Andrew’s Thoughts

Well, it was a strange week. With news of the Covid outbreak at the Golf Club, I consulted with Board members where I could and importantly with Chris Manahan, President RC Moruya. The consensus was we should defer our annual Cinders battle. I shall be contacting Chris to see what alternative dates they would prefer. I have obviously apologised to the Golf Club on behalf of both Rotary Clubs.

Against the odds of forecast rain, the sun eventually shone on the righteous(!)  and Sunday’s Markets was a great success, all things considered. Mike is banking almost $1,300 which is excellent. Thanks to everyone for their efforts.

Thursday is our fundraising movie night at the Kinema. So dress up, come along, and have fun watching ‘The Duke’. As we have publicised, all proceeds will go to Rotary Australia’s National Flood Appeal for people in the flood affected areas in QLD and NSW. Regrettably, many will be getting another deluge over the next few days. A special mention to Ange for her great efforts organising things for Thursday.

Tuesday next week sees the next meeting of the Prostate Cancer Support group so please spread the word to those who may benefit.

Otherwise, it is upwards and onwards mes amis!

THIS WEEK

This Thursday 31^st

It’s our film fundraiser at the Kinema for Rotary Australia’s Flood Relief Appeal to see ‘The Duke’. It’s 6.30 for 7pm. Cost $20 (including wine and nibbles)

‘The Duke’ is the true story of Kempton Bunton, a 60-year old taxi driver, who stole Goya’s portrait of the Duke of Wellington from the National Gallery in London in 1961. It was the first and only theft in the Gallery’s history.

Please bring your family and friends AND we encourage you to dress up as maybe Kempton Bunton (Jim Broadbent), his wife Dorothy (Helen Mirren), the Spanish artist Francisco de Goya or even the Duke of Wellington, or anyone related to this event. Prizes for the best outfit.

The Week that Was

Sunday’s Markets

The weather forecast for Sunday, rain during the night, and a brief shower on Sunday morning resulted in the cancellation of 27 of our expected 47 stallholders, especially books, many clothing and knickknack stalls. When the sun came out, customers started to arrive and our van was flat out to about 12.30pm. Our market manager Chris O’Brien said most stallholders she spoke with reported excellent sales so they were very happy with the results.

Mike Young said despite the cancellations, the markets resulted in $1,290.32 being $580 from stallholders, $509.12 from van sales (including $57.87 net of tap and pay on our Square device) and $201.20 from the unattended wishing well. Thanks to everyone for the great effort.

Cinders postponed

It was disappointing our annual Cinders Trivia Challenge with Moruya Rotarians had to be postponed at the last minute until a hopefully a more Covid-free time (is there is such a thing). Everyone was keyed up and ready to go, Chris had the questions and activities all organised, and the Cinders shield had a polish ready for us to regain the honours once again. The overly confident Moruya President Chris put in their current bulletin, he and Andrew agreed to postpone our “whipping” for a date to be determined. Not likely Chris! New date is still being discussed.

From our Tertiary Scholar Elise Dixon

It was lovely to hear recently from our Tertiary Scholar Elise Dixon via her counsellor Lynn Hastings:

I hope you and the Rotary team are well. I’m now in week 5 and enjoying the subjects that I am doing. I have recently decided to transfer out of a Bachelor of Medical Science and into a Bachelor of Science (most likely majoring in human biology). I made this decision as I am still unsure of which career path I want to take and I feel that making this change allows for more opportunity and flexibility to try new things.

A Bachelor of Science provides the opportunity to study a range of different courses, compared to a Bachelor of Medical Science which follows a structured plan. I understand if this may affect the scholarship. Hopefully I am able to find what I’m passionate about soon. Wishing you all a happy Easter and I look forward to seeing you all soon.

Out and About

Bega Rotary’s Book Fair at Easter

After a couple of cancellations due to Covid, Bega Rotary’s Book Fair will be a monster at Easter because they are overflowing with good quality books. Bega Club is also very pleased to announce that the family of the late Margaret Searle have generously donated her wonderful collection of gardening books to our book fair.

Unfortunately Bega can’t accept any more books at this time.

