Lynn’s Lines

It was great to hear from our MUNA students at last Thursdays meeting. Sounds like it was quite an adventure for them all! Great to hear from their perspective the effect it had on them. Please see report below.

We also had our first of the new alternate drop catered meals at the Golf Club. I think everyone was very happy with the food. Unfortunately we created some major concerns for the Club’s caterer including numbers, special food requirements and last minute changes being made! SO Please take note of these new rules and abide by them. This is our last chance; otherwise all meals will be via the Bistro with no table service.

1. None of us is to ever use the in/out doors to the kitchen area. This is a major Public Health & Safety issue.

2. Only one designated person is to contact the kitchen if there are any issues. That will be John Rungen unless he is not there and then I will designate someone.

3. On speaker nights only, Andrew has agreed to continue to do alternate drops but he will only cater for those who have booked in with John Rungen by noon on Tuesday. John must also be informed of any special dietary needs at that time.  If you are not on John’s list (including your guests,) you will be required to order your meal from the Bistro and pay at Bistro prices. You will be given a buzzer to pick up the meal from the Bistro when it is ready.

4. For Club Assembly nights, each individual will order and pay through the Bistro.

Thanks everyone who turned up on Saturday to learn from John about how to mark up for the Market. We had a good turn out; so good to know we have some backups.

The weather was great on Sunday and the market was its usual success. The takings were Gate $925, Van $529, Wishing Well $84.45 and Whale Raffle $217.90. The September market will go back to the normal time.

We now have a three week gap between Club meetings due to the way the dates fall. I would like whoever is available to get together on Thursday 7^th September 6 for 6.30pm at Club Narooma for a change of venue. Please let John know if you will be going so we can gauge interest. (We’re not booked into the Golf club until the 14th which will be a speaker night rather than Club Assembly due to a rearrangement of speakers.)

THIS WEEK

THIS THURSDAY – No meeting being the fifth Thursday in the month THIS FRIDAY 1 September: 5.15pm Board Meeting

The Week that Was

Last Week’s wonderful MUNA Meeting

It was so inspiring and uplifting hearing from Sandy Loudoun and Coby van Teulingen last week about their experiences debating United Nations style resolutions at the recent Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA) in Canberra. They debated each resolution from Jordan’s point of view, the country they were allocated, and that was challenging. The third member of their team, Ella Marshall unfortunately couldn’t make it last Thursday.

Seventeen teams took part in this year’s MUNA from Sydney, Canberra and the south east schools including four from Eurobodalla Shire. For many schools it had been quite a competitive process just to be there. Sandy said it was pretty intense; everyone took the debates very seriously. They were encouraged to get together with other countries to form a Middle Eastern bloc to put a consensus view for some resolutions which required some compromising.

The experience opened their eyes to what is going on in the world, the politics involved and what the United Nations has to deal with, and they learnt a lot about speaking in public and presenting.  Sandy described the experience as “amazing”, “really fun”, “cool”, while Coby added they now have friends “from all over”. Meeting other students was a highlight.

Hearing the two students talk so enthusiastically, what also came across was the respect they had for each other and for their teacher Monique Wicks who made it all possible. Monique said the three girls did an incredible job. “Between them they had great skill sets and were able to work together to produce a great result.”

A highlight for Coby was meeting Australia’s Human Rights Commissioner Human Rights Commissioner Ms Lorraine Finlay; that has influenced her considerations for possible future career directions.

The evening highlighted the fantastic value students get from such experiences enabled by Rotary and our Club. Full credit to Ange for her initiatives in encouraging Narooma High to access these opportunities.

Our International Toast last week was appropriately to one of the 12 clubs in Jordan the Rotary Club of Amman Cosmopolitan in the capital Amman.

DGN speaks to Moruya and Bay Rotary

Both Bateman Bay and Moruya Rotary Clubs had District Governor Nominee Rob Shore as their guest speaker last week. Rob has been a member of Bay Rotary since Changeover and was previously President of RC of Parkes. He now chairs our District’s Membership and Innovation Committee. As DGN, he will serve as District Governor in the 2025-2026 year. Moruya President Derek Anderson said Rob’s talk on Prisoners of War had them “spellbound”.

NEXT WEEK

Wednesday 6 December 6.30pm: Prostate Cancer Support Group meets at Narooma Golf Club.

Thursday 7 September 6 for 6.30: No meeting is scheduled for the Golf Club  being the first Thursday in the month, but President Lynn would like whoever is available to get together on Thursday 7^th September 6 for 6.30pm at Club Narooma for a change of venue. Please let John know if you will be going so we can gauge interest.

