Ange’s Chat

What a great informative Zoom we all enjoyed last week with Lynn Lawson in her capacity as secretary of the Far South Coast Country Women’s Association of NSW. She was on the organising committee for the 99th Annual Conference held 2-6 May in Bega. Lovely to have Frank Eden (Grandpa) and Iris (Omi) join us as well as Mike Young from Broome basking in 30deg. 

Four hundred delegates attended from all over NSW. The CWA is the single largest women’s advocacy group in Australia and this gives them great lobbying clout. Lasting five days, the conference was the culmination of superb long term planning by a great team which helped make it such a success. They also achieved great business sponsorship together with generous media coverage.

Many motions, all of which originated at the ‘grassroots’ level, were debated and voted on. Lynn highlighted several that were passed:

– to advocate putting prescribed medicinal cannabis medication on the PBS – to mandate Australian wool insulation in all new public buildings in ACT and NSW – to change organ donation registration to opt out rather than opt in.

Others motions included:

–  to advocate for a just transition from coal and gas – to oppose large scale solar plants on prime agricultural land and protect food and fibre security.

There was lots of entertainment and fun, including a bush dance. In the lead up to the conference, the committee organised a stand up cow theme competition involving local schools and had a cow trivia competition, very appropriate for such a significant dairying region.

We came to appreciate that CWA is a vital and highly respected lobby group to all levels of government. Definitely so much more than ‘ tea and scones’.

THIS WEEK

We’re at the Golf Club with a combined meeting of old and new boards at 5pm, followed by dinner with everyone 6 for 6.30pm. Please let Secretary Rod know if you are coming or not by Wednesday morning.

The Week that Was

Concern about Buckeridge Lookout

Having finally found out which government agency actually owns Harold Buckeridge Lookout and adjacent land at North Narooma, our Board is now seeking permission from Crown Lands to do some much needed work there. Meanwhile on the Narooma Community Facebook page last week there was some community concern about the Lookout and its sorry state plus an increasing realisation it was/is a Rotary Project. So we responded accordingly, both on our Facebook page and on the Community Facebook page; the story was subsequently picked up by the Beagle Weekly.

Many thanks everyone for your interest in the Harold Buckeridge Lookout at North Narooma which was a Narooma Rotary initiative in 2001. While a lookout was there years before, regrowth had blocked the view so in 2001 Rotary restored the view and created a viewing platform. Harold Buckeridge was a highly respected local forester with State Forests.
Over the years the Club just went in and did what was necessary to maintain it as a lookout, but times have changed. The land and road area is Crown Land under the jurisdiction of its Goulburn office rather than being Council or State Forest land.
As a responsible community organisation, the Club must get the owner’s permission to maintain and restore this wonderful lookout which will become even more popular as the nearby bike trails develop.
We are currently waiting to hear back from Crown Lands’ Goulburn office; hopefully we will get the ‘go ahead’ soon. We will keep the community posted.

Vale Matt Deveson

Matt and Jen Deveson hosted our Rotary meetings at The Whale for many years until we moved to the Golf Club a few years ago. Matt was a true friend of our Club. His memorial service was held recently at The Whale. Quoting from the Chamber of Commerce’s tribute, “In the past fortnight our community lost a champion when Matt died far too young leaving so great a legacy for his family and the rest of us who knew and loved him”.

The Chamber’s tribute notes Matt and Jen moved to Narooma in 2006. They managed, then later owned, the Whale Motor Inn and Restaurant introducing fine dining and the slow food movement to Narooma with its emphasis on local produce. Matt was a founding member of a revitalised Chamber of Commerce in 2007 which launched the ‘Narooma – How Life should be’ brand, introduced annual business awards, and established the  Oyster Festival. He was involved in organising and running of the Festival over many years, and always a major supporter.

Matt was a member of the Liquor Licensing Board in Eurobodalla, a member of the Mayor’s Disaster Relief Fund, and had been a member of both Eurobodalla Business Advisory Committee and the Eurobodalla Tourism Board. He instigated the NAB Working Group in Narooma and from there organised the Narooma Community Workshops to develop the Narooma Community Plan – a strategic plan for future development which we heard about at the last Business Breakfast.

Our Club joins with the Chamber of Commerce in offering Jen and Matt’s family our condolences .

Out and About

It is a shame Batemans Bay’s and our Changeovers are on the same night which basically prevents us or them attending each other’s. Moruya representatives though will attend both functions. 

NEXT THURSDAY

Our June Breakfast Business meeting with guest speaker Zarina Fitzgerald  from Apprenticeship Support Australia for the Far South Coast & Snowy Region. It is again at Narooma Surf Club at 7am and all members are invited. Cost is $10 a head. Bookings essential with PE Andrew.

Zarina will talk about government assistance for businesses. She says with the release of the latest Government Budget, adding apprentices and trainees to your business make both financial and practical sense.

Ange’s Chat

Unfortunately I had to lie low last week with a bad cold and so missed our prestigious Pride of Workmanship (POW) Awards. From all accounts it was a great night so thank you to everyone involved.

Pride of Workmanship

Our annual presentation of Pride of Workmanship Awards last Thursday was one of those real ‘feel good’ nights.  It enabled seven of our local businesses to publicly recognise key staff members for their contribution and excellent work at a special presentation dinner for 34 people at the Golfie.

Our MC extraordinaire David McInnes demonstrated our Club’s pride in this programme and the support it receives from local businesses. The words expressed by the various business principals about their nominated employees were quite moving. As David said, “What these awards also show is that these businesses care about their employees and our community is the better for that”.

In President Ange’s absence, PE Andrew Lawson presented awards to:

• Dee Cramb from Clearwater Real Estate
• Belinda Watson of Dalmeny Long Day Care
• Kim Aitchison of Maven Dental Narooma
• Raam Pemberton of Montague Cafe
• Olivia Ford of Narooma Charters
• Cody Bond of Narooma Meat Centre.
• Kate Heffernan of Narooma Pre-School was unable to be there and was presented with her award on Tuesday.

