COOLAMON ROTARY CLUB MEETING 

Monday June 22nd. 2026 

President Mary Potts welcomed 22 members and 8 guests including: Marilyn Jennings, Kevin and Heather Parker (Annie’s brother and sister-in-law),  Happy’s husband Glen Bartram and his sister Cindy Bartram.  Also present were Cassie Goding and her mother Fiona Goding, Cassie creates leather products and is a neighbour of Happy.   Tonight was a special night for our club with the induction of Happy who joins us.

We welcomed back Garth Perkin from his very recent visit to Europe.  We are looking forward to hearing about the countries that he visited.

Mary opened her last meeting with a report on the Red Shield Appeal and thanked the following volunteers:

Bear for collecting $545.45 at Marrar the previous weekend and at the Coolamon v Ganmain game on Sunday  we collected $1,500 thanks to Dick Jennings, Mark Dubois, Happy, Annie and her family.  An excellent result with just over $2,000 collected this year for the Salvation Army.

Mary said that we have a guest speaker coming on Monday July 20th.  This will be a joint Coolamon Lions and Rotary meeting.  Clr. Wayne Lewis has invited Tina Kendal-Davies (Anytime Counselling).  The subject is mental health that is an integral part of anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer.

PE Leslie reminded everyone that the change over dinner is next Monday 29th June.  Please get you numbers in as soon as possible.  Ian Jennings has agreed to send out the SMS.  So get your answers in to Ian ASAP as the caterers need to know, thanks.  Volunteers who will be setting up the change over tables will meet at 3.00pm on Monday afternoon to help.

After dinner we had the raffle draws for the excess dinners and there were 7 in all.  Won by Bondy, Myffy, Annie, Marilyn, Lexis, Barry and Gary.

President Mary then called up Happy for her induction into Rotary and our club.  Happy has an amazing CV and very impressive.  We look forward to what Happy will bring to our club and her expertise in all things Internet wise and wigs!!!

Mary conducted the induction and we all welcomed our newest Rotarian world wide, to our wonderful club.  Thanks to Paul for making Happy’s dinner badge which reads Happy Okpidama and Happy’s classification is Wig Entrepreneur.

Happy said that she was very excited to become a member as you can all see by her smile above!

All present made Happy feel very welcome to our club and following her induction, we had 7 jokes in lieu of a fines session.  The winner was Vicki with a blonde joke!

All present gave President Mary a vote of thanks by acclamation and thanked her for a wonderful year leading this club.

The meeting closed at 8.45pm which left plenty of time for fellowship and catching up.

One of our best meetings for a while, the future looks good for this club!

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!

You can download the full programme here and note that it will change and that will be reflected in the weekly bulletin:  CRC Diary On-Line

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

ROTARY NEWS and ITEMS OF INTEREST

1. RICON TAIPEI 2026

Above plenty of Kenyans!

This is why you go to Rotary Conventions thanks to PDG Eric Kimani from Kenya Rotary D9212.

Taiwan, Belonging, and the Extraordinary in the Ordinary

“Taiwan has left me with indelible memories. A simple act—our colleague’s phone returned within an hour by the police after being left in a taxi—spoke volumes about the efficiency, warmth, and integrity of this country. It is a place where systems work, and people care.

Yet beyond these moments of hospitality, my last few days here have been filled with deeper reflections. Rotary’s General Secretary and CEO, John Hewko, reminded us that loneliness is the next global pandemic. Japan has already appointed a Minister for Loneliness, and Taiwan, with its trains full of passengers absorbed in their phones, may soon face the same challenge. Rotary has chosen “belonging” as our antidote—through relationships, purpose, and meaningful social interaction.

Voices of inspiration echoed throughout our gathering. Nobel Laureate Malala reminded us that “ordinariness together makes us extraordinary.” A young TED speaker, in her poem on hope, urged us to remember that history does not favor the passive—the hero’s journey is long, but it demands courage. My greatest takeaway: people are not the periphery, they are the principal.

As I prepare to leave Taiwan, I carry with me the anticipation of Barcelona next year—a city where Rotary found me in 2002 and set me on a path from ordinary to extraordinary. And I celebrate the milestone ahead: my friend and District Governor classmate, Hakeem Yinka Babalola, will become only the second African to serve as Rotary International President in 116 years. He is a game-changer. Watch his space.

Taiwan has shown me efficiency, kindness, and cultural richness. Rotary has reminded me of belonging, courage, and the power of ordinary people united in extraordinary purpose. Together, they reaffirm that the future is not built on systems alone, but on people—always people.”

One of my best Rotary mates from Kenya who now lives and works in Nigeria is Jane Mberia some of you met Jane when Jane came over to our D9700 Conference in Griffith and was accompanied by our Tracy Ochieng.

Our new RI President is from Nigeria:

2.  ROTARY FELLOWSHIPS:

Explore our fellowships: BREW

Above: Welcome from Taipei. Having a little of the Taiwan Beer with Director Kevin Stevens. 

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.

BREW GOALS

The goal of BREW is to create the largest fellowship in Rotary. An international community of Rotarians who share a love of beer. We also strive to support efforts and projects to bring clean water to those in thirst since water is the primary ingredient in beer.

BREW WEBSITE

3.  RYLA 2026 D9705

WELCOME TO RYLA 2026

Leadership begins with opportunity and today, we proudly welcomed 40 young leaders from across our district as they commence their RYLA journey.

The Rotary Youth Leadership Awards is a transformational program designed for emerging leaders who are ready to challenge themselves, build confidence, and strengthen the skills they need to create meaningful impact in their communities and careers.

Throughout the program, they will take part in structured leadership development, collaborative challenges, and reflective learning designed to strengthen their capacity to lead with purpose. We congratulate each participant and look forward to supporting them throughout this transformative experience.

If your club is interested in sponsoring a participant for 2027 or learning more about the program, we’d love to hear from you.

