The December Holiday Markets

What a stunning December holiday market, thought to be a record, and what a great team effort! Ninety sites for 62 stallholders, the crowds from 9am were amazing. Lots of happy people and again a great vibe. VP Ange reports we sold out of meat and bread even after a couple of restocks, and people still wanted sausages at 2pm!  

Top effort by everyone. Big thanks to Markets manager Chris O’Brien (who organised this market over Christmas from Brisbane) and to our wonderful hard working team including Rotary friends Dave Swilks and Wayne Redman who always step up and to our extra helper David McInnes’ nephew Rhys Dobson. Our ‘finishing up’ team didn’t leave until well after 2pm. As Ange so aptly put it, “What a big heart our club has!”.

Our treasurer Mike reports gate takings $1,860, wishing well $415, gross van takings $1,863.62 (including $519.20 using the square), making a total from the markets of $4,138.62. (Still to pay IGA Dalmeny and Narooma Meats for eggs and bacon and sausages and rissoles – waiting on invoices).

Mike also reports we received $2,073.42 from Duck race ticket sales (includes $112.77 from square sales less transaction fee for tickets)… about 17 books worth.

Mike and Robin sold nearly all duck tickets they had at the gate. We’re reserving some raffle books to sell at the 22 January market just before the Great Race on Australia Day.

Christmas Party

Our well attended Christmas Party at the 6 and Out Café at Bodalla was a most enjoyable night. Many thanks to Chris O’Brien for organising it. Just a shame about the cold which drove a few people home earlier than perhaps they intended, while others lingered on.

THIS WEEK:

Happy 75^th to Mike Young on the 6^th!

No regular Rotary meeting on Thursday 5 January

Friday 6 January 4.15pm: Board meeting Lynn’s place

Out and About

Remembering Norm Hoyer

It was with great sadness we heard of the death of former Rotarian and PP Norm Hoyer on Thursday. Norm was one of the stars in our movie to mark the Club’s 50^th anniversary, particularly talking about his initiative of the Club’s Tilba Gold project… For many years, long after they ceased being members, Norm and Kathy Hoyer and George and Ann Barker were regulars at our Changeovers. Our thoughts are with Kathy Hoyer and their family at this time. Norm’s funeral will be held at Tilba Cemetery on 5 January at 11am, followed by a gathering at Mountain View Farm Old Dairy at Tilba Tilba. Laurelle Pacey and Norm worked together recording Tilba’s history, publishing the first edition of Tilba Times in 1995.

More on our Tertiary Scholars

Many thanks to Bob Aston and the three-member interviewing panel of David McInnes, Lynn Hastings and Andrew Lawson for our 2023 Rotary Tertiary Scholar. The winner will be publicly announced at Narooma’s Australia Day ceremony on 25 January.

Meanwhile our 2020 Tertiary Scholar Rory Spurgeon has sent his Second Semester results – a distinction in mathematics and credits in two physics subjects. Rory is doing a Bachelor of Science Honours degree at ANU but is now at the end of his Rotary scholarship. Rory has kept the Club well informed of his progress and been a regular attendee at our Youth nights.

Batemans Bay Markets moves location

Batemans Bay’s Markets, now wholly operated by Batemans Bay Rotary, has moved from Corrigan’s Beach Reserve at Batehaven to the waterfront precinct from the boat shed up to the new bridge in Batemans Bay. Marking the move on Sunday 18th December were Federal Member Fiona Phillips and Mayor Matthew Hatcher after an Aboriginal Welcome to Country. Batemans Bay Rotary will now operate two markets a month, from 9am to 1pm on the first and third Sunday of every month. The markets will now be their major community service project.

NEXT WEEK

Thursday 12 January: proposed Club get together in Narooma Rotary Park for takeaways fish ‘n chips or whatever. TBC.at Board meeting.

Coming Up

Thursday 26 January: Our annual Duck Race – many tickets to sell and then all hands needed on the day please

Thursday 2 February: Our Youth Night is our first night back after our holiday break. We will celebrate the 2023 winner of our Tertiary Scholarship, and as well as past scholars (see above). Hopefully we will also be joined by our  MUNA (Yeshe Smith MacPherson, Jack Lenihan and Ella Hemstead) and RYPEN (Phoebe Coxon and Talon Keith) students again, their families and teachers. 

THIS THURSDAY 15 December

Looking forward to your Christmas cheer at our Christmas Party this Thursday at 6pm at the new ‘Six and Out Café’ in Bodalla (the old Malibu Mex and more recently the Downward Dog). We’re out the back in the covered courtyard. There’s some parking behind and elsewhere along the highway.  The Club is providing some wine on the tables (licenced). Please also note that, instead of the usual $10 Christmas present for another member, this year we’re asking for a $10 cash donation for the Narooma OzHarvest group to support local disadvantaged families in our Community through the Festive Season. See you there.

The Week that Was

Our Club moves forward

It is doubtful if our Club has ever experienced anything quite like last week… Despite some upsets in the first part of the Board meeting last Thursday, the Board managed to finish on a brighter note after adjourning for dinner and the AGM.

The AGM was a sombre affair. First members heard via Andrew Lawson’s email that he was stepping down as President and resigning from the Board for several reasons including ill health and spending much of the next six months in the UK; that was read by Julie Hartley in Andrew’s absence. Then members heard from Bob Aston that he will resign from the Club from 18 December after completing his involvement in this year’s awarding of the Narooma Rotary Tertiary Scholarship. Their resignations were received with much sadness by those present.

The President’s report for 2020-2021 was read at the AGM (as printed in the Changeover Beacon) which was something of a slight tonic reminding everyone of just what we do achieve. The AGM will reconvene in a couple of months to approve the financial report once it is audited. (It was good having the advice of our Public Officer Rod Walker and our Area Governor Adam de Totth on hand.)

