Bob’s Blog

Hello Everyone

Sadly last Friday’s Oyster Festival Community Night had to be cancelled due to persistent high and dangerous winds. I know this must have been a difficult decision for the organisers; however, given the circumstances, I think they make the correct decision. Unfortunately for us we missed an opportunity to make some much needed funds for our charity account. Fortunately we were able to freeze the meat and donate perishables to other charities. Thanks to all those who volunteered to man the van and barbecue.

Also on a positive note we gave the van a great ‘spring clean’ inside and out in preparation for the Festival, thanks to John Doyle, Ashley and Laurelle who did a great job cleaning and polishing. The van is sparkling, especially after John and Ashley cleaned the roof.

Last Thursday’s meeting was a bit of a mixture. We started at Peter Bull’s place for another in our series ‘a Rotarian presents’. Peter talked to us about his work as a Chiropractic Radiographer; he reviews x-rays from all over Australia and even the UK and works for a company where everything is done remotely. Their radiographers and admin staff have never actually met and worked together face to face. Peter’s pride and joy is his dictation system that allows him to complete reports without having to use a keyboard.

When we arrived at the Golf Club for dinner, we were joined by PCYC Far South Coast Club Manager Jason Hough and three other Police representing PCYC. Their speakers gave us an interesting insight into the history and role of PCYC (PCYCs were originally started with the help of Rotary). One of the main issues for the Far South Coast is how the PCYC can effectively operate as an outreach service covering town and communities from Batemans Bay to Eden.

I will fill you in on the weekend’s District Assembly at Batemans Bay on Thursday.

Have a great week everyone

Out and About

Last week

Last week we had surprise guests from Police Citizens Youth Clubs NSW (PCYC).They included CEO Dominic Teakle, Regional Manager Ian Kirk, Far South Coast Manager Jason Hough, and NSW Police Youth and Crime Prevention Command Superintendent David Roptel. We were lucky to have them as Dominic, Ian and David were on a familiarisation trip to the Far South Coast Club. It was only a chance conversation between President Bob and the local PCYC Manager Jason that led to them all (except Jason) joining us for dinner.

Jason spoke about the outreach model used by the Far South Coast Club, given that his area of responsibility covers both Eurobodalla and Bega Valley Shires.  He said the Club has been running activities along the coast including archery at Narooma, Zumba Kids at Moruya and soon Junior Fitness at Eden and Bega. He will be forming two management committees, one for each Shire, and is looking for Rotary members to join those committees.

Dominic spoke about the long association between PCYC and Rotary beginning with the establishment of the first Police Rotary Boy’s Club in Woolloomooloo some 80 years ago. PCYC want to acquire two hubs in the Far South Coast from which to base their operations, with activities radiating out from the hubs as well as within them.  He indicated that PCYC liked to own and manage their facilities so that other programs and groups could use then in PCYC downtimes (during the day when kids are at school etc) to maximise their use and to raise funds.

He also hopes to acquire two small eight seater buses, one for each Shire, to transport participants to their activities.  To achieve this he is looking for a friendly car dealer who may be willing to provide buses at a reduced cost as part of a sponsorship program, as well as fundraise for their purchase.

Superintendent David Roptel has just taken up the role of Commander of the NSW Police Youth and Crime Prevention Unit and spoke about the value of engaging with local communities to strengthen relationships between Police and the public.  He gave as illustration the support local indigenous residents gave to police in Redfern at a particularly difficult time for their community.

All in all a great night and the PCYC team has given a lot to think about and perhaps a different avenue to support our young people.              Lynda Ord

Bega runs RYDA 15-17 May

Bega Rotary is coordinating RYDA for Bega Valley and the Monaro on 15-17 May at Frogs Hollow Go Kart Track south of Bega. This is where Narooma High students first attended RYDA before Batemans Bay and Moruya Rotary Clubs took up the challenge to run one in the Eurobodalla. The Bega programme  runs over three days to accommodate the 500 or so Year 11 students from Bega High, Eden Marine High, Bombala High, Lumen Christi Catholic College, South Coast Anglican College, Monaro High, Jindabyne Central and Mallacoota P12 College.

Sydney Male Choir Concert in Bega for Tathra Fire Appeal

You are invited to a special concert in Bega on Thursday 10 May to hear the Sydney Male Choir. This is the first time the choir, one of the most respected in Australia, has toured to the Far South Coast. Bega Civic Centre has partnered with the Choir to present a fundraiser performance 2:00pm – 4:30pm in the Civic Centre Auditorium. Admission is a gold coin donation with all proceeds going to support the Tathra community through the Mayoral Appeal Fund. If going, please book through  www.trybooking.com/380708

NEXT WEEK IS A PARTNERS’ NIGHT with special guest speaker RI Director Noel Trevaskis who will speak on ‘The Rotary Story; Yours and Mine’. Noel is currently a member of Narooma’s ‘mother club’, the Rotary Club of Bega. He is on the Board of Rotary International (2016-2018) representing Australia, New Zealand, Philippines, Indonesia and the South Pacific Islands (Zones 7 and 8). He was our District Governor 2005-2006, and a past Board member and Chairman of Australian Rotary Health. Check out the bulletin’s  calendar for more information on Noel.

