Ange’s Chat

This is my last formal ‘chat’ for the Beacon as President. From 1 January we welcome Bob Aston who will take over the reins for three months, followed by Laurelle Pacey who’ll take us to the end of the Rotary year.

The election of the new Board for the 2020/21 Rotary Year with Rolf Gimmel as President took place at our AGM last week. Thanks to the incoming Office holders: Vice President Bob Aston, Secretary Rod Walker, Treasurer Lynn Hastings, Directors John Rungen, Ange Ulrichsen, John Doyle and Laurelle Pacey.

Presentation Days were held last week at both Narooma Public School and Narooma High School and it was my pleasure to present awards on behalf of our Rotary Club. At the Public School I presented the Rotary Bill Borlaise Memorial Award to duxes Claire Ovington and Lachlan Druhan. I presented three Awards at Narooma High School – the Narooma Rotary Club Citizenship Award and the Joy Ings Memorial Art Award both won by Cecilia Colom-Davis. History Awards went to students in Years 7/8, 9/10 and 11/12 for their interest and enthusiasm in the subject.  The high standard achieved by the students was very impressive.

Highlights in my quarter as President  were:

• Our End Polio fundraising Film ‘Ride Like a Girl’, 24 Oct
• The Renewable Energy Expo on 2 Nov was another great success showcasing the latest products and local installers. Thanks to our Coordinator Frank Eden and the team
• Narooma Busking Championship – our Community has embraced this precious event in our town and we now have a new, dynamic team to take it into the future.

Guest speakers were well received at our meetings and a great way to promote our Club to potential newcomers. The variety of interesting topics included the publishing of the cookbook ‘Farmer’, St John, Morocco, Gardening, Climate Change and the role of Community, and Trade Wars by Economist Andrew Elek.

We end 2019 with Australia experiencing crippling drought, water shortages and bushfire crises.  Let’s remember all those who are doing it tough and especially our courageous firefighters.

Wishing you all a very happy Christmas and may the spirit and peace of this festive season be with you in the coming New Year.

THIS WEEK

It’s our Club Christmas party at The Inlet on Thursday 19 December, 6 for 6.30. Cost is $40 a head. Bring your most festive spirits. Look forward to seeing you

THE WEEK THAT WAS

At last week’s meeting we took the opportunity to formally thank Paul at the Golf Club for looking after us so well through the year and to present him with a Rotary wine glass.  We also gave him a box of chocolates to pass on to the ladies in the Office. The move to the Golf Club has certainly been a big success.

On the Bill Borlase Memorial Award

It is interesting to note Bill Borlase was not a member of Narooma Rotary but left $1,000 in 1971 for a Narooma Primary School Dux prize each year to be presented by our Club. A wooden honour board to record the name of each recipient was also presented to the school. That money would have long since been exhausted and the board replaced with new ones in the hall, but Bill’s name lives on.

OUT AND ABOUT

News from Moruya Rotary

• Moruya Rotarians are building a rather large pizza oven at Yumaro at Moruya.
• Former Moruya Rotarians Shirley and John Hayes-Cornish from Moruya Rotary (Shirley spoke to us in August) have been asked to help man the Rotary Fellowship for Population and Development (RFPD) booth at the Honolulu Convention. Shirley said In Hamburg the RFPD received US$1.5 million from the German Government to which Rotary has added. Since then a nationwide Family Planning campaign has been organised for Nigeria – life and nation changing. ”So the fellowship and inspiration from Moruya Rotary lives on in this hot topic.” Shirley will be giving a talk about SHE by Pictures at theor new club Caloundra Pacific RC early next year with a view to them supporting the RAWCS program.

Bega Rotary Book Fair

The next Bega Rotary Summer Book Fair will be held 10-12 January in theBega showground pavilion, Upper St Bega. It will be open 9-5 Friday  and Saturday and 9-1 on Sunday. Bega Rotarians are expecting to have over 30,000 fiction and non fiction books for sale.  EFPOS or cash facilities are available for sale.

If you would like to donate some books, books in quality condition can be donated at Elders Real Estate, Carp St Bega and Andrew Constance’s office, also in Carp St. (Note: encyclopaedia, Readers Digest, magazines and books that are not in quality condition do not sell and storage space is at a premium so they would prefer not to receive them. Also they have logistical problems with receiving large / bulk donations of books as a result of moving house, major clean-outs, etc due to limited storage.  

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Sat 21 December: Interviews for Tertiary Education Scholarship 2020

Sunday 22 December:  Eurobodalla Rotary Clubs Christmas Race Day

Friday 27 December: Our big Holiday Markets

Thursday 23 January : Club BBQ in Rotary Park 6 for 6.30

Saturday 25 January: Narooma’s Australia Day community celebration and presentation

Sun 26 January: Lions Club breakfast at Narooma Surf Club. Our Australia Day Market

Thursday 30 January: Our Club resumes at Golf Club with Youth Night

Wed 26 February: Christmas Race Day presentation at the combined Rotary International Birthday Dinner, Moruya Golf Club

Thursday 5 March: Cinders Trivia Night with Rotary Moruya, hosted by Narooma.

Friday, Saturday & Sunday 6-8 March: District Conference Ulladulla

NEXT MEETING 

An informal gathering on Thursday 23 January when we will have a Club barbecue in Rotary Park, 6 for 6.30

Some of the worst Cracker Jokes (courtesy Moruya Rotary)

What do you get if you cross Santa with a duck? A Christmas Quacker.

Why did the turkey join the band? Because it had the drumsticks.

What carol is heard in the desert? O camel ye faithful.

What says ‘Oh-Oh-Oh’? Santa walking backwards.

Which athlete is the warmest? A long jumper!

Ange’s Chat

Christmas is just around the corner and as 2019 draws to a close we are starkly reminded each day of the dire situation for so many people as the continuing drought wreaks havoc with the unprecedented bushfires blazing in much of NSW and Queensland. Fires are getting closer to our locality with news of outbreaks as close as Nelligen and North Batemans Bay. So please be prepared. Remember Tathra. Have a Fire Plan, clear areas around your house and check out the NSWRFS Website and ‘Fires near Me’ App.

