Lynn’s Lines

So much has happened over the last 10 days. The Falcon car show was a great success. We set up a bit early, but from 9am on the van was busy all day!  Gross takings were just under $1,400.

The Business Breakfast talk by Vicki Abbott on the family business was a real eye opener to the world of fishing. From the good old simpler days, to the need for controls and fisheries fees  to reporting every fish caught, to restricting boats use due to exorbitant fuel costs, to expanding to Vanuatu and helping the emerging industry there, as well as making friends and helping out wherever  they can.

Three of us went to the District 9705 Conference in Queanbeyan – Ange, Chris and me. Speakers and food were fantastic. Lots of information on a wide variety of issues. One is Rotary partnering with NSW Police to raise awareness and advocate against domestic and family violence with a special campaign on 1^st December – “Together we say yes to respectful relationships”. More details to come

Our Sunday Market was another success even with a few windy gusts thrown in. Very good results: gate $995, gross van $695, wishing well $77.55. Thanks to our Rotary friends who helped out at the weekend, as well as our Rotary team.

Last but not least…. our Food Van Grant has come through, thanks to Bendigo Bank’s sorting. The funds are being transferred as we go to print. Congratulations everyone! Thank you Laurelle, Francoise and David.

On another note, we need as a Club to make our thoughts on regionalisation known to District and vote on delegates before the end of the month. There have been several notes on this issue in Beacons over recent months, plus another in this week’s Beacon. Deadline is this Friday.

THIS THURSDAY 26th October

A dinner meeting with guest speaker Eurobodalla Shire Council General Manager Warwick Winn. Warwick will speak about his background and plans for Eurobodalla Shire. Please invite friends and family; many will no doubt have a few questions. It promises to be a top night. Please make sure you let John know by Tuesday early afternoon if you are coming/not coming.

The Week that Was

Business Breakfast – Vicki Abbott

What a great talk by Vicki Abbott from Narooma Seafood Direct at last Thursday’s Business Breakfast. Vicki told the story of the family’s fishing business from her father Des starting in Narooma in 1950 to now diversifying to include Vanuatu. It was so fascinating we almost went over time!

Vicki remembered as a five-year-old being on the boat with Des, helping with the catches. Des also had the ‘Island Run’ taking supplies out to lighthouse keepers and their families on Montague Island (the keepers only left the Island about once a year!)

Expanding the family business recently to Vanuatu was prompted by a loss of fishing areas, high costs and low prices. Vicki said unfortunately, as with many other industries, there is a general lack of young people interested in entering the industry.  Three small boats owned by the business are there now, not only for fishing; one also provides a service transporting bodies between islands!

The Abbotts are helping Vanuatu fishermen better their local fishing industry with more effective equipment, safety equipment and staying up to date with technology.

They employ local fishermen in Vanuatu and work closely with their Fisheries. At the moment they are selling domestically but are waiting on an export licence. Then the part of Vanuatu catch will be imported directly into Australia. She said 85% of the fish purchased at Sydney Fish Markets is now imported. Rachel McInnes

Three Rotarians go to school

Six months ago, our Club donated $500 to Narooma Public School towards the $2,000 cost of kits for the Sammat Smart City STEAM Project. This targets 15 Year 6 High Performance Gifted Education students. The Micro:bit project is designed to help students get started with exploring the world of electronics with a focus on automation and the Internet of Things (IOT). 

Julie Hartley, Gero Mitchell and Laurelle Pacey took up the School’s invitation to the Club to check out the Project.  Each Monday for the last few terms, students have worked on the Project. The students have designed, engineered, collaborated and programmed their projects to fit in with the ‘Smart Home’ design. Students have designed and automated sections in their homes such as automatic lights, smart intruder detection and a working fan. This Thursday, these 15 students will go to Sunshine Bay Public School for an exhibition with a few other schools to showcase their projects and participate in a range of STEM challenges.

Teacher Sara Sadler thanks the Club for our support that enabled this project to take place. 

Out and About

Moruya Rotary on Regionalisation

Moruya Rotarian Steve Picton was tasked with being Moruya’s ‘Expert’ on Regionalisation. He reported to Moruya Club last Tuesday. A summary of his report is published in their current newsletter, printed below.

RI Zone 8 covers Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. We are a trial zone set up by RI to pilot a new format for clubs. Why? Because the present arrangement of clubs and Districts is beset with clubs closing as members age and fail to attract young business and professional people.

