Two functions this week, two feel good nights about our little neck of the woods.
Last night it was the police officer of the year awards at Wests.
Now these honours have been running for almost 20 years, thanks to our Rotary clubs across the entire Macarthur region.
Listening to the brave actions of our police men and women two thoughts came to mind: one was how incredibly brave these officers are, whether it’s saving lives or putting away baddies.
None of them do it to win awards, but, and that’s the second thought, how lucky we are to be served by such fine men and women.
And a big thank you to all of the Rotary clubs – Camden, Campbelltown, Gregory Hills Next Gen, Ingleburn, Macarthur Sunrise, Narellan, Picton and Wollondilly North.
And talking of Rotary, our changing demographics have meant fewer people are aware of the good deeds they do.
Last Saturday I was in a local shopping centre and went across to the Rotarians who are there every week running the old chocolate wheel for meat and fruit and veg packs.
I asked them how things were going and basically the news was not good: they’re selling fewer and fewer tickets than they used to 20 years ago – even though this particular part of Macarthur was then mostly made up of people living in Housing Commission accommodation.
Hopefully they won’t just give up, and all the new people moving into Macarthur support them when they’re out and about raising funds.
Earlier in the week it was off to the Campbelltown arts centre to take in a welcoming function for Japanese youngsters from Campbelltown sister city Koshigaya.
Another wonderful, feel good night, especially about the selfless locals who open their homes to one and sometimes two of these young people during their 10 day stay.
But things aren’t as rosy below the surface, unfortunately.
Later in the week I found out that it’s becoming more and more of a challenge to find locals who will volunteer to billet someone as part of this great exchange program.
And, worst of all, it seems some people who enquire expect to be paid.
It’s a shocker, I know, but we are changing, that’s for sure.
Hopefully we can hang on to some of our best attributes and don’t throw the baby out with the bath water at some stage in the future.
