Andrew’s Thoughts
Well naturally, it has been a very quiet week. It’s a shame to see Eurobodalla Shire in lockdown still and with Covid in Narooma, while there’s been an easing down here in Bega Valley Shire.The important thing is that with 52% double jabbed and over 80% single jabbed, we can hopefully see ‘light at the end of the tunnel’ and can soon revert to our usual meetings and see each other again in the flesh.
As for this week, Mike, Julie and I are Zooming to continue the planning of the Support Group. Don’t forget that we have our Club Zoom on Thursday, at 7.30 as already advised.
A reminder that the Lift the Lid on Mental Health Day is on 10 October. Last year our special hat night was great fun and it confirmed what we suspected, that Mike was the ‘Mad Hatter’! It is obvious we shall not be able to participate in the same way on 10th October, but with the significant impact that Covid-19 restrictions have had on mental health, I suggest that we have our own fun when we are able to.
So, hang in there, hope for the best, and as ever, onwards and upwards mes amis!
THIS WEEK
A Club Zoom this Thursday to catch up with everyone at the later time of 7.30pm to see how that suits. Andrew has already sent invitations to you. Get back to him if you haven’t received one or since lost it.
The Week that Was
Taliya Smith receives part of her prize
You might remember that local lady Taliya Smith of Narooma VRA was announced as the winner of the Rotary Emergency Services Youth Scholarship at the 2021 Rotary NSW Emergency Service Community Award ceremony some weeks ago. The lockdown though has prevented her receiving her awards.
Well, Mike Young caught up with Taliya this week at work at Narooma Home Hardware and presented her with the trophy she won for being a finalist in the Rotary Emergency Services Youth Scholarship. President Andrew intends presenting her with the Winner’s trophy at our next face-to-face Club meeting, whenever that may be, hopefully with her family members present. Her $1,000 scholarship prize will assist her with further training and/or equipment to assist her community.
Rotary Rural Inspirational Women’s Award
Bega Valley Police Officer Sarah Bancroft of Millingandi was awarded the Rotary Rural Inspirational Women’s Award on Sunday. She was nominated by Pambula Rotary Club. Sarah works with PCYC in the Bega Valley Shire and is committed to helping young people troubled by drug use, mental health and other issues.
Sarah has been particularly focussed on the indigenous community, going way beyond the call of duty to help those youngsters and their families. Sarah also runs a before-school program two mornings a week where young people are given breakfast, fun and fitness. Sarah has also worked tirelessly to raise money to take two teams to the Rugby League tournament called Nations of Origin.
Hers was one of five Rotary Inspirational Women’s Awards presented by the Rotary Clubs of NSW at a virtual celebration on Sunday. The awards are open to all women across NSW who aren’t Rotarians and acknowledge and celebrate community service performed by women, through their various activities and endeavours, over and above their normal daily role.
Out and About
Pambula Rotary has Trivia night online
Pambula has been trying Club meetings with a difference. Last week they had an online trivia night which proved to be lots of fun, the only question no one could figure out who won. With the fabulous prize of a lockdown haircut from one of the Rotarians (hairdresser!) on offer, the prize was unclaimed. Everyone appreciated though seeing everyone’s smiling faces .
From Moruya Rotary bulletin
Through Phil Armstrong’s efforts, Moruya Rotary will receive a AUD$30,000 grant from the Rotary International Britain and Ireland Disaster Recovery Trust towards the Moruya Showground kitchen renovation. The kitchen was the evacuation hub during the bushfires. This is a shining example of how Rotary funds cross the world.
The other news is the District 9705 Environment team has been progressing as well. Confidently led by PDG David Brawn and assisted by PDG Michael Milston, has nearly completed the District Environment plan. It will help Rotary clubs understand and implement the new area of focus ‘Protecting the Environment’.
Free webinar Mental Health Day 10 October
Australian Rotary Health will celebrate its 40th birthday and Hat Day on Sunday 10 October by hosting a free online webinar, joined by experts in youth mental health. Everyone is welcome. Special guests include Professor Michael Sawyer OAM, Dr Nicole Hill and Dr Lisa Mundy. Another guest will be announced at a later date. While free, a donation to Australian Rotary Health mental health research would be much appreciated. Make sure if you join in the webinar, you wear a hat to help everyone Lift the Lid on Mental Illness.
NEXT WEEK Thursday 30 September
No meeting at this stage.