Narooma Rotary Beacon 18th October 2018

Rod’s Ramble:

Last week:

Rotarians and Friends,

I take my hat off to last week’s meeting where members recognised the scourge of mental illness in our society and highlighted Rotary’s efforts to combat this insidious disease. Like Australians often do we reflected on the impact mental illness has on families by doing something funny. A funny hats theme was the order of the day. Thanks to all who participated and to our guest judge Therese (is that how you spell it Bob?) Aston.

Keeping with the theme guest Dr John Brown gave a brief but insightful presentation on how mental illness can manifest itself. It was a pleasure to have John and wife Larry with us at Rotary. We have some great speakers coming up before the end of the year.

Here’s a list. 

THIS WEEK 18 th October Nacy Casu

Title: Your Health and Retirement Nancy Casu is a fitness specialist, personal trainer, author, speaker and presenter on the subject of ageing and functional fitness. She earned her degree in Health Science (Leisure & Health) at Charles Sturt University and has fitness specialist qualifications.
Nancy believes we should live our lives to the fullest, live with no regrets and keep a positive attitude.

25th October Michelle Preston and Donna Falconer
Turning Family Pain into Power
Donna and I take the message of drug awareness very seriously and use our combined lived experiences to educate people on how to deal with an addict, keep mentally healthy through the process and offer many families a confidential space to simply off load without judgement. We also
have a vast network of local service providers that we can link people with.

15 th November Eleanor Robin 

Captain Charles Swanston Writ Large: revelations from a nineteenth century bank archive’
After a lengthy career as journalist and writer, in retirement Eleanor resumed her study of Australian history. She was awarded a doctorate from the University of Tasmania in 2017. Based on her thesis, the biography SWANSTON Merchant Statesman was launched by Professor Henry
Reynolds in Hobart in August 2018.

22nd November Noel Trevaskis (PDG)
‘The Rotary Story; Yours and Mine’

Attendance – 9 members, 8 visitors, 1 club guest & 1 visiting Rotarian.

3-Minute talk – Chris O’Brien on all things hats, followed by a hat quiz.

International Toast – The “pan handle” of Florida recently devastated by Hurricane Michael

Narooma Rotary Beacon 11th October 2018

Rod’s Ramble: 

Last week’s meeting was an Assembly and followed a Board Meeting. At the Board meeting the following dates were confirmed:

  • AGM Thursday 13th December – this will be our last meeting for 2018. The next time we meet will be Thursday 31st January. We will organise a social event in January if there is interest.
  • Saturday 15th December Christmas Party venue to be confirmed but probably Casey’s.
  • Thursday 27th June – Changeover

It was also decided that the proceeds from this year’s Duck Race will go to our Tertiary Scholarship fund.

I can’t stress enough how important it is to the future of the Club for members to take on Board positions.  Please consider doing something in 2019-20. In particular we need a President Elect for 2019-20 to maintain some continuity. This position is available now we don’t have to wait for the
AGM it is a current year vacancy. Talk to me if you are interested.

Our next community activity will be our Market on the 28th October combined with our volunteering expo. We need all hands-on deck for this day. Please let John Doyle know your availability ASAP. In particular we need someone to tow the van on that day. If no one is available we may have to forego cooking at this market and again in November. We will also need people on the Rotary stand.

Next on our community agenda will be Carols by Candlelight on Friday 14th December commencing at 7.30pm. We will most likely be doing a sausage sizzle. Then its 2019 and we start the year with the Duck Race on Saturday 26th January. If you already know you are NOT available can you let Charmaine as soon as you can.

Membership was discussed the Assembly with a number of suggestions on attracting members tabled. Including the use of social media and holding a free event with food to capture interest from the broader community.
The Assembly agreed to set up a small committee to develop some other strategies. Chris, Frank, Lyn and Ange are on the committee but I am sure they would welcome anyone willing to help.

At the next meeting we will be celebrating Hat Day and all attending are asked to wear their best or worst hat. Special guest will be Dr John Brown.
With 1 in 5 people experiencing a mental illness every year, it’s very possible that you know someone who has had a tough time with their mental health. It’s now Mental Health Month and World Mental Health Day is 1 WEEK AWAY. That’s when Australian Rotary Health will be celebrating
Hat Day.

Last Week’s Meeting:

Attendance Last Week: 12 members, 1 visiting Rotarian, 2 member’s guests

Raffle: Winner of the wine – John Rungen.


