Rotary District 9710 organised a wonderful gathering of Rotarians from all around Australia, New Zealand and our neighbours including Papua New Guinea and Timor Leste.

The conference was well attended with Rotary International President Ray Klinginsmith as the main attraction.  “Cowboy Ray”,  from Missouri,  spoke well and had plenty to say about Rotary and our future in society.  President Ray also spoke about membership retention and being modern in our outlook and thinking.  Ray also encouraged us to throw away the old ways and look to innovative ways that we can serve our community at home and abroad.  Ray used many an example of cowboy logic to get his points across.

“Always take a good look at what you’re about to eat. It’s not so important to know what it is, but you should know what it was. and don’t worry about bitin’ off more than you can chew, your mouth is likely a whole lot bigger than you think.”

President Ray encouraged all of us to build BIGGER, BETTER and BOLDER Rotary Clubs.

All the speakers were well chosen and gave us plenty to think about and do when we return to our clubs.  The break out sessions were well run with good moderators and excellent discussion.  I was most impressed with some of the younger Rotarians, Rotoractors and Interactors who attended and who contributed.  Our future looks good with these younger Rotarians and future Rotarians.

Here are some photographs from the weekend held at the Hellenic Club in Woden in the ACT:

Many thanks to Rotarian Grace Teng and PDG John Egan for the photographs.