Moruya Rotary boosts its profile 

As reported in our last week’s Beacon, Moruya Rotary featured in the very successful Mardi Gras and River Lights weekend for the Sydney Harbour Bridge 90^th celebrations, organised by a hard working subcommittee of Moruya Business Chamber that just ‘got the job done’. Moruya Rotary’s ‘man of action’ Rohan Gleeson, wearing both Chamber and Rotary hats, was one of the main architects of festivities. In Moruya’s bulletin this week, Rohan reflects on what Rotary should take out of its $2,000 sponsorship and its involvement in the event.

“We certainly as a Club made our presence felt and we built some very strong community friendships,” he said. These included with the Moruya Markets Committee and with the local Koori community.

The bike built for six was a challenge “but it did show community spirit”. Rohan said the bike will be finished and be “an asset for future events when it will stand Rotary out from the crowd”. The Club’s marquee also provided an information hub, a sales hub for restaurants within the town and a centre for the sales of memorabilia as part of the 90th birthday celebrations. Rohan said while “the toughest nut ‘membership’ has not been cracked yet, interest in Rotary certainly was given a leg up”.

NEXT WEEK

RYDA 4-5 April

The Rotary Youth Drivers Awareness (RYDA) programme is one of Rotary’s most valuable Community Services. About 180 Year 11 students from high schools in the Eurobodalla Shire are expected each day. Batemans Bay Rotarian Neil Simpson is the organizer. Our Club funds the bus hire each year from Narooma High – Moruya return and provides two helpers on the day Narooma High students attend.

Tuesday 5^th April

Narooma’s Prostate Cancer Support Group meets again this Tuesday evening at 6.30pm at Narooma Men’s Shed. Guest speaker is Sarah Lambert, a counsellor from Cobargo.

No meeting on Thursday 7 April

Andrew’s Thoughts

Another very interesting week and one where our wonderful Rotarians filled me with pride. On Tuesday, Ange led the team of Lynn and Gero, ably assisted by Jo King of Narooma CWA, to help ‘pack and stack’ the belongings of a poor lady facing eviction. It was great to work closely with Anglicare and CWA and may this be the first of ongoing relationships.

Tuesday also saw me, with the help of chauffeur Lynn, attend a joint meeting of Merimbula and Pambula Rotary Clubs hosted by Pambula with my Prostate Cancer Support Group hat on. It was an excellent meeting with the message getting both across and being well received. I thank Rebecca Fox, President of RC Pambula for arranging things. I shall make the same presentation to Bega Rotary Club on 7th April, thanks to President Anne Ducray.

Last Thursday we hosted the Business Breakfast for approximately 30 people, with Erica Dibden of Tilba Real Dairy presenting. Erica was as inspiring as ever and many  thought she should present to budding entrepreneurs (see below). The next Business Breakfast (21 April) sees Carrie Taylor, Project Manager from Visit Tilba discussing new initiatives there, and how Tilba and Narooma can interface going forward.

This Thursday is Cinders Night, one of the great evenings of the year when we take on Moruya Rotarians at all things trivial. Our reputation is on the line! So everyone please turn up and bring as many ringers as you like! Thanks to Chris for her sterling effort in organising the questions the proceedings.

Sunday is the Markets. The weather forecast is less than ideal, so let’s hope the rain holds off. We shall plan on it all happening.

And finally, don’t forget that Thursday week is our fundraising movie night at The Kinema in aid of Rotary Australia’s National Flood Appeal. Get in quick to get your tickets, and again thanks to  organiser Ange.

So, as ever, it’s upwards and onwards mes amis, and when it comes to Cinders it is “to infinity and beyond!”.

THIS WEEK

This Thursday is our annual Cinders Challenge when we welcome our friends from Moruya Rotary at Narooma Golf Club 6 for 6.30pm. Hopefully you have already told John Rungen if you are coming, and if so, how many guests you are bringing

This Sunday is of course the Markets (weather permitting!). Andrew has sent the roster around.

The Week that Was

Erica inspires Business Breakfast

Erica Dibden was totally inspiring with her insights into their Tilba Real Dairy journey. She said “passion is the key to success”. The challenge they faced was how could a small business like theirs launch itself against big players in the dairy market. The answer was the story behind the product and its sustainability; “once people become hooked on that, it is almost addictive”.  “We had no marketing problems,” Erica said, stressing the importance of food in people’s lives, engaging directly with customers and building a profile, such as through farmers markets at Moruya and Canberra. She said they try to always treat their customers with integrity, graciousness and respect.

