Julie’s Jots

Thank you everyone who attended our Changeover last Thursday and made Lynn’s last night as President such a success (see full report below). Thank you Lynn and your board for a wonderful year. I know we will keep the same enthusiasm going moving forward.

Our year ahead will be exciting, boosted with three keen new members who will add to our already great team.  Later this month (25^th) we have the Cinders Trivia Challenge with our friends from Moruya Rotary.  That night is always fun and a good opportunity for our new members to see how our Clubs support each other and enjoy each other’s company. Please bring your friends, especially those who excel at Trivia!

THIS THURSDAY 4 July

No Dinner Meeting being the first Thursday in the month.

5.15pm Narooma Golf Club: The first Board Meeting chaired by new President Julie Hartley.

The Week that Was

The moment we all walked into the Golf Club’s Seahorse Room for our Club’s Changeover, we knew everyone was in for a fun and festive night. The tables looked terrific with beautiful table decorations thanks to President Lynn, a warm welcome from members, a slide show going in the background highlighting our wonderful 2023-2024 year, and programmes and bulletins on the tables also showed why the Club had every reason to celebrate.

MC for the night at short notice (due to David McInnes being struck down with the dreaded ‘C’) was Françoise Cleret who was terrific, setting just the right light tone for our celebrations. The Club was honoured to have newly installed District Governor Rob Uhl, Area Governor Haseena Tweedle, DGN Rob Shore and Eurobodalla Mayor Matt Hatcher, as well as representatives from Moruya, Bega and Batemans Bay Rotary, and many local organisations join us.

It was also wonderful to have all three of the Club’s current Tertiary students at the Changeover. They spoke about their progress this year.

President Lynn described the past 12 months as “extra extra-ordinary”; “what our small club has achieved is truly amazing”. She highlighted Narooma Rotarians as ‘People of Action’ and then listed just some highlights for her in her year as President, including the delivery of the new purpose-built food van, organising Narooma’s first Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, the Club’s becoming involved again in Rotary Youth Exchange, and Ange Ulrichsen’s participation in a RAWCS project to Nepal. That was on top of the youth, vocational and community projects the Club regularly supports.

President Lynn and Françoise presented Certificates of Appreciation for their outstanding support of Narooma’s first Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (NGR) to Cale Phelps of Narooma Motorcycles and to Narooma Fire and Rescue. Françoise was surprised to also receive a Certificate for her initiative and outstanding organisation in delivering the DGR. Narooma’s DGR raised a staggering $10,967.00 for prostate cancer research and men’s mental health through DGR’s global charity partner Movember.

Also on the night, President Lynn presented donations towards the Carers’ Accommodation for the Eurobodalla Regional Hospital, Narooma Surf Club, Marine Rescue Narooma, Narooma Rescue VRA and Oz Harvest.

All up, the Club provided over $35,500 in the year to local and international causes. The Club also provided $16,500 in Tertiary Scholarships, thanks to several generous benefactors. 

Meet our new Rotarians

A major highlight on the night was District Governor Rob Uhl inducting three new members at the Changeover – Laurence Babington, Ann Hegerty and Amanda James. All are delighted to join Narooma Rotary and we welcome them with open arms.

Laurence owns Mystery Bay Cottages, grew up at Mystery Bay and Sydney, and has a background in farming, construction and tourism. Rotary’s Mission Statement attracted him, and he greatly enjoys Rotary’s Business Breakfasts with its gathering of interesting and genuine people.

Ann is new to Narooma and soon identified Rotary as an active, open and welcoming organisation she would like to join. Qualifying as an architectural draftsman, her career moved from the construction industry to the Federal Government, to an international computer software company, to being an advocate for disability organisations. Most recently she worked as a change manager for the Federal Government.

Amanda moved to Bodalla a few years ago. She had been very involved in community groups when her kids were growing up and has missed that involvement since. She saw that Rotary was welcoming and friendly. She has worked in banks, hospitality, crayfish factories, Homecare and Disability organisations. Amanda has now returned to doing something she loves – teaching children and adults to swim.

Awards for two who shone

President Lynn awarded Françoise the Club’s Rotarian of the Year for all she has brought to the Club, particularly her initiative with the hugely successful Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride and her invaluable assistance in procuring a new food van.