Our awards organiser Laurelle Pacey particularly mentioned two awardees. “It says a lot for Cody Bond that this is his second Pride of Workmanship Award,” she said. “He received his first when nominated by Chris and Robyn Scroggy in 2014 for being head chef at Quarterdeck. This one recognises his contributions as an apprentice butcher at Narooma Meat Centre.”

She said Belinda Watson has been a great supporter of these Awards over many years as Director of Dalmeny Long Day Care. “Our Club is really delighted to share with Centre owner Kerrie Mault and her team in recognising your Pride of Workmanship in this way,” Ms Pacey said.

Mike Young donned his ‘100 years top hat’, as seen at the combined Rotary Clubs celebration the previous week (see last week’s photo), to toast all the Rotary Clubs in Australia and New Zealand who are celebrating the centenary of Rotary in Australia and New Zealand.

THIS WEEK

We will have a Zoom meeting with CWA Far South Coast Secretary Lynn Lawson who will talk about ‘What really happens in the CWA – it’s more than Tea and Scones’. Lynda Ord will host the meeting; Laurelle Pacey will chair.

Out and About

From Moruya Rotary

Our Narooma presence at the centenary celebrations in Moruya recently made it into this week’s Moruya bulletin with the photo of the Narooma table, as seen in last week’s Beacon, and our story about what a great night it was.

The Moruya bulletin also included a comment from our Area Governor Adam de Totth who was delighted with the night, describing it as “a triumph, and that is because you and your teams made it so. It brought the Eurobodalla clubs together in common purpose … it celebrated your histories, successes and friendships … all wrapped up in a fun night. As for feedback … it was in the smiles on all the faces there. It was wonderful to be there.”

Pambula Rotary

Pambula Rotary was one of many proud partners in Pambula’s Melanoma Awareness Day (MAD) at Pambula Beach on Sunday. It was a family fun day with music and activities, prizes and giveaways, and included education about Melanoma and free mini health checks. It was held in memory of local Tracey Beasley and honoured her wish for melanoma awareness.

NEXT WEEK

Board meeting at 5pm at Narooma Golf Club followed by dinner. Please let Secretary Rod know if you are coming or if you are an apology. Hope to see you then.

Ange’s Chat

Our second Business Breakfast, this time at the Surf Club, was again well received by the many businesses attending. Guest speaker Narooma Chamber of Commerce President Dr Jenny Munro AM elaborated on the Narooma and District Community Plan. She began with a brief overview of the effects of the bushfires and Covid lockdown on businesses in our region. Projects proposed in the Narooma Plan highlighted so many wonderful initiatives to promote Narooma and surrounds and provided a message of hope and optimism. Excitement is visibly building among businesses enjoying these monthly breakfast meetings.

The District Club Development Seminar at Broulee was terrific training and networking with so many Rotarians from Bega to Nowra, Southern Highlands to Canberra enriched the experience. RI President Elect Shekhar Mehta gave us all an inspiring message for 2021/22 to dream big and change lives everywhere; “If you can dream it; you can do it”.

Guest speaker Brian Coffey touched us  deeply with his story about connecting with a crippled boy named Charlie from Vanuatu and how ROMAC (Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children) transformed all their lives. Topical sessions during the day included Social Media/Communications, Rotary Foundation, Service Projects, New Rotarians, Youth, Planning for Success and Expanding our Reach. Hats off to District for a top day and really looking forward to the District 9705 Conference in Temora in March next year.

What a great night in Moruya on Saturday to celebrate Rotary’s 100 years in Australia and New Zealand. (Please see the report below)

A big thank you to everyone who helped at the Markets on Sunday. A great atmosphere.

THIS WEEK

Our prestigious Pride of Workmanship Awards presentation is this Thursday at Narooma Golf Club, 6 for 6.30. The cost is $44 per person for a two course meal. Bookings are essential by Monday evening with secretary Rod Walker.

THE WEEK THAT WAS

Rotary Business Breakfast

Last Thursday’s Business Breakfast was again a great success attracting 24 local business people. Both President Ange and PE Andrew Lawson are delighted with the interest the monthly Business Breakfasts are creating, with many particularly enjoying networking with other local businesses as well as hearing from our speaker.

Guest speaker was Dr Jenny Munro who spoke about projects featured in the Narooma and District Community Plan. The Plan was the result of two workshops involving about 75 locals run by an independent facilitator.

Projects highlighted were:

* the Narooma Bypass and Bridge

* Creation of a world class mountain bike trail system

* Narooma Oyster Experience Centre

* Narooma Arts and Community Centre on School of Arts’ site

* Indigenous Cultural Experiences

Many of these projects aim to create jobs but some at the Breakfast expressed frustration at not being able to fill existing jobs. Dr Munro and Narooma High Principal Fiona Jackson both expressed concern that many young people today seem not interested in working, with Ms Jackson suggesting social media was largely to blame.

The Narooma Bypass was the other hot topic.

District Club Development Seminar

Three of our Rotarians went to the District Club Development Seminar at Broulee on Saturday before they fronted up to the centenary celebrations that night – President Ange, PE Andrew Lawson and Treasurer Elect Mike Young. They all raved about it, both the content and the wonderful camaraderie. No doubt we will hear more about what they learned in coming weeks.

Rotary in Australia’s centenary Saturday

What a wonderful night at Moruya Golfie for the combined Eurobodalla Rotary Clubs’ celebration of 100 years of Rotary and Australia and New Zealand. Most people dressed up in 1920s-1930s gear (St Vinnie’s obviously did great business over recent weeks) and the tables looked fantastic. Congratulations to all those involved in the organisation from the Bay and Moruya Clubs. Music was by the fabulous Stitch. President Ange did our Club proud with her speech.