Reach out via message or email us at [email protected]

JUNE IS ROTARY’S FELLOWSHIPS MONTH

ROTARY CLUB OF COOLAMON Inc. 2025-2026

COOLAMON ROTARY CLUB MEETING 

Monday June 15th. 2026 

President Mary Potts welcomed 20 members and 1 guest, Happy.  A special welcome back to Don Dyce following his accident with a grinder.

Mary opened the meting with an impressive ringing of the Rotary bell.

The board met prior to our ordinary meeting and decided that Happy will be inducted next week as our newest member.

Our volunteer Bear raised $545.45 at the Marrar football last Saturday for the Red Shield Appeal.  We have been allocated the gates at the Coolamon v Ganmain game on Sunday.  It will be a bucket donation, no receiots required.  The volunteers are:

10.00 am to 12.00 pm.  John Bond, Ted Hutcheon, Dick Jennings.

12.00 to 2.30 pm.  Annie, Happy and Mark Dubois.

Reminder that Michael Trinidad and the “BUCCANEERS BOUNTY” is on again this Friday at Coolamon Cheese.

Change over on Monday 29th June please book now via Henk Hulsman, cost of the three course dinner is $40.00 per person.

John Bond invited members to a concert at the conservatorium in Wagga this Friday night from 6.00pm.  Contact Bondy for details.

After dinner we had a short joke session with Vicki leading the way followed up by Mary.

The raffle was for dinners not taken by members who were unable to attend.  There were 7 prizes won by Adrian, Gary, Bondy, Annie, Howard and Don.

We had an early finish which allowed for plenty of good fellowship and discussions.  Great to be back.

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!

You can download the full programme here and note that it will change and that will be reflected in the weekly bulletin:  CRC Diary On-Line

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

ROTARY NEWS and ITEMS OF INTEREST

1. RICON TAIPEI 2026

This by all accounts has been a huge success to date and most enjoyable. Here are some photos from the 2026 Rotary International Convention in Taipei.  Most taken by good friends of mine who I met during such past RICONS.

2.  ROTARY FELLOWSHIPS:

Explore our fellowships: RUNNNING

This looks like a good fellowship to join, especially for our President Mary!

Rotary Fellowship For Runners

The RFFR – Rotary Fellowship for Runners

is a group of Rotarians dedicated to promoting any distance running and endurance sports as an opportunity to experience fellowship.
The objectives of our Fellowship are:

• to develop and promote world-wide friendship through running events and engaging in touristic activities
• to serve the community locally, nationally and internationally through running activities
• to promote international understanding and peace through running activities.

The idea of founding this organization originated at Paris Marathon in 2005. The charter initiation party of our fellowship was celebrated in 2006 during the marathon in Berlin. The main intention of the RFFR is to organize one Rotarian event a year during an international marathon, where you can meet Rotarian friends and run for a beneficial purpose. Members have come together once a year since 2005 to run in a nominated marathon. We have previously participated in the Paris, Berlin, Amsterdam, New York, Medoc, Vienna, Townsville / Great Barrier Reef, Graz, London, Rome, Budapest, Ljubljana, Queenstown Marathon New Zealand, Reykjavik and Cape Town Marathon South Africa steadily raising funds for Polio Plus. The true international spirit of Rotary and the fellowship is always manifested at such gatherings and long lasting friendships have been developed over the years.

www.Rotarianrun.org is the passionate Rotarian runners fan’s first port of call next to Facebook. Here, all the news about our events is posted and people can share ideas and experiences.

The RFFR is open to all Rotarians, Rotaractors and their families and friends. All you need is enthusiasm for the challenge of running; amateur runners any distance are more than welcome.

3.  ROTARIAN KING CHARLES III 

Did you know our King is a Rotarian?

His Majesty King Charles III shares a long and genuine connection with Rotary International — and it’s something every Rotarian can be proud of.

Since 1992, King Charles has been an honorary member of the Rotary Club of Banchory Ternan in Scotland, not far from the Balmoral Estate. He has regularly been spotted wearing his Rotary pin at public engagements — a small but meaningful sign of a connection that runs deep.

That connection is most visible in his long championing of causes close to Rotary’s heart. In 2003, he joined a polio immunisation program in a village near Delhi, and a decade later was photographed wearing an End Polio Now scarf during another visit to India — a public acknowledgement of Rotary’s extraordinary efforts to eradicate the disease.

His environmental leadership has also been recognised at the highest level. In June 2022, at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Kigali, Rwanda, Rotary International presented King Charles with its most prestigious honour — the Rotary Award of Honour — for his lifelong commitment to nature-based solutions to the climate crisis.

The Royal Family’s Rotary ties don’t end there. Princess Anne addressed the 2018 Rotary International Convention in Toronto, bringing worldwide attention to Rotary’s humanitarian work.

From ending polio to protecting our environment, the causes our King champions are the causes Rotary champions. We’re proud to call him one of our own

JUNE IS ROTARY’S FELLOWSHIPS MONTH

ROTARY CLUB OF COOLAMON Inc. 2025-2026

COOLAMON ROTARY CLUB MEETING 

Monday June 1st. 2026 

President Mary Potts welcomed 19 members and 1 guest, Happy.

We will be doing a collection at the football for the Salvation Army red Shield appeal on 13 June. We will be at Marrar we have the following to help from 10 am till 12 noon. We have Ian Jennings and Daryl and from 12 noon till 230. We have Alex and Bear and Mary if needed.  On 21 June at Coolamon we have from 10 am to12 noon John Bond and Ted and then from 12 till 2:30 we have Annie Rz Happy and Mark DuBois.

Everyone enjoyed the meal tonight we had a couple of different options. The Raffle was one by Michael Trinidad. Second prize was Mark DuBois who said redraw  and then Mark Reardon came 2nd.

