Lynn’s Lines

We heard a great talk last Thursday night by Jillian Keating on the Wagonga Inlet Living Shoreline Project (WILSP) –see report below. It was a real eye opener as I had no idea there was so much and so many involved. I think everyone enjoyed hearing all about it and there were lots of questions. Also it was great to be back in the Seahorse Room after the kitchen work was completed.

Please note the new time for our Board meeting this coming Friday the 4^th of 5.15pm.

THIS WEEK

Thursday 3^rd: No Meeting being the first Thursday of the month

Friday 4^th: Board Meeting at 5.15pm (please note later time)

The Week that Was

Wagonga Inlet project explained

Our guest speaker last Thursday was Jillian Keating, the Dept of Primary Industries Fisheries Manager for Threatened Species & Oyster Reef Restoration. She gave us an overview of the fascinating Wagonga Inlet Living Shoreline Project which we have watched developing over the last 12 months.

She said the project will transform and restore a section of the Wagonga Inlet shoreline between the Narooma Swimming Centre and Ken Rose Park. The aim is to showcase how nature-based solutions can protect foreshores from erosion and build habitat resilience as opposed to the usual concrete and rock sea walls.

The first phase was the restoration of a native flat oyster reef in the inlet and the first intertidal oyster reef in NSW. They have since been hand seeded with two million young Angasi oysters while wild Sydney oyster spat will settle over time. The oysters will enhance water quality while the reefs provide habitat for marine life and enhance biodiversity. Currently underway is the latest phase involving the removal of a degraded sea wall and the restoration of saltmarsh habitat along 400m of the shoreline.

Jillian explained the project is a collaborative effort between NSW Dept of Primary Industries, Eurobodalla Shire Council, the Nature Conservancy Australia, and the Australian Government through the Reef Builder Initiative and Wagonga Local Aboriginal Land Council. She said the Project will be closely monitored over coming years, noting it is occurring in a ‘contemporary  environment’ compared with pre-settlement.

Jillian said it was great to get so much positive feedback from our members which she has since passed onto the rest of the team. She said if anyone was interested in being involved as a community volunteer, please contact James Caffery at Council (4474 1310).

Chamber president praises Rotary

At Narooma Chamber of Commerce’s recent AGM, outgoing President Dr Jenny Munro thanked Narooma Rotarians for their support of local businesses through the monthly Business Networking Breakfasts with “impressive speakers”. She also mentioned our monthly markets and the Duck Race as special community events.

Out and About

From Moruya Rotary

We are still waiting to hear from Moruya Rotary about when they would like to host our great Cinders Trivia Challenge. Meanwhile they are practising… their bulletin editor reports he ran a short quiz which was well received except for some argument on the age of horses. Maybe we should also go into training…

Our Tertiary Scholars

Apologies for not including something about our Tertiary Scholars in last week’s Beacon. All three Scholars completed this year’s first semester with very pleasing results.

Special mention of Raichel Brodie’s recent success. In addition to our Rotary Tertiary Scholarship, Raichel was also awarded the 2022 London Alumni Scholarship valued at $8,000 p.a. for up to five years to assist with educational and living expenses.  This scholarship was established by ANU alumni living in the UK and supports students experiencing financial hardship in completing their undergraduate degree at ANU. Raichel is pursuing a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours). Congratulations Raichel!

Congratulations to Narooma Golf Club

Narooma Golf Course has been ranked by Golf Australia magazine as NSW’s number one public-access course in recognition of its breathtaking scenery and excellent sport. Golf Australia editor Brendan James says, “It’s a badge of honour now to say you’ve played this great course”. Well done Dominique and team!

NEXT THURSDAY 10^th August

Club Assembly 6 for 6.30 at the Golf Club. See you then.

Lynn’s Lines

We had a lovely relaxed meeting with District Governor Elect Rob Uhl last Thursday. She is a very experienced Rotarian who has had so many interesting adventures with Rotary. She assured us that District is there to assist all clubs. She shared contacts with us, some we may need for various projects going forward.

Interesting she asked each of us what motivates each us to be involved in Rotary. Some interesting responses. It was lovely to also welcome PP Shirley from Moruya Rotary

Subsequent to Rob’s visit, she placed a wonderful full page advertisement in the District 9705 Newsletter! Hopefully we will get lots of ticket sales from that. I will have the raffle books for the next two weeks then Julie will take over on her return. They will also be available at meetings.

The market on Sunday turned into a beautiful sunny day. Thanks everyone who helped out on the day. We had a great turn out of stallholders considering it was mid-winter. Customers were a bit thin on the ground at times with no long lines spotted at the pizza stall.  However the Men’s Shed reported good sales on the day.