NEXT WEEK

We will have a Zoom meeting withCWA Far South Coast Secretary Lynn Lawson  who will talk about  ‘What really happens in the CWA – More than Tea and Scones’. Lynda Ord will host the meeting; Laurelle Pacey will chair.

Ange’s Chat

What a busy week ahead. Our business breakfast meeting is on Thursday and then the Rotary in Australia centenary celebrations in Moruya on Saturday evening. During the day, the equivalent to what used to be called District Assembly. Then on Sunday the Rotary market.

Our Board meeting last Thursday was great. We progressed many items carried over from previous meetings, including:

• Consideration of updated Club brochures.
• Marking out the markets will be done by Julie Hartley and Akash Sharma in future. Thanks to Bob buddying up with them.
• We’re having a vocational visit to the Men’s Shed on Thursday 29 July to check out their new premises with a Greek dinner organised by our super chef Gero.
• Laurelle has found out the Harold Buckeridge Lookout is on Crown land rather than Forestry or Council land. She is clarifying further with Crown Lands as to land status and what we can do there.
• We finalized the standard Club letterhead and branding/business cards.
• Van refurbishment or alternatives were discussed but bno decision has been made yet.
• Narrandera RC has been confirmed as our sister Club; we may possibly share future events.
• The Club Changeover on Thursday 24 June, our most prestigious event of the year, was discussed.
• Pride of Workmanship Awards night is on Thursday 27 May. Laurelle has sent out 43 letters including two Cobargo businesses which now officially falls within our boundary.
• PE Andrew held a Planning Day for the board for his year last Saturday

This Week

This Thursday (20^th)

Rotary Business Breakfast at Narooma Surf Club 7AM with guest speaker Narooma Chamber of Commerce President Dr Jenny Munro on the Narooma and District Community Plan. Catering by Kristy Beecham of the Ice Creamery and Surf Beach Cafe. Cost is $15pp plus $44 for the venue (6.30-8.30). We will start seeking donations from businesses.

This Saturday (22^nd)

District 9705 Club Development Seminar (previously known as District Assembly) is at St Peter’s Anglican College at Broulee 9-4. The programme looks really interesting; a shame it coincides with the centenary celebrations.

Rotary in Australia’s centenary Saturday

The combined Eurobodalla Rotary clubs centenary celebration of Rotary in Australia and New Zealand is this Saturday at Moruya Golf Club, 6 for a 6.30 start. Over 100 attending including eight from our Club.

Organisers promise a fun night with music by the fabulous Stitch (won major prizes at the Busking Festival) and dancing. It should be a great night.

The Week that Was

At last week’s meeting

Mike Young reported his participation in the excellent Zoom Rotary Membership presentation the previous Tuesday by Dr Jessie Harman, incoming Zone 8 Director. He said it gave him confidence our club can attract new members and give our current members a boost to our enthusiasm for finding ways to make our volunteerism an integral part of our lives.

Charmaine White toasted the Rotary Club of Phnom Penh in Cambodia which she has visited during her time volunteering as a dentist in a local project. It’s a lunchtime club that provides help in health, education and community development areas.  This includes their project to help people suffering with MEC (meningoencephalocoele) which is a rare a birth defect found in remote villages in Cambodia. At birth the skull fails to close which causes the child’s brain to herniate through the opening near the bridge of the nose. This project has already helped over 70 patients, mostly children, but desperately needs more funding to continue to treat more.

NEXT WEEK Pride of Workmanship

Our prestigious Pride of Workmanship Awards night at Narooma Golf Club. This gives employers the opportunity to publicly recognise one of their employees who displays outstanding qualities in terms of approach, attitude, dedication and commitment to his or her job. It’s not a competition. The cost is $44 per person for a two course meal. Please confirm you are coming with any guests by Monday evening with secretary Rod Walker.

Ange’s Chat

It’s been all go over the past week. Chris O’Brien and I assisted at the Narooma High session at Bega’s RYDA on Friday which we found really rewarding and we believe the students gained a lot from it (see below). Our Club also paid for the bus for Narooma High students to RYDA. Then on Saturday I took part in a Zoom meeting (see below).

Our Zoom meeting last Thursday with SHASA dynamo Kathryn Maxwell was a real treat. We got an impressive update on SHASA (South coast  Health and Sustainability Alliance) – SHASA’s key achievements and their vision championing renewable energy, sustainability and community projects in the Eurobodalla.

Partnering with MESA (Micro Energy) has realized solar bulk buy across 20% of regional households; Narooma solar installations at Monty’s Place, Marine Rescue, Men’s Shed; and Moruya projects include The Red Door Hall at St Johns and the Women’s Refuge.

Other achievements include the Moruya Repair Café and the SHASA Nissan LEAF electric vehicle. Plans are to promote Electric transport for clubs and commercial businesses as well as negotiations for more charging points to make distance travelling more viable for electric vehicles. Future projects also include establishing solar/battery & air filter systems in evacuation designated places like CWA Moruya and Moruya Preschool.

Catastrophic bushfires and future climate issues have also shaped SHASA’s exciting key focus in 2021 e.g. implementing a Micro Grid Energy System locally to support the Grid during power outages especially in smaller towns like Tilba, Potato Point and Bodalla. SHASA is partnering with the ANU and Essential Energy to finance and build a complete micro grid across Eurobodalla. Big picture developments are also being discussed at high levels to establish a National Community Energy Plan.

In thanking Kathryn for her wonderful talk, Mike Young mentioned the possibility of future cooperation in hosting another Renewable Energy Expo in Narooma to which Kathryn gave a thumb’s up.

Many thanks to Lynda Ord for doing our Youth Protection declaration updates.

Birthdays in May – Julie Hartley 19/5. Happy birthday for then Julie.

President Ange

THIS WEEK

Board meeting at Narooma Golf Club at 5pm. A dinner meeting will follow from 6 for 6.30. Hope to see you then.

