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2012 - 2013

Kenthurst Club President: David Gadiel

R.I. President: Sakuji Tanaka

9680 District Governor: John Dodds

Visit our website… www.rotaryclubofkenthurst.org.au/

Correspondence can be sent to: The Secretary,

Rotary Club of KENTHURST PO Box 13, KENTHURST, NSW 2156 AUSTRALIA

Rotary Grace…….

For Good Food, Good Fellowship and the Opportunity to give Service through Rotary, we give Thanks!

The Rotary Club of KENTHURST INC. Chartered 6th November 1973

Monday July 2nd 2012

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OFFICE BEARERS AND COMMITTEES 2012-2013

President – DAVID GADIEL

Board Members: Vice President – BYRON TRETHOWAN Directors: PETER BRAY, PAUL RAPP,

TONY GOODE, GRAHAM TAYLOR, BOB THORNE & SUE O’NEILL

Secretary – GIL KOMMER Treasurer – BARRY STUART

Immediate Past President – ROB O’NEILL

Club Service Committee - Director – BYRON TRETHOWAN;

Sergeant at Arms – John Benyon; Program – Kay Leonard & Bill van der Heyen; Kenthurst Klar-

ion -Sue O’Neill; Almoner – Geoff Hamilton; Club Social Meetings – Col Chaloner; Bar Attend-

ants – Bill van der Heyden, John Fomiatti,; Attendance – Geoff Hamilton; Rotary Park– John

Benyon,; Twin Club Ambassador – Neville Smerdon; Fellwoship & New Members – Vicki Bura-

kowski; Historian – Gil Kommer; Emergencies – Geoff Hamilton; Property Officers – Graham

Webb, John Benyon; KFC Inc – Rob O’Neill, RI Foundation – Peter Bray; Risk Management &

Legal – Rob O’Neill

COMMUNITY SERVICE COMMITTEE: DIRECTOR - PAUL RAPP

Members: John Benyon, Col Chaloner. Barry Stuart, Keith Baker John Fomiatti, Albert Pols, Bill van

der Heyden, Kay Leonard. Responsible for general Community service and fundraising.

VOCATIONAL SERVICE COMMITTEE: DIRECTOR - PETER BRAY

Members: Gil Kommer, Geoff Hamilton, Harry Dutton, David Marlow, John Curry, Vicki Powers;

Responsible for Pride of Workmanship Awards, employer visits and occupational information.

NEW GENERATIONS COMMITTEE: DIRECTOR - TONY GOODE

Members: Neville Smerdon, Keith McGill, Terry Birss, , Phil Bishop

Responsible for RYLA, youth exchange, RYDA and youth projects.

INTERNATIONAL SERVICE COMMITTEE: DIRECTOR - GRAHAM TAYLOR

Members: Karo Haltmeier, John Loughlin, Athula Gunasekara, Sue O’Neill, Rob O’Neill, Graham

Webb. Responsible for RAWCS and ROMAC

PUBLIC RELATIONS: DIRECTOR - SUE O’NEILL

Responsible for Club media, community public relations and news bulletins.

MEMBERSHIP: DIRECTOR - BOB THORNE

Responsible for Recruiting New Members, meeting attendance

MEN’S SHED: CO-ORDINATOR - PETER BRAY

The mission of The Rotary Foundation is to enable Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty.

The areas of focus are; Peace and conflict prevention/resolution

Disease prevention and treatment

Water and sanitation

Maternal and child health

Basic education and literacy

Economic and community development

Rotary Clubs serve communities around the world. Rotarians have continually adapted and improved the way they respond to those needs, taking on a broad range of service projects.

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Last meeting Monday 18th June

Alexander Vassilieff spoke about his personal family history. An inspiring

immigrant saga that traverses two continents and three countries over a two hundred year period.

Alex vividly told us of the extraordinary journey of his ancestors and gave a compelling account of their survival against the odds.

He also gave us an insight of his experience as a young boy coming to Australia and starting school with very little English.

Now a retired engineer turned author Alex-ander from Castle Hill has put his story into a book ODYSSEYA - an epic journey from Russia to Australia. Copies of books were available for members to purchase.

02.07.12

Planning for the year ahead!

