I count it an honour to be inducted as your new President.

I stand in a long line of distinguished Presidents who have served the club since it was chartered in 1991.

Some of australia’s leading citizens have served as Rotary presidents including General Sir John Monash & Sir John Latham a Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia.

Our International Rotary theme for 2003/04 is Lend a Hand.

President Jonathan Majiyagbe from Nigeria defines it thus:

• We will lend a hand to alleviate abject poverty
• lend a hand to educate the illiterate
• lend a hand to relieve the scourge of disease
• lend a hand of fellowship to all of the family of Rotary

What we plan to do as a Club in 2003/04 becomes much easier to plan when we are clear about why we are Rotarians

The why will in subtle ways be different for each of us.

I am a Rotarian because

• I believe in the objects of Rotary
• I wish to serve a community that has served me
• I enjoy the fellowship and camaraderie of the Club
• The international network enriches my life

Rotary has been a remarkable stable force in a changing and unstable world we live in a world where

• people are becoming more and more insular
• busier
• more stressed
• less caring
• frightened
• and anxious

Thank god for Rotary … eradicating polio from the world … building bridges between peoples & nations and at a local level adding quality to the lives of people in our own community

We have a youthful and energetic Club … good committed men and women Rotarians who are not afraid of hard work.

As president I seek to serve you by providing clear leadership and direction endless encouragement and by working with and for each of you through the members of my Board.

Unfortunately I will not be able to be present at every meeting of the Club … my workplace is Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Canberra and lots of other spots in between.

However I have marked every Rotary day and event in my calender as a reminder that I do want to be here on wednesdays I am letting my clients know that I have Rotary commitments.

I think this is the first year that the Club has had a vice president … and I know that john clark (also known as JC because of his ability to walk on water) will provide excellent leadership in my absence.

How do I see the Club at the end of the my term:

• new members
• lots of memories of good fellowship
• outstanding fund raising achievements
• vocationally stronger
• active participation in Rotary programs (ryla etc)
• maintaining a good tradition

Thank you for the honour to be your President.

John Townsend - 25th June, 2003