On a lighter note, courtesy Peter Bull

I was in the express lane at the supermarket quietly fuming. Completely ignoring the sign, the person ahead of me had slipped into the lane pushing a trolley piled high with groceries.
Imagine my delight when the cashier looked into the cart and asked, ‘So which six items would you like to buy?’  Shame that doesn’t happen more often…

Bob’s Blog

Therese and I had an enjoyable few days away in Sydney last week catching up with family and taking in a show or two.
Thank you very much to Laurelle who stepped into the breach last week and worked with the Golf Club about room changes for our Thursday meeting. It is good to know that when I am away Laurelle as Vice President can be relied upon to get the job done. Because the Club does not charge us for the use of the Seahorse Room, occasionally we may need to move to allow them to cater for different events.

A reminder we will be helping with catering for the Oyster Festival’s free family concert, motocross display and fireworks this Friday night from 4pm. We need members to help out to make the job easier on all of us. If you can assist, please let John Doyle know.

The District Assembly will be held this weekend in Batemans Bay; Rod and I will be attending. We will update you at next week’s meeting.
Don’t forget the Busking Festival is not far away and once again we will need your help.
Have a great week everyone.

Out and about

 Last week

We had lots of visitors last week, thanks particularly to Ang and Frank, to hear our guest speaker Dr Ian Noble talk about climate change. They were not disappointed. Ian is Emeritus Professor at the ANU’s Climate Change Institute, based in Fiji. It was fascinating to get such an informed ‘big picture’ view of the issues and his views on possible mitigation and adaptation.

Many thanks to Angie for organising such a fascinating speaker.

Busking Festival needs more volunteers

Our Busking Festival supremo Sandra Doyle is delighted that so many people and organisations have embraced the Festival. ‘We’ve already received commitments from Quota, Lions, View Club and CWA to help on the day, but we still need more volunteers.’

Sandra asks everyone to please consider giving one or two hours on the day; also ask your friends. Volunteers are needed from 8am to help set up and put signs and that out, then on the street selling and collecting busker votes, checking on buskers to make sure they are okay, directing people to Symons free shuttle bus that will run between the Flat and the Plaza to help people get around to see the musicians, as well as handing out programmes and maps. People are also needed in the office in Easts Holiday Park to help register buskers and count busker votes, and more are needed after 3.30 to help take down the signs and various bits and pieces.

If you can help, please talk with Sandra (0408 298 233).

District Assembly this weekend

Bob and Rod are off to the District Assembly this Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning at Batemans Bay High. District Assembly is regarded as essential for incoming Board members to get everyone on track for the coming year and there is always something new to learn. The programme includes:

• a ‘showcase’ of the District’s various programs with people at the ready to answer questions
• breakout sessions on the various Avenues of Service
• opportunities for networking during the day and at the dinner that night.

It will be interesting next week to hear back from Bob and Rod at our Club Assembly next week.

NEXT WEEK: Peter Bull is the next in our series ‘our Rotarian Speaks’. So please meet at Peter’s place at 6pm, then back to the Golf Club for dinner and a Club Assembly about 6.45pm.

On a lighter note

The Kennel Club has now recognised some new crossbreeds, or so it’s said…

Collie + Lhasa Apso: Collapso – a dog that folds up for easy transport

Pointer and Setter: Pointsetter – the traditional Christmas pet

Terrier + Bulldog: Terribull – not a popular dog

Bloodhound + Labrador: Blabadoor- a dog that barks incessantly

Bob’s Blog

Hello Everyone

Well we had a bright and sunny day on Sunday for our biggest April Market in many years. It was wonderful to see so many stallholders and potential shoppers in attendance. Thanks to all who helped make the Market such a success.

Last Thursday we had 25 guests and members at our meeting to hear our guest speaker Lei Parker. Lei gave us a great insight into his online newspaper ‘The Beagle’. Lei is certainly passionate about the Eurobodalla and keeping its residents informed and up to date with all that is happening. The Beagle continues to support our Club by publishing our media releases to promote our activities including BowelCare, Pride of Workmanship, the Renewable Energy Expo and the Busking Competition.

Di Reid and Lec Swadling representing Relay for Life also attended our meeting to receive a donation of $500 from the Club. Di, Lec and their committee have done a wonderful job organising the Relay for Life, this year. Over $31,000 was raised to support research in cures for cancer, and money is still coming in.

As members know, Bob and Merinda Antill have moved onto the next phase of their five-year plan. They finally sold their home in Narooma and made the move fully to their new home at Lake Conjola. Bob and Merinda have been a significant and important part of Narooma Rotary for many years; to recognise their achievements and to wish them well for the future we will hold a farewell to Bob and Merinda on Saturday 12 May commencing at noon. Please keep the date and time free, I will provide you with some more details next week.

Therese and I are heading off for a few days R&R so Laurelle will be in the chair this Thursday.

Have a great week everyone.

Out and About

Tonight

This week we welcome a particularly fascinating speaker in Dr Ian Noble, Emeritus Professor at the ANU’s Climate Change Institute, based in Fiji. He will talk around climate change from a Pacific – Australian viewpoint.

We won’t be in the normal location, nor in the adjoining room, but most probably in the Members’ Lounge.

Busking Festival

Our Busking Festival coordinator Sandra Doyle says busker registrations are really starting to come in now. She has 21 busker groups confirmed to date from Sydney, Canberra and across south-eastern NSW, with more registering each day. She expects the number will exceed the 57 last year; they have until 12 May to register. There are 33 hotspot so far with a couple more in the wind. They will compete for over $9,000 in prize money.

