Andrew’s Thoughts

Well, another ‘interesting’ week with the Board deciding to take advantage of an available grant (deadline 10 October) to fund the purchase of a new van. I have no doubt there will be interesting debates going forward and you can all be assured that as President I shall only ever act in the best interests of the Club.

Thursday sees a Club Assembly and I suggest that the ‘V’ word is banned! Let’s have a more convivial meeting and I suggest that the evening is filled with humorous personal anecdotes to lighten proceedings. I’ll start with car hire on Martha’s Vineyard!

Last week also saw the latest PCSG meeting with a really useful presentation from Dr Gundi. It’s interesting to see that we are developing a meeting nucleus. 

Next week sees October’s Business Breakfast meeting with a last minute change of speaker. So as ever, it’s upwards and onwards mes amis!

THIS THURSDAY

Dinner Meeting – Club Assembly 6 for 6.30pm

The Week that Was

Board advances consideration of van’s future

Last week the Board received a report from six members who hope to move the whole discussion of a trailer/marquee, BBQ trailer and food van forward from the current impasse. That report has now been circulated to all Club members at the Board’s request. Other members might have other points they would like considered.

Probably all members acknowledge that concerns about the state of the current van have limited what the Club could undertake in the community in recent years wrt catering. The Club had prudently limited our van’s excursions to travel between Easts, NATA Oval and return. Bob Aston and Julie Hartley had both done excellent assessments of the existing food van that set some members thinking about issues they raised.

Bob’s and Julie’s reports acted as a springboard for the group to examine these issues at a brain storming session on Monday 3 October, issues they felt had not really been addressed by the Club to date in a systematic and logical way. At that meeting, our newest member Françoise Cleret pointed out there was a Bushfire associated grant through the Bendigo Bank that could possibly fund the entire cost of a new van, should we go that way. Only problem was applications closed 10 October.

That report, presented to the Board last Friday and since circulated to all members, examined:

1. A key issue raised by Julie and touched on by Bob – What does the Club want to achieve by having a catering presence at the markets and elsewhere?
2. It then looked at the benefits and disadvantages of an open trailer/marquee, a BBQ trailer and a food van.

Friday’s Board meeting unanimously agreed to go ahead with the grant application, a decision also supported by Mike Young and Ange Ulrichsen in absentia. It was felt it was too good an opportunity to miss. Lynn, Françoise and Laurelle then did the application on the Club’s behalf, ultimately approved by President Andrew.

Clarifying the van’s condition

Few would dispute the van is probably past its use-by-date, but the report also posed the question “can it get us safely through the December-January markets”. Some doubt had been raised by some members about the perceived safety of the van’s electrics, but a professional assessment was needed.

The Board last Friday also agreed to the group’s recommendations, viz  get the electrics checked by a qualified electrician before the next market (if any concerns, that was it), do a deep clean before the next market (23^rd), and check the temperatures of the bain-marie and fridge at the next market to ensure they still meet food regulation standards. David McInnes had given the clean a head start by giving the exterior an initial good clean at September’s market.

Baby Book Project

The Board also decided last Friday to continue to support the combined Moruya-Batemans Bay- Narooma Baby Book Project initiated in 2005-2006 by Moruya’s Steve and Jan Young during Steve’s year as President. Maternity Services for the whole shire had at that stage been centralised in Moruya so the plan was to present a small book to every child born in Moruya Hospital, the costs to be shared by the three Rotary Clubs. We’re now waiting on a Tax Invoice from Moruya, but it will be about $500.

An initial special deal saw 350 signed copies of Jackie French’s Diary of a Wombat launch the project. Seventeen years later and the project is still going strong. Steve and Jan reckon the project has so far donated 6,800 books. A number of different books have been used over the years; the most recent a series of Steve Parish booklets, each with a story by Rebecca Johnson. (Some information from a recent Moruya Rotary newsletter)

Out and About

Hat Night for Mental Health 27 October

Don’t forget our Hat night on Thursday 27 October to ‘Lift the Lid on Mental Health’. This will be a fundraiser. Our guest speaker is Dr David Arthur who will speak about ‘Integrative Mental Health Care in Rural Communities’.
Dr Arthur has worked in health care in Australia, Asia, the Middle East and the UK for over 45 years 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 in Asia 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.

NEXT THURSDAY 20^th

7am: Rotary Business Breakfast at Narooma Surf Club: Natalie Spencer of MEGT will talk about the range of Australian Government employer incentives and apprentice benefits available in priority occupations. These particularly target traditional trades but benefits are also available in other areas not on the Government’s priority list, including aged care and child care. It’s worthwhile employers coming along to discuss with Nat. We’re hoping to attract a number of employers especially tradies from around the area.

MEGT is a not-for-profit organisation that supports employers, apprentices, trainees, job seekers and students. Their local apprenticeship experts work across Australia helping businesses, apprentices and trainees get the most from the Australian Apprenticeships programme.

