Lynn’s Lines

We had a lovely relaxed meeting with District Governor Elect Rob Uhl last Thursday. She is a very experienced Rotarian who has had so many interesting adventures with Rotary. She assured us that District is there to assist all clubs. She shared contacts with us, some we may need for various projects going forward.

Interesting she asked each of us what motivates each us to be involved in Rotary. Some interesting responses. It was lovely to also welcome PP Shirley from Moruya Rotary

Subsequent to Rob’s visit, she placed a wonderful full page advertisement in the District 9705 Newsletter! Hopefully we will get lots of ticket sales from that. I will have the raffle books for the next two weeks then Julie will take over on her return. They will also be available at meetings.

The market on Sunday turned into a beautiful sunny day. Thanks everyone who helped out on the day. We had a great turn out of stallholders considering it was mid-winter. Customers were a bit thin on the ground at times with no long lines spotted at the pizza stall.  However the Men’s Shed reported good sales on the day.

Look forward to seeing you on Thursday

THIS THURSDAY 27^th July

This Thursday is a Dinner Meeting at the Golf Club with guest speaker Jillian Keating from DPI Fisheries in teh Wagonga Inlet Living Shoreline Project.

Jillian is the Fisheries Manager with NSW Department of Primary Industries. Jillian will give an overview of the Wagonga Inlet Living Shoreline Project which will transform and restore a section of the Inlet shoreline between the pool and Ken Rose Park to create a ‘living’ shoreline. It demonstrates the importance of nature-based solutions to coastal erosion as well as benefits to biodiversity and water quality.  It’s a collaborative project between Eurobodalla Shire Council and The Nature Conservancy Australia (TNC).

The Week that Was

Last Thursday

DGE Robyn spoke of the difficulties some Clubs face, and assured us, “District is there to support you guys”. Moruya PP Shirley Cornish gave us an update on the Carers’ Accommodation project for the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital (CAERH).  Shirley said they aim to build eight units, with the possibility of another six at a later time. They are also working towards a major raffle of an electric car from a local dealer that will hopefully raise about $100,000 for the project. Details to come.

Laurelle Pacey’s Intyernational Toast was to the Rotary Club of South Queensferry in Scotland, the Club of the 2023-2024 RI President Gordpn McInally. Interesting their area includes Dalmeny, just west of Edinburgh, and yes, there is a connection between that Daleny and ours via Eton College.

Sunday’s Market

While a small market, the vibe was good. Most people are appreciating the later starting times over the three-month winter period, especially Chris O’Brien and Laurelle Pacey on the gate, although the sun still takes while to reach them at the gate… A few blips in the roster but everyone rose to the occasion, as always.

Mike Young reports our takings on Sunday were not too bad, considering the cool weather initially: Gate $950.00, Wishing Well $125.15, and Van $513.52. He banked from the Whale Watch Raffle $460.50 after Sunday. More to come.  

Out and About

Pambula Rotary, Lions and ‘Beryl’

The Sapphire Entertainment Pod (SEP), now renamed “Beryl”, is a custom modified container that can be moved around the Shire to all villages impacted by the 2019/20 fires to provide some fun, music, entertainment and relief from stress and anxiety.

It is an initiative of Pambula Rotary and Lions Clubs, both of which contributed $3,000 towards the cost. The Minderoo Foundation and Bendigo Bank jointly provided $50,000 towards this project with Social Justice Advocates being another huge contributor. The container was converted and shipped to Eden by Container Traders.  ARV Caravans of Eden is building a trailer which will enable easier transportation of the Pod.   

Any community group in Bega Valley Shire that wants to run an event and any locals who wish to have a wedding or party can book Beryl for a charge to cover the audio, insurance, transport etc.  Pambula Rotary handles booking inquiries. 

NEXT WEEK

Thursday 3^rd August: No meeting being the first Thursday in the month.

Friday 4^th August 4.15pm: Board Meeting at the Golf Club

Lynn’s Lines

Our relaxed dinner at Lynch’s last Thursday was most successful; I think everyone enjoyed it.

I would really like to thank Françoise and John for picking up a load of walkers and shower chairs from IRT at Dalmeny and taking them up to Queanbeyan to Rotary legend Fred Fawke who is the driving force behind the District 9705’s Recover, Rehabilitate and Reuse (RRR) Project. From there they will be shipped to Nigeria. See story below. I only approached Françoise on Thursday night about whether there was any way they could get these items, offered by IRT, up to Fred; Fred can no longer drive down to pick them up, as he has done in the past. She and John were right onto it. Rotary in Action plus!