The Week that was

Narooma High goes to Bega RYDA

Rotary Youth Driver Awareness (RYDA) is such a valuable program for student learner drivers in Year 11. It’s a programme our Club has supported for many years. This year Narooma High and Carrol College sent 79 students on 7 May to participate in RYDA organised by Bega Rotary at the Sapphire Coast Kart Club at Frogs Hollow. Bega Rotarian Eric Johnston has offered his place for this purpose over the past 15 years during which time about 6,000 learner drivers have taken part.

President Ange reports an impressive 550 students attended over four days; they were from Mallacoota, Bombala, Bega, Eden, Lumin Christi, Cooma, Jindabyne, Sapphire Coast Anglican as well as the two Eurobodalla schools. “The session presenters were fantastic covering speed and stopping, road choices/risk factors, mind matters regarding the driver’s mind state and crash investigators,” she said. “All were incredibly sobering and educational. The bottom line is about making smart choices. Attitude is key and the driver owns it 100%. We heard personal and very powerful stories from crash victims. It is always good to remember that driving is a privilege, not a right.”

Lunch was provided by Bega Rotary, Pambula Rotary, Bega Lions and Pambula-Merimbula Lions.

Presidents’ Zoom meeting Sat 8 May

President Ange took part in a wonderful Zoom meeting last Saturday with Presidents from Bomaderry, Berrima, Milton Ulladulla, Gerringong, Berry, Bega, and Moss Vale Rotary Clubs. It was chaired by our D9705 Area 6 Governor Adam de Totth.

Ange says it was a great opportunity to catch up, share news and experiences, network and get assistance with projects. “Several from bushfire devastated areas are still dealing with moneys distributed to the needy, co-op vouchers and identifying people who have fallen through the cracks and mental health problems. Issues regarding membership and lack lustre meetings were common. I find the sharing of ideas and opening up really helpful and a positive initiative by District.”

OUT AND ABOUT

Celebrate Australian centenary

The combined Eurobodalla Rotary clubs centenary celebration of Rotary in Australia and New Zealand is on Saturday 22 May at Moruya Golf Club, 6 for a 6.30 start. Ticket sales have closed with over 100 attending – 36 from the Bay, eight from Narooma, 44 from Moruya and 12 special guests. Batemans Bay is running a raffle. Narooma, Batemans Bay and Moruya Clubs will hold a special dinner to celebrate 100 years on Saturday 22 May at Moruya Golf Club, 6 for a 6.30 start. Organisers promise a fun night with music by the fabulous Stitch (won one of the major prizes at our last Busking Festival) and dancing. It promises to be a great night.

District 9705 Club Development Seminar

If you have not yet registered for the upcoming Club Development Seminars (previously known as District Assembly) at St Peter’s Anglican College at Broulee on 22 May and would like to go, time is running out. Registrations close this Sunday 16 May. No cost. It runs 9-4. The programme looks really interesting; a shame it coincides with the centenary celebrations. Registrations at 2021 Club Development Seminar | District 9705 (rotary9705.org.au) 

Merimbula supports Balinese village

Merimbula Rotary has been providing food packs to residents who need them in the Balinese village of Karangsari in Jembrana Regency, Bali. Karangsari is the home village of a young lady two Merimbula Rotarians are sponsoring to undertake her teaching degree at university.  Kris (her nickname) has arranged packs containing rice, oil, noodles and eggs for families in her village who are struggling as a result of the coronavirus impact on tourism and employment.  She determined which families after consultation with the Village Chief.  The cost so far is $2,000.

NEXT THURSDAY 20 May

Business Breakfast meeting at Narooma Surf Club 7AM with guest speaker Narooma Chamber of Commerce President Dr Jenny Munro on the Narooma and District Community Plan.

Ange’s Chat

Maybe it was due to the Canberra long weekend and crowds after the Anzac Service, but our market on Sunday was a hub of activity with big crowds and brilliant autumn weather. Respectful silence was observed by everyone at both sunrise and 11 am for the start of the Anzac Day service organised by the RSL at Club Narooma. The local RSL had approved our holding the market on Sunday.

Thank you to everyone who helped at the markets. Special thanks to Akash Sharma and Dave Swilks for coming to our rescue on the barbecue, to our butcher Dave White who kindly dropped off our meat order at the van knowing we were short staffed, and to David McInnes who made at least five trips to the IGA to replace our depleting food stocks. Market takings were: Gate $1,025, Van $1,005 and Wishing Well $364. It is clearly evident that having a friendly Rotary presence at the gate encourages the public to give generously to our wishing well.

Meanwhile across the way, thanks to Lynda Ord for organising a wreath from Narooma Rotary for the Anzac Day service at Club Narooma. It was beautiful.

Happy birthday this week to Andrew Lawson for the 27^th.

THIS WEEK

As most of you would have realised, there was no Rotary meeting this Thursday being the fifth Thursday in the month. Apologies from the editor for not getting this week’s bulletin out sooner (been full on since our return to Narooma late on Tuesday) so hopefully no one turned up at the Golfie.

The Week that Was

Business Breakfast meetings

The recent breakfast meeting was a great success, but we are unable to continue holding them at The Inlet so the search has been on for another venue and catering. Full details next week.

World Immunisation Week

This week (24-30 April) is World Immunisation Week where Rotary raises awareness of the work to End Polio throughout the world and to remind everyone that our progress in the fight to end polio is proof that vaccines work.

In today’s interconnected world, an outbreak of a disease anywhere is a threat everywhere. Vaccination is one of the best tools we have to improve people’s health and wellbeing. Even as COVID-19 vaccination efforts take place, vaccinations for other preventable diseases, such as polio and measles, need to continue in order to protect vulnerable people. The World Health Organization estimates that immunisations save up to three million lives per year. Thanks to the work of Rotary and our partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), more than 19 million people who would otherwise have been paralysed by polio can walk today.

