Board
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Ken Allen
- Vocation:
- Minister of Religion
- Year Joined:
- 1996
- Phone:
- 0438 601 677
- Email:
- allenkd@bigpond.com
- Biography:
-
Born and raised in Sydney, Ken moved to North West NSW in 1963, firstly as a schoolteacher at Moree and Tamworth and then as an Anglican Clergyman at Tamworth, Baradine, Walgett and Gunnedah, before returning to Tamworth in 1984.
Following the death of his wife in 1994, Ken returned to Sydney, continuing to work for the Anglican Church firstly as Rector of Putney then as Archdeacon of Western Sydney. He is currently working as the Pastoral Care manager at Anglicare Sydney.
He has since remarried. Ken has two adult children and three, soon to be four, grandchildren.
As well as Rotary his interests include: setting up his retirement house, family, church activities and travel.
Why I joined Rotary: I joined Rotary in Tamworth in 1985 to meet people in business whom I would not necessarily meet in the course of my everyday work. I have enjoyed the friendships I have made and the opportunities for service above self which Rotary offers through its avenues of service both local and overseas.
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Adrian Hallett
- Vocation:
- Clerk
- Year Joined:
- 2008
- Phone:
- 0409 037 701
- Email:
- halletts@bigpond.net.au
- Biography:
-
Pending
Pending
Why I joined Rotary: Pending
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Allen Horrell
- Vocation:
- Enterprise Resource Planning Systems – IT, Steel Distribution
- Year Joined:
- 2006 Ryde, 2003 Avonhead
- Phone:
- 0406 360 204
- Email:
- ahorrell@optusnet.com.au
- Biography:
-
For the last 20 years I have been implementing and supporting ERP systems for a variety of employers. I was headhunted from Christchurch for a position in Bluescope Steel's Business Information Services division in late 2005, and now work from their Head Office in Alexandria.
For the last couple of decades or so, I have been implementing and supporting ERP systems for a variety of employers. I was headhunted from Christchurch for a position in Bluescope Steel’s Business Information Services division and now work from their Head Office in Alexandria.
Since immigrating to Sydney, my wife started teaching piano as well as working as an Archivist in the King’s School Museum. She is now a receptionist at Fleet Plus.
My daughter Anna has sung in the Sydney Opera House, with her school choir and acted in a musical at the Sydney Entertainment Centre, again with her school troupe and she recently came third in the Parramatta Art Show with her oil painting.
David, my son, works at Mr Liquor and was an Army Cadet at Timor Barracks. His ambition is to be a helicopter pilot in the ADF. Both children are servers at Parramatta Cathedral, where Bernadette and I are also Readers and Eucharistic Ministers.
I married Bernadette in January 1989, having met her at a Rotaract Champagne Breakfast – she was impressed that I brought French Champagne, while everyone else had cheap carbonated swill. She was doing weight training at the time and boasted she could lift 80Kg.
I made the mistake of saying “I weigh 80kg – I bet you can’t lift me!” When this slip of a girl lifted me off the deck, I could see all my mates were about to enjoy a laugh at my expense, so bent down and kissed her. She got such a surprise she let me go. We still tell our children their mother “picked me up at a party and dropped me the same day!”
I joined Rotaract in the mid 1980s and community service has been a constant ever since. When I turned 30 I was kicked out of Rotaract for being too old, no-one invited me to join Rotary, so I joined Jaycees instead. Junior Chamber is a personal development organization that teaches meeting procedures, public speaking and debating. I was President of North Christchurch Chapter. When I turned 40 I was expelled from Jaycees, and for a couple of years I was not involved in community groups apart from my parish church. We moved to Auckland for three years, and arriving back in Christchurch I decided to approach the nearest Rotary Club with a view to joining.Why I joined Rotary: To meet new people, and to serve the community. Rotary membership serves as a filter – you can be sure your average Rotarian is a more community spirited person than the average person you might meet elsewhere, and that gives you a shared basis for forming new friendships. My first act after settling into my new home in Ryde was to approach the Rotary Club of Ryde with a letter of introduction from the Board of Avonhead Rotary. I had already been doing make-ups there during my initial temporary assignment at BlueScope while still a member of Avonhead Club, and through my wife (who was Nanny for Nick Greiner's children in the 1980s, and had been in Ryde Rotaract with Ross' daughter Regina), I already knew PP. Ross Rocca, so Ryde Rotary was an obvious choice.
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Artin Etmekdjian
- Vocation:
- Chatered Accountant
- Year Joined:
- 2004
- Phone:
- N/A
- Email:
- artine@ozemail.com.au
- Biography:
-
Pending
Pending
Why I joined Rotary: Pending
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Ashley Peake
- Vocation:
- Dentistry
- Year Joined:
- 1962
- Phone:
- N/A
- Email:
- agp@bigpond.net.au
- Biography:
-
Pending
Pending
Why I joined Rotary: Pending
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Bill Payne
- Vocation:
- Company Director
- Year Joined:
- 1984
- Phone:
- N/A
- Email:
- b.vpayne1@bigpond.com
- Biography:
-
Pending
Pending
Why I joined Rotary: Pending
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Bob Carroll
- Vocation:
- Engineering Services Manager
- Year Joined:
- 2001
- Phone:
- N/A
- Email:
- rjcarroll@dodo.com.au
- Biography:
-
Pending
Pending
Why I joined Rotary: Pending
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Bob Kaye-Smith
- Vocation:
- Vibratory Equipment Specialist
- Year Joined:
- 2008
- Phone:
- 0411 263 294
- Email:
- KayeSmithR@syntechtron.com
- Biography:
-
Bob joined The Rotary Club of Rydalmere in November 1995. At Club level, Bob served as Club Youth Director in 1996/7; the following year as Club Service Director and in 1998/9 was Club President. In 2000/1 he was International Director, Vocational Director in 2001/2 and Youth Director in 2002/3. In this year he was presented with a Paul Harris Fellow from the Rotary Club of Rydalmere.