Steve set us a series of questions. What are our strengths and weaknesses? What are our biggest challenges? From Charter member Michel to most recent member David there was agreement that our strength lies in our camaraderie. We can still undertake big projects but we are not well understood by our community.

So one answer is that we should form a Regional Community Group (RCG). A likely grouping would include Moruya, Narooma, Batemans Bay and potentially Ulladulla, plus any new clubs in that geographic area likely to be formed. It is too early in the planning stage to say how this might work — joint meetings, perhaps with zoom input? And, of course, shared projects.

We then considered secondary RCGs, not bound by geography of the first. An obvious one was that we would like to be involved with Rotoract clubs; another that our work on trachoma might be shared with clubs around Australia.

In the afternoon of Steve’s presentation, an email arrived from the Pilot team, stressing the need to make our views known to them, and to take part in the election of officers who will head the various bodies involved in the complex plan. The suggested timing is very tight.

Ange updates on Nepal

On 12 November, 20 of us will head to the village of Maidi in central Nepal for three weeks to assist with the Nepal Friendship Project under Project Leader Mary Brell of Orange.  This ongoing RAWCS project will include continuing teacher training to villagers plus assistance in agriculture and health issues. It is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Orange Daybreak (District 9705).

Key is empowering local villagers to enhance their subsistence farming. Last year some villagers were provided with water tanks ensuring readily accessible water to enable them to grow other nutritious during the dry season; during the wet season when they grow millet, rice and corn. Funds this year will target providing more water storage tanks to the 10-14 households still to receive tanks. The group includes health professionals, teacher trainers and an optometrist to check for cataracts, as well as educational resources.

Dream cricket will be played with disabled kids, many of whom are blind and love the game. All of us are invited (and expected) to play.

The highlight this year is the $20,000 raised by the five Yr 12 kids from Wellington. Mary has said Wellington RC was dying but these kids, currently doing their HSC, inspired the local Rotary Club and the entire community got behind them and revitalised the whole town. Ange Ulrichsen

NEXT WEEK

Wednesday 1 November 6.30pm: Prostate Cancer Support Group at Narooma Golf Club

Thursday 2 November: No dinner meeting being first Thursday in the month

Friday 3 November 5.15pm: Board Meeting in Narooma Golf Club

Lynn’s Lines

This is a short Beacon to get it away early to promote everything that is happening in this busy next 10 days.

But first, Thursday’s Hat Night to ‘Lift the Lid on Mental Health was a lovely evening with lots of visitors and happy faces. Our guest speaker Australian Rotary Health (ARH) Vice Chairman Stephen Humphries was excellent, despite not being able to put his presentation up on the screen. We learned many interesting facts about Australian Rotary Health and its many activities, especially its research and the amazing results from some of the research done over the years. Also that our club has donated over $31,000 to ARH over the years. We also spoke about having the Christmas dinner on Thursday 14th December at Bodalla Pub.; it’s a work in progress.

A reminder it’s the Falcon Car Show this Sunday 15th and we’re catering for breakfast and lunch.

Then it’s our Business Breakfast on Thursday. Three of us are then off to the District Conference in Queanbeyan, and then the Markets on Sunday 22nd.

Thanks everyone, members, partners and friends for pitching in to allow us to pull all this off. What a great team.

THIS COMING WEEK

Thursday 19th – is the next Narooma Rotary Business Networking Breakfast 7am sharp (members encouraged to come early to help set up). Our speaker is Vicki Abbott of Narooma Seafood Direct. She will outline how their family business has diversified by going international and establishing a start-up company in Vanuatu called ‘Western Pacific Fishing and Trading’, trading as ‘Vanuatu Wild’. It promises to be a fascinating talk.  Bookings have closed. Please contact David davidjmcinness@gmail.com who will chair this Business Breakfast with any questions. It is at Narooma Surf Club (upstairs).

Sunday 22nd October – our monthly markets with all available hands on deck. Here’s hoping for another beautiful day.

The Week that was

We ‘Lifted the Lid’ on Mental Health

Thursday’s meeting started with a moving International Toast by John Rungen to the Rotary Foundation and its work in assisting people affected by war and humanitarian hardships in Ukraine, and other places. Rotarians everywhere are concerned with the loss of life and ongoing hardships.

