COOLAMON ROTARY CLUB CHRISTMAS PARTY.

President Mary welcomed 28 members and many guests, too numerous to get all their names.  There were over 50 in attendance last night.

President Mary opened the meeting by stating that dinner was ready to be served by Michelle Seymour, and an excellent fare was presented for our indulgence.

There was no business discussed and after dinner President Mary Potts inducted two new members to our club.

Michael Trinidad sponsored by Henk Hulsman and Mark Dubois whose sponsor is Dick Jennings.

Welcome to Rotary International and to the Coolamon Rotary Club, Michael and Mark.  We look forward to your company over the years and serving our local community and working on international projects.

Following the induction of Michael and Mark; PP Paul Weston gave a vote of thanks to Sharon Miles for her amazing work as the editor of the Coolamon Community Chronicle.  Paul presented Sharon with a lovely floral tribute.

This was followed by a farewell to John Nulty by President Mary, Jan and John are moving to Wagga Wagga.  John has been a member of our club for the past 10 years.  John will be missed by us all and we wish Jan and John all the best for their new life in Wagga.

Following this farewell Mary introduced Geoff McKenzie the new editor for the Coolamon Community Chronicle.  Geoff in response asked for help in obtaining articles for the monthly Chronicle.  An example would be an article from one of our farmers on this year’s harvest.

The following photos were taken by Grahame Miles (thanks Grahame):

The remainder of the evening was on good times, fellowship and catching up with a record number of members and partners enjoying each other’s company.

N.B. Next Monday the 15th December is our last meeting for 2025.  There is also a BoD meeting at 5.15pm.  Please come along as we have the Wollundry RC Gears & Beers team visiting us.  We also have some planning to be done for NYE.

P.S.  We wish Rtn. Michael Trinidad a safe journey to the Philippines.

DIARY

N.B. You are always welcome to bring guests to most of our meetings, just advise Ian Jennings, 0428 492 157, if you want to bring a guest along when you respond to the weekly dinner roll call!

All of the above photos were obtained from Facebook.  Credit to the owners.

ROTARY NEWS and ITEMS OF INTEREST

1.  NEPAL  UPDATE

Latest News December 7th from Nepal and Mary Brell with the RAWCS team.  Distribution of sports materials and hill tanks in volcano rural municipality in coordination with the Australian Rotarian initiative, Mary Brell and Rotary Club of Dhading.

2.  RYLA 2026

What is RYLA?

The Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) 7 day residential retreat is an opportunity for young people (aged 18-28) to develop the tools to become effective leaders in their communities. RYLA allows participants to build networks and develop their leadership skills to create the change they wish to see in the world.

This is how past participants described their experiences at RYLA see link below:

RYLA

DECEMBER IS ROTARY’S DISEASE PREVENTION & TREATMENT MONTH

Artwork by Rtn. Debbie Vance from Canada

ROTARY CLUB OF COOLAMON Inc. 2025-2026

COOLAMON ROTARY CLUB MEETING DECEMBER 1st.

President Mary welcomed 20 members and four guests, our guests tonight were Allie Delaney and her parents Carly and Andrew Delaney, and for the last time as a guest, Michael Trinidad, who along with Mark Dubois will be inducted as members to our club next week.

President Mary opened the meeting with some general business including:

• Christmas Party next Monday night please be early as Michelle Seymour will be serving dinner at 7.00pm.
• The Young RC Driver Simulator is in Coolamon and Alex offered to help set it up.
• Annie reported that they took a further $400 for the NYE raffle at Foodworks.  The next days for the raffle will be Friday 12th and Saturday the 13th December at Foodworks.
• Can Assist in Coolamon want help storing 2 square metres of their tables, we agreed they could use our Rotary shed.

After a break our special guest Allie Delaney was introduced by Adrian Lindner who together with Lexi were very impressed by Allie at her interview for a CRC Scholarship.  Allie was offered 5 spaces at Universities and chose to study Criminology and Phycology and has chosen Latrobe University to pursue her studies.

Allie will receive two payments of $1500 one for her first 6 months and teh other $1500 after 6 months of her first semester.  Allie chose Latrobe as there are more opportunities at Latrobe.

Allie thanked the club for our sponsorship which will help her enormously as Melbourne is a long way from Coolamon.

Lexi gave Allie a vote of thanks from the club and we all wish Allie the every best in her future.

The raffle was drawn by Allie and there were 4 prizes:

1. Paul no Leslie Weston won the Foodworks voucher.
2. Myffy
3. Adrian and
4. Paul Weston

It is Daryl’s birthday this week and we all sang happy birthday as is the custom.

THEN we had our resident auctioneer Dick Jennings conduct a spirited auction of 16 various items donated in the name of our Foundation.  In all we raised $436.00 for our Foundation and it was pointed out that if we donate this to our Foundation’s signature project PolioPlus it will be matched 2:1 by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.  This $436 becomes $1300 which will enable us to provide polio vaccinations for some 1000 at risk children of contracting poliomyelitis.