Out and About

Our members help at RYDA

President Ange, President Elect Andrew Lawson and Chris O’Brien are off to Bega next Friday (7 May) to help out at the Rotary Youth Driver Awareness (RYDA) programme at the Frog’s Hollow Kart Track. That’s when Narooma High Year 11 students will be there.

From Merimbula Rotary

Last year Merimbula Club carried out some bushfire restoration work to the barbecue and toilet facilities at Wandella, then offered to provide power/PA and cater for their community ANZAC Day Ceremony/Service as their hall had been destroyed. 

Covid-19 prevented them from doing that last year, so this year Merimbula Rotarians catered for a community barbecue with cakes and tea/coffee, and set up a PA system for the Wandella Community.  It was greatly appreciated by everyone.

It’s all happening Saturday 22 May

First there is the District 9705 Club Development Seminar (9am – 4pm) at Broulee. Organisers have asked members to register for this free seminar. Many sessions are sure to be of benefit, such as social media/communications and public relations, Rotary Foundation, new Rotarians, Youth, Planning for success and expanding our goals.

This seminar occurs on the same day as our combined 100^th celebration of Rotary in Australia at Moruya Golf Club. For this reason, District has been advised that local members will need to leave earlier.

Our celebration of 100 years of Rotary in Australia at Moruya Golf Club that evening at Moruya Golf Club is 6 for a 6.30 start. Fortunately we will have a few to represent our Club.

GPEI experience underpins Covid response

In March last year, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) put all polio campaigns on temporary hold and volunteered polio staff and infrastructure to support the COVID-19 response.

The pause was necessary to slow the spread of COVID-19 but it sparked an unfortunate uptick in both wild and vaccine-derived polio cases. Four months later, in July, polio campaigns restarted under new safety guidelines, adopting physical distancing, personal protective equipment, and sanitation requirements. However, these requirements also increased operational costs.

GPEI hotlines, emergency operations centres, computers, and vehicles have all been enlisted to support the COVID-19 response. While critical functions of the polio eradication effort continued, polio workers in Nigeria, Pakistan and Afghanistan became involved in contact tracing, testing, and educating communities about hand washing and other ways to reduce transmission of and exposure to COVID-19. In many cases, they carried out both polio eradication and COVID-19 response activities simultaneously.

NEXT WEEK

Our next get-together will be via Zoom on Thursday 6 May with Kathryn Maxwell bringing us up to date on the Southcoast Health and Sustainability Alliance (SHASA) and their plans for the next three years. Lynda Ord will host our Zoom meeting at 6.30pm and Laurelle Pacey will chair it. Please be ready to go at 6.30.

Ange’s Chat

Our first Business Breakfast on Thursday at The Inlet was a great success and very well received by the 30 local businesses who attended. Cath Peachey, Chair of Narooma Rocks and the Oyster Festival, was a brilliant choice, speaking about the upcoming Festival, what it means to the area and the strategic planning for growth into the future. She highlighted the need to deliver events beyond the Oyster Festival to create year-round tourism in Narooma and the South Coast. Many thanks to Andrew and our team for a top effort over many weeks in putting the Breakfast meetings together.  Our slogan for 2020/21 is ‘Rotary Opens Opportunities’ and that’s so true.

Our combined club’s celebration of Rotary’s Centenary in Australia is rapidly approaching, on Saturday 22 May at Moruya Golf Club (6 for a 6.30pm). Twenty tickets have been put aside for Narooma Rotary and I really hope we have a good Narooma roll-up; both Batemans Bay and Moruya clubs have almost sold out. If you want to go, please let me know by 22 April. Payment of $35pp is needed soon after.

Our next market is on Anzac Day, 25 April. The RSL have approved us holding our market on that day. As many are away, it’s all hands on deck. We are also grateful to Julie Hartley who has offered to learn how to mark out from Bob Aston as well as our Indian friend Akash.

While on the subject of markets, could someone please volunteer to do the Market Roster in future? Bob Aston has kindly managed it to date but would like to hand over this monthly task.

Thanks to Lynda Ord for volunteering to organise and lay the wreath on the Club’s behalf at Club Narooma on Anzac Day. Ange Ulrichsen

THIS WEEK 22 April

A dinner meeting at Narooma Golf Club. No guest speaker so we can just enjoy good fellowship. Please also have numbers and payment ready for the Centenary dinner on 22 May.

THE WEEK THAT WAS

The first of our monthly Business Breakfasts held on Thursday 15th featured Narooma Oyster Festival Chair Cath Peachey. President Ange and PE Andrew were delighted with the response and widespread support the Club has received from the business community for these meetings.

Cath congratulated our Club on the Breakfast initiative. She welcomed the opportunity to speak to 30 local business people about the Festival’s considerable impact on Narooma and the region.

“Our primary goal is to get people here in May, a traditionally quiet time for tourists, and to promote our region’s wonderful fresh produce, our unique area and showcase the lifestyle here,” she said.

“Our strategy is to target high value visitors from elsewhere, particularly Canberra and Sydney, and encourage them to stay four to five days and experience Narooma and our region. We want to grow awareness of our region as a year-round destination.”

This year’s Festival will be opened by NSW Tourism Minister Stuart Ayres.

The 2019 Festival attracted over 5,000 people, 71% from outside the Eurobodalla Shire. Surveys have shown excellent satisfaction levels.

“We work hard to try to engage with as many elements of our community as possible, including having strong Aboriginal involvement, and this year the River of Arts section,” Cath said.

The Festival’s marketing budget is much larger this year thanks to Government grants to assist with the region’s recovery. Part of the budget will host top media who will be treated to an experience of the area as well as the Festival. The value of such extensive media coverage exceeds $1m.

She paid tribute to the Chamber’s vision in establishing the Festival in 2007, and acknowledged the support of the Festival’s partners, some of whom were at the meeting, of the volunteer team behind the Festival, and of the many volunteers who work at the festival each year.