Local milliner Anne Colquitt judged the hats, awarding prizes to guests Joy Macfarlane and John Cunningham, most worthy recipients.

Australian Rotary Health (ARH) Vice Chairman Stephen Humphries gave an extensive summary of ARH’s achievements over the years, particularly the results of some research. The ground breaking results from its first major research into Sudden Infant Death Syndrome resulted in the savings of many lives. Another was the discovery of an increasing amount of a particular protein in urine as Motor Neurone Disease  progressed, giving an excellent indicator of this insidious disease’s progression. It was interesting to hear that the ARH Board determines funding availability while another independent committee of 12 eminent scientists selects what projects will be funded.

Since 2000, ARH has funded mental health research; since 2012 the focus narrowed mainly the mental health of young people. Since August 2022, that research has particularly focussed on children 0-12 years. In 2023, about 45% of the $1.9m in ARH funding has been allocated to mental health research in children up to 12. More details on the ARH website.  ARH is one of the largest independent funders of mental health research in Australia.

ARH also provides a number of scholarships each year; Stephen noted that 20% of Aboriginal medical practitioners studied with assistance from ARH.

NEXT THURSDAY 26TH October

It’s a dinner meeting with guest speaker Eurobodalla Shire Council General Manager Warwick Winn. Warwick will outline his background and his plans for Eurobodalla Shire. Please invite friends and family. It promises to be a top night.

Lynn’s Lines

Our fellow Rotarian and dear friend Robyn Miller is in Moruya Hospital. She can be reached on her mobile should members like to call to say ‘hello’. We’ve sent her flowers and a card.

We’re still working through just how to access the food van grant; a work in progress. While eligible for charity status, it turns out we can’t meet the strict criteria for Donor Gift Recipient status. We are exploring other avenues.

This Thursday is our fun Hat Night to raise awareness and funds for Mental Health. Please everyone invite friends and partners to join us. Our guest speaker is Australian Rotary Health Vice Chairman Stephen Humphries. Prizes on the night (see more below).

The Falcon Car Show is on this Sunday and we’re doing the catering – breakfast and lunch. If you can join us please let John know to put you down on the roster. Many hands make light work!

The following weekend three of us are looking forward to attending the District Conference at Queanbeyan – Chris, Ange and myself. It coincides with the Markets; it’s really wonderful how so many members and friends of Rotary have stepped up to help out at the markets. Thank you everyone.

Two events coming up… a group of us will walk the Rotary Ringlands Track along the foreshore of Wagonga Inlet on Thursday 26 October for a reccie. Meeting at 9am if anyone would like to join us. Details to come.

Also mark your calendars for Sunday 19 May 2024. The Board has approved us proceeding with a Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride. Details to come.

Hope to see you on Thursday AND with an appropriate hat!

THIS WEEK

Thursday 12 October 6 for 6.30pm: Dinner Meeting

Our Club is hosting a HAT NIGHT to ‘Lift the Lid on Mental Health’, October being Mental Health Month. Our guest speaker is Australian Rotary Health Vice Chairman Stephen Humphries who will talk about Australian Rotary Health’s investment each year in ‘breakthrough’ research into Mental Health.  He will be accompanied by his wife Judith.

Please invite family and friends AND encourage them to wear a hat, either favourite, most eye-catching, or wildest.. Prizes will be given. Hopefully you’ve let John know if you’re coming and how many guests you are bringing by noon Tuesday.

Lift the Lid on Mental Illness is Australian Rotary Health’s national annual fundraiser for mental health research. All money raised goes directly to mental health research. Each year approximately 1-in-5 Australians will experience a mental illness and in order to help future generations of young Australians, we need to look ahead through research and find out how we can prevent this type of illness occurring.

This Sunday 15 October: Our Club will be catering for breakfast and lunch at the Early Falcon Nationals weekend on NATA Oval. The gathering  is open to XK XL XM XP 1960 to 1966 Ford Falcons and the US equivalent for Club members and private owners. If you can join us, please let John know to put you on the roster. We will be working out of the food van.