This Thursday we welcome District Governor Elect Rob Uhl. I hope we have a good roll up to hear what she has to say. Then it’s all hands on deck again for Sunday’s Market.

THIS WEEK

This Thursday 20^th

This Thursday is a Dinner Meeting back at the Golf Club. We welcome our District Governor Elect Rob Uhl who is looking forward to meeting us. Rob Uhl is from the RC of Moss Vale and has been an active Rotarian since 1997. She has held various positions of International, Vocational, Youth Exchange and Club President. She has also had experience with RAWCS, Outback Science/ Engineering, Youth Director, MUNA, Youth Exchange Safaris. She was President of the Rotary E Club of Brindabella and was District Secretary 2022-2023. A few of us met her at Merimbula recently.

Rob was to have been joined by our new Area 6 Governor Haseena Tweddle from the RC of Berry but she had an urgent appointment in Sydney. Haseena replaces Adam de Totth as our Area 6 Governor. Hopefully we will have the opportunity to catch up with Haseena some time soon.

If you haven’t already done so, please let John Rungen know if you are coming.

This Sunday (23^rd) is our Market

Mike Young is circulating the roster for Sunday’s Market. Don’t forget we’re on winter time until September so the market starts and finishes an hour later. Hope you can help. We will also have Whale Watching Raffle tickets to sell.

The Week That Was

More on Fred Fawke and RRR Project

The District’s Recover, Rehabilitate and Reuse (RRR) Project spans many Clubs. It rescues equipment not needed by its owners and provides it to people and organisations that need such equipment both in Australia and overseas, such as medical equipment, roofing materials. 

“For some years ‘Phil’ Agbonzikilo has assisted RRR by providing carriage to Nigeria of medical equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, electric scooters, hospital beds, sports clothing and other sundry items,” said RRR legend Fred Fawke.

“Phil’s enthusiasm extends to taking goods as found and encouraging repair at the receiving end. They’re loaded in a container often with second-hand vehicles and shipped to Nigeria. Phil and his contacts identify people who need what is supplied.”

The IRT has often donated equipment to the RRR Project.

Bega’s Winter Book Fair

Bega Rotary reports their Winter Book Fair over the weekend 8-9 July may be their last for a while but was certainly worth doing. Lots of people, both locals and visitors popped in to see if they could find their favourite reads and more. Both days were reasonably busy. They had quite a few helpers on the Wednesday before to set up, including some from Lumen Christi College at Pambula Beach, but not so many for the pack up which meant that ‘the oldies’ were back on the trollies and packing the containers. However President Phil’s family also helped.  Total takings were $7,714.33 which is about $1,000 more than their Spring Fair last year.

Out and About

Bega Valley Clubs welcome Kurt Fearnley

Paralympian Kurt Fearnley AO will be the guest speaker at a joint meeting of Bega, Merimbula and Pambula Rotary Clubs on Saturday 14 October at Club Sapphire, Merimbula. Kurt is an Australian wheelchair racer, who has won gold medals at the Paralympic Games and crawled the Kokoda Track without a wheelchair in support of men’s health.  Kurt is one of our National heroes. He has been closely involved with

the disability movement culminating in him taking over as Chairman of the National Disability Insurance Agency in 2022. He was the NSW Australian of the year for 2019 and has recently hosted his own show ‘One Plus One’ on the ABC.

NEXT THURSDAY 27^TH JULY

A Dinner Meeting 6 for 6.30pm with guest speaker Jillian Keating, Fisheries Manager with the Department of Primary Industries. Jillian will give an overview of the Wagonga Inlet Living Shoreline Project which will transform and restore a section of the Inlet shoreline between the pool and Ken Rose Park to create a ‘living’ shoreline. It demonstrates the importance of nature-based solutions to coastal erosion as well as benefits to biodiversity and water quality.  It’s a collaborative project between Eurobodalla Shire Council and The Nature Conservancy Australia (TNC).

Please invite partners and friends.

Lynn’s Lines

What a great night we had last Thursday at our Changeover. It was so encouraging to see so many official and other guests supporting our small club. Again I would like to thank Ange on behalf of all our members for stepping up yet again as President to fill a void to enable our Club to regroup and even grow.  Everyone enjoyed the evening, food and good fellowship.

I am looking forward to working with a great team this year with many fun times ahead.

Please note next week, Cinders in Moruya has been postponed to Spring, but the Board will look at something for next Thursday 13th. Please see below.

THIS WEEK

No Dinner meeting this Thursday 6 July, being first Thursday in month.

