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Narooma Rotary's 2018-2019 Board: Laurelle Pacey, front left, President Rod Walker, John Rungen; Bob Aston, back left, Lynn Hastings, Ang Ulrichsen, John Doyle
Eurobodalla Shire Mayor Cr Liz Innes, Narooma Rotary Past President Bob Aston and President Rod Walker and Member for Bega Andrew Constance reflect on Narooma Rotary’s 60 years of service to the community.
Helping feed the Kidney Kar Rally participants were Sandra Doyle, left, Ang Ulrichsen, Iris Dormeier, Chris O'Brien Lynn Hastings and Laurelle Pacey
At Mama Mia - Here we go again: Heather Ferguson , left, Sandra Doyle and Chris O'Brien
Sandra Doyle presents Brendan Constable with a $500 donation from the Busking Festival proceeds for musical instruments for Bermagui students.
In the final in the 'Rotarian presents' series, Lynda Ord spoke about her career as a celebrant. Cup cakes courtesy of her friend Carol Holland.
Table winners Derek Anderson of Moruya and our own Rod Walker with the table trophy, courtesy of President Bob Aston's recyclables, this time an old netball trophy.
2018 Busking Competition
2018 Busking Competition
Peter Bull and Karen Bull were pounding the pavements spruiking Busker Votes.
President Bob recognised Bob and Merinda Antill as Paul Harris Fellows
Our 2018 Rotary Tertiary Scholar Alicia Bate with President Bob at the Australia Day presentations on Thursday.
I have spent the last 10 days babysitting four granddogs and their house in Carwoola. The highlight was when it snowed one morning.
Thanks Laurelle for chairing the last meeting and congratulations again to Charmaine for her continuing efforts in Timor Leste. Her work not only reflects well on her but on Rotary also. It is our only International project and we are very grateful for her efforts.
Clifford A Randall RI Pres 1958-59
As we are in our 60th year I thought I would share the occasional Rotary historical anecdote. In 1958-59, the year we were chartered, there were 9,878 Rotary Clubs in the world and 464,245 Rotarians. The Rotary Foundation totalled $US624,711. Six new countries were represented – Ghana, Guyana, Jamaica, Madagascar, Nepal, and Rwanda. The R.I. President was Clifford A Randall from Milwaukee. His theme was ‘Help Shape the Future’.
This week
Our guest speaker this week is Michelle Garcia, a music teacher at Narooma Primary School. Her presentation entitled ‘Music for the Primary Student’ will explain her new music program for students Kindergarten to Year 6. She will whizz through singing, rhythms and instruments leading us into the After School Music Program; you will meet the after school teachers, learn what they do and be entertained. We have a number of Rotarians away so please bring as many friends as you can.
Cheers Rod
Out and about
Last week
Charmaine White in Timor Leste
It was another interesting meeting last week.
Charmaine White spoke about her recent two weeks with the dental project in Timor Leste, her eighth ‘tour of duty’ on an aid project. It was a joint RAWCS, Lions and Carmelite nuns’ project.Charmaine has considerable admiration for the people of Timor Leste who she says “earned their independence”. She is impressed that everyone works – men, women and kids. Since independence they have greatly improved literacy. She said under the Portuguese, only 5% of the population was literate. Under the Indonesians,10%. Now it’s about 65%.
She also spoke about the ‘missing’ generation because of the wars; there’s a lot of younger people and older people, but not many in between. Unfortunately few of the younger generation respect the knowledge of their Elders about their land. Power was off eight times during her two weeks there, so they had to resort to their trusty back-up generator. She mentioned a solar panel project at the Carmelite orphanage that no longer worked because rats had eaten through the wires. Charmaine has followed it up on her return and has contacted the Australian supplier who will try to have it fixed by their local agent and the wires encased in conduit to hopefully prevent the problem recurring.
Also last week, membership was discussed at the Club Assembly and how to possibly reach newcomers to the area, perhaps in conjunction with other clubs and organisations.
Renewable Energy Expo
Moruya Rotary’s plans for hosting the 2018 Renewable Energy Expo are well advanced. It will be held on Saturday 20 October in St Mary’s school hall.