Out and About

Moruya‘s EndTrachoma Health Care Bags

Moruya Rotary had a surprise telephone call from FAFT (Families As First Teachers) liaison person Rachel about the health care bags provided by Moruya Rotary that went to the community of Ampilatwatja in Northern Territory. She told Moruya how excited the children especially were with their bags and contents – they take them everywhere; they asked if they could send a video and drawings  to Moruya for the children of Bodalla Primary. The Bodalla students had been asking if their pictures had arrived.

NEXT THURSDAY 19^th – BUSINESS BREAKFAST

The next Narooma Rotary Business Networking Breakfast is next Thursday 19 October 7am. Our speaker is Vicki Abbott of Narooma Seafood Direct on how their family business has diversified by going international and establishing a start-up company in Vanuatu called ‘Western Pacific Fishing and Trading’, trading as ‘Vanuatu Wild’. It promises to be a fascinating talk.

Hopefully you can make it. If you haven’t already booked, please do so by Friday 13 October by emailing Laurelle pacey@paceymedia.com.au.  Should you want breakfast, it’s $10.

If you book but then find in the days leading up to it you can’t make, PLEASE contact David davidjmcinness@gmail.com who will chair this Business Breakfast. It is at Narooma Surf Club (upstairs) 7am sharp. Bookings essential.

Lynn’s Lines

We’ve had another fun and productive week. On Tuesday we joined Moruya Rotarians in Moruya for our annual great Cinders Trivia Challenge. While our group was disappointed to lose by just one point it was a fun evening, as they always are.

Then on Thursday we had our Special General Meeting to approve the new Constitution and By-Laws as requested by District. We also incorporated clauses aiming for charity status and a Public Fund for our Scholarship and Community projects. This would have to have been the quickest meeting of Narooma Rotary on record, and the decision was unanimous. So good. Some stayed for a meal after in the Bistro.

That was just the first of several steps we have to take before we can receive the grant for the new Van and more donations to keep our scholarship programme going by offering donations as tax deductible. Each step needs approval from the ‘powers that be’, so a few hurdles still ahead of us.

No meeting this Thursday. Friday is the board meeting – John will circulate the agenda soon.

THIS WEEK

Wednesday 4 October 6.30pm: Prostate Cancer Support Group, Narooma Golf Club

Thursday 5 October: No Meeting being first Thursday in the month

Friday 6 October 5.15pm:  Board Meeting, Narooma Golf Club

The Week that Was

Cinders celebrates 30^th anniversary

Moruya VP Allan Veness announced on Tuesday this was the 30th anniversary of Cinders and then explained its origins. “It is 30 years since Narooma Rotarian Paul Rayner, a very English supporter of the England team in the then Ashes series, suggested a yearly contest between our two clubs, and what better name for that contest than ‘Cinders’,” he said.

“Each battle ended with the burning of the quiz papers in a small wooden bowl. That bowl disappeared in the fire [at the then Lasallian Centre Motel in 1999,AND did not coincide with a Cinders event!] which burned much of Narooma’s stuff, and it was Narooma who provided the present large shield.”

We rounded up a strong team of 23 Rotarians and friends (including former Batemans Bay Rotary President Matthew Thomas) to do battle against Moruya who had similar numbers. Moruya quiz master Phil produced a fine mix of questions with the additional ‘sevens’ continuous quiz (seven deadly sins, the seven wonders of the ancient world, the seven actors who have played James Bond, and events in the heptathlon. Julie Hartley won the Heads ‘n’ Tails.

However scores from only three of the four Narooma tables were counted; the fourth Narooma table with four Narooma and two Moruya Rotarians was not counted… perhaps the maths was too messy… When the scores were added up, Moruya won by ONE point. The lead photo says it all, a fitting end to a very enjoyable evening. Thank you to everyone who took part.

[Unfortunately the fourth Narooma Table of Gordon Bentley, Steve Deck, Pat Reid and Laurelle Pacey plus Phil Armstrong and Michel Nader from Moruya Rotary didn’t make it onto the photographer’s list as well as the scoring sheet!]

Batemans Bay hears from trainee medics

Last Thursday Bay Rotarians heard from several medical students who are doing a rural placement at Batemans Bay Hospital, arriving in March and leaving in November. One of the students had just returned from Tennant Creek and was full of enthusiasm about the medical services there. However location makes it difficult and some blood tests have to go on the ‘Bush Bus’ to Alice Springs but the time it takes plus lack of refrigeration makes it difficult.