In 2004/5 Bob was the Vocational Director; in 2006/7 the International Director and Club Service Director in 2007/8. The Rotary Club of Rydalmere closed on the 30th June 2008 with Bob joining the Rotary Club of Ryde on the 15th July 2008. In 2009/10 he served as Secretary, a role he will also continue in 2010/11.
At District level, Bob has held numerous roles. In1999/2000, he was the Riverside Group Rep for DG Larry Jacka; in 2000/1 ADG-Club Outer City for DG Michael Van Heeswyk; and in 2001/2 was Assistance District Vocational Adviser, Chair of the District Apprentice Trainee Awards, member of the District RYLA committee and member of the District Finance Committee for DG Barry Philps. In 2002/3 Bob served as the District Vocational Adviser, member of the District Finance Committee and Apprentice Trainee Awards for DG Harold Sharpe. The following year he was the District Chair for the Apprentice Trainee Awards, Committee member of District Finance Committee for DG Danny Low. In 2004/5 Bob took on the role of District Chair of the Apprentice Trainee Awards for DG Bruce Allen; in 2005/6 District Vocational Adviser, member of the District Apprentice/Trainee Awards and Vocational Excellence Awards Committee for DG Greg Muldoon. In 2006/7 Bob was the District Chair for MUNA, Apprentice Trainee Awards and committee member of the Vocational Excellence Awards for DG Pam Pritchard. Bob continued in 2007/8 as the District Chair for MUNA and the Vocational Excellence Awards for DG Monica Saville.
At District Changeover 28th June 2008 presented with a Paul Harris Sapphire pin by DG Monica Saville for District activities.
In 2008/9, Bob held the role of District Chair of the Vocational Excellence Awards and MUNA Chair for DG Tony Castley and was a member of the Training team for DG elect John Cameron. In 2009/10, Bob was District Vocational Chair, Vocational Excellence Award Chair, Four Way Test Speech Competition Chair and member of the Apprentice Trainee Awards committee for DG John Cameron. In 2010/11 Bob will take on the role as District Vocational Chair, Member of the Vocational Excellence Awards Committee, Four Way Test Speech Competition Chair and member of the Apprentice Trainee Awards committee for DG George Papallo.
For the past 42 years has been employed by Syntechtron formerly known as Transfield Process Equipment and currently holds the position of General Manager. Bob has two children Louise who lives in Melbourne and Peter who married in September 2009. Bob’s interests are home renovations, kayaking and golf.
Why I joined Rotary: Pending
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Burkhart Foertsch
- Vocation:
- Linguistic Training
- Year Joined:
- 2007
- Phone:
- N/A
- Email:
- oodlawirra@optusnet.com.au
- Biography:
-
Burkhart was born in Berlin, Germany. Over the years he had a very varied career path. He comes from an old family with a professional military tradition. His grandfather, father, uncle and brother were all Generals in the German Army. After school, he did not really know what he wanted to do. He studied electrical engineering, trained for three years as an officer in the army, and then worked on a farm for a year.
He then went back to Paris (where he previously had spent his last two school years in the international NATO School) and worked in a big tourist hotel and also taught German to private students. After three years in Paris, he moved to Madrid, where he worked in the foreign exchange department of a big German/Spanish bank and also taught German at the Berlitz School for languages. Here he met his Australian wife Patricia, who was teaching English at the same school. When she decided to go back to Australia, he did not want to lose her, so he married her in 1971 and went with her.
Arriving in Sydney in October 1971, he studied Hotel and Catering Management during the day at the East Sydney Tech and during the night worked as a Night Manager at the Sebel Town House Hotel. After graduating he worked in managerial positions in restaurants, clubs and hospitals, before becoming Food Service Manager for the NSW Premiers Department and the Public Works Department, where he catered for Royalty, Heads of State and 3,000 public servants.
After 5 years he became Manager Frozen Food Centre of the NSW Department of Health, producing some 8,000 meals per day distributing them throughout NSW to hospital patients, staff and MOW organisations. When the politicians decided to close the factory down, making him redundant, he bought a small chocolate manufacturing business and made exclusive boutique chocolates selling them to David Jones and speciality shops throughout Australia. At the same time, he studied business management at Western Sydney Uni and graduated with a Diploma of Management.
When the GST came in 2000, it made his small company financially unviable, so he sold it and worked for a year as a tour guide and bus driver, showing German, French and Spanish speaking tourists the sights of Australia. Getting bored with this, he decided to cash in on his foreign language knowledge, went to Uni, graduated with a BA, a Grad. Dip. Ed. and taught German, French, Spanish and a bit of Latin in public and private schools. When the need for teaching of those languages diminished, he went back to Uni, to do his Grad. Cert. of Tesol (teaching English to speakers of other languages) and now teaches English at Meadowbank TAFE.
He still has his own language training company EUROLINGUA, where he teaches European languages to private and corporate customers. Burkhart's wife Patricia, originally a pharmacist, also changed her career to become an English teacher. They have two adult children, Lucas and Jennifer and have lived in Eastwood for the last 25 years. Burkhart joined Rotary first in the 1980s, where, under the President Dick Brown, he first introduced the 'Tree of Joy' into Australia. In the '90s he resigned because of pressure of work and rejoined in 2008.
Why I joined Rotary: In the '90s, I resigned because of pressure of work. In 2008 I rejoined, because I was grateful for all the opportunities I have been given in life. I felt the need to give something back to society, to make it more equitable and to help and encourage the less fortunate. I wanted to put into practice some of the points of Rotary's Four-Way Test, namely help building a community which is fair and beneficial to all. I also wanted to join a club of good will and friendship, where the great variety of expertise and vocations of the club members helps to broaden our understanding, tolerance and horizon and makes it easy to achieve a common goal.
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Charles Kilby
- Vocation:
- Mortgage Broker, Finance
- Year Joined:
- 2000
- Phone:
- 0412 401 664
- Email:
- Charles.Kilby@aussie.com.au
- Biography:
-
Charles joined the Rotary Club of Ryde in January 2000. At the time Charles was unsure of his ability to contribute to the Club due to his new business and young family. The Tuesday evening meetings quickly became a favorite meeting for Charles as he developed relationships with other members and assisted in the many Club projects that were on the go.