This Thursday is our last meeting for the year; I have advised both Paul Stokes and Julie Bradley. Our Diary Dates show what a busy time we have ahead in the next few weeks. The Board has decided to resume our weekly meetings on Thursday 30 January which will be our Youth night.

The Beacon last week was published online but due to a technical glitch which even Frank has so far not been able to fathom, it could not be emailed. Your Beacon this week will probably come via a different means.

THIS WEEK: AGM

The Board meets at 5, followed by an earlier dinner and then the AGM at 7.15. The AGM will review the year and elect a new Board for President Elect Rolf Gimmel’s year in 2020/21. Rod Walker has previously emailed nomination forms for Board positions for 2020/21.

This week we will also express our thanks to the Golf Club, particularly to Paul and Julie.

OUT AND ABOUT

Rotary Clubs Christmas Race Day

Sunday 22 December is the big combined Eurobodalla Rotary Clubs race day at Moruya Racecourse, the seventh one we have held in conjunction with Moruya Jockey Club. This year’s project is funding a seven-seater community bus to be used by Meals on Wheels and Yumaro.

Our Club has been asked to help on the day with the bucket  collection from cars as they arrive at the Race Course. Laurelle and Ange will do 11.30-12.45 when Rod and Bob will take over until 2.

This month is Rotary’s Foundation Month

You may have read the recent message from RI President Mark Maloney and the Foundation’s Chair Gary Huang which included an update on Polio. Our recent film night to raise funds for World Polio Day was one of over 5,600 events held around the world. (Many such as ours was not a registered event; the 5,600 were registered events).They noted that on 21 August, Nigeria marked three years without a case of wild poliovirus, and the World Health Organization’s African region could potentially be certified wild poliovirus-free next year… If that happens, it will be a tremendous achievement because the continent once suffered three quarters of all polio cases in the world.

Rotary Clubs of Australia Drought Appeal

The Rotary Clubs of Australia some time ago partnered with Channel 9, the Great Northern Brewing Co. and Bendigo Bank to raise funds and in-kind donations for drought affected communities across Australia. The appeal is administered by Bendigo Bank’s charitable arm, Community Enterprise Foundation.

“Ninety-nine per cent of NSW is in drought, as is South-East Queensland and parts of Victoria and South Australia,” said RI District External Relations Director 9800 Philip Archer. “Nationally, one quarter of Australian agriculture is in severe drought. This drought has really affected us all with its far-reaching effects. Nobody is immune. We should be in this together.
“Rotary is up for the challenge encouraging everyone, city-based or country, to make a donation––large or small – to help those struggling to get through. Farmers and farming families are doing it tough, and the flow-on effect to other businesses in drought affected communities is huge. Whatever help and financial support we can give, whatever small thing we can do now will help rural communities get back to normality quicker.”

Rotary along with representatives of drought affected communities will conduct a localised consultation process to understand the needs and assistance required for those directly impacted by the drought. This will define how funds are best allocated in supporting families and communities.

How to Make Donations

1. On line via the following link: https://www.bendigobank.com.au/rotarydrought

2. In person by visiting any branch of the Bendigo Bank:

3. Or by Cheque. Cheques to be made payable to “Community Enterprise Foundation” and posted to Community Enterprise Foundation, PO Box 480, Bendigo, VIC 3552

NEXT WEEK

Next Thursday, 19 December is our Christmas Party at the Inlet, 6 for 6.30pm.

Dates for your Diary

Thursday 12 Dec – Primary School Presentation Assembly

Friday 13 Dec- High School Presentation Assembly

Sat 21 Dec – Interviews for Tertiary Education Scholarship 2020

Sunday 22 Dec –  Eurobodalla Rotary Clubs Christmas Race Day

Sun 26 January: Australia Day Market

Ange’s Chat

Andrew Elek, economist extraordinaire and ­Moruya Rotarian, gave us an impressive insight last week into ‘Trade Wars – What’s Going On?’ He certainly has all the credentials to talk on this complex matter given his high level career including beinga Research Fellow at ANU, Senior Economist with the World Bank, APEC and his work on the G20 and the Belt and Road Initiative.

The US and China are the key players in this trade war. The current environment is volatile with the US and China attacking each others trade. Andrew feels that China will outlast the tension and is unequivocally at the forefront of technology. The cost so far to the US has been $29 billion annually with the consumers bearing the burden. The long term cost to both powers is phenomenal.  The biggest problem is how the two biggest governments ignore the rules of the game and where there are no rules there can be no trust.

The key problem behind the chaos is America’s determination to remain the world’s largest economy coupled by its fear of being overtaken by China. ­­­ Andrew went on to explain the huge value of trust in international trade built up after WWII when the World Trade Organisation (WTO) was born. The WTO with its 160 members plays a vital role in maintaining transparency, confidence and resolving disputes in the international marketplace. But President Trump is undermining its role, creating his own rules. Let’s hope the WTO retains its place in fostering cooperation and trust on the world stage of international trade.

Eurobodalla Clubs Christmas Race Day

Sunday 22 December is the big combined Eurobodalla Rotary Clubs race day at Moruya Racecourse, the seventh one we have held in conjunction with Moruya Jockey Club. This year’s project is funding a seven-seater community bus to be used by Meals on Wheels and Yumaro.

Our Club has been asked to help on the day with the bucket  collection from cars as they arrive at the Race Course. Laurelle and Ange will do 11.30-12.45 when Rod and Bob will take over until 2.

Dates for your Diary this month

Sunday 8 Dec – 6pm Carols by Candlelight NATA Oval

Thurs 12 Dec – Board Meeting & AGM

Thursday 12 Dec – Primary School Presentation Assembly

Friday 13 Dec- High School Presentation Assembly

Thursday 19 Dec – Christmas Party at the Inlet, 6 for 6.30pm

Sat 21 Dec – Interviews for Tertiary Education Scholarship 2020

Sunday 22 Dec – Eurobodalla Rotary Clubs Christmas Race Day

Friday 27 Dec – Our Markets instead of Sunday 22^nd.