Next meeting Monday 9th July

Graham Taylor

Lifting the Lid on International ServiceLifting the Lid on International Service

After two years of behind the scenes negotiations, plan-

ning and organisation the time has come to lift the lid on a

major International Service initiative that will put our Club

in the international spotlight.

All will be revealed next Monday, 9th July when Interna-

tional Service Director, Graham Taylor presents on this

exciting initiative.

Chairman: Sue O’Neill Fellowship: Paul Rapp

Vote of Thanks: Keith McGill

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Our President’s Acceptance Address So many words of wisdom have been spoken tonight and so may super-

latives have jostled for airtime that I know I’m going to have difficulty in

contributing much more. At this late stage of the evening I’ll neverthe-

less have to test your patience for just a few moments longer.

First, in accepting the Presidency, I need to acknowledge the trust the

Club has bestowed in elevating to me to high office. Kenthurst Rotary

has an enviable community and international track record and I want to

do everything I can, with the help of the incoming Board and members

of the Club, to uphold that tradition and our excellent record of achieve-

ment.

I’m stepping into this role with verve and optimism. It’s close to our 40th

year—and I’d like to think that in our 50th year—in some ten year’s

time—people will reflect on our year together with a sense of nostalgia and satisfaction and remark on

what a fantastic year 2013 was.

With your help, I’m optimistic that together we can

make it a great year! We want to be a showcase for the

District. There is everything to encourage us: we have

an enthusiastic and talented incoming Board that is

representative of the diversity within the Club—and I

think we’re all looking towards forging an inclusive

Club that brings everyone together.

Our aim must be to realise our full potential by ac-

knowledging that our diversity brings different gifts to

the Club. And we shouldn’t lose sight of the fact that

although we’re a comparatively small club, we have a

disproportionately large community footprint; we’re

serious about our purposes, but we don’t take our-

selves too seriously; we aren’t distracted by cringewor-

thy fads or fanciful ‘thought bubbles’; we don’t shun

recognition, but we don’t seek sanctuary in self-

glorification; and without compromise to the quality of

what we do, we enjoy what we do.

A few further thoughts to elaborate on that last point.

The projects on which we embark aren’t destinations—

when we deliver things like classrooms or clinics in Va-

nuatu or schools in PNG—they’re part of our journey

and it’s the journey we enjoy and that engages us—not

necessarily the destination. So our axiom is to go that

extra mile and, as the song of the rap group Wham

went, “Enjoy what you do”.

One of the biggest challenges we face is in the mem-

bership area. Some clubs recently have had more suc-

cess here than others.

In some respects the challenge of new members—

particularly sustainable ones—is part of a much broad-

er, measurable trend of a decline of civic engagement

in countries such as Australia. We’re not immune to this

trend. So it shouldn’t necessarily be cause for any

unique sense of existential anxiety.

Above: 2012-13 President David accepting the chains and charter from Past President Rob O’Neill.

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The explanation is complex and not one within our control. It can be found in factors like economic tur-

moil, new social hubs, the rise of electronic connectivity and less visible social interaction.

When I was speaking with John Benyon earlier this evening, he remarked on how to-night’s impressive

crowd reminded him of what every meeting of our Club was like 25 years ago. So our membership experi-

ence is consistent with this phenomenon first recognised by US sociologist Robert Putnam in his famous

1995 essay, Bowling alone, that first detected the erosion of social capital.

Disaffection appears particularly marked amongst the ‘Gen Xs’ and ‘Gen Ys’. The concern is that this repre-

sents a significant part of our target market for new members.

Finding ways of engaging new members and broadening our demographic is obviously something on

which we’re going to have to continue to work. Many of you will be aware that Kenthurst Rotary is now on

Facebook and that we have an electronic presence. We’re also very effectively connecting with the com-

munity in other ways: we’re experiencing record crowds at our community events like ANZAC Day, Orange

Blossom Festival and Carols in the Park.

And we have a dedicated new member portfolio on our Board of Directors—but, of course, we’re all po-

tential ambassadors for our Club. So, as I said before, I remain optimistic.

On that rather sober reflection ... before I close and before inviting the new Board members to join me

here to introduce them to you — let me say it’s been a great night and I must compliment Past President

Sue O’Neill for putting together such a splendid event ...to use a classical idiom, it’s been a great bash!

