It would be great if we could have a few volunteers to help set up at the club at 4 pm and also if a few people could bring some sweets for dessert. If they could let PE Mary Potts know if they can help out with either of these, thanks.
COOLAMON ROTARY CLUB MEETING June 23rd. 2025
President Adrian welcomed 23 members to our meeting last night and we met at the Coolamon Hotel (Bottom Pub) for a social night out to celebrate another great year in Rotary. We had 9 guests which included: Marilyn Jennings, Maureen Hulsman, Jan Nulty, Trish Truscott, Lorraine Hamilton, Susan Glassford, Bernadette Milne, Mark Hayes from Sydney and Holbrook and the Big Bloke known as Ralph.
Such a good night at the bottom pub was had by all. The meals were excellent and of good value. Service was first class and the staff are a very happy team. The only downside was the poor acoustics in the dining room not a good place to hold a meeting but a lovely place to have an excellent meal with good friends in Rotary.
Here are some photos from last night:
DIARY
N.B. You are always welcome to bring guests to most of our meetings, just advise Ian Jennings if you want to bring a guest along when you respond to the weekly dinner roll call!
You can download the full programme here and note that it will change and that will be reflected in the weekly bulletin and in The Diary on our website or the link below in pdf:
*Monday 30th June CRC 54th Annual Change Over Dinner. Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm.
Monday 14th July Board Meeting. Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 5.00 pm.
*Monday 14th July Guest Speaker Caleb Smith from the Salvation Army. Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm.
Saturday August 2nd Shakespeare Night at the Coolamon Cheese Factory: Volunteers needed. Project of the Kooringal Rotary Club. Proceeds to be donated to the CRC.
Monday 4th August Club Assembly. Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm.
*Guests welcome to bring their partners and friends.
JUST FOR LAUGHS
All of the above photos were obtained from Facebook. Credit to the owners.
ROTARY NEWS
1. RI CONVENTION CALGARY 25
When 15,000 changemakers come together in one city, people take notice This week in Calgary, Rotary members from more than 120 countries are reconnecting and celebrating in friendship and service as they learn from each about creating positive, lasting change.
One of the best ways to learn what Rotary does around our world the annual RI Conventions are the best place to learn and to make lifelong mates. RICON CALGARY 25 started over the weekend with the opening of the House of Friendship.
Here are some photos from Calgary this is the Ukraine booth in the House of Friendship as you know our General Secretary is a Ukrainian, John Hewko:
Rotary’s General Secretary and CEO John Hewko shared with the Calgary Herald how our global membership works together to improve lives and strengthen communities. This is what global community looks like.
The youth of Rotary are in Calgary and as usual they have a great time.
Below a great friend of mine from Canada, PDG Joan Firkins who I served with on the RFHA Board. Rotarians For Family Health and AIDS prevention. This was the first Rotary Action Group approved by Rotary.
DAY 2 at RICON CALGARY 25
Bill Gates announced a further $300 million donation to the Polio Plus campaign. This is a 2:1 contribution so when we raise $1 Bill Gates donates $2. With the demise of USAID our help is needed more than ever to finish the job Rotary started back in 1985.
RICON TAIPEI 26
Unite for good in Taipei City
Connect with Rotary members from around the world as we unite for good in Taipei City, Taiwan, for the Rotary International Convention, 13-17 June 2026.
Beers Rotarians Enjoy Worldwide (BREW) Fellowship is one of the newest officially recognized Rotary fellowships. The fellowship was created for Rotarians around the worlds who love to drink and make beer.
BREW founders Moses, Steve, Patrick and Martin BREW was started and organized in 2013 by Past District 5160 Governor Steve Lack, a member of the Rotary Club of Pleasant Hill, California USA; Moses Aryee, Past Assistant Governor of the then District 9102 and member of the Rotary Club of Accra-West, Ghana and Past District 5440 Governor Martin Limbird of the Rotary Club of Fort Collins Colorado, USA.
President Adrian welcomed 21 members to our meeting last night and no guests attended.
Tonight was a get to know your member in this case Mark Reardon. More on that below.
Some business was put forward including:
Birthdays Myffy and Barry chocolates all round, thanks Albert. Something about the world’s longest bout of hiccups seems to have been 68 years for one such gentleman.
Paul reminded members that the Junee RC change over is this Sunday at the Junee Ex Services Club at midday. They always support our change over and events so if you van make it please do so.
Mary said that we had a good result form the Red Shield appeal at the football, In all around $802.80 has been collected to date. The Board then decided to round it up to $1,000.00.
Garth reported on the MHERV days in Coolamon and Ganmain. It appears that Ganmain put through 33 and Coolamon 29 members of the public. Bear had a lot to do with that.
After dinner Adrian then began the Q&A of PP Mark Reardon who joined CRC on March 1st 1985. Mark was president in 1996-1997.
So in brief here are the highlights from the Q&A of Mark which raised many questions:
I have created a document which you can down load below for the full story of Mark’s life to date:
Thank you Mark for you thoughts and insights into the future of power generation. Interestingly this article appeared on social media today and makes one think that we do not have all the answers yet or will we ever? The debate continues!
Germany’s energy revolution is in full swing. In 2024, renewable sources powered an impressive 62.7% of the country’s electricity grid—up from just 17% in 2010. This sharp climb wasn’t just about wind turbines and solar farms—it was powered by households, too.
Over 435,000 new balcony solar units were installed last year alone, making energy generation more decentralized and citizen-led than ever before. Meanwhile, wind power produced 136.4 TWh, outpacing entire national grids like Norway’s, and solar energy delivered 72.2 TWh, more than Argentina’s annual electricity use.
Even more historic: 2024 was Germany’s first full year without nuclear power since 1962—and reliance on coal continues to shrink. CO₂ emissions dropped 3.4% year-over-year.
With a goal of hitting 80% renewable electricity by 2030, Germany is turning policy into impact—and setting the pace for Europe’s clean energy future.
Adrian thanked mark for his answers to the questions put to him.
The raffle was won by Albert a voucher for Foodworks.
Albert then conducted a brief fines session as our S@A and in particular Dick had 5 fines levelled at him as did Grahame. all in all another excellent night of learning some controversy and above all good fellowship.
The meeting closed at 8.40pm.
NB. Next Monday we are having the meeting at the Coolamon Hotel (Bottom Pub) 6.30 for 7.00pm please get your numbers in to Ian by Friday for catering purposes, thanks.
N.B. You are always welcome to bring guests to most of our meetings, just advise Ian Jennings if you want to bring a guest along when you respond to the weekly dinner roll call!
You can download the full programme here and note that it will change and that will be reflected in the weekly bulletin and in The Diary on our website or the link below in pdf:
*Monday 23rd June Social Meeting: Meeting at the Coolamon Hotel (Bottom Pub) 6.30 for 7.00pm.
*Monday 30th June CRC 54th Annual Change Over Dinner. Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm.
*Monday 14th July Guest Speaker Caleb Smith from the Salvation Army. Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm.
Saturday August 2nd Shakespeare Night at the Coolamon Cheese Factory: Volunteers needed. Project of the Kooringal Rotary Club. Proceeds to be donated to the CRC.
*Guests welcome to bring their partners and friends.
UPCOMING CLUB CHANGE OVERS IN OUR AREA
Temora Saturday June 21st @ 6.30pm Temora Bowling Club
Junee Sunday 22nd. June @ Midday Junee Ex Services Club
South Wagga Monday 23rd. June @ 6.00pm Wagga Aussie Rules Club
Wagga Wagga Thursday 26th June @ 6.00 for 6.30pm in the Mirage Room, Wagga Wagga RSL
Tumut Saturday 28th. June @ 6.00pm Club Tumut
Wollundry Wagga Wagga Saturday 28th June 6.30pm at The Grange.
Coolamon Monday 30th June @ 6.30pm Coolamon Sports and Recreation Club
JUST FOR LAUGHS
All of the above photos were obtained from Facebook. Credit to the owners.
