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