Month: July 2018

Week of 23rd July

Sixteen members plus guests Helen L, Jann N and Jan B were on hand to enjoy our weekly meeting.  The meeting kicked off with a group phone call to our outbound exchange student Jackson, who is halfway through his stay in Finland.  Jackson is apparently thoroughly enjoying his time in Finland and getting quite thoroughly immersed in the culture.

The highlight of the evening was John Nulty’s talk about his recent trip to Vietnam, where he, his two sons and a group of army comrades visited a number of sites of significance to his army detachment, mainly to honour fallen mates.  It was an emotional experience for John, but quite satisfying to see how the country has largely mended after the devastating military conflict that took place there in the 1960s.  Vietnam is now a tourist destination, with modern hotels catering to the tourist trade.  Judging from the number of rubber plantations John and his crew visited, rubber seems to be a major crop.  John was particularly impressed with a military museum in Hanoi which had displays documenting military uniforms and techniques through the ages. Daryl thanked John for a most interesting presentation and presented him with one of our new Coolamon Rotary pen and torch sets.

Ted led an entertaining fine session, as usual, and the evening concluded with a raffle which was won by Julie.

 

On the Lighter Side

Diary

Monday, 30th July – Club Assembly. Coolamon Sport and Rec Club, 6:30 for 7:00 pm.

Monday, 6th August – Regular meeting. Coolamon Sport and Rec Club, 6:30 for 7:00 pm.

Thursday, 9th August – Bingo. Allawah Lodge, 7:00-10:00. Neil (captain), Garth, Bern & Ivan.

*Monday, 13th August – Guest speaker: Robyn Lewis, drug addiction awareness. Coolamon Sport and Rec Club, 6:30 for 7:00 pm.

*Monday, 20th August – Guest speaker: Phil McIntosh, Wollundry Rotary (Gears & Beers). Coolamon Sport and Rec Club, 6:30 for 7:00 pm.

Thursday, September 13th – Bingo. Allawah Lodge, 7:00-10:00. Wayne (Captain),  Dave,  Bruce & Howard.

* denotes partner & guest night

Community Events

Up to date Art exhibition Friday 27th July  – 12th August, For further information please email: [email protected]

Reminders

Annual subscription fees will be due from next week

Please get your working with children check completed and give the number and expiry date to the Secretary ASAP. Failure to do so may mean you are not covered insurance wise when you volunteer at events.

 

 

 

District Governor: John Glassford {Membership Retention} Coolamon

District Governor-Elect: John McKenzie {Service Projects} Orange North

District Governor Nominee {New District}: Michael Moore

Immediate Past District Governor: George Weston {Youth} Leeton

Foundation Director: PDG David Kennedy {Foundation} Blayney

Secretary: PP David Benn {Administration} Wollundry Wagga Wagga

Treasurer Finance & Audit: PP Doug Conkey {Budget} Wollundry Wagga Wagga

Communications Director: PP Paul Murray {Public Image} Wollundry

Millennials Director: PP Clare Lawlor {Membership Millennials} Wagga CSU Rotaract

Associate Member: AG Julie Poplin {Assistant Governors}

Other District Appointments

Executive Secretary and Web Master: PP Paul Murray Wollundry Wagga Wagga

District Trainer: PP Geraldine Rurenga Wagga Wagga Murrumbidgee

PETS Facilitator: PDG Tony Monley D9810

Public Officer: PDG Ian Tooke Blayney

2019 Griffith D9700 Conference Chair: PP Ross Grillo Griffith

DIO Insurance/Risk Management: PP Sam Catanzariti Griffith

COL 2019 Representative: PDG Gary Roberts

We are still looking at appointing one more Assistant Governor.

We are also looking at the structure of all the Standing Committees and the Special Committees.

We will post all further news on D9700 2018-2019 on my DGJG Blog:

DG JG 9700 2018-2019

ROTARY INTERNATIONAL 2018-2019

President: Barry Rassin, RC of East Nassau The Bahamas

District 9700 Governor: John Glassford, RC of Coolamon

District 9700 Governor Elect: John McKenzie RC of Orange North

Week of 16th July

We once again had a small but dedicated turn out of Rotarians this week and Wayne brought his lovey wife Helen along for a very nice meal. As it was a fellowship  and brainstorming meeting, there was no guest speaker on the night but the conversation was exceptionally interesting and productive. A number of charities that Coolamon Rotary might like to fund were discussed as were potential guest speakers. On other news, Lucia arrived home safely. There will be a briefing by Wollundry Rotary on our involvement with the Gear and Beers event for this year on the 20th of August – it is apparently shaping up to be a big year with approximately 725 participants for the Dirty 130 ride. Neil also informed us that bingo had a small but dedicated showing. Wayne informed us he had a yarn with Trevor who is apparently very lethargic but slowly recovering and looking on the bright side of life. He is hoping to get back to Rotary at some point. Members also discussed the possibility of a social function this year in hopes of promoting fellowship.

