Julie’s Jots

What a fabulous weekend we’ve had! Our market on Australia Day (Sunday) was very well attended and again had a great vibe. Business at the food van was fairly constant, sometimes even hectic. Thank you to our Friends of Rotary who also helped out on the day. Everyone’s help was greatly appreciated.

Our Duck Race went off without a hitch, thanks to everyone’s efforts.  There were plenty of people on the bridge to help our ducks up and over the starting line once the Marine Rescue horn sounded for the start of the race. Thank you to those who bought tickets, those who sold tickets, those who helped on the bridge, those who helped retrieve the ducks including Marine Rescue and Narooma Surf Club members, and everyone who came along to watch. A big thank you to all those Rotarians who continue to makes this day such a success each year.

Duck Race winner was Julie Penglase from Bermagui with number 88. (Coincidentally Ange pointed out that Duck 88 also won the race in 2023; it has obviously been practicing!) Peter Pickett of Dalmeny with ticket number 993 had the last duck across the finishing line. Congratulations to both winners.

Proceeds go towards Carers’ Accommodation for the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital and other local projects.

This week’s meeting will be our first back for 2025 with our Youth Night on Thursday.

THIS THURSDAY (30^th)

This Thursday is our Youth Night when we will hear from our 2024 Tertiary Scholar Nico Van Delft-Twyford and the two students we sponsored to the Engineering Summer School in December Harmony Canon and Ziggy Kewetin-Smith, plus others who benefited from participation in various Rotary Youth programmes since 1 July 2024.

The Week that Was

Our Market

While we had fewer stalls than expected (partly due to a clash this year with the annual Australia Day market at Mollymook), we had good crowds. Interesting that people were slow to arrive; we thought that was due to the clash with the Australia Day breakfast at the Surf Club. The Surf Club had the same thought when their crowds were thin on the ground; they thought they were all at the Rotary Market! Seems everyone was just slow to get moving!

The Duck Race

Julie has said it all in her Jots, but here are a few more photos from the day.

Thanks too to our team of photographers who included Gero Mitchell, Pina Prosperi and Neil Jenkins.

Out and About

From Moruya Rotary

Moruya Rotarians have had a busy six weeks with summer barbecue meetings, returning to the Golf Club next week, and three race days running the canteen (their main fundraiser)

The Moruya Board will be reviewing several requests for their community grants. One of the Club’s goals this year is to be more relevant in the local community and help those most in need. The Moruya bulletin states, based on the applications received, there is no shortage of worthy causes.

Wanted – Rotary Race Days coordinator

The Moruya bulletin notes that David Ashford from Batemans Bay Rotary has resigned as the Rotary Race Day Coordinator. The Easter races see Batemans Bay, Moruya and Narooma Clubs join to raise funds for local causes. David has had this role for several years; Narooma Rotarians join with Moruya Rotarians in thanking him for his dedication in this role. He will be difficult to replace. Any volunteers?

From District

District Governor for 2027-2028 will be Gary Davis of the Rotary Club of Woden Daybreak. A District selection committee selected Gary from a pretty strong field. DG Rob Uhl says Gary comes with strong Rotary commitment and experience, having been Past President of Rotary Club of Woden Daybreak, past Area Governor and currently holds a Rotary Community Leader role.

NEXT WEEK

Wednesday 5 February 6.30pm: Prostate Cancer Support Group resumes. Golf Club

Thursday 6 February 5pm: Board Meeting. Golf Club Board Room

Julie’s Jots

Last Saturday many of us enjoyed a lovely evening at Françoise and John’s beautiful home. We were also entertained by videos of Hilma and two of her Exchange Student friends – Emily from Denmark and Katarina from Germany all surfing at Dalmeny/ Kianga (apparently this was the first time the other two girls had swum in the ocean). They were quick learners and obviously had a wonderful time. We also saw a video of Hilma at Eastern Creek as a passenger in a Formula One racing car racing the circuit.   

This Sunday, Australia Day is our January Market. There should be lots of visitors still around. Lynn Hastings will sell the few remaining duck tickets from 9am near the van. All hands on deck please.Then of course we have the Duck Race on the Australia Day Holiday Monday. Please let Julie or David know if you are coming and make sure you have a defined job so we have all bases covered.

See you Sunday.

THIS WEEK

Sunday 26^th January: Australia Day Market

Monday 27^th January (Australia Day Holiday): Duck Race starts at noon from Bridge

The Week that Was

Our 2023 Tertiary Scholar reports

Milaina Cafe, our 2023 Tertiary Scholar, is studying for a Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy, Economics (PPE) and a Bachelor of Public Policy at ANU. David McInnes is her counsellor.

2024 as a whole went very well. Since I spoke to you last, I joined my student society (PPE Society) as a general representative. At the end of the year I was promoted to secretary of the society and will take on this role in 2025. I also went through an interview process at the end of the last year for an RM (Residential Manager) role at my residential college. I was fortunate to get this role, which I will also undertake this year. 