Andrew’s Thoughts

Another important week for the club with Françoise Cleret inducted as our newest member at last week’s meeting. It’s wonderful to have her on board; she adds to the now six new members in the last three years, part of the important rebuilding of the Club. Also at that meeting we had a good opportunity to frankly discuss the merits of ‘where from here’ for the van.

This week we have Wednesday’s meeting of the PCSG where Dr Gundi Muller-Grotjan will be discussing the GPs’ perspective. After the last meeting, this should be very interesting. 

Then on Friday we have the October Board meeting where hopefully we shall arrive at a sensible compromise on the van issue, because the debate has gone on for too long.

As ever, it’s onwards and upwards mes amis!

THIS WEEK

Wednesday 5 October 6.30pm: Prostate Cancer Support Group at Narooma Golf Club with Dr Gundi Muller-Grotjan of Braveheart Healthcare to lead discussion

Thursday 6 October: No Dinner Meeting being the first Thursday in the month

This Friday 7 October 4.15pm:  Board Meeting at Narooma Golf Club

The Week that Was

From Moruya Rotary bulletin

Moruya Rotary President Shirl Hayes-Cornish reports that the recent meeting of the Carers’ Accommodation Eurobodalla Regional Hospital (CAERH) committee accepted an invitation to participate in the Eurobodalla Health, Wellbeing and Community Group’s Expo 2022 on Wednesday 2 November at Batemans Bay Soldiers Club. The Expo is for ‘conventional and customary health services and providers and also the exceptional and unique’. Our President Andrew is CAERH’s deputy chairman.

Shirl said this is the beginning of CAERH’s campaign to inform the community about the project with the aim of attracting people and organisations to make up the Steering Committee. Louise McFadden from the Project Team at NSW Health will provide a map of the hospital plan for the display showing the site put aside for Carers’ Accommodation. CAERH Chairman Rob Pollock will have photos and information about the Bega and other Carers’ Centres.

Publicity will begin with Andrew Lawson using his relationship with Paul West of the ABC and Andrew Elek with James Tugwell of the Bay Post. Shirl will also mention it on her monthly talk with Peter Diskon on EAR and write a media release. The CAERH’s next meeting is Wednesday 19 October.

Out and About

Nominations open for RYLA 

In 2023 the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) will be held from 7-13 January inclusive at the Warrambui Retreat & Conference Centre at Murrumbateman NSW. It aims to grow the leadership potential of young people in our community.

The seven day residential programme is designed to challenge and inspire these young people and help them gain further confidence and self-esteem as well as set goals for their future. A number of past Rylarians assist in running the programme and, through their experiences at previous RYLA programmes, give enormous support to their peers and the community.

Our Club is asked to find a suitable applicant between 18 and 30 years who has shown some leadership potential. (Please note that for 2023 only the age limit has been extended to 30 years because the programme has not run for the previous two years; in 2024 this will be reduced back to 28 years.)

Application forms can be found online at https://rotary9705.org.au/page/ryla. The closing date for RYLA applicants is 31 October, however the District would prefer applications by early October.

Our District RYLA Chair Clare Lawlor says should our Club select a RYLA participant, please invite them to attend some Rotary Club meetings prior to the programme. Fees will be invoiced to participating Clubs and cover accommodation, all meals and programme expenses. The fee is $950.00, which includes a subsidy from the District.

NEXT WEEK

Thursday 13 October: Dinner Meeting at Narooma Golf Club 6.30 for 7

Andrew’s Thoughts

Well, it was both a reflective and fulfilling week. We obviously honoured the National Day of Mourning for Queen Elizabeth II. The highly anticipated presentation from Dianne McInnes which had been scheduled for last Thursday has been deferred until 24^th November. So our dinner meeting was switched to this Thursday the 29^th which is now an important Club Night to welcome Françoise Cleret as our new member. This will be the highlight of the evening and I know we are all looking forward to formally welcoming Françoise to the fold.

The sun certainly shined on the righteous on Sunday! After an indifferent week’s weather gone, and the forecast indifferent week ahead, Sunday was a glorious spring day which really brought in the Market crowds. A highly successful market yielded $2,092.05; many thanks, as ever, to all involved.

The highlight of the day was the Whale Watch raffle drawn by Norm Ingersole of Narooma Charters who had once again generously donated the voucher for two. The winner was Alison Gorman from Dalmeny who was absolutely thrilled. Many thanks to Raffle Queen Ange for leading the charge!

I look forward to a good turnout of members this Thursday to welcome Françoise. As ever, it’s onwards and upwards mes amis!

THIS WEEK

Club Night at Narooma Golf Club 6 for 6.30pm Club when we welcome Françoise Cleret as our new member with open arms. This will be the highlight of the evening.

