Ange’s Chat
Andrew Elek, economist extraordinaire and Moruya Rotarian, gave us an impressive insight last week into ‘Trade Wars – What’s Going On?’ He certainly has all the credentials to talk on this complex matter given his high level career including beinga Research Fellow at ANU, Senior Economist with the World Bank, APEC and his work on the G20 and the Belt and Road Initiative.
The US and China are the key players in this trade war. The current environment is volatile with the US and China attacking each others trade. Andrew feels that China will outlast the tension and is unequivocally at the forefront of technology. The cost so far to the US has been $29 billion annually with the consumers bearing the burden. The long term cost to both powers is phenomenal. The biggest problem is how the two biggest governments ignore the rules of the game and where there are no rules there can be no trust.
The key problem behind the chaos is America’s determination to remain the world’s largest economy coupled by its fear of being overtaken by China. Andrew went on to explain the huge value of trust in international trade built up after WWII when the World Trade Organisation (WTO) was born. The WTO with its 160 members plays a vital role in maintaining transparency, confidence and resolving disputes in the international marketplace. But President Trump is undermining its role, creating his own rules. Let’s hope the WTO retains its place in fostering cooperation and trust on the world stage of international trade.
Eurobodalla Clubs Christmas Race Day
Sunday 22 December is the big combined Eurobodalla Rotary Clubs race day at Moruya Racecourse, the seventh one we have held in conjunction with Moruya Jockey Club. This year’s project is funding a seven-seater community bus to be used by Meals on Wheels and Yumaro.
Our Club has been asked to help on the day with the bucket collection from cars as they arrive at the Race Course. Laurelle and Ange will do 11.30-12.45 when Rod and Bob will take over until 2.
Dates for your Diary this month
Sunday 8 Dec – 6pm Carols by Candlelight NATA Oval
Thurs 12 Dec – Board Meeting & AGM
Thursday 12 Dec – Primary School Presentation Assembly
Friday 13 Dec- High School Presentation Assembly
Thursday 19 Dec – Christmas Party at the Inlet, 6 for 6.30pm
Sat 21 Dec – Interviews for Tertiary Education Scholarship 2020
Sunday 22 Dec – Eurobodalla Rotary Clubs Christmas Race Day
Friday 27 Dec – Our Markets instead of Sunday 22nd.
THIS WEEK
This week is a normal dinner meeting where we all can all just enjoy each other’s company.
The Week that Was
Ange covered last week’s meeting fairly extensively but a few things from the week follow.
Bush fires close by
Several Moruya Rotary Rotarians have assisted local fire fighting efforts behind the lines; Pauline Gleeson has assisted with catering while two other members have been carting water for fire-fighters in the Shallow Crossing area. Meanwhile our very own RFS member John Doyle is on stand by at Dalmeny. John says” the brigades are only releasing limited people to the out-of-area fires so as to maintain a viable force in the Eurobodalla”, should they be needed.
This month is Rotary’s Foundation Month
You may have read the recent message from RI President Mark Maloney and the Foundation’s Chair Gary Huang which included an update on Polio. Our recent film night to raise funds for World Polio Day was one of over 5,600 events held around the world. (Many such as ours was not a registered event; the 5,600 were registered events).They noted that on 21 August, Nigeria marked three years without a case of wild poliovirus, and the World Health Organization’s African region could potentially be certified wild poliovirus-free next year… If that happens, it will be a tremendous achievement, as the continent once suffered three quarters of all polio cases in the world.
Out and About
Rotary Clubs of Australia Drought Appeal
The Rotary Clubs of Australia some time ago partnered with Channel 9, the Great Northern Brewing Co. and Bendigo Bank to raise funds and in-kind donations for drought affected communities across Australia. The appeal is administered by Bendigo Bank’s charitable arm, Community Enterprise Foundation.
“Ninety-nine per
cent of NSW is in drought, as is South-East Queensland and parts of Victoria
and South Australia,” said
RI District External Relations Director 9800 Philip Archer. “Nationally, one quarter of
Australian agriculture is in severe drought. This drought has really affected
us all with its far-reaching effects. Nobody is immune. We should be in this
together.
“Rotary is up for the challenge encouraging everyone, city-based or
country, to make a donation––large or small – to help those struggling to get
through. Farmers and farming families are doing it tough, and the flow-on
effect to other businesses in drought affected communities is huge. Whatever
help and financial support we can give, whatever small thing we can do now will
help rural communities get back to normality quicker.”
Rotary along with representatives of drought affected communities will conduct a localised consultation process to understand the needs and assistance required for those directly impacted by the drought. This will define how funds are best allocated in supporting families and communities.
How to Make Donations:
1. On line via the following link: https://www.bendigobank.com.au/rotarydrought
2. In person by visiting any branch of the Bendigo Bank:
3. Or by Cheque. Cheques to be made payable to “Community Enterprise Foundation” and posted to Community Enterprise Foundation, PO Box 480, Bendigo, VIC 3552
NEXT WEEK
Our AGM is next week, Thursday 12 December, at 7.15. It will be preceded by our Board Meeting. Rod Walker has previously emailed nomination forms for Board positions for 2020/21. Everyone is urged to please respond as soon as possible.