I am not going to give a long post because I updated everybody on Friday about our Zoom discussions.
But it is clear that there is light at the end of the tunnel with Gladys’ announcements on Monday. Next week’s meetings will focus on our steps back to the ‘new normal’.
At the 2019 Duck Race – Charmaine White and Ange Ulrichsen. Can you help for our 2022 Duck Race?
One thing which I did overlook in my email to you all is on Australia Day we have our annual Duck Race which generates about $4,000 for our charity account. In the past Charmaine White brilliantly ran the affair, but she has now moved on. So, I’m looking for someone to put their hand up. What is entailed is arranging the loan of the ducks, get the tickets printed, and be in charge on the day. We shall all be involved in the ticket selling. So come on Team!
As ever, it’s onwards and upwards mes amis!
THIS WEEK
Not even a Zoom meeting!
Out and About
From Batemans Bay Rotary
The Bay Rotary is calling for nominations from local businesses for their Pride of Workmanship Awards, with their presentation dinner at the Soldiers’ Club Thursday 4 November. Nominations are due three weeks before.
‘Books for Babies’ Literacy Programme
Moruya Rotary has submitted the ‘Books for Babies’ Literacy programme for Rotary International’s 2021Literacy Awards. All babies born at Moruya Hospital receive their first books from the Rotary Clubs of Narooma, Moruya and Batemans Bay.
The programme was launched by Moruya Rotary in September 2005 during Steve Young’s year as Moruya president, assisted by Batemans Bay and Narooma clubs. Thanks particularly to Steve’s wife, Jan the programme is still going strong.
When the combined Club project was instigated by Moruya in 2005, Narooma Rotary president Richard Lovatt expressed his and our Club’s delight. “It expands on a similar project we did a few years ago where Narooma Club presented all babies born south of the Tuross River with a new book,” he said. “That was a little discriminatory so Narooma Community Health Centre took over distribution rather than the hospital. We were delighted when Moruya Club came up with the idea of all three Rotary Clubs in the shire sharing in the project so all babies born at the hospital received a book.”
Good luck Moruya!
NEXT WEEK
Board meeting via Zoom Wednesday 6 October at 4.30pm.
Club Meeting Thursday 7 October at 7.30pm. Hope you can join us.
Well naturally, it has been a very quiet week. It’s a shame to see Eurobodalla Shire in lockdown still and with Covid in Narooma, while there’s been an easing down here in Bega Valley Shire.The important thing is that with 52% double jabbed and over 80% single jabbed, we can hopefully see ‘light at the end of the tunnel’ and can soon revert to our usual meetings and see each other again in the flesh.
As for this week, Mike, Julie and I are Zooming to continue the planning of the Support Group. Don’t forget that we have our Club Zoom on Thursday, at 7.30 as already advised.
At last year’s Lift the Lid fundraiser – local milliner Anne Colquitt of Hat Savvy and Mike Young, with Bob Aston behind
A reminder that the Lift the Lid on Mental Health Day is on 10 October. Last year our special hat night was great fun and it confirmed what we suspected, that Mike was the ‘Mad Hatter’! It is obvious we shall not be able to participate in the same way on 10th October, but with the significant impact that Covid-19 restrictions have had on mental health, I suggest that we have our own fun when we are able to.
So, hang in there, hope for the best, and as ever, onwards and upwards mes amis!
THIS WEEK
A Club Zoom this Thursday to catch up with everyone at the later time of 7.30pm to see how that suits. Andrew has already sent invitations to you. Get back to him if you haven’t received one or since lost it.
The Week that Was
Taliya Smith receives part of her prize
Taliya Smith receives part of her recent prize
You might remember that local lady Taliya Smith of Narooma VRA was announced as the winner of the Rotary Emergency Services Youth Scholarship at the 2021 Rotary NSW Emergency Service Community Award ceremony some weeks ago. The lockdown though has prevented her receiving her awards.
Well, Mike Young caught up with Taliya this week at work at Narooma Home Hardware and presented her with the trophy she won for being a finalist in the Rotary Emergency Services Youth Scholarship. President Andrew intends presenting her with the Winner’s trophy at our next face-to-face Club meeting, whenever that may be, hopefully with her family members present. Her $1,000 scholarship prize will assist her with further training and/or equipment to assist her community.
Rotary Rural Inspirational Women’s Award
Bega Valley Police Officer Sarah Bancroft of Millingandi was awarded the Rotary Rural Inspirational Women’s Award on Sunday. She was nominated by Pambula Rotary Club. Sarah works with PCYC in the Bega Valley Shire and is committed to helping young people troubled by drug use, mental health and other issues.