District Conference
Registrations are now open for the District Conference to be held in Cooma 5-7 October. Registrations and details are on the District website.
Would fortnightly meetings encourage younger members?
New Moruya President Hack Ward thinks they might; he has proposed that their Club trial fortnightly meetings with the hope of attracting younger members. He contacted three clubs who had made that change and received generally favourable views. All Moruya Rotarians will be given the opportunity to vote for or against the trial. Their meeting this week will hold a short forum to discuss the issue and then all members will be emailed asking them to vote. If 75% of those replying are in favour of the change, it will be trialled for a six month period from January 2019.
Coming up at Batemans Bay – the Duntroon Royal Military College Band
Eurobodalla Shire Mayor Cr Liz Innes, Narooma Rotary Past President Bob Aston and President Rod Walker and Member for Bega Andrew Constance reflect on Narooma Rotary’s 60 years of service to the community.
Hi everyone
Nearly 100 people attended our 60th Anniversary and Changeover on Saturday night including special guests NSW Transport Minister and Member for Bega Andrew Constance, Eurobodalla Shire Mayor Cr Liz Innes and our District Governor Margaret Hassall. All feedback has been very positive. It was great to see so many different people from across our community joining us to celebrate 60 years of Narooma Rotary Club, including our fellow Rotarians from Moruya, Bega and Batemans Bay.
Bob ‘Techman’ Aston has put the presentations by former presidents Jack Ings, Ian Tomlinson and Peter Bull up on YouTube. The link is https://youtu.be/-DPq1-VTRAY or just search for Narooma Rotary.
Thanks to everyone who helped feed the Kidney Kar Rally on Sunday; 151 people enjoyed soup and a rissole or steak sandwich and some slice. We grossed $2,400. It ended up being a longer day than anticipated due to two accidents with the stragglers not arriving until 3.00pm. As usual Narooma Rotarians rose to the challenge.
The Board has approved an initial $1,000 donation to the 2018 Drought Relief Fund to support drought-affected farming families. The Fund, launched last week, is a partnership between Rotary Australia, the National Farmers Federation and Channel 9. The Board also approved a $300 donation to Meals on Wheels.
Tickets in the Whale Watching Raffle are selling fast at the two IGAs and at the Plaza. At this pace we will be sold out by the end of the month. If you are having trouble selling tickets, please let me know.
This Thursday:
Laurelle will chair the meeting because I will be away. If you have something you would like to discuss at Club Assembly, please try and let Laurelle know in advance. Our speaker will be Charmaine who will talk about her recent work in Timor Leste.
Yours in Rotary, Rod
Out and About
Our 60th celebrations and Changeover
District 9710 Governor Margaret Hassall, NSW Minster for Transport and Member for Bega Andrew Constance and President Rod Walker.
What a great night on Saturday! The auditorium looked terrific as we celebrated 60 years of Narooma Rotary in grand style and the vibe was really wonderful. The central mats, made by Sandra for each table from some of the many banners we have been given over the years, set off each table. Congratulations came from Mayor Liz and Andrew, while our District Governor Margaret Hassall read out a congratulatory message from Rotary International President Barry Rassin.
Outgoing President Bob Aston awarded Sandra Doyle with Rotarian of the Year.
Highlights included messages of congratulations from three past Rotary Presidents unable to attend – Jack Ings, Ian Thomlinson and Peter Bull – followed by a PowerPoint review of Narooma Rotary’s 60 years’ of service (U tube link https://youtu.be/KLnkhbjKSuQ) . Both Mayor Liz and Andrew were particularly impressed by the Club’s past construction projects including the building of Narooma Sport & Leisure Centre. Andrew suggested we might like to consider a new Narooma Bridge as a future project, a suggestion quickly declined by President Rod.
We also incorporated our official changeover into the evening’s proceedings with immediate Past President Bob awarding Sandra Doyle with the Rotarian of the Year Award, and naming Frank Eden and John Doyle as Paul Harris Fellows.
Our Busking Festival winner Yasmine Russell came all the way from Wollongong to entertain us during the evening.
