Our Club has expanded its annual Whale Watching Raffle by making it into a community raffle with the theme ‘Experience Narooma’.

“We’re giving this great community concept a go which promotes visiting Narooma,” said Rotary VP David McInnes. “Thanks to the generosity of local businesses, there’s a substantial first prize valued at over $1,200 – winner takes all. Various organisations around Narooma are selling tickets; they benefit by retaining 80% of proceeds for their groups.”

The balance goes to Narooma Rotary to cover costs and to contribute to the long term community project – Carers’ Accommodation at the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital (CAERH).

The raffle will be drawn on 7^th September in time for the annual whale watching season.

The prize is:

• A whale watching tour for two (Narooma Charters)
• Two nights accommodation waterfront cabin* (Easts Holiday Parks Narooma)
• *Condition: Easts’ prize can only be redeemed outside of school holidays.  
• 2 x 4hr E-Bike Hire with Gourmet Picnic (Southbound Escapes)
• 2 x $70 Meal Voucher (Club Narooma/ Club Dalmeny)
• $30 voucher (Montague Coffee, Narooma)

Narooma Chamber of Commerce supports the raffle and has contributed to printing costs.

Tickets are available from WIRES, Southbound Escapes, Tilba Public School P & C, Narooma Lions, Bodalla Soccer, Oz Harvest, Narooma Junior Rugby League Football Club and Montague Art & Craft Society. Tickets will also be on sale at the August Narooma Markets from WIRES’ stand.

David said additional potential benefits include sparing organisations the task of soliciting raffle prizes as well as reducing the number of raffle requests to local businesses.

Julie’s Jots

This Thursday we welcome our exchange student Hilma Koskiniemi from Finland when she flies into Moruya. I know I speak for us all when I wish her an absolutely wonderful year with us. Several of us will be there to welcome her complete with flags etc. including Hilma’s first host family the Penglases, Lachie’s family. She meets all members officially on Thursday 8^th August.

Also this Thursday night we welcome our friends from Moruya Rotary for a fun night for the great annual Cinders Trivia Challenge. Who will win the much coveted Cinders Trophy this year? All up we’re expecting about 50 people which includes 17 from Moruya. A busy Thursday for some of us!

Don’t forget our Markets this Sunday. I understand there are still a few spare spots so please see David this Thursday if you haven’t already put your name down.

THIS THURSDAY 25 July

6 for 6.30pm Narooma Golf Club: Our great annual Cinders Trivia Challenge with Moruya Rotary friends. Cost is $25 per head for dinner (one course alternate drops). Bookings were essential with Gero.

The Week that Was

Rory heads to Oxford

How wonderful to hear from our 2020 Rotary Tertiary Scholar Rory Spurgeon this week, via his then counsellor PP Bob Aston.

“Sorry I haven’t been to a meeting in a long while. I’ve been busy all year with Chemistry Honours. I still thought the club might like to know what I’ve been up to though and what the scholarship has allowed me to do. A couple of weeks ago I graduated with my degree of Bachelor of Science Advanced with first class honours. I also got majors in Chemistry and Physics and a minor in Math.

“The marks I’ve got have granted me admission to the University of Oxford where I will study a Masters of Theoretical and Computation Chemistry. This will be a year of coursework starting in October and I am so keen for it. I’m so excited to learn more and I’m so grateful to you and the Rotary Club which allowed me to do this. I still don’t know what I want to do after though, but probably a PhD and maybe further research or teaching.

“I’ll be in Narooma for a couple of weeks in August but I’ll be out of the country otherwise so if you or Rotary would like a chat or anything I’d be happy to FaceTime or sort something out.”

Here’s hoping we can catch up with Rory in person!

Out and About

From Moruya Rotary

Moruya Rotary reports their board meeting of the new Rotary year and first club assembly under new President Allan Veness were very positive and productive. Good ideas flowed and a plan for the next 12 months is in place. Moruya Club has set three goals:

1. Increase and retain membership
2. Make a real difference in our local community
3. Ensure sustainability of the kiosk [at Moruya Jockey Club] as this is our major source of fundraising.