ROTARY NEWS
1. NEW ROTARY INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT
Francesco Arezzo, partner of the Rotary Club of Ragusa (Italy), has been selected by the RI Board to serve as Rotary International President 2025-2026.
Arezzo will assume the presidency on July 1st.
The RI Board held an extraordinary meeting following the unexpected resignation of RI President-elect Mário César Martins de Camargo received on June 8. Based on the RI regulations and code of rules, the Directorate selected the new President-elect from a group of candidates that had been considered by the Rotary International Presidential Proposal Committee in August 2023.
The 2025-2026 Presidential Message, announced in February at the Rotary International Assembly 2025, will continue to be United for Good, which urges Rotary partners to be a force of unity in a world increasingly divided by politics, geography and ideology.
Art work by Debbie Vance from Canada.
2. ROTARY ANNUAL PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION
A moment in time: Rotary magazine’s 2025 Photo Awards
Sparks fly as Rotary members focus their cameras and freeze-frame the wonders of the world
Blaze of glory: In the little town of Rollag, a few miles southeast of Fargo, North Dakota, folks gather every Labor Day weekend for the Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion. At the nocturnal “spark show,” sawdust and wood chips are fed into the firebox of an antique steam-powered tractor, and the fiery explosion that follows etches cascades of gold into the night sky.
The IFRP group is a community of Rotarian photographers who share their photos and experiences, with a focus on travel, wildlife, and Rotary Club events. Members participate in photography contests and share their knowledge and skills with each other, fostering a sense of fellowship and community.
President Adrian welcomed 20 members to our meeting last night and gave a warm welcome to our guests who were:
Guest Speaker Dr. Saba Nabi with her husband and young son, Maryanne and Leo de Kroo, Maureen Hulsman, Marilyn Jennings, Sharon Miles, Erica Hooper and Michael Trinidad a neighbour of the Hulsmans.
In all another great role up of members and guests. After dinner Adrian introduced our guest speaker Dr. Nabi.
Adrian said that migrants have helped build Australia. Think 65% of the snowy mountains scheme workers between 1949 and 1974. Recently Coolamon has been blessed to have migrant doctors, nurses, aged care workers, mechanical engineers, welders and spray painters from various countries. We wouldn’t be able to function without them.
Coolamon Rotary Club is celebrating their contribution to our society tonight, with our award winning guest speaker Dr Saba Nabi OAM. Saba is a Board member of Multicultural NSW and a member of the Rotary club of Wagga Wagga.
Dr Nabi arrived in Australia from India almost 10 years ago as a PhD student in Biomedical Sciences at Charles Sturt University. Shortly after arriving she began volunteering at the university to ensure international students could integrate into tertiary and community life. Dr Nabi was the first international student elected to the University Council and later won the State Award.
You can read a copy of here of Dr. Saba Nabi OAM Bio and it reads like a wonderful example of how hard work and belief in your dreams to come from India to Wagga Wagga, can come true. Through her research, Dr Nabi identified a gap in the knowledge about mammography and cancer pre-screening tests of women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds Through this research Dr Nabi was able to engage with local refugee and diverse communities, advocating for mammography and breast screening for women in the Riverina.
Dr Nabi community work includes positions as an AFL Multicultural Ambassador, a member of the Federation for Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia, Publicity Officer for the Country Women’s Association of NSW and a board member of the Riverina Cancer Care Council.
Saba gave a wonderful talk outlining her journey to Wagga Wagga. It was very evident that her love of the city came through in her talk. Saba has also joined the Rotary Club of Wagga Wagga.
There was so much to take in and to be inspired by Saba and her family. Saba spoke on the many awards that she has been given over her 10 years in Wagga Wagga.
One award that got my attention was being awarded the OAM Order of Australia Medal in 2023.
“Saba Nabi has the kind of resume that would give even the most accomplished Australians an inferiority complex.
An AFL multicultural ambassador, member of the Federation for Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia, publicity officer for the Country Women’s Association of NSW, and a board member of the Riverina Cancer Care Council; now she can add Order of Australia Medal to the list.
The King’s Birthday Honour is for her service to community health, education and multicultural affairs.”
Alex gave Saba a hearty vote of thanks on behalf of all present. Saba then went on to draw her own ticket in the raffle with other winners being Daryl and Mary.
We then followed up with a little bit of business:
Mary advised us that the MHERV in Coolamon on Friday and Ganmain on Saturday this week. A list of volunteers will be circulated ASAP.
The Red Shield Appeal is set for Sunday 15th June again details to follow.
Thanks to Grahame for helping with teh photos.
Thank you Adrian for organising Dr. Saba Nabi as our guest speaker tonight, an excellent choice.
The meeting closed at 8.45pm.
DIARY
N.B. You are always welcome to bring guests to most of our meetings, just advise Ian Jennings if you want to bring a guest along when you respond to the weekly dinner roll call!
You can download the full programme here and note that it will change and that will be reflected in the weekly bulletin and in The Diary on our website or the link below in pdf:
Monday 9th June NO MEETING: Public Holiday King’s Birthday.
*Monday 16th June Guest Speaker: Steph Cooke MP, Member for Cootamundra on State Issues for the Coolamon Shire. Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm.POSTPONED.
Sunday June 15th Red Shield Appeal details to follow.
Saturday 21st-25th June 2025 RICON IN Calgary, Canada
*Monday 23rd June Social Meeting: In the hot seat will be PP Mark Reardon. Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm. meeting.
*Monday 30th June CRC 54th Annual Change Over Dinner. Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm.
*Guests welcome to bring their partners and friends.
UPCOMING CLUB CHANGE OVERS IN OUR AREA
Wagga Wagga Sunrise Tuesday June 3rd @ 6.00pm The Gardens Event Centre
Wagga Wagga Kooringal Wednesday June 1st (Time and place unknown)
Temora Saturday June 21st @ 6.30pm Temora Bowling Club
Junee Sunday 22nd. June @ Midday Junee Ex Services Club
South Wagga Monday 23rd. June @ 6.00pm Wagga Aussie Rules Club
Wagga Wagga Thursday 26th June @ 6.00 for 6.30pm in the Mirage Room, Wagga Wagga RSL
Tumut Saturday 28th. June @ 6.00pm Club Tumut
Wollundry Wagga Wagga Saturday 28th June 6.30pm at The Grange.
Coolamon Monday 30th June @ 6.30pm Coolamon Sports and Recreation Club
JUST FOR LAUGHS
All of the above photos were obtained from Facebook. Credit to the owners.
ROTARY NEWS
1. OUT AND ABOUT WITH BIGGEST MORNING TEA.
Last week Sharon and Grahame Miles hosted the biggest morning tea in aid of cancer research.
Here are some photos from Thursday’s event. Thankyou Grahame and Adrian for the photos.
Well done Sharon a great effort!
2. OUT AND ABOUT WITH the WAGGA RUGBY CHOIR
As you are aware Don and Garth are members of the Wagga Wagga Rugby choir and last week travelled to Adelaide.
54 members of the Wagga City Rugby Male Choir performed with other male choirs from all over Australia in Adelaide to a full house at the Entertainment Centre last Sunday. Over 300 male voices were at:
The National Festival of Male Choirs Gala Concert.
3. ROTARY FELLOWSHIPS
Here is a list of Rotary Fellowships that you can join if interested. Click on the image to enlarge the list:
President Adrian welcomed 20 members to our social meeting tonight. A good role up considering the weather and that two of our regular members are in Adelaide with the Wagga Rugby Choir, Garth and Don.
Mark Reardon could not attend tonight for his hot seat Q&A, so President Adrian took his place with our President Elect Mary doing the interview.
Before that we conducted some business which included:
Adrian spoke on conducting special events to help Australians who are having a tough time with the latest floods in Queensland and Northern NSW. Ideas include a monster raffle, a bush dance and a country singer such as Fanny Lumsden.