David Gadiel

Rotary Club of KENTHURST Board 2012-13 Left to right: Graham Taylor - International Director, Peter Bray - Vocational Director,

Sue O’Neill - Public Relations Director, David Gadiel - Club President , Paul Rapp -

Community Services Director, Barry Stuart - Treasurer, Byron Trethowan, Tony Goode

- New Generations Director

Not pictured: Bob Thorne - Membership Director, Gil Kommer - Secretary, John Ben-

yon - Joint Secretary, Rob O’Neill Immediate Past President.

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KENTHURST Rotary Changeover June 29th 2012: With nearly 80 Rotarians, partners, friends

and colleagues in attendance we reflected on a fabulous year with Rob O’Neill as our wonderful Presi-dent and welcomed new President David Gadiel. Photos: around the room at our gala Changeover Night.

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Congratulations to our newest PAUL HARRIS FELLOWS

During the evening on Changeover Night our Club awarded Paul Harris Awards to 3 of our members; Paul Rapp, Col Chaloner and Pe-ter Bray. All have been out-standing in their contributions to Rotary. All well deserved award-ees. We are proud to have Paul, Col and Peter as members of our club.

Well done Fellows!

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Invite partners, friends and guests Remember everyone is always welcome!!

If you are an apology or bringing a guest contact Julia on 9676 2885 or email

julia@staffsolutions.com.au

(A non-apology will result in a charge equal to the cost of a meal)

Please Note - All members, if not attending need to lodge an apology.

An email from Gil to Bill My brother Piet had organized a family party for his eightieth birth-day. Bram and At we're there, as was Bram's eldest son Piet and his lady friend ( they were going to visit Gavin, Piet's son, in the Chech Republic, also Robyn and Peter were there and at the final hour Bram Gzn turned up. So quite a deputation from Down Under,

My plan was to leave the ship in Salalah, Oman, and rejoin in Safa-ga, Egypt. All the best plans go wrong. I was booked from Muscat to Dubai, then per KLM to Amsterdam. Our tour bus was 45 minutes late coming back to the boat. My passport was at the purs-er to be stamped with a visa for entree Oman.

The night before, having coffee with other passengers, when I mentioned my plans, I was nicely informed that Muscat lies 1100km north of Salalah. So quickly on the internet I book a 1st class ticket to Muscat.

Because of the late tour coming back, I quickly grabbed my passport from the purser, dashes of the ship, picks up the Scuttle bus to the taxis and goes to the Airport, which was about a 20 min drive. Presented myself to a 300 x 400 mm small window and was told that my name was not listed, the plane was full, and my passport had no visa, thus I was an illegal. So after a bit of wrangling and waiting in the supervisor's office for 15 valuable minutes, I decided; "Bugger Piet's birthday party, let's go back to the ship. So a hur-ried taxi ride back, only to come around the corner to see the ship just leave the wharf.

So back to the airport and book the next flight to Muscat, which was also booked out, thus on "standby". Meanwhile back by taxi to the port to see custom officials to get entry permit. By this time a very kind young Arab person took pity on me, he drove me back to the port facili-ties an managed for customs to reopen the customs office and stamp my passport. Custom did not want cash, only Visa card, which I never use, but just happen to have Lies card with me.

This was the first of a chain of good luck events that got me out of the bottom of the Arabian Peninsular back to Amsterdam. Luckily I had the phone with me and got in touch with Peter who at that moment just walked into my brother in law's place in Bolsward Holland. Peter arranged a Swiss Air flight from Muscat via Dubai to Zurich, with an interconnecting flight to Amsterdam.

The kind young Arab man had a talk to "someone" and yes my stand by ticket became active. Just imag-ine my relieve to board the European Swiss Air plane in Muscat and to be greeted by a sweet blond Swiss stewardess.

So I did arrive only half hour late at the party at a total surprise to all, as son Peter never let on.

Regards to all, Gil

A huge Thank You to Bill van der Heyden. Bill

took lots of wonderful photos at our changeover.

You will be able to see them all during dinner to-

night!!

Also thanks to Graham Taylor, Gil Kommer, Bill van der Heyden and

President David for contributions to the Klarion.

Thanks Fellows!!!!

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Dear Sue,

Medical equipment very well received. Clinic set up especial-

ly to serve people with this equipment. See signage made up

to be placed on door of clinic.