From Batemans Bay Rotary

The Bay called its Changeover more of a ‘Rollover’ with President Pam Thorpe doing a second term as President. DG Rob Uhl was again at that Changeover; think she has been to Bega, ours, Moruya’s and the Bay’s which is really quite something. Their main donations were to CAN Assist, the Carers Accommodation Eurobodalla Rural Hospital and St Cecila’s Music Society.

Among their awards was ‘Rotarian of the Year’ to Neil Simpson to show the Club’s appreciation of his work as co-ordinator of Rotary Youth Driver Awareness and as Market Manager.

NEXT THURSDAY 1 August

No Dinner.

5.30pm           BOARD MEETING

Julie’s Jots

Our dinner last Thursday night was a relaxed evening with lots of fellowship as well as catching up on what was discussed at the Board meeting.  

Ann Hegerty gave us an exposé on her working life.  She now has time to relax from the many jobs she has had over the years.  Ann, Francoise and Laurelle have formed a marketing committee to promote our Club and activities. Thank you ladies for stepping up and taking on the challenge.

Our community raffle is being well received by groups in our community and they will be out and about raising money as well as Rotary’s profile in the community. We will also sell some raffle tickets at our markets.

Don’t forget our great annual Cinders Trivia Challenge with Moruya Rotary Club is on Thursday week (25^th). Please invite family and friends to join us in the fun and to contribute to our Narooma Trivia ‘brains trust’

THIS THURSDAY 18 July

We go out on the town this Thursday with an informal dinner at 6.30pm at Food Mantra by Wildlfire (just near the bottom pub). We need firm numbers please (see note at end of Beacon).

The Week that Was

Several members – President Julie, Ange Ulrichsen, Lynn Hastings and Laurence Babington – represented the Club at the Sport & Leisure Centre (S&LC) last Tuesday cooking sausage sandwiches for an event organised by PCYC for NAIDOC Week. Not busy, but good to do.

[A little history: The S&LC was built by Rotary in 1985 to enable all weather skating. It was a mammoth project for the Club, and for many years the Club also managed the facility. It was used for afternoon indoor sports, blue light discos bi-monthly and weekly roller skating. When the High School burned down in 1988, it was used for emergency classrooms until demountables could be used. Also, Rotary was instrumental in establishing PCYC many years ago.]

Out and About

Narooma students to Engineering Summer School

Along with sponsoring a three-member team from Narooma High to the Model United Nations Assembly in Canberra next month, our Club is also sponsoring one of two Narooma High students the Club has organised to go to the Engineering Summer School (ESS) in December. The School and Engineers Australia AND Engineers Australia are likely to sponsor the second.

The two ESS students are Harmony Cannon in Year and Ziggy Kewetin Smith, both in Year 11. Harmony is a long-time member of the RoboRebels and is working hard towards her long term goal of studying engineering at university. Ziggy is currently doing Engineering studies and Chemistry and achieving at an outstanding level.

The five-day fully residential ESS is facilitated by Engineers Australia, the Office of the NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer, Sydney’s five engineering universities and industry leaders. ESS brings together promising students who are about to enter their final year of high school in NSW and ACT and provides them  an introduction to the key engineering universities and an insight into the vast number of disciplines encompassed by engineering. Students will experience a fast paced and exacting programme at University of Sydney, University of NSW, UTS, Macquarie and University of Wollongong and see behind the scenes at five Engineering projects/ organisations. Other highlights include career chats with young engineers and graduates and an Official Awards Dinner.

The ESS is recognised by involved universities. Attendance is acknowledged and can contribute to supporting each student’s ATAR scores when applying for degree courses.

Bay Rotary bids farewell to food van

At Batemans Bay Changeover on Thursday, the Club will hand over its trusty food van to Yumaro. Their last week’s bulletin referred to it fondly. “She has had a special place in our hearts with much fun and deep conversations as we cooked and sugared endless donuts. She has been to markets, Camping Expos, Christmas Carol Services and was used during the bushfires. However with our commitment twice monthly to the Rotary Markets, we are no longer using Le Van and to know that she will be used by Yumaro clients to gain new skills in food handling and customer service is the best possible outcome.” The Bay van also sold hot and cold drinks.

Yumaro is a registered charity and NDIS service provider offering employment, training, lifestyle, accommodation and home and community support services to over 140 people with a permanent disability in the Eurobodalla and Shoalhaven regions.