Kidney Kar Rally stops for a Rotary lunch
Helping feed the Kidney Kar Rally: Sandra Doyle, left, Ang Ulrichsen, Iris Dormeier, Chris O’Brien Lynn Hastings and Laurelle Pacey
After the gala 60th celebration, many Rotarians fronted up next day to provide lunch for about 150 people from 45 cars as they passed through Narooma on the 30th annual Kidney Kar Rally. Several Rotarians had also found time to make soup (some very tasty combinations!) which we served to some very appreciative participants along with steak or rissole sandwiches with the works.
Spokesperson Marie Paine said the nine-day 4,000 km rally from Goulburn to Queanbeyan via Ballarat raises funds to support Kidney Australia’s Kidney Kids Camps. These camps allow kids with kidney disease to enjoy camps and activities while still receiving the necessary medical care via the mobile dialysis bus.
Cooking up a storm at the Kidney Kar Rally were John Rungen, left, John Doyle, Bob Aston and Frank Eden.
The Rally route travels through many towns and villages as well as uses a number of tracks through National Parks and State Forests. Each car has to raise its own sponsorship. Narooma local Heather Snell was among the participants.
More on Rotary drought donations
Further to what President Rod has said about our initial donation to the recently launched Drought Relief Fund, a partnership between Rotary Australia, the National Farmers Federation (NFF) and Channel 9… As a registered charitable organisation, Rotary Australia will collect and administer donations which will be tax deductible.
The NFF, the farmers’ peak body, will direct funding to the relief organisations best placed to make an impact for farmers on the ground. It has undertaken to ensure 100% of funds collected are applied to the large gambit of needs currently being experienced by farmers, including fodder and water shortages, help with everyday living expenses and access to health and financial support services.
Whale Watching Raffle, Rotary Races and Muddy Puddles
John Rungen, left and President Rod Walker sell some tickets to Narooma local Joan Lynch.
Money raised through this year’s Whale Watching Raffle will go as our contribution to the combined fundraising by the combined Rotary Clubs of the Eurobodalla and the Christmas Races at Moruya in December. Muddy Puddles will be this year’s recipient of these efforts by Rotary and Moruya Jockey Club. Representatives from Muddy Puddles addressed Moruya Rotary last week, so a few facts taken from the Moruya bulletin include:
It’s a not for profit organisation established in 2014 by a group of parents of disabled children who were travelling great distances to find support services.
Been difficult establishing the body
It is a Registered Provider with NDIS of disability services for children in Eurobodalla.
It’s run by CEO Cate McMath and a staff of part time helpers with the support of a group of volunteers.
The clientele are divided into groups aged 0 to 6 and 7 to teenage. The average number of children under treatment is around 80 to 90 per month.
The present premises in the Industrial Estate are inadequate and a new a new therapy centre is being constructed, opening 19 October.
President Rod’s Trivia Quiz
The trivia quiz returns due to popular demand. Sandra Doyle was our winner last time. First in with the correct answer will assume her title as Rotary Quiz Master.
Who was the legendary Benedictine monk who invented champagne?
Name the largest freshwater lake in the world?
Where would you find the Sea of Tranquility?
What is someone who shoes horses called?
What item of clothing was named after its Scottish inventor?
More photos from Saturday night
Narooma Rotary’s 2018-2019 Board: Laurelle Pacey, front left, President Rod Walker, John Rungen; Bob Aston, back left, Lynn Hastings, Ang Ulrichsen, John DoyleDenise Rungen, Narooma Rotarians Michael O’Connor and John Rungen at Narooma Rotary’s 60th celebrations on Saturday night.Having cut the cake, past presidents of Narooma Rotary joined in the singing of ‘Happy Birthday’ to the Club. Shown are Brice Grimmond, left, Ang Ulrichsen, current President Rod Walker, Marilyn Gibson, Norm Hoyer, Georgina Staley, Bob Antill, Laurelle Pacey and Bob Aston.Narooma Rotarian Charmaine White and Jock and Jenny Munro at Narooma Rotary’s 60th celebrations on Saturday night.
“Together we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities and in ourselves.”