Friday 7 July 4.15pm: Board meeting at Narooma Golf Club.

The Week that Was

Changeover last Thursday

Last week’s Changeover marked the end of one Rotary year and the beginning of the 2023-2024 Rotary year. It proved to be a most enjoyable evening with over 40 guests, including Member for Eden Monaro Kristy McBain, Past District Governor Phil Armstrong, Eurobodalla Mayor Mat Hatcher and Deputy Mayor Alison Worthington. Great to also welcome President Shirl from Moruya Rotary, Area Governor Adam De Totth plus representatives from many local organisations. As always, David McInnes proved a wonderful MC keeping it light and interesting.

In reviewing the past year, Ange Ulrichsen said our Club continued to support many community and global programmes while also having fun. A great example is the annual Great Australia Day Duck race which this year raised funds for both the Carers’ Accommodation project for the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital and Prostate Cancer research.

She outlined the considerable benefits Narooma High students gain from participating in Rotary youth programs, like the Model United Nations Assembly, Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment and the Rotary Driver Awareness Program for Year 11 students. Hearing from all three current Rotary Tertiary Scholars enriched the evening. Our two major Vocational Projects –Pride of Workmanship Awards and Business Networking Breakfasts – continue to enhance relationships with the local business community. 

The Club provided about $23,000 from fundraising in the 2022-2023 year to local and international causes and $13,500 in Tertiary Scholarships, thanks to several benefactors. 

Another highlight of 2022-2023 was welcoming five new Rotarians to the club – Francoise Cleret, Nicole Keith, Annemarie Narraway, Ana Koen and Greg Heath –  all young professionals.

Ange thanked the Board, all Club members, partners and Friends of Rotary for their work, support and assistance throughout the year. She named Susanna Chung the Club’s Rotarian of the Year, noting Susanna’s passion for International Rotary Exchange and the assistance and encouragement she gives to Narooma High student Lachie Penglase now selected for the 2024 Youth Exchange Programme.

Presentations were made to Marine Rescue, Narooma Surf Life Saving Club, the Men’s Shed, and Narooma Rescue VRA.

Incoming President Lynn Hastings introduced the Rotary International theme for this year of ‘Creating Hope in the World’. She said the Club would continue on its steady course through 2023-2024 with an additional fun event during the year, details of which would be announced soon. She also introduced the new Board (see photo).

It’s the Changeover season

It’s been a week of Changeovers with our immediate neighbours Moruya Rotary last Tuesday, and Bega’s on Friday. President Lynn and Vice President David attended Moruya’s which saw outgoing President Shirl Cornish hand over the chain of office and charter to Derek Anderson.  It was a night of laughter, fun and even song with local singer Golden Carmichael and over 60 Rotarians and guests celebrating RI President Jennifer Jones’ theme ‘Imagine’ with a rendition of John Lennon’s classic.

Bega’s President is again Phil McDonald who “presented himself with the Rotary Collar”. Charlie Blomfeld is Treasurer, and Richard Kleine/ Anne Ducray Secretary.

Out and About

Our Club again sponsors MUNA 

With Ange Ulrichsen’s encouragement, Narooma High has again registered a team for this year’s Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA) under the guidance of teacher Monique Wicks. Our Club will sponsor the team ($1,800). This year’s team of three Year 11 students are Coby van Teulingen, Sandy Loudoun and Ella Marshall. They are yet to hear which country they will represent.

MUNA takes place 11-13 August in Canberra in the Museum of Australian Democracy (Old Parliament House). Ange encourages us all to try and make time to look in on the proceedings in Canberra. “It’s great to also show our presence, however brief,” she said.

Bega Rotary Winter Book Fair this weekend

Bega Rotary’s major fundraiser – the Book Fair is on this weekend 7-8 July at Bega Showground. Bega Rotarians will be on site from Wednesday setting up and sorting. They will take some small boxes of books at the Fair but no big collections.

On the RI theme

Rotary International President Gordon R. McInally’s 2023-24 presidential theme is ‘Create Hope in the World’. He urges members to promote peace in troubled nations, help those affected by conflict, and maintain the momentum of initiatives begun by past leaders.

“The goal is to restore hope — to help the world heal from destructive conflicts and, in turn, to help us achieve lasting change for ourselves,” he said. “A significant way to bring hope to the world is to put a greater emphasis on peace. Peace is the soil where hope takes root.” He cited the action Rotary members have taken in the past year in Ukraine where Rotary has made humanitarian relief a priority. But true relief won’t come without peace — not just in Ukraine, but in Yemen, Afghanistan, Syria, and dozens of other places around the globe.