The elections for the 2023-2024 Board resulted in David McInnes as Vice President, Gero Mitchell Secretary, and Susanna Chung, Lynn Hastings, Laurelle Pacey and Ange Ulrichsen as directors. The President’s, Treasurer’s and President Elect positions are casual vacancies; the Club will see how the next couple of months develop.

The results of the Catering Survey were announced after the AGM. The majority of members favoured continuing catering at the markets and elsewhere. They also favoured purchasing a new catering van over a trailer and marquee. The Board will set up a subcommittee to expedite these.

Board Meeting resumes: After the AGM, the Board and other members reminded themselves of all the good the Club does in our community, especially with our youth, and of the Club’s excellent reputation earned over many years. Consensus was a determination that will continue. Decisions made at the Board meeting included:

• Topping up the money raised at the recent Kinema Film Night to $1,000 to donate to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative via The Foundation. [The recent Film Night raised $399 from tickets plus $175 from the raffle plus $40 donation from Andrew Lawson, making $614.] Interesting to note that will become $3,000 to the Polio Initiative with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation two-for-one contribution.
• Donating $1,000 to District 9705 Flood Appeal through RAWCS Project No: 32-2022-23 Central West New South Wales communities flood relief funds distribution Rotary Australia Benevolent Society (RABS).  (The specific purpose is to distribute donated funds to people affected by the floods in Central West New South Wales communities.  Donations to this project are tax deductible, should anyone also like to donate).

We move on and look forward to a rejuvenated Club in 2023 after a Christmas-New Year break. There is a proposal to have a special Board meeting in early January (current board members will be consulted re time and place), and a Club picnic in Rotary Park in mid-January with possibly takeaways. More details to come.

School Presentations

The prestigious Bill Borlase Rotary Memorial Awards to the Boy and Girl Duxes of Narooma Public School were proudly presented last week to Eddie Heathcote and Sarah Brooks by Laurelle Pacey on the Club’s behalf.

The Club makes this major award each year, following money given by Bill to the Club in 1971 for this award. The Club also finances an honour board to record the name of each recipient at the school.

Ange Ulrichsen is presenting two Rotary prizes to students at Narooma High School on Wednesday this week. Each year our Club presents the Narooma Rotary Club Citizenship Award and the Jack and Joy Ings Art Prize (sponsored by former Narooma Rotarian and PDG Jack Ings and his wife Joy).

Our Australia Day Duck Race

Our annual Duck Race (organised by Julie and Mike) – we have many tickets to sell and then all hands will be needed on the day please. Publicity coming at the end of this week but all markets posters and adverts mention duck tickets will be on sale.

Out and About

From Moruya Rotary on Homelessness

In July, Moruya Rotarians heard about homelessness in the Shire from Anglicare which included their inability to cope with the numbers seeking shelter. This led to conversations with Council. Last week new Moruya Rotarian Rhonnie South from Council summarised how Council had responded.

Working with Homeless Support Services (SHSS) during the winter months, access to hot showers and free laundry services were needed. Council installed two PayWave Kiosks at Moruya and Narooma laundromat facilities, and paid for a commercial dryer at the St Vincent de Paul Society Support Centre in Batemans Bay. All three town centres now have facilities to wash and dry clothes. Council leased and installed two portable shower and hot water units at the North Head Camp to service the 50 homeless people reported to be living on site. This arrangement will end this December.

Coming Up

Thursday 29 December: Our December Holiday Markets (roster to be finalised at Christmas Party)

Early January: proposed Board meeting TBC

Thursday 12 January: proposed Club get together in Narooma Rotary Park for takeaways fish ‘n chips or whatever. TBC.

Thursday 26 January: Our annual Duck Race – many tickets to sell and then all hands needed on the day please

Thursday 2 February: Our Youth Night is our first night back after our holiday break. We will celebrate the 2023 winner of our Tertiary Scholarship, and as well as past scholars (see above). Hopefully we will also be joined by our  MUNA (Yeshe Smith MacPherson, Jack Lenihan and Ella Hemstead) and RYPEN (Phoebe Coxon and Talon Keith) students again, their families and teachers.  

Andrew’s Thoughts

Well, these last few weeks have been challenging and indeed unsettling for the Club, but we are about to move on to more settled and happier times. The result of the van poll will be announced on Thursday and there is unanimous resolve to get behind the result which reflects the true spirit of the Club. So let’s all turn up to the AGM and celebrate the way forward. 

Sunday was our movie night which was a resounding success as ever. Sincere thanks to chief organiser Ange Ulrichsen, with catering team of Chris O’Brien, Gero Mitchell and Laurelle Pacey, and Master Raffler David McInnes. My bout of asthma saved you from my impressions of Richard III!

So, AGM this Thursday and of course the eagerly anticipated Christmas Dinner the following week for which Chris has worked tirelessly.

Onwards and upwards mes amis as we move forward as a regenerated group.

THIS THURSDAY 8 December

5pm: Board Meeting at Golf Club

6 for 6.30pm: Dinner Meeting with AGM at Golf Club.

The Week that Was

Draft minutes of our meeting last Thursday to discuss future catering arrangements for the Club at the markets and elsewhere have been circulated to all members.

Last Sunday’s Polio Film Night

Our Film Night at the Kinema on Sunday was our annual event to raise both awareness and funds for the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. We’ve still to get the figures from Jade, but we believe about 50 people came to see The Lost King (about $350 then).

It was a thoroughly good night with great nibbles and wine, an enjoyable film and a very informative outline by David about the Global Polio campaign and Rotary’s pivotal role in initiating it over 30 years ago. He then spoke passionately about our Rotary Youth programmes and the difference some of our programmes make to students’ lives. Thank you to everyone who donated prizes for the raffle which raised $171.00. (Only one person dressed up, supposedly as an archaeologist, but she won’t be doing that again!)

