It is with a touch of sadness that I type my last President Note. It is probably quite fitting that the last meeting was under zoom, with my presidency ending the same way it started!
Over 30 members, guests and friends joined today’s meeting, along with our guest speaker, Peter Kuruvita.
Peter Kuruvita, an English born, internationally renowned chef, TV Presenter, restaurateur, and author joined the meeting from his home in Noosa, Sunshine Coast. Peter quickly made his connection to Rotary, through his father who was both a Rotarian and Lions member. I am sure everyone would agree it was a lovely afternoon listening to Peter’s humble beginnings and how his life experiences shaped him to the man he is today.
Though Peter’s father passed away some 20 years ago, he can still recall the strong influence he and his motherland, Sri Lanka, had over his beliefs and connection to food and total wellbeing. Peter has worked under and with many celebrity chefs, however it was his time in Sri Lanka between 1969 (when he was 4 years old) and up until 1974 when his father moved the family to Australia, that he linked the food prepared from the local markets in Sri Lanka to his family’s health and vitality.
Peter’s Mantra for life is ‘to never take a step backwards’, and this attitude saw his career go from strength to strength. Though a French trained chef, in 1986 Peter made the decision to return to the flavours that evoked such beautiful memories from his childhood.
Using local produc
e found in Australia, Peter prepared sophisticated curry dishes, that would be enjoyed still to this day. Currently Peter owns and runs a restaurant in Noosa, called the “Noosa Beach House" (left) though it is closing this year.
e found in Australia, Peter prepared sophisticated curry dishes, that would be enjoyed still to this day. Currently Peter owns and runs a restaurant in Noosa, called the “Noosa Beach House" (left) though it is closing this year. As an author he has books titled: Serendip, Lands of the curry leaf and Island Feast, all available on his website: https://www.peterkuruvita.com. Peter’s past TV programs can be still watched and enjoyed on the SBS and other channels.
Reminder of key dates for our members:
- Change over dinner at Kooyong Tennis club on 26th June 2021 with many distinguished guests including the Mayor of Boroondara Cr. Garry Thompson, Cr. Di Gillies, DG Phillip Archer, DGE Dale Hoy and the assistant governors. If you have not booked, please buy tickets, as we must close bookings at noon on Thursday to allow for catering.
- District change over dinner at Hyatt, Essendon has been changed to 10th July 2021 and Rotary Club of Hawthorn has a table to join. Please contact Andrew Crockett.
- Rotary Centenary Park opening (club lead- Denbigh) – 8th August 2021 – 12pm to 3pm.End
- Polio walk (club lead – Charlotte) – Date TBA
- RCH Fundraising men’s health will be held on the 19th of November 2021 and speaker will be announced shortly.
- Members surveys must be returned this week. Please contact Andrew Crockett for further details. This feedback will play a crucial role in the clubs planning, so please take the time to complete the survey email to yourself.
Last Saturday we had our final breakfast meeting with DG Phillip Archer. This was a well-attended zoom meeting with over 130 participants. One of the guest speakers was Terry McAleenan, who highlighted the ‘Fathering Project’ to the larger audience. I did a cameo appearance in introducing him to the other Rotarians.
Should restrictions not allow t
he changeover dinner to take place this Saturday, it ill be postponed until 22nd July 2021. We will communicate any change of plans if necessary.
he changeover dinner to take place this Saturday, it ill be postponed until 22nd July 2021. We will communicate any change of plans if necessary. In the meantime, let us be positive that we will have a wonderful changeover dinner and book your tickets ASAP.
Keep safe everyone and please get vaccinated. Have a great week.
Dr Tilak Dissanayake,
Centenary President Hawthorn Rotary Club