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Special Thanks from the District Committee
Much has been said and written about the Rotary District conference, which was held here over the last weekend. A few points deserve particular mention.
Special thanks has to be given to our Deputy Prime Minister John Anderson, who took time out from his busy schedule as Acting prime Minister, to fly up from Canberra on Saturday morning specifically for the opening ceremony of our Conference.
We feel greatly honoured by this gesture. During his speech he proved once again what a likeable, warm and ’people friendly’ person he is. By the enthusiastic applause Mr. Anderson received it was obvious that he was amongst friends and admirers.
Also, special thanks to our member for Barwon, Ian Slack-Smith who also kindly attended. Ian and the elegant Mrs. Slack-Smith were a big hit with the audience of almost 600 people.
Naturally Walgett Shire was strongly represented by our Shire General manager Vic North, and by our ever popular mayor, Peter Waterford.
The audience was enthralled by Peters talk on life in the bush, both now and in the past. His great sense of humour and warm personality helped make the opening ceremony the highlight not only of the weekend, but of the Districts Rotary year.
The first section of the Ceremony was very moving, with Rose Fernando’s and Mrs June Barker’s ‘welcome to our land’ presentation. The little Nagy dancers were delightful to watch and a big hit also. Peter Tunin’s “Counterpoint’ band played so professionally well, and had selected such perfect tunes for the occasion, that they will receive many offers to perform in other places. Sister Anne and Pastor Rick presented a much appreciated ecumenical service on Sunday morning.
The Bowling Club shone with efficiency, the Hotels and Motels were faultless, and the kind-hearted bed and breakfast providers were loved by their guests. The wonderful locals who provided free accommodating for our Dutch and Australian Exchange teams deserve huge medals and gratitude.
We hope that the hard work that had been put into the preparation and the running of this large event was of great benefit to the whole Shire. Our small Rotary Club were flat out during the weekend, with President Chris, Danielle Osborne, Peter Collison, Ralph Pownall, Margaret Schofield and Noel Lewis being ever present and helpful.
We salute you all.
Herman Kreller. |
Ian Dyball, Graham East, Peter Bailey and Brian Prince
Johanna Nemeth (Australia), Urapong Patkachar (Thailand), Davjo Dithlefsen (Denmark), Vibike Nielson (Norway) and Amelia Maxwell (Lightning Ridge Central School)
Member for Gwydir and Deputy Prime Minister John Anderson with Member for Barwon, Ian Slack-Smith
Robert Valler brings the Central School Choir together to perform for visiting Rotarians
Back row: Peter Waterford, Dorothy Burkey, John Burkey, Stephen Lee, John Anderson, Vic North, Norm Johnston, Gary Johnson, Robert Valler and Herman Kreller
Front Row: Christine Carter, Brian Knowles, Nancy Knowles, Laurel Prince, Brian Prince (District Governor), Christine Bowen-Thomas and Rick Bowen-Thomas with Eevi Kuisma (exchange student from Finland) in front
Getting directions to the Grawin opal fields from Trevor Hudson are Bob Coleman, Taree and Warren McTaggert, Taree
Ron Barr, Nicole Davey, Heath Ducker and Judith Barr |
