The President's Message
 June, 2010

It has taken awhile but finally we have got together a fairly serious and meaningful Events Calendar for this special year.  Have a browse and let us know what you think.  We have tried to bring together some big ideas and bigger efforts from a couple of members into a series of events which we think are appropriate for 21 in 2010.

Dennis McCarthy and the two other painters, Joshua and David, kick off the festivities during NAIDOC week – art by the freshwater people of Arnhem Land, being painted in the traditional way right here at The Alfred – who would believe it.  Make sure you call in and meet them.

There is raffle accompanying the event and it’s a choice of one of the paintings, together with a ‘Top End Experience’ for two.  It is quite special and I know you will support it.

On the Saturday of that week the Sam Tabone Dinner takes place.  Get in quick for last minute tickets - it is going to be a terrific dinner and dance.  Sam and Mary have worked tirelessly to make it happen, their community has supported them and they also deserve your support.

I guess we all have different ways of recognising our own special miracle and wanting to give something back.  Dennis and Sam’s chosen ways of doing this are both unique and outstanding.

The later events are yet to be fully fleshed out at this stage but they are aimed at getting together and continuing the celebrations and recognition for Transplant Services.  The events are a bit different to what we have attempted in the past and we will be interested in how they fare.

We received a nice letter from Jim Sayer and Lou Fuller from the gym thanking us - or should I say all of you - for the new treadmill.  It just served to remind the committee there is no shortage of things we could contribute to and if we achieve this years fundraising target of around $18,000 we will get a few more things done.  The committee has also continued to work on developing back-up for certain functions and we are becoming better prepared to handle unexpected events in the future.

Progress on some other fronts has suffered - I have still been very slow on progressing the support issue – but fortunately there is light up ahead with the splitting up of the Secretary role into Membership and Secretary and handing the membership part over to David and Kay Hayne.  We are also looking at other ways to free up a bit more time.

Longstanding Committee Member John McLean has decided to retire from the Committee. 

Thank you John for all your support.

I am always touched and humbled by the stories we are sent and as usual this issue has its fair share.  It’s been good to hear form Bill Vickers about the extension work at the Barmah house and that it is being used well – it’s a great service Bill.

The Committee has made some changes to our membership regime.  Membership to those on the waiting list is now free and some inconsistencies in general membership have been removed with the aim of encouraging more members inside and outside the traditional recipient stream.  Please acquaint yourself with the changes.

Its that time of the year again too – Membership Renewals are due and an invoice has been included at the back of this edition.  You can post your remittance to our new PO Box or you can always renew and pay on line via direct deposit.  (Those members who have paid in advance please ignore the invoice.)  It goes without saying that your donations are always welcome, much appreciated and always put to good use.

Hope to see you at some of the events, till next time.

Best wishes and good health

John Bisiach