The Week that Was

On Sunday’s Market

What a beautiful Market Day. We attracted a good crowd with many visitors in the area for the school holidays. With the spring weather, the numbers of stallholders are building up again including a welcome number of new faces. We took $1,181.00 at the gate, $763.30 at the van (food costs to come out), and $147.75 from the wishing well. Quite a few comments on the day about it being such an enjoyable and relaxed community event that many look forward to each month.

Andrew and Ange both expressed the Club’s great appreciation to Norm Ingersole of Narooma Charters on Sunday for his continued support for our whale watching raffle held at this time each year, Covid willing. Proceeds from this year’s raffle will go towards carers’ accommodation at the new Regional Hospital plus possibly other charities. Interesting we ran the first one back in 2012 when Darryl and Kristen Stuart had Narooma Charters. Norm was saying that so far the whales seem much further out this year.

From Moruya Rotary

Our very own David McInnes was last week’s guest speaker at Moruya Rotary where he spoke about Geophysics. This week’s Moruya bulletin reported he presented his highly technical subject with tremendous enthusiasm and some comprehensive images. David said the whole of Australia has been scanned by airborne Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR). From that research, the skilled geophysicist can detect where various metals are likely to be found which is crucial to know as we move away from fossil fuels and into batteries. Lithium, nickel, cobalt, manganese and graphite are all used in batteries, and of these, lithium is currently the key. He spoke about its major issues. We can look forward to hearing David as our guest speaker some time next year.

Bay Rotarians go to Nelligen

Batemans Bay Rotarians are holding a ‘Pizza, Poetry and Plonk Night’ on Thursday 6 October at Nelligen Big 4 Caravan Park at 6.00pm and Narooma Rotarians would be most welcome. Cost is $15 per person which covers the Pizza and ice creams for dessert. It’s BYO Poetry (silly poems particularly welcome!) and Plonk (along with glasses for the Plonk). It is essential to book with Pam Thorpe on 0418 871 685 by Tuesday 4^th October should you want to go (for pizza orders and code entry to Park).

Out and About

Narooma contributes to International Project

Recently our Club donated $500 to the D9705 Project to install solar panels, batteries and associated electrical infrastructure on a School in Fiji in early 2023. We were one of 22 District Clubs (and one Rotarian) who pledged a total of $45,000 

Fiji’s Naiviivi Primary School supports 130 school children with seven teachers. The solar installation will provide them with 24/7 power; the savings made from elimination of diesel generation will enable them to buy schoolbooks and PC equipment. It is an international project that satisfies Rotary’s priority goals of protecting the environment and providing educational support.

Contributing clubs were Belconnen, Bathurst, Bathurst Daybreak, Berry, Canberra, Canberra Weston Creek, Coolamon, Cowra, Forbes Ipomoea, Gerringong Sunrise, Goulburn, Griffith Avanti, Hall, Jerra Rotary, Junee, Milton-Ulladulla, Molong, Narooma, Oberon, Orange, Orange North, and Pambula.

Bega Valley Rotarians support joint project.

Critical moves to increase the number of qualified aged care workers at Sapphire Coast Community Aged Care (SCCAC) facilities are being supported by a joint Project by the Rotary Clubs of Bega, Merimbula and Pambula. Rotarians have so far delivered 18 ‘Welcome Packages’ to SCCAC. Each package aims to make new overseas employees (sourced by SCCAC) feel welcome on their arrival in the Bega Valley and hopefully encourage them to want to stay working for SCCAC.

The ‘Welcome packages’ include a bunch of fresh flowers, a food hamper, personal requirements such as sunscreen and insect repellent, information about services and attractions in the Bega Valley and an invitation for a tour of the Bega Valley with a host from the ‘Adopt a Family’ Program. Local businesses and organisations such as pharmacies and the Sapphire Community Pantry have made very generous donations to the Project. Household items such as furniture and kitchen items are also being sourced and delivered to new employees because their rental properties are usually unfurnished.

NEXT WEEK

There is no meeting next week being the first Thursday in the month, but you may be tempted to go to Nelligen for Batemans Bay Rotary’s‘Pizza, Poetry and Plonk Night’. Bookings essential (see above).

Andrew’s Thoughts

It is with profound apology that ongoing health issues, fortunately not that serious, prevented me from making the previous week’s Club Assembly. By all accounts, it was a convivial gathering much enjoyed by all. 

On Tuesday of that week, we welcomed our area’s specialist prostate cancer nurse Aimie Proberts to the first meeting of the Prostate Cancer Support Group’s 2022/2023 programme. A group of 10 gained a fascinating insight into her role which stimulated a lively and beneficial discussion. 

Last Thursday saw the delayed return of our Business Breakfasts after the winter break. We welcomed Sally Bouckley of Southbound Escapes who discussed taking over the lease on the Visitors’ Information Centre and her vision for integrating tourism initiatives in the area. What an inspiring and wonderful local entrepreneur.