There is a forum in Wagga on 29 May, which may be of interest to our members. Jewish, Christian and Muslim speakers, including one from Gaza, will share their visions for peace. Thursday 29 May 6:30-8pm
CSU Riverina Playhouse, 8 Cross St Wagga Wagga.
Mary reminded us all that the MHVERV van will be back in Coolamon on Friday 6th June and in Ganmain on Saturday 7th June. Mary is working on a roster for our volunteers and NB There will be NO injections available this time.
Mary also said that our catering trailer is now registered.
Albert reported on the health of Ted who is in good spirits.
Anne reported on the Agricultural Day in Wagga story in the bulletin.
Daryl had a good meeting with David Byfield and Pat Ingram from Gears & Beers and they are very impressed with the new route for 2025.
Grahame said that the sandwich board is being done by regal Signs.
Grahame gave us details of the Greatest Morning Tea to be held at Sharon and Grahame’s home. Time 10.30am please let Sharon know if you will be attending.
Henk asked that we have our club keys for the CRC Shed listed as to who has which key.
Alex spoke passionately about a Japanese Youth Exchange student who needs a club to host her for 12 months.
After dinner we had Adrian in the Hot Seat:
Mary started the Q&A and went onto to ask the following questions of Adrian:
Adrian grew up on the family farm which was first settled by his Great Grandfather. The farm is between Coolamon and Wagga Wagga. The farm is called “Lindoris”.
Favourite TV show were cartoons, such as the Flintstones and any British humour like the Benny Hill show and the two Ronnies.
Life after school Adrian worked at the DMR/RTA in administration however promotion was done by seniority which did not make Adrian happy. Heron Adrian studied accountancy and worked in the health industry after he was successful in applying for a position as accountants for the Cootamundra Hospital, then Balranald Hospital and the Junee Hospital as CEO.
Adrian now farms Lindoris and is Chair of the Murrumbidgee Local Health District (LHD). Adrian has been a MLHD Board member for eight years and has served two years as the Chair. He has qualifications in accountancy, health management and university leadership. He was formally a health services executive in the Riverina and then Head of Campus at Charles Sturt University. A Fellow of the Certified Practising Accountants Australia, he currently serves on a number of boards and committees. Adrian is passionate about sustainability, quality safe care, research, innovation and continuous improvement in the Murrumbidgee.
Favourite Actor Leonardo de Capri.
Best Movie: The Terminator 2.
Sport: Formula 1 and Michael Schumacher his favourite driver.
Holidays to be able to orbit the earth!
Something that most people would not be aware of is that Adrian as a lay preacher conducted a Presbyterian funeral.
Rotary project that Adrian would like to see become more proactive is Peace.
Adrian’s choice for a dinner date dead or alive was Jesus.
As regards to Coolamon, Adrian would love to see a new hospital.
AND if Adrian was PM for a day his Captains choice would be to get rid of all the States in Australia and have a two tiered government.
Thanks go to Mary for a sterling job as the reporter and thanks to our President.
The raffle was won by Vicki and S@A Albert conducted a short fines session. Another excellent night of communication and fellowship concluded at 8.35pm.
DIARY
N.B. You are always welcome to bring guests to most of our meetings, just advise Ian Jennings if you want to bring a guest along when you respond to the weekly dinner roll call!
You can download the full programme here and note that it will change and that will be reflected in the weekly bulletin and in The Diary on our website or the link below in pdf:
*Monday 2nd June Guest Speaker: Dr Saba Nabi, Member of Rotary Club of Wagga Wagga & Multicultural NSW Board member. Topic, Multicultural communities contributing to Australian society.
Monday 9th June NO MEETING: Public Holiday King’s Birthday.
*Monday 16th June Guest Speaker: Steph Cooke MP, Member for Cootamundra on State Issues for the Coolamon Shire. Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm.
Sunday June 15th Red Shield Appeal details to follow.
Saturday 21st-25th June 2025 RICON IN Calgary, Canada
*Monday 23rd June Social Meeting: In the hot seat will be PP Mark Reardon. Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm. meeting.
*Monday 30th June CRC 54th Annual Change Over Dinner. Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm.
*Guests welcome to bring their partners and friends.
UPCOMING CLUB CHANGE OVERS IN OUR AREA
Wagga Wagga Sunrise Tuesday June 3rd @ 6.00pm The Gardens Event Centre
Wagga Wagga Kooringal Wednesday June 1st (Time and place unknown)
Temora Saturday June 21st @ 6.30pm Temora Bowling Club
Junee Sunday 22nd. June @ Midday Junee Ex Services Club
South Wagga Monday 23rd. June @ 6.00pm Wagga Aussie Rules Club
Wagga Wagga Thursday 26th June @ 6.00 for 6.30pm in the Mirage Room, Wagga Wagga RSL
Tumut Saturday 28th. June @ 6.00pm Club Tumut
Wollundry Wagga Wagga Saturday 28th June 6.30pm at The Grange.
Coolamon Monday 30th June @ 6.30pm Coolamon Sports and Recreation Club
JUST FOR LAUGHS
ROTARY NEWS
1. OUT AND ABOUT WITH CRC
The CRC was asked to cook a BBQ for high school students attending the Ag Industry Day at TAFE NSW – Primary Industry Centre. This is the North Wagga campus on the Coolamon Road
This was a fundraiser for Stacey Suidgeest for Wagga Wagga takes 2, the proceeds going to Ronald McDonald house. Stacey provided all of the food and barbecue, we just had to cook and serve; all the students were very well behaved.
We cooked and served 400 sausages and onions in bread. There were only about seven sausages left. They were year nine and 10 children from all over some Coolamon, Temora, Tumut and Wagga and surrounds.
Thanks to those who volunteered and flew the flag for our club. Anne, Daryl, Howard, Barry, Mary and Gary.
2. BATEMANS BAY RC MAASAI PROJECT IN KENYA
The Rotary Club of Batemans Bay has launched a RAWCS project: Maasai Mammas Project: Where Water Flows, Opportunity Grows. The project will install a 100m deep bore hole and 5 watering points to service three Maasai Villages in the Amboseli District of Kenya. This will directly impact the lives of around 1,500 Maasai, and in particular the women. It is the women’s job to walk kilometres every day and to carry back heavy containers of water for the families to use.
The project has been organised by Sharlene Cohen who has been doing volunteer work in Kenya. The committee is made of up mostly women Rotarians who have joined the club in the past year, but is supported by the whole club. The new Rotarians are making an impact to people across the world. The watering points and the time saved will allow women in the Maasai community to attend school or to earn a living and bring money into their community.
To donate or to find out more about the project or Rotary visit the RAWCS page or contact Sharlene Cohen (H) 0428 711 709 Email: [email protected].
FIRST LOOK INSIDE THE NEW COOLAMON HOTEL
The Coolamon Hotel. has been shut for years. But if you’ve walked past lately, you’ll know something’s been brewing behind those old brick walls. Two locals. Five years. A full-blown rebuild of the pub they grew up in. This Sunday, we take you inside for the very first time — before the doors officially open.
The link below goes to a video that was made last week:
President Adrian welcomed 22 members and two guests including Rtn. Brian Roberts from Kooringal RC and our guest speaker Jeff McCormick.
President Adrian reminded members to donate used clothing for the Jericho project in Junee.
Mary advised the members that we need one more spot to be filled on the roster for the Red Shield Appeal on the 15th June.
Grahame said that Sharon is hosting a Big Morning Tea at their home on Thursday 29th May from 10.30am Sharon is making pasties and coffee at $10 per person.
We then had dinner and afterwards President Adrian introduced our Guest speaker Professor Jeff McCormick, Associate Head of School of Agriculture, CSU Wagga Wagga.
Jeff completed a PhD on dual-purpose canola at Charles Sturt University. This work included field crop agronomy research, plant physiology and APSIM modelling. In 2010,Jeff commenced work with NSW DPI as part of the EverCrop program with Future Farm Industries. The primary focus of this position was investigating the establishment of pastures by under sowing in the mixed farming zone. In 2012, Jeff moved to Lincoln University, New Zealand, as a Plant Science Lecturer. Teaching included first year plant science, crop science and crop and pasture agronomy. Jeff came back to CSU as a lecturer in Agronomy in 2016.