We had a joke from Albert Mary Henk Vicki and Daryl Mary and Hank won the prizes which was some leftover food
Michael spoke about his Filipino afternoon on Saturday. If everyone could please bring a chair and let him know if you’re coming he will have piles of food. He also mentioned a theatre production that he will be in at the Coolamon cheese. It is called the Buccaneers bounty and is at Coolamon cheese on the 12th and 19th of June . It would be great to have lots of people to support this show. It is sponsored by Kooringal Rotary.

There is no meeting next Monday as it is public holiday so the following Monday, 15 June there will be a board meeting and a general meeting.

PE Leslie Weston spoke briefly on the change over she still requires a club admin volunteer and also a president elect so it would be great to have a few volunteers for this. The meeting closed early for fellowship.

Also on 20th of July we will have a joint meeting with the Lions club and a guest speaker on prostrate cancer and there will also be a mental health nurse attending.

As reported by President Mary Potts.

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!

You can download the full programme here and note that it will change and that will be reflected in the weekly bulletin:  CRC Diary On-Line

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

ROTARY NEWS and ITEMS OF INTEREST

1.  GEARS AND BEERS UPDATES

0

130 days ’til the Dirty 130 @ Gears + Beers Festival (NSW Oct long weekend in Wagga Wagga). Time to sort your accommodation and grab your tickets!

https://www.gearsandbeers.org.au/

2.  RC of Wagga Wagga From Darkness to Light:

Ten Eye Camps and four School Camps

22,000 people attending the camps

2,550 cataract operations

11,500 people screened for glasses

3,500 pairs of glasses issued

10,000 medicines provided

3. ROTARY FELLOWSHIPS:

Explore our fellowships

Interested in a particular subject? Visit the group’s website or email it to learn more.

JUNE IS ROTARY’S FELLOWSHIPS MONTH

ROTARY CLUB OF COOLAMON Inc. 2025-2026

COOLAMON ROTARY CLUB MEETING 

Monday May 25th. 2026 

President Mary Potts welcomed 21 members and 4 guests which included;  Happy, Marilyn Jennings, Maureen Hulsman and Matt Christie.  Tonight’s report by Mary Potts:

“Our guest speaker tonight was Matt Christie, Michael Trinidad’s partner.

Matt gave a passionate talk about his life and his work

Matt was born in Italy and moved to England and then to Melbourne for his education.  He spoke about establishing, with Michael, their school for teaching English and various skills, to those students who need this education to work and stay in Australia

Matt does his work not for money, but because he loves to do what he does.

He met Michael 16 years ago and together they have set up the school.  Matt runs a radio station in Hay.

Matt moved to Euroa in 2023 and organised to form three branches of the CWA in Euroa as it had been closed down for many years.  He has also started an expo for arts and crafts in Euroa

Matt said he doesn’t need much sleep and he loves to work.”

Looks like I missed an excellent talk, thankyou Matt.

Thanks to Ian, Mary and Michael for the photos and notes.

Matt Christie Speaker Coach Press Media Kit

OUT AND ABOUT ROTARY SERVICE

Agricultural Industry Day at the CSU Farm near Wagga Wagga

Wednesday May 20th Agricultural Industry Day at the CSU Farm near Wagga Wagga 11.00am-2.00pm we were invited to cook for the Agricultural Industries Day.  Everything is supplied and we will get a donation to our club for our service.  150 students we all  fed at 12.25pm.  Thanks to the volunteers who were: Alex, Mary, Happy, Daryl, Annie, Gary and Barry.

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!

You can download the full programme here and note that it will change and that will be reflected in the weekly bulletin:  CRC Diary On-Line

A nun woke up one morning and started making her way through the convent looking unusually grumpy.

The first nun she passed smiled and said,
“Looks like somebody got out of the wrong side of the bed today.”

The nun frowned but carried on walking.

A little farther down the hallway, another nun looked at her and said exactly the same thing.

“You must’ve gotten out of the wrong side of the bed this morning!”

Now she was getting irritated. 

Then a third nun said it.
And a fourth.
And a fifth!

By now she was absolutely furious. She marched straight into the Mother Superior’s office and snapped,

“Before you say ONE word… don’t tell me I got out of the wrong side of the bed this morning!”

The Mother Superior looked at her calmly and replied,

“I wasn’t going to say that at all…”

“I was simply going to ask why you’re wearing the Bishop’s slippers.” 

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

ROTARY NEWS and ITEMS OF INTEREST

1.  THE BUCCANEERS BOUNTY IN COOLAMON

Sponsored by the Kooringal RC

From Michael Trinidad:

“Did I mention I’m in a show?

I may not be wielding a sword, but plenty of my fellow cast members are. Here is a behind-the-scenes look at the Wagga Fencing Club teaching some of us how to handle a blade.

What could possibly go wrong?”

JOIN US FOR A SPLASH OF THEATRE AT COOLAMON CHEESE CO

• BUCCANEERS BOUNTY 

FRIDAY 12TH AND 19TH OF JUNE

Hold hard me hearties! Come and enjoy The Buccaneers Bounty, a raucous, romp with a boatload of rascally, rogue pirates and Buccaneers!

Tickets are on sale now, via the Trybooking link:

https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1537621

LIMITED SPOTS AVAIILABLE BOOK NOW!

2.  ROTARY CLUB #1 CHICAGO 

In 1935, Rotarians gathered to celebrate a significant milestone: 30 years of Rotary.

Just three decades earlier, in 1905, a small group of professionals in Chicago came together with a simple idea: build connection, foster friendship, and serve their community. By 1935, that idea had grown into a global movement.

Picture that anniversary lunch, leaders and community members seated together, reflecting on the journey from a single meeting room in Chicago to an international network built on service, integrity, and goodwill. Even in the midst of a challenging era, Rotary’s commitment to fellowship and service remained steady and forward-looking.

3.  District 92112 Conference & Assembly 2026 — The Last Dance

Can you tell from the photos below why Rotary is growing in East Africa.  When the Mt Kenya Team from Coolamon attended the DCA in Mombasa in 2015 ,it was D9110 which then divided into D9212 and 9211.  Now D9212 has to divide into 2!