Finally, the Board has decided that as the 22nd has been proclaimed a National Day of Mourning following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, it would be inappropriate to hold our planned meeting on that day with scheduled speaker Dianne McInnes (should the Golfie be open!). We have postponed the meeting to the following week which unfortunately does not suit Diane; hopefully we will soon find another time that suits her.

So, in these reflective and historic times, it is onwards and upwards mes amis.

Don’t forget it’s the markets this Sunday! A roster will be circulated.

THIS WEEK

This Thursday is Australia’s Day of Mourning for Queen Elizabeth II and therefore a Public Holiday, we will instead meet the following Thursday 29^th (5^th Thursday in the month). Unfortunately that date does not suit our scheduled speaker Dianne McInnes so she will talk about writing a book at another time.

This Sunday is the Markets, so all hands on deck please.

The Week that Was

Last Thursday’s Business Breakfast

Sally Bouckley of Southbound Escapes took on the lease of the Visitor Information Centre on 1 July. She has been overwhelmed by the number of people in the community who have dropped in to say how delighted they are the Centre has reopened; she feels there is considerable community goodwill supporting her initiative. She intends to maintain the Visitors Centre accreditation but makes the point that it has to be commercially viable. It’s the base for her e-bike business and developing her niche market luxury tours. She has reintroduced accommodation bookings and is collaborating with other local businesses, while also being surprised at the business generated in the shop. She explained some of her marketing ideas she intends to incorporate in her business.

A Rotary encounter in Bali

Our VP Ange Ulrichsen is just back from a few weeks in Bali staying at Sanur on the East coast and has filed this report. “About a week ago I happened to lunch at Anjani Beach restaurant at Sanur Beach. To my delight, I noticed the Rotary Wheel and Club of Bali Nitimandala on the wall. Well naturally I inquired and the restaurant owner Alit Suarta joined me for a lovely chat.

“He said the Club meets weekly at his restaurant. Prior to Covid the Club had 15 members but now that’s down to eight and men only. Bali has 23 Rotary Clubs and Indonesia over 500!”

A main project of his Club is providing education and meals to disabled children and helping their poor families in Bali villages.

“Rotary is highly respected in Bali. Post the Bali bombing, Rotary played a pivotal role in establishing a Blood Bank Regional Project at the Central Hospital at Denpasar in Bali. This is ongoing. Since the Rotary Global Grant system changed, local clubs link to provide clean water, public health and sanitation to villages. Previously Indonesia and Japan provided these services jointly.”

Out and About

The Queen and Paddington Bear

This was posted online (shame about the missing apostrophe!) after the Queen’s death, a variation/update of the sketch of the Queen hand in hand with Paddington Bear done by East Yorkshire artist Eleanor Tomlinson after the recent Jubilee celebrations.

Just this last week, the card has popped up among the thousands of floral tributes laid for the Queen, along with many Paddington Bears. Who’d have thought…

NEXT Thursday

Club Dinner at Narooma Golf Club 6 for 6.30pm.

Andrew’s Thoughts

Last week was one of the quiet ones with no meeting so little to report. The Board met on Friday and I shall obviously report back at our Club Assembly on Thursday. The great news is that Françoise Cleret has been accepted for Club membership and that Gordon Bentley’s transfer from Dubbo has been finalised. So in the past 24 months, with all that that has thrown at us, we have six new members, and I am quietly confident there may be a seventh.

The success of sponsoring the High School’s MUNA continues to garner positive publicity which is excellent. This is in a large part due to Ange’s great efforts and liaison with Narooma High.

Wednesday sees the delayed start of the PCSG 2022/2023 season when we welcome Amie Proberts, the specialist Prostate Cancer nurse covering both Bega and Eurobodalla Hospitals. We hope for a good turnout.

So in summary, we’re definitely moving forward and I am quietly confident about the Club’s future. As ever, it is onwards and upwards mes amis!

THIS WEEK

Thursday 8 September: Dinner Meeting 6 for 6.30pm – Club Assembly at Narooma Golf Club

The Week that Was

More on MUNA

We received some extensive publicity about our Club’s sponsorship of the Narooma High Year 11 team to the prestigious Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA) in Canberra 19-21 August. Narooma News journalist Marion Williams also did a ripper of a follow up to our media release by interviewing Narooma High teacher Monique Wicks and student Yeshe Smith Macpherson revealing our Narooma team actually received a standing ovation from the Assembly.

While our three Narooma students spent two months preparing for MUNA and learning about public speaking and speech writing, once there they had to quickly master negotiating and collaborating, sometimes even changing alliances.

Narooma represented Iran and over the weekend debated six resolutions from Iran’s perspective. Iran was part of the Middle East bloc with Egypt and Saudi Arabia, the latter represented by King’s College. Yeshe told Marion, “We asked if we could see their speech so we could cover different things and know how to support what they were going to say but they wouldn’t let us”.

