Gary Halliday posted on September 12, 2009 12:30
Our last meeting was well attended despite the inclement weather. Furthermore, our two guests, Mitchell Holden and Richard Dabinett, braved the elements to attend, making it a total success.
Our Youth Services Director, Mr Jim Leahy, invited youngster and RYLA attendee Mitchell Holden and his mum, Joanne, along to talk about his experiences at the camp. First impressions indicated that Mitchell was a little on the shy side, but this shyness quickly gave way to his newly found confidence following some friendly questions that were fired by several Rotarians. In his own words, Mitchell admitted that the camp had brought him out of his shell somewhat and that he was now more confident in himself and his own abilities, a statement his mother, Joanne, concurred with. We thank Joanne for ensuring Mitchell attended last night, as it is only with meeting these young adults that we can fully appreciate the results our sponsorship provides.
Confidence was not lacking when our second speaker, Mr Richard Dabinett, took centre stage. Who could believe that just a few years ago, this gentleman couldn’t read or write. Here he is now, with countless television and radio appearances behind him and his third children’s novel about to be released. Richard is an inspiration to us all and shows what the human spirit is capable of. Unfortunately, Richard’s attempts to continue his Christmas charity work in the Blacktown area have been thwarted by a lack of community involvement. Providing Christmas Dinner for over sixty people has become too much for Richard and his wife to accomplish on their own. In the mean time, he is content to run The St Vincent de Paul bookstore in Blacktown.
Over the past few weeks, I have been referring to our club’s Vietnam Vision team as, “Our Vietnam Vets”. In no way was I trying to use that term to compare our team with returned service men that served in Vietnam. Our own Peter Farrell is indeed a true Vietnam veteran and as a valued member of our club, I regret any misunderstanding with my use of this term.
At next weeks meeting, we look forward to meeting with Faye Yaroll, of The Cochlear Awareness Network. This network of volunteers, have lived their lives as deaf people, but then had their hearing returned through either a cochlear implant or Baha. Faye is raising awareness to the wonderful changes to people’s lives that have had their hearing restored.
Our Farmers Market BBQ this Saturday, 26th September, will be manned by Jim Leahy, Peter Houghton and George Kristen. Special thanks again to Bob Groat who gets up early each Saturday to help Les set the BBQ stand up. Despite getting there early last Saturday, I was surprised to find that not only was the stand set up, but my breakfast was already on the grill. Manning the BBQ is so easy with so many willing hands and the results are showing in the till.
Our fine sergeant, Mr Cauchi whipped up $60.55 in no time last night, so there’s no telling what he will accomplish when he decides to get mean. Our raffle raised $122.80.
- 1st. Jim Leahy
- 2nd. Joe Cauchi
- 3rd. Peter Farrell The raffle jackpot will be $60.00 on 29thd September.