Susanna Chung received the highest recognition a Rotary Club can bestow by being made a Paul Harris Fellow. This recognised Susanna’s enthusiasm and initiatives reconnecting our Club with the Rotary Youth Exchange Programme.

New President Julie Hartley then  introduced the Rotary International theme for this year – ‘The Magic of Rotary’ – and her incoming Board, three of whom unfortunately were away.

“Although our Club is small, we’re a happy and welcoming Club made up of very keen and enthusiastic members, partners and Friends of Rotary,” Mrs Hartley said. “I’m excited at our vision for the coming year, building on the success of the last 12 months.”

To top off the great night, the caterers rose to the occasion and the food was excellent.

(A big thankyou for all the Changeover photographs to John Cunningham who filled in for the editor, also struck down with the dreaded ‘C’. Top job.)

URGENT – Working with Children Check

Our Child Protection Director Gordon Bentley reminds anyone who still has not done a Working With Children Check to please do so online (Service NSW) this coming week. It takes less than an hour to complete. Gordon and Lynn need to do the checks and phone calls to get everyone in the Club fully cleared.

NEXT THURSDAY 11 JULY

‘This is Us’ (formerly Club Assembly) for Dinner at Narooma Golf Club 6 for 6.30pm  – Details to come .

Lynn’s Lines

Julie Hartley reports attendees at the Prostate Cancer Support Group (PCSG) last week really appreciated being able to talk with guest speaker urologist Dr Chi Can Huynh (see report below).

Last Thursday morning we had a great Business breakfast with Council’s General Manager Warwick Winn (see report below) as guest speaker. He attracted a good crowd. Now we have a break for two months over winter.

On Thursday evening, Chris O’Brien and I went to Bega Rotary’s Changeover and 70^th Anniversary celebrations. We had a lovely evening and saw many people we knew – President Phil McDonald, his sister Margaret Taylor, DGE Rob Uhl, DGN Robert Shore and wife Judy – and met many new people from Merimbula and Pambula Rotary clubs. This Tuesday, Julie Hartley, Ange Ulrichsen and Laurelle Pacey will attend Moruya Rotary’s Changeover.

On Sunday we had a great market with 57 stall holders which is excellent for a winter market. Takings were Gate $845.00, Food Van $776.95 (gross), Wishing Well $106.25. Sunshine and no wind made for a magic day that attracted many people, so a great atmosphere overall.  Visitors included several Merimbula Rotarians keen to check out our new van and ask questions about it; they’re considering getting one for their club.

This Thursday is our big night and I look forward to seeing everyone there. This being my final Lynn’s Lines, I really want to make special mention of some members who regularly do the ‘behind the scenes’ jobs.

My VP extra-ordinaire this year David McInnes has been my ‘Can Do Man’. Anything I came up with was “No Problem – got it covered”, and we had a few zingers in there. David is the most positive, ‘turn it around guy’ anyone could ever wish for. Too many things to list; you know how truly grateful I am… we got there!

To Secretary John Rungen for staying all year; it was a long six months… He did so many extra jobs too, like teaching me how to mark out the market, taking numbers for dinner meetings, the market roster, putting the market banner up in town, buying drinks for the van,  all on top of being a great secretary. Thank you very much John.

Laurelle Pacey our media person for many years, doing our weekly newsletters and media releases, taking photos of us all whatever we may be doing! And the Pride of Workmanship Awards each year. Not to mention all the organising and prompting to keep us on our toes. You are the glue that holds us together. Thank you.

Chris O’Brien, our Markets Manager for 20 years. Every month she organises stall holders and insurances, does the plan to mark out, greets stallholders at the gate in the wee hours of the morning and collects fees with Laurelle, and sometimes Ange and David. A huge ‘thank you’ Chris.

Ange Ulrichsen does our youth programmes MUNA, RYPEN and RYDA, organises our regular dinner speakers, and shops for the food basics for the market barbecue. She also asks everyone she knows to our guest speaker dinners, organises raffles, and so much more. Thank you very much Ange for all you do.

Susanna Chung, our exceptional Youth Exchange Director. One student out to Japan and one student arriving from Finland next month. WOW, a big year!  Thank you so very much for your enthusiasm and getting us there.

