Rotarians gathered on the foreshore
SUCCESS: More than 400 Rotarians and their partners attended the annual District 9675 Conference at the Novotel North Beach from March 10-12. Organisers said it was the best ever. Picture: Supplied.
 
Over 400 Rotarians and their partners attended the annual District 9675 Conference at the Novotel North Beach from March 10-12.

With the sun shining, after over 12 months of extensive planning led by District Governor Stephen Humphreys, his wife Judith, event managers, Carole and Ian Johnston, joined by a team of representatives from the District Governor’s home club, Camden, Macarthur group of clubs and representatives from the Illawarra clubs, a spectacular program organised with many delegates stating - “the best ever for organisation, content and location”.

Friday afternoon kicked off the program with six interactive topical Rotary workshops facilitated by the District Training Team, followed by a welcome reception on the outside deck overlooking the moonlit ocean view, started the fun and fellowship.

Saturday morning participants were welcomed by Welcome to Country by Uncle Richard Davis, followed by District Governor Stephen and the Rotary International representative, Noel Trevaskis.

A range of outstanding speakers from New Zealand, other states of Australia and locals, each having a very enlightening and informative story to share followed.

Firstly, there was hardly a dry eye in the house with the presentation - ‘’Motivation and Overcoming Adversity - Dust to Glory”, presented by paralympian Curtis McGrath.

''Passion and Purpose (The Purple House Story)'' presented by Sarah Brown - chief executive officer of Western Desert Nganampa Walytja Palyantjaku Tjutaku (WDNWPT) Aboriginal Corporation – followed Sarah’s extraordinary story is an example of where a Minister for Health should never tell a person with passion like her that dialysis can’t be done in the bush.

The Novotel North Beach was an ideal venue. Over 22 groups presented displays and information about their projects, opportunities to purchase goods and even to have their hearing tested!

A sell-out crowd attended the dinner on Saturday night in the Grand Ballroom, with each guest presented with a gift, a wine glass, celebrating 100 Years of the Rotary Foundation. Clubs and Districts throughout the Rotary World are celebrating the establishment of the Rotary’s Charity this year.

Conference delegates enjoyed breakfast served by the Rotary Club of Corrimal at North Beach.

Overall, the weekend was a resounding success. Click on link http://www.rotarydistrict9675.org.au/ to enjoy the details of each of the speakers and the program overall.

Details with Dot Hennessy on 0412 120 314 or dothennessy@gmail.com