Adrian said there are 6 Rotary Clubs in PNG and PNG is in D9620 a Queensland District. The Rotarians in PNG do some great work in PNG with Malaria, HIV education, Domestic Violence, Wheel Chairs and Water supply.
Tonight Jeff spoke on Paua New Guinea from an agricultural perspective and how agriculture in PNG is so different to Australia. In particular Jeff highlighted Mount Hagen with a population of 12 million. Their is a high unemployment rate in the Mount Hagen area. So the project that Jeff and Wendy de Luca are involved in is called TVET or Technical & Vocational Education & Training packages. The TVET packages are an Australian Department of Foreign Affairs programme in combination with the PNG Government.
Out of the population of Mount Hagen 85% grow their own food and 85% work in agriculture. Jeff said that the staple diets are as follows:
Sweet potato 66%
Bananas 6%
Sago 7%
Casava 6%
Taro 4%
Coconut, tea, rubber and coffee.
Palm Oil
The Mount Hagen Technical College is providing courses to improve the lives of the men and women from subsistence agriculture to a technical trade:
Jeff went on to talk about meat in PNG and said that they have chicken, pigs, goats and cattle. They produce 16,000 tonnes of meat and import a further 76,000 tonnes of meat annually mainly from Australia and New Zealand.
Jeff spoke about the limitations of working in PNG citing violence, corruption, trained human resources and supply chains for marketing crops such as coffee and tea.
An excellent presentation and with many questions. Barry thanked Jeff for his most interesting talk.
We then closed the meeting after a fines session by Cpl. Garth and his assistant Dick.
The raffle was won by Garth and the meeting closed at 9.00pm.
DIARY
N.B. You are always welcome to bring guests to most of our meetings, just advise Ian Jennings if you want to bring a guest along when you respond to the weekly dinner roll call!
You can download the full programme here and note that it will change and that will be reflected in the weekly bulletin and in The Diary on our website or the link below in pdf:
*Monday 26th May Social Meeting: In the hot seat will be PP Mark Reardon, Mark has been a member of our club for 40 years! Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm. meeting.
*Monday 2nd June Guest Speaker: Dr Saba Nabi, Member of Rotary Club of Wagga Wagga & Multicultural NSW Board member. Topic, Multicultural communities contributing to Australian society.
Monday 9th June NO MEETING: Public Holiday King’s Birthday.
*Monday 16th June Guest Speaker: Steph Cooke MP, Member for Cootamundra on State Issues for the Coolamon Shire. Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm.
Sunday June 15th Red Shield Appeal details to follow.
Saturday 21st-25th June 2025 RICON IN Calgary, Canada
As we grow our platforms and the content, we encourage you to follow the pages and share them with your Rotary and local community connections. Read more in the link below:
If you have any questions please contact Sr. Coordinator Communications and Public Relations, Angela Stavro at [email protected] and Public Image Director, Liz McDougall at [email protected]
CRC SOCIAL MEDIA.
Believe it or not the club has had social media since 2004 when PP Les Millis and JJG created our website using Word Press as our platform to host the website. We also have a CRC Facebook group with 25 members in that group. Adrian and Ian are administrators for our group. You can access our Facebook group and join as a member:
We do not have an Instagram page nor do we have a LinkedIn profile.
If any of our members wish to create an CRC Instagram page or a LinkedIn presence I am sure that our Public Image Director would be able to create both social media outlets. I have been on Facebook for 18 years now mainly for Huff n Puff. I use Instagram sparingly and I have left LinkedIn.
May is Youth Service Month —a time dedicated to celebrating the local and global impact of Rotary International’s young leaders. While their impact is felt year-round, this month provides a special opportunity to showcase the leadership growth and service efforts of the 350,000+ young people engaged in Rotary’s youth programs worldwide.
Join us in celebrating Rotary’s young leaders in the following ways:
Rotary International has a new Instagram account that celebrates and showcases the experiences of Rotary’s youth program participants! Follow along for content about Interact clubs, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), and Rotary Youth Exchange. Throughout May, there will be special themed content connecting to Youth Service Month.
President Adrian welcomed 21 members to our club assembly meeting a good turn out of current members.
Albert presented some chocolates for those with recent birthdays including Mark and JJG with Vicki and Myffy not present. We sang happy birthday to the four and shared the chocolates!!
Adrian then thanked the volunteers who attended RYDA in Wagga which included Alex, Daryl, Gary, Annie, Adrian and Dick. Our students from year 11 where from the Kildare College in Wagga.
Adrian also thanked those selling raffle tickets for the trailer of wood which raised $667.40 according to Annie and the volunteers were Ian, Vicki, Annie, Albert, Gary, Mary and Lexi.
We drew the raffle for the firewood and the winner was Wayne Pearce.
Other items discussed included:
Red Shield appeal June 15th requires more volunteers a list will be circulated next week.
Change over night 30th June and members are asked to bring deserts.
There will be a fund raising event on August 8th a Shakespeare night being organised by Harry Nixon from Kooringal RC and it will be held at the Cheese Factory with all proceeds going to our club.
Donations of clothing are needed for the Junee Correctional Centre for those men on release to have some dignity.
We need old mobile phones for a fund raising for prevention of domestic violence.
Paul Weston then reported on the preceding board meeting and some items form that meeting include:
Ian is looking at the honour board and will present two options to members.
Bear is preparing our food van to hand over to Grong Grong.
Bear is also arranging sign writing for our BBQ trailer, $600.
The MHERV van will be in Coolamon and Ganmain on the 6th June in Coolamon and the 7th June in Ganmain. More details available from Garth.
2025-2026 Club Admin will be Mark with help from Gary and Bear.
S@A for 25-26 will be Dick and assisted by Cpl. Garth.
We donated $350 to Circus Quirkus via the South Wagga RC. https://www.circusquirkus.com.au/
We will distribute the proceeds from the Garden Viewing with donations of $4,000 to the Coolamon and Ganmain Hospital Auxiliary and $2,000 to Allawah Lodge.
The Board is looking at applying for D9705 Grants for our BBQ trailer.
After dinner we had a short Club Assembly and the subject of being a cheque book club was brought up by JJG in regard to the Queensland flood appeal. JJG appealed to the farmers in our club to organise a bush dance in the Ganmain Hall. JJG pointed out that the last time we used teh Ganmain Hall was in 2014 when we raised $4,500 for RAGES and in particular the elephants and rhinos that are fast disappearing. There was not much support for this idea.
Bear brought up insurance and that we should have insurance as a certificate of currency for an event such as firewood cutting and splitting.
JJG brought up our CRC Facebook page and asked for a showing of hands of which members present use Facebook. It is apparent that only a handful of members use Facebook and even less use our CRC FB page.
There were a couple of fines and one a cross fine on Grahame by Mark on noises coming from Grahame’s home which Grahame put down to putting his socks on.
The evening ended with a raffle which was won by Dick again!!!
All in all an excellent evening of fellowship and friendship.
DIARY
N.B. You are always welcome to bring guests to most of our meetings, just advise Ian Jennings if you want to bring a guest along when you respond to the weekly dinner roll call!
You can download the full programme here and note that it will change and that will be reflected in the weekly bulletin and in The Diary on our website or the link below in pdf:
*Monday 19 May guest speaker Professor Jeff McCormack, Associate Head of School of Agriculture, CSU on “Agricultural research project in PNG”. Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm. meeting.
*Monday 26th May Social Meeting: In the hot seat will be PP Mark Reardon, Mark has been a member of our club for 40 years! Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm. meeting.
*Monday 2nd June Guest Speaker: Dr Saba Nabi, Member of Rotary Club of Wagga Wagga & Multicultural NSW Board member. Topic, Multicultural communities contributing to Australian society.
