Gary Halliday posted on February 24, 2010 14:08
Twenty one members and guests were in attendance at tonight’s meeting. Our guests and speakers included Kristian Pengkerego and Amy Godleman from The Benevolent Societies, ‘Fostering Young Lives Programme’, and Jason Borg and his parents.
Budding scientist, Jason, has just returned from the ‘Summer Science School’, and displayed an aptitude and presence that ensures this young man’s career will be a very successful and fruitful one. Jason intends to put his studies and ever expanding knowledge base towards forging a name in protecting endangered species. Following his presentation to our members, Jason left us in no doubt that the future of our threatened fauna is in good hands. His speaking skills could also have been put to good use at last weeks Great Debate. Jason is a credit to himself, his proud parents and our humble little club. He will continue to be a great ambassador in his chosen field for a long time yet.
Our second speaker, Kristian, explained that his organisation, The Benevolent Society, is now 197 years young. He added that through vigorous campaigning it also helped secure The Old Age Pension, making Australia the first country in the world to adopt this social revelation. Kristian and Amy work in The Fostering Young Lives Programme which unites children with foster parents. For many reasons, children may be unable to live with their natural parents, so this programme helps to unite these children with someone who can give the nurturing every child needs during those formative years. The Programme is currently looking for parents who can provide a safe home for 16,000 children across New South Wales who can’t live with their birth parents. You can visit www.bensoc.org.au for more information on The Benevolent Society and its many programmes.
The West Wyalong Theatre Project has finally come to a conclusion. Following a letter received from PP Kevin Tough, our club has sent a cheque in the amount of $4000 to go towards purchasing the system. Kevin advised that the remainder of the finance required was raised through donations from other sources.
Next week we meet at The Bach Dang Restaurant for an Oriental Feast that will tantalise your taste buds. I know this will be a great get together for our club and look forward to seeing you all on the night. Two weeks after is our vocational visit to Doug Up On Bourke. Numbers are finalised and no more participants can be accommodated. Also, if you don’t know what pastizzi are, then you will be left in no doubt after we visit The Original Maltese Café on the same night.
I’ll get back to my work now, but leave you with these words of wisdom which is somewhat relevant from us ageing Rotarians. “Years teach us more than books”.
Charlie.
PS: The Members Raffle Jackpot will be $170 on 23 March 2010