At the end of 2024, I undertook a week internship with David Pocock, independent senator for the ACT. I spent three days in Parliament during the Senate’s sitting period. This was an amazing opportunity and I had an awesome time. During the year I also started training for water polo with the ANU swimming and water polo club. I was set to go to Uni nationals during the middle of the year, however was unable to due to it being cancelled last minute. I have enjoyed training regardless. 

I apologise again for not getting back to you sooner. If there is anything I can do to help out the Rotary Club over the coming week before I head back to university, feel free to contact me.

Rotary’s electric car raffle

All tickets have now been sold in the electric MG car Art Union car for the Carer’s Accommodation for the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital.  The raffle will be drawn soon.

From Moruya Rotary

Four Moruya Rotarians with the help of the R&G Electrical team took down the Christmas decorations in Moruya’s main street last week for another year. Rotary has been involved in this project for 20 years. The Moruya Rotary bulletin reports “There have been many ups and downs in the process over the years, but the vibrancy it brings to the town is undoubted. The partnership with the Business Chamber is a welcome one for Rotary and it provides many collaborative opportunities for both groups.” Moruya Rotary thanked the Community Shed for their efforts in rebuilding the decorations during the last winter.

Out and About

From Batemans Bay Rotary

Batemans Bay Rotary is one of a number of local organisations involved in the Batemans Bay Youth Foundation which presents a number of tertiary scholarships each year. At a special presentation recently, 14 students from four local high schools received grants of up to $3,500 each to assist them in making the transition to living away from home. Their studies covered a range of courses at TAFE as well as several universities.

On Bega Rotary Book Fair

Bega Rotary held another very successful Book Fair at their temporary venue in Bega Public School hall. Because this venue is significantly smaller than the Bega Showground Pavilion, books were limited to adult and children’s fiction books but patrons still found plenty of good quality reading material at bargain prices. Bega Rotary thanked all who helped in making it so successful, those who came along to buy books, those who donated books, all the volunteers who gave their time to set up, sort books and pack up, and especially to Bega Public School for making the school hall available and allowing storage at the school. All funds raised will go back into projects for the local Bega Valley Community.

NEXT THURSDAY 30^th January

Next Thursday is our Youth Night when we hope to hear from our current Tertiary Scholarship holders plus some of the students who benefited from participation in various Rotary Youth programmes since 1 July 2024.

Please invite partners and friends for what should be an interesting and uplifting night. Names and numbers to Gero by noon on Tuesday.

Julie’s Jots

Happy New Year and welcome back to the ongoing festive season.  On Saturday we have a get-together at Françoise and John’s place in Dalmeny (see details below).  A lovely social outing to show off our tan in the swimming pool, for those game enough to get in the water!!

Our January Market this year falls on Australia Day (26^th January). All hands on deck please for what will be another big market.  David will send the link to the roster in coming days.

This year our annual Duck Race has been moved to the Australia Day holiday on Monday 27^th January. Our 1,000 ducks will be launched from the Bridge at 12 noon. This is always a fun day, involving both locals and visitors. Less than 50 tickets remain to be sold; we will sell these at the Australia Day Market from 9am. A big thank you to Ange and the team for doing a magnificent job with sales this year. 

Our first meeting back at the Golf Club will be our Youth night on Thursday 30 January when we hope to hear from students who went to the Engineering Summer School as well as the current scholarship recipients and others. Unfortunately our 2025 Scholarship winner is not able to join us that night.

THIS SATURDAY 18^th

Françoise and John are looking forward to seeing us all for a relaxed evening at their lovely home at Dalmeny. Françoise asks everyone to please bring a salad or dessert to share, something for you for the BBQ, and BYOD. From 4pm-8pm. Bring swimmers if you’re courageous. Please ring/email someone for the address if you don’t know it. It’s a long driveway with little room to turn round at the bottom, so please park in the street and walk down.

Since the last Beacon

The December Market

What a bumper market on Monday 30^th December and such a great vibe with lots of happy holidaymakers joining our local throng. Feedback from stallholders was good. Gate takings were $1,966, gross van sales over $1,500 (still to finalise because some duck tickets were also sold using the van square), and the wishing well $208.70.

From the January Board meeting

The January meeting decided that members either transporting, cooking or serving food for the Markets should complete the free NSW Food Authority’s Basic Food Handling Course. We are also recommending that our Friends of Rotary complete the course. This just covers us for health inspections and for insurance. This is the link to the free course Food Handler Basics training | NSW Food Authority (Please note there are heaps of other accredited courses but this one is free). Note the trick to getting the course to start is to tick the box “I have read…” Also it doesn’t really take an hour!

The Board also approved a $5 increase in site fees at our Markets, starting February. This followed a recommendation by our Markets Manager Chris O’Brien.

