Chairman's Report
Year Ended 30 June 2009
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 2008 Presentation of Awards
For the first time in its history, in 2008-2009, the Society conducted two award ceremonies. At the annual ceremony, the Society was honoured to have the awards presented by Her Excellency The Governor at Government House on Friday 14th November 2008. 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 4 Silver Medals, 25 Bronze Medals, 21 Certificates of Merit, and 11 Letters of Commendation.
The June 2007 storms in Newcastle and the Hunter involved a large number of heroic actions in saving lives. This provided the special need for the Society to hold more than the usual annual investiture ceremony. The Newcastle Investiture took place on Wednesday 24 June 2009 at the Newcastle City Hall. The awards were presented the Society President, The Honourable Sir Laurence Street AC KCMG QC. Awards on this occasion comprised 5 Silver Medals, 28 Bronze Medals, 31 Certificates of Merit, and 1 Letter of Commendation.
Annual General Meeting
The Society’s 131st Annual General Meeting was conducted on Monday 8th December 2008, when Councillors and Office Bearers were elected for the ensuing twelve months.
Finance
The Society’s Balance Sheet as at 30 June 2009 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.
2008-2009 Awards
The awards described in this annual report, for the two ceremonies, comprise 7 Silver Medals, 57 Bronze Medals, 56 Certificates of Merit and 1 Galleghan Award. In addition, the Society issued 5 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
For the past 132 years the Society has been awarding medals and certificates for acts of outstanding bravery. However, the work of the Society depends on the generous support of many organisations and individuals. Our annual Sydney investiture is facilitated by the Office of the Governor and Her Excellency’s Official Secretary, Mr Brian L. Davies LVO and his staff who provide outstanding assistance to this vice regal occasion.
The New South Wales Fire Brigades provides the Society with our office and meeting room and considerable I.T. support. The NSW Police Force, NSW Fire Brigades and Ambulance Service of NSW remain major contributors to investigating and reporting upon cases presented for consideration by the Council. The cost of calligraphy to prepare the Society’s Bravery Certificates is funded by a grant from NSW Maritime, who has generously supported the Society for many years.
We are most grateful for the financial assistance from a number of generous donors mentioned in this report particularly the New South Wales Government and NRMA Insurance.
This year the Society farewelled Ms Caroline Hewson AO who, after several years service as a Councillor has relocated to Adelaide. Her inclusion into the Order of Australia as an Officer in the June 2009 Birthday Honours, was well merited.
New members joining the Council of the Society this year are Ms Helen Lynch AM, Chairman of the Westpac Foundation and Ms Pip Murphy, Joint Chief Executive of the Australian Charities Fund.
The ongoing business is in the hands of the Honorary Secretary, Roland Millbank very ably supported by Assistant Secretary Nina Smith. Ms Smith was recently awarded a “Certificate of Excellence” for her contribution to the Society over the past 20 years. I acknowledge the professional contributions provided by our Honorary Treasurer, Mr Edgar Temple, the Honorary Solicitor, Mr Anthony McMinn, the Honorary Publicity Officer, Mr Stuart Doyle and the Honorary Auditor, Mr David McGrane.
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. While it is true that not all acts of heroism come to the attention of the Royal Humane Society, we do attempt to seek out as many brave acts as possible.
I wish to thank our Patron, the President, Sir Laurence Street, particularly for his outstanding contribution to the Newcastle Investiture in June, my fellow Councillors and those who assist in supporting roles for the dedication they bring to fulfilling the Society’s objectives.
Major General The Hon. Justice
C.R. HOEBEN, AM RFD
Chairman