Monday 9th June NO MEETING: Public Holiday King’s Birthday.
*Monday 16th June Guest Speaker: Steph Cooke MP, Member for Cootamundra on State Issues for the Coolamon Shire. Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm.
Sunday June 15th Red Shield Appeal details to follow.
Saturday 21st-25th June 2025 RICON IN Calgary, Canada
*Monday 23rd June Social Meeting: In the hot seat will be President Adrian Lindner. Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm. meeting.
*Monday 30th June CRC 54th Annual Change Over Dinner. Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm.
*Guests welcome to bring their partners and friends.
JUST FOR LAUGHS
Sitting on the highway, waiting to catch speeders, a state trooper noticed a car slowly puttering along at just 22 MPH. He thought, “That’s just as dangerous as speeding!”
So, he flipped on the lights and pulled the car over. Inside were six elderly ladies — two in front, two in the middle, two in the back — all wide-eyed like they’d just seen a ghost.
The driver said, “Officer, I don’t understand. I wasn’t speeding. What’s the problem?” He replied, “Ma’am, driving too slow can be just as dangerous as speeding.”
The woman, very matter-of-factly, said, “But I was going exactly 22 miles an hour!” Trying not to laugh, the officer explained, “That’s not the speed limit, ma’am — that’s the route number.”
Her face turned red with embarrassment. “Thank you, officer!” she chuckled.
As he turned to leave, the officer glanced at the other ladies — still pale and silent — and asked, “Are they okay?” She smiled and said, “Oh, they’ll be fine in a minute, Officer. We just got off Route 142.”
All of the above images were obtained from Facebook.
ROTARY NEWS
1. MEMBERSHIP
On Thursday the Rotary Club of Narooma had a night of fun and ceremony as it inducted Club’s first Corporate Member – the Commonwealth Bank Narooma Branch. President Julie Hartley involved many members of the club in a ceremony welcoming Victoria Wilkin, left, Julie Drummond and Naomi Brown.
Victoria, Julie and Julie have been attending the Narooma Rotary Business Networking Breakfasts, a project of the club which brings together the business community. The club has been growing this year and welcomes new members who would like to make a difference in the community.
The Batemans Bay Rotary Club inducted three new members tonight: Tricia Pye, Darren Knight and Andrew Parr. All three have already been active in the Batemans Bay community and will join the club to become further involved in local and international projects. Batemans Bay Rotary have inducted 12 new members this year.
Also tonight Matte Willis and Jake Cartwright spoke about why they had also joined the club earlier in the year. Jake spoke about being part of the community when he was younger and how the Rotary Club had given him a scholarship. Matte spoke about being new to the community and how the club had made her feel very welcome.
Matte is already involved in a project at the club to provide a water bore for four Masai villages in Kenya. She may go to visit the site in June.
FOOTNOTE
Last week I posted a story on our Past RI Director Jessie Harman Zone 8, on her trek to base camp on Everest.
“And just like that our trek for polio is over. To my more than 180 generous donors, thank you – you have been the power in my legs, the gratitude in my heart, and the confidence in my mind that, one foot after another, I could get this done. Unlike my trek, Rotary’s work to eradicate polio continues, but I know we will deliver on our promise and when we do, it will be Rotary’s greatest gift to the children of the world.
PS – I am achingly close to my final fundraising goal of $25,000. If you can make a tax deductible contribution to End Polio, I would be most appreciative.”
President Adrian welcomed 23 members to our meeting and 5 guests including, Lorraine Hamilton, Susan Glassford, Joanne Dutton, Bill Pippen and our guest speaker Leigh Mathieson. An excellent turn out.
President Adrian asked for any general business and we had a few:
Reminder that RYDA starts at 9.00am at the Wagga Showgrounds.
Henk thanked Annie for doing the flags, I think Annie did say that she was not tall enough!
Reminder that the wood raffle is from 3.00-6.00pm on this upcoming Friday at Foodworks.
Paul thanked Annie for distributing the Chronicle.
After dinner Adrian introduced our guest speaker Leigh Mathieson. Adrian reminded us that one of the seven areas of Rotary’s focus is supporting the environment and became Rotary’s seventh area of focus. It joins peacebuilding and conflict prevention; disease prevention and treatment water, sanitation, and hygiene.
Leigh Mathieson, Murrumbidgee Landcare on “Narrandera koalas and other Landcare projects”
Leigh gave a comprehensive talk on koalas and described in detail some of the work that he is involved in at Narrandera in the koala colony there and beyond.
Koalas have been around for 45 million years and have a common ancestry with wombats. The Indigenous people of Australia see the koala as a spiritual being. As of February 2022, the Australian government listed the koala as an endangered species.
Some of the interesting points that Leigh brought up and there were many included:
Koalas are being reduced in number mainly due to habitat loss and disease.
In 1972 23 koalas were introduced to the 2ha Narrandera Koala Reserve which has grown to a population of 300 today.
One area that was addressed in Narrandera was to fence the area to prevent road deaths of koalas.
A Koala Committee was formed with the National Parks and Wildlife. Involved was Leigh and Joanne Dutton. This committee fund raises for the koalas in the local community.
The Murrumbidgee landcare group is involved in a 3 tier project:
The Narrandera population is healthy and thriving.
In the future they propose to relocate koalas from Narrandera to other part of the NSW including Sydney and Talbingo.
Adrian thanked Leigh for an excellent talk enjoyed by all present. More information on Leigh:
“Leigh is a dedicated individual with a passion for the environment, sustainability and biodiversity. After studying a Diploma in Animal Technology, he gained years of valuable experience in pre-clinical medical research, working on projects related to cancer pharmaceuticals and diabetes transplant technologies.
Eventually, Leigh felt a desire to return to his roots in the countryside, where he discovered an unexpected opportunity in the pig industry”.
The raffle was won by Lorraine Hamilton and a heads and tails was won by Barry.
The meeting closed at 8.50pm.
FOOTNOTE:
All our members and partners wish Ted Hutcheon a speedy recovery from his confrontation with the fork lift. We believe the score is now Ted 1 Forklift 1. See you soon Ted.
OUT AND ABOUT FIREWOOD
On Saturday 3rd May: Albert, Bear, Gary, Barry, Howard, Alex and Adrian spent the morning cutting and splitting a load of firewood for our upcoming raffle this Friday at Foodworks. Thanks go to the volunteers listed above and to Adrian and Wendy for the firewood from their property. Photos below by Adrian:
OUT AND ABOUT IN ALBURY
Mary Potts had a 12km. run on the weekend and met up with some of the Rotary Club of Albury West after the run.
DIARY
N.B. You are always welcome to bring guests to most of our meetings, just advise Ian Jennings if you want to bring a guest along when you respond to the weekly dinner roll call!
You can download the full programme here and note that it will change and that will be reflected in the weekly bulletin and in The Diary on our website or the link below in pdf:
Friday May 9th RYDA in Wagga Wagga at the Showgrounds. 9.00 am Volunteers are: Adrian, Dick, Howard, Annie, Daryl and Alex.
Friday May 9th: Firewood raffle at Foodworks. Roster is:
3.00-4.00 pm Ian and Mary
4.00-5.00 pm Vicki and Henk
5.00-6.00 pm Lexi and Annie
Monday 12th May Board meeting 5.15pm, Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club.
Monday 12th May Club Assembly Meeting . Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm. meeting.
*Monday 19 May guest speaker Professor Jeff McCormack, Associate Head of School of Agriculture, CSU on “Agricultural research project in PNG”. Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm. meeting.
*Monday 26th May Social Meeting: In the hot seat will be PP Mark Reardon, Mark has been a member of our club for 40 years! Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm. meeting.
*Monday 16th June Guest Speaker: Steph Cooke MP, Member for Cootamundra on State Issues for the Coolamon Shire. Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm.
Sunday June 15th Red Shield Appeal details to follow.