She spoke of the company’s growth, their significant investment in upgrading equipment, and the importance of retaining staff by trying to get them to share their vision and passion. They currently employ 22 staff.

While everyone’s journey is different, Erica said resilience is the key. They deal with problems as they arise; “failure is not an option”, She added they have “a strong resilient community”.

Erica said we are in extraordinary times of changes but feels the future is very bright. She would like to see more and more boutique food industries on the south coast.

Moruya celebrates Harbour Bridge’s 90^th

Moruya Rotary played a big part in Moruya’s very successful celebrations over the weekend to celebrate the 90^th anniversary of the opening of Sydney Harbour Bridge and Moruya’s special connection to the Bridge. It was a Moruya Chamber initiative with two Rotarians also on the organising committee.

A ‘Mardi Gras type’ Street parade attracted over 50 entries with vintage cars and various floats. Rotary’s ‘float’ featured a special ‘non-functioning’ bicycle built for six flying a Rotary flag that attracted rousing cheers. An afternoon of music, fire dancers and singers followed, then River Lights featuring the good ship ‘Rotary’ and fireworks. Sunday featured two well attended quarry tours and a photographic display. Moruya Rotary also helped out with some last minute unexpected catering.

Out and About

Philippines WASH Project completed

 PAG Vere Gray reports that a Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Project in the Philippines that our Club contributed to more than three years ago has finally been completed, despite the many setbacks thrown up by Covid-19. The ‘Turn Over Ceremony’ for the project was on 17 March 

The Rotary Clubs of Batemans Bay, Moruya, Narooma, Yass and Intramuros as well as D9710 (as it was then) and D3810 (Philippines) all financially contributed to Global Grant No 1985543 to construct a Water System and Toilets in two villages four hours’ drive north of Manila.

Its completion was largely thanks to the perseverance of local Rotarian Prof Jumar Basco from the nearby Republic Central Colleges (University) when travel was permitted locally. The WASH Project was also supported by the Rotary Foundation, the Rotary Club of Intramuros Manila (local club), and the Rotary Club of Batemans Bay (international partner) in cooperation with the Community Extension Service Office of Republic Central Colleges. Vere said the value of the Project was US$47,000. 

Prof Jumar said, “We pushed through with this project even at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic to establish the facilities and bring the services that will definitely change the lives of more than 1000 residents for the better.”

BowelCare Program 2022               

This year’s Rotary BowelCare Program will be run again as a Mail Order service 1 April – 30 June. More in next week’s Beacon.

NEXT THURSDAY 31 MARCH

We’re raising funds for Rotary Australia’s Flood Relief Appeal with a fundraising film night at Narooma Kinema to see the delightful movie ‘The Duke’. It’s 6.30 for 7pm.

‘The Duke’ is the true story of Kempton Bunton, a 60-year old taxi driver, who stole Goya’s portrait of the Duke of Wellington from the National Gallery in London in 1961. It was the first and only theft in the Gallery’s history.

Bring your family and friends AND we encourage you to dress up as maybe Kempton Bunton (Jim Broadbent), his wife Dorothy (Helen Mirren), the Spanish artist Francisco de Goya or even the Duke of Wellington, or anyone related to this event. Prizes for the best outfit.

Tickets $20 (includes wine and nibbles) plus a Rotary raffle on the night. Hope to see you there. 

Andrew’s Thoughts

In many ways it has been a very sad week. Over the weekend we heard that the wife of our DG Leo Farrelly had passed away after a short illness. As Rotarians the Farrelly family is in our thoughts and prayers.

Secondly, we were confronted with the horrors of homelessness. Just over a week ago, I was contacted by Angie Winter, a Case Manager with Anglicare, about the possibility of Rotary assisting in packing up the belongings of a lady who is being evicted and at risk of homelessness. I raised this at Wednesday’s Board Meeting, and our wonderful Team extended an invitation to Ms Winter to join us at the Club Night dinner on Thursday to explain further.

