President John opened the meeting, welcomed our guests and handed the stage over to David.
Guest Speaker: David Pisoni MP - My life in politics
David reflected on his childhood and how he became a Liberal MP, and then a State Government Minister.
He was raised in Salisbury with an ambition to become a tradie, with first priority being the obtaining of an apprenticeship.......which he did in 1979 by quitting school and joining a furniture making company. He liked the idea of becoming well qualified and operating his own business. His interest in politics was heightened by having to operate in a challenging economic climate and survive the strictures of government decision making. In this environment his poltical interests lay with the party supporting private enterprise. Furniture making was his bread and butter, and politics his recreation.
After an usuccessful attempt for Liberal preselection in the 1990s, he was picked to contest the 2006 election in Unley.....which he won at a challenging time for the Party. From 2018 - 2022 he was a Minister in the Marshal Liberal Governmnet. There were many satisfying moments including the lifting of apprenticeships from 15,000 to 30,000 by addressing areas of greatest skill shortages with support for on-the-job training...meeting the needs of business rather than filling TAFE courses. That successful approach has now been reversed. Lot 14 fulfilled the vision for innovation and is the largest such hub in Australia. Capital was provided for scientific research and innovation in partnership with business.
The most difficult of times was during Covid. SA however gained the enviable reputation of having the fewest deaths per capita and the quickest economic recovery of any State because it kept many businesses alive during the pandemic. When he was In Opposition, the most telling experience came in 2012 when he made public the details of serious child abuse in the State system. This prompted a Royal Commission.
David's headline act can be summed up as - From Cabinet Maker to Cabinet Minister.
David was applauded for his contribution.
Ceremonials
President John presented a Paul Harris Fellow sapphire pin to Virginia Cossid for her financial support (US$1000) to Rotary International. Virginia was previously awarded a PHF for her contribution to the club at changeover.
Inductions
In a bumper night, perhaps never previously reflected in the annals of our club's history, there were 4 membership inductions by President John: Alice Edge from the Salvation Army was joined by former members of RC McLaren Vale, namely Janet Rice, Jo Baxter and Bronwyn Kenny. Due to time constraints, the introductions were kept very brief. More details will unfold in the coming weeks.
Alice Edge
Virginia Cossid, her nominator, provided the following detail. Alice grew up in country Victoria and has worked for the Salvos for the last 9 years in Melbourne, Gold Coast, Wollongong, Kaniva, Kadina and now at Unley as the Corps Officer. She is passionate about creating inclusive places where people can find healthy community, encounter God and other people in a way that best suits them. This is the life she loves. Her recreation includes studying Big Bang Theory and the Vicar of Dibley plus hanging out with Peanut her dog.
Alice will join the Community Service Committee, be mentored by Judy Barton and carry the occupational designation of Salvation Army Officer.
New members from RC McLaren Vale
Janet Rice
Janet is a recently retired nurse practitioner in breast and endocrine disorders, and a surgical assistant. She has 2 daughters and a grandson. Her interests have included music (drummer), volunteering in Nepal, helping at Calperum and rescuing koalas.
Janet will join the International Committee, be mentored by Valerie Bonython, and carry the designation of Nurse Practitioner.
Jo Baxter
Jo has spent much of her working life in education and health, particularly in the prevention and treatment of drug addiction....at local, national and international level. As well as McLaren Vale, she has been a Past President of RC Modbury, earning a Paul Harris Fellow.
Jo will join the Vocational Committee, be mentored by Patsy Beckett and carry the designation of Education and Health.
Bronwyn Kenny
Bronwyn, married to Brendan. is a retired nurse from Calvary Hospital. She is an avid bands (2) and orchestra (1) member who also manages her own brass ensemble. Trips to Nepal with Jason's Eye Team and membership of ROMAC's central committee form another part of her volunteering effort. The Kennys have 2 children and 4 grand-children.
Bronwyn will join the International Committee, be mentored by Brendan and carry the designation of Nursing.
Below we have Janet, Bronwyn and Jo
These marvellous new members were warmly welcomed into the club.
President John emphasised the formation of meaningful friendships.
Spots
Ihave been involved with Rotary for more than 40 years, beginning as a Rotaractor in 1983 and transitioning to a Rotarian in 1993. My journey in peacebuilding started from two fronts: my deep commitment to community service and my involvement in Rotary’s structured peace initiatives. As a member of the Rotary Club of Trans Amadi, Port Harcourt, Nigeria, in District 9141, I have held numerous leadership positions including as club president, district governor, and past Rotary International director.
