Rotary Club of Orange North Presentation
The Rotary Club of Orange North is a group for men who involve themselves in many fundraising activities for our community. They form one of a group of Rotary Club affiliations operating in Orange. Among their achievements is their involvement in: the building of the hospital helipad, Rotary Park, the Careflight hanger foundations, park picnic shelters, an aged care emergency call system (Herald Award for this), fencing to assist lake Cargelligo farmers, tree planting, roadside clean-up and house painting (“Paint Your Heart Out”).
On the 13th of August, I was invited to speak to this group about my involvement as a participant in the Australian Rural Leadership Program (ARLF). This inspiring program is undertaken part-time for 16 months and aims to give focus and direction to those with an active commitment to their communities and is such an eye opener. It exists to create a network of leaders with compassion and commitment, with strategic thinking and negotiating skills, and with the insight to influence communities, industries, businesses and policy makers. There are now over 500 graduates of the Australian Rural Leadership Program who are committed to the strengthening of rural Australia through their industry, community, and family leadership roles.
The graduates' network is a growing national resource, yet the program could not operate without the sponsorships of many community groups and organisations. In my own case it was the sponsorship of the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government that made it all possible. Many thanks for their faith in me.