Sarah Bancroft
Sarah has been particularly focussed on the indigenous community, going way beyond the call of duty to help those youngsters and their families. Sarah also runs a before-school program two mornings a week where young people are given breakfast, fun and fitness. Sarah has also worked tirelessly to raise money to take two teams to the Rugby League tournament called Nations of Origin.
Hers was one of five Rotary Inspirational Women’s Awards presented by the Rotary Clubs of NSW at a virtual celebration on Sunday. The awards are open to all women across NSW who aren’t Rotarians and acknowledge and celebrate community service performed by women, through their various activities and endeavours, over and above their normal daily role.
Out and About
Pambula Rotary has Trivia night online
Pambula has been trying Club meetings with a difference. Last week they had an online trivia night which proved to be lots of fun, the only question no one could figure out who won. With the fabulous prize of a lockdown haircut from one of the Rotarians (hairdresser!) on offer, the prize was unclaimed. Everyone appreciated though seeing everyone’s smiling faces .
From Moruya Rotary bulletin
Through Phil Armstrong’s efforts, Moruya Rotary will receive a AUD$30,000 grant from the Rotary International Britain and Ireland Disaster Recovery Trust towards the Moruya Showground kitchen renovation. The kitchen was the evacuation hub during the bushfires. This is a shining example of how Rotary funds cross the world.
The other news is the District 9705 Environment team has been progressing as well. Confidently led by PDG David Brawn and assisted by PDG Michael Milston, has nearly completed the District Environment plan. It will help Rotary clubs understand and implement the new area of focus ‘Protecting the Environment’.
Free webinar Mental Health Day 10 October
Australian Rotary Health will celebrate its 40th birthday and Hat Day on Sunday 10 October by hosting a free online webinar, joined by experts in youth mental health. Everyone is welcome. Special guests include Professor Michael Sawyer OAM, Dr Nicole Hill and Dr Lisa Mundy. Another guest will be announced at a later date. While free, a donation to Australian Rotary Health mental health research would be much appreciated. Make sure if you join in the webinar, you wear a hat to help everyone Lift the Lid on Mental Illness.
Mike Young and Norm Ingersoll draw the 2021 Whalewatching Raffle
Our Board Meeting last Wednesday confirmed what we already suspected. In view of the continuing lockdown, we shall Zoom on the second Thursday of the month at 4.00pm, and at 7.30pm on the fourth. Let’s see how that works out; we’ll be flexible if needs be.
Both the Business Breakfast and Prostate Cancer Support meetings are deferred until we have some certainty going forward… hopefully November (he says with fingers firmly crossed!). The market for September has also obviously been cancelled; we plan to recommence as soon as possible. Finally, the Duck Race on Australia Day will be held as normal.
On that note, after last week’s Government announcements, it is now clear that normality will only return after the 70%/80% vaccination levels. It is also clear our vaccination status is going to be linked to our NSW QR code readers upon entry to various locations, including the Golf Club. So I urge us all to get fully vaccinated so that we can enjoy our mutual fellowship again as soon as possible.
It was excellent to see that Mike Young and Norm Ingersoll of Narooma Charters drew the Whale Watch Raffle last Saturday, all suitably distanced and fully masked. It was won by Dorothy Rule of Kianga who was suitably thrilled. Thanks to all, especially Ange, for the ticket selling efforts which have raised almost $1,700 for our Prostate Cancer Support Group project.
Looking to happier times in the future, please make diary dates for our Christmas Dinner on Thursday 16th December (location to be advised), and on 9th January Lynn and I are hosting an open lunch for you all and your families in Wandella.
The next Zoom will be on the 23rd at 7.30. So onwards and upwards mes amis!
THIS WEEK
No meeting this week, not even a Zoom meeting! Stay safe and hopefully sane… apparently we’re almost there…
The Week that was
Whale watching Raffle
As Andrew mentioned, our Whale Watching Raffle was drawn on Saturday by Norm Ingersoll of Narooma Charters. Norm and Nick Ingersoll have been donating this prize since at least 2014, an initiative of PP Ange. The $1,692 we raised will assist the soon to be launched Narooma Prostate Cancer Support Group.
When Mike Young rang the winner Dorothy Rule of Kianga, she was absolutely delighted. Mike said Dorothy has lived here for 20 years and never been out to Montague Island. With little time left of this year’s whalewatching season once we come out of lockdown, Dorothy can transfer the tickets to the 2022 season if she wishes.
Update on Prostate Cancer Support Group
Our launch of the Narooma Prostate Cancer Support Group has obviously been delayed because of the Lockdown. The proposed launch is now Tuesday 2 November at the earliest, should the post Lockdown restrictions be sufficiently eased. Otherwise the launch will hopefully occur in December. The intention is for the Group to meet at the Men’s Shed on the first Tuesday in each month at 6.30pm
Our Support Groups Subcommittee consists of Andrew, Julie Hartley and Mike Young, with Gordon Bentley also volunteering to assist when he can. Gordon suggested some visitors over summer may also be interested in coming along. To find out more about the Support Group, please contact Andrew Lawson at narooma.pcsg@gmail.com.