As Iran, they agreed to support one of Saudi Arabia’s resolutions but after negotiations and collaborations with other blocs “we realised we were against it and ended up changing our minds after hearing other countries speak”. “We did a whole speech about it which won a standing ovation,” she said. “It was a really cool moment.”

These students will go places!

Board Meeting

The Board had quite a productive meeting last Friday: Andrew will fill us in this Thursday. Whale raffle tickets are selling fast.

Out and About

Bega Rotary Spring Book Fair

The Rotary Spring Book Fair is on this weekend at Bega Showground Pavilion (Fri 9 & Sat 10 Sept 9-5). Good quality books plus DVDs will be available. Entry by gold coin donation and sales are by EFTPOS or cash. Please bring a bag.

Ten rules for email etiquette

These tips on email etiquette from the Law Society of NSW should help us all, not only with ‘in club’ communications.Rachel Clements, Director of Psychological Services at Sydney’s Centre for Corporate Health suggests the following checklist.

1. Use a clear, professional subject line clearly showing whatthe email will cover. Many decide whether to open an email depending on the subject line.

2. Proof-read every email you send: Check for spelling, grammatical or other errors. Have you spelt the recipient’s name correctly? Errors compromise your credibility.

3. Write your email before entering the recipient email address in case you accidentally send the message too early.

4. Use appropriate level of formality – Such as, begin with “Dear” or “Hi”. Please use “please” and “thank you” where necessary, and always end your email with the appropriate phrase, “Kind regards”, “Thank you”, “Sincerely” etc.

5. Keep emails brief and to the point

6. Double check you have the correct recipient

7. Ensure you CC all relevant recipients: It’s unprofessional to leave out a colleague or client from a relevant email chain. Be mindful of who should be informed about a given matter and respect that.

8. Reply to your emails: Replying to an email is good etiquette, especially if the sender is expecting a response. Acknowledging you received the email but will get back to the sender at a later time is a professional alternative to ignoring or avoiding certain emails.

9. You don’t always have to “reply all”. The accidental “reply all” on a private email is a huge trap. Think about who needs to read your response; no one wants an email chain that has nothing to do with them.

10. Include a signature block: If your recipient doesn’t know anything about you, they may be sceptical of the authenticity of your email. It is professional to include your full name, title, your company and your contact number.

NEXT WEEK

Thursday 15 September 7am – Business Breakfast Meeting at Narooma Surf Club. Guest speaker Sally Bouckley of Southbound Escapes who recently took on the lease of the Visitors’ Information Centre. Bookings essential with President Andrew by Monday PM. Cost $10.

Andrew’s Thoughts

Thursday night was one of those that will live long in the memory with 38 people attending what was an excellent dinner meeting. We started with hearing from Yeshe Smith Macpherson, Ellen Hemsted and Jack Lenihan, three fine young people from Narooma High whom we sponsored to MUNA the weekend before. They were so enthused and ‘glowing’ with their experiences. I have to say I felt really proud that we Narooma Rotarians had made this experience happen. It was also good to see their parents there in support and teachers Monique Wicks and Joe van Weerdenburg, and Principal Fiona Jackson.

Then we were truly honoured to hear from Lynn Thomas, a Yuin Elder, who recounted how her father Guboo Ted Thomas and Uncle Percy Mumbler led the fight to ‘reclaim’ the cultural significant Biamanga (Mumbulla Mountain) from disrespectful logging interests. Her presentation was both moving and thought provoking in equal measure.

The market on Sunday was a great success; the weather was kind, and we banked $2,177.55 for our good causes, including some raffle ticket sales outside of the markets. Gate $1,060, van $654.05, wishing well $220.50, raffle $243.00. Thanks to Chris as ever and to all those who helped, including Mike who sold whale watching raffle tickets all day at the main gate. If you haven’t already received a book of tickets, please contact Ange or Mike.

While there is no Club meeting this week, Friday sees our monthly Board Meeting; I look forward to reporting back to the Club Assembly next Thursday. I am quietly optimistic about the ways things are going, so it continues to be onwards and upwards mes amis!

THIS WEEK

There is no Rotary meeting this Thursday 1 September, being the first Thursday of the month.

Friday 2 September: Board meeting 4.15pm at Narooma Golf Club

The Week that Was

Last Thursday was a great night

As Andrew said, last Thursday Rotarians and our many guests were both inspired and uplifted by three Narooma High students and then Yuin Elder Lynne Thomas.

The three Year 11 students bubbled with enthusiasm following their participation in the Rotary-sponsored Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA) in Old Parliament House in Canberra the previous weekend. They found the experience “awesome!”.

One said, “even speaking in the Chamber in Old Parliament House was highly impressive where so much history has been made”.