On our Tertiary students

Rory Spurgeon (2020), doing a Bachelor of Science Honours degree at ANU, has now come to the end of his Rotary scholarship. We wish him well for what we know will be a wonderful future. Rory has kept the Club well informed of his progress in that time through his counsellor Bob Aston and been a regular attendee at our Youth nights.

Elise Dixon (2021) has been studying for a Bachelor of Medical Science at ANU remotely for the first two years of her scholarship (initially prompted by Covid lockdowns). That’s been difficult but has continued to pass her studies with a few credits. She is off to Canberra next year to study on campus. Lynn Hastings is her counsellor.

Raichel Brodie (2022) is doing a Bachelor of Psychology at ANU. Her counsellor Andrew Lawson is delighted with her recent results (six high distinctions and two distinctions). She’s doing honours in psychology and considering doing a Masters.

From Moruya Rotary

Moruya had its AGM last Tuesday (30 November). Sixteen were elected for the 2023-2024 Rotary Year to serve under Andrew Elek as President, including Vice President Allan Veness and Jeff Proud as Treasurer. Their position of Secretary is still vacant. Their Board had a short impromptu meeting before this week’s Club Meeting to discuss changes to the Palliative Care Vehicle Project.

District response to floods

Rotary District 9705 continues to collaborate in Central West NSW with Resilience NSW which greatly values the assistance of Rotary. There are indications of spirits improving amongst some in the quite damaged Eugowra community. Robert Shore (President RC of Parkes) of the Rotary Flood Coordination Team has been onsite at Eugowra and at Cudal identifying critical needs.  

A Rotary Action Team is onsite at Eugowra led by Michelle Duncan (President RC of Orange Daybreak) and comprises volunteers from Orange Daybreak assisted by Bathurst.  They may be relieved by volunteer support from other D9705 clubs.

At present, the best way to support the District’s flood response is by monetary contributions to RAWCS Project No: 32-2022-23 Central West New South Wales communities flood relief funds distribution Rotary Australia Benevolent Society (RABS).  The specific purpose is to distribute donated funds to people affected by the floods in Central West New South Wales communities.  Donations to this project are tax deductible.  Several clubs in other Districts have done so already. Maybe one for our Board meeting this week?

NEXT WEEK

Christmas Party at Bodalla

Our Christmas Party on Thursday 15 December at 6pm is at the new ‘Six and Out Café’ in Bodalla (the old Mexican Munchies and more recently the Downward Dog). We’re out the back in the covered courtyard. There is parking behind as well as along the highway.  The Club is providing some wine on the tables (licenced). Please also note that, instead of the usual $10 Christmas present for another member, this year we’re asking for a $10 cash donation for the Narooma OzHarvest group to support local disadvantaged families in our Community through the Festive Season.

Coming Up

Thursday 29 December: Our December Holiday Markets

Thursday 26 January: Our annual Duck Race – many tickets to sell and then all hands needed on the day please (organised by Julie and Mike)

Thursday 2 February: Our Youth Night is our first night back after our holiday break. We will celebrate the 2023 winner of our Tertiary Scholarship, and as well as past scholars (see above). Hopefully we will also be joined by our  MUNA (Yeshe Smith MacPherson, Jack Lenihan and Ella Hemstead) and RYPEN (Phoebe Coxon and Talon Keith) students again, their families and teachers.  

Andrew’s Thoughts

Unfortunately I had to miss last Thursday’s meeting which from all reports was a very special night. (See Laurelle’s report below) It included inspiring reports back from our two Narooma High students who went to RYPEN in Wagga Wagga recently and a fascinating talk by Dr Diane McInnes on her writing career as well as ‘how to write a book’. The meeting was much enjoyed by all. Unfortunately several members couldn’t make it because of medical issues; we wish them a speedy recovery.

The weather held for Sunday’s market (after the minute-long downpour at about 8am!) and they were a great success with a big crowd and a great vibe. As ever, it is thanks to all those who helped; we have a great team. While the final sum raised is not yet available, it is envisaged we achieved our usual excellent result. It was also the first time we sold the 2023 Duck Race Tickets. As ever, the response from the community was amazing and 10% of the tickets are already sold.

This Thursday sees our special dinner meeting to discuss and consider the proposal for a new van, now that the Grant application has been successful. Well done Francoise, Lynn and Laurelle. We all know some in the Club hold strongly held views on this matter but now everyone needs to listen, decide, and move on. Mutual respect and good grace are fundamental.

The next day (Friday!) is our December Board meeting which will essentially be a prelude to the AGM on Thursday 8th.

This Sunday is our Film night at the Kinema screening The Lost King to raise funds for the global campaign to eliminate polio. Please bring friends and rellies to what should be a great evening. Drinks and nibbles provided, and David will be ‘Master Raffler’ again. If anyone would like to donate something, please contact David. Dress ups are encouraged – impersonation of Richard III especially!

Our Christmas Dinner is on Thursday 15^th December at the 6 and Out Café at Bodalla. Mike Young has already circulated pre-payment details and please also let Chris O’Brien know names.

Phew! A busy few weeks ahead of us! But onwards and upwards mes amis!

The Week that Was

Rotarians and our many guests enjoyed a wonderful and uplifting night last Thursday when we heard first from two Year 9 Narooma High students Phoebe Coxon and Talon Keith about their RYPEN experiences.