International Toast:

Rotary Club in the Philippines

History –
Preliminary steps were first made to organize the Club in the Philippines in January 1919 through the interest and agreement of Leon J. Lambert. In June 1919, the Charter No. 478 authorized the Rotary Club of Manila (RCM) to operate as a formal organization under Rotary International.
The Rotary Club of Manila was both the first Rotary Club in the Philippines and the first in Asia under the direct supervision of the International Association of Rotary Clubs (now Rotary International).
The Club went on to organize its daughter clubs, the Rotary Club of Cebu in 1932 and the Rotary Club of Iloilo in 1933. Rotary Club of Bacolod and Baguio were also established later on. The Rotary Club of Manila was also responsible for organizing the Rotary Club of Guam as its first overseas daughter Club in 1939, through the efforts of then R.I. Vice President Carlos P. Romulo.
During World War II meetings of its members were only held if circumstances allowed. This period lasted from May 1942 until it was reorganized in 1945. Many other Rotary Clubs were subsequently established in the Philippines.
There are now over 800 Rotary Clubs in the Philippines, and their members are among the most active when it comes to serving the Filipino community and helping those in need.

Narooma Rotary Beacon 4 October 2018

Rod’s Ramble

Not much to report. I have moved the Board meeting to this Thursday 4th at 5:00pm as I will be away again the following week. That will make this week’s meeting a Club Assembly. Under consideration will be dates for the AGM I would ask that everyone start to consider what they will be able to contribute to the running of the Club next Rotary Year. 

We will also set a date for our Christmas party and discuss the venue. If anyone has a view on the venue please let me know before Thursday. At the Board Meeting we will also consider a request from Wendy Machin. Does anyone know Wendy or the background of this request? 

‘I am writing to you in the hope that you will support me in an application to the local Dalmeny Sporting Club. I am seeking some of their funds to pay for a pathway from the bus stop on ort Avenue to the top of Ruth Place; parallel to the Dalmeny Bowling Club. I work with IRT and manage our residents who live independently on the outskirts of the care centre’

I have received the latest addition of Rotary on the move today. Please click here to view – download the ‘Rotary on the move’ newsletter for October 2018

NPS teachers Ben Neich & Katrina Close took us back to school.

International Toast

The club toasted District 9600 and its DG Wendy Protheroe. District 9600 is somewhat unique in that it embraces Rotary clubs in four different countries – Australia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Nauru. The District extends from Brisbane to Gympie in Queensland, an area that has 49 Rotary Clubs, 13 in PNG, 2 Clubs in the Solomon Islands and 1 Club in Nauru.

DG Wendy who is a member of the Rotary Club of Brisbane High Rise, has represented Australia and Queensland internationally and was the Queensland Government’s Economic Development Portfolio Director during the 2000 Olympic Games.

Wendy was General Manager of Boys Town Counselling Services with responsibilities across Australia.    

Attendance Last Week

14 Members were present last week along with 2 Club guests and 3 guests of members. 

Narooma Rotary Beacon 27 September 2018

Rod’s Ramble

I have been doing my brown rambling this week around the  Nation’s Capital. Ran into fellow Sydney High Old Boy ‘Scomo’. He said to say hello,  especially to Peter Bull. Apparently Peter’s exploits were still talked  about when Scomo was there some 15 years later.

This week we have 2  guest speakers from Narooma Primary  School, partners and guests are most welcome to come along to hear Tania’s and Katrina’s engaging presentation. 

 Presentation Title: A Peak into Literacy and Numeracy in 2018. 

Word sorts, writing fluency, CARS and Stars, five minute frenzies, TENS and Matific – it sounds like a randomly generated collection of strategies we use to build and enhance student knowledge of both literacy and numeracy. Tania will share her knowledge of literacy/numeracy for Kindergarten to Year 3. Katrina will focus on complex skills and understanding developed in our Year 4 to 6 learners.

Not sure how the market ended up but it seemed quiet in the van whilst I was there. Over the next 2 months we have some difficult logistics coming up as we don’t have anyone to tow the van, with a number of our regulars not available. Please let me know if you can help out. 

