Julie’s Jots

On Saturday afternoon some of us went to Rotary Park to meet this year’s recipient of our annual Tertiary Scholarship Ky Wellsmore and his parents Keren and Tim. We wish him well for his Computer Studies at Wollongong University and look forward to meeting up with him throughout the year and hearing about his progress.
At last Thursday’s meeting we had the pleasure of Steve Picton and Rhonnie South’s company from Moruya Rotary with Steve talking about Moruya’s initiatives with membership. Always good to hear ideas on how to attract new members.
On Saturday night I once again met up with Hilma’s Exchange Student friends Katerina from Germany, Emilie from Denmark and Manon from France. Hilma was surfing with these delightful ladies over the weekend. It was Manon’s first time surfing and apparently she is a natural. Thank you Françoise for the invitation to dinner and the opportunity to meet Manon who is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Parkes.

Don’t forget our Business Breakfast meeting this coming Thursday with guest speaker Sally Bouckley. You must book if you want a seat (and breakfast!).
THIS THURSDAY
Rotary Business Networking Breakfasts resume this Thursday 20 February. Our guest speaker is Sally Bouckley of Southbound Escapes who will talk about ‘Trying to stay sane while running six different businesses over the busy summer season’. Should be good. Our Breakfasts start at 7am sharp at Narooma Surf Club (finish at 8). If you would like to come, please book with Laurelle by Monday 17 February at the latest. We will assume you will want breakfast ($10 each) unless you say otherwise.
MARKETS THIS SUNDAY 23rd
Our monthly market is this coming Sunday… there are still some gaps in the roster. If you haven’t already put your name down, please consider, doing so. David emailed the roster link last Sunday.
The Week that Was
We had a good fun gathering last Thursday for our Club Dinner with Lynn Hastings’ friends from Seattle Jon and Nancy Rinker and guests Rhonnie South and Steve Picton from Moruya Rotary. Great to see Susanna again and also hear from Hilma on what she had been up to over the past week back at school; included seeing lots of jellyfish at Dalmeny. She was in the School swimming carnival and scored a third in the 50m freestyle (pool was “so warm!”) Quite the sportswoman!

David McInnes had fun with the Gulf of Mexico/ Gulf of America fiasco for his International Toast, ending with a toast to the Rotary Clubs which had ‘Gulf’ in their club name.
Moruya’s Membership Director Steve Picton talked about the importance of retaining members as well as attracting new ones. Moruya has been concerned about their aging and dwindling membership for some time, hence Steve’s appointment. He emphasised the importance of setting a target, their target is a net increase of 2 per year, and develop clear actions as to how that is going to be achieved. Since he took up the position, membership has gone from 28 to 32.
RAs we know, recruiting new members is challenging, often drawing from friends and acquaintances. Moruya allocates people each week as meeters and greeters, and they spend time with any potential members helping them feel comfortable in the Club. Steve said potential members’ first two meals at the Club are free. Moruya’s membership fees are $320 a year; for new members the first six months are free. Moruya Club is also strengthening their ties with other organisaions and spreading knowledge of Rotary. He spoke of the importance of using the media and making more use of the webpage and Facebook.
Moruya held a great golf day recently over 9 holes where they raised $13,000 for Carers’ Accommodation for the Eurobodalla Regional Hospital; Steve thinks it might also lead to possible new members which they will follow up. Friendship is one of the major appeals of Rotary, as are interesting guest speakers. Moruya has a speaker every week, thanks to John Gillett’s efforts.

Out and About
March for our Club starts with Clean Up Australia Day on Sunday 2 March, the Prostate Cancer Support Group on the 5th, three breakfasts to be cooked for the Honda Goldwing gathering at Discovery Park14-16 March, PETS and Club Development day at Broulee (see below), our Business Breakfast, Pride of Workmanship Awards, and our monthly market. Hopefully many will be able to help out through the month.
More on Training Day at Broulee
This is an expansion of the old President Elect Training day (PETS) but now the day is designed for both incoming leaders and club members, offering an opportunity for training, learning, and networking.
It’s just one day – Saturday 15 March at St Peter’s Anglican College Broulee. It’s one of three similar days being held around the District. Arrival 8:30 AM, official welcome at 9:00 AM, and ends by 4pm. The day includes workshops to help every Rotarian and clubs grow; there’s also an opportunity for clubs to present their projects during breakout sessions. Lunch, tea, coffee, and snacks are provided. If you would like to attend, please register via the link https://rotary9705.org.au/page/2025- 26-presidents-elect-and-club-development-session
NEXT THURSDAY 27 February
Our dinner speakers will be Narooma High teachers Christina Potts and Ben Woolnough on the Wagonga Inlet Ecosystem Monitoring Project. This should be a fascinating talk so please bring partners and friends. Please ensure you book with Gero by noon on Tuesday 25th.