Post recent Drug and Alcohol Forum in Moruya

Moruya Rotary President Mike Dent and fellow Moruya Rotarian Rob Richmond will represent their Club at a forum this Thursday where they hope plans will be developed to address alcohol and drug abuse in Eurobodalla Shire. The forum is hosted by Local Health Network provider Coordinare. In Moruya’s Rotary bulletin this week, Mike says he expects all key agencies to be there which will hopefully mean they can have some meaningful discussion to address this growing problem.

Asha Foundation update from Pauline

Since the devastating 2015 earthquakes in Nepal, the Moruya-based Asha Foundation has rebuilt three schools in the remote foothills north and east of the capital Kathmandu. The last school to be completed is the Radha Krishna School, a 2½ hour drive east of the capital.

During Keith Armstrong’s presidency, Moruya Club donated $6,850 to The Asha Foundation’s Earthquake Appeal. Those funds were directed to the rebuild of this school resulting in 10 classrooms, a Principal’s office and an underground water storage tank. The total cost of construction was just under $40,000. Construction began late 2016 and with delays due to monsoon rains, landslides, political turmoil and logistical difficulties, the school was finally completed earlier this year. The students and teachers now have a lovely new school, properly constructed using earthquake building codes. The rebuild of the entire village has been a mini United Nations effort – The Asha Foundation built the school, a German charity rebuilt the houses, and a team of French doctors funded the construction of a medical clinic. We may speak different languages but our objectives were the same – rebuild this shattered village.

In October, Rohan and I will be travelling to Nepal and visiting the school. On behalf of the Principal, teachers and students at Shree Radha Krishna School and the Asha team, thank you to Keith and the members of Moruya Rotary for your support. You have helped make a difference.

Asha Foundation President Pauline Gleeson (reprinted from the Moruya Bulletin)

Bicycles to wheelchairs

Some of you might have seen the moving story on ABC National TV last Sunday night about the Rotary Club of Surfers Sunrise’s converting old bikes to homemade wheelchairs for disabled children in developing countries.

Wheelchair Aid Project co-founder Daryl Sanderson said he and Des La Rance, both Rotarians, started the project together with a third person  21 years ago after one of them travelled to Fiji and saw children immobilised by their disability. Since then more than 7,000 wheelchairs have been built and shipped to 31 countries including Vietnam, Vanuatu, Cambodia and Nigeria. He has seen first-hand the impact the wheelchairs have on people’s lives. ‘Having been to quite a few countries and just seeing the look on the kids’ faces,’ he said. ‘So I get a lot of pleasure out of that.’

Now more than 550 people involved directly and indirectly in the international operation, including prisoners from the Palen Creek Correctional Facility at Strathpine who make about 30 wheelchairs a month and source bicycles. The wheelchair design has changed over the years with air-filled tyres now replaced with foam tubing, which makes the chairs puncture proof.

 

 

 

Bob’s Blog

Hello Everyone

We had a great night last Thursday celebrating the achievements of loyal and hardworking employees at our annual ‘Pride of Workmanship Award’ dinner. One of the great things Rotary does is to recognise the work and achievements of individuals in our community, Pride of Workmanship gives us the opportunity to say thank you to those who make a difference in our local businesses.

The Oyster Festival is not far away and we have agreed to have the food van in operation at the Friday night community event. Last year we were run off our feet feeding the hungry hordes, let’s hope that this year’s event is just as good, so if you can volunteer for a couple of hours it will be appreciated. The community event will take place at Quota Park on Friday 4 May.

I understand that planning for the Busking Competition is continuing at ‘light speed’ with all sponsor spots sold and entries rolling in. It will be a great event and a wonderful advertisement for our community in general and Narooma Rotary in particular.

Last week Rod, Sandra, Laurelle and I meet to discuss get planning underway for our 60^th celebrations. We plan to have a gala dinner at the golf club on 4 August. I will fill you in with a little more detail on Thursday evening.

In June, Rotary’s Board of Directors and Trustees approved a new vision statement for the organization: “Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.” To find out more read the article by Stephanie Urchick, chair of Rotary’s Strategic Planning Committee in this week’s Rotary Weekly. Click here to read the article.

Have a great week.

Out and about

Pride of Workmanship

Six Narooma businesses recognised their valued employees at our annual Pride of Workmanship Awards last Thursday. President Bob emphasised that the great strength of these awards is it’s not a competition and everyone nominated by their employer receives an award.

Those who received awards this year were:

• Janette Fitzpatrick (Estia Health)
• Deb Ebbott (IRT at Home)
• Debbie McDougall (IRT Dalmeny)
• Kyle Snell (Meads ABC Bakery)
• Madeline McCauley (Surfbeach Café)
• Pete Churchill (Narooma Motors) who was unable to be there to receive his award.

More on Narooma Oyster Festival

Narooma’s Oyster Festival launches with a bang on Friday afternoon 4 May with a free family concert, an extraordinary freestyle motocross display from the FMX Showtime motorbike stunt crew, and fantastic fireworks, all making a great warm up to the big day on Saturday.

Friday’s action starts along from the festival site Quota Park at 4.30pm with the first 20-minute show by what is widely regarded as the most spectacular and experienced freestyle motocross team in Australia. Their second and final show is at 6. In between local musicians will play at Quota Park.

Then the Steve Edmonds Band will play until the fireworks at 8; they blend Blues, Rock, Soul and Roots music.

Last year over 1500 turned up on the Friday night; this year organisers anticipate even more but there will be more food stalls. President Bob mentioned we will again provide a barbecue but just on the Friday night. Other food stalls on the Friday night will be  the Oyster Bar, Anton’s seafood, Riverside pizzas, Tilba P & C tacos, the Ice Creamery’s ice creams, local coffee vans and Narooma Public P & C cakes (and glow sticks).