THIS WEEK

This week is a normal dinner meeting where we all can all just enjoy each other’s company.

The Week that Was

Ange covered last week’s meeting fairly extensively but a few things from the week follow.

Bush fires close by

Several Moruya Rotary Rotarians have assisted local fire fighting efforts behind the lines; Pauline Gleeson has assisted with catering while two other members have been carting water for fire-fighters in the Shallow Crossing area. Meanwhile our very own RFS member John Doyle is on stand by at Dalmeny. John says” the brigades are only releasing limited people to the out-of-area fires so as to maintain a viable force in the Eurobodalla”, should they be needed.

This month is Rotary’s Foundation Month

You may have read the recent message from RI President Mark Maloney and the Foundation’s Chair Gary Huang which included an update on Polio. Our recent film night to raise funds for World Polio Day was one of over 5,600 events held around the world. (Many such as ours was not a registered event; the 5,600 were registered events).They noted that on 21 August, Nigeria marked three years without a case of wild poliovirus, and the World Health Organization’s African region could potentially be certified wild poliovirus-free next year… If that happens, it will be a tremendous achievement, as the continent once suffered three quarters of all polio cases in the world.

Out and About

Rotary Clubs of Australia Drought Appeal

The Rotary Clubs of Australia some time ago partnered with Channel 9, the Great Northern Brewing Co. and Bendigo Bank to raise funds and in-kind donations for drought affected communities across Australia. The appeal is administered by Bendigo Bank’s charitable arm, Community Enterprise Foundation.

“Ninety-nine per cent of NSW is in drought, as is South-East Queensland and parts of Victoria and South Australia,” said RI District External Relations Director 9800 Philip Archer. “Nationally, one quarter of Australian agriculture is in severe drought. This drought has really affected us all with its far-reaching effects. Nobody is immune. We should be in this together.
“Rotary is up for the challenge encouraging everyone, city-based or country, to make a donation––large or small – to help those struggling to get through. Farmers and farming families are doing it tough, and the flow-on effect to other businesses in drought affected communities is huge. Whatever help and financial support we can give, whatever small thing we can do now will help rural communities get back to normality quicker.”

Rotary along with representatives of drought affected communities will conduct a localised consultation process to understand the needs and assistance required for those directly impacted by the drought. This will define how funds are best allocated in supporting families and communities.

How to Make Donations:

1. On line via the following link: https://www.bendigobank.com.au/rotarydrought

2. In person by visiting any branch of the Bendigo Bank:

3. Or by Cheque. Cheques to be made payable to “Community Enterprise Foundation” and posted to Community Enterprise Foundation, PO Box 480, Bendigo, VIC 3552

NEXT WEEK

Our AGM is next week, Thursday 12 December, at 7.15. It will be preceded by our Board Meeting. Rod Walker has previously emailed nomination forms for Board positions for 2020/21. Everyone is urged to please respond as soon as possible.

Ange’s Chat

All was revealed to us by Carolyn Wells about the inside story of SCPA ( Sapphire Coast Producers Assoc) last week. SCPA is all about supporting the grower and inspiring locals to buy produce here where we live. An amazing organisation, established in 1992 to support and promote sustainable food production and regenerative agriculture in the South East region of NSW. It now has a flourishing and vibrant network so vital in this age of Climate Change. It supports local growers to engage with ecologically sound production practices.

With over 2,900 subscribers to their online newsletter, SCPA plays a pivotal role in providing marketing and networking opportunities. Current SCPA Projects include Bega and Tilba Produce Markets, Bega Valley Seed Savers, SCPA Workshops by experts to benefit producers to enhance biodiversity and learn useful farming skills. 

A very popular initiative has been on building and cultivating community with neighbourhood food swaps. In addition climate smart farming Workshops administered by SCPA are being piloted in Wapengo, Quaama, Brogo and Bemboka.

Food Security is so important in our region as weather conditions impact and SCPA is playing an impressive role to safeguard our community’s food source.

Have a great week – Ange

RAWCS 2019 Bushfires Appeal

Rotary Clubs have been invited by District to donate to one or several of the following RAWCS Projects: Our Board made a decision to donate $500 to each at this stage.

• Qld Bushfire Relief Appeal
• NSW Bushfire Farmers in Need Appeal
• Taree & Mid Coast Bushfire Relief Appeal.

Rotary Market 24/11

Thanks to everyone for a very successful market. Chris O’Brien said it would be a big one and it was! We had 82 stalls and 58 stallholders. LP Duo from Tuross entertained us with easy listening music and there was a definite a holiday buzz already in the air.

The van returned $463.30, The wishing well $123.05 and the gate $1445.00

The Christmas market is filling up fast and Chris doing a great job expects about 100 stalls on Friday 27 Dec. It will be all hands on deck!

Dates for your Diary

• Thursday 12 December 2019 – BOARD MEETING & AGM
• Thursday 12 December 2019 – Primary School Presentation Assembly
• Friday 13 December 2019 – High School Prsentation Assembly
• Sunday 15 December 2019 – Carols by Candlelight NATA Oval
• Thursday 19 December 2019 – Christmas Party at the Inlet, 6 for 6.30pm
• Saturday 21 December 2019 – Interviews for Tertiary Education Scholarship 2020
• Sunday 22 December 2019 – Eurobodalla Rotary Clubs Christmas Race Day
• Sunday 26 January 2020 – Australia Day Celebrations, Presentations & Market
• Wednesday 26 February 2020 – Race Day Presentation at the combined Rotary International Birthday Dinner, Moruya Golf Club
• Thursday 5 March 2020 – Cinders Trivia Night with Rotary Moruya, hosted by Narooma.
• Friday, Saturday & Sunday 6-8 March 2020 – District Conference Ulladulla

Tonight’s Speaker

Tonight’s speaker is Andrew Elek, Andrew is a member of Moruya Rotary and economist extraordinaire he is going to give us the low down on tradfe wars and the role the US and China play. I recoken it will be pretty interesting given the latest media interest in China.