Françoise Cleret even delivered our new food van to our door! Amazing, then followed it up with the wonderful Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride. There are no words but thank you so much for all you have brought to our club. It is greatly appreciated by us all.

And Julie Hartley for all her work and dedication to the regular monthly gatherings of the Prostate Cancer Support Group, PLUS the big task of taking on the President’s job this year. You will be our compass giving us direction over the coming Rotary year. Have fun. We all appreciate your taking on the job.

All our members contribute so much to ensuring our Club keeps doing the great work we do while also having a good time doing it. At the end of the day we are a team and without any one of us the Club just would not work the way it does. I am so very very grateful to everyone for all you give to Narooma Rotary and your support of me through the last year. What we do is amazing, particularly for a small club. We truly are ‘People of Action’.   Lynn

THIS WEEK

THIS THURSDAY 27 June

Our Narooma Changeover in Narooma Golf Club 6 for 6.30. It’s our ‘Night of Nights’! Special guests will include new District Governor Rob Uhl, Area Governor Haseena Tweddle and Eurobodalla Shire Mayor Matt Hatcher. Bookings have now closed.

Working with Children Check

Our Child Protection Director Gordon Bentley reminds anyone who still has not done a Working With Children Check to please do so online (Service NSW) this week. It takes less than an hour to complete. That way Gordon and Lynn can then do the checks and phone calls to get everyone in the Club fully cleared.

The Week that Was

It’s been a wonderfully busy Rotary week. First the bumper Prostate Cancer Support Group gathering, then the Business Breakfast on Thursday, followed by the Market on Sunday

Prostate Cancer Support Group

Julie Hartley reports last Monday’s PCSG gathering with special guest speaker urologist Dr Chi Can Huynh attracted 17 people, mainly from Narooma but also from Bega and Malua Bay. It included four Narooma Rotarians.

“The Doctor was very easy to talk with and there were lots of questions,” Julie said. “It’s good for everyone to see that new treatments are coming along all the time and to hear that so much research into prostate cancer is now happening because of its increasing occurrence in our community.”

Australian Government statistics show the number of new cases of prostate cancer in a year is now ahead of all other cancers. The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia states prostate cancer is the second most common cause of death from cancer in Australian men, after lung cancer.

Dr Huynh, while based in Sydney, also holds teaching hospital positions in the Southern NSW Health District and consults in both the public and private sectors in Moruya and Bega. He is willing to do further talks at Narooma’s PCSG, hopefully one before the end of the year.

Business Breakfast

Eurobodalla Shire Council General Manager Warwick Winn was the guest speaker at our last week’s Business Networking Breakfast. Thirty-four people registered, part of the appeal also being he was happy to take questions from the floor, and there were quite a few; we went over time.

He said one of the major differences between being GM of a regional versus a metropolitan council (previously at Penrith and North Sydney) was the increased connectivity with and accountability to the local community. One challenge was the blowout  from what he had understood on joining to be a $4m shortfall in Council’s budget to $14m within a few months of his appointment; the Bay Pavilions Aquatic, Arts and Leisure Centre’s  (the PAV)  annual operating loss of $5m a major contributor. Rather than huge rate increases to pay for it, Warwick said Council is cutting back on some services and being extra careful spending ratepayers and taxpayers’ money, stressing the need for transparency and value for money.

Recruiting staff is another challenge. “I am amazed how difficult it is to attract people down here, despite a little known taxation advantage,” he said. “It’s the tyranny of distance.”

Questions included:

• The possibility of closing down parts of the PAV to save money; “not feasible”.
• Council’s lack of progress on Narooma’s second oval at Bill Smyth Oval and replacing the jetty at Ringland’s Point, despite Council’s assurances many years ago.
• The NSW Government’s $10m earmarked for a Narooma Bridge study which led to mention of the Narooma Bypass. Reference was made to David McInnes’ involvement with a Chamber think tank on the bypass at which David emerged from a cupboard at the back of the Surf Club to great hilarity (and some bemusement by the GM); David had been in there trying to get the PA to work.
• Council’s involvement in affordable (for teachers, nurses, police and firies) versus social housing in Moruya; Warwick referred us to Council’s Housing Strategy.
• The high cost of air fares in and out of Moruya and the effect on business and tourism.   