A lengthy discussion ensued when Myffy raised some the issues she had encountered while producing the Chronicle. She has found that a number of service organisations in the shire are struggling and in many instances doubling up on events and causes. This raised a discussion on how to better coordinate community efforts in order to better benefit those in need. A solution was not clearly forthcoming but all members acknowledged the issue and agreed that a concerted effort was bound to yield some meaningful results.

The club would like to remind members to please put in their apologies if they do not intend to come to the Monday meeting. Not doing so is creating difficulty for the restaurant and the club in terms of preventing waste and containing costs. From now on, if an apology is not given, you will be charged for the cost of the meal.

Charity funding options

President Daryl is very interested in your ideas for charity funding so if you have one please get in contact with him.  The potential charities that were discussed were :

• Bear Cottage – A palliative care facility for children which is community funded
• End Trachoma – Trachoma is an eye infection that causes blindness in and is endemic in rural and remote aboriginal populations in Australia, the only first world nation that has this disease prevalent in a population
• Mental Health awareness
• Drug and alcohol awarenss
• Purple House
• ROMAC
• Legacy – which is being supported by our district and looking to make a centennial time capsule to commemorate the anniversary of the armistice to end WWI. District Governor John is looking to form a committee of interested people; if you would like to participate please let John know.
• Polio Plus – District Governor John is going to be putting on a district-wide bike relay to raise money to help finally eradicate polio. He is looking for committee members that would be interested in helping with the Coolamon leg of the relay.

Potential Guest speakers

A number of guest speakers are hoping to be lined up over the next few months. These include:

• West Wylong resident Robyn Lewis who is a recovering ice addict. We are looking to get her to speak in the 13th of August. Her story sounds absolutely fascinating and very informative.  Robyn has recently been asked to serve on a national committee for drug and alcohol abuse.
• John Nixon from Can Assist  for cancer patient treatment and care
• Jason from the Office of Environment and Heritage to talk on environmental legislation, particularly regarding trees
• John Nulty on his recent trip to Vietnam
• The local police officer to talk on road safety and other community related issues.

 

Lucia now safely home in Germany

Lucia, our exchange student for the past year, is now at home in Germany.  We received the photo below from Lucia showing the welcome she received at the airport from her mother and brothers.  Keep in touch, Lucia!

 

 

 

 

Diary

Monday, July 23rd – Regular meeting. Coolamon Sport and Rec Club, 6:30 for 7:00 pm.

Monday, July 30th – Regular meeting. Coolamon Sport and Rec Club, 6:30 for 7:00 pm.

*Monday, 13th August – Guest speaker: Robyn Lewis, drug addiction awareness. Coolamon Sport and Rec Club, 6:30 for 7:00 pm.

*Monday, 20th August – Guest speaker: Phil McIntosh, Wollundry Rotary (Gears & Beers). Coolamon Sport and Rec Club, 6:30 for 7:00 pm.

Thursday, August 9th – Bingo. Allawah Lodge, 7:00-10:00. Neil (captain), Garth, Bern & Ivan.

Thursday, September 13th – Bingo. Allawah Lodge, 7:00-10:00. Wayne (Captain),  Dave,  Bruce & Howard.

* denotes partner & guest night

Community Events

Up to date Art exhibition Friday 27th July  – 12th August, For further information please email: [email protected]

Reminders

Annual subscription fees will be due from next week

Please get your working with children check completed and give the number and expiry date to the Secretary ASAP. Failure to do so may mean you are not covered insurance wise when you volunteer at events.

 

 

 

District Governor: John Glassford {Membership Retention} Coolamon

District Governor-Elect: John McKenzie {Service Projects} Orange North

District Governor Nominee {New District}: Michael Moore

Immediate Past District Governor: George Weston {Youth} Leeton

Foundation Director: PDG David Kennedy {Foundation} Blayney

Secretary: PP David Benn {Administration} Wollundry Wagga Wagga

Treasurer Finance & Audit: PP Doug Conkey {Budget} Wollundry Wagga Wagga

Communications Director: PP Paul Murray {Public Image} Wollundry

Millennials Director: PP Clare Lawlor {Membership Millennials} Wagga CSU Rotaract

Associate Member: AG Julie Poplin {Assistant Governors}

Other District Appointments

Executive Secretary and Web Master: PP Paul Murray Wollundry Wagga Wagga

District Trainer: PP Geraldine Rurenga Wagga Wagga Murrumbidgee

PETS Facilitator: PDG Tony Monley D9810

Public Officer: PDG Ian Tooke Blayney

2019 Griffith D9700 Conference Chair: PP Ross Grillo Griffith

DIO Insurance/Risk Management: PP Sam Catanzariti Griffith

COL 2019 Representative: PDG Gary Roberts

We are still looking at appointing one more Assistant Governor.