Have a great week

Rod 

 Some  Humour – A History Lesson

A noted psychiatrist was a guest speaker at an academic function where Mitch McConnel happened to appear. Mr McConnel took the opportunity to schmooze the good doctor a bit and asked him a question with which he was most at ease.  ‘Would Youi mind telling me doctor,’ he asked, ‘how do you detect mental deficiency in someone who appears completely normal?’ 

‘Nothing easier’ he replied ‘You ask a simple question which anyone could answer with no trouble. If the operation hesitates that puts you on track’

‘What sort of question?’ Asked McConnel 

‘Well you might ask, Captain Cook made 3 trips around the world and died during one of them. Which one?’

McConnel thought for a moment, and there said with a nervous laugh, ‘You wouldn’t happen to have another example, would you? I must confess I don’t know much about history’

Narooma Rotary Beacon 20 September 2018

Hello all, we have cancelled this week’s meeting due to a number of factors converging that meant holding a meeting was no longer practical.

Our guest speaker John Griffiths from the Kinema will be rescheduled to a later date. Hopefully we can draw a much bigger crowd for him then. John would have been feeling low anyway after the Wallabies were beaten by the Pumas Saturday night.

Last week’s meeting whilst the numbers were small a good time was had by all with much laughter and merriment. This will be the last meal from the Golf Club Bistro in its present state with it undergoing major renovations over the next week.

The Whale Watching raffle was drawn this week the winner being Crystal Atkins from Batemans Bay. Here is the article I have submitted to the media.

ROTARY CLUB OF NAROOMA WHALE WATCHING RAFFLE WINNER

Last Saturday saw the drawing of the Rotary Club of Narooma’s annual Whale Watching raffle donated by Narooma Charters. Nick Ingersoll and family were on hand at the Narooma Wharf to draw the winning ticket which belonged to Crystal Atkins of Batemans Bay. Crystal volunteers with the Animal Welfare League and was delighted to be this year’s winner. The whales are already on the way south and pods of up to 10 whales are a common sight on Narooma Charters tours. Narooma Charters has been a long-term supporter of Rotary and this year the raffle raised over $1,700 for Rotary’s charity partner Muddy Puddles. Muddy Puddles provides services to children with disabilities that assist them in reaching their full potential. President of the Rotary Club of Narooma, Rod Walker, congratulated Narooma Charters for their continued support and added that the assistance we receive from across the Narooma business community is outstanding and the main reason Rotary can do the work it does.

September is Literacy Month and Ange has organised for the 27th September two guest speakers from Narooma Primary School Katrina Cross & Tania Hextell. The title of their presentation is A Peek into Literacy and Numeracy in 2018.

Rod

The doctor is in (from Rotary Weekly)
Tyrone ‘Doc’ Bledsoe has a prescription to ensure that young black men attend and finish college: the Student African American Brotherhood. Bledsoe, past president of the Rotary Club of Reynolds Corners, Toledo, Ohio, USA, believes that with SAAB, he has made a breakthrough in solving the quandary that has bedevilled educators, sociologists, and politicians for decades: how to tear down the walls of institutionalized racism that have blocked the path of achievement for so many young men of colour. Click here to read the story   

Narooma Rotary Beacon 13 September 2018

The Week that Was

Sandra Doyle makes a presentation to Cate McMath

It seems that it was all quiet on the front this week with President, Rod and Vice president Laurelle away travelling. It was left to Past President Bob to run the show.

We were fortunate to have Cate McMath the CEO of Muddy Puddles with us as out guest speaker. Cate gave us a great insight into the growth and development of the organisation. Muddy Puddles was started by parents and community volunteers in the Batemans Bay area to support young people with a disability. The aim of Muddy Puddles is to build a ‘Community where all children are encouraged and enabled to reach their unique potential’

Muddy Puddles has just completed a state of the art Therapy Centre in Batemans Bay. The Centre was made possible through a grant provided by the NSW Government. Services provided by Muddy Puddles include:

·         Assessment and development plans

·         Individual therapy sessions

·         Group programs

·         Parent/carer support

Muddy Puddles provides support to children across the early years (0 – 6), primary years and teens and young adults (to 18 years).

Muddy Puddles will be a very worthy recipient of funds raised at the Eurobodalla Rotary Clubs Christmas Race Day.