Well done to our Foundation Director Gary Truscott.  Thanks to Dick and Bear for the work they put in to make this a success.

The meeting closed at 8.45pm all in all a good night of Rotary.

OUT AND ABOUT GANMAIN TOY RUN 

On Saturday afternoon Sharon and Grahame Miles with JJG went shopping in Ganmain at the Ganmain “Toy Shop”; a.k.a. as the Ganmain Newsagents.  Sharon and Phil Walsh kindly opened their shop for the three of us to get some 55 toys for the Salvation Army toy run for Temora and area.

OUT AND ABOUT SCHOOL BREAKFAST

Alex Thompson is always working for Rotary behind teh scenes and here is Alex cooking up breakfast for our breakfast for school project.  Well done Alex your work is noticed and thankyou.

OUT AND ABOUT LOCAL SCHOOLS PRIZES

The following list of our upcoming school prize presentations were provided by Vicki Langtry:

• St Michael’s Coolamon John Bond Monday December 15th at 1.45pm
• St Brendon’s Ganmain NO presenter Monday December 8th at 6.00pm (Clashes with our CRC Christmas Party).
• Marrar Public Vicki Langtry Friday 12th December at 11.30am
• Coolamon Central Daryl Breust Tuesday 16th December at 9.30am
• Ardlethan Garth Perkin Tuesday 16th December at 9.30am
• Matong Lexi Furner Tuesday 9th December at 10.00am
• Ganmain Myffy Collette Thursday 11th December at 10.00am

Thankyou Vicki.

DIARY

All of the above photos were obtained from Facebook.  Credit to the owners.

ROTARY NEWS and ITEMS OF INTEREST

1.  RAWCS – Rotary Australia World Community Service

 

More than 100,000 children will be protected from polio thanks to the support raised at a World Polio Day concert in Lucerne, Switzerland. Rotary members across Europe came together for an event that combined orchestral music with immersive visuals in support of End Polio Now.

Thank you to everyone who continues working toward a polio free world. What Polio Plus project is your club focusing on?

 

3.  ROTARY CLUB OF KAREN NAIROBI

DECEMBER IS ROTARY’S DISEASE PREVENTION & TREATMENT MONTH

Artwork by Rtn. Debbie Vance from Canada

ROTARY CLUB OF COOLAMON Inc. 2025-2026

Credit to the RC of San Francisco West for the above depiction of Rotary’s principal motto.

COOLAMON ROTARY CLUB MEETING NOVEMBER 24th.

President Mary welcomed 20 members and two guests, Michael Trinidad and Mark Dubois both gentlemen will be inducted on Monday the 8th December as members of our club.

Mary opened the meeting with some general business which included:

• Report on the D9705 AGM.  D9705 has a surplus this year and as a result our insurance fees will be reduced by $12.  The District is also looking for 7 Community Leaders or Assistant Area Governors.  There are only 3 in place out of 7 areas.  Editors Note:  RI should never have made us merge with D9710 in 2020.  It simply has not worked and membership numbers will suffer.  The mantra that a district should have a minimum of 2,000 members in 80 plus clubs does not work here in Australia.  We do not have the population to sustain such a large district.
• Bear reported on behalf of Foundation Director Gary Truscott in pointing out that next Monday we will be holding an auction to raise funds for our Foundation.  The auctioneer will be Dick Jennings, no need for a microphone!  There have been many items donated by members including:
  • Ham.
  • Soft drinks
  • Fruit cake
  • 4 bottles of wine
  • Half a leg of lamb
  • Chicken breasts
  • Lamb chops
  • Lamb shanks
  • Two dozen free range eggs
• Bear also spoke on the NYE BBQ and the food that we require based on the 2024 NYE.  After some “inspired” discussion it was decided that we order:
  • 130 steaks for sale at $8.00
  • 150 sausages for sale at $3.00
  • 650 sausages for the children
• Lions will be doing the cooking on NYE.
• Mary advised the members that the Christmas party will be at the Up-to-Date Store on Monday 8th December.  Catering by Michelle Seymour.  It is BYO and if you would like a desert bring one along.  The cost will be $25 per head.
• Annie reported on the NYE Raffle and all is going well and the next raffle at Foodworks is this Friday the 28th November with the following volunteers:
  • 3-5 pm Garth and Barry
  • 5-7 pm Grahame and Don plus Annie
• Wollundry RC will be at our last meeting on the 15th December for 2025 on the result of the Gears and Beers weekend.
• The Salvos Toy Run appeal will be held in Ganmain with the selection of $800 worth of toys.  Grahame and JJG will be “buying” them on Saturday 29th November at 2.00pm in Ganmain.
• Mary said that John Nulty is moving to Wagga Wagga and John will be missed by all of us.
• Bear gave out the NYE roster and it is as follows:
  • 6.00-7.30pm Marie Jennings, Lorraine Hamilton, Dick Jennings, Bear, Gary Truscott and Bruce Hamilton.
  • 7.30-9.00pm Annie, Vicki, Garth, Bear, Gary and Barry.

