COG 2/10/17

GUEST  SPEAKER  - Noel Sturgeon -Rotarian Behind The Badge

 Noel provided us with a most interesting and at times very amusing presentation of the man behind the badge.

Rather  than a chronology of his life based on consecutive dates and facts, Noel gave us a synopsis of his life as seen through a number of principles, attributes and experiences.

Noel recounted what can only be described as an extraordinary life full of various and numerous people, events and learnings - all of which impacted on him and he on them.

Noel was born on Christmas Day, just after the war, in West Wyalong. He left school early and scored a good local job. He progressed  and in 1969 joined a merchant bank and at the same time slipped into a tailor made suit which he proceeded to get soaking wet on the first day of work.

Noel spoke of his life in the following terms - guiding principles and attributes;

• He was always conscious of presentation - his parents dressed impeccably and he has always followed likewise.
• Mentors were always important to him - 6th grade primary teacher, bank managers and people who  had succeeded in business or life generally from whom he could learn and/or impart knowledge. All mentors have had an influence - good or bad.
• Participation and Leadership - Noel was and still is an avid participant - from cubs to scouts to Presbyterian fellowship (within  one year he became social director) to State Manager of the Bank of South Australia. Additionally he joined various associations, founded Wankers International and ultimately joined Rotary Clubs.
• Intuition - a vital attribute which has helped all along and specifically at Apex.
• Humour - a necessary attribute in  Business and for  personal development.
• Strength - Noel spoke of two strengths,  event management in organising two Black Tie functions of 400 and 500 respectively and people management and socialising.
• Sport - member of cricket club.
• Achievements -apart from those identified above  Noel launched a bank in South Australia, is a Past Member of the Australian   Society of  Corporate Treasurers, Past Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and Past  Senior member of the Committee for the Economic Development of Australia(CEDA).He has owned half a dozen "muscle" cars. He established, and ran successfully for 12 years, his own Corporate Advisory business. Apart from being a member of the Heidelberg Rotary Club, Noel has been involved with Rotary for some time and  has developed a long term relationship with Rotarians from Usa in Japan and spends one week   each year in Japan ,in addition  to regular email correspondence.

Noel is now retired and devotes his time, apart from his Rotary involvement, to his family, Asian Art and Garden Design.

Noel will be a great member and valuable resource of the Rotary Club of Heidelberg.

Giuseppe Amoroso