The President’s Report 2008-2009

In presenting the 2008-2009 Annual Report for the Rotary Club of Aspley, I wish to acknowledge and thank my fellow Rotarians for their unanimous support in nominating and subsequently electing me to fulfill the office of Club President. It has indeed been an honour to serve as the club’s first Lady President.

As I reflect on the past year and our activities and achievements, I am proud of the great contribution our club has made to address areas of need in our local and international communities. We managed to continue supporting our programs despite the global economic crisis that descended upon us.

Rotary International President D. K Lee’s theme for the year “Make Dreams Real” and his challenge to all Rotarians to follow his lead in making dreams real, especially for the world’s children, had a major influence on where and how we supported the concept. I believe we have succeeded in our mission to further DK Lee’s vision to reduce the rate of child mortality, both at the local level through our support for literacy and health related programs and globally with our continued support of the Polio Eradication Program.

In Australia, infant and child mortality rates remain high within our indigenous population and in some communities are comparable with those from third world countries. It is always difficult to predict what long term health benefits may be due to specific interventions, however, research tells us that health promotion and literacy are key factors. I am pleased to report that through the Australian Rotary Health (ARH) Indigenous Health Scholarship Program and in partnership with the Commonwealth Government, our club has sponsored an indigenous student studying social work at the University of the Sunshine Coast. We will be hearing regular progress reports from the student throughout the coming year.

We became aware of the District’s Literacy project “Tales from a Dilly Bag” which is a resource program consisting of quality children’s books, art and craft materials, activity books and much more. The kit assists teachers by providing resources to foster early learning to improve literacy skills by targeting, indigenous and other students in Prep and Yr 1 classes. Zillmere and Taigum State Schools have embraced the program with enthusiasm.

The club’s association with the Kingfisher Adult Learning Program (KALP) has continued and feedback from the program coordinator Jane, identified our support as being a contributing factor to the successful accreditation outcome for the program. One of my personal highlights during the past year was the opportunity to work with the young people at KALP in a volunteer capacity, facilitating an eight week program addressing personal development and protective behaviours. I have known many of the young people at KALP since they first attended school as five year olds and it was a pleasure to be involved in their on-going learning and skill development programs.

Another of the year’s highlights was the arrival of Tom our exchange student from Denmark who we have watched grow and mature into a caring young man. On behalf of the Youth Exchange Program (YEP) and our club members we thank Tom’s host families, Doug and Preeta and Paul and Donna most sincerely for helping to make Tom’s exchange year a memorable and valuable learning experience while having fun at the same time. I would also like to take this opportunity to convey my thanks to Doug and Preeta who we all know are great advocates for the YEP.

The Citizenship Ceremony was held again this year to coincide with Harmony Day and our ceremony coordinators David and Karen Winters did a wonderful job staging a very moving and successful event. We look forward to a productive and action filled Rotary year with Walter taking over the office of DG. We send Walter our very best wishes as he commences his DG journey and pledge our full support where and when needed.

I could write a book about all the wonderful projects and programs we have been associated with during the year and the diverse characters encountered along the way, however, I will keep my story for another time and place.

My year as president has been a rewarding experience which I directly attribute to the unconditional support given to me by my board and significant others. I especially and most sincerely thank my V.Pres Darryl and my fellow lady Rotarians, June, Tracey, Trish and Robyn who were always there to support me in my role as the club leader.

In closing and signing off as the clubs 2008-09 President, I send my best wishes to in coming President Steve and his Board as they lead club activities to continue the valuable contribution Rotarians make to “Service Above Self” in the pursuit of improving the well being of all mankind.

Yours in Rotary Service
Dorothy Butterworth