Happy Birthday to Albert.

The S@A Dick and Cpl Garth then fined most of our members  especially Vicki and Barry for having two of their horses win their races on the weekend.  One cross fine by JJG on Lexi as apparently we are related on the Gordon-Glassford side of the Glassford family.

The raffle was won by Lexi.

All in all a busy night which ended at 8.35pm.

DIARY

All of the above photos were obtained from Facebook.  Credit to the owners.

ROTARY NEWS and ITEMS OF INTEREST

1.  sHEDWAY

I post this story even though it is not Rotary related.  However it is a serious and well thought out programme for mental health issues in the wool industry, and in particular shearers.

So my thoughts are that this is one wonderful programme to support.  How?  I leave that up to you all, just writing a cheque doesn’t do it for me.  It could go District wide as in the main D9705 is rural.

Carol Mudford is the founder and CEO of sHedway; and very recently Carol was awarded the AgriFutures National Rural Women of the year title as their Australian woman of the year for 2025.

Here below is their Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/sHedwayLimited

“Well she’s done it!  AND we couldn’t be more proud.

For everything she has achieved over the past 2 years is phenomenal and although this is Carol’s award we know that she would say that it’s not just for her but for her shed family.

With Carol looking amazing, wearing wool (of course) from the lovely Smitten Merino, sitting in the Parliament House Great Hall and watching on the large screens Carol shearing sheep and showcasing to ministers and industry leaders the work sHedway are doing in this incredible industry, it was amazing to see so many people in awe of what she is doing. We all know how humble Carol is and she always brought it back to her shed family and you would all be so proud of how she encouraged everyone in the room to support this industry.

So of course a massive thank you to all of you in the shearing sheds and the wool industry that support sHedway. We hope that everyone who sees this, sees it as recognition of the shearing sheds and our amazing community (and wool!), as well as anyone who might be struggling sees it as the immense support and care there is for suicide prevention and mental wellbeing, both in the shearing sheds and across Australia and in Parliament House!

We also want to acknowledge all the other amazing women finalists including runner up Isabella Thrupp, for what they are achieving in rural Australia also and for supporting Carol on this journey.

Thank you to AgriFutures Australia and Westpac for this once in a lifetime experience.

Carol you are incredible, and we are so proud of you. Coreene, Taya and Sarah.”

sHedway Founder CEO Carol Mudford

2.  ROTARY WILD POLIOVIRUS UPDATE

3.  RAWCS NEPAL PROJECT 2025

ANOTHER WONDERFUL ROTARY PROJECT 

“RAWCS – Rotary Australia World Community Service Nepal Project 2025.  This wonderful team is lead by Mary Brell.  (Orange Daybreak). After a couple of days prep in Kathmandu, time to do what we are here …making a difference with hands on volunteering. See if you can spot our five schoolies in the group photos – our fab five.

1. First stop Northpoint school and a very warm and colourful welcome by the students. Will add more about this is the next few days.
2. Dream cricket day in Chitwan with the Rotaract Club of Ratanagar and around 100 children of different levels of abilities.

Today we are visiting the Latouli School, a small government school in the high hill. Stationery and warm clothing distribution. A joint project with the Rotary Club of Ratanagar and Rotaract Club of Ratanagar. We also have some Interact members joining us as well”. Ex Facebook and PDG Lisa Hunt a team member.

Photos below are from PDG Rob Uhl also a team member.

4.  BREAKING NEWS

NOVEMBER IS ROTARY’S FOUNDATION MONTH

Artwork by Rtn. Debbie Vance from Canada

ROTARY CLUB OF COOLAMON Inc. 2025-2026

COOLAMON ROTARY CLUB MEETING NOVEMBER 17th.

President Mary welcomed 20 members and seven guests, Sharon Miles, Marilyn Jennings, Mark Dubois, Maureen Hulsman, Susan Glassford, Cassie Goding and her mother Fiona Goding.

Mary opened the meeting with some general business which included:

• Christmas Party under discussion and decisions will be made at next week’s meeting.
• Annie reported on the NYE Raffle which got under way last week raising $820.00, well done to all who volunteered.
• Henk has the school presentation roster as follows:

Marrar Public School – Vickie Langtry   12^th Dec.

Ganmain Public School-  Myffy Collette   11^th December

Coolamon Central School   16^th December     Daryl  Breust

Matong Public School      Lexi Furner    9^th Dec

Ardlethan Public School.      Garth will go there on Wednesday 19^th Nov.  to deliver donation  AND ascertain Bank A/c details from them.