NEXT THURSDAY 25 July – CINDERS

6 for 6.30pm Narooma Golf Club: Our great annual Cinders Trivia Challenge with Moruya Rotary Club. Please invite family and friends to join us in the fun and to contribute to our Narooma Trivia ‘brains trust’. Cost is $25 per head for dinner (one course alternate drops). Firm numbers to Gero by Monday 22^nd evening  at the latest – need numbers from Moruya at the same time

. 

Julie’s Jots

We’re all really looking forward to the arrival of our Finnish exchange student Hilma Koskiniemi; we hope she has an absolutely wonderful year with us.  Hilma arrives on the 25^th July, the same day as our annual Cinders Trivia Challenge.

Last Thursday was my first Board meeting as President and we achieved a lot. Discussion about what’s planned for the next 12 months points to another really fulfilling year for our Club.  Plans include sponsoring a three-student team from Narooma High to the Model United Nations Assembly in Canberra next month (more details below) plus two students from Narooma High to the Engineering  Summer School in December (more details next week). Sponsoring students to the week-long Engineering school is something our Club has supported in the past.

This Tuesday (8th) a few of us are cooking sausages for a PCYC event organised for NAIDOC Week in the Sport and Leisure Centre. PCYC is supplying the food; we’re just cooking using the Centre’s kitchen. We’re gathering there abut 11.30, ready to serve up about 12.30. If anyone would like to assist (no idea how busy we will be), just turn up.

The great Cinders Trivia Challenge with Moruya Rotary Club is on the 25^th. Please invite family and friends to join us in the fun and to contribute to our Narooma Trivia ‘brains trust’.

Hilma says “Hi!”

Greetings from the Arctic Circle! My name is Hilma and I am a 16 year old girl from northern Finland. The exciting news is that in just a couple of weeks, I will become an exchange student and start a new life in Narooma! That’s something I am very excited, but also a little nervous about.

Here in Finland I live in Lapland in a city called Rovaniemi. I think that Finland is maybe best known for its winters and white snow. Rovaniemi is no exception. Although it can be beautiful out here, the long winter also means almost constant darkness for at least five months of the year. That’s one of the reasons why I am really happy to travel to the other side of the world and finally see the sun!! 

Besides the different weather, there are also plenty of reasons why I wanted to become an exchange student and come to Australia. I think that I am naturally a very adventurous and curious person. Maybe that’s why I think that a year spent so far away from home seems like a unique and fun chance for me, rather than something super scary. Australia as my final destination is truly a dream come true.

I said earlier that I am 16. In Finland it means that I have just finished my first year of high school. I am currently in the middle of my summer holidays. During school term, I spend my evenings either swimming or in volleyball practice. Swimming and volleyball have been my hobbies since elementary school. I really hope to have a chance to do those things while I am in Narooma too! More than anything, I am looking forward to trying as many new things as I can and gaining special, once in a lifetime experiences!

All in all, I am very excited to get to know all of you, when I am finally coming at the end of July! 

THIS THURSDAY 11^TH July

6 for 6.30pm at the Golf Club: Club Dinner – previously called Club Assembly, and very briefly ‘This is Us’. We wil be hearing a bit about her life from one of our new members Ann Hegerty. Please make sure you tell Gero by noon Tuesday if you are coming or not (it affects which room we have).

The Week that Was

We inspire Narooma High students

Narooma Rotary will again sponsor a team of three Narooma High students to the Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA) in Canberra next month with teacher Monique Wicks. Director Ange Ulrichsen reported at the Board meeting she recently met the team of Harmony Cannon Yr 11, Ruben Smithers Yr 10 and Bethany Owen-Roberts Yr 10.

MUNA is a competitive project where senior students participate in a UN Assembly-style debate in the Museum of Democracy (Old Parliament House) with teams from other schools across NSW and the ACT. They debate resolutions from the point of view of the country they were allocated. It’s an invaluable experience promoting international understanding and goodwill.

In past years NHS has been allocated a country in the Middle East which has been particularly challenging; this year the team has been allocated the United Kingdom which may also prove to be just as challenging following the upheaval in British politics with the elections.

MUNA is on 16-18 August. The students and Monique will report back to us on their MUNA experience the following Thursday (22^nd August). It is always an inspiring night so please invite partners and friends.