In 2001–2002 Charles was elected Vocational Service Director, and became the Project Manager for the Apprentice of the Year Awards and the Pride of Workmanship Awards.
In 2002–2003 Charles was elected to the position of Community Service Director and coordinated many projects including Mothers Day and Fathers Day visits to all local Nursing Homes, Meals on Wheels roster, Tree of Joy, numerous fund raising barbecues and the Circus Quirkus fundraiser.
In 2003–2004 Charles was elected to the position of Club Service Director and President elect.
In 2004–2005 Charles was elected President of the Club. This was the Centenary of Rotary International and a very busy year for Charles attending many district events. This was also the year the Boxing Day tsunami hit the Indian Ocean. Charles was the driving force behind arranging a 40-foot shipping container of goods that was shipped to Colombo in Sri Lanka. The container was packed with donations from Rotarians, local residents and local schools. Ryde Hospital also donated 20 hospital beds.
As President, Charles also worked with the Ryde Chamber of Commerce and supplied the Rotarian workforce to install a new kitchen in the Ryde Primary School used by students for their life education program.
In 2006 Charles received the honour of a Paul Harris Award for service above self for his work in Rotary.
In 2007 Charles was elected Sergeant at Arms and kept all members on their toes during his humorous weekly fine sessions. Charles is currently the Membership Director of the Club.
Charles has always involved his family in Rotary events and throughout his time in Rotary Charles has been very active in all Club projects and a proud member of the Rotary Club of Ryde.
Why I joined Rotary: I had recently established a dynamic small business and was working 7 days a week and many late nights, when the Real Estate agent next door invited me to attend a Rotary meeting. I laughed and told him I was far too busy to even think about it, let alone have a night off from work. He insisted I attend and I eventually I agreed with the reasoning that maybe it would be a good way to meet some more of the locals. I attended several meetings and soon found that I was looking forward to an evening of sanity in my hectic week. The focus on community service gave me a greater purpose in life and made me more centred, when it came to my personal life and this reflected in my approach to my profession. That was over 10 years ago and in addition to all the "life changing" projects we have accomplished, it's the lifelong friendships with fellow Rotarians that I treasure the most.
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David James
- Vocation:
- Web Design
- Year Joined:
- 2008
- Phone:
- N/A
- Email:
- david.w.james@gmail.com
- Biography:
-
Pending
Pending
Why I joined Rotary: Pending
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David Johnston
- Vocation:
- Television
- Year Joined:
- 1999
- Phone:
- N/A
- Email:
- djohnston@networkten.com.au
- Biography:
-
Pending
Pending
Why I joined Rotary: Pending
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Doug Thompson
- Vocation:
- Retired School Principal
- Year Joined:
- 1977
- Phone:
- N/A
- Email:
- N/A
- Biography:
-
Pending
Pending
Why I joined Rotary: Pending
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Duncan Taylor
- Vocation:
- Photography
- Year Joined:
- 1978
- Phone:
- N/A
- Email:
- taylorphoto@optusnet.com.au
- Biography:
-
Pending
Pending
Why I joined Rotary: Pending
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Ed Berlage
- Vocation:
- Television (Retired)
- Year Joined:
- 1983
- Phone:
- N/A
- Email:
- edberl@bigpond.net.au
- Biography:
-
Ed was born in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. After WW2, when he was 15 years old he became an apprentice photographer. Two years later, his work with the Photographic Trade School earned him a recommendation to be apprenticed by Mr. M.C. Meyboom, Royal Photographer to the House of Orange. He became first assistant and was privileged to be involved in photo sessions at the Palace in Amsterdam (The Queen Mother, Wilhelmina) and at Palace Soestdijk, (The Royal family, Queen Juliana and Prince Bernhard and family)
His career was interrupted by national service (Grenadier Guards). Following this he returned to M.C. Meyboom but soon had itchy feet. The Netherlands being too small, too wet, windy and cold. Just at that time there was opportunity to migrate to greener (sunnier) pastures and the choice was Canada, New Zealand or Australia. Canada was quickly ruled out, as it was colder than the Netherlands and had Grizzly Bears …no way! One look at the map convinced him that New Zealand was too far away and the girls in the brochure of Bondi Beach looked just right! Australia it was! In March 1951, at age 20, he landed in Sydney.
Good photography being somewhat of a ‘closed shop’ he found an alternative, in taking charge of the photographic section of an engraving factory (Raynors Pty Ltd). Quite different from fashion, portraits etc., but the pay was good. After two years he felt the need to change his vocation. He decided that electronics was the coming scene. He did a Radio Servicing Course and then attended the Marconi School of Wireless studying for the Broadcast Operators Certificate of Proficiency which entitled him to be in charge of the technical aspects of a Broadcasting Station. With his newly acquired knowledge he joined the Amalgamated Wireless Valve Works in Ashfield and was engaged in the new field of television, building test equipment for the manufacture of TV Picture Tubes.
At Christmas time (1955) ABC TV demonstrated their TV cameras at Kings Cross. Ed was immediately fascinated and said to himself: ”That’s it, Television!” He applied to the ABC and in July 1956 joined as a technician/cameraman. After 30 years with the ABC he retired as Supervisor of Transmission Operations (TV). He taught TV and Film techniques at North Sydney TAFE for 11 years (part-time). He holds a Diploma in Public Administration (NSWIT, now UTS)
Why I joined Rotary: One day, I had just finished working in my garden, my next door neighbour said to me "Ed, I have put your name down for the Rotary Club of Ryde." My first thought was "The cheeky So and So, without asking me first!" But, he was a good, friendly neighbour and I did not want to offend him. I said "Oh, I see", not having a clue what he was referring to. "Come with me next Tuesday," he said "then you can have a look at us." "OK," I said and the next Tuesday afternoon we went to the Ryde Rotary Club (whatever that was!) I found a very happy group of men (no women in those days) with a great sense of humour. It was an interesting meeting, we had dinner as well and the time flew by. I actually enjoyed the experience very much and after depositing me back home, he asked what I thought of it all. "That was very nice," I said and in the same breath "I would like to go again, some day." "That’s the idea", he said "How about next Tuesday?" and so I went again and again! I was invited to join and thanks to my friendly
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Erdem Toner
- Vocation:
- Construction Engineering
- Year Joined:
- 2011
- Phone:
- N/A
- Email:
- Biography:
-
I was born in Istanbul, Turkey, on 12/09/1979. My upbringing was in Turkey. I was a national swimmer there and I had sports life for around 15 years in both swimming and playing water polo. Having studied my bachelor degree in Turkey in Civil Engineering, I travelled to Australia to learn English in 2003. Once I finished my English course, I studied master degree in Construction management at UNSW and master of engineering studies at UTS.