Look forward to seeing you on Thursday

THIS THURSDAY 27^th July

This Thursday is a Dinner Meeting at the Golf Club with guest speaker Jillian Keating from DPI Fisheries in teh Wagonga Inlet Living Shoreline Project.

Jillian is the Fisheries Manager with NSW Department of Primary Industries. Jillian will give an overview of the Wagonga Inlet Living Shoreline Project which will transform and restore a section of the Inlet shoreline between the pool and Ken Rose Park to create a ‘living’ shoreline. It demonstrates the importance of nature-based solutions to coastal erosion as well as benefits to biodiversity and water quality.  It’s a collaborative project between Eurobodalla Shire Council and The Nature Conservancy Australia (TNC).

The Week that Was

Last Thursday

DGE Robyn spoke of the difficulties some Clubs face, and assured us, “District is there to support you guys”. Moruya PP Shirley Cornish gave us an update on the Carers’ Accommodation project for the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital (CAERH).  Shirley said they aim to build eight units, with the possibility of another six at a later time. They are also working towards a major raffle of an electric car from a local dealer that will hopefully raise about $100,000 for the project. Details to come.

Laurelle Pacey’s Intyernational Toast was to the Rotary Club of South Queensferry in Scotland, the Club of the 2023-2024 RI President Gordpn McInally. Interesting their area includes Dalmeny, just west of Edinburgh, and yes, there is a connection between that Daleny and ours via Eton College.

Sunday’s Market

While a small market, the vibe was good. Most people are appreciating the later starting times over the three-month winter period, especially Chris O’Brien and Laurelle Pacey on the gate, although the sun still takes while to reach them at the gate… A few blips in the roster but everyone rose to the occasion, as always.

Mike Young reports our takings on Sunday were not too bad, considering the cool weather initially: Gate $950.00, Wishing Well $125.15, and Van $513.52. He banked from the Whale Watch Raffle $460.50 after Sunday. More to come.  

Out and About

Pambula Rotary, Lions and ‘Beryl’

The Sapphire Entertainment Pod (SEP), now renamed “Beryl”, is a custom modified container that can be moved around the Shire to all villages impacted by the 2019/20 fires to provide some fun, music, entertainment and relief from stress and anxiety.

It is an initiative of Pambula Rotary and Lions Clubs, both of which contributed $3,000 towards the cost. The Minderoo Foundation and Bendigo Bank jointly provided $50,000 towards this project with Social Justice Advocates being another huge contributor. The container was converted and shipped to Eden by Container Traders.  ARV Caravans of Eden is building a trailer which will enable easier transportation of the Pod.   

Any community group in Bega Valley Shire that wants to run an event and any locals who wish to have a wedding or party can book Beryl for a charge to cover the audio, insurance, transport etc.  Pambula Rotary handles booking inquiries. 

NEXT WEEK

Thursday 3^rd August: No meeting being the first Thursday in the month.

Friday 4^th August 4.15pm: Board Meeting at the Golf Club

Lynn’s Lines

Our relaxed dinner at Lynch’s last Thursday was most successful; I think everyone enjoyed it.

I would really like to thank Françoise and John for picking up a load of walkers and shower chairs from IRT at Dalmeny and taking them up to Queanbeyan to Rotary legend Fred Fawke who is the driving force behind the District 9705’s Recover, Rehabilitate and Reuse (RRR) Project. From there they will be shipped to Nigeria. See story below. I only approached Françoise on Thursday night about whether there was any way they could get these items, offered by IRT, up to Fred; Fred can no longer drive down to pick them up, as he has done in the past. She and John were right onto it. Rotary in Action plus!

This Thursday we welcome District Governor Elect Rob Uhl. I hope we have a good roll up to hear what she has to say. Then it’s all hands on deck again for Sunday’s Market.

THIS WEEK

This Thursday 20^th

This Thursday is a Dinner Meeting back at the Golf Club. We welcome our District Governor Elect Rob Uhl who is looking forward to meeting us. Rob Uhl is from the RC of Moss Vale and has been an active Rotarian since 1997. She has held various positions of International, Vocational, Youth Exchange and Club President. She has also had experience with RAWCS, Outback Science/ Engineering, Youth Director, MUNA, Youth Exchange Safaris. She was President of the Rotary E Club of Brindabella and was District Secretary 2022-2023. A few of us met her at Merimbula recently.

Rob was to have been joined by our new Area 6 Governor Haseena Tweddle from the RC of Berry but she had an urgent appointment in Sydney. Haseena replaces Adam de Totth as our Area 6 Governor. Hopefully we will have the opportunity to catch up with Haseena some time soon.