Out and About

Moruya reports on Regionalisation

There are 527 Districts in RI. The plan is that districts could be replaced by say, 20 to 40 regions. We are in one of the zones selected to pilot the change. Moruya President Derek, Secretary Vere Gray and Steve Picton have begun studying the plan and Steve will outline to Moruya members what is involved in his talk at their meeting on 17 October. A small number of Rotarians are working hard in establishing the new format. There is a website which should keep us up to date: creatingtomorrowrotary.org

There are to be nine Members of a Regional Council and we will have one vote, which President Derek will exercise on our behalf. Inherent in the plan is the ability of Clubs to get together with other clubs to form Community Groups. There are Primary Community Groups and Secondary Community Groups. Once we see any advantages, presumably Moruya, Batemans Bay and Narooma would form a Primary Group. The end of October is suggested as the time for the groups to be formed. (Taken from Moruya newsletter)

NEXT THURSDAY

Thursday 12 October 6 for 6.30pm: Dinner Meeting – our HAT NIGHT to ‘Lift The Lid On Mental Health’.  Our guest speaker is Australian Rotary Health Vice Chairman Stephen Humphries who will talk about Australian Rotary Health’s investment each year in ‘breakthrough’ research into Mental Health.  He will be accompanied by his wife Judith. Please invite family and friends AND encourage them to wear a hat. Prizes will be given. Local milliner Ann Colquitt has kindly agreed to again be our judge.

John reminds us all members are expected to attend all meetings. By 1pm Tuesday, please confirm with him if you are coming and any guests you may be bringing. If you aren’t coming, please send an apology. Hope to see you then.

Lynn’s Lines

Last Thursday was our first Business Networking Breakfast after our winter break. We had a really good turn out and a very informative talk by Narooma Rocks General Manager Carrie Taylor on the outcomes of the 2023 Narooma Oyster Festival and the ongoing challenges (see report below).

Last Sunday was our monthly Market and what a beautiful day it was until the wind picked up just at the end. Thanks everyone who helped out. Stall numbers are picking up again with the warmer weather and there were lots of people out and about including many visitors for the school holidays. Consequently the Rotary van was quite busy. Gate takings were $1,135.00, gross van takings $765, and the wishing well $66.00.

We have a busy week this week with the Cinders Trivia Challenge with Moruya Rotarians this Tuesday night in Moruya (hopefully we will return with the much coveted Cinders Trophy!), and the Special General Meeting for all members on Thursday.

THIS WEEK

Tuesday 26 September 6.30 for 7pm at Moruya Golf Club: Moruya Rotary hosts this year’s Cinders Challenge on all things trivial with Moruya Quizmaster Phil Smith. We’re all looking forward to a night of “rollicking” fun, as President Derek describes it. Dinner is $20 pp.

Thursday 28^th September 6.30pm Narooma Golf Club:  Special General Meeting of all members to approve the Club’s new Constitution and By-Laws, followed  by casual dining in the Bistro for those who choose to stay on.

The Week that Was

The Oyster Festival Wrap Up

What a fascinating presentation at last week’s Business Networking Breakfast of key outcomes from the 2023 Narooma Oyster Festival, southern NSW’s premium food and drink event. Narooma Rocks Carrie Taylor and team had crunched some impressive numbers.

• Of the 9,500 plus people who attended, 82% came from out of the 2546 postcode predominantly Sydney, Canberra, Illawarra and the Shoalhaven.
• 87% said the Festival was their sole reason for travelling to Narooma; 60% were attending the Festival for the first time
• 4.3 nights average stay for the weekend of the festival compared with three nights in 2022
• New waste management initiative where volunteers saved 800kg of oyster shells from landfill
• $3.4m plus was injected into the local economy.
• Interesting the demographics are becoming younger with more people coming from the 26 to 55 age group
• 14 regional oyster farming businesses were represented from nine estuaries
• Other local producers included seafood, dairy, chillies , seaweed and nuts, plus 16 regional breweries, wineries and distillers

The Festival would not happen without the considerable contribution of volunteers – 150 volunteers contributed pver 5,500hours before, during and after the Festival.

One staggering figure this year was the estimated media reach of 4 billion! Carrie said this was largely around the huge media coverage particularly across Asia for Australia’s Biggest Oyster Competition and Australia’s Oyster Shucking Championships.