Rotary District 9212 is a part of the Rotary International service clubs of Rotary, Rotaract and Interact located in Ethiopia, Kenya, South Sudan and Eritrea.

What a powerful moment in Rotary history. As District 9212 gathers for its final District Conference Assembly before the transition into two new districts, this truly feels like the end of an era — and the beginning of a new chapter.

The energy, fellowship, colour, and spirit at DCA have been unforgettable, and Rotary Club of Karura is proud to be part of this landmark occasion alongside Rotarians from across the region.

We are especially thrilled to celebrate our club members who represented us so vibrantly and helped us emerge as 2nd Runners-Up in the Best Dressed Category

Style, unity, and Rotary spirit? We brought all three.

A special highlight was the opportunity to connect with Rotary leadership from around the world, including a memorable moment with the Incoming RI President — a reminder that Rotary continues to inspire hope, service, and impact across generations.

Here’s to honouring the legacy of District 9212, celebrating the friendships built along the way, and stepping boldly into the future of Rotary.

Effective July 1, 2026, Rotary District 9212 will comprise two new Districts; 9215 and 9216, marking an end to 13 years of District 9212.

District 9215 will comprise of Kenya (Western region, including the Rift Valley and Western Nairobi) and South Sudan. District 9216 will comprise of Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Kenya (Central Highlands and Eastern regions, including Coast region and Eastern Nairobi).

District 9212 currently has 3,727 Rotarians and 2,096 Rotaractors. The District has 110 honorary Rotarians and 141 honorary Rotaractors. There are a total of 267 clubs, comprising of 146 Rotary Clubs and 119 Rotaract Clubs. There are also two satellite Rotary Clubs.

MAY IS ROTARY’S YOUTH SERVICE MONTH

Why are more young people joining Rotary South Pacific? 
Because it’s more than a club, it’s flexible, modern, and built for people who want to make an impact.

 Build real career skills
 Network with people who actually matter
 Make friends for life
 Work on meaningful projects, both locally and globally

If you want to grow, give back, and be part of something bigger, this is where it happens.

Image courtesy of the RC of San Francisco West.

ROTARY CLUB OF COOLAMON Inc. 2025-2026

COOLAMON ROTARY CLUB MEETING 

Monday May 18th. 2026 

President Mary Potts welcomed 20 members and 18  guests which included; Maureen Hulsman, Marilyn Jennings, Sharon Reardon, Natalie and Michael McCaig, Susan Glassford and Ivan Furner.

Mary introduced her guest who until very recently lived in Ghana, Happy, I did not get her full name.  Happy is a Nigerian and has moved to Coolamon and is looking for work.  Happy has an online business.

Special guests were introduced by Rtn. Michael included Michael’s partner, Matt Christie, who is our guest speaker next Monday.  As well Michael had invited the Filipino community of Coolamon, some who work at Allawah Lodge and the Coolamon Steel works. They were accompanied by Melanie Stubbs from our Council.  There were ten Filipinos including one delightful little girl.

Introductions of our guests and partners created a lot of interest from our Filipino guests.  We all learnt a lot from these happy people.

We celebrated Myffy’s birthday and then Mary opened the meeting with several items of interest for our members and guests:

• The Thursday raffle at the Bottom Pub raised $556.00, well done to the volunteers, Mary, Grahame, Leslie, Annie, Myffy, Mark Reardon, Mark Dubois and Ian.
• The Epic Rotary Day on Saturday where we cleaned up about 5ks of the Coolamon to Wagga road was a success with 25 bags of rubbish collected and two ute loads full of stuff!  report and photos below.
• Mary visited the Salvation Army in Temora planning their visit and the Red Shield appeal day.
• RYLA we did not get any applications this year.
• RC of Batemans Bay is looking for support for a water project in Kenya through RAWCS.  JG will research this one.
• Lion Wayne Lewis has a guest speaker for Monday 20th July, talking on cancer, Anne Bramich, who is a cancer counsellor and a prostate cancer nurse.  It will be a joint Lions Rotary meeting.

We the drew the raffle and first prize drawn by Happy from Ghana was won by JJG from Kenya!  Second prize was won by Mark Dubois.

After dinner we were entertained by Michael Trinidad and his talk was:

UNDERSTANDING FILIPINO CULTURE THROUGH FOOD:

The presentation by Michael was stunning and full of information and above all passion.  I simply could not get it all down for the bulletin and those present witnessed one of the best talks that we have had in this club.  Some brief notes follow:

• Michael spoke about his family and their involvement in public life in the Philippines.  Going all the way to the top in 1946 where his great grand father and mother were notable Filipino political figures.
• Michael’s mother was a member of congress.  Suffice to say that the name Trinidad is well known in the Philippines.
• He has a close family with siblings in New York and they get together every 2 years.
• Michael became an Aussie in 1995 and has been in the hospitality industry for 20 years as a qualified chef.  He graduated from the CSU as a Bachelor of Veterinary Technology in 2020.  He is the cellar door manager at the CSU Winery and his boss Natalie McCaig is Dick Jennings’s daughter!
• Michael then spoke about the Philippines some interesting facts and most passionately about their food culture.
  • You needed to be there to take it all in however the one thing that stood out was banana ketchup, you work it out!!!
  • The list of dishes is mind boggling and look amazing.  Michael will be cooking up a Filipino storm on June 6th details will follow.

Michael concluded by saying that no one in the Philippines eats alone and food is central to every day living and is shared as a community and a social activity AND no one goes hungry.

Above all helping others in the spirit of community with acts of kindness.  BAYANIHAN

Ian Jennings proposed a vote of thanks to Michael for his talk which was well received by all present.

BTW Michael is publishing a newsletter for our Shire called “A New Voice in Coolamon”  you can down load it below:

News of Coolamon Philippininos

The meeting closed at 8.45pm.  A great night!