St Michaels Coolamon     15^th Dec.    John Bond

St. Brendan’s Ganmain     TBA

• Grahame Miles advised the members that the Salvos Toy Run appeal will be held in Ganmain with selection of $800 worth of toys.  Grahame and JJG will be “buying” them on Saturday 29th November at 2.00pm in Ganmain.  There will also be $200 worth of toys purchased from the Coolamon PO.  We have to get the toys to Temora by the second week in December.
• Gary Truscott our Foundation Director said that Tuesday the 2nd December is giving Tuesday for our Foundation.  We will donate on Monday 1st December via various means.  Raffle and fines and donations.
• John Bond talked about the Conservatorium of Music from Coolamon with a string ensemble and will perform in Coolamon on Thursday 27th November.  details from John Bond.
• Albert Suidgeist asked for clarification on donating clothes to the released men from the Junee detention centre.  Suitable good clothing is required to give these men some dignity on their release.

The raffles were won by Cassie and John Bond.

We then had a break before the member’s presentation.

MEMBER’S PRESENTATION JOHN GLASSFORD

Tonight Susan and John gave a talk entitled “From Sheep to Shearing Sheds to a Wedding A love Story”.

Following the article in a recent Coolamon Community Chronicle, on the Shearer’s Hall of fame in Hay, Grahame Miles thought that JJG should tell the story to our members.

Some highlights from the talk given by Susan and John were:

• JJG’s early days at Edinburgh University.
• Research in artificial insemination of sheep with Dr. Brian Cadzow some rare breeds.
• With the Department of Agriculture in Victoria as a Sheep & Wool Research Officer.
• Building & Running two x 1,000 head cattle feedlots in Trangie and Aberdeen.
• Locating and removing 2 shearing sheds and turned them into bush dance restaurants.
• Met Susan at the Kangaroo Valley Woolshed.
• Susan and John then married and started a business moving and restoring historic homesteads.
• They then ran out of suitable homesteads and started turning shearing sheds into homes.
• JJG proposed that the Sherer’s Hall of Fame should be built and it was in Hay.
• During this time relocation and restoration turned into the business of sustainable homes and Susan and John brought straw bale building to Australia, moved to Ganmain and have been here for 25 years now.

Some of the many photos from the talk last night:

All in all the talk was received very well and the farmers present could not identify any of the sheep breeds that JJG worked with in Scotland!!  Thank you for the opportunity to tell this part of my life and how I met Susan, a true story that I did ask her to marry me after only knowing Susan for 4 and a half hours and Susan said YES!

DIARY

All of the above photos were obtained from Facebook.  Credit to the owners.

ROTARY NEWS and ITEMS OF INTEREST

1.  ROTARY UKRAINE IN JAPAN

Japan reveals its secrets for Ukrainian Rotarians!

The Governor of Rotary in Ukraine Sergii Zavadskyi together with the National Coordinator of ISS, PDG Ольга Палійчук participated in an evening event with a live performance of a traditional Japanese orchestra, a solo performance by Mr. Seto (DG Seto Ryukai, D2820) and a classic Japanese men’s dance.

Every day, the delegation discovers new facets of Japanese culture and cuisine: seafood, fish, herbs, mushrooms and unexpected ingredients create unique flavor combinations. Meetings take place in a warm friendly atmosphere with PDG Kazuo Arai, DG Katoh Takehiko (D2520) and the team of Future ISIS, as well as many Japanese Rotarians who are open to cooperation and help.

Japanese Rotary Clubs have been actively supporting District 2232 in recent years: through RI and Rotary Foundation projects, charitable activities and humanitarian assistance. Their support helps Ukrainians both in Japan and those who continue to fight for freedom in Ukraine.

The event was an important opportunity to strengthen friendship and cooperation between Rotary in Ukraine and Japan, to unite efforts for good and peace.

Let’s keep our tune up!

Let’s unite for Good!

2.  ROTARY CLUB OF EAST NASSAU FOUNDATION BALL.

FROM PAST ROTARY INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT BARRY RASSIN.

{PRIP Barry Rassin was the RI President in 2018-2019.}

“In The Bahamas we know how to have a Rotary Foundation celebration.

The Rotary Club of East Nassau showed up in full support at the Rotary Foundation Gala last night!

Such an inspiring evening celebrating community and service.”

https://www.facebook.com/barry.rassin

CRC did support the RC of East Nassau in their appeal following the Dorian hurricane damage in Nassau.

• Daryl reported on the ZOOM meeting he & John G participated in with the Rotary Club of East Nassau in Bahamas on April 18, where Daryl presented a cheque for $2500 towards relief from the effects of hurricane Dorian last year.  We have since received an email from their President, Barry Rassin, thanking & greatly appreciating our club for the generous donation to their relief efforts.

3.  FAMOUS ROTARIANS 

NOVEMBER IS ROTARY’S FOUNDATION MONTH

Artwork by Rtn. Debbie Vance from Canada

ROTARY CLUB OF COOLAMON Inc. 2025-2026

COOLAMON ROTARY CLUB BOARD FOR 2026-2027

President Leslie Weston

President Elect 2027-2028 VACANT

Secretary Henk Hulsman (Ass Sec John Glassford)

Treasurer Vicki Langtry

Foundation Director Gary Truscott (With help from JJG)

Membership Director Garth Perkin

Club Administration Director Dick Jennings

Service Projects Director Anne Rzeszkowski

Youth Services Director Lexi Furner

Public Image Director Paul Weston.