This year the Festival cost $840,000 to stage. It can’t happen without community support (tickets) and sponsors who provide just under half the funding. The rest relies on successful grant applications.

Proposed changes for 2024 include a stand up cocktail event on the Friday instead of the Long Table dinner and having an Oyster Week around the Festival involving restaurants and farmer. Everyone who went last Thursday was emailed a copy of the Key Outcomes document.

Out and About

2024 District Seminar

District has advised that the combined President Elect Training and Learning and Development seminar will be held in Batemans Bay at the Soldiers Club on 8-10 March 2024. (Our Club had nine representatives at this year’s seminar in Merimbula. Hopefully we can match that in 2024!)

Coming Up – wear a hat!

Thursday 12 October 6 for 6.30pm: Dinner Meeting – our HAT NIGHT to ‘Lift The Lid On Mental’ Guest speaker is Australian Rotary Health Vice Chairman Stephen Humphries who will talk about Australian Rotary Health’s ‘breakthrough’ research into Mental Health.  He will be accompanied by his wife Judith. Please bring family and friends AND encourage them to wear a hat. Prizes will be given.

NEXT WEEK

Wednesday 4 October 6.30pm: Prostate Cancer Support Group, Narooma Golf Club

Thursday 5 October: No Meeting being first Thursday in the month

Friday 6 October 5.15pm:  Board Meeting, Narooma Golf Club

Lynn’s Lines

Last week our very own Gordon Bentley spoke to us about being a Vet, and I feel like we all got to know Gordon in a new way. It’s really great to get to know our members better; I also learned so much more about being a vet.

This week we have our business breakfast on Thursday with guest speaker Carrie Taylor the General Manager of Narooma Rocks talking about the 2023 and 2024 Narooma Oyster Festivals. We also have the Market this Sunday. Please let John know if you can help out if you did not get to put your name down on the roster last Thursday night.

The great annual Cinders Trivia Challenge against Moruya Rotary is on Tuesday 26^th. We need all the help we can get to reclaim the trophy, so please invite your friends, particularly those who champion trivia! Please let John Rungen know if you plan to attend and how many you are bringing so he can let Moruya know.

THIS WEEK

This Thursday 21^st is our Business Networking Breakfast, the first since our winter break. Guest speaker is Narooma Rocks General Manager Carrie Taylor. She will present the outcomes of the 2023 Narooma Oyster Festival and discuss plans for the 2024 Festival and its ongoing challenges.

The Business Breakfast is at Narooma Surf Club 7am sharp. Bookings are essential by please emailing Laurelle on pacey@paceymedia.com.au by Monday 18^th September.  Should you want breakfast, it’s $10. PLEASE contact Laurelle if you book but then can’t make it.

This Sunday 24^th is our Rotary Market – Hopefully all available hands on deck

The Week that Was

Gordon’s talk last week impressed many members. He grew up on the northern beaches, but a Year 9 Careers Night, cattle farm experience as a third year vet student, and finally meeting Dianne in Dubbo  resulted  in a career as a vet in Dubbo spanning about 40 years.

Gordon started in Dubbo as a new graduate then became the owner of Dubbo Vet Hospital. Initially it was 60% cattle work with four vets and operating out of half a garage, but changed to 60% small animals, horses, sheep, pigs and 10% cattle. That change was largely caused by a huge drop in cattle prices due to the collapse of the US market. The practice went from eight vets to only three.

He said the reality of high overheads and self-funded equipment make a mockery of the public perception of vets being well off. His career as a vet was one of long hours, stress from patients and clients, few holidays, and the western heat, all of which took their toll on him and family life until he retired. Their purchase of initially a holiday house in Narooma was obviously a great move.

Gordon mentored many students and started a vet student weekend for Charles Sturt and Sydney University students to highlight Dubbo vet practices. That continues with great success.

Gordon had many funny stories from his time as a vet, like using their beagle as a blood donor that saved another dog, run-ins with problem horses including one which took revenge by backing up to his car and depositing manure on his car seat.

Even with all that, Gordon really enjoyed his career as a Dubbo vet,

Out and About

Vale two great Rotary ladies

Pam Rayner, widow of the Club’s great wordsmith and Beacon editor in the 1990s PP Paul Rayner, died at Dalmeny Estia in early September, a few days after turning 98. Pam was the Charter President of Narooma Inner Wheel Club in 1994 and was an enthusiastic host of Christmas in July lunches on the Club’s behalf after Paul died. Sadly Pam suffered from dementia in her final years.