Lynn’s Lines

Last week’s meeting featured Laurelle Pacey’s great talk on why All Saints Church at Bodalla is now listed as being of State Significance. Laurelle did the nomination on behalf of the local Parish; Heritage NSW determined it met four criteria for State Heritage listing.

She shared many details about its history which were unknown to me and most others at the meeting which made it even more interesting. Now I want to drop into All Saints and have a closer look. Thank you Laurelle

John Rungen and I recently met with Golf Club Chef Andrew and Events Manager Belinda to discuss our dinner arrangements. Due to the rising cost of food and staff wages, it is no longer viable for them to continue with our current arrangments. Andrew has given us two options. 

For our Club assembly, usually 10-12 members, choose a meal from the Board in the brasserie and pay as we go.

For a dinner meeting with speakers, we will be served a meal on alternate drops plus any request for vegetarians (if notified at time of booking). Cost is $25. This starts this Thursday 27th August. It is imperative we get the numbers absolutely correct. This will be discussed further at the September Board Meeting. Please advise if you are attending as numbers are required by Tuesday afternoon.

This Sunday is the August market, so all hands on deck please. This will be the last one at the later time; we resume normal times for the September market.

Meanwhile we have a special night on Thursday when we hear from Narooma High’s MUNA students. I am really looking forward to it.

THIS WEEK

DINNER MEETING 6 for 6.30pm: We welcome Narooma High students Coby van Teulingen, Sandy Loudoun and Ella Marshall who, thanks to their teacher Monique Wicks and our Club’s sponsorship, participated in the Model United National Assembly (MUNA) in Canberra over the weekend 11-13 August. Please invite partners and friends. It is really important you tell John Rungen by noon on Tuesday if you are coming and if you are bringing guests. John has to let the Golf Club know numbers Tuesday afternoon.

The Week that Was

Legacy Mural completed

The stunning colourful mural on the toilet block at Ken Rose Park to commemorate 100 years of Legacy has now been completed. It is being greatly admired by many passers-by. Artist Sam Wortelhock of Breakaway Art painted the poppy fields of Flanders with one lone soldier.  Our Club was one of many local organisations and individuals who donated towards the cost.

Out and About

Social Media and Marketing Workshop

Batemans Bay Heritage Museum is running a Social Media and Marketing Workshop on Tuesday 26 September. Two representatives from Batemans Bay Rotary are attending. Any Narooma Rotarians interested and able to go.

 District’s Regionalisation update

All members should have received an update on the progress of the Regionalisation Pilot. We’re encouraged to discuss this at Club level. There are two key changes where we can have an active voice.

First, Governance across the zone will be overseen by a Regional Council elected by clubs. Members can stand for elections. Club Presidents will vote on behalf of their club to elect Regional Council positions in October this year.

The other major step is Club Presidents and Secretaries will soon receive information to start club conversations about how we would like to be grouped with other clubs. There’s a series of webinars end of August/early September.

Alan Russell at Batemans Bay Rotary has volunteered to keep his Club up to speed with the Regionalisation pilot. Do we need someone similar?

District Conference in Queanbeyan

The District 9705 Conference will be held 20-22 October in Queanbeyan. More details to be released in the coming weeks.

NEXT THURSDAY

No Meeting because it is the fifth Thursday in the month.

Lynn’s Lines

We held a productive Club Assembly last Thursday with some projects now gaining traction.

Chris O’Brien gave a moving International Toast noting the devastation of the former picturesque township of Lahaina on the Island of Maui, now totally destroyed by wildfires and the loss of so many people. She honeymooned there. There are, or rather were, three Rotary Clubs just in Lahaina and a total of nine on Maui.

Our three Narooma High students were at the Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA) in Canberra over the weekend. A huge thank you to Ange for going to support the students on the Club’s behalf (see report below). We all greatly appreciate your efforts. I’m looking forward to hearing from them on the 24^th August. Please bring friends and partners; it’s always an inspiring evening.

Mike and Sharlee Young are heading off for Broome this week, after having first dropped all the treasurer’s files for the last few years at my place ready for filing in the ‘designated’ Treasurer’s filing cabinet. Safe travels. You will be missed and we look forward to welcoming you back in a few months. Raichel McInnes is recovering well from her op and we’re looking forward to seeing her soon.

