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).