Anne Barker, widow of the late PP George Barker who was a foundation member of our Club, died at Dalmeny Estia on 2 August, aged 87.

NEXT WEEK

Tuesday 26 September 6.30 for 7pm at Moruya Golf Club: Moruya Rotary hosts this year’s Cinders Challenge on all things trivial with Moruya Quizmaster Phil Smith. Please invite partners and friends. Moruya President Derek hopes our Club “brings carloads”, as does our President Lynn. Let’s not disappoint. Dinner is $20 pp.

Thursday 28^th September 6.30pm Narooma Golf Club:  Special General Meeting of all members to approve the Club’s new Constitution and By-Laws, followed  by casual dining in the Bistro for those who choose to stay on.

Lynn’s Lines

For a quiet week it was actually quite busy. First there was the resumption of the Narooma Rotary Prostate Cancer Support Group meetings on Wednesday. Julie Hartley reports a good response with a couple of new faces, as well as a few regulars. Lots of chat among them.

Last Thursday we had a meeting at Club Narooma for those who could make it; unfortunately I couldn’t. Those who attended folded all the Whale raffle ticket stubs ready for the draw on Saturday. Great work team! Thank you all for your efforts, especially Ange and Julie, and of course Norm Ingersole of Narooma Charters.

The whale watching raffle has become an annual tradition of our Club that continues to attract great support from our community. We’re grateful for Norm’s ongoing support. This year’s winner of two whale watching tickets is local Trish Delaney (ticket 816). Proceeds will be split between the carers’ accommodation project (a local Rotary initiative) for the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital and the Prostate Cancer Research Foundation.                           

Hot off the press… Our speaker this Thursday is our own member Gordon Bentley who will talk about his life as a vet. I’m really looking forward to Gordon’s talk. Look forward to seeing everyone there.

THIS THURSDAY (14^th September)

Our star speaker this week is our very own Gordon Bentley who will talk about his life as a vet, mainly his 36 years in Dubbo, including its highs and its challenges. Please invite partners and friends. It should be a good night. Please ensure you book all numbers with John Rungen by noon on Tuesday.

Our speaker who was scheduled for this week, Eurobodalla Shire Council General Manager Warwick Winn, had an important business meeting sprung on him so instead will join us in late October.

The Week that Was

Last Thursday

After deciding it was ‘a long time between drinks’, or some such, with a three week gap between meetings, a number of our members enjoyed a change of venue last Thursday with a meal at Club Narooma. Gathered were Françoise Cleret, John Cunningham, Gordon Bentley, Ange Ulrichsen, Robyn Miller, Gero Mitchell, John Rungen and Julie Hartley.

Vale Lin Morey

Former Narooma Rotarian and Paul Harris Fellow Lindsay Morey passed away peacefully at Dalmeny on 4 September, just short of his 94^th birthday. Lin, together with his father and brother, had established a large orchard, packing shed and cool store at Grahamvale (near Shepparton) in Victoria which they sold in 1988. Lin held many positions within the three Rotary Clubs where he was a member (Shepparton, Mooloolaba and Narooma) including that of President of Mooloolaba in 1995/1996. Lin was passionate about Rotary and the values it holds. Our thoughts are with his family.

Out and About

A date for your diary

We have booked the Kinema on Thursday, 30 November for a film night to show Ken Hutt’s film of his paragliding in the Himalayas to raise money for the ‘End Polio Now’ Campaign. Please spread the word among friends and family. Proceeds from the night will of course go to the ‘End Polio Now’ Campaign. More details later.

From Batemans Bay Rotary

Batemans Bay Rotarians and the Club recently donated funds for 42 backpacks and supplies for school children at the Omelai School in Timor Leste. Omelai is a remote mountain village a seven hour drive from Dili and is only accessible by road for half of the year.  The backpacks and supplies are being sourced from local shops in time for the opening ceremony of their new school on 25th September.

Batemans Bay and Berwick Rotary Clubs have assisted small charity Spend it Well build the new school this year. The school will accommodate 130 students with three classrooms, a teachers room, storage room, five toilets and hand-washing facilities. It replaces a derelict two classroom building with no windows and the Year 1’s dirt floored shack which fell down last year. There were no toilets.

