Club members who attended the recent International Convention in Sydney presented us with an overview of what was a most informative and successful event. Steve McKewen mentioned the excellent transport arrangements in place, also the obvious strong support from the NSW government in many areas. Subjects covered in the various plenary sessions included a WHO Diabetes project,Toilet manufacture and marketing by “Mr. Toilet”, (Dennis H.), the success of the Polio Plus programme … India is now Polio-free … Nigeria is almost there … WHO work is being carried out in Afganistan (Julie). All members spoke of the excellent entertainment … Marina Prior, Human Nature and the Ten Tenors. The Light Show on Sydney Harbour was also memorable. Rod Bramich mentioned that our former Exchange Student from France, Bertrand Varichon, was working at the convention and asked to be remebered to us all. Roger Beardwell was impressed with the fellowship at an international level making numerous contacts with Rotarians from OS … he and Sue also caught up with the Turkish RFE group that had visited us and with whom they had stayed during their recent OS trip. Ron Haberfield mentioned that he had attended three international conventions and rated Sydney as equal to the best. He was impressed with the hand-outs, audio visual presentation, use of APPS, a session on Websites. Pres Pete was interested to learn of the many aspects of service throuout the world in which Rotary is invovled so many of which were highlighted throughout the convention.
Category Archives: Members
20 reasons to join a rotary club
District Conference Shepparton 20-23 March 2014
It is pleasing to announce that 11 of our members plus their partners have made booking for accommodation at the Quest Shepparton for the 2014 District Conference. If any other member would like to join the group they would be welcome. Ring Ron and he may be able to secure you a room. Many thanks to all that responded promptly, you will be rewarded by having a great time at the Conference. President Peter is sorting out a good venue in Shepparton for the Friday night dinner, and will advise when the booking has been made.
Sydney Rotary International Conference 1-4 June 2014
Next June we have a once in a lifetime opportunity to go to a Rotary International World Conference in Sydney Australia. The last few conferences have been held in Portugal, Thailand, US. If you register before 15th December the you will save heaps. Go to the web site for full detailed informationregistration http://rotary2014.com.au
Club Meeting 23 October 2013
Guest Speaker & Club Member, Stephen O’Connell. Sydney born and educated Stephen commenced his working life, following University, teaching music In Wollongong, farming in Goulburn and travelling extensively in the process. Stephen is a well known tenor and soprano saxophonist who has a broad background and training in classical music traditions and has specialized in the fields of jazz, blues, funk, rock and pop with extensive recording and live experience. He has toured, played and recorded with many well-known artists including Ross Wilson, Phil Manning (Chain), Eugene ‘Hideaway’ Bridges, Steve Arvey, Kamahl, Rolf Harris, Four Kinsmen, The Drifters, The Platters and JW Jones. Stephen had a long involvement with the highly regarded Sydney based blues band, “The Bellhops” playing with them since 1990 and winning three Chain Awards at the Australian Blues Music Festival. In 2008 and 2009, along with 14 visual artists, he travelled to Illara Rockhole in Central Australia in order to write new works related to the unique environment he encountered there. Stephen has composed many songs and other musical works over the years and is now focussed on creating a unique canon of Australian instrumental music. Stephen is currently the Director of the Murray Conservatorium and current President of NSW Regional Music Conservatoriums.A motorcycle accident slowed Stephen’s musical progress for a time, however, rehabilitation was greatly aided with the use of a chainsaw (presumably not for limb removal !) and he was soon ‘back-on-track’ achieving even more success. He has released two CD’s and in his spare time is an advocate for the advancement of regional music at all levels. In 2010 Stephen was appointed director of the Murray Conservatorium in Albury addressing many problems at the outset. Since then he has advanced the con’s involvement in the community, created partnerships with sponsors, adopted schools programmes, established workshops, introduced various concerts and projects involving many local participants.
The Conservatorium works to achieve goals in a strategic plan … The mission of Murray Conservatorium is to … 1. Provide quality music education – accessible to all, enriching lives and building communities 2. Provide a forum in which music from diverse cultures and of various genres might be sympathetically explored and effectively related to other art forms. To achieve this, Murray Conservatorium aims to … 3. Provide quality music education to people of all ages. Offer diverse music teaching programs to meet individual needs within the community. Nurture students’ personal development and self-esteem through the understanding and experience of music. Foster music making within the community. Provide performing opportunities for all students. Prepare students for music and speech and drama examinations,
and for tertiary music courses. Stephen is married to Carolyn and has two adult sons, Miles and Josh.