Having graduated from my double degree , I obtained my permanent residency and secured my first job with Chadwick Building Systems in construction industry. Since then, I worked with Watpac & Hooker Cockram for various management roles. At the beginning of this year, I established my own company as Toner Constructions Group and I am working on it at the moment.
I was also a member of Rotary Club of Randwick for around 2 years (2006 – 2008). In my second year, I was selected to be the international director of the board.
I obtained citizenship of Australia in March 2011 which allowed me to hold two citizenships; Turkey & Australia.Why I joined Rotary:
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Eric Bond MBE
- Vocation:
- Scientist
- Year Joined:
- 1961
- Phone:
- N/A
- Email:
- ebond@bigpond.com
- Biography:
-
All my working life, covering some 50 years, has been associated with the cereal industry – wheat, flour milling and bread. Starting as a young laboratory assistant in 1934 – the tail end of the great depression &ndash with a company making then newly developed compressed yeast for the bread industry, where I was delegated to assist with testing required by the 1934–36 Royal Commission into the three industries.
From there I was appointed Cereal Chemist with the Victorian Dept of Agriculture. At the outbreak of war I was appointed Chief Chemist of Bruntons, a large flour milling company in NSW and Victoria, setting up central laboratories in Sydney as part of wartime food control. After the war, another Royal Commission into the Bread Industry resulted in the establishment, in 1947, of the Bread Research Institute of Australia to which I was appointed founding Director. The BRI worked closely with CSIRO which, in 1957, established the Wheat Research Unit with me as Officer in Charge. I remained in those dual positions until my retirement in 1983.
My work has entailed a great deal of time overseas. As President of the International Association for Cereal Chemistry with headquarters in Vienna, from 1970–72 – the cold war period, I spent much time in countries east and west of the Berlin wall. As well there were many visits to overseas countries – established and prospective markets for our wheat. Consider these three situations in the work place:
It is 1970 and I am in Santiago, Chile. I receive an invitation from a large company in the Argentine to come up to Buenos Aires for the weekend. Buy a ticket, fly up to BA, I am stopped at customs – no visa. I was being ushered away to the transit lounge when a small, dark, man steps forward and whispers conspiratorially to the customs man. I am released. ‘Nickinson’, the said man, whispers to me “all we have to do now is sign a false declaration and then off to BA for the weekend”. Was it the truth?
It is 1973, I am in South Africa in the days of Apartheid – I am attending a meeting of the South African Wheat Board as a consultant. I place before it a recommendation made on behalf of senior scientific staff that a black worker in the laboratory, doing excellent scientific work should be recognized, and classified, as the lowest grade of technical assistant and not, as currently classified, labourer/cleaner. There was a stoney silence from the Board of predominantly Afrikaaner farmers then ‘Next Business’. Was it fair to all concerned?
It is 1969, I am in Moscow, in the office of my good friend and predecessor as President, of the International Association, Prof. Trisviatsky, Director of the Soviet Union Grain Research Organisation. A staunch member of the Communist Party, he is concerned about a delicate decision he is to take as President. I suggested a way out of his dilemma (a democratic way) would be to appoint a sub-committee to recommend. He requested that I arrange it. I take the result to Trisviatsky – it solves his problem. Relieved, he jumps up, takes a bottle of Vodka from a cupboard and we drink a toast to what he describes as a very democratic solution. Did it build goodwill and better friendships? and Was it beneficial to all concerned?
Why I joined Rotary: I joined Ryde Rotary in 1961, one of the best moves I have made. The guiding principles of Rotary, and the fellowship, have been a great source of strength.
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Geoff Brennan
- Vocation:
- Manager/Importer
- Year Joined:
- 2002
- Phone:
- N/A
- Email:
- geoff_brennan@bigpond.com
- Biography:
-
Pending
Pending
Why I joined Rotary: I was invited to join the Rotary Club of Ryde in early January 2002 and I now wonder at a life without Rotary. My children had completed schooling, meaning the end of P&C and sporting club involvement. I wanted to continue contributing to my local community and Rotary was the proverbial “door opening”. What a door! Not only do we put back into our own area but we participate in communities worldwide. I stand shoulder to shoulder with like-minded professionals, business leaders and other committed citizens as we assist locally and internationally in various avenues of service. I have learnt to speak publicly, to organize meetings, projects and events and I have rediscovered a sense of belonging to my community. This is leadership training of the highest order! But, very importantly, I’ve had a ball being involved with such a positive, motivated group of achievers. I look forward to continuing to grow with Rotary.
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Graham Metcalfe
- Vocation:
- Liquor Retail
- Year Joined:
- 1980
- Phone:
- N/A
- Email:
- gmetcalfe1@optusnet.com.au
- Biography:
-
Pending
Pending
Why I joined Rotary: Pending
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Hameed Fazal
- Vocation:
- Computer Technician
- Year Joined:
- 2010
- Phone:
- Pending
- Email:
- hameed@comptroub.com
- Biography:
-
Pending
Pending
Why I joined Rotary: Pending
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Ian Henderson
- Vocation:
- Engineering
- Year Joined:
- 1988
- Phone:
- N/A
- Email:
- avalonbinda@bigpond.com
- Biography:
-
Pending
Pending
Why I joined Rotary: Pending
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Jan Cutler
- Vocation:
- N/A
- Year Joined:
- 1994
- Phone:
- N/A
- Email:
- jancutler@bigpond.com
- Biography:
-
Pending
Pending
Why I joined Rotary: Pending
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John Dodd
- Vocation:
- Law – Industrial
- Year Joined:
- 1985
- Phone:
- 02 9980 5448
- Email:
- johndodd@cluemail.com
- Biography:
-
John was born at Ryde Hospital in 1956 and has remained in the local area all his life. He lived in the 2114 postcode until 10 years ago when he moved all the way to 2119 (Beecroft). John attended Eastwood Public School and Meadowbank Boys High School. He always wanted to practice Law, being fascinated with the cut and thrust of words and ideas.