McInally also emphasized the power of continuity, particularly noting that polio cases have emerged in many areas making it more crucial than ever for Rotary members to lead the fight against the disease.

McInally also urged Rotarians to offer hope to those affected by mental health challenges — a crisis exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. He said Rotary should be known as an organization that takes care of its members as well as the people it serves

“Rotary helps create the conditions for peace, opportunity, and a future worth living,” he said. “By continuing what we do best, by remaining open and willing to change, and by keeping our focus on building peace in the world and within ourselves, Rotary helps create a more peaceful world — a more hopeful world.”

NEXT WEEK

Tuesday 11 July: Our scheduled annual Cinders Trophy Trivia Challenge to be hosted by Moruya Rotary has been postponed until Spring. New date will be announced soon by Moruya Rotary

Thursday 13 July: With the Moruya visit out, the Board this Friday will discuss possibly going to dinner somewhere other than the Golf Club; the Golfie’s kitchen is being renovated next week so we can’t dine there. Suggestions welcome.  

Ange’s Thoughts

What a great market on Sunday! More details below.

It was such a pleasure last Thursday to welcome guests Lachie Penglase as well as Moruya Rotarians Shirley Cornish and John Gillett. Our Area 6 Governor Adam de Totth also paid us a visit as he was unable to attend our Changeover this Thursday; it was his last visit as our Area Governor.

Lachie, Yr 9 student at NHS, was selected by District for the 2024 Rotary Youth Exchange. Our Club’s last Outbounder was Erin Fahey in 2009 who was hosted in Germany. We are thrilled that Lachie will be venturing to Japan (his country of choice) in January for an amazing year being hosted by families, attending school, speaking Japanese – such a wonderful cultural experience. Lachie, so personable, relaxed and engaging described the formal Rotary District interview process in detail. He sailed through it and impressed the panel with his knowledge of Rotary and his enthusiasm to embark on this unforgettable adventure. Congratulations Lachie and family. To Susanna and Gordon, thank you for mentoring him so well.

Shirley and John took turns sharing their experiences at the Rotary International Convention held in Melbourne recently. The 12 Moruya Rotarians who went said it was an awesome experience. The convention had big-name speakers, breakout sessions, the international flag ceremony and the House of Friendship – all sessions full of pageantry and inspiration. Rotary experts shared tips on how to live the Rotary Action Plan to address the world’s biggest challenges and grow club diversity. Jennifer Jones, RI President this year was there to meet all delegates. Imagine! 13,000 Rotarians from around the world did the wave at one point in the Rod Laver Arena. The entertainment was fabulous. All agreed it was an unforgettable opportunity to see firsthand the internationality of Rotary and feel proud to be a part of it.

THIS THURSDAY

This Thursday night is our Changeover, the culmination of our Rotary Year and will be a great night. It’s 6 for 6.30. It will bring many members, friends and distinguished guests together. Our special guests will include Member for Eden Monaro Kristy McBain, PDG Phil Armstrong representing DG Geraldine Rurenga, and Eurobodalla Shire Deputy Mayor Alison Worthington.

The Week that Was

Great markets

Once again, a fun market with perfect weather. David McInnes noted that “over the last year it has transformed into a very enjoyable day for all members”. It was the first market with the later winter hours and it seems a success with most people; it was certainly welcomed by the early morning Rotary crew on the gate. September’s market will return to the normal hours.

While a small market being in winter, the Club did quite well financially. Treasurer Mike Young reports the gate took $ 940.00, the van $450.50 plus square sales (still to be noted), and Wishing well $ 65.00.

Last Week’s meeting

Shirl and John’s report on Moruya Rotarians escapades at the RI Convention in Melbourne outlined the serious and social. Shirl was really impressed with RI President Jennifer Jones who sh said was so gracious and caring as she acknowledged Rotarians who had devoted their lives to helping others.

In breakout sessions and speeches there was much inspiration and pride in Rotary’s life changing projects. John was staggered at the sheer number. Jan and Steve Young were excited to meet Sandi and Tracey in the Hall of Friendship from the End Trachoma Project which Moruya had participated in.

Shirl really enjoyed driving to Melbourne in John’s Mustang; a few of them in convoy. John spoke of lots of dining out, Flemington Racecourse and an AFL game, some part of the RI Convention’s extra-curricular activities. He said the “fellowship” was one of the main reasons the 12 went down.