The Festival now costs around $250k to stage each year.

The next Breakfast on 20 May will feature Narooma Chamber of Commerce President Jenny Munro who will talk about the Narooma and District Community Plan.

Out and About

Narooma Rotarians volunteer for RYDA

President Ange, President Elect Andrew Lawson and Chris O’Brien have volunteered to help out at the Rotary Youth Driver Awareness (RYDA) programme on Friday 7 May at the Frog’s Hollow Kart Track, south of Bega. That’s when Narooma High Year 11 students will be there, in lieu of the cancelled RYDA at Moruya this year. President Ange says Bega’s RYDA organiser Eric Johnston is both relieved and delighted. Our Club will pay for Narooma’s bus to and from Bega.

NEXT WEEK 29 April

There is no meeting as per the Club’s new arrangements, being the fifth Thursday in the month.

Ange’s Chat

We welcomed a number of guests last Thursday, many of whom were there to hear from our guest speaker Tara Moore. One guest was Immediate Past President Daryl Breust from the Rotary Club of Coolamon; this was his third visit to our Club.

Tara Moore, well-known local yoga teacher, told us “movement equals life”. She spoke about the importance of knowing your own body, being aware of your breathing which gives clarity and calmness, and drinking lots of water.

She had most of us doing some simple stretches and yoga exercises to help us keep nimble and moving, standing up, shoes off, being aware of our posture. For example, slouching compresses the upper torso and limits oxygen in our lungs which can lead to fatigue; a simple remedy is to stand tall and breathe deeply. She showed that chairs are useful for twisting the body to the right and left which energises inner organs. All in all everyone enjoyed a wonderful evening of simple yoga exercises.

Many thanks to Julie Bradley for agreeing to help mark out our markets. Bob will contact her about ‘buddying up’.

Our District 9705 Area 6 Governor Adam de Totth of Canberra arranged for local presidents to meet at Batemans Bay on Sat 10 April. Batemans Bay is regarded as a halfway point for Area 6 which stretches from Gerringong to Pambula.

Presidents Leonie Corrin-Smith of Milton Ulladulla RC and Christine Watson of Batemans Bay RC and I had a lovely lunch followed by a constructive open chat with Adam about issues of concern in our respective clubs. Mutual topics of concern included membership, attendance, and the cost of membership, particularly in trying to attract a younger generation to whom our costs seem prohibitive.

Adam was totally receptive and offered possible solutions such as corporate membership to make business people’s costs affordable by charging such expenses to their Company; thus also enabling a tax benefit.                                                                                      President Ange

THIS WEEK: Thursday 15 April

Our first Business Breakfast is at The Inlet this Thursday at 7am sharp. Guest speaker will be Narooma Oyster Festival chair Cath Peachey who will outline the Festival’s benefits to the region and how local businesses can capitalise on the event’s success. The response from local businesses so far has exceeded expectations. Members are welcome, but need to book with Mike Young by Tuesday at the absolute latest. Members pay for breakfast.

The Week that Was

International Toast to Timor Leste

Last week we acknowledged the Rotary Clubs of Dili & Dili Lafaek whose members will be fairly focussed on the aftermath of the recent flood disaster in Timor-leste. Recent flooding there has damaged infrastructure and many people have lost their homes. RAWCS says quick action in collaboration with the local Rotary Clubs and the Timor-leste Government will assist in getting life back to normal. RAWCS is accepting donations towards this aim.

Narooma Yr 11 go to Bega RYDA

Narooma High has taken up Bega Rotary’s invitation for their Year 11 students to join their Youth Driver Awareness (RYDA) programme on Friday 7 May at the Frog’s Hollow Kart Track, south of Bega. Our Board last week approved payment of the bus for Narooma students to Bega.

Bega Rotary has asked us for two Narooma Rotarians to help out on the day. Can anyone help please on Friday 7 May?

Narrandera and Narooma are Sisters

Andrew gave us the good news at the Board meeting that Narrandera Rotary Club wants to link up with us. This initiative encouraged by District will bring much needed interaction between Rotary clubs located inland and along the Coast. Interestingly our visiting Rotarian’s Coolamon Club was sponsored by the Narrandera Club.

Join the three Clubs’ celebration

Narooma, Batemans Bay and Moruya Rotary Clubs will celebrate the Centenary of Rotary in Australia and New Zealand on Saturday 22 May at Moruya Golf Club (6 for 6.30 start). It will be a fun night, 1920s ‘dress ups’ encouraged, with music, dancing and minimal speeches. Music will be by the fabulous Stitch who won our last Busking Festival. Tickets are now available from our treasurer Lynn and I hope we get a good showing from our Club.  Cost is $35 head (two courses, not including drinks). It’s 6 for a 6.30 start. Cost is $35pp (two courses, plus bonus wine on the table).

We’re hoping for a great rollup of Narooma Rotarians, partners and friends. Please have names and payment to Lynn by 7 May.

Out and About

Moruya Rotarians breakfast at Jockey Club

Moruya Rotarians had a barbecue breakfast meeting at Moruya Jockey Club last Tuesday. Rotarians manned the barbecue serving up bacon and egg rolls accompanied by freshly brewed coffee. They were joined by the Presidents and Managers of both the Jockey and Golf Clubs. Their guest speakers were two of Moruya’s leading trainers Lin Morrison and Natalie Jarvis who gave members an insight into the racing industry.

Pambula Rotarians go to Eden

Each month Pambula Rotary tries to connect with local businesses for a vocational visit and to check out a new venue for dinner. In March Pambula Rotarians visited the Sapphire Surprise Anglican Op Shop in Eden for a behind the scenes tour with their very own Janet Brandon who volunteers each week at the shop.
They then went on to the Golden Ocean Bar & Restaurant, still in Eden, for a great meal and opportunity to connect and chat.

NEXT WEEK

A dinner meeting at Narooma Golf Club. At this stage no guest speaker, so we can just enjoy good fellowship.