Andrew has worked extensively in development economics in Asia and the South Pacific, including as a Senior Economist with the World Bank.

From 1985 to 1987, he served as Chief Economist in the Economic Planning Advisory Council of the Australian Government. From 1987 to 1990 Andrew was head of the Economic and Trade Development Division of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

In 1989, he was the inaugural chairman of APEC Senior Officials, with a central role in the establishment of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation process.

From 1990 to 1994 Andrew was a Senior Research Fellow at the ANU, then became self-employed, thinking and writing about international trade policy and international economic cooperation. He has published many policy-oriented papers, including on APEC and the G20.

Andrew was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 1991, for service to international relations.

From ‘The Conversation’

Please bring along your friends and family to hear Andrew’s fascinating presentation. Please let Charmaine know if you plan to bring a guest.

Ange’s Chat

What great news re the Busking! Our Narooma Busking Championship is now back on track for Saturday 30 May 2020.  That’s thanks to the impressive turnout of over 50 sponsors and other interested people who joined us last Thursday to determine the future of this successful event.

Bob Aston was a maestro facilitator, supported by his clearly defined PowerPoint presentation. Sandra Doyle gave a terrific heartfelt appeal about how precious this event has been for our town while John Rungen spoke about the importance of adhering to tasks and not falling behind.

Within the hour, we had six volunteers come forward from the audience to join four of our members from the old team to form a wonderfully committed new team headed by Coordinator Di Riley who is Chamber of Commerce Vice President. Well done everyone.  Special thanks to the outgoing team members – Sandra Doyle, John Doyle and Lynda Ord – for their superb work and dedication. Rotarians Chris O’Brien, John Rungen, Lynn Hastings and Laurelle Pacey continue in the new team along with Jen French.  Truly a win/win for Rotary and our wonderful community.

This Sunday is of course our monthly markets. Thank you to everyone who will help out on the day.

Rod Walker has sent out an email advising us of the Annual General Meeting to take place at 7.15pm, Thursday 12 Dec. He has attached nomination forms for Board positions for 2020/21 and urges members to respond as soon as possible.

THIS WEEK

We welcome Carolyn Wells who will tell us the Inside Story of the Sapphire Coast Producers Association (SCPA). SCPA is much more than a farmers’ organisation and operates across the south east from Batemans Bay to Eden, Cooma to Canberra. Carolyn is SCPA’s vice president.

The Week that was

Busking Championships stay in Narooma

What a great outcome last week! Strong community support has ensured Narooma will host the 2020 Busking Championships AND in association with our Club. When Sandra Doyle said, “We can’t let it go from Narooma”, she also summed up the general feeling of everyone there. Bob’s excellent presentation placed the situation clearly before everyone with the three options we faced – let it go, some other organisation take it over, or others from outside Rotary take on the vital organising roles.

The result was six new people volunteered to join Rotarians in a new committee to bring about the 2020 Championships, coordinated by Di Riley. The committee’s first meeting is Monday night. The new committee consists of coordinator Di Riley, Averill Berriman of ABC Property Sales, Therese Aston, Shannon Chambers of Easts Holiday Parks, Dee Cramb of Sea Salt Café Dalmeny, Cherie Cunninghame of NAB, Jen French, and Rotarians John Rungen, Chris O’Brien, Lynn Hastings and Laurelle Pacey.

BowelCare Results 2019

Our BowelCare coordinator John Rungen received the Annual Report for Rotary’s 29^th annual bowel care awareness programme this week. It highlights the importance of this programme which is available for everyone regardless of age. The Australian Government’s free National Bowel Screening Programme is only available for people between 50 and 75, yet the BowelCare results showed that 70% of the 1174 positives were in the under 50 and over 75 age brackets, particularly over 75. Note that not all positives will end up being the result of bowel cancer but indicate a need to follow up.

Some interesting figures:

• only 84% of the 16,872 kits sold were tested, showing not everyone got around to using it
• overall 8.3% of those tested were positive
• About 60% of those tested were women
• 55% of those tested were over 75 with 9.6% of those testing positive.
• 10.4% of those tested under 50 were positive

The 2020 programme will run from 1 April to 31 May. The kits will increase in price from $15 to $20. The BowelCare Australia programme is supported by Rotary D9685, 9710 and parts of 9675, 9670, 9650, 9640 and 9700. It uses the Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) manufactured by Clinical Genomics.

Out and About

Life Education

Moruya Rotarians Rohan Gleeson and Col Jay help drive the Happy Harold’s Life Education van from between schools, all part of their Community Service. Last week they moved it from Narooma Public School to St Bernard’s Primary School at Batemans Bay.

The Life Education programme motivates and empowers children so they can draw on their own knowledge to make safer and healthier choices throughout their lives. Life Education was the vision of the late Rev Ted Noffs 40 years ago in response to the explosion in illicit drug use he saw at Kings Cross and the impact it was having on families. Since then seven million young students across Australia have participated in the programme, thanks to widespread support including from many Rotary Clubs. In 2018, Life Education worked in over 4,200 schools and pre-schools sharing their program with more than 710,000 students.

Dates for your Diary

Wed 26 February: Race Day Presentation at the combined Rotary Birthday Dinner, Moruya Golf Club

Thursday 5 March: Cinders Trivia Night with Rotary Moruya, hosted by Narooma.

6-8 March: District Conference Uladulla

It’s at the new Dunn Lewis Function Centre in Ulladulla. Check out the Conference website for the great line-up of speakers. The logo promotes the Roaring 20s dance night to the music of the Royal Military Band from Duntroon. Early bird tickets end 31 December.

This is the last D9710 conference before we become part of the new and much larger District 9705 on 1 July which will encompass D9710 and D9700.

