THIS WEEK
Thursday (17th November) 7am sharp: our Rotary Business Breakfast with guest speaker Rod White of Australian Community Media (ACM) on the future of Narooma News and our other local papers. Rod is ACM’s Group Sales Manager for South Coast and Southern Inland NSW. Cost is $10.
Friday (18th November) 4.15pm: Board Meeting in Golf Club Board Room.
The Week that Was
Mike Young chaired last week’s meeting as the regular fill-ins of Andrew, Ange and Laurelle were apologies, as were Julie and Rod. Mike said it was a low key but fun night, with the new invocation/acknowledgement presented by Robyn. Mike gave the International Toast to the Rotary Club of Port Vila in Vanuatu, where he and Sharlie had attended during a two- week RAWCS project in 2004, helping to repair cyclone damage to the hospitals in Port Vila and the Island of Tanna as well as helping to build a Fred Hollows Eye Clinic at Port Villa Hospital.
All acknowledged Frank Eden’s farewell celebrations at Surf Beach, agreeing it was great to see such a big turnout and to hear how valued Frank was by his family, friends, professional colleagues and Rotary colleagues, past and present. David and Rachel McInnes helping with the sound system and setting up the continuous photographic display were greatly appreciated. Iris and family, we continue to think of you at this difficult time.
Chris O’Brien raised the possibility of having our Christmas celebration at the new ‘Six and Out’ restaurant in Bodalla, now owned by Monique Wicks. Monique is the Narooma High School teacher who supported the three students at MUNA. Friday’s Board Meeting will discuss the Christmas venue – the Golf Club or Bodalla.
Coming Rotary events were also discussed, including:
- Thursday’s Business Breakfast with Rod White of Australian Community Media on the future of our local newspapers;
- Dianne McInnes (David’s Mum) on 24th on her life as an author, as well as the two RYPEN students;
- Our Movie Night – fundraising for Polio – The film will be ‘The Lost King’… a movie about finding King Richard 111 remains… at the Kinema. Sounds like a fascinating show.
The meeting had a few Happy Moments but held off from the Wheel because of too few members in attendance. Home produce of freshly picked rhubarb by Chris and huge beetroots from Mike’s garden are promised for future wheel raffles.
Mike is also looking for someone to help him with marking out for the markets on the 27th because Bob Aston will be away. We also need to confirm who will be helping with the NATA Oval layout for the Markets on 27th as Bob Aston is not available. (Thanks to Mike for this contribution)
Out and About
Carers’ Accommodation at Moruya
Moruya Rotary President Shirley Hayes-Cornish, also secretary of the Carers Accommodation Eurobodalla Regional Hospital Inc (CAERH), writes that NSW Health has allocated land on the grounds of the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital at Moruya for carers’ accommodation. That building will be partly paid for by money raised by our community, similar to what has happened with other NSW Regional Hospitals such as Bega, Albury Wodonga and Port Macquarie. Government grants covered about half the cost and community fundraising paid the other half. Our Club has pledged support for this long term project.
CAERH has been inspired by Bega Hospital’s which has two buildings for carers with motel style units. Each unit has six bedrooms with an ensuite bathroom and a communal kitchen and lounge. Bega’s cost $2.3m, but due to cost increases CAERH will likely be more. Without community funding there would not be carers’ accommodation.
The CAERH interim committee is calling for expressions of interest from community minded people with experience working on community projects to join CAERH. The AGM is this Wednesday. A variety of skills are needed – planning, project management and fundraising.
From Batemans Bay Rotary
November to date has been particularly social for our friends at the Bay Club. Many attended Moruya Jockey Club Race Day on Melbourne Cup Day, then 27 members and guests went to their Pizza, Poetry and Plonk night at Nelligen Park Big 4. This week they have their Pride in Workmanship organised by Vocational Director Alan Russell when six local employees will receive an award. Their members are encouraged to dress up for the night (gents with jacket or suit and tie) and to wear their Rotary pins.
NEXT THURSDAY 24th
What a bumper night at Narooma Golf Club next Thursday night (6 for 6.30pm). Dr Dianne McInnes, author of many published books, will talk about what’s involved in writing a book.
Narooma High Year 9 students Phoebe Coxon and Talon Keith will also report back about their experiences at the Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment (RYPEN) at Wagga Wagga last weekend.