Warwick was recently appointed to the Southern NSW and ACT Regional Development Advisory Board. He has bought in Narooma and is loving it.

NEXT THURSDAY 4 July

No Dinner Meeting being the first Thursday in the month.

5.15pm Narooma Golf Club: The first Board Meeting chaired by new President Julie Hartley.

Lynn’s Lines

Last Thursday was our Club Assembly. We had a good turn-out despite a number of members being away. Everyone was updated on what’s happening and the Board’s decisions last week. The new Whale community raffle plans were discussed and tickets are being readied for printing.

It was lovely to receive a banner from the Rotary Club of Vancouver in Canada from Chris O’Brien, in exchange for one of ours, following her attendance at their meeting during her recent hoiday. Another reminder of Rotary’s wonderful international network.

This Wednesday is the Prostate Cancer Support Group meeting with leading Urologist Dr Chi Can Huynh. We’re hoping for a good audience following widespread publicity along the coast, including by our neighbouring Rotary Clubs which was greatly appreciated (see below). As our PCSG Coordinator Julie Hartley has pointed out, his coming to our area means that men no longer have to go to Sydney or Canberra for consultations and operations.

This Thursday’s Business Breakfast with guest speaker Council’s General Manager Warwick Winn is also attracting good support, despite the probably chilly morning.

Susanna and I are heading to Bega’s Changeover on Thursday night, their big 70^th Anniversary. Bega is our ‘Mother Club’ that helped establish our Club in 1958.

I am looking forward to our Changeover on the 27^th which will be a wonderful event celebrating our Club’s extraordinary year, thanks to the efforts of our great team. We will be welcoming many special guests including our new District Governor Rob Uhl and our Area Governor Haseena Tweddle.

John has sent around the roster for Sunday’s Market. Please check if you are on the right shift and time. If your name is not there please let him know, and of any changes.

Another good Rotary week ahead.

THIS WEEK

Wednesday 19 June 6.30pm Narooma Golf Club:

Urologist Dr Chi Can Huynh is guest speaker at the Narooma Prostate Cancer Support Group. The PCSG is a Club initiative. Dr Huynh will discuss developments in the treatment of prostate cancer and associated prostate issues. While his private surgery is in Sydney at the Male Clinic, he also holds teaching hospital positions in the Southern NSW Health District and consults in both the public and private sectors in Moruya and Bega. Everyone is welcome including partners and friends.

Thursday 20 June 7am Business Networking Breakfast, Narooma Surf Club:

Guest speaker is Eurobodalla Shire Council General Manager Warwick Winn. He will talk about the challenges of managing a regional versus metropolitan council and major issues facing Eurobodalla Shire Council. He is also happy to have a Q&A session. This will be our last Business Breakfast until September after a two month winter break.   

Sunday 23 June: The Market (winter times)

The Week that Was

Far from slowing down at the end of the Rotary year, our Club continues to forge ahead. Much activity is happening behind the scenes in preparation for our Changeover celebration on Thursday 27^th, our pinnacle event of the year, as well as our regular events. Please ensure you have replied to John Rungen’s Changeover invitation by this Friday at the latest, with accompanying payment online into our Administration account to confirm your booking. It makes it much easier on the night.

Out and About

Bega Changeover and 70^th Anniversary Thursday 20 June6.00 for 6.30. Bega Golf Club at Tarraganda. Cost $48. RSVP 14 June.

District Changeover at the Services Club in Young on Saturday 22 June, 6 for 6.30. Cost $50. Details on the District Website.

Moruya Changeover at Moruya Golf Club Tuesday 25 June. 

Batemans Bay Changeover will be held in the Soldiers Club on Thursday 18 July, 6 for 6.30. Cost $50 Reply Neil Simpson by 11 July, 0418 668 194

District Conference

Registrations are now open for the 9705 District Conference to be held in the Mittagong RSL from 25 to 27 October. Full details on the District website.

NEXT WEEK

Our Narooma Changeover in Narooma Golf Club on Thursday, 27 June, 6 for 6.30. Cost $40. John Rungen (0408 547 238) has sent invitations out to members and Friends of Rotary.

The Week that Was

Great news! The Board last week approved membership applications by Amanda James and Ann Hegerty. This means three new members will be inducted at the Changeover on Thursday 27 June – Amanda, Ann and Laurence Babington. Laurence’s membership was approved at May’s Board meeting. Welcome to you all!