Community benefits from expanded Whale Watching Raffle

Our dynamo David McInnes, also Chamber of Commerce Secretary, has expanded Narooma Rotary’s annual Whale Watching Raffle into a community raffle with the theme ‘Experience Narooma’. “We’re giving this community concept a go,” David said with enthusiasm plus. Reports to last week’s Board meeting suggest it certainly will be ‘a goer’.

Thanks to the generosity of local businesses there is a substantial first prize – winner takes all. It also offers various community groups the opportunity to benefit by selling tickets in the raffle, retaining 80% of proceeds.  The balance will go to Narooma Rotary to cover costs and to contribute to the Carers’ Accommodation project at the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital (CAERH). Benefits include sparing organisations the task of soliciting raffle prizes and it possibly reduces the number of raffle requests to local businesses.

Prizes are:

• A whale watching tour for two (Narooma Charters)
• Two nights accommodation waterfront cabin (Easts Holiday Parks Narooma)
• 2 x 4hr E-Bike Hire with Gourmet Picnic (Southbound Escapes)
• 2 x $70 Meal Voucher (Club Narooma/ Club Dalmeny)
• $30 voucher (Montague Coffee, Narooma)

The Chamber of Commerce has contributed to printing costs. Several organisations have already taken tickets, for example Tilba Public School’s P & C to sell at the Tilba Festival. Our Club will also sell tickets at the July and August Narooma Markets. It will be drawn 7^th September.

We embrace ‘People of Action’

Our Club is embracing Rotary International’s dynamic ‘People of Action’ campaign to more accurately describe the extraordinary work Rotary Clubs do. It is designed to help each club tell its story of local impact. You will see our branding as ‘People of Action’ gradually roll out in coming months.

It strives to bring Rotary to life for those who don’t know us by showing the difference Clubs like ours make in our communities. It also ensures that no matter where you are in the world, Rotary’s message is the same. Rotary unites leaders around the globe behind one goal: to do more good, to work together in their communities to inspire, transform, connect and celebrate what’s possible.

Out and About

Donation to Cobargo Scouts

The Club has received a lovely note of appreciation from 1^st Cobargo Scouts for our $500 donation towards the cost of sending their large contingent to the Next Australian Jamboree in January. It came with this photo. A similar amount was donated by Bega Rotary. We wish them well.

1^st Cobargo Scouts includes young people from Narooma to Bega. Over 20 intend going on what should be a fabulous experience. They have been working hard for some months with raffles to raise funds for their travel and accommodation.  They will send us photos from the Jamboree.

From Batemans Bay Club

The Bay Club has a long association with medical students from the ANU Rural Medical School while they’re on a year’s rural placement in the Eurobodalla as part of their training. The Club also awards two scholarships each year to the Year 3 students.

Last week the Bay’s guest speaker was the School’s Associate Professor Karen Flegg who spoke about one aspect of the student’s rural year – their time in the Outback. Usually, only one of the medical students based at the Bay selects to experience this form of rural medicine, but this year all four have gone.

They fly to Alice Springs for orientation and then are disbursed to remote areas. Associate Professor Flegg spoke about the experience they will have, such as at Yuendumu which is over 3 hours NW from Alice Springs, a town of 1000 people. There is no mobile coverage, the Big Shop and the Little Shop, a very strong Arts community and football is an important part of town life. The Medical Centre has an in-house Pharmacy with basic medications. Doctors are in town on four days each week, but most medical centres are run and organised by nurses. On the students’ return, they share their experiences with Bay Rotarians which is a highlight of the Club’s year.

Invitation to Batemans Bay Changeover

RC Batemans Bay Changeover or ‘Rollover’ will be on Thursday 18 July at the Soldiers Club 6 for 6.30pm. Secretary Neil Simpson needs to know by 11 July. District Governor Rob Uhl will be attending. There are dress guidelines… “This is collar and tie event gentlemen. Rotary honours are to be worn.”

NEXT THURSDAY 18^th

No Business Breakfast. They resume in September after a winter break.

6.30pm: Social Dinner at Food Mantra by Wildlfire Restaurant (just near the bottom pub). We need firm numbers beforehand.

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.