We are also looking at the structure of all the Standing Committees and the Special Committees.

We will post all further news on D9700 2018-2019 on my DGJG Blog:

DG JG 9700 2018-2019

ROTARY INTERNATIONAL 2018-2019

President: Barry Rassin, RC of East Nassau The Bahamas

District 9700 Governor: John Glassford, RC of Coolamon

District 9700 Governor Elect: John McKenzie RC of Orange North

 

Week of 9th July

A small but dedicated turn out of members and their guest were at the meeting to greet newly minted President Daryl and District Governor John this week. Daryl asked the members put their thinking hats on regarding the efforts and direction of Coolamon Rotary over the course of the next 12 months. Wayne also informed members of  an opportunity to help remote aboriginal populations in the prevention and treatment of trachoma by funding the cost of transporting a container of goods and medicines that will aid in the battle against this condition. The Fred Hollows foundation has more information if you are interested.

Guest Speaker:  District Governor John Glassford

Our very own John Glassford, the new District Governor, gave a talk on his vision of what he and District 9700 are aiming to achieve for Rotary and its causes in the coming year.  Central to his message was that he and the district are there to serve the members in Rotary to do the good work that they do in their communities and he encouraged clubs to tell him what they need. However, he also reminded us that we can support Rotary by talking about what it is we do and why we do it  – because we care about each other and our communities.

John then went on to outline some of the causes he will be supporting as DG for the year. These included:

• A legacy time capsule in each peace town and village to commemorate the 100 anniversary of armistice  to end World War 1. The capsules will be opened 100 years from now and will raise money for Legacy.
• A Polio Plus bike torch relay  with a goal to raise $500,000 by riding through every town in the district. The money raised will help eradicate polio worldwide and with only 11 cases diagnosed this year this is a real possibility
• The District Conference in Griffith with fantastic line up of guest speakers to help celebrate and promote women in Rotary.

We all look forward to an exciting Rotary year ahead.

 

Diary

*Monday, July 16th – Fellowship and brainstorming meeting.  Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7:00 pm.

Wednesday, July 18th – Board meeting.

Thursday, August 9th – Bingo. Allawah Lodge, 7:00-10:00. Neil (captain), Garth, Bern & Ivan.

Thursday, September 13th – Bingo. Allawah Lodge, 7:00-10:00. Wayne (Captain),  Dave,  Bruce & Howard.

* denotes partner & guest night

Community Events

Up to date Art exhibition Friday 27th July  – 12th August, For further information please email: [email protected]

Reminders

Please get your working with children check completed and give the number and expiry date to the Secretary ASAP. Failure to do so may mean you are not covered insurance wise when you volunteer at events.

 

 

 

District Governor: John Glassford {Membership Retention} Coolamon

District Governor-Elect: John McKenzie {Service Projects} Orange North

District Governor Nominee {New District}: Michael Moore

Immediate Past District Governor: George Weston {Youth} Leeton

Foundation Director: PDG David Kennedy {Foundation} Blayney

Secretary: PP David Benn {Administration} Wollundry Wagga Wagga

Treasurer Finance & Audit: PP Doug Conkey {Budget} Wollundry Wagga Wagga

Communications Director: PP Paul Murray {Public Image} Wollundry

Millennials Director: PP Clare Lawlor {Membership Millennials} Wagga CSU Rotaract

Associate Member: AG Julie Poplin {Assistant Governors}

Other District Appointments

Executive Secretary and Web Master: PP Paul Murray Wollundry Wagga Wagga

District Trainer: PP Geraldine Rurenga Wagga Wagga Murrumbidgee

PETS Facilitator: PDG Tony Monley D9810

Public Officer: PDG Ian Tooke Blayney

2019 Griffith D9700 Conference Chair: PP Ross Grillo Griffith

DIO Insurance/Risk Management: PP Sam Catanzariti Griffith

COL 2019 Representative: PDG Gary Roberts

We are still looking at appointing one more Assistant Governor.

We are also looking at the structure of all the Standing Committees and the Special Committees.

We will post all further news on D9700 2018-2019 on my DGJG Blog:

DG JG 9700 2018-2019

ROTARY INTERNATIONAL 2018-2019

President: Barry Rassin, RC of East Nassau The Bahamas

District 9700 Governor: John Glassford, RC of Coolamon

District 9700 Governor Elect: John McKenzie RC of Orange North

 

Week of 2 July

Because of the changeover on Saturday, there was no meeting this week.  This issue of the bulletin features a number of photos from the changeover and a letter from Immediate Past President Paul.