At Mama Mia – Here we go again: Heather Ferguson , left, Sandra Doyle and Chris O’Brien
Mama Mia premiere
Last Thursday we had a great night at the Mama Mia premiere. Eighty-two people attended and by all accounts everyone had a good time. The movie was well received. Thanks to Angie and the catering team for their effort and to all those who donated to the raffle, and to Rachel and her mother-in-law for selling the tickets. We made over $700 dollars for the Polio campaign, a good result.
Lynda Ord, Lynda’s friend and Ang Ulrichsen at Mama Mia recently.
Planning
I emailed you all a plan for this year in which I highlighted some critical omissions:
We could do with another Director to take on co-ordination of our Youth programs and the Duck Race.
We still need a President Elect for 2019-20 to prepare for the next year and co-ordinate International, Foundation and ARH activities.
Both these roles can take as much or as little time as you like. No one will be judging your performance; we just need someone to step up. If you are interested let me know.
Rotary in Parliament
Trent Zimmerman is a Member of the House of Representatives and a Rotarian. He recently paid tribute in Parliament to the work of local Rotary Clubs, saying ‘Rotarians do an incredible amount for our community’. He said he had enjoyed his own involvement in his local Rotary Club over many years and encouraged others to think about becoming a member of their local Rotary Club. For more, check this link: https://www.facebook.com/TrentZimmerman/videos/2186660088233702/
This week:Our guest speaker is Julie Griffin
Julie is a Diabetes Educator and Registered Nurse. Her topic: ‘It’s complicated…. Is it possible to live well with Diabetes?’ Julie has been nursing since 1980 and trained at both Mater Misericordia and Royal North Shore Hospitals in Sydney. Since 2008 she has been working on Diabetes, and currently works full time for Eurobodalla Community Health covering Narooma, Moruya and Batemans Bay areas.
Please don’t forget to let Bob know if you are bringing guests.
Out and About
Charmaine reports on Timor Leste
Our very own Rotarian dentist Charmaine White in Timor Leste recently.
After meeting up with the Week 1 Team in Dili (comprising two translators, one nurse and three dentists), we headed off to Maubara to get equipment and dental supplies. We drove through Baliabo and on to Maliana near the West Timorese border, a long bumpy drive of over six hours. We were lucky to find a nice place to stay; a seminary that had been converted into accommodation. Food was local fare – rice nasi goreng, mi Goring. We even found some pasta and pizza a few times
Week 1: We worked in three places – the local Maliana hospital, a local school and a village Cailaku that had never seen a dentist. We got to see community and school students. Examinations 838, extractions 268 and fillings 206 plus some scaling as well. Our main aim was to relieve pain. Some of the teeth would have been sore for months if not years. Betel nut chewing is still a big problem in the Maliana district. Week 2: A dentist team swap at Dili – one flew out and one joined us. Then we spent three days in Bogoro School with 900 students. The last two days were at Maubara clinic which is a room In the Carmelites convent. The local dental nurse Nico had screened all the children so we just had to do the work mainly extractions (258) and fillings (197).
Overall we saw 1,261 children in the two weeks. We extracted 527 teeth; only three refused treatment i.e. ran away or cried. There are so many brave children in Timor Leste We filled 406 teeth, did a few scales (49) and prevention on teeth fissure seals.
It’s a worry… courtesy Peter Bull
I was at Melbourne Airport, checking in at the gate when an airport employee asked, ‘Has anyone put anything in your baggage without your knowledge?’
To which I replied, ‘If it was without my knowledge, how would know?’ He smiled knowingly and nodded, ‘That’s why we ask’.
Mal Gray should have gone out and bought a lottery ticket on Friday; he won three of the four prizes from the chocolate wheel at last week’s meeting.
I would like to start this week’s Ramble with a message from our RI President Barry Rassin that succinctly summarises Rotary for me. It’s an extract from a longer article in the July Edition of Rotary Down Under.
Barry wrote: One year ago the RI Board adopted a new vision statement: “Together we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities and in ourselves.” That simple sentence distills so much of what is essential about Rotary. We unite, because we know that we are far stronger together than we could ever be alone. We take action, because we are not dreamers, but doers. We work to create lasting change that will endure long after involvement has ended – across the globe and in our communities. And perhaps most important of all, we work to create change in ourselves – not just building a better world around us, but becoming better people ourselves.”