John completed Economics and Law Degrees at Sydney University followed by practical training at the College of Law. He was admitted as a Solicitor in 1979 and transferred to the Bar in 1984. John has practiced at the Bar ever since specialising in personal injury cases.
John married Janelle in 1979 and they have three children: the first two now finishing their professional degrees and the third on Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE) in Brazil. Janelle had been a RYE student to Japan and their first two children also had a year on RYE in Germany and Switzerland. Janelle and John’s commitment to RYE has included hosting 17 inbound students from across the world.
John has been President of the Rotary Club of Ryde on two occasions in 1992–93 and 2001–02 and has recently shifted his focus to assisting the administration of the Rotary District covering the north side of Sydney which includes 68 Clubs. In 2012–13, John will be the Governor of that District and he is now training for that role.
Why I joined Rotary: My older brothers had joined Rotaract (the Youth offshoot of Rotary for 18–30 year olds) and I tagged along. I eventually completed a year as District Rotaract President in 1979–80. I was therefore well known to the Ryde Rotarians who invited me to join in 1985 when I had established my practice. Rotary allows me to enjoy the company of interesting business and professional people from all walks of life (especially those who are not lawyers who I talk to all the time). It has opened up a world of service that I have been able to expose to my children as well. I enjoy the ethical bases of Rotary and the chance to relate to people of similar values.
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John Higgins
- Vocation:
- Surveyor
- Year Joined:
- 1991
- Phone:
- N/A
- Email:
- john@higginssurveyors.com.au
- Biography:
-
Pending
Pending
Why I joined Rotary: Pending
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John Mazlin
- Vocation:
- Acoustic Engineer
- Year Joined:
- 2003
- Phone:
- N/A
- Email:
- john.mazlin@camets.com.au
- Biography:
-
Pending
Pending
Why I joined Rotary: Pending
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Kalma McLellan
- Vocation:
- Corrective Services Training
- Year Joined:
- 2010
- Phone:
- N/A
- Email:
- kalmamclellan@optusnet.com.au
- Biography:
-
Kalma is a Rotary child whose father was District President of Apex soon after she was born and went on to be President of Blacktown Rotary on a number of occasions. As a result she joined Rotaract in Mosman in 1974 and went on to be President in the year she married.
Her professional background is in IT, moving to IT Training and training management over the last couple of decades, branching into additional industries such as real estate, hospitality, tourism and business studies. She is currently engaged at Brush Farm Corrective Services Academy coordinating the senior executive succession program and involved with another industry training focus – corrective services.
Locally she was President of the Meadowbank P&C and is the first female director elected to the board of Ryde Ex-services Club. She is also currently studying to gain her Masters in Business and Technology at UNSW.
She is widowed with two sons: Angus, engaged to Susan, and Alex, married to Lauren for just a year.
Why I joined Rotary: As she said at her induction, she joined Ryde because she felt so welcome attending our meetings as a visitor.
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Les Whitcroft
- Vocation:
- Company Director
- Year Joined:
- 1967
- Phone:
- N/A
- Email:
- N/A
- Biography:
-
Pending
Pending
Why I joined Rotary: Pending
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Lydia Scuglia
- Vocation:
- Travel Agent
- Year Joined:
- 2011
- Phone:
- N/A
- Email:
- lydia.toprydecity@harveyworld.com.au
- Biography:
-
Pending
Pending
Why I joined Rotary: Pending
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Martin Aston
- Vocation:
- Optometrist
- Year Joined:
- 1990
- Phone:
- N/A
- Email:
- maaston@optusnet.com.au
- Biography:
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I was first introduced to Rotary in 1971 by the owner of the optometry practice I managed in Nassau, Bahamas, as a means of meeting more potential customers. But I soon found it was much more rewarding than that.
I was a member of Nassau West Club for four years, before moving to Canada.
It wasn't feasible to join a Club in Canada, but when I was invited to join the Rotary Club of Ryde in 1990, I didn't hesitate, and have enjoyed 21years of fellowship and service with some of the best people around!
Why I joined Rotary: The chance to do a little good in the world, and to help make a difference to the less fortunate, both here and abroad. It's also Good Fun!
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Maureen Mulheron
- Vocation:
- Author
- Year Joined:
- 2010
- Phone:
- N/A
- Email:
- mm@williewagtailbooks.com
- Biography:
-
Pending
Pending
Why I joined Rotary: I joined Rotary because 'One person can make a difference' in the community, especially with the strong support of other dedicated members.
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Mick Nelson
- Vocation:
- Accountant
- Year Joined:
- 2008
- Phone:
- N/A
- Email:
- micknelson1@bigpond.com
- Biography:
-
Pending
Pending
Why I joined Rotary: Pending
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Noel Dunn
- Vocation:
- Manager - Retired
- Year Joined:
- 1996
- Phone:
- N/A
- Email:
- nfdunn@bigpond.com
- Biography:
-
Pending
Pending
Why I joined Rotary: Pending
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Nora Etmekdjian
- Vocation:
- Manager
- Year Joined:
- 2007
- Phone:
- N/A
- Email:
- norartin@hotmail.com
- Biography:
-
Pending
Pending
Why I joined Rotary: Pending
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Patrick Longfield
- Vocation:
- Education
- Year Joined:
- 1995
- Phone:
- N/A
- Email:
- plongfield@ecosteps.com.au
- Biography:
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Born in New Zealand, I was educated in England, migrating in 1960. I worked in the bio-medical science educational area for over 35 years working and teaching at the Sydney Institute of TAFE. Some years prior to retiring in 2001 I undertook a Masters in Social Ecology. This study created a significant change in my world view.