Some background info: Narooma Chamber of Commerce instigated the Oyster Festival as a signature experience to attract people from outside the region. It showcases oysters from eight estuaries on the south coast, one of the world’s most environmentally sustainable oyster growing regions, as well as other local produce and the area’s many features. Saturday’s programme (10-4pm) includes the celebrity chefs’ cooking demonstrations, the Ultimate Oyster Experience, the oyster shucking competition as well as many stalls showcasing local produce especially oysters. This year live music will continue on Saturday to 6pm, as will the bar and Oyster Bar.

Busking Festival

Our Narooma Busking Festival coordinator Sandra Doyle is calling on all buskers to register by 12 May. Already she’s had registrations from Sydney, Canberra and across south-eastern NSW. Narooma regional Busking Championships is part of the Australian National Busking Championships (ANBC).

Publicity has gone out this week to this effect, highlighting that the first to register was Narooma guitarist Eddie Tierney and among the first was Felicity Dowd of Bega who made her busking debut in Narooma last year.

Sandra said last year’s Festival was a huge success with 57 buskers performing at many busking hot spots around town. ‘This year we’re expecting even more buskers to compete for over $9,000 in prize money from our wonderful sponsors, and we have many more busking hot spots around town,’ she said. Major sponsors Narooma Golf Club will sponsor the $1,000 People’s Choice prize and host the finals, Club Narooma will sponsor the $1,000 Opens Champion, and Easts 4 Holiday Park will sponsor $500 for the Best Band as well as the Registration Office.

Winners from the regional events can compete in the National Grand Final in Cooma in November.

 

 

Bob’s Blog

Hello Everyone

Thank you to Anthony who took us on a tour of the Plaza Pharmacy as a part of our ‘Rotarian Presents’ program last Thursday. Anthony’s presentation was most informative; Laurelle has more information about the visit elsewhere in the Beacon.

On Sunday John and Sandra Doyle, Ange and I cooked breakfast at the Cancer Council ‘Relay for Life’ at Bill Smyth Oval. Although numbers were down on last year and at time business was quite slow, the whole event was a credit to the organisers and their supporters, through their hard work much needed money was raised to help fight cancer.

This Thursday we hold our annual Pride of Workmanship dinner. The purpose of ‘Pride of Workmanship’ is to recognise the many valued and hardworking employees in our small community.  I am sure Thursday will be a great success. Thank you to Laurelle for all her hard work in organising the event.

We are due to have a Board meeting this Thursday, however, because of the Pride of Workmanship dinner I have postponed the meeting until the following Thursday. Board members are asked to have their reports uploaded  or emailed to Sandra by 14 April.

 

Out and About

Last Thursday at the Pharmacy

What a fascinating insight Anthony Whittle gave us last week into what’s involved in running the Plaza Pharmacy which recently moved into new premises. Interesting to go behind the counter and out back to see where a lot of the work actually happens.

Everyone had a host of questions particularly about the changes in legislation as to what medicines are now no longer sold over the counter but require a prescription. Interesting too that unlike ‘days of old’, most pharmacists no longer make up potions and medicines; only a very few specialist pharmacists still do. This ‘Rotarian Presents’ series, introduced by President Bob, has proved to be quite fascinating.

Some points from the Drug and Alcohol Forum at Moruya

About 200 people attended the Drug and Alcohol Forum in Moruya on Monday night hosted by the combined Eurobodalla Rotary Clubs, including Bob Aston, Chris O’Brien, Ange Ulrichsen, Laurelle Pacey and Gordon and Di Bentley represented our Club. Does the Eurobodalla have a drug and alcohol problem? The answer from the forum was overwhelmingly ‘yes’. Interestingly the  women who spoke at the Forum about their experiences, two about their kids and the impact on their families, were all from Narooma.

Keynote speaker was the former Director of Emergency Services at St Vincent’s Hospital Gordian Fulde, 2016 Senior Australian of the Year.  His initial talk was on the dramatic reduction in trauma cases presenting to Sydney hospital emergency departments from the early closing of licensed premises in parts of Sydney including Kings Cross.

Gordian also spoke about drugs being big business, and that Ice is the most evil drug we have at the moment. ‘It has the biggest profit margin, is easy to make, is very addictive and it destroys the person very quickly, their family and their friendships.’

In response to a question about why people become addicts, Gordian believes a lack of self-esteem makes people more vulnerable but added there are many variables and each person  is different. An early sign of a problem is when someone dramatically changes friends. ‘Drugs take their pain away from reality,’ he said.

Michelle Preston said in her experience, addiction was brought on by someone not feeling any connection with other people. She spoke of the need for people to talk with each other, look each other in the eye, and interact with each other. Donna Falconer of Narooma said she is now responsible for raising all her grandchildren because of their parents’ Ice addition.

Psychotherapist and addiction counsellor John Falcon said addiction was an illness and spoke of the culture of denial of alcoholism and depression and shame when individuals succumbed. He said because addictions are illnesses, society should move from punishment to treatment but often the addict doesn’t think they need help. He said the most effective treatment was to work through families wherever possible and put family members first. They need to set boundaries and spoke of ‘tough love’. By working with and supporting families they often eventually can help a person recover. Progress can be painfully slow, particularly if the patient lacks family support.