OUT AND ABOUT CRC EPIC DAY OF ROTARY SERVICE

Thanks go to all the volunteers for their hard work:  Mary Potts, Mark Dubois, Daryl Breust, Michael Trinidad, Alex Thompson, Myffy Collette, Vicki Langtry, Gary Truscott, Anne Rzeszkowski, Henk Hulsman and Debbie Noble from Ganmain.  Thank you all!

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!

You can download the full programme here and note that it will change and that will be reflected in the weekly bulletin:  CRC Diary On-Line

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

ROTARY NEWS and ITEMS OF INTEREST

1.  TRACY OCHIENG OUR STAR IN NAIROBI

It has been a long time since we met Tracy Ochieng in Nairobi back in 2011.  PDG Fred Loneragan and I decided that we must support Tracy through High School and hopefully into University.  Tracy graduated in Journalism from the United States International University in Nairobi and is going form strength to strength.  Tracy is becoming a well known influencer, writer and TV presenter in Nairobi.

Tracy recently wrote:

Stills from the Africa Forward Fest at Afnairobi celebrating authentic African Children’s Literature written by Africans for Africans.

If the stories we tell our children don’t portray them accurately or offer a sliding door or a mirror as one of the brilliant authors, I got a chance to sit down with said, then we are doing a great disservice to them.

My dress @whatshewore_254

Gold sandal heels @wayaz.collection

Makeup by Sony

2.  RYE 2026 ROTARY YOUTH EXCHANGE SAFARI

Rotary Youth Exchange -D9560 is with Rotary Youth Exchange District 9620 and Rotary Youth Exchange District 9640 Australia.

 Our last day of our Safari-Sydney trip.  The realisation of everyone parting ways tomorrow is beginning to sink in. We spent the morning at Bondi Beach, then experienced the sunset over the harbour. Nicolas was able to perform at Darling Harbour. The trip would not be complete without the flag signing.

 

3. TOGANMAIN RESTORATION A SOCIAL VISIT?

It has been suggested that we arrange a social visit to the Toganmain Woolshed.  This could be to take a bus trip for a day getting home the same day as it is only just down the road!  In 1997 Susan and I looked at buying Toganmain as it was going downhill fast.  We believed that by moving Old Tog to the Shearers Hall of Fame, as the main museum, would save Old Tog.  It looks like they are doing a great job with volunteers restoring Old Tog.

This was 1997:

 

 

Old Tog has now been heritage listed, they look for volunteers and donations and here is their website:

Toganmain Woolshed

Once Friends of Toganmain, now Toganmain Woolshed Precinct Inc! Heritage-listed and volunteer-driven, we’re restoring one of NSW’s iconic woolsheds. Featured on ABC National Television, our mission is to share Australia’s pastoral story.

May 2026:  Just in case you haven’t been paying attention! Compare these two shots to see what’s changed over the last four days.

 

 

Follow us over on Insta for a slightly different take on our unfolding story:

https://www.instagram.com/toganmainwoolshed

MAY IS ROTARY’S YOUTH SERVICE MONTH

Why are more young people joining Rotary South Pacific? 
Because it’s more than a club, it’s flexible, modern, and built for people who want to make an impact.

 Build real career skills
 Network with people who actually matter
 Make friends for life
 Work on meaningful projects, both locally and globally

If you want to grow, give back, and be part of something bigger, this is where it happens.

Image courtesy of the RC of San Francisco West.

ROTARY CLUB OF COOLAMON Inc. 2025-2026

COOLAMON ROTARY CLUB MEETING 

Monday May 11th. 2026 

President Mary Potts welcomed 21 members and 3 guests; Marilyn Jennings, Susan Glassford and Braydan Tulloch (Braydan works with Huff n Puff in Ganmain).

Mary opened the meeting with several items of interest for our members and guests:

• Reminders all of which are in the diary below:
  • Thursday May 14th this Thursday raffle at the Coolamon Hotel 5.30-7.45
  • Saturday May 16th Coolamon Rotary Epic Day
  • Monday May 18th the life of Rotarian Michael Trinidad
  • Wednesday May 20th CSU Agricultural Industry Day 11.00am-2.00pm
  • Thursday May 28th Interfaith Dinner
• The meals will be $30 per head from next Monday and will include two raffle prizes.
• Change over dinner will be $40 per head.
• The Wagga Netball day that we supported raised a net profit of $1,200 for the CRC.
• Daryl reported on the last meeting of the Wollundry Club’s Gears and Beers committee meeting.  Daryl was impressed by the efficient way the meeting was carried out in.  Further reports are to follow in 2 months. Daryl pointed put that the CRC’s involvement plays a major part in the annual Gears & Beers event and to date we have raised $55,000 by our support of the Wollundry RC.

RYDA came and went and we supported this important event on Friday in Wagga and all accounts suggest that the students from out lying towns such as Coolamon were well behaved and the CRC was the only RC from the area other than Wagga clubs that attended.  Volunteers were Annie, Howard, Ian, Mark Dubois, Garth, Vicki and Henk,  thanks to all who volunteered.

Thanks to Garth for the above photo which is where the local Highway Patrol from Wagga, explain the effects of drinking and driving with drugs that has on drivers who can end up dead, paralysed or killing other innocent people on the road.  The police don’t pull any punches in this session and it is a sobering presentation.

Birthday boy JJG was serenaded with happy birthday, as was our guest Braydan, who has a birthday on Wednesday 13th and two boxes of chocolates were handed round.

Ian and Marilyn Jennings celebrated their golden wedding anniversary congratulations Marilyn and Ian.

Three jokes were entered for the joke telling session and the prize of a bunch of flowers which Vicki and Ian shared.

We wish Garth a safe and most enjoyable trip to Finland and Poland.  Garth leaves on Thursday.  Bear is also travelling and they are going to Sri Lanka.

S@A Dick and Cpl Garth then went on the collection of monies through another very spirited fines session.  Again no one was spared and the best fine was on Leslie for being on time!

The meeting closed at 8.30pm followed by a very good session of fun and fellowship with much laughter all round.