THIS WEEKMama Mia Premiere for PolioPlus
This week we are at the Kinema (not the Golf Club) for a polio fundraiser. I hear tickets are selling fast so we should have a great night. If you can help with catering and the raffle, please get there about 6.00pm.
At last week’s Club Assembly Lynda Ord explained the amendments to the Child Protection Form
This Sunday’s Market
We still have may have two vacancies on the market roster for cooks on the 10.00am shift this Sunday 22nds July. Ctrl+ Click here ROSTER and enter your name if you can help.
60th Anniversary Celebration and Changeover Ceremony
Our 60th Anniversary Celebration on 4 August is only two weeks away. We have about 40 acceptances. If you have not yet accepted, please do so straight way. Entertaining us will be one of our Buskers, and the Eurobodalla Shire Mayor Liz Innes and District Governor Margaret Hassall are also coming. We also hope to have a few surprise guests.This event will replace our meeting of the 2nd August.
Mayor Liz Innes recently said : “So many of our most admired organisations are volunteer-driven. Surf Life Saving Clubs, Rural Fire Service, Meals on Wheels, Cancer Council volunteers driving cancer patients to Canberra for treatment. And what about local sporting clubs, and school P&Cs. Regional and rural communities survive and thrive on the generosity and good hearts of local people giving their time to help those around them.”
Anthony Whittle enjoying one of our Mad hatters nights a few years ago.
Vale Anthony Whittle
Seven representatives of our club attended Anthony’s funeral at Milton this week. It was an emotional celebration of Anthony’s life held overlooking a lake and rolling countryside. About 200 people attended, and family and friends made emotional speeches honouring Anthony’s life. A representative of his ‘work family’ from Narooma Plaza Pharmacy also spoke. As is often the case, we learnt a lot about Anthony that we didn’t know. How sad that we didn’t get the chance to know him better. Its moments like these that you realise how important the Rotary family is and the importance of keeping connected in the good and the bad times.
From the Board
Moruya Races in 2018 will draw on the Melbourne Cup Day meeting and the Christmas races to raise funds. The charity partner is Muddy Puddles which provides services to disabled children. A representative will attend our meeting on 9th August to tell us all about their work.
Trivia Quiz – there’s a prize for the first correct answers
I thought I would start a trivia section of the Ramble so we can get some early practice in for Cinders in 2019 (and find out who reads the Beacon). The first correct answer emailed to me at naroomarotary@bigpond.gov wins a prize and the honour of being quiz master for the week.
How many countries are larger than Australia?
In what state/territory was the highest recorded temperature, of 53°C, recorded?
Australia has the world’s largest sand island. What is its name?
In what year was Advance Australia Fair proclaimed as the national anthem by the Governor-General?
Do all states/territories have the same blood alcohol limit for non-probationary drivers?
Cheers Rod
Out and About
Charmaine, teeth and Timor Leste
We’re all looking forward to hearing from Charmaine about her two weeks working in Timor Leste with three other Australian dentists. Charmaine says it’s a well-run joint Rotary RAWCS/Lions/Carmelite nuns project. You will recall her telling us of the relationship between toothache, chewing betel nut to relieve it, and that betel nut can cause cancer of the mouth and oesophagus. So eliminating toothache should reduce the risk of oral cancers. Our Club recently donated $1,000 to this project.
District Conference – the Cooma Adventure
District Conference registrations open soon for this year’s District Conference which will be in Cooma 5-7 October. Hop[efully we will be able to get a few people together to represent teh Club.
Outgoing Bob Aston hands over to our new President Rod Walker at last week’s meeting.
Our meeting this Thursday is our Club Assembly at which I will present a draft business plan as endorsed at the Board Meeting. My intention is to take a ‘steady as she goes’ approach.
Over the last two years we have added two major events to our Rotary year – the Renewables Expo and the Busking Championship. Members have sacrificed time with their families and businesses to ensure their success; for a variety of reasons we will be missing the input of some key people in 2018-19. As you know, Moruya Rotary will host the Renewables Expo this year in a great example of inter-club co-operation.