Aboriginal woman Marilyn Campbell of Narooma spoke movingly about her own recovery and the importance of recovering addicts coming out of gaol or rehabilitation having jobs, training or work experience to help them gain self-esteem and a sense of belonging and respect.

Moruya club President Mike Dent said the aim of Monday’s meeting was to try to bring together the relevant people and organisations to come up with a formal drug action team. We await news hopefully of such a team being formed.

A word from Uni

Lynda Ord received a lovely note from Tahlia Arnold who is in her first year at Wollongong University. She received some financial assistance from the Club just for her first year, as runner-up in the Tertiary Scholarship considerations.

Hi Lynda, I’d just thought I’d let you know how I’m going at UOW so far.
I’m doing Psychology courses with an elective that I’ve picked up called ‘Introduction to Indigenous Studies’ which I adore so far. Everything in every class has caught my attention and I’m keeping up-to-date with all the work by making a start on any assignments and readings as soon as I get them.
I can’t get over how beautiful the campus is and how nice all the tutors and lecturers are. I’ve even joined a PASS (Peer Assisted Study Session) group and made friends in that.
I’ve checked my course outlines and by the looks of it, the next few weeks are going to be busy with assignments and presentations. I better start buckling down even more! Thank you again for this opportunity.

Kind regards
Tahlia Arnold

See you this Thursday night for the Pride of Workmanship Awards. Usual time, 6 for 6.30, cost $30 (two-course meal). If you haven’t already booked with Bob and intend to come, please contact him immediately because tables will be set.

Cheers Laurelle

Bob’s Blog

Hello Everyone
I hope all members and friends had a relaxing and enjoyable Easter. It was great to see so many visitors in town enjoying all Narooma has to offer including wonderful weather and fantastic places to eat and hang out. Just for the record, Therese and I had a great weekend painting!
We have a busy week ahead of us. This Thursday we visit Anthony Whittle at Narooma Plaza Pharmacy as a part of our ‘Rotarian Presents’ program. We will meet at the pharmacy at 6.00pm and move to the Golf Club around 6.45pm.

This Sunday morning, we will have the food van at Bill Smyth Oval providing breakfast for those involved in Relay for Life; hope you can help. At Thursday’s meeting, John Doyle will be looking for volunteers to staff the van on Sunday.
Next Monday 9 April, Moruya Rotary Club will host a drug and alcohol forum at St Mary’s Performing Arts Centre in Moruya. Please attend if you can. Laurelle has more.
There is an excellent article in Rotary on the Move by Noel Trevaskis, about membership. If you have a few spare minutes it’s well worth the read.
Have a great week
Cheers
Bob

Out and About

Rotarians volunteer at Four Winds

Wonderful to see Rotarians Ang Ulrichsen and Lynne Hastings volunteering (yet again!) at the Four Winds Festival, south of Bermagui, over the Easter weekend, as well as one of our Friends of Rotary Heather Ferguson. An army of volunteers is needed to ensure this fantastic event happens. Well done ladies!

Relay for Life

Eurobodalla’s Relay For Life is on this weekend at Narooma’s Bill Smyth Oval. It is a fun and moving event that raises vital funds for the Cancer Council’s research, prevention, information and support services. It’s a chance for the Eurobodalla community to recognise and celebrate local cancer survivors, patients and their carers, to honour and remember loved ones lost to cancer, and to raise money to help save more lives.

The Relay starts at 2pm this Saturday and goes overnight ending at 10am on Sunday. We will be proving breakfast on Sunday. Hope you can help in  the van.

Drug and Alcohol Forum at Moruya

The combined Eurobodalla Rotary Clubs will host a meeting in Moruya on Monday 9 April called ‘Breaking the ice … does the Eurobodalla have a drug and alcohol problem?’ See flyer below.

Moruya club president Mike Dent says the idea came from a sense of frustration with drug and alcohol issues across the shire, following a discussion with a local paramedic. ‘As an organisation, we had two options – bury our heads in the sand, or pull a meeting together to discuss the issue,’ he said.

Mike says the aim of Monday’s meeting is to try to bring together the relevant people and organisations to come up with a strategy to inform the public and help affected families and friends. Keynote speaker is the former Director of Emergency Services at St Vincent’s Hospital Gordian Fulde, 2016 Senior Australian of the Year. A paramedic, police officer and a drug counsellor will also speak.

The meeting is next Monday 9 April from 7pm in St Mary’s Performing Arts Centre, Queen Street, Moruya.

Thursday 12 April – our Club’s Pride of Workmanship Awards

Next Thursday (12 April) is the club’s annual Pride of Workmanship Awards at Narooma Golf Club, one of our most prestigious nights of the year. It is a partners’ night. It’s normal time –  6 for 6.30pm. Cost is $30 for a two-course meal (choice of two dishes each course; please ensure the Club knows of any special dietary requirements).

At this stage, it looks like we will present about eight awards this year. Each person has been nominated by their employer because of their outstanding qualities in terms of approach, attitude, dedication and commitment to their job. This is not a competition. This Rotary program aims to encourage a pride of workmanship in the community by publicly recognising the value of a pride in personal performance in the workplace, hence the scheme’s motto ‘Do it once, do it well.’

See you at the Plaza Pharmacy this Thursday.

Cheers

Laurelle

 

Bob’s Blog

Hello Everyone

We survived a busy weekend with the markets on Sunday and RYDA on Monday.

With many of our regulars away over the weekend, it was great to see so many members and friends step up and take over key roles at the Markets. A special thank you to David and Rachel McInnes who organised and staffed the gate at the market in the absence of Chris and Laurelle; I understand there were no complaints from stall holders or potential shoppers. Lynn reports we took $685.00 at the gate, grossed $359.80 at the van and collected $101.15 from the wishing well.