Narooma Rotary Tertiary Scholarship
Our Rotary 2021 and 2020 Scholars Elise Dixon and Rory Spurgeon
Bob Aston reported at the last Board meeting that all this year’s Year 12 students have information and application forms for our Narooma Tertiary Scholarship. With the Lockdown it is obviously difficult to do any follow up but having a really good Year advisor will hopefully help. We wish all Year 12 students the best of luck, clear heads and continued resilience through their studies and exams. Applications are due on 8 November with interviews 11 December.
Busking Competition
With the amount of preparation involved with organising a Narooma Busking Competition and the uncertain times we are in at the moment, the Board decided to not hold the Busking Festival in 2022. We hope to run it again in 2023 with widespread community support. These arrangements have been endorsed by the organiser of the Australian National Busking Championships instigator Alan Spencer of Cooma.
Out and About
Lift the Lid on Mental Health Day 10 October
Presumably showing Professor Michael Sawyer OAM, left, Dr Nicole Hill and Dr Lisa Mundy who will be taking part in the 10 October webinar on youth mental health.
Unfortunately chances are we may still be in lockdown so perhaps we could all wear a hat for our Zoom meeting on Thursday 14 October, the closest day to World Mental Health Day on 10 October. Watch this space!
Australian Rotary Health will celebrate its 40th birthday and Hat Day on Sunday 10 October by hosting a free online webinar, joined by experts in youth mental health. Everyone is welcome. Special guests include Professor Michael Sawyer OAM, Dr Nicole Hill and Dr Lisa Mundy. Another guest will be announced at a later date. While free, a donation to Australian Rotary Health mental health research would be much appreciated. Make sure if you join in the webinar, you wear a hat to help everyone Lift the Lid on Mental Illness.
World Polio Day is on 24 October
When Rotary and its partners launched the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) in 1988, there were 350,000 cases of polio in 125 countries every year. Today, polio cases have been reduced by 99.9 percent. Just two countries continue to report cases of wild poliovirus: Afghanistan and Pakistan.
The GPEI’s new strategic plan for 2022–26 aims to interrupt all polio transmission in Afghanistan and Pakistan by the end of 2023. However, the outlook for a continued vaccination programme in Afghanistan is uncertain and depends on the Taliban’s position and the country’s security. Success also depends on stopping the virus in Pakistan, as the virus has often jumped back into Afghanistan just as the country was making gains.
The vaccination programme depends on full funding and political commitment; without that 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 & Melinda Gates Foundation has pledged to match that 2-to-1, for a total yearly contribution of $150 million.
On a lighter note
Without freedom of speech we wouldn’t know who the idiots are.
What’s the difference between COVID-19 and Romeo & Juliet? One is a Coronavirus and the other is a Verona crisis. (Courtesy Moruya bulletin)
NEXT WEEK
It’s a Zoom meeting next week, Thursday 23 September, starting at 7.30 pm. The time is a bit of a trial to see how that goes. Feedback welcome
Well, not surprisingly it’s been a quiet week. I did manage to meet Mike and Julie in Wooli’s car park to hand over the Whalewatching Raffle tickets and monies, suitably masked and socially distanced!
We have an important Board meeting on Wednesday where we shall have to make some tough decisions. But we are where we are and have to accept reality. Restrictions will be eased at 70% / 80% vaccinated, the sooner the better when we can return to some sort of normality. Let’s keep our fingers crossed for November and December!
Still with fingers firmly crossed, and hopefully on a happier note, I would love you all to come to Wandella for an open lunch on Sunday 9 January. Bring spouses or lovers, spouses and lovers, family, children, dogs and importantly, healthy appetites! A few of the upper echelons of the area’s CWA will hopefully join us too.
We have a Zoom on Thursday which I urge you all to join, as we shall be reporting back on our Board meeting.
Keep your chins up, and onward and upwards mes amis!!
THIS WEEK
This Wednesday 4pm: Board Zoom Meeting
This Thursday 4pm: Club Zoom meeting. Please note the earlier times.
Out and About
From Moruya Rotary
Our friends at Moruya have been busy during lockdown reorganising their operations of Moruya Jockey Club kiosk (their main fundraiser), ready for when races and crowds are back post lockdown.
Update on RYLA 2022
The D9705 RYLA Committee is working towards holding RYLA in January 2022, Covid-19 willing, the venue and format still to be determined it but will be Canberra.
The Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) is an impressive programme that aims to empower Australia’s young emerging leaders. It’s a week-long programme where young people can meet life changing people, be enthralled by inspiring stories and develop skills through challenges and activities designed to put their leadership into practice, in a supportive and encouraging environment.