Tonight’s should be an interesting talk by Laurelle about such a prominent landmark in our area. Again, please invite partners and friends and let John Rungen know numbers by noon Tuesday. See you then.

THIS WEEK

Dinner meeting 6 for 6.30pm. Guest speaker Laurelle Pacey will explain why All Saints Anglican Church at Bodalla has been gazetted for State Heritage listing and what that means. Please invite partners and friends.

The Week that Was

Report from our students at MUNA

Ange Ulrichsen went to Canberra to watch our Narooma High students in action at MUNA in the Museum of Democracy in Old Parliament House. The team of Coby van Teulingen, Sandy Loudoun and Ella Marshall, accompanied by their teacher Monique Wicks represented Jordan. Normally MUNA is held in the House of Representatives, but because of renovations, it was in the Senate this year.

“Our Narooma High team and all four Eurobodalla teams at MUNA did us all proud,” Ange said. “I was particularly impressed with the Iran team from The Kings School and Carroll College’s South Africa team.”

From Batemans Bay Rotary

Batemans Bay Rotary sponsored a St Peter’s Anglican College team to MUNA  –  Sunni West, Anna Woolnough and Chaska Waterson. They represented Japan and dressed the part. The Rotary Bay bulletin reports the team enjoyed a visit to the Japanese Embassy and were enlightened on which way to vote by Embassy staff.

Out and About

From Moruya Rotary

Moruya Club is getting quite a reputation for catering. Last week they put on a Big Breakfast for all Council staff which went down a treat – “The food was hot, delicious and efficient”. Now they’re getting organised to prepare and serve afternoon tea for all the Meals on Wheels volunteers on 6 September in Moruya Jockey Club’s Members’ area.

Moruya Rotary has pledged $2,000 towards the solar panel and back-up batteries project at Buakonaki Primary School on Rabi Island in Fiji. As reported in previous Beacons, this system will replace an inefficient power generator and enable the staff to provide better educational outcomes for students with the money saved by not having to maintain and buy fuel for the generator.

Moruya has now set the date for our Cinders Trivia Challenge which they are hosting this year – Tuesday 26 September at Moruya Golf Club. Please put it in your diary! Please invite your friends, particularly those who excel with trivia!

From Bega Rotary

A special award was made at Bega’s monthly Breakfast meeting last week.  One was to a great friend of Narooma Rotary Bega Treasurer Charlie Blomfield who was presented with a Paul Harris award and Pin for his contribution to the Rotary Foundation. The Bega Bulletin this week reports, “You are a real legend Charlie! Charlie has been the Treasurer almost forever and is one of the life forces of Bega Rotary.”

NEXT THURSDAY 24th

DINNER MEETING 6 FOR 6.30PM: Coby van Teulingen, Sandy Loudoun and Ella Marshall who, thanks to their teacher Monique Weeks and our Club’s sponsorship, participated in the Model United National Assembly (MUNA) in Canberra over the weekend 11-13 August. Please invite partners and friends.

Lynn’s Lines

First some housekeeping.

John Rungen will do the market roster until the end of the year while Mike Young is in Western Australia. Mike and John do the marking out each month on the Saturday before the markets so John will need some help in Mike’s absence. So could everyone who can make it come long on Saturday 26 August at 9am to learn how to mark out to Chris’ plan for that market.

From last Friday’s Board meeting:

• ‘pledged’ a $500 donation towards the District’s project for solar installation at the Buakonikai Primary School on Rabi Island in Fiji. The school has six teachers and 127 students. Our donation depends on District being able to get sufficient pledges from Clubs to raise the $50,000 still needed. (We contributed to similar school projects in Fiji last year.)
• Sadly Andrew Lawson has decided not to return to the Club after his six month break but may consider returning at a later time. The Board accepted his resignation with regret.
• Need to have ‘backups’ for various tasks when people are away and for succession planning.

Look forward to seeing you this Thursday night.

THIS WEEK

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

Out and About

MUNA this weekend

The Narooma High team for the Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA), sponsored by our Club, heads to Canberra this weekend. Our three students, guided by teacher Monique Wicks, will represent Jordan.

Moruya Rotary is sponsoring two teams from Carroll College who will represent South Africa and Germany, while Batemans Bay Rotary is sponsoring a team from St Peters College at Broulee.