On Monday, Ange Ulrichsen and Michael O’Connor, along with our regular visiting Rotarian Gordon Bentley, headed off to Moruya Racecourse for RYDA. Thank you for giving up your time I look forward to hearing how the day progressed.

On Monday I also attended Narooma Probus Club’s AGM. I can report that the Club had an interesting and varied year and a new team of office bearers are ready to the reins for the next 12 months.

Last Thursday we had 16 members and guests at our normal meeting. Our guest speaker was Jane Taylor from Bega who spoke about the ‘Teen Clinic’. Teen Clinic was set up in Bega and expanded to Narooma late last year. The Clinic operates out of the Lighthouse Surgery, it provides an informal drop in service for teenagers to discuss health issues that they may not wish to discuss with their parents or their GP. At the Clinic a nurse assesses that patient and either provides advice or if appropriate refers them to another health professional.  Although the Narooma Clinic has started out slowly with fewer turn-ups than expected, the Practice Nurse at the Surgery Chrissi Moody expects the service to pick up steam once it’s better known and understood within the community.

This Thursday: Don’t forget there is no meeting this Thursday evening at the Golf Club. Breakfast in the park has been cancelled. 

Next Thursday (5 April) we will start at the Narooma Plaza Pharmacy at 5.30pm where Anthony Whittle will tell us about the pharmacy and how it all works.

Have a wonderful Easter everyone. Enjoy the chocolate!

Warm regards

Bob

Out and about

Rotary Youth Driver Awareness (RYDA)

Our Club was well represented at RYDA on Monday by Ang Ulrichsen, Michael O’Connor and our regular visiting Rotarian Gordon Bentley (Dubbo). They accompanied Narooma High students; our Club is paying for their bus.

The RYDA programme is run over two days each April at Moruya Racecourse by Batemans Bay Rotary in conjunction with Moruya and Narooma Clubs. Different schools go over the two days.

It targets pre-learner drivers from Eurobodalla Shire’s five high-schools. RYDA coordinator Neil Simpson (former Batemans Bay High Principal) said it’s an opportunity for students to learn and talk about how they will function as a driver or as a passenger. The theme of the day is ‘My Life, My Choices’ and covers  topics such as hazard perception, fatigue, stopping distances, vehicle safety and the opportunity to listen to and speak with a crash survivor. Ang said Narooma students stayed fully engaged the whole day.

This was RYDA’s 11^th year in the Eurobodalla and in that time over 2,000 Year 11 students have been through the course; on Monday, a student from Narooma was the 2,000^th student.

It is a significant youth project for our clubs and particularly involves Batemans Bay and Moruya members in the organisation and catering, as well as Council, Moruya Jockey Club and the Coastal Auto Group.

The RYDA programme is written and resourced by Road Safety Education Ltd  and is presented to students from 600 schools across Australia.

Busking at Ballarat

On Saturday, our intrepid Busking groupies Sandra and John Doyle were at the Ballarat Regional Final of the Australian National Busking Championships, hosted by the Rotary Club of Wendouree Breakfast. Like us, this was also Ballarat’s second year.

Heavy rain on Saturday put a dampener on the Festival’s first few hours, but the spirits of the 200 performers at the 39 Busking Hot Spots defied the deluge. ‘Buskers never give up,’ says Sandra. Sunshine soon followed and it turned out to be ‘a super day’.

Needless to say, Sandra kept very busy spreading the word among the buskers about the attractions of the Narooma festival; a few might well venture our way in May.

District Conference

Unfortunately no one from our Club could attend the District Conference in Mittagong, but we can glean a few insights from Moruya President Mike Dent’s comprehensive report in their bulletin this week. Seven Moruya Club representatives went. Mike mentioned several inspirational speakers:

• Libby Weir who has volunteered in Natal, South Africa for three months a year over 13 years. Originally she worked in an AIDS orphanage and more recently has been engaged in the wider community training women to sew, people to build and weld, and teaching computer skills to school children. She has raised funds to build a house, equip a library and school football teams.
• Former Governor General Michael Jeffery, now 81 years old,  talked about eliminating trachoma in isolated Aboriginal communities and coordinating the Soils for Life program that promotes long term farm sustainability practices. He is very passionate about the programs for which he is Patron (19 separate organisations!)
• Seb Cox, a trainee teacher from the University of Canberra, was coaxed to help for three months at St Jude’s school in Tanzania. He stayed two years, setting up a Rotaract Club, Interact Club and an Earlyact club at the school.
• Aminata Conteh-Biger was kidnapped from her father and spent six months as a sex slave in the civil war in Sierra Leone. Eventually she escaped and was saved by UNHCR and sent to Australia (she thought it was Austria!). She has established the Aminata Maternal Foundation to reduce the rate of maternal and child mortality rates. Her story can be found on the SBS program: Daughter of Sierra Leone.

RI Director Noel Trevaskis, well known to many of us, suggested:

• to ensure each club’s survival we need to embrace new members and try to break down any cliques that may exist within a club. He suggested we should sit with someone different each week.
• we need to encourage and promote attendance at Conferences so we all appreciate the wonderful work Rotary is doing throughout the world.
• we need to promote what we do in the community and not concentrate on fundraising AND we need to engage in fun activities rather that just attend meetings. So when someone asks, ‘What does Rotary do?’, you can talk about the wide range of programs Rotary provides to enhance opportunities for our young people (RYDA, RYLA, MUNA, RYPEN, Tertiary Scholarships), our vocational support (Pride of Workmanship), and all of our community support (books for new babies, ShelterBox, defibrillators, Surf Club, VRA, Oncology Unit  etc).

