UPDATE - Rotary International Convention in Sydney, Australia June 1 - 5, 2014

G’Day from Sydney

The 105th Rotary International Convention in Sydney is now over. It was time well spent with friends around the world having an opportunity to learn about service projects from top notch speakers and from booths in the House of Friendship.  Our district was well represented by Rotarians, spouses, and Future Rotarians (children of Rotarians).  Also, RI Treasurer Andy Smallwood from the Rotary Club of Gulfway  - Hobby Airport was on stage to provide his report during the Business Session.  Another Rotarian from our D5890, Irene Hickey (University Area Rotary Club) participated on the panel "Rotary Friendship Exchange".  We all enjoyed the free "VIVID" light show and strolling about Australia’s Harbour.  Attendees has many meals together including some club visits in the local community, Zone Dinner Cruise, Major Donor Dinner, and Rtn. Jack Wallace coordinated a dinner with PDG Greg Muldon (D 9680)for Aussie-Texan Fun.  Great entertainment was enjoyed in the opening and closing plenary sessions as well as in the House of Friendship.  The group "Human Nature" performed in the opening plenary session and had the crowd dancing throughout Allphones Arena with Motown tunes.  The Ten Tenors and Marina Prior performed at the closing ceremony prior to everyone singing the traditional song "Let There Be Peace on Earth".  Monies were successfully raised to "End Polio Now" with a Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb raising $45,000 and commitments from governments of Australia and Nigeria.  

 

"It's time to try something different.  Because, to put it bluntly, Rotary's long-term survival depends on our willingness to let in some fresh air." - RI General Secretary John Hewko

 

Explore on your own some of the programs and pics at #ricon14 or video coverage at http://vimeopro.com/rotary/sydney/.

 

ON TO SAO PAULO, BRAZIL for 2015!