Ange’s Thoughts
What a fabulous Duck Race on Thursday!! Even the rain stayed away; just some light sprinkles as the last ducks were fished out. Thanks to everyone who helped – NSW Maritime, Marine Rescue, kayakers, the public and of course our committed Rotarians. It was a wonderful fun day for the whole community.
On the previous night at the Australia Day presentations at the Golf Club, I was very proud to announce that our 2023 Rotary Tertiary Scholar is Milaina Cafe. She intends studying for a Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy, Economics (PPE) and a Bachelor of Public Policy at the ANU. David McInnes is her counsellor. We will all be able to hear from Milaina at our Youth Night this Thursday. I hope to see you there.
We have a busy few days ahead of us…
THIS WEEK
Wednesday 1 February: Prostate Cancer Support Group 6.30pm Narooma Golf Club
Thursday 2 February: OUR YOUTH NIGHT
It’s the Club’s first night back at the Golf Club after our holiday break. We will hear from the 2023 winner of our Tertiary Scholarship Milaina Cafe as well as past scholars Raichel Brodie and Elise Dixon. We will also be joined by our MUNA (Yeshe Smith MacPherson, Jack Lenihan and Ella Hemstead) and RYPEN (Phoebe Coxon and Talon Keith) students again, their families and teachers.
Friday 3 February: 4.15pm Board Meeting Narooma Golf Club
Saturday 4 February: Expo at Library. Narooma Rotary will join other local organisations with a small stall at the Seniors Expo that Council has organised at the Library. The idea is to attract new members. Set up by 9.30am. Runs 10-1pm. Can you help please? Please see Ange.
The Week that Was
Clear finish for Duck Race
Our Duck Race this year was one of the smoothest races ever, much to the delight of our organisers Mike and Julie. They were excited by how so many in our community have embraced this fun event. It seemed there may have been even more watching this year. David was Bridge organiser, supervising getting the ducks to the starting line on the bridge and then dropping them over on the starting siren from NSW Maritime’s vessel.
Mike said the southerly wind did impact the race encouraging some ducks to take the more scenic route under the boardwalk or into Mill Bay and so were disqualified, but the bulk of the field stayed on course to the finish line.
There was a clear winner – Duck 88 which crossed the line upside down showing the possible ‘winged keel’ effect. The winning ticket was held by Archie Huggins of the Southern Highlands (wins $1,000).The duck judged last was 171, held by Jenny Bainbridge of Mystery Bay (wins $100).
It was wonderful to see so many come came out in kayaks, boats, and paddle-boards to assist with collecting the 1,000 ducks, as well as Marine Rescue and NSW Maritime. “We couldn’t run this great event without their assistance,” Mr Young said.
Proceeds this year will go towards Carers’ Accommodation at the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital (the Carers’ Accommodation is a Eurobodalla Rotary initiative) and prostate cancer research through the Narooma Prostate Cancer Support Group.
Out and About
Bega Rotary’s inaugural Art Fair
Bega Rotary’s recent inaugural Art Fair (19-20 January) with nearly 300 art exhibits was a great success, held alongside their popular annual Book Fair at Bega Showgrounds. About 90 people attended the official opening by South East Arts Executive Director Andrew Gray and Bega Rotary President Phil McDonald.
Maz Hamilton was the initiator of the Art Fair and its success was largely due to her persistence and organisational skills. Bega Rotary reports running the Art and Book Fairs side-by-side worked very well and the patrons loved being able to move between the two events. Charlie Blomfield and John Hamilton organised all the set-up and running of the Book Fair which was very busy on both days. The art show was sponsored by Bega Show Society, Bega Cheese, Big W, Coles, Dan Murphy’s, Design Post, Frill Neck Framing, Inkwell Art Supplies and Woolworths. This is Bega Club’s major fundraiser and there is uncertainty about when Bega can hold its next event because of the upcoming redevelopment of the showgrounds.
Moruya Rotarians in Showground kitchen
A highlight of the recent Eurobodalla Show was the formal opening of a number of buildings at Moruya showground including the refurbished kitchen. The kitchen refurbishment was funded by a $40,000 Australian Government grant matched by $40,000 from Rotary. The Rotary grants were made up of donations from the Rotary of the British Isles Disaster Recovery Trust, Rotary District 9705 Bushfire Recovery Funds s and the Rotary Club of Moruya. Needless to say there was a good representation of Moruya Rotarians. Great effort.
NEXT THURSDAY 9 FEBRUARY
Club Assembly at the Golf Club – 6 for 6.30pm