Saturday 21st-25th June 2025 RICON IN Calgary, Canada
*Monday 30th June CRC 54th Annual Change Over Dinner. Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm.
*Guests welcome to bring their partners and friends.
JUST FOR LAUGHS
All of the above images were obtained from Facebook.
ROTARY NEWS
1. NYSF NATIONAL YOUTH SCIENCE FORUM
Applications for the 2026 NYSF Year 12 Program are now open!
Applications close 20 June 2025. We encourage you to start your application early so you have time to complete the application and gather any required information. Find tips on applying and answers to common questions on the How to Apply page.
Applications close 20 June 2025!!!
As far as I can remember our last NYSF student was Bethany Crocker:
Past Rotary International Director Jessie Harman has trekked to the Everest Base Camp to raise funds for Polio Plus.
Jessie is a member of the Rotary Club of Wendouree Breakfast in District 9780 (Victoria).
Jessie was our RI Director for Rotary Zone 8 in 2021-2023, Zone 8 covers Australia and New Zealand. Jessie said before the trek:
“Why I am fundraising for The Rotary Foundation?
To help eradicate polio once and for all, I will be walking 6 km every day for 60 days, culminating in a final challenge: a trek to Everest Base Camp. I’m taking this journey to raise awareness and funds to End Polio – a disease that is 99.9% eradicated but still threatens children in vulnerable communities.
Every step I take represents the millions of steps needed to deliver vaccines, educate communities, and provide other essential support. But I can’t do this alone – I need your help!
By partnering with me, you will be:✔ Keeping children safe – from this devastating disease.
✔ Making a global impact – your contribution directly supports Rotary’s polio eradication efforts
✔ Being part of history – Rotary and its partners are on the verge of eradicating polio forever. Your support helps make that possible!
Please make a donation to help us obtain the vaccines, transport and materials needed in our fight against polio – or share my page to spread the word.”
“Thanks to your support I’ve achieved my goal – 6 kms every day for 60 days, then a trek to Everest Base Camp. And just as I’ve achieved my goal, so will Rotary achieve its goal of a polio free world. But we can’t do it without you. Every dollar makes a difference, $5 will fully protect a child from polio and the Gates Foundation will match every donation 2:1.”
Australians and New Zealanders commemorated the 110th anniversary of the landing at Gallipoli. Small villages like Ganmain and large cities like Sydney and all around Australia and New Zealand came out in large numbers for the 110th anniversary of the Gallipoli landing.
Our President Adrian laid a wreath on behalf of our Rotary Club as did Ian Penfold on behalf of the Coolamon Lions.
President Adrian with the CRC wreath.
Above photo of Ian Penfold by Marc Canino.
Above the start of the dawn service in Ganmain.
TWO ANZAC STORIES FROM CRC MEMBERS:
1. JOHN NULTY
John sent us some photos of his service in Vietnam they speak for themselves:
I think that all of us would like to hear John’s story of his service in Vietnam.
2. JOHN GLASSFORD
ANZAC Day has many and varied reasons why Australians and New Zealanders treat this day as sacred. Many of us in our club have their own personal reasons and for me it is my father George James Glassford. My father joined the NZ Expeditionary Force in 1912, with the Hawkes Bay Regiment in Napier, he was 21 years old. In August 1914 he was posted, with his regiment, to join the 1st Wellington Division. Dad landed at Gallipoli on ANZAC Day at 4.00pm Gallipoli time.
My father is the Sergeant sitting down wearing the lemon squeezer hat. (He is also the Sergeant in the insert). This was taken at Gallipoli a few days before he was shot in the chest and lost an eye from shrapnel. Dad missed Chunuk Bair on August 8th as he was in hospital in Cairo. His Division the 1st Wellingtons were wiped out that day with only 70 out of 760 men who survived. My mother told me that his platoon in the photo above were all killed at Chunuk Bair.
COOLAMON ROTARY CLUB MEETING April 28th 2025
President Adrian welcomed 18 members to our meeting, and one guest Lorraine Hamilton.
Ian Jennings sent in a package of some useful clothing for the Junee Correctional Centre. President Adrian asked for more donations please. Thankyou Ian.
Adrian promoted the firewood cutting and splitting day on his property. Albert said that he had three chain saws that he has borrowed from Ted and they all start! This will happen on Saturday 3rd May (Voting Day) from 10.00am. So far Alex, Albert, Garry and Adrian will be there.
Reminders that on the 8th May we have the Coolamon and Ganmain Hospital BBQ at the fair in the community car park.
Friday 9th May we need 7 volunteers for the Youth Driver Awareness day at the Wagga showgrounds. So far we have Adrian, Dick, Howard, Annie, Daryl and Alex attending. 9.00am at the WW Showgrounds.
Monday May 12th Board meeting and club assembly. The assembly is to vote for two changes to our club bylaws.
Paul advised us all that the Coolamon Community Chronicle is ready for printing and will be ready to pick up on Wednesday which Annie will do.
Mary gave notice that the Salvation Army Red Shield appeal is on the 15th June at the football. More on this when we get the roster done.
JOHN BOND OR BONDY
After a break Adrian had Bondy in the hot seat and what an interesting life John has experienced to date. There was so much to take in and I will do my best here to report the Q&A session in bullet form:
Brought up on a property near Penola in SE South Australia in the heart of the Coonawarra wine growing area. Also a great fine wool growing area.
They did not have television in those days and at 16 Bondy joined the RAAF.
The Bond family had four boys and two girls.
John caught a train to Adelaide and went to the RAAF recruiting centre for electronic engineering, John’s passion.
Bondy was in the RAAF for 20 years and was posted all around Australia, where he specialised in the design, modification, and installations of radar systems.
Bondy went to the USA to complete an advanced satellite course and then returned to Australia and onto to Woomera. Here the task was to monitor (spy) on China and Eastern Russia. Hence the name suits Mr. Bond!!!! Something about Russian subs off Adelaide. The Pentagon had 3 minutes in those days to decide if a missile was hostile or not!
On leaving the RAAF Bondy took up teaching at the Sydney Technical College in Ultimo. John had plenty of good stories to tell.
Bondy met Rosalee at a RAAF mates wedding and they have three children Bevan, Louisa and of course we all know Sarah a past member of our club. Rosalee and John have 5 grandchildren
His favourite actor Tom Hanks and his movie of choice is Music of the Heart starring Meryl Streep.
Bondy loves cricket and his favourite Aussie cricketers are Ian Chapel and Adam Gilchrist.
The question on which country he would like to take Rosalee one day is Tajikistan.
Issues for Rotary is climate change and Bondy loves:
German and ancient baroque music and his favourite composers are Handel and Bach.
Above Bondy playing at the 2019 D9700 Conference to close the event!
Thanks Bondy very interesting life you have led to date.
The raffle was won by JJG with the second prize going to Dick. John chose the bottle of Bond Shiraz wine donated by Bondy.
The evening finished with some yarns about Ted mainly from Albert and Lexi. These are not for publishing as we were all laughing too much. However the story of the runaway fork lift is a classic.
The night was a lot of fun and a very interesting Q&A with Bondy.
The meeting closed at 8.45 followed by some good fellowship.
DIARY
N.B. You are always welcome to bring guests to most of our meetings, just advise Ian Jennings if you want to bring a guest along when you respond to the weekly dinner roll call!
You can download the full programme here and note that it will change and that will be reflected in the weekly bulletin and in The Diary on our website or the link below in pdf:
Saturday May 3rd Wood cutting working bee at Adrian and Wendy’s property. So far Alex, Albert, Gary and Adrian will be there.
*Monday 5th May Guest Speaker Leigh Mathieson, Murrumbidgee Landcare on “Narrandera koalas and other Landcare projects”. Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm. meeting. CONFIRMED
Friday May 9th RYDA in Wagga Wagga at the Showgrounds. 9.00 am 7 Volunteers are needed, so far we have Adrian, Dick, Howard, Annie, Daryl and Alex.