People of Action

The Board also supported the Club including RI’s branding of ‘People of Action’ in all our marketing.

Update on Exchange Students

Susanna Chung reported to the Board on Lachie’s progress; he’s with his second host family until the end of June. Our incoming exchange student Hilma of Finland arrives at Moruya Airport on 25^th July. Not long away! Susanna has done a great job organising host families. Three confirmed; fourth still to be finalised. Thank you Susanna for all your hard work and dedication.

DGR 2025

Last week’s Board meeting also endorsed the Club’ organisation of next year’s Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR) on Sunday 18 May 2025. DGR Coordinator Françoise Cleret has already booked NATA Oval and sought feedback from various groups who joined us this year; all will be back next year.

The 2024 DGR united motorcyclists on the same day in 959 towns/cities in 105 countries around the world, all for the vital cause of men’s health. Over 113,00 riders donned dapper attire, men and women, fired up their classic and vintage styled bikes and raised awareness and over US$7.6 million for prostate cancer and men’s mental health on behalf of charity partner, Movember. Narooma contributed AU$10,967.00 from 73 riders.  

The Board also endorsed disbursements of accumulated funds to the 30 June to various community groups and Rotary projects. Details in the Changeover Bulletin on the night.

THIS WEEK

Club Assembly 6 for 6.30pm at Narooma Golf Club.

Out and About

PCSG guest speaker 19 June

Leadng Urologist Dr Chi Can Huynh will be guest speaker at the next Prostate Cancer Support Group (PCSG) meeting on Wednesday 19 June 6.30pm at Narooma Golf Club. The Narooma PCSG is a Club initiative.

Dr Huynh will discuss developments in the treatment of prostate cancer and associated prostate issues. While his private surgery is in Sydney at the Male Clinic, he also holds teaching hospital positions in the Southern NSW Health District and consults in both the public and private sectors in Moruya and Bega.

Our PCSG Coordinator Julie Hartley says This is a wonderful opportunity to hear about the latest surgical techniques for prostate cancer and for erectile dysfunction. “His coming to our area means that men now don’t have to go to Sydney or Canberra for consultations and operations; they can do it here.” Everyone is welcome including partners and friends.

The Magic of Rotary

Rotary International President-elect Stephanie Urchick’s presidential theme for 2024-25 is The Magic of Rotary. She is a member of the Rotary Club of McMurray, Pennsylvania, USA.

Stephanie explains why she adopted the theme colours of orange and sky blue in the logo.  Orange is a dominant colour of autumn, the end of one phase and the beginning of another; the primary colour of change. Blue is associated with knowledge and intelligence, trust, loyalty, and dependability. “Combined, these colours represent our burning need to move forward together as we change ourselves and change the world,” she said.

Why The Magic of Rotary as the theme for her year? “It’s not a matter of waving a wand and saying some funny word to make things happen. It’s up to each and every one of us. “You create the magic with every project completed, every dollar donated, and every new member inducted.” She also adds, “It’s up to us to make sure there’s a whole line of people behind us, ready to keep the magic going.”

Changeover invitations

Our Narooma Changeover will be held in the Golf Club on Thursday, 27 June, 6 for 6.30. Cost $40. John Rungen (0408 547 238) has sent invitations out to all members and Friends of Rotary.

Bega Changeover and 70^th Anniversary Thursday 20 June6.00 for 6.30. Bega Golf Club at Tarraganda. Cost $48. Special guest incoming DG Rob Uhl. RSVP 14 June.

District Changeover at the Services Club in Young on Saturday 22 June, 6 for 6.30. Cost $50. Details on the District Website.

Moruya Changeover at Moruya Golf Club Tuesday 25 June.  

Batemans Bay Changeover will be held in the Soldiers Club on Thursday 18 July, 6 for 6.30. Cost $50 Reply Neil Simpson by 11 July, 0418 668 194

District Conference

Registrations are now open for the 9705 District Conference to be held in the Mittagong RSL from 25 to 27 October. Full details on the District website.