MUNA provides students from across the eastern states with the experience of contributing to a United Nations (UN) General Assembly style debate, the aim being to increase international understanding and goodwill. Schools this year included the Kings School, Carroll College, Erindale College and Southern Highlands Christian College as well as Narooma High.

Our students Yeshe Smith Macpherson, Ellen Hemsted and Jack Lenihan represented Iran. They had to familiarize themselves with Iran’s current political issues and then debate global issues from what they perceived to be Iran’s viewpoint. They, assisted by the coaching skills of their wonderful teacher Monique Wicks, did Narooma proud, as witnessed by our VP Ange Ulrichsen who popped into the Chamber with her 14-year-old grandson.

There were six UN Assembly sessions; each followed strict formal UN debating rules overseen by the Secretary General. Teams were judged by several adjudicators.

They said the whole experience also opened their eyes to many possibilities of what they could do with their lives. They were amazed to hear that many teams had to compete against others to earn their place to attend.

Narooma High students and teachers have really connected with this Rotary Project over the years, assisted in recent years by the drive of Ange. David McInnes spoke enthusiastically about our Club’s sponsorship of Narooma teams, which this year cost $1,500, and the buzz students get out of it.

Then Yuin Elder Lynne Thomas told some Dreamtime stories and spoke of the long but successful campaign by local Aboriginal people to protect and ultimately regain the sacred places of Gulaga (the Mother Mountain) and Biamanga (Mumbulla Mountain), both part of the same cultural landscape with spiritual significance to all Yuin people. Lynne showed sdome stunning black and white pictures of her father Guboo Ted Thomas and Uncle Percy Mumbler’s fight for protecting Biamanga. 

Update on CAERH from Moruya bulletin

Moruya Rotary President Shirl reports that Carers Accommodation Eurobodalla Regional Hospital (CAERH) is now incorporated, thanks to Moruya Rotary’s Peter Smith. CAERH has adopted NSW Fair Trading’s Model Constitution with Peter Smith as CAERH Public Officer.

Shirl is impressed that already our Club is fundraising for CAERH with our whalewatching raffle, urging Moruya Rotarians to ring Ange if they would like some tickets to sell.  

NEXT WEEK

Wednesday 7 September: Prostate Cancer Support Group meets at Narooma Golf Club 6.30pm. Guest speaker is Bega and Moruya Hospitals’ Prostate Cancer Nurse Amie Proberts.

Thursday 8 September: Club Assembly at Narooma Golf Club

Andrew’s Thoughts

Well the start of our 22/23 programmes seem fated. At the beginning of August, we had to cancel the Prostate Cancer Support Group meeting due to ‘venue time’ issues. Last week it was the Business Breakfast’s time to suffer when Jenn Black came down with Covid.  I’m pleased to announce though she will be back with us for our October meeting; when I saw her yesterday she was on the mend but obviously still very washed out.

Last weekend our Narooma High team went to MUNA in Canberra and we look forward to hearing of their experiences at this Thursday’s dinner. As you know, assisting the fine young people at Narooma High is high on my priorities and has always been a major priority of our Club.

This Thursday’s meeting is also going to be very special with Lynne Thomas, a Yuin Elder, coming to talk to us. It’s a talk I’ve been eagerly awaiting since I joined Rotary two years ago. This will be special and I urge you all to attend and bring your friends too.

I would remind you we have raffle Tickets to sell for whale watching with proceeds going towards the Carers’ Accommodation project for the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital. Even if you do not fancy ‘public facing’ please take a book or two for family and friends; please don’t leave it to Ange and a few others.

This Sunday is our August Markets where it will be ‘all hands to the pump’ as usual, and also a good opportunity to sell raffle tickets. The roster will be circulated at Thursday’s meeting.

So as ever, it is onwards and upwards mes amis!

THIS WEEK

This will be a top night so please invite partners and friends. Our guest speaker is Yuin Elder Lynne Thomas, a teacher and cultural consultant. She will talk about Dreaming stories and their importance, and some special places that speak to connection to country. We will also hear from our three Year 11 Narooma High students who attended the recent Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA) – Yeshe Smith-Macpherson, Ellen Hemsted and Jack Lenihan accompanied by their teacher Monique Wicks.

The Week that Was

RYPEN is back!

Another great Rotary youth project is back after Covid. Applications are now open for D9705’s Rotary Youth Programme of Enrichment (RYPEN) at Boorambola Sport & Rec Camp at Wagga Wagga 11-13 November. RYPEN aims to give young people self confidence and self-esteem and to enhance a belief in their abilities and talents.

It is not about rewarding the super confident or those who already have leadership skills. Equally, it is not for young people with behaviour problems or other serious issues. RYPEN targets students who are often overlooked for leadership or other programs and just need an opportunity to discover their untapped potential. These are the young people who will gain so much from RYPEN.