The Rotary Youth Programme of Enrichment (RYPEN) is designed to be a challenging weekend for students who demonstrate good potential but who could benefit from a boost in their self-esteem and confidence. Listening to Phoebe and Talon speak last Thursday, they certainly gained both. They spoke about the challenges of talking with people they didn’t know about all kinds of things, how inspiring they found the whole weekend and how they made many new friends. Their Year 9 Advisor Carly McMahon (who nominated them for RYPEN) and their parents and grandparents were absolutely thrilled with what Phoebe and Talon gained from the weekend. They are so impressed with Rotary for putting on this programme and for our Club for sponsoring these students. Great work Ange for reviving our great Rotary Youth programmes at Narooma High after the Covid hiatus over the last couple of years.

Then after dinner we enjoyed hearing from much published author Dr Diane McInnes, after first a somewhat riotous introduction by her obviously very proud son David. David’s introduction started detailing Dianne’s fascinating life and her books, so much so Diane had to pull him up so she still had something to talk about.

Diane’s talk was like a romp through her life, told with great humour and considerable insight. Her first published work was an article in the Australian Women’s Weekly in the 1960s. Since then she has written many articles and published 125 books, on anything and everything from kids’ books, e.g. The Talking Pig, How Coconuts came to Papua New Guinea, to murder mysteries. “Anything anyone asks me to do, I’ll do,” she said, the subject and style of book often reflecting where she was living at the time. Places she’s lived include Papua New Guinea and Malaysia. One undertaking she’s quite proud of is the four-volume Encyclopaedia of Papua New Guinea, but “I’ll never do that again!”

On writing, “You can write anything you want if you’re prepared to research.” She showed that in some of her titles e.g. Five Drops of Blood, Sex Trafficking, and in doing a PhD in Criminology. All her crime books are based on real cases.

“Everyone has a book inside them. Just do it,” she said. One last valuable hint, “don’t edit until you’ve finished the first draft”.

A great night, perhaps even one of our best!

THIS WEEK

This Thursday 1 December: a Club dinner meeting to discuss our Club’s catering future and the possible acceptance of a grant to buy a new purpose-built van.

Friday 2^nd: December’s Board meeting at 4.15pm in the Board Room

Sunday 4^th: Film Night The Lost King – Polio fundraiser. Narooma Kinema 6.30 for 7pm.

Out and About

Our Christmas Party

Our Christmas Party on Thursday 15th December is at the new ‘6 and Out Café’ in Bodalla (the old Mexican Munchies and more recently the Downward Dog). There is parking out the back and elsewhere along the highway.  The price of $40 each is for a three-course meal. If you haven’t already done so, please pre-pay by this Tuesday via our Administration Account to confirm numbers (please see Mike’s recent email). The Club is providing some wine on the tables. Please also let Chris O’Brien know names.

Please also note that, instead of the usual $10 Christmas present for another member, this year we’re asking everyone to bring $10 cash as a donation to the Narooma OzHarvest group to support local disadvantaged families in our Community through the Festive Season.

From Moruya Rotary

Last Week Moruya Rotarians welcomed Counsellor Rob Pollock, the newly elected President of CAERH (Carers’ Accommodation Eurobodalla Regional Hospital). He summarised the present position with the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital, the Carers’ accommodation and the way ahead. Based on his experience in leading the efforts to update the hospital’s Oncology Unit, he was confident that there would be public support for CAERH. Based on the Bega experience in achieving carers’ accommodation, he forecast a lengthy campaign, working closely with the new hospital building contractors.

NEXT Thursday 8 December

This will be a Club dinner meeting for our AGM.

Andrew’s Thoughts

It is good to be back! Unfortunately due to jet lag, I missed the Business Breakfast which, by all accounts, was a good meeting with guest speaker Rod White of Australian Community Media talking about the future of Narooma News and our other local papers.

Perhaps the most significant development over the last week was the award of the grant for the van replacement, subject to some procedural issues. Congratulations to Francoise, Lynn and Laurelle for their outstanding efforts. 

Because the van replacement is such a material development for the Club, the Board decided to have an extra dinner meeting on Thursday 1st December where we will all have the opportunity to discuss our views in the spirit of goodwill and mutual respect. The Board has also agreed that a confidential vote of all members would then be done; the Club will support the outcome, whatever that may be.

As we roll into December, we look to our AGM on the 8th, and also our Christmas Party on Thursday 15^th December at the ‘6 and Out’ Café at Bodalla. The cost is $40 per head. With a break from tradition, we shall not have the usual ‘$10 Secret Santa’. Rather, recognising the impacts of economic hardship on the less well off, we shall levy an additional $10 per head for OzHarvest to distribute as they think fit. Please bring $10 cash on the night. So yes a change, but a worthy one, and I urge all to come for what is always an excellent evening!

Finally don’t forget the Markets on Sunday 27^th November, where we shall launch ticket sales for the 2023 Australia Day Duck Race which will be in aid of the proposed Carers’ accommodation at the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital and the Prostate Cancer Research.

THIS WEEK

What a bumper night at Narooma Golf Club this Thursday (6 for 6.30pm). Please note just for this event we will be in the Member’s Room at the rear of the Club, to the left of the pokies.

Dr Dianne McInnes, author of many published books, will talk about what’s involved in writing a book. Narooma High Year 9 students Phoebe Coxon and Talon Keith will also report back about their experiences at the  Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment (RYPEN) at Wagga Wagga last weekend. Please bring partners and friends. Numbers to Gero please by noon on Tuesday.

THIS SUNDAY – MARKETS

THE WEEK THAT WAS

Last week’s Business Breakfast featured Australian Community Media’s Group Sales manager for the South Coast and Southern Inland NSW Rod White. Rod spoke about ACM’s business nationwide and more particularly on the South Coast. ACM now has only two offices on the south coast – Batemans Bay and Bega. There is no intention of reopening an office in Narooma. Like most businesses, they too are finding it difficult to attract staff. Rod will forward a summary of the statistics he mentioned to be circulated to attendees. He said the Narooma News was one of the most viable of their mastheads on the south coast.