Susanna reports on Hilma’s Doings

Hilma has settled in well with Françoise and John. Their Christmas present to her was surfing lessons which she has greatly enjoyed. She is having a busy vacation.

• Ellie and Lachie went for a sleepover at Hilma’s and Hilma also went down to Bermagui for a waterpark day last week and stayed the night.
• Hilma had a mini visit to Adaminaby just before Christmas to visit one of her exchange student friends. Their host brother is going to Finland this year on a Rotary Exchange so it was a chance to swap cultural understandings. Hilma said, “Adaminaby was very very different from Narooma which was cool to see. The weather was super-hot so I had to wear a lot of sunscreen. In those two days we did some bushwalking (we had to wear gaiters because of snakes there😅) and then berry picking which I loved!!”
• Christmas started with a Finnish Christmas on Christmas Eve, followed by an Australian Christmas on Christmas Day AND Santa visited.
• On 1^st January Hilma attended the Moruya Rodeo and tried the bull ride.
• Hilma rode pillion on Françoise’s motorbike up to Bodalla.
• Last week Hilma went to Candelo to check out the local markets and have an informal ‘check in’ with me. It was a blistering 38 degrees; Hilma was a little shocked at how hot it was and grateful she is living on the coast.
• Hilma is delighted to have two Rotary Exchange friends staying with her at Françoise’s this week – Katarina from Germany, and Emily from Denmark. They’re all having great fun.
• Hilma goes to Sydney on the 17^th for a rally car drive, another Christmas present, but she will be back on the 18^th for our Rotary evening at Françoise and John’s.
• Her planned fishing charter has been rescheduled to 1^st February.
• School starts 6^th February.

Hilma likes being busy and is really enjoying the variety of activities she is getting to do while on exchange. If anyone has any ideas/experiences they would like to share with Hilma, please feel free to talk to her about them. She should be attending the Youth Night as well as the barbecue on the 18th.                 Susanna Chung

Our ‘Business Breakfasts buzz‘ featured

A story on the success of our Business Networking Breakfasts featured in the December District 9705 Newsletter p.6. Our article spoke about their evolution, how they’re organised, and how they have lifted the Club’s profile in the business community and encouraged greater networking with local businesses. We also see them as a potential source of new members.

Out and About

Rotary and the LA Fires

Rotarians in the United States have rallied big time to support those affected by the recent devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, California. These fires have so far destroyed thousands of homes and killed at least 24 people. It is an evolving situation. Rotary Districts are also looking at laying the foundation for a long term strategy to begin the process of rebuilding their communities. District 5280 covers the heart of the Los Angeles county with several clubs in those areas directly affected; neighbouring District 5300 (Southern California and Southern Nevada) has also been affected by fires.  

While Rotary is not the organisation best prepared to address immediate needs, Rotary has incredible resources to support those that do.  Some donations to the D5280 Wildfire Disaster Relief Fund, for example, are being directed to supporting first responders like American Red Cross and Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, who are actively serving those impacted at the evacuation centres. Rotarians and ShelterBox volunteers are assisting evacuees at various Evacuation Centres with essential relief items.

In DG 5280 Albert Hernandez’ recent update on D5280 initiatives, he also listed financial support for Rotarians impacted by the wildfires. His concluding remarks…

“We all know someone – a family, a business owner or a child –  who’s… grappling with the aftermath. Whether it’s a family who lost their home, a business owner who lost their livelihood, or students without a school to return to on Monday, the road to recovery will be long.

“This is the time for us to come together, not as individual clubs, but as a united District and share ideas, lean on each other, and remember that we’re stronger together. … Rotarians, the world needs us now more than ever, Los Angeles needs us now more than ever. Let’s lead with our hearts, act with purpose, and show what Rotary is truly capable of. Take care everyone and be safe.”

D5300 has also established a dedicated Relief Fund to assist victims, ensuring aid reaches those in need as swiftly and efficiently as possible.

From Bega Rotary

Bega Rotary’s Summer Book Fair is on this Friday 17^th – Saturday 18^th January 9am-5pm at the Bega Public School Hall, with lots of good quality fiction books for your summer reading.

Coming Up:

Wednesday 5^th January: Prostate Cancer Support Group resumes

Thursday 13^th February: Moruya Rotary’s Membership Director (relatively new position) Steve Picton will talk with us about Moruya’s deliberate approach to ensure Moruya Rotary not only grows but thrives. Through a variety of efforts, Moruya Rotary aims to sustain a vibrant and appealing Rotary Club that continues to make a difference.

Thursday 20^th February: Our Business Networking Breakfasts resume with guest speaker Sally Bouckley of Southbound Escapes on trying to stay sane while running multiple businesses over the busy season.

NEXT WEEK

Sunday 26^th January: Australia Day Market

Monday 27^th January (Australia Day Holiday): Duck Race starts noon from Bridge