Another excellent meeting of the CRC and we are such a vibrant club with lots of ideas and we have plenty of volunteers showing up.

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!

You can download the full programme here and note that it will change and that will be reflected in the weekly bulletin:  CRC Diary On-Line

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

ROTARY NEWS and ITEMS OF INTEREST

1.  OUR ANNUAL GIVING 2025-2026

ShelterBox $1,000

Circus Quirkus $350

Coolamon & Ganmain Hospital Auxiliary $5,000

Allawah Lodge $2,000

Heartprint Cambodia $500

Rotary Health Polio Plus $2,000

Australian Rotary Health $2,000

Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal $1,000

Canola Way Can Assist $2,000

MHERV $500

TOTAL ANNUAL GIVING $ 16,350

2.  IDEAS FOR OUR CLUB

Chances are that our Rotary club in the Shire community is ready to welcome new members, so please share this with potential members of our club especially the youth of Coolamon.

3.  ROTARY MEANS BUSINESS FELLOWSHIP

Several years ago I joined this fellowship as a member of the Sydney Chapter, and it makes perfect sense.

Rotary Means Business Fellowship Website

In East Africa Rotary is seen as an organisation that will further your career and IMHO that is why Rotary is growing in Sub-Saharan Africa.  In fact some of their districts have to split, as they are too large due to the ever increasing intake of new members and new clubs.  The young business men and women are joining Rotary and the split is 50:50 and the average age is well below 40.

BTW Susan and I have a house to sell in Ganmain!!!!  S@A may fine me if he so chooses, however the White House goes on the market this week though Belle Properties in Wagga Wagga.  Your interest is invited:

MAY IS ROTARY’S YOUTH SERVICE MONTH

Why are more young people joining Rotary South Pacific? 
Because it’s more than a club, it’s flexible, modern, and built for people who want to make an impact.

 Build real career skills
 Network with people who actually matter
 Make friends for life
 Work on meaningful projects, both locally and globally

If you want to grow, give back, and be part of something bigger, this is where it happens.

Image courtesy of the RC of San Francisco West.

ROTARY CLUB OF COOLAMON Inc. 2025-2026

COOLAMON ROTARY CLUB MEETING 

Monday May 4th. 2026 

President Mary Potts welcomed our 24 members to our meeting tonight.  Well done all round.

Albert gave out birthday chocolates to Vicki, Mark Reardon and John Glassford for their birthdays.

President Mary advised members on some information that is pertinent to our club and members:

• Dick Jennings has some raffle tickets for sale in aid of Can Assist Canola Way Coolamon, tickets are $5 each.
• RYDA Rotary Youth Driver Awareness is on this Friday at the Wagga Wagga Showgrounds.  Volunteers are Annie, Howard, Ian, Mark Dubois, Garth, Vicki and Henk.  Time is 8.45-3.00pm when the students have to get their bus back to Coolamon.
• We have been invited to cook for the Agricultural Industries Day (Which we have done previously). Date is Wednesday May 20th time 11.00am-2.00pm.   Everything is supplied and they donate to our club for our service.  150 students need to be fed at 12.25pm.  Volunteers so far are: Daryl, Annie, Gary and Barry.
• Thursday May 14th we are on duty at the Coolamon Hotel Bottom Pub for their raffle.  Time 5.30-7.00pm,  Plenty of volunteers including:  Mary, Grahame, Leslie, Annie, Myffy, Mark Reardon, Mark Reardon and Ian.
• Saturday May 16th Rotary’s Epic day or the clean up of the Coolamon to Wagga Wagga Road as far as we can get!!!  Time 9.00am-11.00am and the volunteers are: Mary, Leslie, Annie, Myffy, Mark Reardon, Ted, Gary, Mark Dubois, John Bond, Michael, Henk, Alex, Vicki and Barry.  Amazing roll up well done everyone.
• Board Meeting May 11th and a decision on the catering of our change over on Monday June 29th will be made by the BoD.  The proposal is to have the catering done by Michelle Seymour and the cost for a three course meal will be $40 after much discussion, that is the recommendation to the BoD.
• Henk read out a letter from D9705 on the proposed mergers of the districts in NSW. Rotary International has decided our Zone needs to redistrict from 19 Districts across the Zone to 9, 10 or 11 Districts. This is due to declining numbers. A District should contain around 2700 members as the optimum size to ensure growth. Districts below 1100 are to be merged into stronger Districts.  A proposal was put by the 5 NSW G-trains to create 3 Districts in NSW. Under this model Northern NSW would be one District, Sydney would be one District and Southern NSW would be one District. This makes all three Districts between 2,150 and 2,400 members.
• D9705 are suspending the 2027-2028 Youth Exchange programme.  Hopefully this wonderful Rotary Youth programme will be back in 2028-2029.

We had another excellent Malaysian/Chines dinner followed by the raffle which was won by Albert again!

S@A and his trusty Cpl. Garth fined everyone tonight.  The best fine was on Lexi who volunteered for all the events upcoming only to remember that she will be away for a few weeks.

There were three jokes tonight Albert and “Don’t tread on the duck”, Garth about a sheep and a fence and Mary with a dog and rabbit joke.  I think Albert won that one.

We wish Garth a great trip to Finland, Poland and other parts of Europe.  Garth will be away for 5 weeks.

The meeting closed at 8.45pm.

OUT AND ABOUT ALBURY

Our marathon runner Mary Potts reported on her run at the Albury West RC 2026 Easyshed Nail Can Hill Run.

2026 Nail Can Run in Albury

The Nail Can Hill Run is no ordinary race. It takes participants on a thrilling journey through the rugged terrain of Nail Can Hill, a stunning reserve boasting diverse flora and fauna.

The course winds through winding trails, steep inclines, and breathtaking vistas, pushing runners to their limits and testing their endurance and determination.

Good on you Mary!

HEARTPRINT CAMBODIA WAGGA WAGGA BASED PROJECT.