So we were joined by Angie Winter, together with Danea Cowell who is Anglicare’s Disability and Housing Manager (Southern) to explain more about the current issue and also the wider activities of Anglicare. It was disturbing to be confronted with issues suffered by the vulnerable, but at the same time I was proud of our Club for assisting this week and I thank those who have volunteered to assist and to Gordon for providing packing boxes. So with pride, I thank those who are stepping up to the plate to help the poor lady. We committed to working out how we might work with Anglicare going forward. 

Other matters which were addressed at either the Board or at the Club Dinner included the agreement to send the funds raised at the Movie Night on 31 March (see below) to RAWCS for the National Rotary Flood Appeal for Queensland and NSW as opposed to the usual polio initiative. We will still send a donation to the Polio campaign.  

On a lighter side, we have an exciting few weeks coming up. Thursday sees our next Business Breakfast with Erica Dibden talking about the exciting changes at Tilba Real Dairy. The following week is Cinders Night with RC Moruya when it will be “all hands to the pump” to retain the trophy! Then on the 31st it will be our movie fundraiser ‘The Duke’ which has received five star reviews in the UK. You may even like to dress up for the night.

As ever, it is onwards and upwards mes amis!

THIS WEEK

Guest speaker at this Thursday’s (17^th) Narooma Rotary Business Breakfast is Erica Dibden of Tilba Real Dairy. Erica and husband Nic are great advocates for producing and buying local and have recently expanded in Central Tilba.

It’s at Narooma Surf Club, cost $10, 7am sharp please. Bookings essential by Tuesday noon through Narooma President Andrew Lawson.

Out and About

Our Film for Flood Appeal

Bring your family and friends along to the Kinema on Thursday 31 March 6.30 for 7pm for our film fundraiser for Rotary Australia’s Flood Relief Appeal. Tickets $20 (includes wine and nibbles) plus a Rotary raffle on the night (donations for raffle gratefully accepted – please see Ange). 

‘The Duke’ is a delightful film. It’s the true story of Kempton Bunton, a 60-year old taxi driver who stole Goya’s portrait of the Duke of Wellington from the National Gallery in London in 1961. It was the first and only theft in the Gallery’s history. You may like to dress up as Bunton, his wife Dorothy, the Spanish artist Francisco de Goya or even the Duke of Wellington, or anyone related to this event. Prizes for the best outfit.

The Flood Appeal was launched last week by Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS). “Money raised will go through local Rotary clubs to directly and quickly support those impacted by the floods, providing essential items and financial support that Disaster Relief and Insurance may not cover,” said RAWCS CEO Andrew Woodward.

Moruya Rotary digs deep

The Board of Moruya Rotary last week decided to donate $5,000 to the Rotary National Flood Appeal and a further $3,000 to the Rotary Ukraine appeal. Then individual members made donations of $1,015 to the Flood Appeal and $500 to the Ukraine appeal. All monies will be processed through RAWCS. Great effort Moruya!

Birthdays this month

Many happy returns to Gero Mitchell (17th) and Steve Deck (25th).

NEXT THURSDAY 24TH

We welcome our friends from Moruya Rotary to Narooma Golfie for our annual Cinders Challenge of all things trivial. This is always a wonderful fun night. Please bring family and friends, especially if they are steeped in ‘things trivial’. We will be defending the trophy! It’s 6 for 6.30pm. Please make sure you get numbers to John Rungen by the Tuesday afternoon before.  

Andrew’s Thoughts

By necessity it has been a quiet week for me! Regrettably, we cancelled the Prostate Cancer Support Group meeting due to the looming storms and, as with the February Markets, the storms didn’t quite eventuate. Fortunately we were able to get the word out in time.

So we are back for a busy week, and for the rest of the month. Firstly, thanks to Mike Young, Ange Ulrichsen, John Rungen and Laurelle Pacey for participating in Clean Up Australia on Sunday. It is always good to see us participating for the wider community.

This Wednesday sees our March Board which will be by Zoom. Then we have our Club Night on Thursday. Last month’s similar event was really vibrant, but perhaps Thursday can be less sexist with boys not on one side and girls on the other!