IPP and VP Mary Potts

S@A Mark Reardon (Assisted by Daryl Breust & John Bond)

Non Board Positions

Bulletin Editors John Glassford and Paul Weston

Webmaster John Glassford and Social Media Manager Facebook etc.

COOLAMON ROTARY CLUB MEETING NOVEMBER 10th.

President Mary welcomed 21 members and two guests, Michael Trinidad and Mark Dubois.  Both gentleman are joining our club and their induction takes place at our Christmas Party.  Welcome Michael and Mark we look forward to enjoying your membership well into the future.

Mary opened the meeting with a brief introduction to our nominated members and then Paul reported on the preceding Board meeting:

• Monday December 1st Guest Speaker Allie Delaney – on her plans now that Allie has received the CRC Scholarship.
• Raffles for NYE at Foodworks on 14th, 15th and 28th November, also 4th and 13th of December rosters going out for volunteers.  Some excellent prizes including an iPad tablet, half a lamb, and other great prizes.  TBD.
• Michael Trinidad and Mark Dubois membership applications approved.
• March 7th/8th social weekend at the Whitton Malt House near Darlington Point see:

WHITTON MALT HOUSE

• Canola Run the board feels that the organisers are relying too much on our club and we are not the major lead organisation and Mary will be advising them of the situation. As the event clashes with the Marrar Madness event at the same time.  {Meaning that we will not have enough members to support both events}.
• Our Christmas party is set for Monday 8th December at the UP-TO-DATE Store.  It is self catering by CRC.
• The CRC is as usual donating to the local schools presentation night.  A list of presentation days are available.
• The Salvos Toy Run is approved with spending $200 at the Coolamon Post Office and $800 at the Ganmain Toy shop/Newsagents.  Grahame Miles and JJG to help organise the toy run, we will need packaging and wrappers i.e. humans to help wrap the presents…
• Coolamon Hotel meat raffles are being offered to clubs such as ours, to share in their Thursday evening raffles that they are organising.  Prizes include 3 meat trays and a bottle of wine.
• Social night for our 1st meeting of 2026 is on the 19th January, a BBQ at the Sports Club.
• Next Board meeting 15th December NYE discussion raffles, the BBQ and Lions.

We drew the raffle and Alex won again!

AGM Monday 10th November.

Tonight President Elect Leslie Weston took on the Chair and we had the election of office bearers for our club for the 2026-2027 Rotary Year.  The following members were elected to look after the needs of our members:

President Leslie Weston

President Elect 2027-2028 VACANT

Secretary Henk Hulsman (Ass Sec John Glassford)

Treasurer Vicki Langtry

Foundation Director Gary Truscott (With help from JJG)

Membership Director Garth Perkin

Club Administration Director Dick Jennings

Service Projects Director Anne Rzeszkowski

Youth Services Director Lexi Furner

Public Image Director Paul Weston.

IPP and VP Mary Potts

S@A Mark Reardon (Assisted by Daryl Breust & John Bond)

Non Board Positions

Bulletin Editors John Glassford and Paul Weston

Webmaster John Glassford and Social Media Manager Facebook etc.

The meeting closed at 9.00pm

DIARY

All of the above photos were obtained from Facebook.  Credit to the owners.

ROTARY NEWS and ITEMS OF INTEREST

1. Meet Joel, the Man in a Cage!

This is a true story from PDG Doug Vincent from Canada.  I have met Doug several times now at Rotary Conventions and once when he and his Filipina wife came to Wagga Wagga. Doug is the UN Ambassador – Rotary Z24 UNAC at the United Nations.

Doug is also a former RCMP Federal Community Policing Advisor at RCMP. (Royal Canadian Mounted Police).

This story from PDG Doug Vincent is inspiring and at the same time worrying and one to be thankful for living in a country such as Australia.  Please read it to the end as it is what we do in Rotary, that inspires me every day.

By PDG Doug Vincent:

“Stumbled on a SHOCKING situation.

Meet Joel. We will help him escape from his cage!

We found this man locked in a cage, due to mental disorders that locals cannot deal with. Located about 1/2 hr walk down a path after driving a narrow lane. He has been there over 3 years and family have no resources or money. Apparently, no local assistance, so has just been left hidden there. He is caged up to protect himself and people in the area. ”

Full story below in the pdf link:

The Man in a Cage

Joel is college educated with three children. His wife left with two of them a few years ago. I was surprised to see him with reading material. He speaks but does not make any sense.

When we located the mother, she was very pleasant and welcomed our visit and concern for her and Joel’s well being.