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!

You can download the full programme here and note that it will change and that will be reflected in the weekly bulletin:  CRC Diary On-Line

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

ROTARY NEWS and ITEMS OF INTEREST

1.  DISCOVER ROTARY

N.B. Saturday May 16th PETS 26-27 D9705 Training Seminars ORANGE

2.  IDEAS FOR OUR CLUB

Dog Walk for Cancer Sign Up

3.  EXCELLENCE IN WORKMANSHIP AWARDS

One of the highlights of our Rotary Year is to recognise local people who go above and beyond in their roles as employees. They have excellent customer service skills, strong work ethic and do their best for their employer.

We had three winners this year for our ‘Excellence in Workmanship Awards’

Tony Kite from Moses and Son
Brett Green from The Temora Independent
Dave White from Temora Reject Shop.

Congratulations to all recipients.

MAY IS ROTARY’S YOUTH SERVICE MONTH

Why are more young people joining Rotary South Pacific? 
Because it’s more than a club, it’s flexible, modern, and built for people who want to make an impact.

 Build real career skills
 Network with people who actually matter
 Make friends for life
 Work on meaningful projects, both locally and globally

If you want to grow, give back, and be part of something bigger, this is where it happens.

Image courtesy of the RC of San Francisco West.

ROTARY CLUB OF COOLAMON Inc. 2025-2026

ANZAC DAY 2026.

As there will be no bulletin next week which takes in ANZAC DAY.  Here is a tribute to our ANZAC tradition.  Click on the picture to read Ataturk’s tribute to the ANZACS and the other nations who lost soldiers at Gallipoli.

If any of our members had relatives who served at Gallipoli, I would like some stories and photos if possible please.  I have taken editor’s privilege to post a photo of my Father, 1st Lt. George James Glassford who was one of the longest serving ANZACS at Gallipoli, despite being shot in the chest and shrapnel in the right eye which he lost.  Dad missed Chunuk Bair as he was in hospital in Cairo when his 1st Wellington Division were all but wiped out on August the 8th 1915.  760 men went up Chunuk Bair and only 70 returned to base camp.

Above: At Gallipoli with his platoon and my Dad is the Sergeant with the Lemon Squeezer hat. (and in the insert.)

We wish you all a peaceful and reflective ANZAC Day as we respect the ANZACS, on our national day of commemoration.

COOLAMON ROTARY CLUB MEETING 

Monday April 20th. 2026 

President Mary Potts welcomed our 21 members to our meeting tonight.  Another great roll up of members.  Garth apologised from the bar on the Spirit of Tasmania.  Garth was on his way to Hobart!

President Mary opened the meeting after dinner and the following items were discussed:

• Mary heard that Don Dyce is doing a great job on his front wall and Daryl has been around and feels that Don has it covered.
• Clean Up Coolamon for a Rotary Epic Day was discussed in full.  Henk read out the things that we need to do which incudes wearing high viz vests, obtaining Rotary insurance, how close to the road we can work.  After a debate on which area we should work on it was decided the Coolamon to Wagga road needs the most attention.
• The date for the Rotary Epic Day is set for Saturday the 16th May from 9.00am.  More volunteers are required.  Details will follow.
• We have been asked to sponsor the Coolamon Fire Engine Muster and to provide volunteers.  The day clashes with Gears and Beers.  It was suggested that we donate them $250-$500.  Over to the BoD to decide.
• There is a Trans Grid bus tour upcoming see Mary if you are interested.
• Change Over Dinner set for Monday 29th June.
• Daryl reported on the October Gears and Beers weekend.  There are some changes to the route and both the Dirty 130 and the 115 Ride will be going through Coolamon.  Further details on the routes taken will be available in due course.

The raffle was won by Barry which was followed by the joke competition, for a box of chocolates.   There were three jokes and the winner was the death bed joke as told by Albert.  S@A and resident auctioneer, Dick Jennings, then auctioned off 3 dinners which Mary bought.

A brief fines session by S@A Dick included the confidential missing teeth.

All in all another great evening of fellowship and friendship and the meeting closed at 8.30pm.

ROTARY CLUB OF HOUT BAY

Our Rotary Centennial Twin Club are as always doing great work in their community, especially the informal settlement of Imizamo Yethu.  Here is the latest Bay Breezes in pdf format.

BAY BREEZES

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!

You can download the full programme here and note that it will change and that will be reflected in the weekly bulletin:  CRC Diary On-Line

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

ROTARY NEWS and ITEMS OF INTEREST

1.  ROTARY PIONEER ADVENTUTE DAY.

South Australian farming families have given everything to keep their land and livestock alive through one of the worst droughts in years, and the toll has been devastating, not just financially, but mentally as well.

On Sunday 3rd May, Rotary is giving back to the community. The Rotary Pioneer Adventure Day, hosted by the Rotary Club of Adelaide Central, will be held at the Old Tailem Town Pioneer Village, Princes Highway, Tailem Bend, from 9am to 4pm.

The day features free entertainment, food, haircuts, grocery giveaways and health checks; all at no cost to attending families. We’re aiming to bring 600 families together for a day of community, connection, and smiles.

The Rotary Pioneer Adventure Day

2.  SEVEN WAYS ROTARY BRINGS JOY INTO YOUR LIFE.

JOIN ROTARY LINK

3.  ROTARY CLUB OF SHEPPARTON CENTRAL

APRIL IS ROTARY’S ENVIRONMENT MONTH

Image courtesy of Rotarian Debbie Vance from Canada.

ROTARY CLUB OF COOLAMON Inc. 2025-2026

COOLAMON ROTARY CLUB MEETING 

Monday April 13th. 2026 

President Mary Potts welcomed our three guests, Simone, Sean and Susan Glassford and 22  members to our meeting tonight.  Another great roll up of members.  Sean is JG’s eldest son and it was good to have Sean and Simone attend our meeting tonight.