Our Business Breakfasts will now have a two month break, resuming in February after the busy season.

Coming Club events

Sunday 4 December: Our fundraising Film Night for Polio Plus is on Sunday 4 December at 6.30 for 7pm. The film will be The Lost King which is a dramatisation of the story of amateur historian who initiated the search to find King Richard III’s which had been lost for over 500 years. They were found under a car park in Leicester. Everyone is encouraged to dress up for the occasion. Help is wanted by Ange and team with the nibbles and drinks please see them this Thursday.

Thursday 8 December: Our AGM.

Thursday 15 December: Our Christmas Party at 6 and Out Café at Bodalla. It will be a three-course meal for $40. The Club will supply a few bottles of wine. Numbers are needed urgently so please pay you $40 a head to the Club’s Administration Account (Treasurer Mike will circulate details) by this weekend.

Out and About

Carers’ Accommodation Progress

The AGM of the Carers’ Accommodation Eurobodalla Regional Hospital (CAERH) was held last week. Elected were President Cr Rob Pollock, Secretary Steve Young of  Moruya Rotary, Treasurer Dave Gibson  (former Treasurer Car Club), Vice President John Nader of Moruya Rotary,  Public Officer Peter Smith of Moruya Rotary, Publicity Officer Shirley Hayes-Cornish of Moruya Rotary, Committee Andrew Elek of Moruya Rotary, Leslie Crompton of Batemans Bay Lions, and  Steph Carter. The new Hospital is scheduled for completion late 2025.

NEXT WEEK – 1^st December

The Board decided to have an extra dinner meeting for all members on Thursday 1^st December to allow free and open discussion about the Club’s catering options at the markets. It will be 6 for 6.30 at the Golf Club.

THIS WEEK

Thursday (17^th November) 7am sharp: our Rotary Business Breakfast with guest speaker Rod White of Australian Community Media (ACM) on the future of Narooma News and our other local papers. Rod is ACM’s Group Sales Manager for South Coast and Southern Inland NSW. Cost is $10.

Friday (18^th November) 4.15pm: Board Meeting in Golf Club Board Room.

The Week that Was

Mike Young chaired last week’s meeting as the regular fill-ins of Andrew, Ange and Laurelle were apologies, as were Julie and Rod. Mike said it was a low key but fun night, with the new invocation/acknowledgement presented by Robyn. Mike gave the International Toast  to the Rotary Club of Port Vila in Vanuatu, where he and Sharlie had attended during a two- week RAWCS project in 2004, helping to repair cyclone damage to the hospitals in Port Vila and the Island of Tanna as well as helping to build a Fred Hollows Eye Clinic at Port Villa Hospital.

All acknowledged Frank Eden’s farewell celebrations at Surf Beach, agreeing  it was great to see such a big turnout and to hear how valued Frank was by his family, friends, professional colleagues and Rotary colleagues, past and present.  David and Rachel McInnes helping with the sound system and setting up the continuous photographic display were greatly appreciated. Iris and family, we continue to think of you at this difficult time.

Chris O’Brien raised the possibility of having our Christmas celebration at the new ‘Six and Out’ restaurant in Bodalla, now owned by Monique Wicks. Monique  is the Narooma High School teacher who supported the three students at  MUNA.  Friday’s  Board Meeting will discuss the Christmas venue – the Golf Club or Bodalla.

Coming Rotary events were also discussed, including:

• Thursday’s Business Breakfast with Rod White of Australian Community Media  on the future of our local newspapers;
• Dianne McInnes (David’s Mum) on 24th on her life as an author, as well as the two RYPEN students;
• Our Movie Night – fundraising for Polio – The film will be ‘The Lost King’… a movie about finding King Richard 111 remains… at the Kinema. Sounds like a fascinating show.

The meeting had a few Happy Moments but held off from the Wheel because of too few members in attendance. Home produce of freshly picked rhubarb by Chris and huge beetroots from Mike’s garden are promised for future wheel raffles.

Mike is also looking for someone to help him with marking out for the markets on the 27^th because Bob Aston will be away. We also need to confirm who will be helping with the NATA Oval layout for the Markets on 27^th as Bob Aston is not available. (Thanks to Mike for this contribution)

Out and About

Carers’ Accommodation at Moruya

Moruya Rotary President Shirley Hayes-Cornish, also secretary of the Carers Accommodation Eurobodalla Regional Hospital Inc (CAERH), writes that NSW Health has allocated land on the grounds of the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital at Moruya for carers’ accommodation. That building will be partly paid for by money raised by our community, similar to what has happened with other NSW Regional Hospitals such as Bega, Albury Wodonga and Port Macquarie. Government grants covered about half the cost and community fundraising paid the other half. Our Club has pledged support for this long term project.

CAERH has been inspired by Bega Hospital’s which has two buildings for carers with motel style units. Each unit has six bedrooms with an ensuite bathroom and a communal kitchen and lounge. Bega’s cost $2.3m, but due to cost increases CAERH will likely be more. Without community funding there would not be carers’ accommodation.

The CAERH interim committee is calling for expressions of interest from community minded people with experience working on community projects to join CAERH.  The AGM is this Wednesday. A variety of skills are needed – planning, project management and fundraising.

From Batemans Bay Rotary

November to date has been particularly social for our friends at the Bay Club. Many attended Moruya Jockey Club Race Day on Melbourne Cup Day, then 27 members and guests went to their Pizza, Poetry and Plonk night at Nelligen Park Big 4. This week they have their Pride in Workmanship organised by Vocational Director Alan Russell when six local employees will receive an award. Their members are encouraged to dress up for the night (gents with jacket or suit and tie) and to wear their Rotary pins.

NEXT THURSDAY 24^th

What a bumper night at Narooma Golf Club next Thursday night (6 for 6.30pm). Dr Dianne McInnes, author of many published books, will talk about what’s involved in writing a book.