Thursday week (17^th) sees the next Business Breakfast with Erica Dibden from Tilba Real Dairy. Invitations have gone out to local business people

The real big deal will be Cinders Night (24^th). We have much to defend mes amis, so bring partners, ringers etc to enhance the team. Special thanks to Chris who has put so much effort into getting the questions sorted. More about Cinders on Thursday.

March will end with our Movie Night for Polio on the 31^st. We shall discuss our marketing for this at the Board meeting on Wednesday.

I look forward to seeing you all (with my right eye lol!) on Thursday mes amis!

THIS WEEK

Wednesday 9 March 4pm: Board Meeting via Zoom. Invitations issued.

Thursday 10 March: Club Dinner at Narooma Golf Club 6.00 for 6.30pm.

The Week that Was

Moruya Club helps build Sydney Bridge

The ever gallant Moruya Rotary crew has been working on their contributions to Moruya’s Festival of Lights on Saturday 19 March, part of Moruya’s celebrations of the 90^th anniversary of the opening of Sydney Harbour Bridge. Derek, Rohan and Pauline Gleeson are helping ‘build’ the Bridge for the Festival. The bridge will lead the flotilla down the Moruya River on Saturday 19th March. Moruya club hopes to also enter the tall ship ‘HMAS Moruya Rotary’, with plans currently being developed by Club engineer Tony ably assisted by Keith and Pauline.

Meanwhile, ADG Adam de Totth was Moruya’s guest speaker last week, deputising for the Acting DG. He spoke about the Club’s problem of aging members and a failure to recruit new members, like so many other Rotary and service clubs. It’s a problem Moruya has been discussing at length over recent months. Adam’s message was clubs must adapt, modernize, be flexible, and become event oriented. Meetings vary locations and be light-hearted. Adam returns to Moruya on 29th March.

Rotary launches Flood Appeal

Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS) has created a national Flood Relief Appeal for people impacted by the current floods in Queensland and Northern NSW. Those impacted by the recent floods will be able to liaise with their local Rotary Club to advise of their needs.

“The money raised will go directly and quickly to support those impacted, providing essential items and financial support where Disaster relief and Insurance claims won’t stretch,” said Rotary Australia World Community Service Ltd CEO Andrew Woodward.

He expects the money to help people with the things like helping farmers build new fences or providing food and clothing to those that have lost everything, adding that the money raised will be crucial in helping families get back on their feet as soon as possible. Tax Deductible Donations to the appeal can be made on the RAWCS website at https://rawcs.org.au

Rotary Foundation and Ukraine Crisis

• 

The deepening humanitarian crisis in Ukraine has so far seen about 1.5 million people flee Ukraine and in dire need of emergency aid. the United Nations estimates that number could grow to as many as 5 million.

In response, the Rotary Foundation has created its Disaster Response Fund as an official channel for contributions for Rotarians around the world to contribute funds to support relief efforts underway by Rotary districts bordering Ukraine and in Ukraine. Rotary clubs in Europe and around the world have stepped up their relief work, some working on the ground.

In addition, the Foundation is coordinating with partners and regional leaders, exploring effective solutions, including with the United Nations High Commission on Refugees, ShelterBox, and with Rotary members in Eastern Europe.

For all other questions and to obtain more information, please contact the Rotary Support Centre at rotarysupportcenter@rotary.org.

Out and About

Film Night for Polio Campaign 31 March

Bring your family and friends to the Kinema on Thursday 31 March to enjoy a fun evening to raise funds to help eradicate polio while also supporting a local business. Tickets $20 (includes white wine and nibbles) plus a Rotary raffle on the night. 6.30pm for 7.

‘The Duke’ is the true story of Kempton Bunton, a 60-year old taxi driver, who stole Goya’s portrait of the Duke of Wellington from the National Gallery in London. It was the first (and remains the only) theft in the Gallery’s history.

NEXT THURSDAY 17 MARCH

Our Rotary Business Breakfast 7am-8am with guest speaker Erica Dibden from Tilba Real Dairy. The dairy is owned and operated by Nic and Erica Dibden who bought ABC Cheese Factory in Central Tilba in 2012 and began producing dairy products produced from the milk of Jersey cows.  Bookings with Andrew Lawson essential.