NEXT THURSDAY (21^st September)

This is the first in our spring series of Business Networking Breakfasts. Our speaker is Narooma Rocks General Manager Carrie Taylor who will present the outcomes of the 2023 Narooma Oyster Festival.  She will talk about the highlights and benefits to our region, and discuss plans for the 2024 Festival and its ongoing challenges.

The Business Breakfast is at Narooma Surf Club 7am sharp. Bookings are essential by please emailing Laurelle on pacey@paceymedia.com.au by Monday 18^th September.  Should you want breakfast, it’s $10. PLEASE contact Laurelle if you book but then can’t make it.

Lynn’s Lines

Greetings everyone. It has actually been a very productive week.

The Board meeting on Friday covered many things. On seeking Donor Gift Recipient (DGR) status, the Board decided to take steps to establish a public fund within the existing Club structure, the Club being the sponsoring organisation, instead of trying to establish a separate Trust. This is quite common among many organisations.  It necessitates changes to our Constitution. 

Coincidentally, District had asked all Clubs in December to adopt new Constitution and Club Bylaws (rules) but we had not acted on that. The Board has now approved us adopting the new documents with some additions to enable the establishment of a Public Fund within the Club’s existing structure for DGR status. There will now be a Special General Meeting of all members on Thursday 28 September at 6.30pm to formally adopt the new documents. Emails informing all members will be sent with copies of the new documents and explanations of our additions.  

We need a few members to do the free Food Handler Basics certificate online through the NSW Food Authority. It takes about an hour. Anyone interested?  A number of our team have done training before, but it would be good to update that. We are upping our attention to ensure our food operations at the market fully comply.

Everything is in place for the 2024 Tertiary Scholarships, thanks to David and Julie. Applications are due 19 November.

After the winter break, meetings of the Prostate Cancer Support Group return this Wednesday as well as our Business Breakfast meetings on Thursday 21 September.

Exciting news… Ange is off to Nepal on 15 November on a RAWCS village project. See report below. The Board also approved a $1,000 donation to the project.

On future meals and catering at the Golf Club, an email will be sent to everyone regarding the new arrangements to be sure everyone is aware of the changes. No exceptions.

Chris O’Brien and I have registered for the District Conference in Queanbeyan in October and I believe Ange plans to attend on Saturday. Unfortunately this is also a market weekend. If you want to attend, perhaps we can contact more of our Friends of Rotary to see if they could cover.

Unfortunately the next RYPEN, scheduled for 13-15 October, has been postponed because they did not have enough return helpers. Hopefully the March one will go ahead.

The Board has suggested a social dinner at Club Narooma this Thursday at the usual time for whoever can make it.  Those who do can also help fold up Whale raffle ticket stubs ready for the draw on Saturday. Please let John know if you plan to attend.

Next week we have Eurobodalla Shire Council General Manager Warwick Winn as our guest speaker. Please invite partners and friends because it should be a really interesting talk. Please ensure yiou give John Rungen plenty of notice of numbers.

THIS WEEK

This Wednesday 6.30pm:  the Prostate Cancer Support Group meets at the Golf Club.

This Thursday 7th: No formal meeting. Instead a relaxed dinner at Club Narooma at the usual time for whoever can make it.  Those who do can help fold up Whale raffle ticket stubs ready for the draw on Saturday. Please let John know if you plan to attend.

This Saturday 12.30pm at Town Wharf: Draw of whalewatching raffle if you care to drop by.

The Week that Was

Ange to join RAWCS group to Nepal

Ange Ulrichsen is very excited to be joining a group of 20 volunteers on the Nepal Friendship Project in the Maidi area in central Nepal from 12 November to 4 December. This ongoing RAWCS project will include continuing teacher training to villagers  plus assistance in agriculture and health issues. It is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Orange Daybreak (District 9705).

“I was inspired by Rob Uhl (now District Governor Nominee) at the ETS Conference at Merimbula in March,” Ange said. It’s a wonderful humanitarian project and I’m proud to be joining the group which comes from all over including a large contingent from Orange.”

NEXT THURSDAY

DINNER MEETING 6 for 6.30pm:  Guest Speaker Eurobodalla Shire Council General Manager Warwick Winn Warwick who will talk about his life and his plans for Eurobodalla Shire. Please invite friends and family. It promises to be a top night.