Shirl summed it up rather well saying it’s so good “to be part of something big and wonderful. People want to belong and be part of something…”

Out and About

Moruya’s Year in Review

It’s interesting to see how far Moruya Club has come in 12 months. President Shirl says in their Changeover Bulletin the Club started the year “with some soul searching”, having 31 aging members, a medium age of 75 and dwindling numbers. A meeting discussed what to do; their concern was as one member put it, “If we don’t do something we’re stuffed’”. But “events seemed to take over”. Moruya decided to initiate the move to establish Carers’ accommodation for the planned Eurobodalla Regional Hospital, following the initiative of Bega Valley Rotary Clubs. They set up a temporary committee that became the conduit to an incorporated community company – Carers Accommodation Eurobodalla Regional Hospital – CAERH. This helped put Moruya Rotary in the public eye. Nine months later, the independent committee was appointed with four Moruya Rotary members on that committee. CAREH Inc is up and running with wide community support, including from Narooma Rotary, and a long list of possible donors. It’s likely to be a five year project.

That, plus an “excellent run of guest speakers”, two sometimes three a month, and active support of many youth and community projects and Rotary programmes see six new members join the Club which Shirl says has made a huge difference. They ended the year with 34 members and a lower average age.

Moruya Rotary has put almost $91,000 back into the community over the year, much of it raised through the Moruya Racecourse kiosk.

Narooma President Elect Lynn Hastings and VP Julie Hartley will represent our Club at Moruya’s Changeover on Tuesday when Shirl will pass the chain of office to Derek Anderson.

The great Cinders Trivia Challenge

Our Club will be seeking to regain the Cinders Trophy from Moruya Rotary on Tuesday 11 July at Moruya Golf Club. Moruya Rotary is our host. So please come with friends and family who can help us in our quest. Details next week. This will be instead of a meeting in Narooma on Thursday 13th.

NEXT WEEK

No Meeting on Thursday 6 July, being the first Thursday in the month.

On Friday 7^th July at 4.15pm – New Board meets at Narooma Golf Club.

Ange’s Thoughts

A reminder that our monthly market is on this Sunday. Please note the hour later ‘winter’ start time. It’s a move appreciated by our early team AND most, if not all, stallholders.

We are currently finalising arrangements for next week’s Changeover, including the Changeover bulletin. All systems are ‘go’ as we near the end of this Rotary year.

The monthly CAERH (Carers’ Accommodation for the Eurobodalla Regional Hospital) meeting took place last Thursday. President Elect Lynn Hastings represented our Club. CAERH Secretary Steve Young said points covered included documentation regarding the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profit Commission (ACNC) application. The 4WD Electric car raffle with the Coastal Auto Group is progressing. The committee will be applying for tax deductibility for donors. 

This Thursday (22^nd June) we’re in for a great night. First, it’s an opportunity to personally congratulate Lachie Penglase on being selected by District for the 2024 Rotary Youth Exchange. Then it will be hearing from our guest speakers Shirley Cornish and John Gillett from Moruya Rotary Club about their experiences at the Rotary International Convention in Melbourne recently. Just imagine! Twelve Moruya Rotarians went, all accommodated in an apartment building arranged by a Rotary mate. They headed out together each day and tried a different restaurant at night. Apparently they had a ball!

Adam De Totth will also be joining us for the last time as our Area 6 Governor.

THIS THURSDAY 22^ND JUNE

We welcome Moruya Rotarians President Shirley Cornish and PP John Gillett who will give a PowerPoint presentation on ‘Twelve Moruya go to the RI Convention in Melbourne’, or something like that… A great effort by Moruya.

The Week that Was

News from Moruya Club

Moruya Rotarians have put together toiletry kits for Rotary Australia’s ‘End Trachoma Project’ over the last 18 months. Trachoma is the leading cause of infectious blindness in the world, caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, yet it is preventable. It is in 40 countries, mostly poorer counties, with Australia the only developed country affected in any major way by the disease.

Sandi Fulcher of RC Chadstone/ East Malvern, the overall co-ordinator of the project, said they are working with the World Health Organization to end trachoma in Australia. There’s a high incidence in Australian Indigenous communities; the project’s major focus is on the goldfields of Western Australia, Alice Springs, and central and remote communities of the Northern Territory.

End Trachoma is a simple project – to provide these communities with assistance in sanitary measures, and with facial and environmental cleanliness. Rotary provides hand wash stations, toiletry kits, towels, dust suppressors and water transport trailers, among several other measures, to encourage improved facial cleanliness.