My learning during the course become the major trigger for me to explore and try to understand how the human race lives on this planet, and can continue to do so, while causing so much damage to our environment. What is its future if it continues the way it is going?
I have now been interested in and worked in the area of ecological sustainability for the past 13 years. For the last 10 of these I have been a member of EcoSTEPS, a multi-disciplinary consultancy providing specialised services to people in organisations seeking to operate and interact in ways that contribute to a sustainable world.
As well as this work, I currently lecture and tutor at UNSW in all aspects of ecological sustainability. During this time, my particular interest has come to focus upon the values that define our behaviour.
The level of awareness and knowledge we hold about technological solutions to many of the ‘sustainability’ problems is high. What is less well accepted or understood, is how we deal with the values of a society that is causing the problems. It is this area of change I consider the real challenge.
Unless, and until, we get to grips with our social values and ethics associated with sustainability, the changes necessary in this area will not eventuate. Those values that have brought us to this time and place in our evolution, seem to me to be unlikely to guide us to where we need to go now. How can we reconcile our current expectations and wishes for a ‘good life’, within the constraints of a finite planet?
My other interests include photography, golf, walking, reading, gardening, fishing, and trying to understand people’s behaviour.
Why I joined Rotary: I joined the Rotary Club of Ryde because two members who were my friends invited me to. I have never regretted joining. In fact it has added another dimension to my life through the ‘Rotarians for a Sustainable Future’ project that I work at with Richard Whiley, PP Chatswood. My involvement with Ryde has led me to become involved in areas I never considered. Although I live in Randwick, being a member of Ryde has been an extreme pleasure. The culture of the club, which comes only through its members, is what keeps me driving to Ryde each week.
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Paul Burnett
- Vocation:
- Health Screening
- Year Joined:
- 2008
- Phone:
- N/A
- Email:
- paul@qhscorporatehealth.com.au
- Biography:
-
Pending
Pending
Why I joined Rotary: Pending
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Peter Cooper
- Vocation:
- Manufacturer
- Year Joined:
- 1976
- Phone:
- N/A
- Email:
- N/A
- Biography:
-
Pending
Pending
Why I joined Rotary: Pending
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Richard Henricus
- Vocation:
- OH&S Consultant
- Year Joined:
- 2011
- Phone:
- N/A
- Email:
- rahenricus@bigpond.com
- Biography:
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Born In Ceylon 08/07/1959. Arrived by plane – 1970
EARLY LIFE
1977 to 1990, joined the Australian Army [Corp of Artillery].
EDUCATION
Barker College – School Certificate Yr 10
Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety, with Distinction
Certificate IV in Training and Assessment
Certificate IV in Project Management
Certificate I in Transport & Distribution, Warehousing and Storage.CAREER
1991 to 1994 – Sales, the learning channel.
In the middle of '94, I bought the business, renamed it Visual Mathematics and expanded nationally with over 30 employees.2005 sold the business and took some time off to re-program myself. During this period I went back to TAFE, studied full-time.
In mid 2007 I started my new career as a safety consultant with a construction firm which is current and continue to undertake other contract work in the field of OH&S.
SPORTS
Rugby Union – NSW Army, National Army & All Services first XV. The highlight of my Army Rugby was to play at Victoria Barracks against Alan Jones Wallabies [practice match before their tour to Britain] in early 1982.
I marked David Campesi, after the game I realised how bad I was and I thought of hanging up the boots, but for the pep talk I had from the Ella brothers, convincing me to play on just to make up the numbers!!!
I played for Eastwood from '84 to '89. Then coached Eastwood Colts all grades from '90 to '94.
PRIVATE LIFE
Married to Caroline Hawkless for over sixteen years and still feel blessed for her saying yes. I have asked her why me, she said that she needed someone to lift heavy objects, carry things and open jars.
We have two basset hounds and one cat – no children.
HOBBIES
Too many to mention, but currently learning to play the Guitar.
Why I joined Rotary: Pending
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Rob Mitchell
- Vocation:
- Engineering Management
- Year Joined:
- 2006
- Phone:
- 02 8765 8937
- Email:
- robert.mitchell@tpg.com.au
- Biography:
-
Rob joined the Rotary Club of Rydalmere in 1996, moving to Ryde in 2006. He has served as International Director, Club Service Director, Secretary and President, and has led FAIM teams working on rural electrification in Vietnam. In 2002–03 he was chairman of the District Vocational Excellence Awards Committee.
In 2003–04 he was an Assistant District Governor, and has been Secretary General for the Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA) in 2007, 2008 & 2009.
He has served as Chairman of the District Administration Committee, and in 2005–06 was District International Service Adviser. Since 2007, he has facilitated the strategic planning work which has resulted in the production and implementation of the first strategic plan for D9680 Inc. He was District Trainer for 2009–10. For 2010–11 he is convenor of the District Strategic Planning Standing Committee, and Projects Director for his Club, overseeing the successful construction of a school for 800 children in Afghanistan.
After a 40-year career in the electric energy industry working in Australia, Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands, Rob remained actively engaged in the Engineering profession as Founding Chairman of the Sydney Chapter of the Institution of Engineers’ Centre for Engineering Leadership and Management, and as a course leader for the University of Adelaide’s Education Centre for Innovation and Commercialisation, teaching in Sydney, Adelaide and Singapore.
Rob is married to Judy, a Pharmacist, and they have three children, Alex (39), Elizabeth (37) and David (32), and three grandchildren, Benjamin (8), Luke (4) and Samantha (born 23/1/11).
Why I joined Rotary: I joined because an old friend invited me. I stayed because I quickly discovered that my own desire and efforts to make a difference in the world could be hugely multiplied through the friendships developed as part of the worldwide Rotary network.