Each Club is responsible for sponsorship of RYPEN participants ($400 each student) who in the past have been identified by school staff. This is still to be discussed by our Board. More information to follow. Our Club in the past has asked for a family contribution.

From Moruya Rotary

Moruya Club has already sold some of our Whale watching Raffle tickets, being the first fundraiser for the proposed Carers’ Accommodation at the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital. They sold a whole book at their meeting last week.

Also… Looking for something to do with your books that are surplus to requirements? Look no further. Moruya’s bulletin this week mentions the Moruya Hospital Auxiliary Book Fair Friday 2nd and Saturday 3rd September in the Vulcan Street shop next to LJ Hooker. If you have any books to donate please contact Kath Smith on 4473 8116 or Mobile 0413 53 1951 this week. BUT, please, no magazines, Readers Digests, Cook Books or Encyclopedias. The Auxiliary has a reputation for having good quality books on offer and nothing over $5.

Out and About

From Bega Rotary

Speaking of books, Bega Rotary’s Spring Book Fair is at the Bega Showground Pavilion on Friday 9th & Saturday 10th September 9am -5pm. Good quality books plus DVDs will be available. Entry is by gold coin donation and sales are by EFTPOS or cash. Covid safe arrangements are in place. Please bring a bag. Bega Rotary is still accepting donations of small quantities of books at the offices of Elders – 3/248 Carp St Bega or Dr Michael Holland MP – 122 Carp St Bega. Donations of books will also be accepted at the Book Fair.

NEXT WEEK

No meeting next Thursday 1 September being the first Thursday in the month.

Friday 2 September 4.15pm: September Board meeting at Narooma Golf Club.

Andrew’s Thoughts

Our thoughts this weekend (19-21 August) will be with our Narooma High team attending the Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA) in Canberra (see below). I look forward to hearing from them when they report back.

Last Thursday we had an interesting Club Assembly meeting primarily discussing the possible changes as to how Rotary Zone 8 (that’s Australasia and the Pacific Islands) could operate for the betterment and increased relevance of Rotary going forward. While there was healthy scepticism as to how this will actually help us at the local level, the project of review was approved. Accordingly, I shall be voting YES in September’s upcoming ballot. Of far greater interest (!) was Mike’s fascinating chat about his recent trip to visit his daughter and her family in Hawaii, San Francisco, Philadelphia and Cape Cod.

This Thursday was to see the return of Business Breakfasts. We were all looking forward to hearing from Jenn Black of Merivale but we have had to cancel the Breakfast because she is not well.

We have commenced the sale of the Whale Watching Raffle with proceeds being earmarked for the proposed new Carers’ Accommodation at Moruya Hospital so we look forward to positive support both from our members and the wider public.

So in these uncertain times, we continue as ever upwards and onwards mes amis.

THIS THURSDAY – Business Breakfast cancelled

Our first guest speaker for this new round was to have been Jenn Black with a Merivale update, but it will have to be another day because she is not well.

The Week that Was

More from Club Assembly

Whale Watching Raffle: The whales are already heading south and many locals are getting excited. Fortunately our popular whalewatching raffle is back thanks to Narooma Charters and Ange Ulrichsen. If you are able to sell tickets around town or take some books of tickets (and take the load of Ange and Andrew), please see or ring Ange (she will have tickets and a preliminary roster at the Business Breakfast). Tickets will cost $2 each and be drawn at the September markets (25^th) ready for a trip peak season. Proceeds will go towards Carers’ Accommodation for the proposed new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital plus other charities.

Looking for a community project: Andrew is keen for us to instigate “a meaningful family day on NATA Oval”, possibly with other organisations, with “the aim of giving back to the community”. All ideas welcome.

Aloha from Hawaii: At last week’s meeting, Mike Young reported back from his “really wonderful” holiday with his daughter and family ‘stateside’. First in Hawaii, then San Francisco (thick fog meant could not see the bay, but away from SF no fog and 100deg F), then to his daughter’s home in Philadelphia for five to six days for her 50th birthday (she lives in a gated community with many families of similar ages). They all then went up to the family’s holiday house in Cape Cod with the ocean on one side, the bay on the other and shark warnings every day (!).

Out and About

On MUNA

Our Club has sponsored Narooma’s team of three Year 11 students – Yeshe Smith-Macpherson, Ellen Hemsted and Jack Lenihan accompanied by their teacher Monique Wicks. The students will represent Iran, the country allocated to them, and debate current political issues relating to Iran.

This Rotary youth programme attracts students from across the eastern states and provides them with the extraordinary experience of contributing to a United Nations General Assembly style debate in Old Parliament House. It encourages them to learn about the workings of the United Nations while developing debating skills and gain self-confidence in public speaking.

Thanks to Ange Ulrichsen for helping make this great youth project happen again this year.

NEXT THURSDAY 25th – please invite friends and family

This promises to be a top night so please invite partners and friends. Our guest speaker is Yuin Elder Lynne Thomas, a teacher and cultural consultant. She will talk about Dreaming stories and their importance, some special places that speak to connection to country.