If you haven’t already done so, please let John Rungen know if you are coming.

This Sunday (23^rd) is our Market

Mike Young is circulating the roster for Sunday’s Market. Don’t forget we’re on winter time until September so the market starts and finishes an hour later. Hope you can help. We will also have Whale Watching Raffle tickets to sell.

The Week That Was

More on Fred Fawke and RRR Project

The District’s Recover, Rehabilitate and Reuse (RRR) Project spans many Clubs. It rescues equipment not needed by its owners and provides it to people and organisations that need such equipment both in Australia and overseas, such as medical equipment, roofing materials. 

“For some years ‘Phil’ Agbonzikilo has assisted RRR by providing carriage to Nigeria of medical equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, electric scooters, hospital beds, sports clothing and other sundry items,” said RRR legend Fred Fawke.

“Phil’s enthusiasm extends to taking goods as found and encouraging repair at the receiving end. They’re loaded in a container often with second-hand vehicles and shipped to Nigeria. Phil and his contacts identify people who need what is supplied.”

The IRT has often donated equipment to the RRR Project.

Bega’s Winter Book Fair

Bega Rotary reports their Winter Book Fair over the weekend 8-9 July may be their last for a while but was certainly worth doing. Lots of people, both locals and visitors popped in to see if they could find their favourite reads and more. Both days were reasonably busy. They had quite a few helpers on the Wednesday before to set up, including some from Lumen Christi College at Pambula Beach, but not so many for the pack up which meant that ‘the oldies’ were back on the trollies and packing the containers. However President Phil’s family also helped.  Total takings were $7,714.33 which is about $1,000 more than their Spring Fair last year.

Out and About

Bega Valley Clubs welcome Kurt Fearnley

Paralympian Kurt Fearnley AO will be the guest speaker at a joint meeting of Bega, Merimbula and Pambula Rotary Clubs on Saturday 14 October at Club Sapphire, Merimbula. Kurt is an Australian wheelchair racer, who has won gold medals at the Paralympic Games and crawled the Kokoda Track without a wheelchair in support of men’s health.  Kurt is one of our National heroes. He has been closely involved with

the disability movement culminating in him taking over as Chairman of the National Disability Insurance Agency in 2022. He was the NSW Australian of the year for 2019 and has recently hosted his own show ‘One Plus One’ on the ABC.

NEXT THURSDAY 27^TH JULY

A Dinner Meeting 6 for 6.30pm with guest speaker Jillian Keating, Fisheries Manager with the Department of Primary Industries. Jillian will give an overview of the Wagonga Inlet Living Shoreline Project which will transform and restore a section of the Inlet shoreline between the pool and Ken Rose Park to create a ‘living’ shoreline. It demonstrates the importance of nature-based solutions to coastal erosion as well as benefits to biodiversity and water quality.  It’s a collaborative project between Eurobodalla Shire Council and The Nature Conservancy Australia (TNC).

Please invite partners and friends.

Lynn’s Lines

What a great night we had last Thursday at our Changeover. It was so encouraging to see so many official and other guests supporting our small club. Again I would like to thank Ange on behalf of all our members for stepping up yet again as President to fill a void to enable our Club to regroup and even grow.  Everyone enjoyed the evening, food and good fellowship.

I am looking forward to working with a great team this year with many fun times ahead.

Please note next week, Cinders in Moruya has been postponed to Spring, but the Board will look at something for next Thursday 13th. Please see below.

THIS WEEK

No Dinner meeting this Thursday 6 July, being first Thursday in month.

Friday 7 July 4.15pm: Board meeting at Narooma Golf Club.

The Week that Was

Changeover last Thursday

Last week’s Changeover marked the end of one Rotary year and the beginning of the 2023-2024 Rotary year. It proved to be a most enjoyable evening with over 40 guests, including Member for Eden Monaro Kristy McBain, Past District Governor Phil Armstrong, Eurobodalla Mayor Mat Hatcher and Deputy Mayor Alison Worthington. Great to also welcome President Shirl from Moruya Rotary, Area Governor Adam De Totth plus representatives from many local organisations. As always, David McInnes proved a wonderful MC keeping it light and interesting.

In reviewing the past year, Ange Ulrichsen said our Club continued to support many community and global programmes while also having fun. A great example is the annual Great Australia Day Duck race which this year raised funds for both the Carers’ Accommodation project for the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital and Prostate Cancer research.

