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.