Chairman's Report
YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2010
The Council of the Society is pleased to provide the following Annual Report.
PATRON
The Society is most grateful for the Vice-Regal patronage it is accorded by Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO Governor of New South Wales. Her continuing interest and support are greatly appreciated.
PRESIDENT
The Society is most grateful for the continuing interest and involvement of its President, The Honourable Sir Laurence Street AC KCMG QC.
THE 2009 PRESENTATION OF AWARDS
At the annual ceremony, the Society was honoured to have the awards presented by Her Excellency The Governor at Government House on Friday 16th October 2009. The warm hospitality extended by Her Excellency and Sir Nicholas Shehadie following the ceremony was greatly appreciated by the recipients and guests present. Awards on this occasion comprised 2 Silver Medals, 29 Bronze Medals, 25 Certificates of Merit, 1 Galleghan Award and 4 Letters of Commendation.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The Society’s 132nd Annual General Meeting was conducted on Friday 4th December 2009, when Councillors and Office Bearers were elected for the ensuing twelve months.
FINANCE
The Society’s Balance Sheet as at 30 June 2010 and its Income and Expenditure Account for the year then ended have been audited and appear at the back of this publication.
DONORS
The financial position was only achieved through the generosity of those donors who are listed later herein. The New South Wales Government is a long time annual helper, whilst NRMA Insurance also provides significant support.
2009– 2010 AWARDS
The awards described in this annual report, comprise 2 Silver Medals, 36 Bronze Medals, 16 Certificates of Merit and 1 Galleghan Award. In addition, the Society issued 3 Letters of Commendation. To all recipients, the Society conveys the thanks, admiration and congratulations of the people of New South Wales.
KINDRED SOCIETIES
A happy working relationship exists with the Royal Humane Society in London, Royal Humane Society of Australasia in Melbourne and Royal Humane Society of New Zealand, to which bodies, together with other kindred organisations, the Society offers warm greetings.
APPRECIATION
The continuing work of the Society, in providing recognition for brave deeds undertaken by the citizens of our State depends on the goodwill and help of many.
Our office and meeting room are provided by the New South Wales Fire Brigades. The State Government and NRMA Insurance are major donors, but there are others mentioned in this report.
The NSW Police, NSW Fire Brigades and Ambulance Service of NSW remain major contributors to investigating and reporting upon cases presented for consideration by the Council. The production of the Society’s Bravery Certificates is greatly assisted by the NSW Maritime Authority with an annual grant.
The Society’s ongoing business is effectively and efficiently carried out by the Honorary Secretary, Maj Roland Millbank (Retd), and Assistant Secretary, Ms Nina Smith. We remain well served by the professional contributions provided by the Honorary Treasurer, Mr Edgar Temple, the Honorary Auditor, Mr David McGrane, the Honorary Solicitor Mr Tony McMinn, who guided the Society through the maze of incorporation this year, and our Honorary Publicity Officer, Mr Stuart Doyle.
Heroism is, for most of us, a difficult concept. We are dealing with ordinary persons who, with some disregard for their own life, come to the aid of others. They have not taken these steps for recognition or reward, but out of their concern for fellow human beings. It is a humbling experience for those of us contemplating these acts. It is true that not all acts of heroism come to the attention of the Royal Humane Society, but we do attempt to seek out as many brave acts as possible.
I thank our Patron, the President, my fellow Councillors and those who assist in supporting roles for the dedication they bring to fulfilling the Society’s objectives.
Rear Admiral A.L. Hunt AO RAN (Retd)