Ange’s Chat

• 

What a fascinating presentation last week on Zoom from Council’s Sustainability Education Officer Gilly Kearney on how can we be less wasteful and more mindful. Thank you Gilly and to everyone who joined in. Many thanks also to Lynda Ord for hosting the Zoom meeting. See report in The Week that Was.

Plans are now being finalised for our inaugural Breakfast meeting next week on Thursday 15 April at The Inlet. Please see Andrew Lawson’s report below.

I would also like to draw your attention to the celebration by our three Eurobodalla Clubs (Narooma, Batemans Bay and Moruya) of the Centenary of Rotary in Australia and New Zealand on Saturday 22 May at Moruya Golf Club. It promises to be a fun night with music, dancing and minimal speeches. Music will be by the fabulous Stitch who won our last Busking Festival. Tickets are now available from our treasurer Lynn and I hope we get a good showing from our Club.  Cost is $35 head (two courses, not including drinks). It’s 6 for a 6.30 start.

Happy birthday this week to David McInnes (5^th) and Frank Eden (8^th).

Breakfast meetings looking good

Our approaches to many local businesses about our upcoming Breakfast Meetings have been very well received. The response to date has far exceeded expectations. The first meeting is on Thursday 15 April starting at 7am and members are encouraged to come along.

We are lucky to have Narooma Oyster Festival chair Cath Peachey as our first speaker. She will outline the Festival’s benefits to the region and how local businesses can capitalise on the event’s success.              PE Andrew Lawson

This Thursday – at the Golfie

A Board meeting at 5pm at Narooma Golf Club will precede the general meeting.

Our guest speaker Tara Moore will talk about ‘Movement equals Life’. This is a partners’ night so please invite partners and friends. Please make sure you let Secretary Rod know by Tuesday evening if you are coming and if you are bringing any guests. Tara will talk about how well you move, how well you know your body, and how important quality of life is to you. Tara has been practicing yoga for 30 years and teaching it for over 20 years with students of all ages.

The Week that Was

Be less wasteful and more mindful.

Gilly Kearney’s talk last week via Zoom was really informative. She pointed out there is no waste in Nature, everything is ‘circular’. Waste plus running out of resources were putting great strains on our planet. Her talk was based around a ranking of what we should be doing to be more mindful, the top two things being Avoid and Reduce waste.

1. Avoid – avoid creating something of no value
2. Reduce e.g. avoid buying packaging of some purchases by buying in bulk, composting food wastes (she mentioned Council run worm farming and composting workshops in March and November each year).
3. Reuse/ repurpose – clothing is a massive problem in landfill. She asked people to look at clothing pools, clothing swaps, and upcycling
4. Repair wherever possible
5. Recycle – outlined what can be recycled through Council pickups; contamination is a major issue with a contaminated load having to go into landfill.
6. Recover – this can be very expensive and not viable in regional areas
7. Dispose – this is the last resort

In response to questions, Gilly spoke about the planned obsolescence of white goods, Council’s programmes with local schools and that Rotarians may be interested in attending a future workshop on worm farming and composting.

Rotary Easter Races on Saturday

Mike Young and Laurelle Pacey represented our Club at the combined Rotary Clubs’ Race Day on Easter Saturday by manning the donation buckets as patrons arrived to park. It was a good crowd and the first time Moruya Jockey Club had been able to host up to 2,000 patrons with the recent relaxation of Covid restrictions.

Batemans Bay Club organised the sponsors for the six races while Moruya operated their usual canteen. Proceeds from the day will go to community projects for the three Clubs; the exact use is still to be determined. Past projects from the Rotary Race Day have included the Moruya Oncology Unit, defibrillators and Muddy Puddles. The Rotary Race Day has been moved from the Sunday before Christmas to Easter Saturday.

Out and About

Narooma High going to Bega RYDA

Narooma High teacher Dion Café has confirmed Narooma High Year 11 students will be taking up the offer to attend Bega Rotary’s Clubs Rotary Youth Driver Awareness (RYDA) programme on Friday 7 May at the Frog’s Hollow Kart Track south of Bega. This is instead of the programme run at Moruya which Batemans Bay Rotary reluctantly cancelled this year.

Eurobodalla Coordinator Neil Simpson organised with Bega Rotary to extend their event an extra day if there was interest from two or three Eurobodalla schools. It would be good if we can provide a couple of volunteers to support Bega’s efforts on the day.

Our Club usually funds the bus for Narooma High students. The Board will vote this Thursday on doing it again for this year.

RYDA is an excellent one-day driver safety program coordinated by Rotary that delivers integrated and powerful education to help young adults become better drivers.

NEXT WEEK Thursday 15 April 7am

This is at the Inlet. Guest speaker will be Narooma Oyster Festival chair Cath Peachey who will outline the Festival’s benefits to the region and how local businesses can capitalise on the event’s success.

Ange’s Chat

It was my great pleasure to officially welcome Julie Hartley and Gero Mitchell into our Rotary Club last Thursday.  Rotary International registers new members with a beautiful kit congratulating them on joining the exciting world of Rotary. A moment of pride for all of us, that around the world we make a difference to the quality of life of others and our community.

It was also wonderful to have several guests join us: Meredith Macpherson (nee Watt – Gero’s cousin and our Club’s Rotary Exchange Student  in 1982 who went to Berkley California) – she currently works in water management over a huge geographical area based in Orange, former Narooma High teacher Kerry Jones, and Sue and Glenn Hybinett.

Our guest speaker economist Dr Andrew Elek gave a fascinating talk based on fellow eminent economist Ross Garnaut’s latest book, Reset: Restoring Australia after the Pandemic Recession. Andrew is also a friend of his.