We hope and pray for a full return to good health and a rebuilt life for him and his family. This is truly a story of Rotary in Action!

PDG Doug sent me this message in response to my message to Doug today:   “In that remote area they were not aware of mental health or available treatments. The locals thought the devil had possessed him.  John, thanks my friend. It was a very emotional experience.”  Doug.

2.  The Rotary Club of Roatán HONDURAS

Editor’s note:  Bit LARGER than our BBQ trailer but the story is the same!

3.  South Pacific Zone 8 conference

NOVEMBER IS ROTARY’S FOUNDATION MONTH

Artwork by Rtn. Debbie Vance from Canada

ROTARY CLUB OF COOLAMON Inc. 2025-2026

N.B. AGM Monday 10th November.

Time to consider volunteering to join PE Leslie Weston’s Board for 2026-2027.

COOLAMON ROTARY CLUB MEETING NOVEMBER 3rd.

President Mary welcomed 24 members and the following guests: Lorraine Hamilton, Susan Glassford, Michael Trinidad and Mark Dubois.  As well 17 Lions and partners joined us to hear Garth’s talk on the 5 Stans.

Mary opened the meeting with a couple of items:

• We will be selling NYE tickets at Foodworks and 5 other days to make it a very successful raffle culminating on  NYE.  A roster is going around for volunteers, more details will be available. We will be selling raffle tickets on Friday 14th November, Saturday 15th November, Friday 28th November, Friday 12th of December, Saturday 13th December all at Foodworks in Coolamon.
• Adrian reported on the successful result for Allie Delaney who has received our first CRC scholarship and will be studying criminology and on December 1st Allie will be our guest speaker.
• Reminder that next week is our AGM and Board meeting preceding the AGM.
• We received a letter of thanks from the Coolamon Fire and Engine muster.

After dinner Garth presented a slide show on his recent trip to the 5 Stans in Central Asia.

Some of the highlights of Garth’s presentation were:

Why did Garth go?  To learn about the old silk road was his main reason.  There was not just one silk road but many, this was created to help save the travellers and their goods from bandits.

Garth gave us a very good account of the history of this region and how from Alexander the great to Lenin other dictators over time ransacked, pillaged, raped and destroyed buildings.

One of the perpetrators, a grandson of Genghis Khan was responsible for the genocide of 17% of the world’s population during his reign of terror.  His name was Amir Temur and the people of Uzbekistan erected a statue in his memory.  There is also a museum dedicated to the times of the Timurid Dynasty:

The Amir Timur/Temur Museum website.

*Amir Timur/Temur (born 1336, Kesh, near Samarkand, Transoxania [now in Uzbekistan]—died February 19, 1405, Otrar, near Chimkent [now Shymkent, Kazakhstan]) was a Turkic conqueror, chiefly remembered for the barbarity of his conquests from India and Russia to the Mediterranean Sea and for the cultural achievements of his dynasty.

*Spelling is either Timur or Temur The Statue above has his name as Amil Temur:

Garth said that the religions in the population of the 5 Stans was made up in the vast majority, of around 80% Muslims, with a minority of the population made up of various other faiths including the Christian Russian Orthodox.  All of the 5 Stans had mountainous country side with up to 80% being desert BUT oil and gas are under the desert especially Turkmenistan which is gas rich.

In Turkmenistan all the buildings and vehicles MUST be white. No 4-wheel drive vehicles are allowed as the government there believe that white is the colour of  peace and purity.

Garth gave an excellent talk on his visit to the 5 Stans and there were many questions asked.

Here are some additional photos of Garth’s journey:

Garth’s talk was excellent and most interesting.  The editor has read some of the stories behind Amir Temur and it is fascinating.  Click on the links in the story above of Garth’s presentation and they will take you to the stories that I have partially read.  There is  a lot of information there and the museum looks stunning.

After Garth was finished he had some items to be auctioned and Dick being the auctioneer did a wonderful job and the funds raised from the various items from the 5 Stans visit would go to the Cambodian project of Marg.

All in all a great night of fun, fellowship and learning.  Thank you Garth and the raffles were won by Alex Thompson and a Lioness!

The meeting closed at 9.15pm.

OUT AND ABOUT

Coolamon Rotary Club BBQ trailer

Well done to Bear, Gary and Grahame for organising the this work Regal Signs in Coolamon, on our BBQ Trailer:

DIARY

All of the above photos were obtained from Facebook.  Credit to the owners.

ROTARY NEWS and ITEMS OF INTEREST

1.  THE ROTARY FOUNDATION

The Rotary Foundation is changing lives through various active projects across the  Globe. Join The Foundation Trustee Chair Holger Knaack and team in Nigeria from the 1st to the 7th of November 2025 and discover why The Rotary Foundation is rated best among all charities of the World for the 17th year running by the Charity Navigator.