The schools will debate six resolutions from their allocated country’s point of view; the competition is really keen with some top schools in Sydney and Canberra also participating. The resolutions are:

• Resolution C. The situation in the South China Sea
• Resolution D. Strengthening the role of the UN in the promotion of democratization and enhancing periodic and genuine elections
• Resolution E. Preventing and combatting crimes that affect the environment
• Resolution F. State of global food security
• Resolution I: A global call for concrete action for the elimination of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance
• Resolution J: The Situation in Myanmar

Ange Ulrichsen who is promoting our youth programmes urges anyone who can to drop into Old Parliament House to watch our students. She says it is always inspiring and the team is always a great credit to Narooma High and to Monique.

ROMAC update

In June, Narooma Rotary contributed $1,000 to Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children (ROMAC). This humanitarian project has provided life giving and/or dignity restoring surgery to over 500 children from more than 20 countries, with medical treatment not available to them in their own countries. It is assisted by many eminent Australian and New Zealand surgeons who generously donate their time for the treatment of patients. Recently ROMAC circulated a report. Here are a few highlights.      

ROMAC is very much up and going again after the interruptions caused by COVID. Over 70 children are under consideration on ROMAC’s waiting list. Five children are currently being treated in Australia and New Zealand but ROMAC would like to be doing more and making a bigger dent in their waiting list but there are two significant restrictions.
1. The public paediatric hospital systems in some parts of Australia and New Zealand are still recovering from the pandemic and have long waiting lists and staff shortages. ROMAC’s placement options are limited and it is having to consider the private sector and overseas options, but these are not easy to find.

2. The number of ROMAC volunteers. They have a great team but desperately need more people to treat more patients. ROMAC needs more people with IT and medical backgrounds as well organisation, marketing and management skills. There are opportunities to help at the national level and on every Regional Committee. In return you would get the enjoyment of making a huge impact on the lives of these ROMAC children and their families.
Contact ROMAC Chair Ian D’Arcy Walsh (via communications@romac.org.au) if you would like to become involved.

NEXT WEEK Thursday 17th

Dinner meeting 6 for 6.30pm at Narooma Golf Club. Guest speaker Laurelle Pacey will explain why All Saints Anglican Church at Bodalla has been gazetted for State Heritage listing and what that means. Please invite partners and friends.

Lynn’s Lines

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

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

THIS WEEK

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

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

The Week that Was

Wagonga Inlet project explained

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

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

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

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

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

Chamber president praises Rotary

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

Out and About

From Moruya Rotary

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

Our Tertiary Scholars

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

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

Congratulations to Narooma Golf Club

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

NEXT THURSDAY 10^th August

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

Lynn’s Lines

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

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

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

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

Look forward to seeing you on Thursday

THIS THURSDAY 27^th July

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

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

The Week that Was

Last Thursday

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

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

Sunday’s Market

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

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

Out and About

Pambula Rotary, Lions and ‘Beryl’

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

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

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

NEXT WEEK

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

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

Lynn’s Lines

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

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

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

THIS WEEK

This Thursday 20^th

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

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

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

This Sunday (23^rd) is our Market

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

The Week That Was

More on Fred Fawke and RRR Project

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

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

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

The IRT has often donated equipment to the RRR Project.

Bega’s Winter Book Fair

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

Out and About

Bega Valley Clubs welcome Kurt Fearnley

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

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

NEXT THURSDAY 27^TH JULY

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

Please invite partners and friends.

Lynn’s Lines

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

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

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

THIS WEEK

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

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

The Week that Was

Changeover last Thursday

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It’s the Changeover season

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

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

Out and About

Our Club again sponsors MUNA 

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

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

Bega Rotary Winter Book Fair this weekend

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

On the RI theme

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

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

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

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

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

NEXT WEEK

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

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

Ange’s Thoughts

What a great market on Sunday! More details below.

It was such a pleasure last Thursday to welcome guests Lachie Penglase as well as Moruya Rotarians Shirley Cornish and John Gillett. Our Area 6 Governor Adam de Totth also paid us a visit as he was unable to attend our Changeover this Thursday; it was his last visit as our Area Governor.

Lachie, Yr 9 student at NHS, was selected by District for the 2024 Rotary Youth Exchange. Our Club’s last Outbounder was Erin Fahey in 2009 who was hosted in Germany. We are thrilled that Lachie will be venturing to Japan (his country of choice) in January for an amazing year being hosted by families, attending school, speaking Japanese – such a wonderful cultural experience. Lachie, so personable, relaxed and engaging described the formal Rotary District interview process in detail. He sailed through it and impressed the panel with his knowledge of Rotary and his enthusiasm to embark on this unforgettable adventure. Congratulations Lachie and family. To Susanna and Gordon, thank you for mentoring him so well.

