Ange’s Chat
Our Zoom meeting last Thursday monthly to further explore ideas for the proposed monthly breakfast meetings went really well. Thanks to Lynda for hosting, to Laurelle for deputising in Andrew’s absence, and to all who participated. Previous points raised about the breakfast meetings were discussed in detail and general consensus reached on our objective and the way forward. The first breakfast meeting at Casey’s Café will be on Thursday 15 April. The next step is to form a Breakfast Committee comprising just a few members to further plan this new venture.
I was delighted to represent the Club at the official opening of the Men’s Shed on Sunday. It was a great occasion; it seemed like most of the town was there. They have built an amazing complex which is a fantastic achievement. Men’s Shed President Bernie Perrett spoke at length and emotionally about the difficulties they had to overcome over some time, especially funding and regulations, and praised the men for their passion and hard work especially during Covid. Bernie also paid tribute to three of their members who died during the last year, all from cancer, Peter Hartley being one of them. The Hartley family has donated a ‘state of the art’ greenhouse to the Men’s Shed. The men are thrilled a horticulturist has now joined their ranks. Other speakers included Member for Bega Andrew Constance and Member for Eden Monaro Kristy McBain.
I joined Bay and Moruya Rotary representatives at a meeting with Moruya Jockey Club Executive Officer Ken Brown on 16 February. The purpose was to discuss moving the Rotary Charity Race Day from the Sunday before Christmas to Saturday 3 April (which also happens to be Easter Saturday) and moving the Narooma Cup to Sunday 19 December (Sunday before Christmas). Ken expects the Easter Race Day would attract over 1,000 people on, apparently similar numbers to previous Christmas Race Days. Batemans Bay and Moruya presidents have agreed to approach local businesses for sponsorship, many of whom have supported us in the past. It was suggested the change from December to April for the Rotary Charity Race day could suit the three Clubs who might have more troops available at this time. Rotary would have buckets at the gate for both this Easter meeting and the Narooma Cup Meeting. Interestingly the proposal is for Rotary to still have the Christmas Raffle raffle at the Narooma Cup on 19 December.
It was fortuitous to have all three Rotary Club Presidents together on 16 February so we also discussed the possibility of a special combined event to celebrate the Centenary of Rotary in Australia. All are keen. At this stage, consensus seems to favour a daytime celebration in Moruya.
Don’t forget our Market this Sunday. There are still some gaps in the roster but hopefully by Thursday night we will have filled it.
THIS WEEK
We welcome Roz Hill from the RC of Young will talk about the Prostate Cancer Support Group. Please invite partners and friends along to hear about this important health issue. Numbers to Rod please by Tuesday PM.
The Week That Was
Our mighty Duo reports from PETS
PE Andrew Lawson and Treasurer Elect Mike Young attended the President Elect Training Seminar (PETS) in Temora last weekend and found it generally informative, well presented and inspiring. Andrew will report to us before dinner on Thursday night. Andrew says they both came away well aware of what is expected of them and with a long ‘to do’ list, including the following “real positives”:
- Incoming Rotary International President is Shekhar Mehta of Calcutta-Mahanagar India. His theme is ‘Serve to Change Lives’.
- Meeting incoming Batemans Bay and Moruya Presidents Nicole McDonald and Chris Manahan respectively. We will work closely together when relevant.
- Incoming DG is Leo Farrelly of RC Belconnen who impressed as being very personable.
- We sat together as Area 6, which stretches to Gerringong in the north, and to the Highlands in the west. Our Area Governor is Adam de Totth from Tuggeranong who is keen for everyone to work together as a large team. We agreed to meet monthly, alternating Zoom and face to face. Venue still to be determined. I look forward to working with Adam and the Team.
- Things to do, currently may be in hand by others, include our Insurance return, and any grant applications from the Rotary Foundation need to be submitted by 31 May.
- Attendance at the District Conference in March at Bathurst was “very highly encouraged” by Adam de Totth. I think we need to encourage more engagement at Rotary events as new Officers and Members come on board, to enhance their Rotary education. For instance, there is Technology development training school on 21 May, aimed at website and social media skills, and the Club Assembly in Young 15-16 May for Incoming Officers
Out and About
District Conference Bathurst March 19-21
There is still time to register through the District Website for what promises to be a very interesting weekend, with a program featuring many well-known speakers.
Probus invitation to 30th dinner
Bermagui Probus Club has invited representatives from our Club to their 30th Anniversary Dinner on Monday 15 March. Is anyone available to go? Our Club sponsored their Club’s formation. Bermagui Probus’ Lorraine Courtis said they realise it is highly unlikely any of the Rotary members from 30 years ago are still active in Rotary, but if possible they would like to have a representative from our Club to join them to present the Certificate sent from Probus South Pacific Ltd to mark the occasion. Four Narooma Probus members will also be going. Please let Ange and Rod know if you can go.
Fred Fawke Recovers and Reuses
Our old friend Fred Fawke of RC Belconnen is currently coordinating the sourcing of roofing to replace roofing damaged in hail storms and its redistribution (Recover, Rehabilitate and Reuse). His team is sourcing supply in Canberra and coordinating recovery through localised contacts for recipients. Fred says to date supply has gone to locals in Tumburumba, Wagga, Temora, Dalton, Bumbalong, Bugendore, Braidwood, Nerriga, Mogo, Moruya and Nerrigundah. Fred recently had a call from Tilba Dairy owners on behalf of a local farmer for sheets of corrugated sheet metal roofing. They, as do others involved in distribution process, trade at Epic Farmers Market in Canberra. Fred will keep us posted.
World sock record for Centenary
Rotary clubs in District 9650 have embarked on an ambitious project to mark the centenary of Rotary in Australia by constructing the world’s longest washing line of socks. The RC of Taree North has already kicked off a sock collection drive in the Manning ahead of the world record attempt in Port Macquarie; odd socks, old socks, new socks but no surgical socks.
The Clubs aim to build a washing line 10km long with more than 100,000 socks pegged to it, challenging the 2014 world record set by a German group who constructed a 6km washing line with 69,152 socks. Construction of the washing line starts in June. About 1,000 people will then work in small teams to orderly peg the socks using up to 150,000 stainless steel pegs lent by Melbourne business Activated Eco. The challenge will raise funds for Rotary programs in the Port Macquarie area, Australian Rotary Health, Rotary International Foundation and Lifeline.
NEXT WEEK
Cinders Moruya Tuesday 2nd
Please note our Club is off to Moruya on Tuesday for our annual Cinders Trivia Challenge. It’s 6.30 for 7pm at Moruya Golf Club. So far we have at least 13 members and friends going, but we are always keen for more particularly any who are great with ‘trivia’. We will enjoy the Golf Club’s Pizzas with a bottle of wine per table.
Please note there will be no Club meeting on Thursday 4 March.