Friday May 9th: Firewood raffle at Foodworks.
Monday 12th May Board meeting 5.15pm, Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club.
Monday 12th May Club Assembly Meeting to change our Bylaws. Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm. meeting.
*Monday 19 May guest speaker Professor Jeff McCormack, Associate Head of School of Agriculture, CSU on “Agricultural research project in PNG”. Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm. meeting.
*Monday 16th June Guest Speaker: Steph Cooke MP, Member for Cootamundra on State Issues for the Coolamon Shire. Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm.
Sunday June 15th Red Shield Appeal details to follow.
Saturday 21st-25th June 2025 RICON IN Calgary, Canada
*Monday 30th June CRC 54th Annual Change Over Dinner. Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm.
*Guests welcome to bring their partners and friends.
JUST FOR LAUGHS
All of the above images were obtained from Facebook.
ROTARY NEWS
ROTARY DOWN UNDER
We hope that you enjoy your Rotary Down Under which is now 60 years old and still going strong.
For 60 years, Rotary Down Under has been the voice of Rotary in Australia, New Zealand and the South West Pacific. Since April 1965, it has connected Rotarians, shared stories of service and strengthened Rotary’s public image — reflecting a deep commitment to humanitarian service, community engagement and leadership.
The idea began in the early 1960s, when Rotarians from Bayswater, Vic, and Newtown, NSW, saw a need for a regional publication. Rotary International’s The Rotarian lacked Southern Hemisphere content. Bayswater president Jim Robinson, Les Gilbert and Paul Henningham of Newtown launched Rotary Down Under in 1965.
Despite some early resistance, they secured support from all 11 Australian district governors to trial the magazine. It quickly succeeded, and the 1965-66 governors became the first Board of Rotary Down Under, a not-for-profit association. Paul Henningham, a suburban newspaper proprietor, served as founding editor, leading the magazine for 19 years before handing over to Bob Aitken, who continued for another 30. Today, the legacy is carried on by General Manager Gay Kiddle, Club Relationships and Merchandise Manager Sam Ausburn, Editor Meagan Martin, Creative and Digital Director Rhys Martin and Proof-reader Gwen Walker.
Rotary Down Under plays a vital role in promoting Rotary’s impact. Each issue showcases inspiring community projects, disaster relief, youth programs and global initiatives across the region. By highlighting work in Rotary’s seven areas of focus, the magazine raises Rotary’s profile and reinforces its values of service, fellowship, diversity and integrity.
The magazine also strengthens membership by connecting Rotarians across vast distances, reinforcing shared purpose and fostering engagement. Through storytelling and powerful imagery, it inspires new members and showcases Rotary’s impact.
As media evolves, so too does Rotary Down Under — now embracing digital editions, social media, videos and online storytelling. Staying true to its mission of service and connection, it ensures Rotary’s message of Service Above Self remains strong for generations to come.
Click on the copies below for a larger image:
RDU AND RAGES.
Some of you may know that the Rotarian Action Group for Endangered Species or RAGES was started in Coolamon. We did get an excellent article published in RDU, the story was published in the August 2017 issue of RDU. Click on the images below to read the article:
APRIL IS ROTARY ENVIRONMENT MONTH
Artwork by Rtn. Debbie Vance RC of Merritt BC Canada
ROTARY CLUB OF COOLAMON Inc. 2024-25
Chartered March 3rd, 1971; Sponsoring Club Narrandera Rotary Club
President: Adrian Lindner
President-Elect 2025-2026: Mary Potts
Secretary: Paul Weston
Treasurer: Mary Potts
Rotary Foundation Director: Gary Truscott
Membership Director: Brian Pattison
Service Projects Director: Anne Rzeszkowski
Youth Services Director: Lexi Furner
Club Admin Director: Ian Jennings
Public Image Director:Grahame Miles
Sergeant @ Arms: Albert Suidgeest
Club Environment Representative: Adrian Lindner
Immediate Past President and Vice-President: John Bond
NB. Lions couldn’t get any takers for the joint meeting. Graeme said that they will have a fairly busy week with Easter, ANZAC Day, Trots.
TENTH ANNIVERASY OF THE 2015 MOUNT KENYA CLIMB
Coolamon RC and Wagga Sunrise RC Joint Project.
On April 25th 2015 the centenary of ANZAC Day a team from Coolamon Rotary Club and Wagga Sunrise Rotary Club went to Kenya to climb Mount Kenya to Point Lenana the third highest peak in Africa. This was the third African mountain that our club has climbed.
This ANZAC Day week is the 10th anniversary of that climb and most of the members of that team met in Wagga to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of that climb. Thanks got to Harry Nixon for organising the dinner.
Above Susan, John, Colin Wiese, Fred Loneragan, Alex, Chris Finkel, Harry Nixon, Sally Farmer and Don. Apologies from Peter and Lyn Sparks and David Nixon.
The 2015 Mount Kenya ANZAC Centennial team included: Alex Thompson, Don Dyce and John Glassford form Coolamon. PDG Fred Loneragan and Colin Wiese from Wagga Sunrise, Chris Finkel from Forbes RC, Harry Nixon from Kooringal Rotary with his son David from Newcastle, Mark Janetzki from Henty RC (Since Passed Away), Mathew Joseph from Rotorua RC, and Peter Sparks from Griffith Avanti RC.
Together with our supporters and wives we had a team of 17. Rtn. Joseph Kingori from the RC of Nyeri on the slopes of Mount Kenya, joined us in the climb.
On ANZAC Day 2015 we held a special memorial ANZAC Day service at Shipton’s Camp 4,200 metres above sea level. David Nixon a RAAF Officer, led the dawn service the sound starts at 35 seconds into the video:
It was a lot tougher than we expected and we managed to get 9 of the 12 climbers to the top of Point Lenana at 4,985 metres. Point Lenana is the 3rd highest peak on Mount Kenya. We had around 2 feet of snow the night before the climb to Point Lenana. All in all we spent 6 nights and 7 days on Mount Kenya.
Click on the images below for a larger view:
PART ONE
We met in Nairobi most of us arriving on different schedules and then went to Diani Beach near Mombasa for the Rotary D9212 Conference.
PART TWO
After Diani Beach we went to Nyeri on the slopes of Mount Kenya to prepare for the climb:
PART THREE
We reached Shipton’s Camp at 4,200 metres on the 24th April 2015 and started the climb on ANZAC Day:
PART FOUR
Following the success of the climb we all went our various ways, some to Oloimugi Maasai Village, some to the Maasai Mara and others to Amboseli National Park. After the safaris most of the team went to Hout Bay in South Africa to visit our Centennial Twin Rotary Club Hout Bay:
PART FIVE
However the results of the climb are significant and we raised around $45,000. We presented the Legacy Wagga Wagga Branch with a cheque for $12,790. One of our three projects that we supported through the climb.
The remaining two projects received funds as and when needed. In the main our sponsorship for the vulnerable and at risk girls from Mathare in Nairobi. Part of these funds went towards the Rotary Club of Gigiri in Nairobi for education of the children of Mathare, a project that we have been with since 2007. We also sent funds to Operation Medical Hope and Coolamon House in Hout Bay via our Rotary Centennial Twin club, Hout Bay RC.
DIARY
N.B. You are always welcome to bring guests to most of our meetings, just advise Ian Jennings if you want to bring a guest along when you respond to the weekly dinner roll call!
You can download the full programme here and note that it will change and that will be reflected in the weekly bulletin and in The Diary on our website or the link below in pdf:
Saturday 26th April: Firewood raffle at Foodworks.
Monday 28th April: Bondy in the Hot Chair. Social Meeting, Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm. meeting.
*Monday 28th The Bowls between Lions and Rotary has been cancelled
*Monday 5th May Guest Speaker TBC Leigh Mathieson, Murrumbidgee Landcare on “Narrandera koalas and other Landcare projects”. Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm. meeting.