He said now was the right time to spend money to stimulate the economy. He explored the sharp downturn in productivity and trade and posed the big question on how long recession consequences last and the effect long term. Key proposals included the need to cope with technological change, boost productivity and competitiveness, invest in Research and Development, introduce key reforms to protect the vulnerable in our society, and tax reform. He said this is a moment when applying knowledge and integrity to the challenges and transferring this to public policy and across all systems is critical for our future welfare.

Sunday’s Market produced a great result with gate takings $940.00, van $410.60, and wishing well $322.00, making a total of $1,672.60. Thanks to everyone who helped on what was such a beautiful day of sunshine; special thanks to David McInnes for standing in as Market Manager in Chris’ absence, assisted by Rachel, our wonderful team and our wonderful Rotary friends Dave Swilks and Wayne Redman who helped on the barbecue.

I hope you enjoy the special time over Easter with your family and friends.

THIS WEEK

This Thursday we meet on Zoom

ESC Sustainability Education Officer Gilly Kearney on how can we be less wasteful and more mindful. Lynda Ord will host the meeting to be chaired by President Ange.

Gilly looks after waste education across the Eurobodalla Shire including home composting and worm farming, tips for recycling and how to avoid, reduce, reuse, upcycle and recycle rather that dispose. She has also helped set up Tak3 for the Sea at Narooma SLSC, the water refill stations and school waste warriors.

This Saturday – help at Rotary Easter Races?

As mentioned previously, the combined Clubs’ Rotary Race Day at Moruya Jockey Club has been moved from Christmas to Easter Saturday. Proceeds from the day will go to Rotary community projects for the three Clubs; past projects have included the Moruya Oncology Unit, defibrillators and Muddy Puddles.

Our Club has been asked to do only one thing on Saturday… collect money in buckets as patrons arrive to park, say between 11am and 1.30pm (two shifts) or 11.30-1pm if we can only manage one shift. Any takers? So far Laurelle is the only volunteer. Please contact Rotary’s coordinator David Ashford (Batemans Bay Club) directly on 0418 462 692 and offer a little of your time in our Club’s name. President Ange will be in Canberra with family over Easter, so is unable to help.

You may like to stay for the races. It is a great day.

The Week that Was

Last week – International Toast

Mike Young gave some background to the wonderful, work done by New Zealand Rotary’s World Community Service before proposing a toast to them. They provide immediate assistance to their Pacific neighboursfollowing a cyclone, tsunami or earthquake by distributing Emergency Response Kits (similar to Shelter Boxes) and then help communities rebuild their lives. They also assist communities overseas make long-lasting improvements to their economic and social circumstances.

An overview of the District Conference

PE Andrew Lawson told members last week his attendance at the District  9705 Conference at Bathurst 19-21 March was “an absolutely exhilarating experience… a great weekend and was clear evidence of what you put in, dictates what you get out”. “I came away very enthused, and enjoyed the fantastic quality of speakers”. The theme was the RI Theme for 2020-21, ‘Rotary Opens Opportunities’.

“It was a great opportunity to network, meet representatives of our possible new sister Club Narrandera and a possible ‘pig roast’ [more details to come], and meet up with others from our Area 6,” he said.

Andrew particularly mentioned:

• The enthusiastic Dr Jessie Harman (RI Director Elect Zone 8) who is the first woman from Zone 8 to be elected to the RI Board (Zone 8 includes Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands).
• Senator Fiona Nash on women in leadership
• Prof John Skerritt who is in charge of the Australian Department of Health’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). The TGA is responsible for assessing all COVID-19 vaccines before they can be used in Australia.
• Admiral Chris Barrie former AC (retired), former Chief of the Australian Defence Force. Since retiring Chris has become increasingly concerned about veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

“There was a really well received dinner dance on the Saturday, which was a great success which I unfortunately missed due to work issues with the UK. Many attendees had their partners with them which was good.

“I am now sure we need to participate far more fully in such events, because they are informative, but most importantly are fun!”

April Birthdays

Out and About

Our three Clubs celebrate Centenary

We now have tickets to the combined Clubs’ (Narooma, Batemans Bay and Moruya) special dinner to celebrate 100 years of Rotary in Australia and New Zealand on Saturday 22 May at Moruya Golf Club. It promises to be a fun night with music, dancing and minimal speeches. Music will be by the fabulous Stitch who won our last Busking Festival.

You can buy your tickets from our treasurer Lynn. Cost is $35 head (two courses, no wine on the table). It’s 6 for a 6.30 start.

Narooma High opts for Bega RYDA

Clubs in both Eurobodalla and Bega Valley Shires have run the wonderful Rotary Youth Driver Awareness (RYDA) programme for local Year 11 students over recent years. However this year Batemans Bay Rotary reluctantly decided not to run it in Moruya but there is a Bega option which Narooma High looks like taking up.

Our Club usually funds the bus for Narooma High students which might also include Year 12 students this year (they missed out last year because of Covid). We’re still waiting for cost details from teacher Dion Cafe at Narooma High.

Eurobodalla Coordinator Neil Simpson organised with Bega Rotary that they would kindly extend their event an extra day if there was interest from two or three Eurobodalla schools. Well both Narooma and Carroll College have expressed interest so here’s hoping. It will be at the Frog’s Hollow Kart Track south of Bega on Friday 7 May. It would be good if we can provide a couple of volunteers to support Bega’s efforts on the day.

RYDA is an excellent one-day driver safety program coordinated by Rotary. It delivers integrated and powerful education to help young adults become better drivers through sessions with road safety experts including Police, Council road safety officers and people whose lives had been turned upside down as a result of car crashes, either from being a crash survivor or from losing someone they love. This national program is regularly revamped by Road Safety Education.

NEXT WEEK:  Thursday 8 April

Our guest speaker Tara Moore will talk about ‘Movement equals Life’. This is a partners’ night so please invite partners and friends.

Tara will talk about how well you move, how well you know your body, and how important quality of life is to you. Tara has been practicing yoga for 30 years and teaching it for over 20.years with students two to 94 years of age.