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Ron Taffa
- Vocation:
- Retailer
- Year Joined:
- 2003
- Phone:
- N/A
- Email:
- rontaffa@value.com.au
- Biography:
-
Pending
Pending
Why I joined Rotary: Pending
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Ron Thomson
- Vocation:
- Engineering (Laser Cutting)
- Year Joined:
- 2008
- Phone:
- N/A
- Email:
- rthomson@laserwizard.com.au
- Biography:
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Migrated to Australia November 1971
Married to Deirdre Edmonds who migrated from South Africa in 1986. I have three sons (not to Deirdre) – Callum 31, Lawrence 28 and Muir 27. Deirdre has twins Michael and Kara, 26.My main interests are golf, skiing and bike riding. Dining out with friends and sampling some fine reds are also a pleasant pastime of mine.
Deirdre and I travel as often as we can. Over the past few years have been able to visit countries such as Panama, Syria, Jordan, Cuba, Peru, and Spain, amongst others. I find travelling a great learning experience. The experiences gained by travel, broadens ones views of other religious beliefs, other customs and different ways of life. We are fairly privileged in this country. We are easily able to assist in making a difference to others less fortunate. Rotary is the tool I use to enable me to make a difference.
Currently I run an engineering business located in the Sydney outer western suburb of St Marys. Two of my three sons, Lawrence and Muir, work with me in the business.
I joined Rotary in 2002. My first club was The Rotary Club of Rydalmere. I held the position of Youth director for two years then President in 2006–07. I moved to The Rotary Club of Ryde in 2008.
Why I joined Rotary: I joined Rotary mainly because a few of my friends were members, however I also liked the philosophy of the Rotary organisation. I realised that by joining Rotary I could meet and work with like-minded people to benefit others.
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Ross Rocca
- Vocation:
- Property Developer
- Year Joined:
- 1976
- Phone:
- N/A
- Email:
- N/A
- Biography:
-
I was born in Giarre, in the province of Catania, Sicily, near Mt. Etna. When I was one year old, my father left Sicily and came to Australia to cut sugar cane at Innisfail, in far north Queensland. Six years later, my mother and I joined him. We were to have gone to Queensland but Dad decided to come to Marsfield, where we 'share-farmed' with friends. I attended Marsfield Public School without a word of English. The teacher, when told my name was “Rosario” said, “Oh! That’s too long; we’ll call you Ross!”
So, ‘Ross’ I became. I later attended Ryde Public School and finished at Holy Cross College. In 1938, my father bought five acres of land and a little weatherboard cottage in Small Road, Ryde, for the sum of 640 pounds. He had a deposit of 250 pounds and a mortgage of 400 pounds and only 40 pounds to clear the land and plant his crop. We started market gardening – growing vegetables, then expanded to poultry farming, with approx. 3,000 hens as there were several big brick sheds on the property, which were too good to go to waste.
Because we had no motor vehicle, the farm produce was taken to the city markets by a carrier, Phil Higginbotham, whose shop and residence was at Top Ryde, where the shops are now. At 4am, I would walk from Smalls Road to Ryde and travel to the market with Phil. My father had already caught a tram, (cost threepence) at about 3am, so he could secure a place for his vegetables at the markets. After helping Dad until approx. 8am, I would catch a tram and return to Ryde and go to school.
During the war (1939–45), many Italians were interned as ‘enemy aliens’, in concentration camps. My father was fortunate not to have been interned as we were growing vegetables for the army. As a compensation, Mum and Dad had to report twice weekly to Ryde Police Station and have their identity cards, which had "ENEMY ALIEN" printed over their photographs, stamped.
After the war, my father purchased approx. ten acres of land in Quarry Road, Ryde. When family members migrated to Australia, he made this land available for them to carry out market gardening at the token cost of 50 pounds per annum. This gave the family members a good start, enabling them to purchase their own properties later on.
About 1958, we subdivided the Quarry Road property and gained approval to build a Service Station (Neptune) and four shops and so began the Midway Shopping Centre. My parents worked extremely hard but were so happy to have had the satisfaction of achievement in this wonderful country.
Why I joined Rotary: Pending
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Siddharth Maheshwari
- Vocation:
- Engineering Research
- Year Joined:
- 2009
- Phone:
- N/A
- Email:
- siddharthlit@yahoo.com
- Biography:
-
Pending
Pending
Why I joined Rotary: Pending
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Stefan Sojka
- Vocation:
- Producer/Director, Media Production
- Year Joined:
- 2006
- Phone:
- 02 9877 5544
- Email:
- stefan@cyrius.com.au
- Biography:
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Stefan was born in Watford, England in 1963 and moved to Australia in 1969. His father, Joe Sojka, was Polish and mother, Shirley Beaver, is English. Joe served in the Polish navy as a Morse Code operator in submarines, and wound up in England after being depth-charged by the Germans at the beginning of WWII. After the war, he couldn’t return to Poland.
Shirley is a teacher, librarian, writer and active member of U3A. Shirley’s father was a composer, who was responsible for such well-known movie sound tracks as Alfred Hitchcock’s "The 39 Steps".
Stefan began his education in England and finished high school in 1979 in Maclean, on the far north coast of NSW. Upon arrival in Australia in 1969, his family settled in Sydney's Western Suburbs then moved to Maclean when his mother was posted to Grafton for her first teaching job.
Stefan went through school, two years younger than his class-mates, after skipping from 1st class to 3rd class in primary school. Before leaving school in 1979, he sat the Commonwealth Bank entrance exam and was offered a job which he did for two years.
Music was Stefan's passion. He played in the school orchestra and in a school rock band with his brother, Marek, before joining the first of many professional bands while still at the bank. The early 80s was a vibrant time for Australian rock music, so he left the bank and pursued a full-time musical career. He toured all over northern NSW, then joined the Queensland 'circuit' from 1983 to 1986 before heading over to Perth. His Brisbane-based band split up in Perth and Stefan decided to stay on, performing at piano bars and studying jazz and drama at the WA Conservatorium of Music and WA Academy of Performing Arts. After many successful stints in Perth's top piano bars, Stefan made the move to Sydney in 1989.