Thanks Mike.

Cheers

Laurelle

A few aphorisms*, courtesy Peter Bull

The nicest thing about the future is that it always starts tomorrow.
Money will buy a fine dog but only kindness will make him wag his tail.
If you don’t have a sense of humour you probably don’t have any sense at all.
Seat belts are not as confining as wheelchairs.
A good time to keep your mouth shut is when you’re in deep water.
Why is it that at school reunions you feel younger than everyone else looks?
No one ever says ‘It’s only a game’ when their team is winning.

                                                                                                                       * Look it up!

 

Hello Everyone

On Sunday evening we became aware of the terrible fire that had ripped through the Tathra community destroying many homes and businesses, fortunately no lives were lost. I have left a message with the President of Bega Rotary, offering our assistance if needed. Our thoughts are with our friends in Tathra at this difficult time.

Last Thursday we had 11 Rotarians and 12 guests at our meeting including Grahame Holland and his wife from the Rotary Club of Southport in the UK. We were able to present Grahame with a Club banner in recognition of his visit. Grahame said that he found our meeting to be most enjoyable and a lot of fun.

On Thursday we inducted our newest member, Geoff Robin to our Club,

welcome Geoff and thank you to Ange and Sandra who introduced him. No doubt we will find out a little more about Geoff in the weeks to come.

We also heard from our guest speaker, Paul Payten. Paul spoke about the South-East Forests and the need to preserve them. Paul is passionate about preserving the beauty of our forests and stopping logging.

The Board also met on Thursday evening. Major decisions included;

• That we cater at the Oyster Festival on Friday 4 May provided the Festival Committee indicate that our assistance is required and certain OH&S conditions are met.
• That we assist Georgina Poyner attend a course at the University of Tasmania
• Not to hold a Renewable Expo in 2018. We also decided to consider conducting an Expo in 2019 if a member of the Club was willing to act as a coordinator
• That we donate $1000.00 to the Dalmeny RFS
• That we cater for the Kidney Car Rally on 5 August

I also advised the Board that the old donut machine and fryer had been sold. At this time we are not able to purchase a new machine that addresses safety requirements.

Lynn Hardingham reported that the balance of the administration account was $ 6244.02 and the balance of the charity account was $ 19075.89, this includes approximately $ 7000.00 in busking funds.

A reminder that we have a busy time ahead. Our monthly markets are on this weekend (let’s hope it doesn’t rain). Next Monday Ange and Michael O’Connor head off to Moruya Race Course to help out at RYDA, we are catering for Relay for Life on Sunday 8 April and our annual Pride of Workmanship dinner will be held on 12 April.

We won’t have a dinner meeting on Thursday 29 March as it is the Thursday before Easter, instead we will have a relaxed breakfast at Rotary Park commencing at 7:45am. On Thursday 5 April Anthony will take us on a tour of the Narooma Plaza Pharmacy as a part of our Rotarian Presents Program.

Does the Eurobodalla have a drug and Alcohol Problem? Moruya Rotary with the assistance of our Club and Batemans Bay Rotary will be holding a forum at St Mary’s Performing Arts Centre on Monday 9 April. The guest speaker is  Professor Gordian Fulde from St Vincent’s Hospital – please support this event if you can.

Have a great week.

 

 

Bob’s Blog

Last Thursday Narooma High School’s Hospitality Class catered for us at the school.  Under the watchful eye of their teachers, students prepared a most enjoyable meal for us all. We were also joined by Relieving Principal John Melville and five Student Representative Council Leaders.

The students answered our questions with authority and enthusiasm and we had an opportunity to tell them a little about the work of Rotary. Hopefully we got the message across about the range of youth programs Rotary offers. Profits from the dinner will go towards the purchase of equipment for the Hospitality Class. The hours put in by the students preparing and serving the meal will count towards their mandatory ‘on the job’ hours.

Our next Market is on Sunday 25 March. Rod Walker is managing the roster because John and Sandra will be away for the weekend. We still need a volunteer of two, so if you can help out please check the roster by clicking here.

Does the Eurobodalla have a drug and alcohol problem? Moruya Rotary, with the assistance of our Club and Batemans Bay Rotary, will hold a Drug and Alcohol Forum at St Mary’s Performing Arts Centre on Monday 9 April. Guest speaker will be  Professor Gordian Fulde from St Vincent’s Hospital. Please support this event if you can.

This week, our guest speaker is Paul Payten. Paul is a dedicated conservationist who will talk to us about preserving our wonderful forests and national parks.

Have a good week

Bob

Out and about

International Women’s Day

At our top night last week at Narooma High’s Hospitality dinner, President Bob proposed a toast to women and International Women’s Day (IWD), as well as providing a potted history of women’s suffrage around the world and women in Rotary, especially our Club. The reason for this was that our meeting coincided with IWD (always 8 March), a day when women are recognized for their achievements without regard to national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic or political divisions. Interestingly Bob reported that the day originated in socialist and communist countries until it was adopted in 1975 by the United Nations. Narooma Rotary’s first female member, and then our first female President was Georgina Staley.

 First DG for new District has been selected

The District Governor Nominating Committee has selected PP Michael Moore AM from the Rotary Club of Canberra as the first District Governor of our new District 9705 for 2020-21.