Travel as a force for peace

By Rick Steves (From Rotary Weekly 7 September 2018)

Rick Steves, author of travel guidebooks and host of the public television series Rick Steves’ Europe, explains why he has come to view travel as a force for peace in the September issue of The Rotarian. Steves believes encouraging young people to travel, such as through Rotary Youth Exchange and Peace Fellowships, is one of the most practical investments we can make in peace. Says, Steves, “people to people connections help us learn that we can disagree and still coexist peacefully.” To read the full story click here

Some more humour (Thanks to Peter Bull and Diane Lovatt)

Notices in church bulletins

Scouts are saving aluminium cans, bottles and other items to be recycled Proceeds will be used to cripple children. The sermon this morning: ‘Jesus Walks on the Water. ‘The sermon tonight: ‘Searching for Jesus.’

Ladies, don’t forget the rummage sale. It’s a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands.

Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person you want remembered. The church will host an evening of fine dining, super entertainment and gracious hostility.

Pot-luck supper Sunday at 5:00 PM – prayer and medication to follow

Narooma Rotary Beacon 6 September 2018

Rod’s Ramble

This week’s Ramble comes from Carwoola where we are celebrating my grandson Callum’s 18th birthday. Boy how the time flies. They had 10mm of rain the day we arrived which was very welcome, and it was good to see that there were significant falls in other areas. Already the countryside here has a green tinge. Let’s hope there is more rain on the way in the right places. Our club has made a $1,000 donation through a Rotary RAWCS project set up to help drought effected farmers. It is the same project as that being heavily promoted on Channel 9. The Drought Relief Appeal has been an incredible success. So far $9,487,377 has been raised to support drought-stricken farmers. The donations are being administered by our good friends at Rotary Australia and are being distributed to farmers in need with the help of the National Farmers’ Federation. For more detail on where the funds are going double click here.

We have sold all the Whale Raffle tickets raising just over $1,700 for Muddy Puddles our charity partner this year for the Moruya Races fundraiser involving Batemans Bay, Moruya and Narooma Rotary Clubs. Thanks to all who sold or bought tickets. I have to single out the efforts of Ange and Michael O’Connor who sold over 50% of the tickets. I am attending a joint meeting next week where I will have more detail on how we can assist on the two race days this year. Our guest speaker this week is the CEO of Muddy Puddles Cate McMath.

The First Four

On  23 February 1905, Paul P. Harris, Gustavus Loehr, Silvester Schiele, and Hiram E. Shorey gathered in Loehr’s office for what would become known as the first Rotary club meeting. Harris’s desire for camaraderie among business associates brought together these four men and eventually led to an international organization of service and fellowship. Double click here to read about each of the first four Rotarians and about Harry L. Ruggles, who is often called the “fifth Rotarian.”

Cheers

Rod

The Editor

Laurelle, along with Steve, has jetted off to Europe for a couple months of touring and catching up with friends – we wish them well on their journey. I am filling in for a couple of weeks until Peter Bull returns from Queensland, so if you have an article for the Beacon please let me know.

Bob Aston

The Week that Was (Thanks to Frank for providing some information)

Frank and Iris’ long time friend, Peter Kasper at last week’s meeting

Forgetting that I was the fill in editor last week I forgot to take notes, so I have had to rely on my memory. We were fortunate to have Frank And Iris’ friend, Peter Kasper, with us. Peter gave us a great insight into his life growing up in Austria and travelling to many parts of the world including Australia. He also told us about some of the loves he has had along the way. Peter makes regular trips back to his second home – Australia.

Frank tells me he and Iris first met Peter when he joined the Canberra City Band about 20 years ago. He was studying his Masters at ANU at the time. Peter currently works for Pantec, an automation company that writes software to control big industrial machines like printers, weaving machines or robots. He plays clarinet in the Symphonic Wind Orchestra Vorarlberg and does very well at it.  You can listen by clicking here (you will need an iTunes account to hear it all).

Frank also tells me that he drives a Renau Zoe (Click the link to check it out it is a pretty cool car).  

Rod also updated us about our links to the virtual world including our webpage, Facebook page and You Tube presence. 

Attendance

A reminder that if you are an apology or if you are bringing guests please let me know by 4:00pm Tuesday, preferably by email.

Thanks Bob

Semi Annual Dues

If you have not paid your semi annual dues, please do so as soon as possible.

Getting Older (thanks to Diane Lovatt and Peter Bull)

 Senior Driving
As a senior citizen was driving down the motorway, his car phone rang.
Answering, he heard his wife’s voice urgently warning him, “Vernon, I
just heard on the news that there’s a car going the wrong way on I-25.
Please be careful!”