Shirley and John took turns sharing their experiences at the Rotary International Convention held in Melbourne recently. The 12 Moruya Rotarians who went said it was an awesome experience. The convention had big-name speakers, breakout sessions, the international flag ceremony and the House of Friendship – all sessions full of pageantry and inspiration. Rotary experts shared tips on how to live the Rotary Action Plan to address the world’s biggest challenges and grow club diversity. Jennifer Jones, RI President this year was there to meet all delegates. Imagine! 13,000 Rotarians from around the world did the wave at one point in the Rod Laver Arena. The entertainment was fabulous. All agreed it was an unforgettable opportunity to see firsthand the internationality of Rotary and feel proud to be a part of it.

THIS THURSDAY

This Thursday night is our Changeover, the culmination of our Rotary Year and will be a great night. It’s 6 for 6.30. It will bring many members, friends and distinguished guests together. Our special guests will include Member for Eden Monaro Kristy McBain, PDG Phil Armstrong representing DG Geraldine Rurenga, and Eurobodalla Shire Deputy Mayor Alison Worthington.

The Week that Was

Great markets

Once again, a fun market with perfect weather. David McInnes noted that “over the last year it has transformed into a very enjoyable day for all members”. It was the first market with the later winter hours and it seems a success with most people; it was certainly welcomed by the early morning Rotary crew on the gate. September’s market will return to the normal hours.

While a small market being in winter, the Club did quite well financially. Treasurer Mike Young reports the gate took $ 940.00, the van $450.50 plus square sales (still to be noted), and Wishing well $ 65.00.

Last Week’s meeting

Shirl and John’s report on Moruya Rotarians escapades at the RI Convention in Melbourne outlined the serious and social. Shirl was really impressed with RI President Jennifer Jones who sh said was so gracious and caring as she acknowledged Rotarians who had devoted their lives to helping others.

In breakout sessions and speeches there was much inspiration and pride in Rotary’s life changing projects. John was staggered at the sheer number. Jan and Steve Young were excited to meet Sandi and Tracey in the Hall of Friendship from the End Trachoma Project which Moruya had participated in.

Shirl really enjoyed driving to Melbourne in John’s Mustang; a few of them in convoy. John spoke of lots of dining out, Flemington Racecourse and an AFL game, some part of the RI Convention’s extra-curricular activities. He said the “fellowship” was one of the main reasons the 12 went down.

Shirl summed it up rather well saying it’s so good “to be part of something big and wonderful. People want to belong and be part of something…”

Out and About

Moruya’s Year in Review

It’s interesting to see how far Moruya Club has come in 12 months. President Shirl says in their Changeover Bulletin the Club started the year “with some soul searching”, having 31 aging members, a medium age of 75 and dwindling numbers. A meeting discussed what to do; their concern was as one member put it, “If we don’t do something we’re stuffed’”. But “events seemed to take over”. Moruya decided to initiate the move to establish Carers’ accommodation for the planned Eurobodalla Regional Hospital, following the initiative of Bega Valley Rotary Clubs. They set up a temporary committee that became the conduit to an incorporated community company – Carers Accommodation Eurobodalla Regional Hospital – CAERH. This helped put Moruya Rotary in the public eye. Nine months later, the independent committee was appointed with four Moruya Rotary members on that committee. CAREH Inc is up and running with wide community support, including from Narooma Rotary, and a long list of possible donors. It’s likely to be a five year project.

That, plus an “excellent run of guest speakers”, two sometimes three a month, and active support of many youth and community projects and Rotary programmes see six new members join the Club which Shirl says has made a huge difference. They ended the year with 34 members and a lower average age.

Moruya Rotary has put almost $91,000 back into the community over the year, much of it raised through the Moruya Racecourse kiosk.

Narooma President Elect Lynn Hastings and VP Julie Hartley will represent our Club at Moruya’s Changeover on Tuesday when Shirl will pass the chain of office to Derek Anderson.

The great Cinders Trivia Challenge

Our Club will be seeking to regain the Cinders Trophy from Moruya Rotary on Tuesday 11 July at Moruya Golf Club. Moruya Rotary is our host. So please come with friends and family who can help us in our quest. Details next week. This will be instead of a meeting in Narooma on Thursday 13th.

NEXT WEEK

No Meeting on Thursday 6 July, being the first Thursday in the month.

On Friday 7^th July at 4.15pm – New Board meets at Narooma Golf Club.