2.  FAMOUS ROTARIANS

Walt Disney – the man who gave the world dreams

Walt Disney (1901-1966) is an American animator, filmmaker and entrepreneur, founder of The Walt Disney Company. His name became a symbol of childhood, fantasy and joy. Disney has given the world Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and dozens of other beloved characters, as well as the world’s first theme park, Disneyland.

Few know that Walt Disney was an honorary Rotarian of the Rotary Club of Palm Springs, California. He was considered the embodiment of creativity and innovation that inspires society. Rotarians celebrated his ability to not only entertain but bring people together – which echoes Rotary’s mission.

In 1955, when Disneyland opened, Rotary Clubs of California became partners in organizing charitable events for children and youth. Disney has repeatedly provided support to Rotary’s initiatives to advance education and the arts.

Interesting: Disney received a record number of Oscars – 22 figurines and 59 nominations. And while giving him a special prize for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, he received one large and seven small figurines.

3.  The GRAND EGYPTIAN MUSEUM

NOVEMBER IS ROTARY’S FOUNDATION MONTH

Artwork by Rtn. Debbie Vance from Canada

ROTARY CLUB OF COOLAMON Inc. 2025-2026

N.B. AGM Monday 10th November.

Time to consider volunteering to join PE Leslie Weston’s Board for 2026-2027.

COOLAMON ROTARY CLUB MEETING OCTOBER 27th.

President Mary welcomed 22 members and the following guests: Michael Trinidad, Mark Dubois and Cassie Goding from CG Creations in Coolamon, Cassie was our guest speaker last week, and all three guests tonight have returned for another meeting and most welcome indeed.

President Mary opened the meeting with an invitation to attend the Kooringal RC social evening at the Bottom pub tomorrow night.

Other business included:

• Lexi spoke about the Arts Committee donations of $3,200 each for four local schools.  A great effort Angela McCann announced this recently.
• Mary advised us all that the Canola Run Committee is meeting the stakeholders on Wednesday morning in Wagga Wagga at the BUNKR Gym in Thompson Street, from 10.30am.
• You are all reminded that Garth is talking about his recent visit to the 5 Stans.  Garth told us that 15 Lions will be attending!
• Bear and his cohort Gary said that it is all happening!  The CRC Food BBQ Trailer is getting a paint job and our logos next week.
• Anne said that the NYE raffle is ours provided we do the sausages for the children.  Details will follow.
• Henk said that the breakfast for needy children is on this Thursday at 7.30am at the Central School.
• Daryl and Adrian attended the Wollundry RC social night last week and 50 attended as always a good role up from Wollundry.  Daryl said that the Gears & Beers committee will attend one of our meetings in due course.
• Mary will announce the Christmas Party date probably the 15th Of December a Monday.  Mary is looking at the Up-to-Date Store as a venue.

The evening concluded with the raffle drawn by Cassie and won by Howard and then the S@A Dick and Cpl. Garth held a raucous fines session.

Another good night of friendship, fellowship and much laughter provided especially by one of our guests Michael.

The meeting ended at 8.30pm.

OUT AND ABOUT GANMAIN

Ganmain Markets were held last Saturday 25th October.  Speaking to some of the stall holders they said that there was a big turn out of people from far and wide.  Susan and I met Terry Kiss, Marilyn and Ian Jennings from Coolamon and many locals from Ganmain.

Congratulations to the Advance Ganmain Committee.  Here are some photos and the reason the camera was shaking was due to the flies!!!!  Sunday morning there was not a scrap of rubbish to be seen.

DIARY

All of the above photos were obtained from Facebook.  Credit to the owners.

ROTARY NEWS and ITEMS OF INTEREST

1.  PP Mary Collopy A Tribute

Mary Collopy was the President of the Temora RC and contacted us to join the Mountains of the Moon Climb and Safari in 2011.  It is now 14 years almost to the day that we left for Uganda with a team of Rotarians and non-Rotarians to tackle the Mountains of the Moon in the Rwenzori Ranges between Uganda and the DRC (Democratic Republic of the Congo).   We had 6 in the G&T team and 6 who climbed only one reached the summit.

Mary was amazing and joined in everything that we did apart from climbing.

Recently good old Facebook posted a story on Mary.  This appeared on the Facebook page of Rotary Down Under:

Rotary e-Club of Change Makers is proving its name true – growing from 18 to 32 members (plus four associates) in just over a year! By embracing flexibility, purpose and innovation, the club is attracting younger, diverse members worldwide and is amplifying impact through local and global projects. From Sri Lanka to Switzerland, this is Rotary for the real world – modern, connected and thriving.

Read all about this innovative club here: https://bit.ly/rdu-e-club-growth

Here are some photos of this lady in Uganda, Kenya and South Africa.  Nothing deterred Mary from having a go  and Mary embodies all that is good about Rotary and she certainly practices Service Above Self.  The team including Mary raised some $64,000 for our projects in Sub-Saharan Africa.

2.  FAMOUS ROTARIANS

3.  RAWCS and the DICK & PIP SMITH FOUNDATION.

SUPPORTING AUSTRALIANS DOING IT TOUGH.

