Dear members and friends of the Rotary Club of Sydney Darling Harbour,

I’ve just spent a weekend with my fellow Rotarians. Not just the Darlings, but Rotarians from throughout the District. We’ve called out our accomplishments, identified our priorities and have listened to diverse and engaging guest speakers talk about their work in making the world a better place. As with any year, District Conference is an excellent source of energy and ideas. Our fellow Clubs are doing a lot of great work and, with COVID restrictions lifting, we have a wide horizon of potential projects and activities.

As always, the Darlings stellar reputation of getting involved and punching above its weight remains in-tact and accurate. My Presidency in this Club is a distinct privilege, and the past two days have made me even more excited about our future. I hope to see you at our next meeting where you can be a part of it.

Upcoming Events

Digital Club Meeting – 23/3/2022: Drew Sturgiss and Staying Safe from Scams
March 23, 2022 at 7:30 am
Online Event

Our digital club meetings are a great opportunity to discuss our upcoming events, ongoing projects and recent news from the comfort of your home office. This week, President Drew Sturgiss will be talking about the COVID related rise in digital scamming attacks, how this relates to our Club, and we can do to avoid and respond to scams when we become the targets. If you are looking to give something back to the community, to develop professionally, to help steer exciting projects, or are just interested in making new friends, you are very welcome to attend our meeting.

For more information, or to get involved, visit https://rotarydarlingharbour.org.au/events/digital-club-meeting-23-3-2022/

Evening Meeting – 7/4/2022
April 7, 2022 at 6:30 pm
The Sporting Globe x 4 Pines

Our evening meetings are used to discuss both our upcoming events and broader world issues. They have a focus on work-shops and project discussion, and are geared to be enjoyed after a hard day of work. This month, we’re back after a long COVID winter! After two years of lock-down, we’re keen to establish new projects for the Club to work on. If you’ve got a good idea and are looking for a team to help you implement it, or if you have a lot of energy and are looking for a positive outlet for it, or if you are just keen to make some new friends, then this is the meeting for you. Rotarians, Rotaractors, and newcomers of all ages are more than welcome to attend. Meetings typically run for an hour, and attendees are welcome to join us for dinner and drinks after the meeting.

For more information, or to get involved, visit https://rotarydarlingharbour.org.au/events/evening-meeting-7-4-2022/

Club Meeting – 13/4/2022
April 13, 2022 at 7:30 am
The Grace Hotel

Our regular club meetings are used to discuss our upcoming events, ongoing projects and recent news. If you are looking to give something back to the community, to develop professionally, to help steer exciting projects, or are just interested in making new friends, you are very welcome to attend our meeting.

For more information, or to get involved, visit https://rotarydarlingharbour.org.au/events/club-meeting-13-4-2022/

Board Meeting – 20/04/2022
April 20, 2022 at 6:30 pm
Online Event

The Rotary Club of Sydney Darling Harbour is engaged in several different projects. Whether it’s working within our local community, advancing international understanding and providing humanitarian aid, providing for the development and advancement of our members or fostering new friendships, our Club strives to always put its hands to something useful.

For more information, or to get involved, visit https://rotarydarlingharbour.org.au/events/board-meeting-20-04-2022/

ANZAC Day Parade Volunteering
April 25, 2022 at 5:00 am
Hyde Park

ANZAC Day is a day of remembrance. It is an opportunity for veterans, current service men and women and the general public to pay their respects to those who have served our country. The Darlings are joining the Rotary Club of Sydney stall on ANZAC Day to sell ANZAC biscuits to participants and spectators of the annual ANZAC Day Parade. Please join us in raising money for Rotary projects which include supporting women and children at risk, homelessness in Sydney and a number of other important causes. If you can spare anytime during the day, your efforts would make an important difference in the day.

For more information, or to get involved, visit https://rotarydarlingharbour.org.au/events/anzac-day-parade-volunteering-2022/

International Toast

This week, we’re toasting the Rotary Club of Madrid, Spain. Founded fairly recently in 2018, the Club meets on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month, starting at 19.30 in Hesperia Hotel in Madrid. Their primary focussing is service local community. Though young, they have a lot of potential, and I look forward to seeing their growth over the next few years. You can find out more about them by visiting their website at https://www.rotarymadridinternational.com/home-page.html

Cheers to you, Rotary Club of Madrid!

International Toasts are a great way to learn more about the wide world of Rotary. If there’s a Club you’d like to see toasted, please make a suggestion to info@rotarydarlingharbour.org.au.

Today in History

On March 21st, 1980, U.S. President Jimmy Carter announced that the United States was boycotting the Summer Olympics in Moscow to protest the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.

Final Thoughts

Also occurring on March 21st, 1980 was the season 3 finale of Dallas, ending with the shooting of J.R. Ewing. The surrounding mystery made it one of the most famous cliff-hangers in television history.
In the end, it turned out to be Kristin Shepard, J.R’s sister-in-law and mistress who shot him in a fit of anger.

Well, that’s it from me. Don’t forget that our next meeting will be held digitally, on the 23rd of March. For more information, including how to join our Zoom, please visit rotarydarlingharbour.org.au/events/digital-club-meeting-23-3-2022/.

Until next week,
Drew Sturgiss
President
Rotary Club of Sydney Darling Harbour