“Hell,” said Vernon, “It’s not just one car. It’s hundreds of them!”

Becoming a Senior

Barb was lying in bed one night. Larry was falling asleep but Barb was
in a romantic mood and wanted to talk.

She said: “You used to hold my hand when we were courting.”
Wearily he reached across, held her hand for a second and tried to get
back to sleep.

A few moments later she said: “Then you used to kiss me… ”
Mildly irritated, Larry reached across, gave her a peck on the cheek
and settled down to sleep.

Thirty seconds later she said: “Then you used to bite my neck…”
Angrily, Larry threw back the bed clothes and got out of bed.

“Where are you going?” Barb asked.

“To get my teeth!”

 

Narooma Rotary Beacon 22 March 2018

Hello Everyone

Grahame Holland is presented with a Narooma Rotary Banner

On Sunday evening we became aware of the terrible fire that had ripped through the Tathra community destroying many homes and businesses, fortunately no lives were lost. I have left a message with the President of Bega Rotary, offering our assistance if needed. Our thoughts are with our friends in Tathra at this difficult time.

Last Thursday we had 11 Rotarians and 12 guests at our meeting including Grahame Holland and his wife from the Rotary Club of Southport in the UK. We were able to present Grahame with a Club banner in recognition of his visit. Grahame said that he found our meeting to be most enjoyable and a lot of fun.

On Thursday we inducted our newest member, Geoff Robin to our Club,

Welcome to our newest member, Geoff Robin. Geoff with Sandra Doyle, Ange Ulrichsen and President Bob.

welcome Geoff and thank you to Ange and Sandra who introduced him. No doubt we will find out a little more about Geoff in the weeks to come.

We also heard from our guest speaker, Paul Payten. Paul spoke about the South-East Forests and the need to preserve them. Paul is passionate about preserving the beauty of our forests and stopping logging.

The Board also met on Thursday evening. Major decisions included;

  • That we cater at the Oyster Festival on Friday 4 May provided the Festival Committee indicate that our assistance is required and certain OH&S conditions are met.
  • That we assist Georgina Poyner attend a course at the University of Tasmania
  • Not to hold a Renewable Expo in 2018. We also decided to consider conducting an Expo in 2019 if a member of the Club was willing to act as a coordinator
  • That we donate $1000.00 to the Dalmeny RFS
  • That we cater for the Kidney Car Rally on 5 August

I also advised the Board that the old donut machine and fryer had been sold. At this time we are not able to purchase a new machine that addresses safety requirements.

Lynn Hardingham reported that the balance of the administration account was $ 6244.02 and the balance of the charity account was $ 19075.89, this includes approximately $ 7000.00 in busking funds.

A reminder that we have a busy time ahead. Our monthly markets are on this weekend (let’s hope it doesn’t rain). Next Monday Ange and Michael O’Connor head off to Moruya Race Course to help out at RYDA, we are catering for Relay for Life on Sunday 8 April and our annual Pride of Workmanship dinner will be held on 12 April.

We won’t have a dinner meeting on Thursday 29 March as it is the Thursday before Easter, instead we will have a relaxed breakfast at Rotary Park commencing at 7:45am. On Thursday 5 April Anthony will take us on a tour of the Narooma Plaza Pharmacy as a part of our Rotarian Presents Program.

Does the Eurobodalla have a drug and Alcohol Problem? Moruya Rotary with the assistance of our Club and Batemans Bay Rotary will be holding a forum at St Mary’s Performing Arts Centre on Monday 9 April. The guest speaker is  Professor Gordian Fulde from St Vincent’s Hospital – please support this event if you can.

Have a great week.

 

 

Narooma Rotary Beacon 7 September 2017

NAROOMA ROTARY BEACON 7 September 2017

Bob’s Blog

Hello Everyone
It’s great to be back on the coast after a week in the Central West. I must admit I had forgotten how cold and frosty mornings could be west of the mountains. Fortunately, the sun was out and the days became quite pleasant. I particularly enjoyed catching up with some old friends I hadn’t seen for a couple of years.

