After a ripper of an Aussie Day celebration (literally), our esteemed President Allen was not only unable to preside over the meeting, but couldn’t write his report either, as he wasn’t there.
In his place was acting President PP Geoff Brennan – and what a convincing act it was. We almost believed he was in control of the evening. In fact the four-way test speakers were in total control, as you will read about later in this report. Our acting Hub editor toasted the Queen as splendidly as she edited this report, but Rotary Grace had a little trouble settling on the right pitch, for some unknown reason… an increased proportion of altos and sopranos in the room, perhaps. David Johnston gave us a 4-minute run down of life at the 10, uh… I mean, 1, 10 & 11 Network, including the revelation that the board is swarming with billionaires. Who would have thought The Biggest Loser would have had such broad appeal? Ironic.
Acting Pres. announced a huge crowd of guests who managed to fit in the room thanks to an almost equal number of apologies. However, it was great to see the triumphant return of Hameed Fazal and Terry Kerim, after their recent scarcity.
John Mazlin announced Red Shield appeal’s 2011 return (28 & 29 May) and Bill Payne explained just how valuable Bowelscan is, as it also returns for ’11, with 144 cancer and polyp detections and 164 positive results last year, saving untold lives in the city. Peter Cooper gave Friday’s pasta-fest at Il Bolognese one last plug, before exchange student Anna Gossweiler detailed her hectic week, including a hair-dye malfunction and sailing on a rough and windy day in the open ocean. Then it was Sgt. Longfield’s turn to take the stand – and all our loose change – with a barrage of loose cannon accusations.
After all the regular formalities, it was time for the absolute treat of the evening, The Four-Way Test speaking competition. Bob Kaye-Smith announced the event and introduced four amazing young competitors.
ERINA YIP, from Cheltenham Girls raised the bar rather high with a superb dream sequence, linking the subconscious mind to The Four-Way Test, the meaning of life, Nelson Mandela and the collective goal of improving the world.
NIKKI RAFTOPULOS, from Pymble Ladies College (PLC) astounded us all with a theatrical press conference from Julian Assange, complete with journalists’ questions and a very clever twist at the end, explaining why Julian is disguised as a schoolgirl. Her presentation was very well researched and weaved powerful social justice issues in perfectly with the theme.
SKYE DONALDSON from The Pittwater House Schools took a very personal approach, talking about her memories of her Rotarian grandfather and her concern for homeless people.
ANEESH KANCHARLA from Shore School discussed racism and prejudice as a challenge to uphold The Four-Way Test and how Australia has sometimes demonstrated unacceptable levels of discrimination in years gone by. Aneesh proposed that education and admitting that there could be a problem, was the way to a more peaceful and friendly society.
In the end, Judges DGN John Dodd and PP Doug Thompson had a very difficult time, being forced to separate the contestants in order of merit. NIKKI took out the top prize with her highly polished performance, followed very closely by Aneesh, with Erina and Skye both awarded certificates. All four demonstrated the highest standards and ideals, which is precisely what The Four-Way Test is all about.