Thursday May 8th. Coolamon and Ganmain Hospital Fair. Venue car park of the Coolamon Ganmain Hospital. Time 3.00pm. Volunteers for the CRC BBQ are Bear, Gary, Alex and Annie will be doing the catering
Friday May 9th RYDA in Wagga Wagga at the Showgrounds. Volunteers are needed.
Friday May 9th: Firewood raffle at Foodworks.
Monday 12th May Board meeting 5.15pm, Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club.
Monday 12th May Social Meeting Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm. meeting.
*Monday 19 May guest speaker Professor Jeff McCormack, Associate Head of School of Agriculture, CSU on “Agricultural research project in PNG”. Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm. meeting.
Friday 6th June and Saturday 7th June: The MHERV Rotary Medical Van will be in Ganmain on Saturday 7th June and in Coolamon on Friday 6th June. Details available from Garth Perkin.
*Monday 16th June Guest Speaker: Steph Cooke MP, Member for Cootamundra on State Issues for the Coolamon Shire. Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm.
Saturday 21st-25th June 2025 RICON IN Calgary, Canada
{Hongi is a traditional Māori greeting in which people press their noses together.}
COOLAMON ROTARY CLUB MEETING April 14th 2025
President Elect Mary Potts welcomed 17 members to our meeting. This followed the monthly board meeting.
Tonight was an excellent night catching up with our members and decisions made by the board.
PE Mary did a great job and we look forward to Mary’s year as our president.
Paul Weston reported on the board meeting and some of the items included:
Honour Board to be timber and fixed above the servery.
We have accepted $1,500 for the food van whose new home will be in Grong Grong.
Street Raffles are on the 26th April and the 9th of May. There is a roster in circulation. The prize is a trailer load of firewood value $400.00, on Saturday May 3rd there will be a working bee at Adrian’s farm to cut and split the load. Volunteers are needed.
The MHERV Rotary Medical Van will be in Ganmain on Saturday 7th June and in Coolamon on Friday 6th June. Details available form Garth Perkin.
The scholarship for a student from the Coolamon Central School will be awarded in September.
The BoD approved the following donations: Myanmar earthquake $1,000 and $1,000 to the Rotary Queensland flood appeal.
John Glassford pointed out that we are not a cheque book club and that when an appeal for something like the Queensland floods comes along we should raise funds specifically for that cause. In mind a bush dance in teh Ganmain Hall could be one way of getting local farmers and those associated with the land to support such a bush dance. JJG would appreciate any thoughts and if it appeals to our members we should form a committee. We have used the Ganmain Hall before for the Mount Kenya night on May 10th 2014 and raised $4,500. This was just a dinner with an auction and raffle prizes.
On the 8th May at 3.00pm the Local Area Health Advisory Committee has asked the CRC to help catering at the upcoming fair. Bear, Gary, Alex and Annie will be doing the catering on our “club member”, the BBQ trailer. The area where they will be is the car park of the Coolamon Ganmain Hospital.
The board discussed the purchase of gazebos and tables for the trailer BBQ.
President Adrian will lay the wreath on ANZAC Day in Coolamon.
Ricky Hard will create the art work for a sandwich board and the CRC BBQ trailer.
Ian Jennings conducted a heads and Tails competition and Mary Potts won.
Thanks PE Mary and the meeting closed at 8.30pm.
Wishing you all a peaceful and reflective Easter.
DIARY
N.B. You are always welcome to bring guests to most of our meetings, just advise Ian Jennings if you want to bring a guest along when you respond to the weekly dinner roll call!
You can download the full programme here and note that it will change and that will be reflected in the weekly bulletin and in The Diary on our website or the link below in pdf:
Saturday 26th April: Firewood raffle at Foodworks.
Monday 28th April: Bondy in the Hot Chair. Social Meeting, Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm. meeting.
*Monday 28th April Joint Bowls with Lions Coolamon 6.00pm, followed by the weekly CRC meeting Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, at 7.30 pm. Mark Reardon (TBC) in the Hot Chair. Social Meeting
*Monday 5th May Guest Speaker TBC Leigh Mathieson, Murrumbidgee Landcare on “Narrandera koalas and other Landcare projects”. Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm. meeting.
Friday May 9th RYDA in Wagga Wagga at the Showgrounds. Volunteers are needed.
Friday May 9th: Firewood raffle at Foodworks.
Monday 12th May Board meeting 5.15pm, Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club.
Monday 12th May Social Meeting Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm. meeting.
*Monday 19 May guest speaker Professor Jeff McCormack, Associate Head of School of Agriculture, CSU on “Agricultural research project in PNG”. Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm. meeting.
*Monday 16th June Guest Speaker: Steph Cooke MP, Member for Cootamundra on State Issues for the Coolamon Shire. Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm.
Saturday 21st-25th June 2025 RICON IN Calgary, Canada
*Monday 30th June CRC 54th Annual Change Over Dinner. Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm.
*Guests welcome to bring their partners and friends.
1. OUT AND ABOUT THE OAKS
Vicki and Barry Langtry’s horse Sun ‘n’ Sand came second in the Oaks on Saturday. Congratulations!
We hear that Vicki has had a fall but is back home and is fine, according to Barry. All the best Vicki.
2. OUT AND ABOUT SYDNEY ROYAL SHOW 2025
Many of our members are either on the land or have been on the land and others are associated with agriculture. This story will resonate with some members especially those who went to Yanco Ag. High. Dick and Don as far as know did attend Yanco Ag!!!!
Yanco Ag are the Sydney Royal School Display Champions! This morning, saw the presentation of the School District Display, after months of preparation and hard work. Yanco has been awarded 1st place with our ‘Are you Bushfire Ready’ themed display. Congratulations to all students and teachers, who have dedicated many, many hours of time to ensure this outcome. We are so proud of you all and our school.
3. OUT AND ABOUT SYDNEY THE WESTONS
Leslie and Paul Weston were in Sydney over the weekend and were showing their dogs at the DOGS NSW grounds in Orchard Hills. They are going back to Sydney again this week.
Photo below of their 7 month old wire haired dachshund, Julia after winning her first bitch challenge
Above Ray Wall presenting a ribbon to Leslie for Julia. Most of us remember Ray when he lived in Coolamon.
Leslie posted this on Facebook:
“We ventured to Sydney for a quick trip to attend the NSW hound club specialty shows. Great weather and lots of friends came out… and our youngsters really enjoyed themselves too!! Thanks to the show committee and judges for another well run show!”
Thankfully the bad old days of 350,000 children acquiring polio annually are behind us.
A monumental effort by many with Rotary at the front and centre of this story Rotary Worlds Greatest Meal to Help End Poliohas played a small part invigorating over half a million Rotarians and friends to think – yes this is not over yet – we must continue to raise Awareness and continue to fundraise.
Editor’s Note: JJG contracted poliomyelitis in 1952 in Kenya, and was nursed by his mother and recovered fully. N.B. One in 200 infections leads to irreversible paralysis. Among those paralysed, 5–10% die when their breathing muscles become immobilized. Cases due to wild poliovirus have decreased by over 99% since 1988, from an estimated 350,000 cases annually in more than 125 endemic countries, to two endemic countries, Afghanistan and Pakistan.
2. EVERY CLUB CLIMATE FRIENDLY
Together, let’s turn down the heat. Become a climate friendly and carbon neutral club now.
Why become climate friendly?
As pollution levels rise and the world becomes warmer, storms and droughts become stronger, harming the people that we, Rotarians, work hardest to help.
PRIORITY 1: INCREASE ROTARY’S GLOBAL IMPACT by taking actions to mitigate climate change in your club.
PRIORITY 2: EXPAND OUR REACH to those who are ready to act on climate change. Imagine the new partnerships in your community.
PRIORITY 3: ENGAGE THROUGH CARBON EMISSION REDUCTIONS & NATURE BASED SOLUTIONS such as mangrove restoration, tree planting and sustainable agriculture.
PRIORITY 4: ADAPT BY ALIGNING OUR INVESTMENTS with the environment area of focus in order to save future generations.