Narooma High Year 9 students Phoebe Coxon and Talon Keith will also report back about their experiences at the Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment (RYPEN) at Wagga Wagga last weekend.

The Week that Was

Remembering Frank

What a lovely and gentle celebration of Frank Eden’s life at the Surf Club on Friday. So lovely too to see so many past and present members of our Club join Iris and Frank’s three daughters and many friends. It was wonderful to see just how many people Frank had touched. Many photos of Frank’s extensive involvement in our Club were on display, including many from the Renewable Energy Expos which were his great initiative, and passion.

PCSG meeting on Wednesday

The PCSG meeting last Wednesday at the Golf Club was a great success with guest speaker Canberra-based physiotherapist Jamie Boulding who specialises in Men’s Health. Unfortunately his colleague pharmacist Brad Butt couldn’t make it.

Julie Hartley reports while it was not a big group on Wednesday with only four men, three hadn’t heard Jamie talk before so they really got a lot out of it. Also present was our area’s specialist prostate cancer nurse Amie Proberts. “Amie was really grateful because she deals directly with the men that will benefit from Jamie’s exercises and she can steer them in the right direction,” Julie said. “So it was a ‘win win’ all around even though small.” Julie noted that because the talk was held in the early afternoon for the convenience of Jamie’s travel to and from Canberra in one day, some of the PCSG group work so couldn’t make it. Julie, Mike and Andrew have Jamie’s contact details for anyone who would like them.

Andrew’s Thoughts

Andrew’s thoughts have been with his family over the past week while enjoying the wonderful celebration of his daughter Sophie’s wedding in Queensland and catching up with various family members and friends. Now he’s gone to the UK for business, returning (hopefully) in time for the next Business Breakfast.

THIS WEEK

It’s a Club Dinner at the Golf Club, 6 for 6.30pm. Please ensure you let Gero know by Tuesday morning if you are coming or not.

Out and About

Praise from Chamber President

At Narooma & District Chamber of Commerce & Tourism AGM last week, President Jenny Munro gave the Club a great wrap-up. In her president’s report referencing our Australia Day Duck Race she said “Our Rotarians are ever present and such a force for good”.  Later she made a special mention of our Club: “Business Breakfasts have been held monthly with impressive speakers. I thank President Andrew and his team of Rotarians for their support to local businesses.”  Jenny was re-elected President with David McInnes Vice President. Congratulations David!

Our students go to RYPEN

Our Club is sponsoring two students to RYPEN at Wagga Wagga next weekend (11-13 November) – Phoebe Coxon and Talon Keith. RYPEN aims to give students self confidence and self-esteem and to enhance a belief in their abilities and talents. We can look forward to hearing about their RYPEN experience on Thursday 24 November. It’s the same night as guest speaker Dianne McInnes, so it will be a bumper night!

Eurobodalla Regional Hospital Carers

The inaugural AGM for Carers Accommodation Eurobodalla Regional Hospital Inc. (CAERH) is onWednesday 16 November at Moruya Golf Club at noon. President Andrew is currently the Deputy Chairman of the Steering Group.

On Pambula Rotary Club

Pambula Rotary Club was chartered in 1990 with the sponsor club the Rotary Club of Merimbula.  Their website says Pambula Rotary Club was once known as “the little club with the big heart” but it has lost that title now as membership is near 50 members!

The following week

At our next Business Breakfast on Thursday 17th November, guest speaker Rod White of Australian Community Media (ACM) will talk on the future of Narooma News and other local newspapers. Rod is ACM’s Group Sales manager for South Coast and Southern Inland NSW. Cost $10. Please make sure you book with Andrew even though in the UK (still doing bookings).

The Week that Was

What a great night last Thursday for our ‘Lift the Lid on Mental Illness Night’ with many guests (all with hats!) and our interesting speaker Dr David Arthur. David McInnes was our MC for the night, assisted by Rachel with the raffle, with VP Ange Ulrichsen in the chair.

Drawing on his extensive experience both here and overseas, David Arthur spoke about the need for a more holistic approach to mental health care. He spoke of the considerable stress levels of people working in mental health in our region, and the generally poor access to care.

He suggested a more integrated approach with other health care professionals including GPs and Occupational Therapists at the one centre, while also incorporating things like yoga, meditation, acupuncture and community art activities. Nurse practitioners could possibly triage people for treatment.

We raised $230 on the night for Australian Rotary Health’s mental health research; the Board normally considers topping that up, so something for the next Board meeting.

Early in the evening Laurelle proposed the toast to Australian Rotary Health and the work it does to improve the health and wellbeing of all Australians. It’s a project of Rotary Districts across Australia supported by all Rotary Clubs, including ours.  It funds areas that don’t readily attract much funding, and promotes findings to the community. Australian Rotary Health is one of the largest independent funders of mental health research within Australia, hence Rotary’s annual fundraiser ‘Lifting the Lid on Mental Illness’.

THIS WEEK

Congratulations to John Rungen for a big birthday on the 2^nd!

This Wednesday 2 November: Prostate Cancer Support Group with guest speakers specialist Men’s Health physiotherapist Jamie Boulding and pharmacist Brad Butt from Canberra. Narooma Golf Club noon-3pm

This Thursday 3: No meeting being the first Thursday in the month.

This Friday 4th at 4pm: Many members will join Iris and Frank Eden’s family to celebrate Frank’s life.

Out and About

Eurobodalla Regional Hospital Carers

The inaugural AGM for Carers Accommodation Eurobodalla Regional Hospital Inc. (CAERH) is onWednesday 16 November at Moruya Golf Club at noon. President Andrew is currently the Deputy Chairman of the Steering Group.