NEXT WEEK

Economist extraordinaire and Moruya Rotarian Andrew Elek will talk about the reasons behind the trade wars, particularly between the United States and China, and what the future may hold. His impressive career includes being a Visiting Research Fellow at the ANU’s Crawford School of Economics and Government, working extensively in development economics in South Asia and the South Pacific, Senior Economist with the World Bank, and having a central role in establishing APEC in 1989. More recently he has published papers on the G20 and the Belt and Road Initiative.

Ange’s Chat

Last week the Board resolved the dilemma of both the annual Duck Race and the big holiday markets coinciding on Sunday 26 January, Australia Day. The Duck Race requires a lot of commitment by members to get the ducks, sell 1000 tickets, man the event off the bridge and return the ducks to CRABS. All things considered it was just too much for us to cope with, along with the markets.

The Board decided not to hold the Duck Race in 2020. The community can be reassured that the ducks will take off again the following year.

This Thursday we anticipate about 30 community representatives, sponsors and other interested parties, will join us to discuss how we might keep the Busking Championship in Narooma. Bob Aston has kindly agreed to facilitate this meeting and will put forward several options, hopefully leading to a firm commitment from our community to take on the coordinating role of this important event. The night will begin with the Busking meeting, followed by dinner. Not everyone will stay on for dinner.

THIS WEEK

This Thursday the focus is on trying to see if we can keep the Busking Championship in Narooma. Bob will do a PowerPoint presentation.

The week that was

Discussion last week showed that members were pleased with the way the Renewable Energy Expo went and the feedback received from both exhibitors and visitors to the Expo. Frank said many of the exhibitors are preparing quotes as a result of inquiries at the Expo. It was also a great turnout of our members on the day. The Board decided that the Club would not run the Expo in 2020, but possibly run it again in 2021.

Our BBQ team helps Betta Home Living

Some members took the van to Betta Home Living to provide a barbecue lunch on Saturday for Betta’s special celebrations. Our very able team consisted of Lynda Ord, Sandra Doyle, Bob Aston, John Rungen, John Doyle and Ash Stanley. Lynda reports, “It was quiet but fun, and really good PR for our Club”. Many of the Betta staff bought sausages, while some of our members ended up buying goods from Betta. Great effort team.

Annual General Meeting

Rod Walker has sent out an email advising us the Annual General Meeting will take place on Thursday 12 December at 7.15pm. He attached nomination forms for Board positions for 2020/21 and urges members to respond as soon as possible.

Out and About

Carols Sunday 15 December

We will again take the van to Carols by Candlelight on NATA Oval to provide a BBQ dinner. Carols start at 7pm so presumably we will be serving from 6pm. Any volunteers?

Moruya’s Cup luncheon a winner

Last Tuesday’s Moruya Rotary Melbourne Cup luncheon held with the Moruya Jockey Club was a big success. Moruya’s bulletin praised the efforts of organising members John Spencer and Fred Power and the Jockey Club’s generosity and support which resulted in “a truly memorable meeting, in a wonderful venue giving a first class view of the big race”. They had 92 people – 64 Rotarians and guests and 28 Jockey Club members and guests.

Amazingly 63 people won prizes – 51 won cash, eight won Fashions in the Field and four won lucky door prizes. Moruya Club made about $1,200 for their charity account, including a percentage rom the Calcutta and sweeps, with more to come “when the framed Jockey’s trousers are auctioned at the races”, presumably the Christmas races. The Jockey Club has suggested a repeat event in two years’ time.

NEXT WEEK

Carolyn Wells will tell us the Inside Story of The Sapphire Coast Producers Association (SCPA). SCPA is much more than a farmers’ organisation and operates across the south east from Batemans Bay to Eden, Cooma to Canberra. Carolyn is SCPA’s vice president.

Ange’s Chat

Our Renewable Energy Expo last Saturday proved a big hit with exhibitors and the public alike. Thanks to everyone who helped. It was another great Narooma Rotary initiative. Special thanks to the A-Team – our Expo Coordinator Frank Eden, Iris Domeier, Team Manager Bob Aston and journalist extraordinaire Laurelle Pacey.

About 370 people came through the door and were delighted with the latest range of solar technology and information provided by local experts and installers. The Robo Rebels from Narooma High created considerable interest with their junior and senior robotic exhibits, and both science teachers were delighted with the exposure the Expo gave the students and the work they’re doing and the public’s response. The vibe was great and exhibitors are already asking about next year’s event.

Eurobodalla Shire Mayor Liz Innes opened the Expo. I took her on a tour of exhibits and she said how impressed she was by our event, even expressing interest in converting the Council fleet to electric vehicles. Many of us had joy rides in Vin’s Tesla car. What a thrill!

The SHASA raffle was drawn at the end of the day. The three lucky winners can redeem their prizes for solar installs from an expo exhibitor. The raffle was also raising funds to install a solar system at Moruya Women’s Refuge to help with their power costs.

At last Thursday’s meeting it was my pleasure to present Frank Eden with a Paul Harris Sapphire Pin, this time for his personal contribution of US$1,000 to The Rotary Foundation allowing the Foundation to do more good in the world. I also expressed our appreciation to Frank for his ongoing contribution to our Club and our community.

On the Busking meeting: All sponsors, service organisations, school representatives and many others have received a hand-delivered letter inviting them to join us on Thursday 14 November at the Golf Club to thank them for their past contribution to our Busking Festivals and to discuss the future of the 2020 Busking Festival. Let’s hope we get a great response.

THIS WEEK

5pm Board meeting at the Golf Club. This has been brought forward by a week to free up Thursday 14 November for the Busking meeting.

This will be followed by a normal dinner meeting.

THE WEEK THAT WAS

Last Thursday we enjoyed an enjoyable dinner meeting where we finalised arrangements for the Expo. The highlight of the meeting was Ange presenting Frank with a Paul Harris Sapphire pin (see Ange’s chat).

Ange reported she represented our Club at Quota’s Changeover with a high tea at Club Narooma on Sat 26 October.