Moruya Rotary has now delivered five boxes of 17 family toiletry kits, six extra kids’ kits and a few spare toiletries to Pack and Send in Camberwell, Victoria where they will go with the latest boxes from the Rotary clubs of Frankston North and Rochester to Alice Springs. Moruya Rotarians made and labelled the drawstring bags before filling them with appropriate toiletries.

A note on Changeovers

Clubs in the Bega Valley seem to stagger their Changeovers so members from other clubs can attend and support their neighbours. In the Eurobodalla, while Moruya’s Changeover is on Tuesday next week, the Bay’s and ours are on the same night. Moruya is expecting about 65 at their Changeover next Tuesday, including seven from Batemans Bay Club and our VP Julie Hartley. Perhaps something to consider for next year…

NEXT THURSDAY 29^th

Our most prestigious event of the year is next Thursday 29^th June – our Changeover. Please make sure you have informed Gero if you are/ are not coming by this Friday, preferably by noon. Your booking will be confirmed by direct deposit into our Administration account at the same time – details on the invitation. Cost is $50 p.p. Hope we see you there.

Ange’s Thoughts

What a fantastic night we enjoyed last week with the RoboRebels telling us about competing in the recent World Robotics Championships in Houston, Texas. They attracted many interested guests as well as a good roll up of members. Narooma High’s team of five students – Kye Potter, Harmony Canon, Harrison McKee, Matthew Brooks and Linc McLeod-Scott took us on an amazing journey. They had won the FIRST Robotics South Pacific Regional Championships in Wollongong qualifying them for the World Championships. 

These wonderful, inspiring students took the stage and ran the show to everyone’s delight. We enjoyed the clever, short film made about their unique US experience which also included dinner with the Australian Consul-General in Houston, visit to NASA and the Texas Medical Centre Innovation Accelerator. Each spoke enthusiastically about their experiences at Narooma High designing, building, programming and coding their competition robot. We were also treated to some other demo robots.

Congratulations RoboRebels. You have done Narooma proud under the dedicated and ongoing mentorship of teachers Gayle Allison and Christine Potts.

It was our pleasure to donate $500 towards their costs. We hope that their participation in this international event will encourage them all to dream big and seek opportunities to use their fantastic skills in the future. They are inspiring many other students.

NO MEETING THIS WEEK

The meeting originally scheduled for this Thursday has been moved to Thursday 22^nd. This was due to a slight miscommunication between us and the Golf Club. Not having a meeting this week has been welcomed by many because it was otherwise going to be a really full on month.

The Week that Was

More on RoboRebels

The RoboRebels experience at the Robotics World Championships in Texas really was mind blowing. They were one of 600 teams competing in front of 30,000 people. It was huge! While everyone was competitive, the Narooma team was really touched about how so many other teams genuinely offered any assistance they needed.

Unfortunately we did not get to meet the competition Robot 5988 which was on its way home, but the team introduced us to their three different stages of robots from the small and basic through to larger more complex competition robots. This team have been into robotics since primary school, and have been mentoring others throughout their secondary years. Hats off to Narooma teachers Gayle Allison and Christine Potts; with four of the five team finishing school this year, Gayle and Christine had some initial fears about finding students for a whole new competition team. Those fears are now over; these students are inspiring others.   

You have been officially invited

Changeover is our most prestigious event in the year. This week Secretary Gero has sent to all members an official invitation to Changeover. Please note Gero asks that you please let her know by Friday 23^rd June if you are coming with the number of guests; please pay at the same time online into our Administration account (detail on invitation). It should be a great night.

Bay Rotarian will be District DG 2025-2026

Robert Shore from the Rotary Club of Batemans Bay has been selected as District Governor Nominee Designate. If his selection is not challenged, he will be DG in 2025-2026.Congratulations Robert from Narooma Rotarians!

NEXT THURSDAY

Guest speakers Moruya Rotarians Shirley Cornish and John Gillett will report on Moruya Rotary contingent at the recent RI Convention in Melbourne.

We will also have as our special guest our 2024 International Exchange Student Lachie Penglase.

The final month of every Rotary year is Fellowship Month. Fellowship is particularly to the forefront with changeovers being very much the priority in all clubs in June. Fellowship is of course one of the five core values of Rotary, the others being service, diversity, integrity and leadership.

FYI, Monday was World Environment Day and this Thursday is World Oceans Day.

Ange’s Thoughts

Some late breaking amazing news!! Lachie Penglase has been selected by District for the 2024 Rotary Youth Exchange Program. He has also been given Japan, his country of choice. Congratulations Lachie and well done Susanna and Gordon who assisted with his preparation for District interviews at the weekend. We hope to be able to personally congratulate Lachie at our meeting on the 15^th June.