 

Parting words from IPP Paul Weston

Well, another Rotary year is over, and it’s time to look toward the new year.  Before we do, I just wanted to reflect on the past year, review our accomplishments and acknowledge those that helped to make this past year memorable.

Our year started with welcoming the arrival of Lucia Bohnsack, a Rotary exchange student from Germany.  Lucia is our first exchange student in some time, and has added an interesting dimension to Rotary events, the lives of her host families, and to the Coolamon Central School community.  It has been a very full year for Lucia, who heads back to Germany next week.  It was a great experience for all, and we wish Lucia the best in her future endeavours.  We look forward to future visits from Lucia, and know that if we ever visit Germany, we’ll have a home waiting for us there.

Early in the year we celebrated Christmas in July, another first in many years.  Although there was no snow, the cold weather made it feel a bit like a Northern Hemisphere winter, even to transplants such as Leslie and me.  I hope this is a tradition that continues.  From there, we sped through the Rotary year, helping out with Gears and Beers, the Historic Fire Engine Muster, New Year’s Eve, Easter Markets, the Red Shield Appear and, finally, the changeover, a historic one for the club because the incoming District Governor was one of our own.  Punctuating the major activities were our monthly bingo, periodic District 9700 happenings (e.g. DisTect, PETS, and the district conference), street raffles, catering at several clearing sales, and this year, a number of events focussed on mental health (two mental health forums and the Mental Health First Aid training course).  The completion of another edition of the Coolamon Rotary telephone directory and monthly issues of the Coolamon Community Chronicle rounded out our club activities.  I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the several social events we held at the newly renovated convent courtesy of member Howard and his partner Anne, and the pleasantly numerous induction ceremonies we held this year!

All of these events required substantial person-power, which was largely provided by the members of Coolamon Rotary.  I appreciate the dedication of our members and their willingness to put service above self, one of our key guiding principles.  I am proud of our achievements over the past year, and I hope our members share that sense of pride.  I think we ended the Rotary year in a stronger position that we started, which is all a leader can ask for.  I thank all of our members for their contributions over the year, and thank Leslie for her patience with my time commitment to our club and Rotary as a whole.  Finally, I hope that recognising several of our members (Myffy Colette, Wayne Lewis and Bernadette Milne) with PHFs will convey to them how much we deeply appreciate their personal sacrifices and commitment to Rotary.  I’m sure all the members join me in wishing President Daryl and DG John the best as they start the new Rotary year, and will be there to help out throughout the year.

Diary

*Monday, July 9th – Guest Speaker. DG John Glassford visit to Coolamon Rotary, Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7:00 pm. Meeting with board beforehand.

Thursday, July 12th – Bingo. Allawah Lodge, 7:00-10:00. Henk (captain), John B, Ivan, Sarah.

Monday, July 16th – TBA.  Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7:00 pm.

Wednesday, July 18th – Board meeting.

* denotes partner & guest night

Community Events

Up to date Art exhibition Friday 27th July  – 12th August, For further information please email: [email protected]

Reminders

Please get your working with children check completed and give the number and expiry date to the Secretary ASAP. Failure to do so may mean you are not covered insurance wise when you volunteer at events.

 

 

 

District Governor: John Glassford {Membership Retention} Coolamon

District Governor-Elect: John McKenzie {Service Projects} Orange North

District Governor Nominee {New District}: Michael Moore

Immediate Past District Governor: George Weston {Youth} Leeton

Foundation Director: PDG David Kennedy {Foundation} Blayney

Secretary: PP David Benn {Administration} Wollundry Wagga Wagga

Treasurer Finance & Audit: PP Doug Conkey {Budget} Wollundry Wagga Wagga

Communications Director: PP Paul Murray {Public Image} Wollundry

Millennials Director: PP Clare Lawlor {Membership Millennials} Wagga CSU Rotaract

Associate Member: AG Julie Poplin {Assistant Governors}

Other District Appointments

Executive Secretary and Web Master: PP Paul Murray Wollundry Wagga Wagga

District Trainer: PP Geraldine Rurenga Wagga Wagga Murrumbidgee

PETS Facilitator: PDG Tony Monley D9810

Public Officer: PDG Ian Tooke Blayney

2019 Griffith D9700 Conference Chair: PP Ross Grillo Griffith

DIO Insurance/Risk Management: PP Sam Catanzariti Griffith

COL 2019 Representative: PDG Gary Roberts

We are still looking at appointing one more Assistant Governor.

We are also looking at the structure of all the Standing Committees and the Special Committees.

We will post all further news on D9700 2018-2019 on my DGJG Blog:

DG JG 9700 2018-2019

ROTARY INTERNATIONAL 2018-2019

President: Barry Rassin, RC of East Nassau The Bahamas

District 9700 Governor: John Glassford, RC of Coolamon

District 9700 Governor Elect: John McKenzie RC of Orange North