The Expo

Our Renewable Energy Expo last Saturday was a great success attracting over 370 people (see Ange’s Chat). Exhibitors seemed to have been kept busy with genuine inquiries. Most people attending seemed to be there with a purpose and their feedback generally was they appreciated having direct access to so many local experts and installers all in the one place.

Our survey showed that about 55% visitors were Narooma-Tilba locals, while three-quarters of the rest came from Ulladulla to Bega.

Out and About

Rotary Christmas Race Day Committee

The combined Rotary clubs of Eurobodalla’s Christmas Rotary Races at Moruya Jockey Club are on Sunday 22 December. This year we are raising funds for a joint Yumaro and Meals on Wheels Community Bus. The three Clubs’ presidents are on the committee and have been meeting regularly; the next meeting is Wednesday 27 November 5pm at Moruya Golf Club. Michael O’Connor has been doing a grand job selling tickets for the Race Raffle on the Club’s behalf.

From Moruya Rotary

Sadly Moruya Rotary Club has withdrawn its support for the Local Drug Action Team in the Eurobodalla, including its role as ‘grantee’.

A little of Bay Rotary’s history

Bay Rotarian Hugh Scott recently outlined to fellow Bay Rotarians the history of Nelligen Park which is owned by the Bay Club through Nelligen Recreation Park Limited. Many members were unaware of how it came about. In 1975 Mrs Adelaide Neate offered the 6.6 ha block to Rotary for $15,000 and the Club was only too happy to accept. The Nelligen Cup Sports Day continued to be held there, which was then known as Adelaide Neate Rotary Park. The Club obtained a further loan to carry out improvements and establish a toilet block, shelter shed, and amenities/kitchen block etc, now a caravan park. It is because of past Rotarians’ forethought that the Bay Rotary Club can use income from the Park for their Rotary projects.

NEXT WEEK:  Busking community meeting

We’ve invited Busking Championship sponsors of both prizes and ‘hot spots’, school representatives, service organisations, volunteers and other community members to meet with us on Thursday 14 November to discuss the future of the Narooma event and to see how we might work together to keep it in Narooma. It’s also an opportunity to express our appreciation to them for their past support. It’s 6 for 6.30 at the Golf Club; a finger food rather than a sit-down dinner.

We’re looking for people outside Rotary to take on the organisation of this event, with assistance and guidance from Club members. More details tonight.

Ange’s Chat

What a busy 10 days what with the Polio film night last Thursday, our Renewable Energy Expo this Saturday, and the markets in between.

We marked World Polio Day last Thursday in style with 70 people joining our film fundraiser at the Kinema for the Narooma premiere of Ride like a Girl.  It is a great true Australian story about Michelle Payne making history as the first female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup riding Prince of Penzance in 2015. It captivated everybody who cheered as one as we relived Michelle crossing the finishing line against so many odds. Before the main film we screened a short Rotary film on Rotary’s polio eradication history.

Drinks and nibbles were enjoyed by the crowd many of whom got into the spirit of the occasion and came dressed for the races. Thanks to Chris for organising wine and nibbles and to our super duo Rachel and David McInnes who ran the raffle and judged ‘fashions in the field’. Thanks also to all those who brought in nibbles, donated prizes or helped on the night. We cleared $645 ($490 tickets, $250 raffle, and $40 donation less $135 food/drink expenses).

On the Busking Festival: All sponsors, service organisations, school representatives and others will receive a hand-delivered letter this week inviting them to join us on Thursday 14 November at the Golf Club to both thank them for their past support of our Busking Championship and to discuss how we might keep the event in Narooma in the future.

THIS WEEK

We can enjoy a quiet dinner meeting when we will discuss final arrangements for what we hope will be a very successful Renewable Energy Expo this Saturday.

Renewable Energy Expo

The Club’s Renewable Energy Expo committee of Bob Aston (chair), Frank Eden (coordinator), his ‘secretary’ Iris Domeier, President Ange Ulrichsen and Laurelle Pacey had their last meeting before the Expo on Monday. They’ve met regularly over the last four months. It’s been frustrating finalising the number of exhibitors with some slow to return the necessary paperwork and payment. It now looks like we will have 15 exhibitors.

The Expo targets anyone wanting to save on power bills and be more environmentally sustainable. It’s on this Saturday (10-4) in Narooma’s Sport & Leisure Centre. We expect that the Expo, a Narooma Rotary Community Project, will attract visitors from across south-eastern NSW. Thanks to everyone who has volunteered for the Expo roster which will be finalised this Thursday. Eurobodalla Shire Mayor Liz Innes will officially open the Expo at 10.30am.

We expect 16 exhibitors: Energy Options, Heavenly Heat, Horizon Solar & Electrical, Micro Energy Systems Australia (MESA), Simmark, Solahart Far South Coast, South Coast Green Energy (Narooma Electrics), Southcoast Health and Sustainability (SHASA), Sunny Afternoons, 350.org, Moruya Bikes, Skild Enterprises camper conversions, Designer Eco Tiny Homes of Ulladulla, AMH Auto Group, AEVA Electric Vehicle Association, and Narooma High Robotics.

THE WEEK THAT WAS

Sunday’s Markets

Thankfully we didn’t have the wild winds of Saturday but insteadwere able to enjoy a lovely sunny and fairly calm day. The takings at the markets were gate $856.40, food van $424.80 and the wishing well $101.40, making a total of $1,382.60. John Doyle often struggles to fill the roster but then miraculously, come the markets, members seem to just turn up to help. Wonderful!

A date for your diary – Thursday 19 December

The Inlet restaurant is now booked for our Christmas party. We have over 30 coming to enjoy a delicious feast. Cost is $40 pp and BYO. 6 for 6.30pm.

Out and about

From Moruya Rotary

Last week the Rotary Club of Moruya presented a special Community Service Award to John and Shirley Hayes-Cornish who spoke to us a few months ago. The Award recognized their outstanding contribution to both the local and international community during their five years with Moruya Rotary and was greeted with a standing ovation by those present. This was their last meeting before they departed for sunnier climes in Queensland.