Our Board meeting last Friday:

• Finalised the menu for Changeover
• Determined remaining disbursements for the year
• Mike Young is preparing a yearly planner for the 2023/2024 Rotary year that can be printed as a hard copy. (Laurelle Pacey pointed out a detailed list for those who want it of all Club events can be printed from our website by going to the right hand column, click ‘All events’).
• John Rungen is keen to update the sheet detailing the organisation of our Club
• David McInnes has started work on the Club’s application for charity and Donor Gift Recipient status which will also involve setting up a separate bank account. This will allow potential donors to our Scholarship scheme and projects, such as the new food van, to receive tax deductions.
• John Rungen has confirmed he is willing to be Secretary from 1 July until the end of December. Then he and Denise will be travelling. Julie Hartley has agreed to then take on the role as secretary, and will be mentored by John over the next six months.
• We now have a dedicated secondhand mobile to use for the squares, thanks to Chris O’Brien. Lynn Hastings will arrange for the data to be erased and organise a sim card.
• The Board agreed that Club dues for 2023-2024 will be $285 p.a for those who want a hard copy of the Rotary Down Under magazine and $280 p.a. for those who are happy with a digital copy.
• Need to action John Rungen’s Volunteer Declaration form as a matter of urgency.

We are in for an inspiring night on Thursday when we will hear from the RoboRebels (see below). Looking forward to it.  

THIS WEEK

We welcome all five members of Narooma High RoboRebels and their teachers/ mentors recently returned from a possibly life-changing experience in the USA. Recently the RoboRebels won the FIRST Robotics South Pacific Regional championships in Wollongong qualifying for the World Championships in Houston, Texas . On Thursday they will share the story of their trip with a short film and their demonstration robot.

Please invite partners and friends and let Gero know by noon on Tuesday if you are coming and how many guests you are bringing.

The Week that Was

Moruya Rotarians loved RI Convention

Moruya’s 15-member contingent (!) had a great time at Rotary International’s recent Melbourne Convention. President Shirl described it as “totally wonderful”. Moruya delegates were Annette and John Nader, Shirley Cornish, Bronwyn and Col Jay, Jan and Steve Young, John and Brenda Gillet. Robyn Armstrong, Keith Armstrong, Rohan and Pauline Gleeson, Vere and Garry Grey.

Shirl said China was a surprise entrant in the almost endless parade of country flags. In the last 12 months China’s number of clubs has grown from two to nine plus Rotaract clubs from two to four.

In this week’s Moruya bulletin, Shirl described Project Rozana as an example of the forceful Breakout Sessions on world changing projects she attended. The forum at the Convention had one Muslim, a Christian (Tim Costello) and a Jew who said Project Rozana ‘transports Palestinian patients to hospitals within Israeli borders, and providing treatment options for Palestinians where access to specialist and/or quality healthcare is limited.’ It enables cooperation between Israelis and Palestinians within health on the personal level so, ‘Palestinians and Israelis coexist peacefully, with a sense of mutual respect, dignity and safety for all.’

The Pakistan report on Polio Plus revealed the sad and tragic cost of polio vaccination. Sixty-four of its brave front line workers died, many from gunshot wounds.

We will hear more about the Convention next week. The 2024 Convention is in Singapore; Shirl has already registered!

Out and About

The next Bega Rotary Book Fair is on 7th and 8th July at Bega Showground; this is Bega Rotary’s major fundraiser for the year. They are limiting book donations this year to shopping bags and small boxes of books but no big collections

NEXT THURSDAY 15^th June

We will hear firsthand from Moruya Rotarians who attended the recent RI Convention and hopefully from Lachie Penglase.

Ange’s Thoughts

The delight of hearing well – the privilege of the gift of sound’ was Annemarie Narraway’s talk last Thursday. Highly qualified as a specialist audiologist Annemarie’s passion is to combine new and innovative technologies to benefit her clients with quality of life. She said that with hearing we make sense of the world and described how intricate and precious the shape of the ear is to capture sound. As an independent audiologist she is able to offer many more options in hearing aids, cochlea implants and other services to us in her state of the art hearing clinic. Technology has come a long way resulting in much smaller and more sensitive devices being available. Annemarie was especially excited and motivated to hear the latest advances after attending a national audiologists conference in Brisbane. Hear Well – Live Well is a perfect name for her business. 

Last Thursday we also welcomed back Rachel and David who shared with us some of the highlights of their fantastic travels around Canada and the USA.

