short words
I’ve often said that the Sydney Harbour Bridge is an excellent example of Government getting it right. They borrowed all the money, and in a time of depression gave jobs to hundreds, which had a flow on effect throughout the community. It took many decades to pay off but it has repaid the city of Sydney and Australia many times over.
The Harbour bridge, the Snowy Hydro Scheme and the water pipeline from Perth to Kalgoorlie-Boulder are examples of what can be achieved by people with vision and forethought. People who look at the big picture and go for it. Rotary, as an organisation, is very much in this mold. The best example I can think of, is the eradication of Polio. When the idea was first promoted many thought it was too hard, would cost too much and would take too long. Well because of people with vision and belief we will soon see this. Our grandchildren will not know of Polio.
This week PE Michael and I are off to the Change-over for both Moruya and Batemans Bay. A year has flown by and I wish the incoming Presidents all the best as their Rotary year begins and they take up the challenge to work towards looking after their community, the national community and the global community, who knows, it might be on their watch that Polio is declared eradicated.
Cheers
Bob Ant
Stan Swarbrick – Narooma Probus Club
It was good to hear from Stan Swarbrick last week about Narooma Probus.
Probus is an association of active retirees who join together in clubs, the basic purpose of which is to provide regular opportunities for them to keep their minds active, expand their interests and to enjoy the fellowship of new friends. The first clubs were formed in the UK in 1965. Many, but not all Probus clubs have been formed by Rotary clubs.
Our Rotary Club sponsored the formation of Narooma Men’s Probus in 1982. In 2001, the Ladies Probus Club wound up (also sponsored by our Club) and combined with the men.
‘Probus’ – is from ‘Pro’, short for professional, and ‘bus’, from business.
Stan explained that Probus clubs are not service clubs. Instead they are about promoting friendship and stimulating interest among retired people, with meetings once a month.
Like many organisations, they struggle to attract new members. From 50 odd, they are now down to 26, and so they are looking at ways to increase membership. Stan mentioned the possibility of interstate trips with other Probus Clubs, more promotion, including having a stall at our markets starting July, and more publicity.