Applicants must be nominated, interviewed, and financially supported by District Rotary Clubs.
Our District still does not have exact costs for the week but every Club who sponsors a RYLA 2022 candidate will receive a $300 discount per candidate. The RYLA committee wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the District Board for their belief in the value of RYLA and for their invaluable financial assistance.
On a lighter note
Read about an amazing lady in Meadowbank, Auckland who posted jokes or sayings in her local park throughout their lockdown for the enjoyment of her local community, a fresh batch every morning. Here are a few…
Virtual meetings are basically séances… “There’s somebody who wants to join us… Are you there… We can’t hear you…. Can you hear us?”
What’s the best way to keep milk fresh? Leave it in the cow.
I had a fun childhood. My Dad used to push me down the hill in old tyres. They were Goodyears.
NEXT WEEK Thursday 16 September
Was to have been a breakfast meeting but not even a Zoom meeting!
Stay safe and hopefully sane… apparently we’re almost on the other side…
It’s been a week where probably our worst fears have been confirmed. So it looks like it will be Zoom meetings for the foreseeable future.
Our noble leader Andrew
We had a good catch up last Thursday for the seven of us who Zoomed. It was good to see our old mate Gordon Bentley who managed to escape the clutches of Dubbo just before the lockdown and who will probably be around Narooma for a while.
So what for the future? We shall obviously formally adopt a draft programme at our upcoming Zoom Board Wednesday week, but we have to be realistic. Our breakfast program has been moved to Spring and it looks like the Prostate Cancer project will follow the same route.
In order that we don’t get totally Zoomed out, I am proposing only two meetings per month on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays. Let’s see how that works.
But let’s not lose what we have gained so far in 2021. We’re becoming a close knit group which is great, and we need to keep in touch, and care for each other. For those not comfortable with Zoom. let’s call them from time to time to see that they’re travelling well both physically and mentally.
Keep those chins up, mes amis!!
THIS WEEK
Not even a Zoom meeting this Thursday.
The Week that Was
Our great Cobargo night keeps on giving
Our Club and Cobargo BlazeAid received more good publicity this week in the September issue of The Triangle, much to President Andrew’s delight. It was about our wonderful night at Cobargo Hotel with the Cobargo BlazeAid volunteers, hosted by Narrandera and our own Club.
Andrew also put in a plug for how we would welcome people from the Cobargo, Bermagui and Tilba area who may be interested in becoming Club members. Our story had previously run in local online papers Narooma News (as well as the hard copy) and the Beagle Weekly soon after the dinner.
Moruya on D9705’s Environmental Team
Moruya’s Rotary bulletin had an article this week about our District’s Environmental Team. You will recall that last year Rotary International added the Environment as a new seventh area of focus. In response this year, Rotary Down Under has been running a series of relevant articles under the heading ‘Our Earth Our Home’.
Our District has set up a committee under PDG David Brawn of the Rotary Club of Berry. Its charter is to encourage Rotary clubs in District 9705 to embrace the new area of focus and to initiate environmental projects in their areas. Moruya President Chris Manahan and Derek Anderson are members of the committee which hopes to recruit more members. Maybe it’s time for our Club to explore our Renewable Energy Expos again?
The photos that launched our Radar news
Our former Exchange student Jui-Da ‘Radar’ Lin from Taiwan
Lynn Hastings recently spotted our former Exchange student Jui-Da ‘Radar’ Lin from Taiwan on Instagram in a white coat with a stethoscope. So here are the photos! Radar was with us 2015-2016 during Bob Antill’s year as President. Bob and Lynn think Radar is studying medicine, possibly radiography, and would be about half way through his course, so he’s possibly doing an internship.
Out and About
More postponements due to Covid-19
Due to the ongoing uncertainty of the COVID-19 situation, RYPEN 2021 has been postponed. RYPEN Coordinator Darren Wallace said they are investigating possible dates for the camp in the first half of 2022, and will advise all clubs of the new dates ASAP. They plan on running another RYPEN in November 2022.
On a lighter ‘Lockdown’ note…
Now is definitely not the right time to start surrounding yourself with positive people.
Yeah, I have plans tonight. I’ll probably hit the living room around 8 or 9!
Never in my wildest of wild dreams did I ever think I would go up to a bank teller with a mask on and ask for money.
Chinese doctors have confirmed the name of the first person to contract Coronavirus. His name is Ah-Chu.
Is September too early to put up the Christmas tree? I am up to date with everything else.
NEXT WEEK
Wednesday 8 September, a Board Meeting on Zoom at 4-6pm (please note earlier time).
Thursday 9 September, a Zoom Club meeting 4-5pm (please note earlier time).