Kathy Phipps Narooma Pre-School Director with one of the drums purchased from busking funds

I understand the sponsors’ night was a great success. Thanks to Sandra for organising the event and chasing up the sponsors. A full report appears elsewhere in the Beacon.
Frank Eden had a bit of a turn last week. He tells me he was out exercising and for some reason he passed out near the fish shop at the northern end of the bridge (maybe it was the running up and down the steps that did it). He went off to Moruya Hospital to be checked out. The medical staff found an irregular heart beat and some other issues so before he knew it he was off to Canberra. When I spoke to Frank on Saturday he was in good spirits and hoping to be home in a few days. I understand his doctors will have all issues sorted in no time.
The Whale Watching raffle was drawn at the Narooma Shop on Saturday and the winner was…. Enid Holmes! Enid hails from Canberra and she was very excited when I dropped off the prize. Enid and Colin were in Narooma for a few days. Thank you to everyone involved in the raffle, it was a great effort. Peter Hartley said we raised more than $1,500 for Eurobodalla surf clubs.
As the warmer weather arrives we welcome back members from trips away. Chris O’Brien and Mal Gray have been back for one or two weeks and we should see Lyn Hastings and Peter Bull this week. Unfortunately for us Rod and Jennifer Walker have jetted off to Canada; Facebook tells us they are having a great time.
Thinking of going to the Rotary International Convention in Toronto, Canada next year? Check out the website.
Don’t forget this Thursday we meet at 6:00pm at the Dental Surgery (across the road from the information centre). Charmaine will take us through all things dental before we move back to the Golf Club for dinner.
Have a great week everyone.
Regards
Bob

The Week That Was

Narooma Rotary Past President Bob Antill, Rev Carol Wagner, Rotarian Lynda Ord, Merinda Antill, and sponsor Anne Miller of Narooma Picture Framing at last Thursday’s Busking Festival thank you night.

Last Thursday’s ‘Thank You’ night for sponsors of the Busking Festival was very successful with a good representation from among the 55 sponsors. Thank you for all the Rotarians who came and mixed with everyone. There was a god vibe.
It was also a good opportunity for our Festival coordinator Sandra Doyle to publicly confirm that our Club would host a Regional Busking Festival again next year on Saturday 26 May, as part of the Australian National Busking Championships (ANBC).
‘Our first Festival was such a fun community day that literally filled the town with music, we’re going to do it again in 2018 building on that experience,’ she said.
She said the Club was already starting to receive some sponsorship offers, even before they started canvassing everyone.
Last Thursday also gave us a chance to see what the various recipients of the Festival’s proceeds had purchased for our local kids.
• Rev Carol Wagner purchased a set of chime bars for the Mainly Music program she runs for pre-school age children at St Paul’s Anglican Church.
• Narooma High School bought a Cajon Box Drum for the school’s Drum Beat programme, ably demonstrated by Merinda. Co-Principal John Melville said this year’s Festival created considerable interest among the High School’s students and there should be more participants next year. The High School was also a sponsor.
• Kathy Phipps, Narooma Pre-School director, showed one of the seven drums bought by the Pre-School.
• Narooma Public School unfortunately could not be represented because the night coincided with the school concert. It has purchased some Djembe drums and flutes with all the money they won and received on the day.
• Youth Café coordinator Angela McMillan from Eurobodalla Shire Council said they purchased a boxing kit which, while not in the musical line, was much needed.

Drawing the raffle

Whale Watching Raffle

Bob has reported this week on the success of the Whale Watching raffle, drawn on Saturday. We all greatly appreciate the ongoing generosity of Norm Ingersoll and Narooma Charters in sponsoring this raffle. How wonderful that the winner was Enid Holmes who just happened to

be in Narooma this weekend. A whale watching tour off Narooma is certainly a very special experience.

Flying the Flag
Charmaine White, Sandra and John Doyle represented the Club at the Lions Changeover last Saturday at the Golf Club and had a very enjoyable time.

Cheers
Laurelle

 

Narooma Rotary Beacon 6 July 2017

Bob’s Blog

Hello Everyone,

Our new board consists of Laurelle Pacey, left, Ang Ulrichsen, Frank Eden, Assistant Governor and outgoing President Bob Antill, Lynne Hastings, President Bob Aston, Lynda Ord, Rod Walker, John Doyle, Sandra Doyle and Chris O’Brien.

Welcome to the first Narooma Rotary Beacon for the 2017/18 Rotary Year. The Rotary Theme for this year is ‘Rotary Making A Difference’. The challenge for us as small Club is to make a difference locally, nationally and internationally.