Other news: Moruya Rotary is hosting the Men’s Health (MHERV) van 11-12 November’ the van will park opposite Moruya Post Office. This van with medical staff will provide important basic medical check-ups for men.

From Batemans Bay Rotary

The Bay Club met on Tuesday last week (instead of the usual Thursday) so they could spend the evening with the Rotary Recreational Vehicle Fellowship (Rotary Caravanners) at Nelligen Park. The Club supplied a barbecue for 100 people, no easy feat. Bay Rotarian David Ashford had organised a tour for about 50 Rotarians on the Monday to local places off the beaten track. After dinner, Rotarian George Browning (former Anglican Archbishop of Canberra and Goulburn) gave an interesting presentation on Leadership and Archbishop Desmond Tutu; Desmond had stayed for a week with George and his wife Margaret in Canberra when George was Bishop. The Caravanners all had a great time in the Batemans Bay area.

NEXT WEEK

Our November Board meeting will be next week (Thursday 7 November) at 5pm instead of the following Thursday (14^th) so it doesn’t clash with our Busking community meeting. A quiet dinner meeting will follow.

Ange’s Chat

This Thursday is our film night at the Kinema for World Polio Day with the Narooma premiere of Ride Like a Girl. I hope to see you there, maybe even dressed up for the races.

Last Thursday we were delighted to have John James as our guest speaker to talk on the current scientific consensus about climate change. John has been studying the statistics for over 40 years and said there is irrefutable evidence we are heading for huge upheavals in the near future with the rate of CO2 levels in the atmosphere accelerating at an alarming rate and our ecosystem collapsing. He believes the South Coast is one of the few parts of Australia that can escape the worst predictions. His message was powerful but also positive. He believes community organisations must start now to prepare and seek solutions. See Bob’s report below.

Other things to mention:

Busking Festival: Our Board decided on 10 October to invite sponsors, service organisations and others to a community meeting on 14 November at the Golf Club to discuss how Narooma could continue to host the 2020 Busking Festival in the absence of so many of our key Rotary Busking organisers who will be away for next year’s event. That event is still planned.

Presidents meet: Last Monday I met with our ADG Alan Russell, Moruya President Marion and Batemans Bay President Pam to report on our respective Club activities. We also discussed the Rotary Christmas races on Sunday 22 December, the combined clubs’ get-together on Wednesday 26 February in Moruya to celebrate Rotary International’s birthday, and our annual Cinders Trivia Trophy with Moruya on Thursday 5 March which we will host.

Christmas Party: Chris is trying to organise a venue for our Christmas Party; the choice of venue depends on numbers. I realise it is early, but if you haven’t already done so, please let her know if you are attending and, if so, if you are bringing guests.

THIS WEEK

We host the Narooma premiere of the film Ride like a Girl at the Kinema this Thursday, World Polio Day, instead of meeting at the Golf Club.

It’s a wonderful film about Michelle Payne, the first woman jockey to win the Melbourne Cup, so come dressed for the races. We’ll have prizes for Fashions on the Field, judged by David and Rachel McInnes who will dress up in style. David and Rachel are also organising the raffle.

We join Rotary Clubs around the world on the 24th in holding events to focus on raising awareness and funds to help eliminate the paralyzing disease polio (see update on polio status later in Beacon).

Drinks and nibbles at 6.30. Ange will do a brief intro at 7 followed by the raffle draw, then the 10 minute YouTube clip about the history of Polio by Rotary International President Mark Maloney, and then the film.

The Week that Was

Our 12 Narooma Rotarians were joined last Thursday by a truckload of guests to listen to our guest speaker John James. We also welcomed Derek Anderson and his wife Fran from Moruya Rotary.

We were fortunate to have John as our guest speaker. He is a renowned architect with an interest in physiology and a passion for the environment. In introducing him, I briefly outlined his significant involvement in architecture, especially early Gothic architecture and the environment.

John spoke about the threats of Climate Change and his belief that we are now entering a critical time where the impacts of these changes may have a catastrophic impact on the world as we know it. He indicated that although governments supported the goals of the Paris Agreement, there seems to be little or no effort to actually put in place strategies to meet agreed targets. He also indicated that the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere continues to grow at alarming rates and that politicians cannot do what is required to bring these dangerous levels under control.

John felt that if the threat of Climate Change was to be addressed, it must occur locally with communities working together. In all a very sobering address. If you want to know more about John, check out his website by clicking here. Bob Aston

Renewable Energy Expo

Our Expo committee met last Thursday and it’s all systems go for our Expo on Saturday 2 November, 10am to 4pm in Narooma Sport & Leisure Centre. The Expo committee thanks everyone who put their names forward to help on the day.

The committee is delighted with the response from exhibitors. They include South Coast Green Energy, Micro Energy, Solahart Far South Coast, Shoalhaven Solar, Simmark, SHASA, 350.org, All Solar & Electrix, Heavenly Heat, Sunny Afternoons and Energy Options.  Also on show will be e-bikes (Moruya Bikes), battery operated power tools, and some options for caravaners and campers. Narooma High’s Roborebels will also be showing their junior and senior robots.

We received good coverage of our Expo media release last week in both online and hard copies of Narooma News, Bay Post, Moruya Examiner and Independent, as well as the Beagle Weekly, with Town and Country Magazine presumably this week and a feature the following week.

Out and About

Bega’s Bad Taste Silent Auction success

Bega Rotarians last week enjoyed a fun night at their Annual Bega Rotary Silent Auction complete with a ‘Bad Taste’ dress code. They raised about $2,000 for the club. Participants were very generous with lots of goodies and great wines to be purchased, with plenty of gazumping. The ‘Bad Taste’ dress prompted much laughter, including the organiser Dorothea’s fantastic 1950s ‘home keeping outfit’ complete with hair rollers and apron.

