Ange’s Thoughts
Congratulations and a big welcome to our wonderful four new members inducted last Thursday. Annemarie, Nicole, Ana and Greg we are so delighted to have you officially join the Rotary Club of Narooma. Thanks too to Chris O’Brien for ‘sponsoring’ three of them. It is so rewarding to share with you the Rotary values of Service, fellowship and fun. Bringing along some of your families really added to this special occasion.
During the induction, I also mentioned some Rotary history including the founding of Rotary in 1905 by Chicago lawyer Paul Harrison and business friends as the world’s first service organisation. ‘Rotary’ the name describes the original practice of rotating between different meeting venues. The Rotary Wheel emblem represents civilisation and movement; the spokes and cogs symbolise strength and power.
I invited long time Rotarians Laurelle, Chris and Mike to talk about ‘My Rotary’. All spoke proudly on how integral Rotary is in enriching themselves and our communities locally and internationally in ‘doing good’ in the world.
Then, after dinner, counsellor and founder of the Cobargo Wellness Group (CWG) Sarah Campbell Lambert had us all ‘riveted’. She spoke about the trauma and devastation following the terrible recent bushfires in Cobargo and the massive recovery response required. Thus CWG was born to provide therapy, workshops and events for the deep emotional, mental and physical recovery from grief and loss. See more below.
THIS WEEK
This Wednesday is the May meeting of the Prostate Cancer Support Group in the Golf Club.
No dinner meeting on Thursday, being the first Thursday in the month.
Board meeting this Friday at noon at Gero’s home.
The Week that Was
Our Guest Speaker
Sarah Campbell Lambert spoke of how so many people ‘had a hell of a time’ during the bushfires and just didn’t know what to do; some literally ‘flipped their lids’. She said reconnecting was a big part of helping people recover. She spoke of the importance of things like massage, tai chi, yoga, cooking, reiki and singing as key factors in recovery, expressing little confidence in remote phone counselling sessions.
She said government organisations often presume to know what communities need in crises, but a more constructive and productive way forward is to ask the community and have everyone working together. Community connection is everything and Brite, the 2022 Cobargo New Year’s Eve celebration of colour, music, love and togetherness took off.
CWG has also launched ‘Thriving in a Crisis’ which is an online and face-to-face course supporting personal growth, giving tools to move forward with confidence. Sarah said looking after our mental and physical health builds resilience and allows everyone to better cope with future crises.
Out and About
CAERH and new Regional Hospital update
A Heads of Agreement between Carers Accommodation, Eurobodalla Regional Hospital (CAERH) and Southern New South Wales Local Health District CEO Ms Margaret Bennett was signed on 14 April 2023.
Just a reminder of what CAERH is all about. It’s an initiative of Eurobodalla Rotary Clubs. Its Mission Statement reads: To bring together the Eurobodalla community to raise funds to construct and provide accommodation for carers of persons receiving treatment from the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital.
Is anyone interested in representing our Club at the CAERH meetings?
The CAERH Group is also going to check out the Carers’ units at the new Bega Regional Hospital on Wednesday 17 May. Anyone interested in going ?(Please let Laurelle know if you are) Car pooling is being organised by the CAERH secretary.
Next CAERH General Meeting is Thursday 18th May 2023, 10.00am at Moruya Golf Club.
Update Eurobodalla Regional Hospital
- Contractor Multiplex has been appointed to finalise its design and planning, in preparation for construction following a competitive tender process
- ERH will be a sustainable, modern and purpose-built hospital with expanded health services including intensive care, paediatric and maternity services, increased access to chemotherapy and renal dialysis, expanded medical imaging department including MRI service, mental health beds for short term admission, and enhanced education and training facilities
- Estimated cost of ERH $260m
- Dr Michael Holland is Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Health said had been engaged to work on the detailed design for the redevelopment, which will deliver.
- Dr Holland says Multiplex will consult widely with local clinicians, staff, patients, and the community to ensure the new hospital is delivered to a world-class standard
- Early works for the hospital are underway with construction
- Completion in 2025.
NEXT THURSDAY
Club Assembly – 6 for 6.30pm – Narooma Golf Club