Applicants were interviewed by the Committee on 10 March. That committee comprised current District Governors, District Governor Elects, and District Governor Nominees from Districts 9700 and 9710, and was chaired by PDG Stephen Humphreys from District 9675. Should anyone wish to challenge the committee’s decision, they have until 26 March to lodge their objection to District Governor Steve Hill.

District 9710 Conference

The District Conference is at Mittagong 25-27 March. Conference registrations close this Sunday at 9pm. The link on the District Website will then be removed and no further bookings can be accepted.

Have a say on Health Service planning in Eurobodalla

Southern NSW Local Health District (SNSWLHD) is developing a Clinical Services Plan (CSP) to provide direction and priorities for clinical services in the Eurobodalla over the next 10 years. They have invited our Club to have some input. They would like a Club representative to attend their care planning sessions, ideally someone to each session but not necessarily the same person.

The two Narooma sessions are:

Wednesday, 21 March 9.00am – 1.00pm: Rehabilitation / Aged Care Model of Care development –  Narooma Community Health Centre Meeting Room

Wednesday, 21 March 1.00pm – 5.00pm: Surgical Services Model of Care development – Narooma Community Health Centre Meeting room

Other sessions are at Batemans Bay Community Health Centre on the Thursday and Friday – Mental Health Drug and Alcohol Model of Care development, Critical Care Services Model of Care development, Medical Care Services Model of Care development and Child and Family Services Model of Care development. If you are interested in going to any of these, please email your details to susan.walsh3@health.nsw.gov.au along with any special dietary requirements; lunch will be provided at all sessions (RSVP by 19 March).

They are also looking for general community feedback. Survey forms are available at Narooma Community Health Centre or online: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Eurocommunity

Be kind to yourself – check your bowels

This year’s BowelCare campaign lasts from 1 April to 31 May with kits available from local pharmacies during that time for $15.00 each. This price covers pathology testing and notification of results to both the participant and their nominated Doctor.

It is recommended that ALL men and women over 40 have a BowelCare test every year. Australia has the world’s highest incidence of bowel cancer with 1 in 12 men and women diagnosed with bowel cancer by the age 85. Age is an important factor. The risk begins at age 40, doubling every 5 years and more rapidly as the person gets older. Statistics show 90% of bowel cancers can be successfully cured if detected at an early stage. Early detection leads to an improved prognosis and less severe treatment.

BowelCare is a not-for-profit Rotary community service which commenced with the view of providing the public with an affordable annual bowel screening program. Interestingly the involvement of individual Rotary Clubs in the BowelCare program has changed from a very ‘hands on’ approach to distributing kits and publicity, to last year’s head office not encouraging any local involvement. Maybe that was partly the reason for fewer kits being sold. This year we might resume our normal BowelCare publicity to encourage greater participation.

Cheers

Laurelle

 

 

Bob’s Blog

Hello Everyone

Last week we had our first Club Assembly for the year. We had open and respectful discussion about a range of things from the Renewable Energy Expo to the Oyster Festival; thank you to all members for your input. The Board will consider the Assembly’s views when it makes a final decision about both projects when the Board meets next week.

This Thursday we meet at the High School  (6 for 6.30pm $25 a head) where I’m sure the hospitality class will delight us with an excellent meal that demonstrates the skills they have learnt in class.

Rotaract celebrates 50 years of service this year. I remember being in Rotaract many, many years ago as a first year out teacher in Lake Cargelligo. We had great fun raising money and supporting the local community, engaging in debating competitions with other clubs, running dances and barbecues and at times upsetting some Rotarians who tried to keep us on the straight and narrow. In all, it was a great way to get to know others in the community. If you want to know more about Rotaract, I recommend an article in this week’s Rotary News, click here to read it.

Have a great week everyone.

Out and about

Last week’s Assembly

We had quite a productive Club Assembly last week. Clearly we would be stretched to put on the Renewable Energy Expo this year with several key people unavailable to assist in the critical lead up, particularly Frank. No doubt our directors have taken on board members thoughts so it’s over to the Board to take this forward. Frank shared his excitement with members that a large solar farm will be built at Moruya.

Great news from Charmaine White that she will join three other Australian dentists going to Timor-Leste for two weeks during Rod’s term of president. She said it is ‘a well-run’ joint Rotary RAWCS/Lions/Carmelite nuns project. Interestingly, she also explained the relationship between toothache, chewing betel nut to relieve the pain, and that betel nut can cause cancer of the mouth and oesophagus. So eliminate toothache will reduce the risk of oral cancers.

President Elect Rod Walker reported back from PETS, introducing members to RI President-elect Barry Rassin’s theme for 2018-19, Be the Inspiration.  Barry asks Rotarians to inspire change in the world and in each other. ‘I ask all of you to Be the Inspiration to help Rotary move from reaction to action — to take a hard look at the environmental issues that affect health and welfare around the world and do what we can to help.’

Relay for Life

The Club has made a commitment to assist at the Cancer Council’s Relay for Life in the Eurobodalla on Bill Smyth Oval on 7-8 April. More details to come.

Relay for Life runs over the Saturday night and raises funds for the Cancer Council’s research, prevention, information and support services to help save more lives. It’s also a chance to recognise and celebrate local cancer survivors, patients and their carers, and to honour and remember those lost to cancer.

Dates for your Diary

The District Conference is at Mittagong 25-27 March,

The District Assembly at Batemans Bay 5-6 May.