: Leading Senior Constable Amanda Vidler and also Regional NSW Field Operations Police Officer of the Year.

ROTARY SPECIAL EVENTS

Geoff Little presented a plaque to the Police Commissioner Mr Michael Fuller, as Patron. Also present were NSW Governor Her Excellency the Honorable Margaret Beazley AO QC and the President of Rotary Club of Sydney, Barbara Ward

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Winners in the other categories include: Metropolitan Field Operations Police Officer of the Year: Constable Michael Faragalla

Investigations and Counter Terrorism Police Officer of the Year: Sergeant Glenn Williams

Corporate Services Police Officer of the Year: Senior Sergeant Wayne Hill

Rotary Community Award: Senior Constable Sheree Gray

Police Employee of the Year: Ritesh Singh

Customer Service Excellence Award: Senior Constable Michael Crooks

Irene Juergens (IJ) Fellowship Award Sworn Category: Senior Constable Holly Mills

Irene Juergens (IJ) Fellowship Award Unsworn Category: Veronica Millar

Volunteer of the Year Award: Ian Martin

Rotarians and friends enjoyed Diwali celebrations some in traditional costumes at Arki’s “loved the food and met some new and interesting people, hopefully they will soon become members” said Roger

“

ROTARY POLICE OFFICER OF THE YEAR AWARDS

8th November – Gala Dinner

Diwali Celebrations 13th November - Dinner

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A great time was had by all. We were honored to hear The Hon Natalie Ward MLC reflect briefly of being a member of our club, she was encouraging to all to do good, reflected with humor and demonstrated great humility. Natalie was joined by her husband David Begg and son Fergus Begg – thank you Natalie

HIGHLIGHTS OF ROTARY CLUB MEETINGS

CHRISTMAS LUNCH 17th December

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CHRISTMAS LUNCH 17th December

Visitors from Italy and Anette and Johan Nordqvist from Svedala in Sweden

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Action pack lunch meeting with a high profile speaker, visitors from Taiwan bearing wonderful gifts and induction of new members.Guest Speaker was sourced by Lina Souki-Schmidt.Teri Nizzola was amazing, she joined EDC in 1997 as a Financial Services Manager where she was involved in complex corporate financing transactions in multiple sectors including energy, mining, and telecom. In August 2017, after 20 years at EDC, Teri was appointed Chief Representative, Australia and moved to Sydney with her family to open EDC’s 20th international representation.

Previous to this role, Teri worked in various teams across the organization, the last being as Chief Representative, Mexico in 2014 where she led a dedicated team in Mexico City and Monterrey covering international business development efforts in the country.

Teri earned a Masters of Business Administration from the University of British Columbia, including a semester at the “Escuela Superior de Administración y Dirección de Empresas (ESADE)” in Barcelona, Spain. She also obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from McGill University. Teri speaks English, Italian, French and Spanish.

TERESA NIZZOLA “Export Development Canada” 10th December- Lunch

New members –Chris Paris, Michael Finkelstein & Steven Dujin

Visitors from a Rotary Club in Taiwan

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Fifty years ago Prof Brian O’Brien spoke to the Sydney Rotary Club about Apollo 11, and following it up with an encore visit. He invented and was Principal Investigator for a little Apollo Dust Detector Experiment (DDE) on Apollo 11. Others followed on Apollo 12, 14 and 15.

Prof Brian is the only scientist with 5 experiments on the Moon in two different sciences, Radiation and Dust, deployed by Apollo 11, 12, (13), 14 & 15. All switched off by NASA in 1977. Awards include NASA Medal for Exceptional Scientific Achievement; Paul Harris Medal with two sapphires Rotary Club of Floreat/Cambridge, including Australian leadership sister clubs with Rotary Club of Surabaya in Rotary East Java Hearing Project 1997-2017.

PROF BRIAN J. O’BRIEN “Life of Brian - Apollo 11 and the little Aussie Dust Detector (DDE) 3rd December - Breakfast

New Members – Mr Yasser Mahmoud Abed, Consul-General of Egypt and Mr José Enrique Vasquez Rivas, Honorary Consul of El Salvador

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Dr Bhaskar is the Founding Director and Chief Investigator of NSW Brain Clot Bank – a flagship world’s first initiative established with the funding from the NSW Ministry of Health in partnership with NSW Health Pathology, local health districts (LHDs), comprehensive stroke centres, NSW State-wide Biobank and medical research institutes in NSW. Dr Bhaskar leads the Neurovascular Imaging Laboratory and holds conjoint affiliations at the Department of Neurology & Neurophysiology, Liverpool Hospital, South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD), Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research and the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Sydney, Australia.

Dr Bhaskar founded Neurology Talkies – a novel program dedicated to improving awareness of neurological diseases through community engagement. In 2019, Dr Bhaskar was selected to deliver two Neurology Talkies talks at Liverpool and Carnes Hill Library, for Inspiring Australia’s Talking Science Series, as part of Sydney Science Festival in National Science Week.

DR SONU BHAKSHAR “Neurology Talkies & world's first Brain Clot Bank: Leadership, innovation and impact towards the greater good” 19th November - Breakfast

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Tom gave an interesting insight into the current political situation and compared it to other periods in Australian history, revealing a certain pattern. He also spoke about the fact that for all our flaws, Australia is experiencing far less instability and turmoil than virtually all the other western democracies. And our politics are less polarising and dysfunctional than elsewhere. The Washington-Westminster kind of partisanship and paralysis is not evident in Canberra. Nor does the kind of right-wing xenophobia across Europe resonate in Australia. Anyone who seeks to whip up racist sentiments here is relegated to the fringe of our public discourse. We should keep a sense of perspective and remind ourselves we have good reason to feel pride in the prosperity and stability of today’s Australia

TOM SWITZER “Australia is a Role Model” 12th November - Lunch