RAWCS Rotary Australia World Community Service

Double your impact for Australians in need.

Through Rotary Australia’s Compassionate Grants Program (RACG), Rotary Clubs can access matched funding, thanks to a generous $1 million donation from philanthropists Dick and Pip Smith.

For every dollar your club raises for an RACG-approved project, we’ll match it up to $15,000. That means if your club contributes $3,000, RACG will match $3,000. Raise $10,000, and your project receives $20,000 in total to support Australians experiencing hardship.

This is your club’s chance to deliver meaningful, high-impact change for individuals and families doing it tough.

OCTOBER IS ROTARY’S ECONOMIC & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT MONTH

Artwork by Rtn. Debbie Vance from Canada

ROTARY CLUB OF COOLAMON Inc. 2025-2026

N.B. AGM Monday 10th November.

Time to consider volunteering to join PE Leslie Weston’s Board for 2026-2027.

COOLAMON ROTARY CLUB MEETING OCTOBER 20th.

President Mary welcomed 18 members and the following guests: Maureen Hulsman, Marilyn Jennings, Lorraine Hamilton and a friend/neighbour of Maureen and Henk, Michael. Mary also introduced our guest speaker Cassie Goding and her mother Fiona Goding.

We started with some business:

• Albert spoke on the Garden Viewing Committee meeting of 3 members.  They set the date for the 2026 Open Garden Day for Sunday October 18th 10.00am to 4.00pm.  So far we have 6 gardens 2 in Marrar and 4 in Coolamon.  Looking at organising morning teas at the community centre and running a raffle.  Tickets at $20 per adult and $15 for pensioners.
• Mary said there will be a meeting of the Canola Run Committee next Monday the 28th at 6.00pm at the Sports Club.
• Ian said that the Kooringal RC will be having a social night at the Bottom Pub on the 29th October.

After dinner we had our guest speaker Cassie talk about her creations in leather, a most enjoyable talk.

Cassie hails from the Mornington Peninsula and is new to Coolamon with her mother Fiona.  Cassie has taken to leather craft and is now making stunning belts, cow hide bags, dog collars, horse bridles and some smaller items such as key rings.

Cassie started this craft after Cassie was unable to afford a bridle so she taught herself and now works form her garage in Coolamon.

Cassie buys only the finest leather and imports the buckles for her belts.

Cassie invited members to make a key ring and punch their name or phone number into the leather.

Mary and a few had a go here is Mary’s work:

Other members did have a go at making key rings:

Mark Reardon thanked Cassie on behalf of all present and wished her all the success in her new venture in Coolamon.

Here are some details on how to contact Cassie for those Christmas presents!

Leather Pocket Knife/ Leatherman pouch

CG Creations Coolamon.

Contact Information

• Owner: Cassie Goding
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 0457 605 319

The evening closed following the raffle which was won by Barry Langtry.  S@A Dick and Cpl. Mark then extracted as much as they could via a lively fines session all in good fun.

Our meeting closed at 8.40pm a good night was had by all.

OUT AND ABOUT MELBOURNE

Our intrepid President Mary has sent us this report and some photos on her recent trip to Melbourne.

Hi John, last weekend, I went to Melbourne and run a half marathon with seven other Coolamon people
Seven of us in this photo plus Jamie Madrox, and there were also five from the Maddox running group that ran a full marathon. Coolamon was well represented.  We had a fun weekend. We have a lovely group of people from Coolamon

Today I went to Temora and ran in the fun run raising funds for tomorrow high school year 12. There is a photo of me with my daughter Belinda and grandson Billy and also with me and Billy and two of his friends
Last Thursday night, Barry Vicky Anne and myself joined Wagga Rotary club at the Coolamon hotel for a social evening, it was a pleasant evening and good to get to talk to the other club members

GOOD ON YOU MARY!!!

DIARY

All of the above photos were obtained from Facebook.  Credit to the owners.

ROTARY NEWS and ITEMS OF INTEREST

1.   Rtn. JASMINE HARRISON 

Shout out today to Thirsk Rotary and Rotary District 1040 (UK) Rotarian Jasmine Harrison. Since winning Rotary Young Citizen 2023 Jasmine has had the most amazing support from Thirsk Rotary Club and D1040 who have promoted, fundraised and supported her and continue to do so. Special thanks to District Governor 2024/25 Richard Greenwood.

Jasmine has arrived in Mauritius! She crossed the leg 2.5 finish line at 12:30am UK time this morning, 3:30am local time. That’s an incredible 18,663 miles sailed since Lagos, Portugal!

FULL STORY FROM RDU HERE.

An inspirational story of a young Rotarian challenging the seas!

2.  FAMOUS ROTARIANS

OCTOBER IS ROTARY’S ECONOMIC & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT MONTH

Artwork by Rtn. Debbie Vance from Canada

ROTARY CLUB OF COOLAMON Inc. 2025-2026