I can alsoannounce that John Rungen has agreed to lead the Busking Championship team this year and we will be seeking assistance from interested people from the community. Thanks John for stepping up. Members please give John all the help you can muster over the next 11 months.
This week Lynda Ord will also give us an update on the Rotary Youth Protection Policy which has been impacted by some legislative changes. It is an additional administrative burden we have to bear to ensure we practice due diligence.
Growing membership
I said last week that membership growth would be a major focus. The ‘Rotary On The Move’ Newsletter for July 2018 has some interesting strategies on attracting new members. In particular it highlighted a toolkit now available to assist in engaging with young professionals. This toolkit will help you rethink membership, from a broad perspective down to a tactical level, that you can adapt to your area. Topics include characteristics of your audience, your club’s culture, ideas for outreach and engagement, and the long-term benefits of becoming a Rotarian. I would like someone to review this material and consider if we could use some of these ideas.Let me know if you are interested.
Mama Mia premiere
I also talked last week about the need to have fun at Rotary, to build on the fellowship benefits of being a Rotarian, and to embrace the broader Rotary family. Hosting the Mama MiaHere We Go Again movie premiere at the Kinema on Thursday 19th is a chance to have fun while also raising funds for eradication of Polio worldwide. This will replace our meeting that night.
Let’s kick off the year with this big event. Invite partners, family and friends even total strangers. Get your tickets early as this will be a popular movie with the broader community, after all, who doesn’t like ABBA. We will also need a hand with catering and raffle ticket selling on the night.
Please don’t forget to bring prizes for the raffle in this Thursday night.
President Rod’s table last week.
Rod
Out and about
Our mini Changeover
It was good to have a ‘symbolic changeover’ to President Rod last week, supported by a table of Rod’s friends. Stand by for the 4th August for our official changeover and 60th celebrations!
Polio update prompted by fundraiser
With the polio fundraiser next week and Ang’s drawing out attention to the polio campaign at last week’s meeting, a few reminders of what it’s all about, courtesy Rotary International’s webpage.
The Global Polio Eradication Initiative is a public-private partnership led by national governments with five partners – the World Health Organization (WHO), Rotary International, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Its goal is to eradicate polio worldwide. So that’s :
five core partners
involved 200 countries
involved 20 million volunteers
over 2.5 billion children vaccinated
US$10 billion international investment
the goal is a polio–free world
Progress toward eradicating polio worldwide was a recurring theme at the recent Rotary International Convention in Toronto. Two notable polio occasions at the Convention were when:
Rotary International President Ian Riseley presented Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau with Rotary’s Polio Eradication Champion in recognition of his leadership and Canada’s contributions to polio eradication. Trudeau highlighted Canada’s continued commitment to working towards a world without polio, a world with gender equity, and a world where everyone has a chance to succeed. He expressed a wish that his children would grow up in a polio-free world, and encouraged Rotarians to continue their important work to achieve eradication worldwide.
Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal Princess Anne praised Rotary for its work in fighting polio. She spoke of Rotary’s ‘extraordinary reach’, its extensive understanding of cultures and languages, its members’ “endearing habit of leaving (their) egos at the door”, and the organisation’s ingenuity at overcoming obstacles that baffled others. In doing so, she said Rotary with its partners has brought polio to almost full global eradication.
We pay tribute to our fellow Rotarian Anthony Whittle who passed away suddenly on 3rd July 2018, aged 36. Anthony, left, hosted a really interesting ‘a Rotarian presents’ at the Plaza Pharmacy earlier this year.
Come Along!
We meet Thursdays at 6.00 for 6:30pm Golf Club Narooma, NSW
‘Palmistry – help you understand your characteristics, personality and abilities by looking at your hands.’
Dianne is a course taker so has learned about many interesting subjects. Her last sojourn into education was completing her PhD in 2016. Dr Di’s thesis analysed the long-term effects of the Tamworth Institution for Boys on the males incarcerated there in the 60s and 70s. She has had 127 books published on various subjects including biographies, histories and a 4 volume encyclopaedia on Papua New Guinea. Tonight she will help you understand Palmistry.