NEXT WEEK

Wednesday 19 June

Thursday 20 June: Business Breakfast

Guest speaker is Eurobodalla Shire Council General Manager Warwick Winn. Starts 7am at Narooma Surf Club. Warwick will talk about the challenges of managing a regional versus metropolitan council and major issues facing Eurobodalla Shire Council. He is also happy to have a Q&A session.

Bookings are essential with Laurelle Pacey by Monday 17^th at the latest.  Breakfast costs $10.  This will be our last Business Breakfast until September after a two month winter break.   

Lynn’s Lines

Another week has flown by. It was good to have a bit of a rest after the ‘busyness’ of the previous two weekends. 

Some of us got together on Saturday for a fairly informal planning meeting for the coming 2024-2025 year chaired by PE Julie Hartley (2024-2025). It was very good to go over our usual activities and ask whether we should make any changes and, if so, what or how etc. Everyone gave feedback; we looked at various dates and we made a rough calendar of events which we can adjust as the year progresses and dates firm up. (Anyone can already find our events listed for the next two months on our website under Events). It was a really positive meeting with great suggestions for promoting our club in the future.

This week I chair my last board meeting as President. The agenda will include disbursements of funds.

THIS WEEK

This Wednesday 5 June: The normal Prostate Cancer Support Group meeting on the first Wednesday in the month is postponed until Wednesday 19 June to hear special guest speaker urologist Dr Dr Chi Can Huynh from The Male Clinic.

THIS THURSDAY 6 June

5.15pm: BOARD MEETING at Narooma Golf Club

NO DINNER MEETING being the first Thursday in the month.

The Week that Was

Narooma Changeover

Plans are firming up for our Changeover on Thursday 27^th June 6 for 6.30pm. This is our night of nights to celebrate our Club’s many achievements over the preceding 12 months and how PE Julie sees the year ahead. Please put this date in your diary. It is a partner’s night. John is sending out invitations to you this week.

Moruya’s Changeover is Tuesday 25^th, Batemans Bay’s 18th July at the Soldiers Club at the Bay, and Bega’s Changeover plus 70^th anniversary Thursday 20^th June at Bega Country Club. Everyone is welcome.

Out and About

We are ‘People of Action’

Rotary International’s dynamic marketing campaign promotes Rotarians as ‘People of Action’. We know Rotarians share a passion for taking action to improve communities and the world, but many people don’t know that. RI encourages all Clubs to adopt this as a consistent message in all branding in the way we talk about and present ourselves.

The campaign’s message is that together we envision a world where people take action to create lasting change. We need to tell our story in ways that help people everywhere understand what Rotary does, how we are people of action, and why our work matters. The aim is to appeal to potential members who want to make a difference in their communities, those interested in Rotary’s causes, and those wanting to establish relationships with other like-minded people.

Most clubs would also probably add, while at the same time having fun doing so.

From Batemans Bay Rotary

The Bay Club last Thursday discussed various issues affecting their Club particularly the cost of Rotary and how this affects current members and hampers acquiring new ones. The cost included attending Rotary meetings on top of Club dues. The Bay’ newsletter notes Club dues are made up of the Rotary International Fee $120, Rotary Down Under subscription $48, and District 9705 Levy (Insurance, public image material, district meetings, website, accounting software, office supplies etc) $130. The Bay’s dues are $300.

The Board and members agreed on ways to reduce the annual dues but details were not published. Many Clubs would be interested in this.

From Moruya Rotary

Former Area Governor Vere Gray and husband Gary, both keen members of Moruya Club in recent years (previously Batemans Bay) have moved to Port Macquarie. Vere was Moruya Club secretary for the current year. They will make a brief return visit over the long June weekend.  Vere has also been the Rotary lead in our district for the recycling and education Global Grant project in the old city of Intramuros in Manila; she will maintain her membership of Moruya Rotary until that project is completed.

The current District Newsletter

Our Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride features in the latest edition.  

Also in the District newsletter, DG Andrea Grosvenor reports on the RI Convention in Singapore including her visit to the House of Friendship where PP Shirl Cornish of Moruya Rotary “was promoting her brilliant project ‘Sexual Health Education through Pictures’ which she has delivered to thousands of young people in Kenya, Timor Leste, The Philippines, Papua New Guinea and beyond”.

NEXT THURSDAY 13^th June

Club Assembly 6 for 6.30pm at Narooma Golf Club.