Andrew’s Thoughts
Well, these last few weeks have been challenging and indeed unsettling for the Club, but we are about to move on to more settled and happier times. The result of the van poll will be announced on Thursday and there is unanimous resolve to get behind the result which reflects the true spirit of the Club. So let’s all turn up to the AGM and celebrate the way forward.
Sunday was our movie night which was a resounding success as ever. Sincere thanks to chief organiser Ange Ulrichsen, with catering team of Chris O’Brien, Gero Mitchell and Laurelle Pacey, and Master Raffler David McInnes. My bout of asthma saved you from my impressions of Richard III!
So, AGM this Thursday and of course the eagerly anticipated Christmas Dinner the following week for which Chris has worked tirelessly.
Onwards and upwards mes amis as we move forward as a regenerated group.
THIS THURSDAY 8 December
5pm: Board Meeting at Golf Club
6 for 6.30pm: Dinner Meeting with AGM at Golf Club.
The Week that Was
Draft minutes of our meeting last Thursday to discuss future catering arrangements for the Club at the markets and elsewhere have been circulated to all members.
Last Sunday’s Polio Film Night
Our Film Night at the Kinema on Sunday was our annual event to raise both awareness and funds for the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. We’ve still to get the figures from Jade, but we believe about 50 people came to see The Lost King (about $350 then).
It was a thoroughly good night with great nibbles and wine, an enjoyable film and a very informative outline by David about the Global Polio campaign and Rotary’s pivotal role in initiating it over 30 years ago. He then spoke passionately about our Rotary Youth programmes and the difference some of our programmes make to students’ lives. Thank you to everyone who donated prizes for the raffle which raised $171.00. (Only one person dressed up, supposedly as an archaeologist, but she won’t be doing that again!)
On our Tertiary students
Rory Spurgeon (2020), doing a Bachelor of Science Honours degree at ANU, has now come to the end of his Rotary scholarship. We wish him well for what we know will be a wonderful future. Rory has kept the Club well informed of his progress in that time through his counsellor Bob Aston and been a regular attendee at our Youth nights.
Elise Dixon (2021) has been studying for a Bachelor of Medical Science at ANU remotely for the first two years of her scholarship (initially prompted by Covid lockdowns). That’s been difficult but has continued to pass her studies with a few credits. She is off to Canberra next year to study on campus. Lynn Hastings is her counsellor.
Raichel Brodie (2022) is doing a Bachelor of Psychology at ANU. Her counsellor Andrew Lawson is delighted with her recent results (six high distinctions and two distinctions). She’s doing honours in psychology and considering doing a Masters.
From Moruya Rotary
Moruya had its AGM last Tuesday (30 November). Sixteen were elected for the 2023-2024 Rotary Year to serve under Andrew Elek as President, including Vice President Allan Veness and Jeff Proud as Treasurer. Their position of Secretary is still vacant. Their Board had a short impromptu meeting before this week’s Club Meeting to discuss changes to the Palliative Care Vehicle Project.
District response to floods
Rotary District 9705 continues to collaborate in Central West NSW with Resilience NSW which greatly values the assistance of Rotary. There are indications of spirits improving amongst some in the quite damaged Eugowra community. Robert Shore (President RC of Parkes) of the Rotary Flood Coordination Team has been onsite at Eugowra and at Cudal identifying critical needs.
A Rotary Action Team is onsite at Eugowra led by Michelle Duncan (President RC of Orange Daybreak) and comprises volunteers from Orange Daybreak assisted by Bathurst. They may be relieved by volunteer support from other D9705 clubs.
At present, the best way to support the District’s flood response is by monetary contributions to RAWCS Project No: 32-2022-23 Central West New South Wales communities flood relief funds distribution Rotary Australia Benevolent Society (RABS). The specific purpose is to distribute donated funds to people affected by the floods in Central West New South Wales communities. Donations to this project are tax deductible. Several clubs in other Districts have done so already. Maybe one for our Board meeting this week?
NEXT WEEK
Christmas Party at Bodalla
Our Christmas Party on Thursday 15 December at 6pm is at the new ‘Six and Out Café’ in Bodalla (the old Mexican Munchies and more recently the Downward Dog). We’re out the back in the covered courtyard. There is parking behind as well as along the highway. The Club is providing some wine on the tables (licenced). Please also note that, instead of the usual $10 Christmas present for another member, this year we’re asking for a $10 cash donation for the Narooma OzHarvest group to support local disadvantaged families in our Community through the Festive Season.
Coming Up
Thursday 29 December: Our December Holiday Markets
Thursday 26 January: Our annual Duck Race – many tickets to sell and then all hands needed on the day please (organised by Julie and Mike)
Thursday 2 February: Our Youth Night is our first night back after our holiday break. We will celebrate the 2023 winner of our Tertiary Scholarship, and as well as past scholars (see above). Hopefully 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.