Locally we make a difference by supporting local organisations such as the surf life saving club, volunteer rescue and the rural fire service, without our support these organisations would find it much harder to operate effectively in our community. We have made a difference  through the provision of defibrillators in key locations around the town, just think if a difibrillator we have purchased saves one life we have made a huge difference to that person and their family.  Our various youth projects expand opportunities for our young people, opening their eyes to the broader world and the opportunities that are available to them, and perhaps even making a difference nationally and internationally.

Nationally we hope to make a difference this year by supporting Australian Rotary Health, especially the fight to shine a light on mental health.

Bob presented PDG Phil Armstrong with a donation for Australian Rotary Health at our Changeover.

Internationally we will continue to make a difference by supporting our charity ‘The Rotary Foundation’, especially the fight to eradicate polio from the world,  we are so close to meeting our goal, however, the last efforts are the hardest, what a difference Rotary has already made saving thousands of lives through massive vaccination programs, just think of the difference we will make when polio is eradicated from the world.

Last Thursday night’s Changeover was a great success, thank you to the team who organised the event making sure that everything went smoothly.

As Narooma Rotarians we must acknowledge Bob Antill’s outstanding leadership of our Club. Bob stepped in earlier this year when Michael was no longer able to continue in the role, he carried out his duties with dedication and consideration. Bob has been ably assisted by Merinda who has helped out behind the scenes as well as front and centre, keeping us entertained with her wonderful voice, innovative guest appearances as our speaker and engaging smile.  As I said on Thursday night Bob and Merinda have been the glue that has held the Club together in recent years, thank you to both of you for your service to Narooma Rotary, I hope you enjoy this year in a slightly slower lane.

This week we have our first ‘Rotarians Present’ nights. Thank you to Rolf for agreeing to be the first cab off the rank.  We will meet at 6:00pm at Rolf’s Patisserie  following Rolf’s presentation we will move to the Golf Club for dinner.

Warm regards

Bob

Bob Antill presented Frank with part of the District’s Community Service Award for his own office.

The Week that was

Our changeover last Thursday was really enjoyable and a wonderful time to reflect on what ended up being quite an extraordinary year.

Michael started the year as President with great enthusiasm but stepped down in February partly to focus on his preparations for walking the Bibbulmun Track in Western Australia to raise funds for the Global Polio Eradication Initiative and for a school in the Kenyan village of Rangi.

Bob Antill stepped back into the president’s role as well as continuing as treasurer and Assistant Governor. President Bob referred to Bob Antill and Merinda as ‘the glue that has held the Club together for many years’ with good reason.

Bob Antill reflected on the year’s impressive achievements, outlined in more detail in the Changeover Bulletin. While we are all well aware of them, it’s only when you reflect on what we achieved through the year that the extent of everyone’s’ dedication and hard work really sinks in.

Among those achievements were launching two very successful community events – the Renewable Energy Expo and the Busking Festival. The Renewable Energy Expo received the prestigious Rotary District 9710 Community Service Award in Canberra the previous weekend, which Bob passed on to Frank as the instigator and coordinator at the Changeover.

Bob also presented Frank with the Club’s Rotarian of the Year Award recognising his work with our web page and assisting other clubs with there’s, taking over and simplifying the marking out of the markets, and his initiative with the Renewable Energy Expo.

Michael O’Connor was presented with a Paul Harris Fellowship at Charmaine’s last Saturday.

Bob Antill paid tribute to Michael O’Connor’s initiative at the Changeover. He raised $6,000 towards the worldwide polio eradication campaign and $6,000 for the Rangi school, a cause dear to Michael.

His substantial contributions were recognised by the Club by making him a Paul Harris Fellow, awarded to him at a special afternoon at Charmaine’s place last Saturday.

Also amazing on reflection, our club gave over $54,000 last year to local, national and international communities, funds raised from Narooma Markets, Michael and other initiatives.

Special mention was made of 12 defibrillators for the Eurobodalla Shire, purchased with the proceeds from the Moruya Races last December organised by Narooma, Batemans Bay and Moruya Rotary Clubs in conjunction with Moruya Jockey Club.  Bob Antill presented the final of

Bob Antill hands over to new President Bob Aston.

our allocation of four to Phil Constable for Mitre 10.

Now we are into a new year under President Bob Aston and it too is shaping up to be a big but fun year under the new Rotary International theme ‘Making a Difference’.