Andrew’s Thoughts
Well, what an amazing way to end our Rotary year! Changeover was a great success with almost 50 people attending – honoured guests including PDG Phil Armstrong and AG Adam de Totth, voluntary agency representatives, plus us and our guests.
There were so many highlights for me to report, but reflecting back on 21/22 it was encouraging what we achieved, surviving Zoom meetings and fully establishing our fledgling Business Breakfast program. The highlight was to establish our Prostate Cancer Support Group (PCSG) and we were honoured that The Hon Jim Lloyd from the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) joined us to receive our first donation for prostate cancer research and support. As is our tradition, we donated to our local voluntary agencies, recognising the VRA, the Surf Club, Oz Harvest and Marine Rescue – both Narooma and Bermagui.
Then it was on to recognising our own. It was with great pride that I presented a Paul Harris Fellowship to David McInnes for his years of support at the same time as balancing his business and swimming responsibilities, and also for a second time to Rod Walker for all that he does quietly in the background and his very wise counsel.
We recognised John Rungen for what he has done over the years as he takes some time off to travel the globe, and also Mike Young for his unstinting support throughout my presidential year. Club Rotarian of the Year was a very close call but went to Julie Hartley who was the seed, the inspiration and a major launch partner behind the PCSG, as well as leading the successful Duck Race Team with a broken wing.
So to 22/23, the year of the ‘three Rs’ – Review, Reflect and Revise. Whilst I envisage evolution and not revolution, it is time to take stock of what we do, and benchmark our Club against others in D9705. This process may be challenging but it is important we remain relevant for the members of tomorrow. One of the areas for review will be communication, both internally and externally. We are getting there with our Facebook, albeit with more to do, but have a long way to go with our website where Susanna Chung and I have already agreed on a program of review. So our ‘Imagine’ Year motto will be CRAY – Community and communication, Reach into the wider territory, Agencies where we can work collaboratively, and Youth through our scholarship and continuing to work with the High School.
So there’s lots to do. The new Board will meet on Friday to develop our plans for the year and I look forward to reporting back at our Club Night on 7th July.
Meanwhile, as ever, it’s onwards and upwards mes Amis!
THIS WEEK
Thursday 30 June – no Club Dinner Meeting
Friday 1 July 4.15pm – Planning Meeting of new Board – Narooma Golf Club
The Week that Was
More on our Changeover
In reviewing the past year, President Andrew Lawson said “with everything the year threw at us, I was impressed with the adaptability of our Club”.
Past District Governor Phil Armstrong pointed out 2022-2023 was an extraordinary year for Rotary being the first time a woman has been President of Rotary International (Jennifer Jones). It coincides with women also leading our South Pacific Zone (Dr Jessie Harman) and our District Governor (Geraldine Rurenga).
Last Sunday’s Market
What a great vibe at Sunday’s Market. Beautiful sunshine after a freezing start, with many happy people. Hats off to all our Market team including some of our Rotary Friends for their efforts.
Eurobodalla RYDA receives national award
Eurobodalla’s Rotary Youth Driver Awareness (RYDA) programme for High School students received national recognition in receiving the 2022 Toyota Community Award for its outstanding commitment to youth road safety education.
In accepting the award at last week’s Batemans Bay changeover, Eurobodalla RYDA organiser and Batemans Bay Rotarian Neil Simpson said it was “very pleasing to be selected for the community award”. “It’s fitting recognition of the efforts of dozens of Rotarians and community volunteers who willingly give their time and expertise to help with RYDA every year,” he said. “This includes local bus companies, Moruya Jockey Club, driving schools, NSW Police, Eurobodalla Shire Council and the three Rotary clubs.”
In the Eurobodalla, Road Safety Education’s flagship RYDA programme is organised by the combined Batemans Bay, Moruya and Narooma Rotary Clubs. Since 2008, nearly 3000 Year 11 students from every high school in Eurobodalla Shire have attended the RYDA course to help them be better drivers and passengers.
Batemans Bay Toyota will financially support RYDA for the next five years ensuring its longevity in the Eurobodalla.
Out and About
From Pambula Rotary
Connecting Communities Australia (CCA) is working with lead partner, the Rotary Club of Pambula, Social Justice Advocates of the Sapphire Coast, Pambula-Merimbula Lions Club and Bega Valley Shire Council to deliver a water and sanitation project following the Black Summer bushfires.
The first stage involved a team of local and interstate volunteers working in the Kiah area for two weeks recently. The team constructed two sanitation sheds for families directly impacted. These sheds will provide improved sanitation, water catchment and waste disposal, supporting them to stay or return to their properties. The incidental personal interaction and conversations from this project also provides a valuable connection and outlet for people. This project has seen all partners effectively working together, with teams on-site showing great kindness and generosity and allowing our residents to fully embrace this project.
The second stage of the project will commence in the north of the Bega Valley Shire in July.
From Merimbula Rotary
Merimbula Rotary‘s Board allocated payments from their wishing well at their monthly markets to various charities. February’s went to RAWCS Tonga Disaster Relief Fund (matched by the Club), March’s to the RAWCS NSW/Queensland Flood Relief Fund, April’s to the Ukrainian Humanitarian Relief Aid Appeal and June’s to Animal Welfare.
NEXT WEEK
Thursday 7 July – Dinner Meeting – Club Night on the year ahead