After dinner President Mary reported on the preceding board meeting and some of the items discussed were:

• Mary talked about the Epic Day of Service and the CRC will have a clean up day in Coolamon on the 16th May.  Volunteers called for.
• D9705 are asking each club in D9705 to donate $250 towards the Emergency Services Awards.
• ANZAC Day in Coolamon wreath to be purchased and placed on the Cenotaph by President Mary.
• RYDA 8th May we need to supply volunteers for the day at the Wagga showgrounds.
• MHERV van was a success with 46 attending from Coolamon and 38 in Ganmain.  Thanks to all the volunteers.
• Myffy suggested that the Rotary MHIERV van needs a new blood pressure machine.
• Paul thanked all the members for the get well card which Paul said made a big difference.
• Lexi spoke about the upcoming RYLA week and asked for suitable nominations from members for suitable candidates 18-28 yo.
• Henk reminded in coming directors that they can do the D9705 training module on line or attend the PETS in Orange set for May 16th.

Mary then introduced Mark Dubois who recently joined our club by way of a Q&A session.

Some of Mark’s answers included:

• Born and raised in Sydney and went to a Catholic school.  Lived in Sydney most of his life and recently moved to Coolamon.
• Mark has 9 grandchildren with one of his daughters living in Wagga.  Mark has two sisters and one brother who works for Qantas as an engineer.
• Mark left school at 14 and started work as an apprentice printer and he was able to watch the building of the Opera House.
• Mark worked on front end loaders and a bulldozer at the sand quarries at Cronulla. This motivated Mark to start his own business with trucks.  He never looked back!
• Mark contracted to brick companies and builders and has built his own home.
• Mark now has the best block of land in or around Coolamon and will do up the home he bought recently.
• Welcome Mark to Coolamon Rotary.
• Dubois is an old French family and Mark has a great, great , great grandfather who was a general in Napoleon’s army!!!!

S@A then asked John Glassford to toast hi first GREAT Grandson called Wolfe Shepherd and shared a couple fo bottles of port with all present.

B.T.W.  The raffle was drawn by Simone Glassford and won by JG!

There was a brief fines session and this was followed by a Grahame Miles joke about a cat!

Another excellent evening of fun and fellowship and the meeting closed at 8.30pm.

MHERV IN COOLAMON AND GANMAIN

The visit of the Rotary MHERV van was a great success and thanks to Garth Perkin for organising the visit again, should be an annual event says Garth.

Thanks to the volunteers Mary, Adrian, Garth, Gary, Myffy, Barry, Dick, Mark Dubois and Di Brill.

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!

You can download the full programme here and note that it will change and that will be reflected in the weekly bulletin:  CRC Diary On-Line

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

ROTARY NEWS and ITEMS OF INTEREST

1.  WAGGA WAGGA ROTARY CLUB BOOK FAIR

Clear your calendar, Wagga — the Book Fair is back!

One of Wagga’s favourite annual events is almost here, with the Rotary Club of Wagga Wagga Annual Book Fair returning to the Wagga Showground for a huge weekend of bargains, browsing, and brilliant finds.

Get ready for thousands of pre-loved books waiting to be discovered — from children’s books, classics, crime, cookbooks, history and romance to those surprise treasures you spot at the very last minute. Whether you come with a list or just plan to wander, there’s every chance you’ll head home with a stack bigger than expected!

16–17 May 2026
Wagga Showground

We also want to say a heartfelt thank you to our amazing community for the incredible response to our call for donations. Your generosity has been overwhelming, and at this stage we are not requiring any further book donations for now.

Every book sold helps Rotary support projects and programs that make a real difference across Wagga Wagga and the Riverina — so every purchase helps strengthen our local community.

Round up your fellow book lovers, spread the word, and make a weekend of it!

2.  THE ROTARY POLIO PLUS KENNEL KLUB

The PolioPlus Society Kennel Klub is proud to have 349 members in 12 countries around the world, united by one mission: a future free of polio.

Every paw print on this map represents compassion, commitment, and the belief that together, we can finish the job.

Join us as we continue to expand our global pack—and take one step closer to a Polio-Free World.

USA ~ Canada ~ Finland ~ Sweden ~ Denmark ~ Norway ~ Italy ~ Australia ~ South Africa ~ Scotland ~ Mauritius ~ Bahamas

3.  TRACY OCHIENG’S BOOK LAUNCH

Our star pupil of many years has launched her first book.  It is called Rough Silk.

From Tracy:  I really longed for my dear mother to attend this event. I gifted her a copy of the 1st edition of Rough Silk which she thoroughly enjoyed because afterward she couldn’t stop talking about it.

“Heh Mum (as she’d call me), I kept on seeing you as I read the book. I have even given your father to read it and he said he loves it.”

Enters Dad.

“Mum, that was such a good book. Please bring me more.”

Towards the end of my mother’s life and as she went into remission I got her more books to occupy her and somehow offer an escape for all her pain to which she said she’d not read them. I was sad and hopeless. I only cared to find a way to make her feel better and no amount of books could take away the cancer eating her bones.

To be candid, this was quite a bittersweet moment for me: not having my mother there and the book talking heavily about Jakom, who passed on the week I laid my dear father to rest just made this launch personal. Everyone who stood up to give neno at my father’s funeral first started by crying Jowi! Followed by moments of silence observed to honor Baba ( I found it weird but also understood the weight Jakom held among our people).

Oh and in something that I will talk about in future writing, we were not seated at the family tent at the beginning of the funeral service.

If the launch had been done in December as has been previously planned, my dear mother would have been in the crowd, proud and happy to see me work and meet one of her favorite authors that made her life a little bit sweeter towards the end.

I’m however persuaded that she was there with me on that day.

I found more strength to write about this. Check out for my review of the book on Books in Africa.

1.  APRIL IS ROTARY’S ENVIRONMENT MONTH

Image courtesy of Rotarian Debbie Vance from Canada.

ROTARY CLUB OF COOLAMON Inc. 2025-2026