Moruya’s Small Farms Field Days

Moruya is organising Small Farm Field Days at Moruya Showground on 20/21 March 2020. Their working party consists of Allan Veness, Peta Thompson, Pauline Gleeson, Phil Armstrong, Keith Armstrong and Col Jay. Moruya’s newsletter reports progress is good but much remains to be done, like find more exhibitors (they already have about 34), invite sponsors, and assign tasks to members. The site at the Showground is mapped out, paper work has been sent to potential exhibitors and some bookings have been confirmed. The Antique Tractor group will provide working entertainment.

Update on polio’s current status

When Rotary and its partners launched the Global Polio Eradication Initiative more than 30 years ago, polio paralyzed 1,000 children every day. Since then, thanks to this initiative, the number of cases has dropped by 99.9%, from 350,000 in 1988 in 125 countries to 33 cases of wild poliovirus in 2018 in just two countries, Afghanistan and Pakistan.

With polio nearly eradicated, Rotary and its partners are trying to sustain this progress and continue to reach every child with the polio vaccine. Without full funding and political commitment, this paralyzing disease could return to polio-free countries, putting children everywhere at risk.

Rotary has committed to raising US$50 million each year to support global polio eradication efforts. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has pledged to match that with $2 for every $1 raised, for a total yearly contribution of $150 million. 

NEXT WEEK

A quiet but busy dinner meeting to finalise arrangements for the Renewable Energy Expo just two days later. It will also be a chance to discuss the community meeting on 14 November about the 2020 Busking Festival.

Ange’s Chat

Last Thursday we celebrated Hat Day for World Mental Health. It was an important reminder of the prevalence of mental health issues in our community; the figure quoted is 1 in 5 Australians suffer some form of mental illness each year.

Australian Rotary Health (ARH) is one of the largest independent funders of mental health research within Australia. Last week I outlined several programmes funded by ARH including the ‘Cool Kids Program’ and the ‘Teen Mental Health First Aid program’ which covers problems such as anxiety and depression, eating disorders and crisis situations like suicidal thoughts and behaviours. One Indigenous research project funded currently is the ‘Longitudinal study of wellbeing and quality of life in remote Indigenous youth’. ARH also funds Indigenous Health Scholarships.

Our guest speakers from Katungul gave us an excellent insight into Katungul’s role in mental health and its range of programmes. Our guests were Clinical Nurse Consultant Manager Ann Kelly, NDIS Coordinator Kate Rotumah, and Alcohol and Drug Caseworker Damian Rotumah. They explained the importance of providing holistic and culturally appropriate services for Aboriginal people.

Kate also chose the winner of the best hat and it really was no surprise that she selected Sandra Doyle’s very creative hat covered in beautiful butterflies.

THIS WEEK:

This week promises to be another remarkable evening with noted guest speaker John James who will talk on ‘the importance of community leadership in a too-hot world’. John has had an extraordinary career as an architect, historian, psychologist and publisher. He edits a weekly email newsletter and has often been called to talk on public radio in Australia, the UK and the US. He believes the south coast is one of the few parts of Australia that can escape the worst predictions of climate change for the future. Since 2015 he and his wife Hillary have lived at Brogo.

Please note: Charmaine continues as the person to contact if you are bringing guests so please contact her by Tuesday afternoon with any additional guests.

THE WEEK THAT WAS

As Charmaine outlined, last week we supported Australian Rotary Health (ARH) on World Mental Health Day by hosting a Hat Day as part of ARH’s national ‘Lift the Lid on Mental Illness’ fundraising campaign. The ARH is one of the largest independent funders of mental health research in Australia. Mental health is one of ARH’s four focus areas; ARH funds mental health research in three ways: research grants, Ian Scott PhD Scholarships, and Postdoctoral Scholarships.

A few points from Katungul’s presentation:

• Katungul staff do a lot of travelling. Centres in Batemans Bay, Narooma and Bega/Eden, but cover from just north of Batemans Bay to the Victorian border
• They have about 200 clients on their books; about 110 would be active
• Drug/ alcohol addiction often go hand in hand with  mental health issues
• .Ann Kelley said she is very impressed with the Aboriginal Medical Service model
• Family violence issues lead to accommodation crisis
• It’s only when the client is ready to help themselves is any progress made
• Successful men’s group
• Katungul’s goal is for anyone with alcohol or drug addiction and associated mental health issues to have access to culturally safe, timely and quality care and advice.

(Not the) International Toast:

In fitting with Hat Day last week, Charmaine White instead to toast Australian Rotary Health and the tremendous work they do, including supporting research into mental health.

OUT AND ABOUT

We sponsor Narooma High robotics team

Our Board last week voted $500 towards the sponsorship of Narooma High’s Robotics team for team shirts and publicity material for 2020.

Bay Rotary and ‘Lift their lids’ plus poems

Batemans Bay Rotarians have their Hat Night for Australian Rotary Health this Thursday when they will be joined by the Rotary Caravanners at the Soldiers Club. They’e expecting about 110 for dinner, including partners and friends. The Rotary Caravanners, more formally known as the Recreational Vehicle Fellowship of Rotarians (Aust) Inc, are having a muster this week for their National AGM.at the Big 4 Caravan Park at Nelligen.

Organisers say Hats at the Bay can be ‘Foreign, Fashion or Fun’ and there will be a gold coin donation to enter. Participants are also asked to take along poems to entertain the throng. Should be a good night.

NEXT WEEK:  

World Polio Day on Thursday 24 October

Narooma is one of many Rotary clubs around the world hosting events to celebrate World Polio Day. We will host the Narooma premiere of ‘Ride Like a Girl’. So let’s fill the Kinema and encourage everyone to dress up as if they were going to the races, with a prize for ‘Fashions on the Field’.

Chris O’Brien has kindly offered to source drinks and nibbles from Dalmeny IGA, while others will add sandwiches, dips and sweets to our offering. David and Rachel McInnes are organising the raffle; could everyone please contribute a prize for the raffle; a variety of gifts adds to the fun. Please bring raffle prizes this week.

The Polio pullup banner will be prominent near the door and the 10 minute Youtube clip about the history of Polio will screen before ‘Ride Like a Girl’. What a great night!