A Message From the Vice President
Hello to my NRGC family,
The last week was one of thanks, respect and excitement. The most significant event was obviously hosting Digger’s Day golf followed by dinner.
This was my first Digger’s Day. While the golf was fun for all, I was most looking forward to the ceremony and dinner that followed for several reasons apart from the food and the fact that I got to MC the evening.
Firstly, prior to dinner at sunset on the first tee, Michael Flaherty recited the Ode and Howard Peterson played the Last Post and Reveille. It was a haunting moment of respect, reflection and most of all thanks for the sacrifice of those that went before us. It was wonderful to gather with my fellow members given the year we have had. This time last year you will remember, most of us could only commemorate Anzac Day with loved ones holding a candle in the driveway at home due to Covid.
In addition to honouring current defence personnel and veterans by fully subsidising the cost of the day, the Board extended the Club’s appreciation to also subsidise entry for emergency services and health care workers. This was to acknowledge the sacrifice and efforts at keeping us safe during the pandemic in their roles as frontline workers.
We were most fortunate to have members attend from both defence personnel and frontline workers. Defence was represented by our own Retired Naval commander Michael Ward and frontline workers by our own Deputy Police Commissioner Dave Hudson.
It was also decided by the Board that, due to the generosity of members and guests supporting the Digger’s Day Friday night meat raffle, a sum of money be donated on behalf of the Club to charities that support the families of returned service men. I am happy to announce that we donated $2,000 to Legacy. A cheque was presented to Michael Ward representing Sydney Legacy. Michael gave us a great insight on the work of Legacy and how the money will be used. Further, Dave Hudson spoke of his thanks to veterans for their sacrifice and his admiration of health care workers putting themselves between us and the dangers of today. I can’t thank both Michael and Dave enough for their insights and kind words.
As the MC I was in heaven as we also had a guest speaker at the dinner – NRGC’s very own Mark “Tubby” Taylor, Australia’s 39th Cricket Captain. We had a Q&A style interview with questions also coming from the audience. Apart from being very knowledgeable on many topics as well as cricket, Mark was very generous with his time and extremely entertaining. What was going to be a 30 minute chat became an hour and a half of information and entertainment. I also can’t thank Mark enough for his time and generosity.
PS: Mark also formed the Sporting Chance Cancer Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation committed to financially supporting mobile home care units that help make life easier for children with cancer and outreach programs for kids with cancer from regional areas. Any time you have the opportunity to support this work I urge you to do so.
The last two Wednesdays saw the return of Trivia to the club, this is well patronised and the crowd had a world of fun . There is plenty of room and great prizes up for grabs , grab a team or join on to a table and come and join us for night fun , there is nothing on TV on Wednesday anyway so come on down.
Last week we kicked off our big Member promotion “Cars and Cash”. On Wednesday we had our first key winner, Geoff McMillan who is guaranteed a cash prize and a chance at winning the car. On the night seven names were drawn but unfortunately they missed out because they were not present – don’t be the one who misses out! Get down the Club, buy your drink and put yourself in the barrel for a chance to win. Get all your friends and family to become social members. This increases your chances of having that shiny new car in the driveway. Stop for dinner with family and friends “no washing up!!! “.
Last but by no means least come and join Gordo, Rosco, myself and the rest of the Team TONIGHT for Friday night meat raffles. Proceeds go to a good cause and members badge draw has rocketed up to $800 this week YOU NEED TO BE HERE TO WIN. .Grab drink have a feed and watch the footy .
Stay safe, have a good week, head down and follow thru
Alex Cicchini , VP NRGC