Next Business Breakfast

Our next Business Breakfast on Thursday 17 November at the Surf Club (7am sharp) will feature guest speaker Rod White of Australian Community Media (ACM). He will talk about the future of ‘Narooma News’ and other local newspapers. Rod is ACM’s Group Sales manager for South Coast and Southern Inland NSW.

From Merimbula Rotary

Each month, Merimbula Rotary Club hears from Rotarians or someone from the Community about how they came to live in Merimbula.  Last month, it was the turn of their Vocational Services Director Elvis Amair. Elvis gave a very entertaining presentation on his early life in Jamaica, how he came to study for a Masters Degree in Australia, resuming his job in Jamaica with his Australian wife, and then returning to Australia to work in Bega and subsequently choosing Merimbula as the place to call home.  (Adapted from Merimbula Rotary’s posting on its website)

Spotted in Corryong

Corryong Rotary Club built this impressive clock tower a few years ago adjacent to the local Visitors Information Centre. It is a canti-levered timber structure that uses dual saw blades as clock-faces.

NEXT WEEK

Club Dinner at the Golf Club (6 for 6.30pm).

Andrew’s Thoughts

Another successful week! Our Business Breakfast was well attended to hear Nat Spencer, MEGT Apprenticeships Field Consultant, talk about the thousands of dollars in government assistance available to employers and apprentices. Unsurprisingly, there was much Q&A with a few one-on-ones after her talk. It was also good to see attendees from Bermagui as our message spreads. 

Fortunately the weather just held off on Sunday for the October Markets and we grossed $1,247 which is a fine result considering the weather. Thanks, as ever, to Chris and all those who helped.

This week is our Hat Night for mental health with guest speaker Dr David Arthur of Bermagui. So dress up, have fun, and raise money for a very worthy cause.

It is with regret that this will be my last ‘Andrew’s Thoughts’ for a few weeks. As most of you know, I’m off tomorrow to marry off my daughter in Queensland. Then, 48 hours after I return, I fly to London and will not be back until 16th November. Hopefully I will make the Business Breakfast the following day, jetlag permitting! My thoughts will be with you all, and it’s onwards and upwards mes amis!

This Thursday 27 October

Grab your most eye-catching or zaniest hat and bring your partner and friends to ‘Lift the Lid on Mental Illness’ this Thursday 6 for 6.30pm. Our guest speaker Dr David Arthur of Bermagui will talk about ‘Integrative Mental Health Care in Rural Communities’ drawing on his extensive experience here and overseas.

‘Lift the Lid on Mental Illness’ is Australian Rotary Health’s national annual fundraiser for mental health research. Please invite partners and friends and encourage them to wear a hat, anything from flamboyant or zany to just plain practical. Prizes given. Hats are encouraged but not essential. Please let Gero know if you are coming and numbers by Tuesday morning. Cost $27 (includes dinner).
Rachel and David will run the raffle. We have a few prizes but more would be good please.

The Week that Was

Sunday’s Market Report

It was a good market on Sunday despite the anticipated weather keeping many away. Trying to anticipate whether the market was off or on was a difficult call by our Market Manager Chris O’Brien, especially with a few initial light showers Sunday morning. Then it cleared with even some sunshine which lifted everyone’s spirits.

We still had 41 sites (many from further afield cancelled because of the forecast) including four new stallholders. Our regular market team pressed on brilliantly as usual; it was good fun and reports are the super clean van was a joy to work in. Thanks to Wayne Redman who towed the van and helped with the BBQ and to Dave White who dropped off the meat. Takings were gate $820, food van $359.30, Wishing Well $67.25, a total of $1,246.55.

District Conference

Our District 9705 Conference was on at the weekend in Wagga Wagga. Unfortunately no one from our Club could make it but Moruya President Shirl and husband John Hayes were there. Shirl reports a highlight on Saturday was when DG Geraldine Rurengo started to sing ‘Imagine’ and a choir walked onto the stage to accompany her.

We sponsor two RYPEN students

Thanks to Ange Ulrichsen and Narooma High Yr 9 Adviser Carly McMahon, our Club will sponsor  two students to RYPEN at Boorambola Sport & Recreation Camp at Wagga Wagga 11-13 November (Total cost $800). They are Phoebe Coxon and Talon Keith.

RYPEN aims to give students self confidence and self-esteem and to enhance a belief in their abilities and talents. It targets those often overlooked for leadership or other programmes but who just need an opportunity to discover their untapped potential. This year’s RYPEN Coordinator is Darren Wallace of the Rotary Club of Wollundry-Wagga Wagga.

Ange introduced herself to Carly and the two students last week, gave them more information and completed the paperwork. Carly told Ange the parents are thrilled as are Phoebe and Talon. “I told them how in previous years we had the RYPEN Camp at Mogo Goldfields (sadly burnt to the ground in the bush fires), and how wonderful and memorable the experience had been for those attending,” Ange said. Their parents will transport them to and from Canberra, to meet up with the special RYPEN coach.  

Phoebe and Talon will join us on Thursday 24 November to tell us about their RYPEN experience. It’s the same night as guest speaker Dianne McInnes, so it will be a bumper night!

Out and About

From Bega Rotary

Bega Rotary has initiated its Inaugural Art Fair to be held in conjunction with its Book Fair at Bega Showground Arts and Crafts building 20-21 January.  Bega Club of Bega invites local emerging and established artists to exhibit and sell their work in the Fair. Types of art that can be accepted include painting, drawing, original prints and original ceramic pieces. Please spread the word.

For more information, please go to Bega Rotary’s website or contact Maz by email at marilyn@jus4us.net. Entry forms to be returned by 2 December.

NEXT WEEK

Wednesday 2 November: Prostate Cancer Support Group with guest speakers specialist Men’s Health physiotherapist Jamie Boulding and pharmacist Brad Butt from Canberra. Narooma Golf Club noon-3pm

Thursday 3: No meeting being the first Thursday in the month.

