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President Jama's Speech

Club President’s Speech

 Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests. I would like to thank you all for your company on this occasion as I enter the role of President of the Rotary Club of Footscray District 9800. I consider it an honor that you considered me up to the task of this role. I am grateful to be in this position and I aim to carry out my responsibilities to the best of my abilities. We are living in a strange moment, where it seems that no one really knows what to do next. These are the moments where people look for guidance and leadership to show them the way. This is the moment that as Rotarians we need to stand up and show who we are and what we are about. Our Rotary vision of open opportunities can be the key to overcoming the current situation that we are facing.

During my time as a Rotarian, I have served as the Director of Community and the Director of International Service for the Rotary Club of Footscray District 9800. I have also been involved with and contributed to The Maribyrnong City Council CALD Plan Advisory Committee and the Victorian Multicultural Business Advisory Council. My efforts have been recognised and I have been proud and honoured to receive the Certificate Of Appreciation by Consumer Affairs Victoria in 2012, the African Australian Business of the Year Award in 2014, and the United Nations International Peace Day Power Of Peace Award in 2016. It is this experience that I aim to bring to my new role and which I hope to build on.

We have several projects lined up over the next year. We will continue supporting Inner West Community Bike Hub Inc, which has brought much joy to the community and has proved to be an excellent initiative. We will be sending more containers of much needed supplies and resources to developing communities around the world, which is an initiative that I have personally invested a lot of effort and of which I am immensely proud. We will be holding an Arts show in collaboration with Victoria University, which will showcase some diverse and interesting items for our viewing. We will also be organizing an Annual Golf Day as is our custom, which I am sure will prove to be enjoyable day out for all. We will be celebrating the Centenary of Rotary in Australia and New Zealand, an event that will allow us to both reflect on our proud history and to provide ideas on how to build on this amazing legacy for our future.

It will be our aim over the next year to increase our membership, extending our reach through online and other media platforms. We will be applying for grants to support activities designed for the benefit of the community. We will be distributing awards to encourage young learners, which will be especially important in this time as an encouragement to students to continue their educational journeys despite the obstacles. We will be inviting esteemed and insightful guest speakers, providing interesting and diverse perspectives. We will be promoting youth camps and activities, to engage young people in positive endeavors and to provide guidance and leadership. We also hope to establish a Satellite club to help initiate younger members, bringing forward the next generation of Rotarians who will continue our legacy.

In short, we have a busy year planned. It will be through the effort of all members working together that I am sure we will do all that we set out to achieve. For my part, I hope I can bring the same distinguished service to my new role as my predecessors before me. The Rotary motto “Service Above Self” will be my guidepost over the next year. I would like to thank you all once again for considering me worthy of such an honourable position.

Jama Farah President 2020/2021


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