Lady Luck again smiled on us for our market. Such a happy vibe with sunshine, 57 stall sites (big for this time of year) and many happy people enjoying good food and great things on offer. Thanks Chris for managing the market so well and to all our terrific helpers. I was particularly touched when some stallholders mentioned to Chris how friendly and kind our Rotary market is. People notice and that’s something we can all be proud of.

It’s ‘Bon Voyage’ to Ana and Greg heading off to Europe including a cruise around the Mediterranean. Then staying with family who live on an island off Portugal. Have a fabulous time and see you in six weeks.

This Friday, 2 June, is our last Board meeting for this Rotary year. Lots to discuss and decide including disbursements for the Changeover.

THIS WEEK

No dinner meeting this Thursday (1^st) being the first Thursday in the month.

Friday 2^nd June at 4.15pm: Board Meeting at Narooma Golf Club

The Week that Was

More from last Week’s meeting

Greg Heath’s international toast last week was to the Rotary Club of Henllys of  Cumbran, Wales which he identified as a Club of Action making their community a better place. The Club supported their relatively new Interact Club of Croesyceiliog School where the students asked family, friends and teachers to crochet rosette, hearts, butterflies and other designs for a Random Acts of Croesy Kindness Project. The students then placed these in random locations and attached uplifting notes for those who found the gifts. A very worthy toast.

Annemarie’s talk touched a number of our members who have had that feeling “they may be missing something”. She said she is in the privileged position of being able to bring back people’s hearing. “A hearing aid gives you so much more for such a small inconvenience… and keeps your brain active for longer.” Another take-home message was you get what you pay for, with top of the range hearing aids having 24 channels.

Last Sunday’s Market

As Ange has already reported, it was a great market on Sunday. Treasurer Mike reports gate income was $ 1,135.00, the wishing well $167.40 and van takings $639.50, so a total of $1,941.90. This market we didn’t have the expense of meat purchases having had the meat donation from the previous weekend, so a great result.

Out and About

RI Convention concludes on Thursday

Melbourne has welcomed more than 14,000 delegates from around the world for the 2023 Rotary International Convention (27 May-1 June). That includes a number of Moruya Rotarians. The RI Convention is often referred to as a ‘mini-United Nations’ because its global scope and cultural diversity brings Rotarians together to exchange ideas on how to improve lives and bring positive, lasting change to communities around the world.

Rotarians have had a full programme of events including keynote speeches, workshops, and networking opportunities across both the Rod Laver Arena and Olympic Parks and the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC). Rotary’s House of Friendship exhibition hall at the MCEC displayed more than 100 Rotary humanitarian projects. Hundreds of ancillary events have been taking place across many of Melbourne’s other leading venues.

The RI convention is expected to inject more than $91m injection into the local economy, making it one of the most valuable business events secured for Victoria in the past 10 years.

Among major news from the Convention is that the Rotary Foundation has awarded US$2 million to prevent cervical cancer in Egypt.The Rotary-led initiative ‘United to End Cervical Cancer in Egypt’ aims to reduce cervical cancer cases and enhance women’s health in Egypt through targeted awareness-raising and improved access to preventative care. It was initiated by the Rotary Club of El Tahrir, supported by Rotary clubs in Greater Cairo and modeled after President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s Egyptian Women’s Health Initiative on breast cancer. Rotary aims to vaccinate more than 30,000 girls ages 9-15 and provide screenings for 10,000 women in greater Cairo and launch a public awareness campaign to reach 4 million people.

News from ROMAC

Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children (ROMAC) is now well and truly back in operation after the Covid hiatus. ROMAC provides surgical treatment for children in Australia and New Zealand from developing countries from our Pacific region by life-giving and/or dignity restoring surgery not accessible to them in their home country. It is currently supporting the treatment of seven children. Many people visited the ROMAC Information Booth at the Rotary International Convention in Melbourne. Many ROMAC supporters from across Zone 8 visited the Booth as well as many International visitors, many of whom wished they had a similar Rotary program in their countries.

NEXT THURSDAY 8 June

A reminder that Narooma High’s robotics team the RobeRebels will join us on next Thursday 8 June to talk about attending the World Championships for the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Competition (FRC) held recently in Houston.

The 2023 RoboRebels team is five senior students and teachers with a passion for science and technology. They worked after school twice a week and every Sunday since January to design, build and program their 2023 competition robot. For this competition, the team focussed on coding the robot to achieve a specific task: to balance itself on a see saw bridge.

It should be a great night so please ask partners and friends and get back to Gero with numbers.