Also, our Narooma High students who attended the recent Model United Nations Assembly (see above) will share their experiences with us.

Andrew’s Thoughts

Well it was an “interesting” week! Firstly, at 4PM on Tuesday we found out that the Golf Club is closed on Tuesday’s – a mere two hours before the first Prostate Cancer Support Group meeting at the new location. To say that Julie and I were “unamused” would be classic Pommie understatement. We met with the Golf Club on Friday, expressed our displeasure, and have agreed that the PCSG will now meet on the first Wednesday of each month so please spread the word.

Also on Friday, Ange and I attended the second meeting for the proposed Carers’ Accommodation for the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital. I am a firm believer that this initiative will serve the whole Shire, so it is beholden on all three Eurobodalla Rotary Clubs to get behind this project.

I committed our Club to provide full support, and this was ratified by the Board at its later meeting.  A Steering Committee was proposed to initially scope out “What, When and How” and, thanks to Ange, I suddenly saw myself elected as Deputy Chairman supporting Chairman Cr Rob Pollock who was instrumental in the Oncology Unit project, chairing that committee. Never a dull moment!

As I mentioned, we held a Board meeting on Friday afternoon and I shall report fully at Thursday’s Club Assembly, but we made some important decisions which will help move the Club forward. At this week’s meeting I shall also present several videos which discuss the possible changes to how RI Zone 8 will operate going forward and the opportunity to define how WE want to operate as opposed to the central RI mandate. I urge you all to come along.

And as ever, it’s upwards and onwards mes amis!

THIS THURSDAY 11 August

Dinner meeting at Narooma Golf Club – Club Assembly 6 for 6.30pm. Andrew will report on our Board’s decisions from last Friday’s meeting. He will also show presentations from Rotary International shown at the recent District Webinar for Area Presidents about the proposal for changes to how Zone 8 (Australasia and the Pacific Islands) will operate ‘semi remotely’ from Rotary International from 2025.

The Week That Was

Last week’s Board meeting

It was a full and productive meeting of the new Board. Andrew will expand more at this week’s meeting but items discussed included:

1. Starting and finishing the winter markets (May to August) an hour later – approved
2. Increasing the price of food sold from the van by 50c (sausage sandwiches), and $1 for the other food – approved.
3. Julie is tasked with researching a replacement food van for our Club.
4. The Board also endorsed the July Club Assembly’s recommendation that we should no longer consider hosting the Narooma Regional Australian Busking Competition. A letter was subsequently written to Australian National Busking Championships instigator Allan Spencer of Cooma.

More on Busking Competition

In the letter to ANBC’s Allan Spencer, former Narooma Rotary secretary John Rungen explained that we were unable to continue to host the Narooma competition because of low membership numbers and the difficulties in obtaining sponsorship with current business conditions. He thanked Allan for all his assistance over the years.

Allan’s response was warm and appreciative, saying how he totally understood our situation. This year’s grand final will be in Cooma on 26 November, with regional competitions coming up in The Entrance, Braddon ACT and Ballarat.

He sincerely thanked our Club for everyone’s hard work and support over the years which would no doubt especially refer to the years of the ‘Dream Team’. Allan said, “Your efforts have brought a lot of joy to many people as well as encouraged many performing artists to further their dreams.”

It was certainly an extremely rewarding and much appreciated project by our wider community.

From Moruya Rotary

More details about the recent Carers’ Meeting were published in this week’s Moruya bulletin which the Club saw as a substantial step forward (see Andrew’s column above). Fifteen people attended including seven Moruya Rotarians, Batemans Bay Rotary President Matthew Thomas, and our President Andrew and VP Ange. The plan is to form an incorporated body, provisionally to be called CAREH.

The next meeting is on Friday 30 September when they hope to have commitments from non-Rotarians prepared to work in one of the several areas President Shirl identified “to get the how on the road”.

Out and About

From Merimbula Rotary

Merimbula Rotary is supporting Rotary’s Adopt-A-Tree Initiative.   Adopted trees will be planted in environmentally impacted areas of NSW & ACT. The planting areas will be determined by experts, including Landcare and Rotary will organise plantings under their guidance.  Plantings will take place in months such as April/May & September/October.

• Local schools & clubs will be contacted, encouraging them to become involved.
• A variety of trees and shrubs will be planted to ensure a balance in the local environment, encouraging native birds and fauna also grow and thrive.

[If you would like to find out about the Adopt-A-Tree, please click on:  https://rotaryadoptatree.org.au/]

NEXT THURSDAY 18 August

We resume our Business Breakfasts at Narooma Surf Club. Our first guest speaker for this new round will be Jenn Black with a Merivale update.

Bookings are essential with President Andrew by Sunday. Cost is $10.