The President's Message
 December, 2009

I’ll try to be brief, after all we are into the holiday season and I have already penned a separate Christmas message.  So here is a quick update.

• We are still speaking to various people in The Alfred regarding our plan and working together to mark and celebrate 21 in 2010 – the 21^st anniversary of the Transplant Service.  The Clinic has been a big help.

• Thanks to those last minute membership renewals and also for the people who notified us of a few problems with online membership – now fixed thanks.

• So sorry about the weather for the Christmas BBQ.   I just can’t get the order right#*!   What an attendance though!   Your resilience and participation amazes me.

• Wasn’t it great to see Sue, Wendy, Rani and Lou there – hope you had a chance to catch up.

• A special thanks to all those who donated prizes for the raffle – you know who you are – both the regulars and the first timers.

• Great to get some new and talented people on the committee following a successful AGM.   A warm welcome to all and we will be doing a feature on each as we get into 2010.   Jon Rolfe’s terrific Noosa ride is featured in this edition.

That’s probably enough for now.  

I’ll close by firstly thanking Lyn Budge.  Lyn, who has served on the committee since 1999 and was Treasurer for the last 7 years, has decided to take a break from that role.   Lyn is currently doing well after surgery for an unrelated matter to her heart transplant. (now over 23 years ago).   Best wishes for a speedy recovery and thanks from us all. 

Secondly, I’ll reflect on the contribution made by Maurie Drew who passed away on 29 November.  From the ‘Class of 94’ Maurie was also a long time committee member, and even when he could not make it to meetings of late, he asked to be kept informed.  Thanks Maurie we will miss you.    

Best wishes and good health to you all.

John Bisiach