She outlined the considerable benefits Narooma High students gain from participating in Rotary youth programs, like the Model United Nations Assembly, Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment and the Rotary Driver Awareness Program for Year 11 students. Hearing from all three current Rotary Tertiary Scholars enriched the evening. Our two major Vocational Projects –Pride of Workmanship Awards and Business Networking Breakfasts – continue to enhance relationships with the local business community. 

The Club provided about $23,000 from fundraising in the 2022-2023 year to local and international causes and $13,500 in Tertiary Scholarships, thanks to several benefactors. 

Another highlight of 2022-2023 was welcoming five new Rotarians to the club – Francoise Cleret, Nicole Keith, Annemarie Narraway, Ana Koen and Greg Heath –  all young professionals.

Ange thanked the Board, all Club members, partners and Friends of Rotary for their work, support and assistance throughout the year. She named Susanna Chung the Club’s Rotarian of the Year, noting Susanna’s passion for International Rotary Exchange and the assistance and encouragement she gives to Narooma High student Lachie Penglase now selected for the 2024 Youth Exchange Programme.

Presentations were made to Marine Rescue, Narooma Surf Life Saving Club, the Men’s Shed, and Narooma Rescue VRA.

Incoming President Lynn Hastings introduced the Rotary International theme for this year of ‘Creating Hope in the World’. She said the Club would continue on its steady course through 2023-2024 with an additional fun event during the year, details of which would be announced soon. She also introduced the new Board (see photo).

It’s the Changeover season

It’s been a week of Changeovers with our immediate neighbours Moruya Rotary last Tuesday, and Bega’s on Friday. President Lynn and Vice President David attended Moruya’s which saw outgoing President Shirl Cornish hand over the chain of office and charter to Derek Anderson.  It was a night of laughter, fun and even song with local singer Golden Carmichael and over 60 Rotarians and guests celebrating RI President Jennifer Jones’ theme ‘Imagine’ with a rendition of John Lennon’s classic.

Bega’s President is again Phil McDonald who “presented himself with the Rotary Collar”. Charlie Blomfeld is Treasurer, and Richard Kleine/ Anne Ducray Secretary.

Out and About

Our Club again sponsors MUNA 

With Ange Ulrichsen’s encouragement, Narooma High has again registered a team for this year’s Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA) under the guidance of teacher Monique Wicks. Our Club will sponsor the team ($1,800). This year’s team of three Year 11 students are Coby van Teulingen, Sandy Loudoun and Ella Marshall. They are yet to hear which country they will represent.

MUNA takes place 11-13 August in Canberra in the Museum of Australian Democracy (Old Parliament House). Ange encourages us all to try and make time to look in on the proceedings in Canberra. “It’s great to also show our presence, however brief,” she said.

Bega Rotary Winter Book Fair this weekend

Bega Rotary’s major fundraiser – the Book Fair is on this weekend 7-8 July at Bega Showground. Bega Rotarians will be on site from Wednesday setting up and sorting. They will take some small boxes of books at the Fair but no big collections.

On the RI theme

Rotary International President Gordon R. McInally’s 2023-24 presidential theme is ‘Create Hope in the World’. He urges members to promote peace in troubled nations, help those affected by conflict, and maintain the momentum of initiatives begun by past leaders.

“The goal is to restore hope — to help the world heal from destructive conflicts and, in turn, to help us achieve lasting change for ourselves,” he said. “A significant way to bring hope to the world is to put a greater emphasis on peace. Peace is the soil where hope takes root.” He cited the action Rotary members have taken in the past year in Ukraine where Rotary has made humanitarian relief a priority. But true relief won’t come without peace — not just in Ukraine, but in Yemen, Afghanistan, Syria, and dozens of other places around the globe.

McInally also emphasized the power of continuity, particularly noting that polio cases have emerged in many areas making it more crucial than ever for Rotary members to lead the fight against the disease.

McInally also urged Rotarians to offer hope to those affected by mental health challenges — a crisis exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. He said Rotary should be known as an organization that takes care of its members as well as the people it serves

“Rotary helps create the conditions for peace, opportunity, and a future worth living,” he said. “By continuing what we do best, by remaining open and willing to change, and by keeping our focus on building peace in the world and within ourselves, Rotary helps create a more peaceful world — a more hopeful world.”

NEXT WEEK

Tuesday 11 July: Our scheduled annual Cinders Trophy Trivia Challenge to be hosted by Moruya Rotary has been postponed until Spring. New date will be announced soon by Moruya Rotary

Thursday 13 July: With the Moruya visit out, the Board this Friday will discuss possibly going to dinner somewhere other than the Golf Club; the Golfie’s kitchen is being renovated next week so we can’t dine there. Suggestions welcome.