In Rotary we all have a vocational classification; my classification is Defence and Communications. Usually at the start of our Rotary journey, we are invited to give a vocational talk and I find these talks interesting and informative. We are also encouraged to participate in vocational visits. These can be to a member’s business or place of employment; they can also be to a place of interest.
Last week we visited the Granny Flat Solutions new showroom in Waitara and met with the founding Director, Wally Gebrael. Previously I had visited the original showroom in Thornleigh which was in the same commercial office complex as the Rotary D9685 office (at the time). The new showroom is a vast improvement, more accessible and with greater exposure. Wally spoke about the growth of the ‘granny flat’ industry and the interest in affordable and alternative accommodation. He also discussed the potential utilisation of one’s major asset, the family home. (see story below)
It was a pleasure to have Omar Afiouni, VP Hornsby Chamber of Commerce join in with our vocational visit. Wally and Omar both have an interest in Rotary and the PCYC.
As previously mentioned, the Bobbo Cycle Classic event that was scheduled to be held earlier this year (cancelled due to weather) will now be held on Sunday 18th September. At this week’s meeting we’ll hold a club assembly and go into more detail re the planning of this event, and our Wahroonga Rotary obligation. Additionally, we’ll have some other interesting projects to discuss, including planning for the Wahroonga Village Fair.
We are adding some interesting speakers to the club calendar, and thanks to members who are putting forward recommendations.
With the changes taking place in State Government, our Honorary Member The Hon Alister Henskens SC MP has added Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade, and Minister for Sport to his already very busy portfolio. He is currently Minister for Skills and Training, and Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology.
An opportunity for every Club member to put your thinking hat on to identify a friend, neighbour, business associate – in fact, anyone, whom you think would make a great Rotarian and just needs that little nudge to join.
We will always focus on retaining members, encouraging those new to our Club and/or new to Rotary to participate in any way they feel comfortable, as well as inviting their initiative to projects and ways of doing things.
Many in the community have heard about Rotary, but how many know of its worldwide reach, of its areas of focus, of the role of the local club in the community? How many know of Rotary activities because a family member has been a member? As we talk around Wahroonga we hear of those connections and will encourage those people to join us.
The Membership Committee will always focus on increasing membership that’s our raison d’etre after all!, as well as advertising the current projects that Wahroonga Rotary Club undertakes. Let’s put it out there!
The meeting last week was flagged as a Vocational visit to the facility owned and operated by Granny Flat Solutions. It was enlightening and informative and we did enjoy the complimentary breakfast. We were pleased to welcome the Vice President of the Hornsby Chamber of Commerce, Omar Afiouniand many thanks to the Co-founder and Director of the Granny Flat Solutions Wally Gebrael, for hosting us.
Martin Forrow Award plaques were presented to Janet and Ann following the announcement at our recent Changeover Dinner - see below.
Just a reminder to everyone that you have another 10 days to submit nominations for the vocational awards. We have emailed businesses in the village and we have had a number of nominations from these businesses but if you have any other ideas for one of our 3 categories then please give myself or Mentie a call so that we can get the nomination form filled in.
At this stage we are looking at an “enhanced breakfast meeting” on the 7th September to present the awards.
Copies of the Candidate criteria and Application form are enclosed below for your review.
We would like to provide a mixed and varied range of speakers and presenters at our weekly meetings throughout the year and to assist in meeting that challenge your input to the spread of subjects and areas of interest is requested.
To assist with this process I have attached a questionaire for you to complete to ensure we are aware of categories and interests you may have.
Interesting speakers provide opportunities to bring guests and friends to your Club and enjoy the camaraderie we all enjoy!
WE WOULD LOVE to HAVE YOUR CONTRIBUTION
Please take a few minutes to offer us your preferences - click on the link below!
A reminder that the postponed Bobbin Head Cycle Classic (Bobbo) is coming up on Sunday 18 September.
Wahroonga Rotary is responsible for managing the start and finish of the ride and the festival atmosphere at the Bobbo Village on Karuah Oval as well as providing road marshals for the arriving riders and Team A, which is the first leg of the ride.
We’ll soon be asking you to confirm your commitment to volunteering on the day as well as asking for additional volunteers to help out with setting up at Karuah Oval on the Saturday and marshalling and pack-up on the Sunday.
Welcome Back to the Wahroonga Food and Wine Festival
This well attended event is ready for a comeback after a two year sabbatical. It has become a signature event on our calendar in recent years
A call to action
"................ we need Raffle prizes for the St Lucys and St Edmunds Bursaries.
We need five prizes that add up to a value of around $3,000. If you can provide a suitable prize, or if you have something we could follow up on your behalf, we would appreciate you contacting Bob Howe on 0411 186 722 or bobhowe37@gmail.com
Any questions or answers please call Bob on 0411 186 722."
More to come on other activities from the Membership team and the Volunteering rosters as we draw closer to the event.
An integral part of the Orange Blossom Festival, the Cross Country Challenge organised by the Rotary Club of Hills Kellyville offers three distances to run, walk or to stroll. 10.2 km, 6.8 km, 3.4 km. All for a good cause. at the beautiful Bella Vista Farm. Mike Blair OAM explains. www.crosscountrychallenge.com.au