Stefan quickly established a reputation in Sydney's piano bars. He gradually evolved into a consummate entertainer and MC for private events, building a network of word-of-mouth referrals that have seen him perform for large corporations, celebrities and people from all walks of life.
In 1995, Stefan discovered the Internet. He also discovered that he really liked writing. So, Stefan started writing about the Internet for magazines and newspapers and soon found that he had developed an understanding of the Web that could benefit other people. So he gradually moved into the Web Design business, studying small business management at Macquarie Community College, while continuing to perform and entertain.
Late 1997, Stefan met his wife, Lata Nasomjit, who was visiting her twin sister in Australia from Thailand. They married in July 1998. At the time of writing, there are no children on the scene.
Stefan's business, Cyrius Media Group, incorporated in 2007 with Lata coming on board as a director, bringing her business experience into the partnership. Cyrius manages a large client base of small businesses, while Stefan continues to evolve as a multi-media professional, writing a column in NETT magazine, producing Websites, hosting a podcast, producing videos for YouTube and ABC TV and serving our Club as PR Director and newsletter editor.
Why I joined Rotary: Back in high school, I was an active member of Interact and almost became a Rotary exchange student. Many years later, I was fortunate enough to perform at a Wedding for Ryde Rotarian, Duncan Taylor's daughter. I got talking to Duncan at the wedding about Interact and Rotary. Duncan invited me to a meeting and I have never looked back. The memories of Interact from my school days were strong. As someone who is heavily involved in networking through the Internet, I understand how powerful and effective Rotary's network is. It gives me an opportunity to serve my community in many ways and to tap into a huge wealth of knowledge and experience possessed by my fellow members.
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Steve Thorp
- Vocation:
- Accountancy
- Year Joined:
- 2005
- Phone:
- N/A
- Email:
- j.thorp@bigpond.net.au
- Biography:
-
Pending
Pending
Why I joined Rotary: Pending
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Surinder Joson
- Vocation:
- Economics
- Year Joined:
- 2010
- Phone:
- Pending
- Email:
- surindersj@hotmail.com
- Biography:
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Dr. Surinder Singh JOSON, M.A., Ph.D. – I migrated to Australia from India in early 1969, taught at Sydney University from 1969 to 2001, and retired as Senior Lecturer in economics in 2001. My doctorate from Sydney University was on Australian Government Procurement (defence and civilian) policies.
I have published, besides Australia, in Italy, Germany, U.S.A., and India. From 1976 till my retirement, I had made submissions to every commission of inquiry set up by the Australian Government in my field of interest. That my contributions are acknowledged in so many of those reports, is indicative of the extent my writings have informed government policy over the years. The culmination of that acknowledgement came in 1992, when I was invited by the Australian Defence Department to write a paper for the Defence Offsets Seminar. Chatham House rules applied, of course, I was informed, and that I was the first civilian to be invited by the Department, which I considered, with due humility, to be a great honor.
Why I joined Rotary: Joining rotary was attractive, for it was an organization mainly devoted to community service. Moreover, the concept of community was not limited to the immediate neighborhood, not even the nation, it was truly international. Upon joining, I found it to be a bonus that the membership constituted men and women of high moral rectitude and probity. More importantly, they are brimming with munificence, yet inconspicuous.
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Terry Kerim
- Vocation:
- Electronic Sales
- Year Joined:
- 2010
- Phone:
- N/A
- Email:
- terry@tjk.com.au
- Biography:
-
Terrence (Terry) Kerim was born in Cyprus in 1956 and at the age of three migrated with his family, parents and three siblings to England. At the age of 9 Terry migrated to Australia as ’10 pound pom’ after a long sea journey through the Suez Canal and arrived in Sydney on New Years Day 1967.
After a year in Australia Terry lost his parents and a brother and then became a state ward living in the Blue Mountains, in Woodford attending Springwood High School.
Terry’s first job was in a tannery in St Peters at the age of 15 and after a short period he commenced working at Telecom where he stayed for over 13 years. It was then that his ambition to work in a sales environment led him to return to study Business Management and work his way up in Rank Xerox, now Fuji Xerox. During his career at Xerox he achieved many awards for his salesmanship and then worked his way into the photocopy sales arena and into sales management.
Terry started his own business TJK Technologies in 1990 originally in the security field and worked in the Ryde area with the local police and neighbourhood watch groups giving talks on safety and awareness of home security. TJK has evolved over the years and is a successful importer of highly specialised components for electronic manufacturing and anti-static solutions for electronic assembly. TJK Technologies specialises in thermal management for Australia and New Zealand.
Terry married Julie in 1984 and celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in 2009. They have two children, Emile 23, an aspiring music producer and performer, and Olivia 20 who is a specialist beauty therapist in Cammeray. Both children enjoy a great relationship with their parents and extended family. Terry and his family have been living in Ryde since 1985.
Terry is well known for his addiction to golf and fishing and has been a member of Ryde Parramatta Golf club for nearly 25 years. His name is in gold lettering for his recent hole in one, and he is only too happy to talk about it. He has enjoyed, before his knee’s gave out, a career in sport playing both rugby league and soccer. Most people don’t know this, but Terry is a fabulous cook and is renowned amongst friends and family for his creations. Don’t ask him for the recipe, he is always protecting his trade secrets, especially for his Beef Rendang.
Why I joined Rotary: I joined Rotary because I felt it now was time I gave something back to the community. I had known about Rotary for some time, but was not aware of the size of the organisation, both here and abroad, or how much involvement and service Rotary provided to its communities. I am proud to be a member and look forward to making a contribution in whatever projects we are involved in.
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Tony Abboud
- Vocation:
- Real Estate
- Year Joined:
- 1986
- Phone:
- N/A
- Email:
- tabb2@bigpond.com
- Biography:
-
Pending
Pending
Why I joined Rotary: Pending
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Val Payne
- Vocation:
- Director
- Year Joined:
- 2000
- Phone:
- N/A
- Email:
- b.vpayne1@bigpond.com
- Biography:
-
Pending
Pending
Why I joined Rotary: Pending