All paperwork completed

Container delayed until July, team will return then. Plenty of

work done over past three weeks in preparation. Would be

great if you could join returning team to view clinic etc.

Electrocardiograph first one in Madagascar, all very excited!

Regards, Peter Pearce

KENTHURST MEN’S SHEd The old scout hall was aliove with spirited activity was on Saturday morning. The conversion to Kenthurst Men’s Shed is underway! John and Byron had an en-thusiastic group of CSO workers installing some serious steel joist’s to support the roof. Each RSJ weighted 300kg and had to be carefully maneuvered into place with the help of portable, manual fork-lifts.

Some of us may remember Peter Pearce from Gosford North Rotary Club. Peter spoke to our club a few weeks ago and we were able to donate some medical equipment for his RAWCS team to take to Mada-gascar to supply clinics there. Peter had timed his team trip to coinside with the arrival of a 40’ container they had sent earlier. In what is a familiar story the container was delayed and Peter will be returning at a later date to meet the container.

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ROMAC’s vision is to provide medical treatment for children from developing countries in the form of life saving and/or dignity restoring surgery not accessible to them in their home country.

ROMAC’s children are aged 15 years and younger. Their conditions include untreated frac-tures, massive tumours, encephaloceles (herniated brain), severe burns and heart condi-tions.

Generous surgeons always donate their time. Many medical support staff regularly donate their time and suppliers often donate medical supplies. Sometimes free flights are donated to the patient and parent.

TWO OF KENTHURST ROTARY CLUB MEMBERS HAVE GENEROUSLY PLEDGED FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO HELP FUND UNPAID EXPENSES TO EITHER FULLY OR PARTIALLY SPONSOR A CHILD.

The extent of our Club’s involvement is very much dependent on our ability to offer other levels of assistance such as, hosting a ROMAC child and carer during their stay in Australia and providing transport to attend hospital and medical appointments. If you can help please contact International Director Graham Taylor on 0429 964 377 or email geeteez@bigpond.net.au

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Future Events….. Monday July 9th - Graham Taylor - International Presentation

Chairman: Sue O’Neill, Fellowship: Paul Rapp, Vote of Thanks: Keith McGill

Sunday July 14th - Regal Gardens BBQ Monday July 16th - No Meeting in lieu of joint meeting at Dural

Wednesday July 18th - Joint meeting at Dural Country Club for DG zone visit Kenthurst, Dural, Galston, Pennant Hills & West Pennant Hills/ Cherrybrook will attend.

Our new District Governor John Dodd was introduced to Rotary as a teenager through joining Ryde Rotaract Club. He went on to be Rotaract District Presi-dent in 1979. John joined Rotary in 1985 and has held most Board positions. John and wife Janelle have been very involved in Rotary Youth Exchange and have hosted 17 exchange students.

John has a degree in Economics and Law and has practised as a Barrister since 1984.

John will visit clubs on a zone basis which is different from the individual club DG visits in the past. John hopes the Assistant Governors will take on several specific tasks including organising official visits, en-couraging new Rotaract Clubs, ensuring statutory requirements and zone meetings. Assistant Governor for our zone is our Rob O’Neill. We wish Rob all the best in his new role!

Monday July 23rd - Patrick Shirvington "The artist and his art" Kenthurst resident Patrick Shirvington was born in Sydney 1952 and has been a full-time artist since 1975. He travelled through Europe and America to study art, and is primarily a landscape artist working with both oil on board/canvas, watercolour and mixed media. He spent 2001 as the Artist in Resi-dence at the Arthur Boyd Studio Bundanon, near Nowra. He has had many solo and group exhibitions, including Vivian Gal-lery 1979, Rainsford Gallery 1980, Styles Gallery 1984 and 1986, and more recently at Kenthurst Galleries. He is a multi award winning artist. His works are represented in corporate and private collections.

Chairman: Peter Bray Fellowship: Barry Stuart Vote of Thanks: Rob O’Neill

Tuesday July 24th - Board Meeting

Monday July 30th - Murray Stone "Kids Research Institute at the Children's Hospital Westmead" Murray Stone is the Supporter Relationship Manager, Kids Research Institute at The Children's Hospital Westmead. He has responsibility for developing new relationships with individuals, community groups and businesses to help raise the profile of the CHW.