Friday 4 at 4pm: Many members will join Iris and Frank Eden’s family to celebrate Frank’s life.

Andrew’s Thoughts

Last week saw a convivial Club Assembly with a good turnout and good banter. It was a pleasure to see a lightened atmosphere. 

Thursday sees the next Business Breakfast when Nat Spencer from MEGT will explain federally funded apprenticeship and training schemes. We have widened the invite list to include more tradespeople; we’re hoping for a good turnout. 

This weekend sees the Area 9705 Annual Conference in Wagga Wagga which unfortunately I cannot attend due to wedding preparations. I have spoken at length with our Area Governor Adam de Totth and he will be “showcasing” the Club for our PCSG and for our Community service over the years. This is a big honour and a deserved pat on the back for us all.

This weekend also sees the October markets.

Thursday the 25th sees our annual Hat Day for supporting mental health. Dr David Arthur will be presenting, and I urge you all to come and bring guests. I have also written to Dr Jenny Munro inviting her and members from the Chamber to join us. We shall be holding a raffle and you are urged to donate something appropriate, and obviously there will be prizes for the most outrageous hats! Regrettably I shall not be with you as I shall be marrying off daughter Sophie in Queensland!

So, we have really interesting meetings ahead which should prove to be very enjoyable for us. So it’s upwards and onwards mes amis!

THIS WEEK

ON THURSDAY: Our Business Breakfast at Narooma Surf Club (7am sharp) features Nat Spencer, Apprenticeships Field Consultant with MEGT. She says local employers and apprentices may be missing out on thousands of dollars in incentives and benefits. There’s a range of Australian Government employer incentives and apprentice benefits in priority occupations, particularly traditional trades, but benefits are also available in other areas not on the Government’s priority list, including aged care and child care. Nat will explain what is available and how to go about applying. Cost $10. Bookings essential with President Andrew.

THIS SUNDAY: Our current Rotary food van has now had the brakes approved by a qualified mechanic, the electrics passed by an electrician and the exterior and interior cleaned, so it is well and truly ‘fit for purpose’ for Sunday and the coming busy summer season. Fingers crossed for Sunday’s weather; hopefully not a tough call for our Markets Manager.

The Week that Was

Club Assembly

Last week’s Club Assembly saw any consideration of the discussion paper on Rotary’s future catering choices, produced by 40% of members, avoided.

President Andrew reported the Carers’ Accommodation Eurobodalla Regional Hospital (CAERH) committee is starting to gain traction. Coming up is the group’s participation in the Eurobodalla Health, Wellbeing and Community Group’s Expo 2022 on Wednesday 2 November at Batemans Bay Soldiers Club. This will be the start of CAERH’s campaign to inform the community about the project. Andrew is CAERH’s deputy chairman and is assisting with publicity. Its next meeting is Wednesday 19 October.

The next Prostate Cancer Support Group meeting on Wednesday 2 November features guest speakers specialist Men’s Health physiotherapist Jamie Boulding and pharmacist Brad Butt from Canberra. Please note new time 12-3pm at the Golfie.

Moruya Rotary tows Healthy Harold

Spotted in Narooma last week was Moruya Rotarian Rohan Gleeson towing the Life Education mobile classroom with Happy Harold from ‘down south’ to Narooma Public School, one of many schools the van is visiting in the area. Towing the van around our area is shared by Rohan and John Gillett also from Moruya, taking over from Moruya’s late Jerry Bussa.

For those not familiar with it, Life Education has been active in Australia for over 40 years. It was established by the Rotary Club of Kings Cross through the auspices of the late Rev Ted Noffs from the Wayside Chapel. Along with other health challenges, illicit drug use was exploding back then. Ted saw an opportunity to address the issue before it became a problem.

His vision for Life Education was centred on a powerful concept: each and every child is unique. Ted’s approach was not to scare children, but rather motivate and empower them so they could and would actively draw on their own knowledge to make safer and healthier life choices.  The same approach to education continues to inspire Life Education today.

The first mobile classroom was built in 1982, enabling Life Education to take its program to schools throughout Australia. It continues to be assisted by many Rotary Clubs. Healthy Harold assists discussions with kids in the mobile classroom healthy eating, personal safety, physical activity, positive relationships, cyber-safety and the impact of alcohol and other drugs. Programs are run in primary schools with differing emphasis for different age groups. All modules are age and stage appropriate and aligned to the NSW PDHPE syllabus and the Australian school curriculum.

Narooma Rotary supported Life Education for many years in the past, particularly when former DG Jack Ings was a member and in the years immediately following.

NEXT THURSDAY

Hat Night for Mental Health 27 October

Next Thursday we ‘Lift the Lid on Mental Health’ with guest speaker Dr David Arthur on ‘Integrative Mental Health Care in Rural Communities’.
Dr Arthur has extensive experience in health care in Australia, Asia, the Middle East and the UK f as a nurse, a counsellor, a researcher in mental health, and a health educator. He has published widely in areas related to post-natal depression and anxiety, schizophrenia and family management, as well as mindfulness stress management and meditation.
Returning to Australia just as the bushfires hit prompted him to join Bega Health and Eurobodalla Health as a mental health clinician and drug and alcohol counsellor in hospitals and the community. Through this experience and on through COVID, he became familiar with the stark differences in mental health care between urban and rural Australia. Concerned with the paucity of mental health care yet buoyed by a vision of community-centred multi-disciplinary low cost care, David will discuss some of his experiences and propose ideas which can benefit mental health in rural communities.
Should be a very interesting talk and don’t forget it’s a fundraiser for Mental Health. Please invite partners and friends and encourage them to wear a hat, anything from flamboyant, zany to just plain practical. Prizes given.