Chairman: Harry Dutton Fellowship: Sue O’Neill Vote of Thanks: Graham Taylor

Saturdays 4th & 11th August- Open days at DIK Warehouse ph: Miriam Jacka for more info

Monday July 30th - Jeremy Clegg "Kenthurst Rural Fire Service" Jeremy Clegg is Captain of the Kenthurst Rural Fire Service

Chairman: John Formiatti Fellowship: Bob Thorne Vote of Thanks: Albert Pols

Monday August 27th Tim Smith “Low Power Computers for Developing Countries”

Chairman: Karo Haltmeier; Fellowship: Graham Webb; Vote of Thanks: Paul Rapp

Sunday September 8th - Regal Gardens BBQ Sunday September 23rd - Bunnings BBQ Monday November 5th - Melbourne Cup Night Monday November 12th - Club Birthday Night Sunday November 10th - Regal Gardens BBQ Monday December 17th - Club Chrissy Party

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Past Office Bearers

YEAR PRESIDENT SECRETARY TREASURER

1973-74 Gordon Rowe Ferg Ferguson David Bennett

1974-75 Doug Cornish Arthur Pamment Bill Howard

1975-76 Ferg Ferguson Bill Howard Ray Rothenbury

1976-77 David Bennett Neville Smerdon Dick Hogarth

1977-78 Eddie Dale Dick Hogarth Ferg Ferguson

1978-79 Neville Smerdon Bill Burnham Doug Cornish

1979-80 Bob Davies Peter van Raalte Les Smith

1980-81 Jim Hunt Peter van Raalte Les Smith

1981-82 John Tunks Ken Hoyle Dick Hogarth

1982-83 Burt Stuut Ken Hoyle Gordon Rowe

1983-84 Howard Bradley John Tunks Gordon Rowe

1984-85 Paul Spina John Tunks Charles Reid

1985-86 Peter van Raalte Charles Reid Bob Thorne

1986-87 Richard Byrne Barry Thomas Chris Keay

1987-88 Charles Reid Barry Thomas Ken Hoyle

1988-89 Chris Keay Gerry Healy Malcolm Watson

1989-90 Geoff Hamilton Gerry Healy Dick Hogarth

1990-91 Keith McCorkell John Reid Greg Kemmis

1991-92 Gerry Healy Michael v Heeswijk Ed Yates

1992-93 John Reid Charles Reid Greg Smith

1993-94 Neville Motley Col Chaloner Hans v Chrismah

1994-95 Keith McGill Don Giugni Rudi Keller

1995-96 Doug Rose Dennis Trickett Rudi Keller

1996-97 Michael v Heeswijk Harry Heald Terry Birss

1997-98 Gil Kommer Terry Birss Rob O’Neill

1998-99 Ken Hoyle Graham Webb Albert Pols

1999-00 Sam Cali John Benyon Greg Kemmis

2000-01 Bill Loxton Keith McGill Harry Heald

2001-02 Byron Trethowan Peter v Raalte Ken Hoyle

2002-03 Rob O’Neill Hans Fischer Chris Keay

2003-04 Terry Birss Neil Casalis Harry Dutton

2004-05 Cliff Hoare, T.Birss Rob O'Neill Harry Dutton

2005-06 Hans Ficsher Graham Webb Gil Kommer

2006-07 Harry Dutton Graham Webb Chris Keay

2007-08 Peter Bray Keith McGill Graham Taylor

2008-09 Bob Thorne David Gadiel Harry Dutton

2009-10 Tony Goode Rob O’Neill Bob Thorne

2010-11 Sue O’Neill Graham Taylor Harry Dutton

2011-12 Rob O’Neill Graham Taylor Graham Webb

What is Rotary

Rotary is a worldwide

network of inspired indi-

viduals who translate

their passions into rele-

vant social causes to

positively change lives

in communities.

The motto of Rotary Inter-

national is "Service

Above Self". While the

club provides a venue for

both business and social

networking, the primary

focus is on local and inter-

national service projects.

There are over 34,000

clubs, over 1.2 million

members in 200 coun-

tries worldwide.

The Four Way Test 1. Is it the truth? 2. Is it fair to all con-

cerned? 3. Will it build goodwill

and better friend-ship?

4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned?