John J Glassford

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

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 13th.

President Mary welcomed 25 members and the following guests: Susan Glassford from Lake Taupo, Peter Finch from Maitland and a former CRC President and Secretary and Mark DuBois from Coolamon, a new resident, taking a look at our club.

Well tonight was Silly Hat Dinner in aid of mental health’s Lift the Lid.

President Mary opened the meeting after the introductions and we conducted some general business:

• Paul reported on the board meeting that preceded our dinner and some items decided by the board included:
• The CRC will reduce our annual fees for 2026-2027 Rotary year for one year to $150 for the 12 months fees
• A Garden Viewing Committee CHAIR is needed for the October 2026 Open Garden Day/s.
• The CRC will donate $1,000 to the annual Salvation Army toy appeal.
• We donated $200 to the Ride for Life Tandem team from Perth who visited us via the Gears & Beers Dirty 130.
• The RC of Wagga Wagga are holding their weekly Thursday meeting at the Bottom Pub, anyone interested you need to contact them ASAP please.
• Daryl spoke about the recent Gears & Beers weekend and thanked everyone who volunteered their time for making Anzac biscuits especially Anne, and other non-Rotarians who helped. Daryl then thanked the many volunteers who gave up their time, volunteered the use of their farms, worked as marshals and those who manned the food station in Lions Park. Too many to name here and members present thanked Daryl for all the work he puts into this weekend each year.

• Daryl also reported that Dead Camel Lane Wollundry Gears & Beers signs had been stolen and Daryl appealed for any help finding them.
• The Wollundry RC Gears & Beers team, will visit our club in the near future.

Here are 110 photos on the Gears & Beers weekend:

Gears & Beers Facebook Page

• Anne advised us that we have received a letter of thanks form the organisers of the Cycle weekend and sent us a cheque for $1,700.00.  Well done Anne and all the volunteers over the three days of this event.
• The Canola Run Committee of Brian (Bear), Mary, Alex, Adrian, Vicki and Garth will be meeting in the near future.
• Albert would like the Garden Viewing Committee to meet soon to chose a date in October 2026 for the open day/s. The meeting is set for Monday the 20^th next week at 5.30pm at the Sports Club and the committee is made up of Maureen Hulsman, Albert, Leslie, Anne, Garth, Grahame and Vicki as far as we know.
• Paul spoke briefly about the Chronicle meeting held last week. The committee has decided to keep going for 12 months and have a new editor in Geoff McKenzie who will edit the February 2026 edition.  The committee also decided to drop the naming of the Coolamon Central School from the CCC.

After dinner we had the Silly Hat judging and by the photos there were some good ones this year and the winner was Anne for her pirate hat followed by Ian Singh sahib for his turban.

Albert gave a short talk prior to the S&A fines session on the recent trip to Sri Lanka with Diane, Vicki, Barry, Dick, Maree and others from Coolamon.  Albert said that they had a great time and this was his second visit to Sri Lanka.  Albert had some good stories to tell.

We then had S@A Garth and his trusty Cpl. Dick hold a very fruitful fines session and nobody was spared and the funds raised will go to Lift The Lid.

The raffle was won by Grahame and second prize to Alex if I remember correctly.

Meeting closed at 8.45pm another great night of fun, some business and fellowship with 25 members in attendance such a good result from a club of 29 members.

Here are some photos of the hats and hats off to all our members for joining in the fun hat, borrowed or none.  Please click on the thumb nail image to get the full picture, thanks:

DIARY

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

ROTARY NEWS and ITEMS OF INTEREST

1.     THE ROTARY WHEEL A HISTORY

A wheel has been the symbol of Rotary since our earliest days. The first design was made by Chicago Rotarian Montague Bear, an engraver who drew a simple wagon wheel, with a few lines to show dust and motion.

The wheel was said to illustrate “Civilization and Movement.” Most of the early clubs had some form of wagon wheel on their publications and letterheads. Finally, in 1922, it was decided that all Rotary clubs should adopt a single design as the exclusive emblem of Rotarians.

Thus, in 1923, the present gear wheel, with 24 cogs and six spokes was adopted by the “Rotary International Association.” A group of engineers advised that the geared wheel was mechanically unsound and would not work without a “keyway” in the centre of the gear to attach it to a power shaft.

So, in 1923 the keyway was added and the design which we now know was formally adopted as the official Rotary International emblem.  Below is the correct Rotary Wheel and Logo as of 7 years ago.

2.  ROTARY YOUTH EXCHANGE 

3. RICON TAIPEI 2026

What inspires you most about being part of Rotary?

For me, it’s the way our shared purpose brings people together to create hope and lasting change. Every year, we have a special opportunity to grow, engage, and connect with one another.

In 2026, that opportunity awaits us in Taipei, Taiwan, at the Rotary International Convention.

Let’s make it unforgettable! Register today: on.rotary.org/3OgDGzN

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.

OUT & ABOUT COOLAMON ROTARY CLUB

GEARS AND BEERS SUNDAY OCTOBER 5th. 

Thanks to the wonderful organisation by the Wollundry RC another weekend of Gears & Beers was a stunning success with over 3,000 entrants to the weekend’s cycling events.  As usual our club supported the event with marshals and many volunteers who manned the check points and the feed station in the Lions Park.  Again our Anzac biscuits were in great demand.  All in all well done to all and a big shout out to Daryl Breust for his hard work on behalf of our club and our members.

Here are a few pics from Sunday’s event:

These from Mary Potts:

Thanks to Daryl for the above 3 pics.

END POLIO MOVIE NIGHT FRIDAY 10th. OCTOBER.

Don’t forget to bring and wear your silly hat next Monday night and see if you can top this one:

DIARY

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

ROTARY NEWS and ITEMS OF INTEREST

1.  Dr. Dame Jane Goodall DBE.

The passing of Dr Dame Joan Goodall DBE {Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire}, is a sad day for all who love animals. Jane’s love of the wild life and all animals especially dogs will always inspire many many in the world long after today. Susan and I had the privilege of meeting Jane to invite her to be the Patron of RAGES. Rotary Action Group for Endangered Species. Dr Jane accepted the position and we met Dr Jane in Sydney in June 2014. RIP Dame Dr. Jane Goodall. My thanks go to Jo Wilmot from Kenton-on-Sea Rotary for the help in organising the meeting in Sydney. As well to my co-founder of RAGES Philip Merritt from the Philippines for getting RAGES approved by Rotary.

Our connection with Jane going back to 2014 is when we started the Rotary Group for Endangered Species or RAGES.  The first Chair and co-founder of RAGES, with Phillip Merritt from the Philippines, was John Glassford.  John invited Jane to be the Patron of RAGES at the hotel in Sydney where Jane was staying.  We created the Say NO! campaign poster here in Ganmain and had it printed in Wagga and then sent to our Say NO Campaign project leader, Duke Ingram, in London.  This poster has been signed by many now including Sir David Attenborough and Brian May from Queen.

See how many that you can recognise in the collages below:

2.   WORLD POLIO DAY OCTOBER 24th.

World Polio Day, observed on October 24th, provides an opportunity to showcase international efforts to eradicate polio and to recognize those on the frontlines working tirelessly to eliminate the disease worldwide.

24 October 2025

World Polio Day highlights the global efforts to end poliomyelitis (polio) worldwide. Polio is a life-threatening disease caused by the poliovirus, which the World Health Assembly committed to eradicate in 1988. The WHO European Region was declared polio-free in 2002 and has sustained this status every year since then.

Every year on 24 October, we observe World Polio Day to raise awareness of the importance of polio vaccination to protect every child from this devastating disease, and to celebrate the many parents, professionals and volunteers whose contributions make polio eradication achievable.

To ensure a polio-free future for everyone, efforts must continue to maintain high immunization coverage, implement high-quality surveillance to detect any presence of the virus, and prepare to respond in the event of an outbreak.

SOME IDEAS FOR WORLD POLIO DAY

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 September 29th. 2025

SOCIAL NIGHT 5th. MONDAY WITH JUNEE RC.

VENUE THE COOLAMON HOTEL  aka “The Bottom Pub”.

We had a large number of Guests, Partners and Rotarians from Coolamon RC and the Junee RC who turned up in numbers!  Well done Junee.  I am told that there were a total of around 66 in all, who attended.

President Mary welcomed everyone at the door and began a great night of fellowship and a lot of catching up with our Junee friends. President John Higginson from Junee RC thanked Mary and our club for organising the social evening.

The staff at the Coolamon Hotel did an excellent job and the food was good and ample with several choices.  We had a wee problem in that the acoustics in the restaurant, when full to overflowing, makes it hard to hear each other.

A good time was had by all who came along and the raffles were won by, Albert Suidgeest, Bondy and a member from Junee.  Some photos from last night just click on the image to enlarge it.

Reminder 1:  Gears & Beers Sunday and daylight savings starts at 12.01am on Sunday morning. Daryl has enough marshals now for a  Sunday morning start, thank you to those who have put their hands up.  However if you are free please give Daryl a call, as with all events, we can never get enough volunteers.

Reminder 2: Monday 6th October is a public holiday so no meeting.

OUT AND ABOUT ANZAC BISCUIT DAY

Hi John We had a great morning making Anzac biscuits Only 4 Rotarians helping and 5 outside helpers Lesley Lashbrook, Tracy Dawson, Pat Denton, Helen Moriarty, Linda Crocker and Garth arrived to help just as we finished Thanks to all of the helpers It was disappointing we didn’t have more members helping We had a great morning making Anzac biscuits for Gears & Beers.

Here are some photos from the bake off!

“Yep less than two one week until the big weekend we’ve been waiting for.

We’ll be sharing some of our fave pics to get you amped + give you some ammo to send in the direction of your two-wheeled friends – {why they should be joining you in Wagga in 6 DAYS time!}”  Gears & Beers Facebook page:

Gears & Beers Website

DIARY

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

ROTARY NEWS and ITEMS OF INTEREST

1. CANBERRA SUNDOWNERS RC AN IDEA

In August, to mark four years since our charter, we came together to design birthday cards and write heartfelt messages inside. The aim was simple – to spread joy and let people know they’re remembered on their special day.

Last weekend, we had the privilege of delivering those cards to the Wallington complex at Rivett, where they’ll be distributed to residents on their birthdays.

The residents were genuinely thrilled that we had thought of them and deeply appreciated the gesture.

Four years on, projects like this remind us why we do what we do – small acts of kindness that bring smiles, connection and a sense of community across Canberra.

Editor’s Note: How hard would it be for us to do this for the residents of Allawah Lodge? 

2.  WHAT YOU SEE OR DON’T SEE.

Rotary does not publicise our work as in the past we have always been shy to promote ourselves to the community. However the Coolamon Community Chronicle has changed that for us and our standing in the community.

Sometimes we need to pat ourselves on the back and say well done!  A good example of this is the fight to eliminate poliomyelitis from the planet. Rotary together with our partners: The Melinda and Bill Gates Foundation, the Centre for Controlled Disease aka CDC, the World Health Organisation aka WHO,  UNICEF, together is known as the Global Polio Eradication Institute:  GPEI

OCTOBER IS ROTARY’S ECONOMIC & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT MONTH

Artwork by Rtn. Debbie Vance from Canada

ROTARY CLUB OF COOLAMON Inc. 2025-2026

COOLAMON ROTARY CLUB MEETING September 22nd. 2025

We all welcomed President Mary back from her trip and recent marathon in Tasmania.  Mary welcomed 16 members and the following guests DG Robert Shore and a former member of our club Sarah Collins, Bondy’s daughter.  It  was good to catch up with Sarah and her plans in Victoria.  Our intrepid traveller Garth Perkin has returned from the 5 Stans visit.  Welcome home Garth!

We did some business as follows:

• Mary reminded all members to pre order their dinner for next Monday’s joint social evening meeting with teh Junee RC.  In Mary’s notes in this bulletin there is a full description of what we have to do to order on-line.
• Anne thanked all of the 10 Rotarians and 5 non-Rotarians who gave up there time volunteering for the three day Australian Cycle event at Wantabadgery last week over three days. Thanks Anne for all the hard work that you put in to support this event and have so many volunteers putting their hands up to help.
• Anne then reminded all of us that we have the making of the Anzac biscuits for Gears & Beers this Saturday 27th we need volunteers to help at the Coolamon Central School from 9.00am.  Please contact Anne, thanks.
• Anne is looking for members for Gears and Beers on Sunday 5th October and a roster is being prepared all we need are your names please again send them to Anne.
• Grahame said that we need an Editor for the Coolamon Community Chronicle.  Please  give your ideas for this position to Grahame.
• Mary is looking for members to form the Canola Fun Run committee, again names to Mary please.
• Wagga Wagga Sunrise RC is conducting a Food Safety Course on Tuesday 7th October at the Botanic Gardens restaurant from 6.30am for a 7.00am start.  Again names to Mary please.
• Mary would like us to wear our silly hats in aid of Mental Health Awareness on Mad Hat Day.  We also need some ideas on how to raise funds on the night.
• Henk spoke briefly on the school breakfast project with the attendance of the local police who played touch football with the recipients.
• Grahame is in need of a list of the members on the Garden Viewing Committee remembering that Albert is not the Chair.  This is important for the future of this project.

District Governor Robert Shore

DG Robert Shore is a members of the RC of  Batemans Bay and was once a member of the Parkes RC in our old D9700. This is our second visit by DG Robert as he did visit us when he was DG Elect.  Welcome back DG!

The DG opened up his talk with news of how some of the positions up the tree have unfortunately had resignations.  The current 2025-26 Rotary International President is Francesco Arezzo from the Rotary Club of Ragusa ITALY. Francesco’s appointment came swiftly and unexpectedly due to the resignation of Rotary International President-elect Mário César Martins de Camargo.

A Nigerian is to become second African to lead Rotary International; Olayinka Hakeem Babalola will serve as president of the global membership organization in 2026-27 due to the unfortunate death of RIPE 26-27 Sang Koo Yun, a consummate Rotary leader and businessman who had been selected to be Rotary International’s president for 2026-27, died on 5 September, after months of treatment for pancreatic cancer. A member of the Rotary Club of Sae Hanyang, Seoul, Korea, Yun resigned as president-elect in August to focus on his medical treatment.

RIPE Sang Koo Yun

As DG pointed out there has been a fair bit of upheaval at the top of RI. Including our own regionalisation with two positions vacant i.e. the Regional Council Chair and the Deputy Chair.  There is even a possibility that NSW will become one district!

DG said it all comes back to each individual club to make a decision on membership which is the lifeblood of our clubs.  This was the main theme of DG Robert’s talk tonight and included many good pointers as to what can be done to increase membership.  DG pointed out that it is a numbers game or is it?  Is it a good thing to have a club of 20 members or less that do many small and effective projects?

Some Things to Consider:

• Play the game as costs are on the rise in everyday life including Rotary membership and as numbers are dropping, this means that the remaining members on a district such as ours pick up the slack.
• Look at doing joint projects with clubs in our area such as Junee and Temora, our closest clubs. (Editor’s Note the CRC has run a joint project with the RC of Wagga Wagga Sunrise).
• We need to maintain our numbers and to do this we need to make it interesting to our members and their partners and friends.
• The DG’s goal for D9705 is a net increase of 300+ new members for 25-26.  Crookwell RC recently inducted 5 new members.  Parkes RC 18 new members in 18months and Batemans Bay RC with 12 new members.
• D9705 and DG Robert are looking at a new type of membership entitled Blue & Gold members. Membership entitles them to full membership with no vote and no fees.  members of teh Blue & Gold could come form many areas of our community such as former RYLA, RYPAN and Exchange Students and or the parents of these youth participants.  All they need is an invitation to a meeting with a good guest speaker. Elect them as Hon. Members.
• DG Robert suggested that a clip board survey of people who buy a raffle ticket at one of our raffles or other events.  This would entail a few questions to the buyer of the ticket or steak sandwich etc.; questions to garner their interest in Rotary.  This is a great idea.
• Subsidies of the annual fees to recruit new members once they know what the annual costs are for being a members of our club.  One way to do this is via sponsorships and does warrant further investigation.
• Retention is our biggest challenge and need constant vigil to ensure that our members are happy, if not fix the problem!

All in all a lot of food for thought and action to maintain our membership at the current level and it was pointed out to DG Robert that we are a very active club with plenty of projects that need our help and support.

Garth thanked DG Robert for the visit and said that we look forward to his return one day.

S@A Garth then had the raffle drawn by our guest and past member Sarah and the winner was Alex AGAIN!  This was followed by an excellent fines session by S@A Garth and Cpl. Mark.

Another excellent night at the CRC ended at 8.45pm.

PRESIDENT MARY’S NOTES

We had a great night last night.

DG Rob is keen for all clubs to increase membership which is  a challenge however he did have a few ideas and it appears that we can use some of our  fundraising income to cover some admin costs which could help reduce membership fees and possibly attract new members. Something for us to consider. There is a new level of membership. Blue and Gold members

Also, DG Rob mentioned that we have a few more joint activities with other local clubs he mentioned Temora and Junee, the idea is that when we have an event or project that requires additional help we could work together. This appears to be part of putting clubs into Clusters which hasn’t been that successful as the clusters covered such a large area, however could work well with Junee and Temora.

With Monday night at the pub I’ll send out a link to the menu for those attending and if they could select their meals by Friday and get back to me.

If anyone has any ideas for a quick fundraiser for our silly hat day please let us know

Thanks Mary

P.S. & N.B.

With Monday night, people will just order and pay on the night. They will just reduce the menu options slightly to save time.

 Vegetarians and special orders will be looked after!

OUT AND ABOUT WANTABADGERY

Above some photos of the Australian Cycle Event at Wantabadgery over the past few days.  Thanks go to Anne for all the hard work that Anne put into supporting the event. There were 10 Rotarians and % Non-Rotarians who Anne thanked for their time.  Thanks to Anne and Grahame for the photos.

DIARY

JUST FOR LAUGHS

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

Watch the 7NEWS story here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEKIrGjpqsY&t=1s

PS There is a link to Dick and Pip Smith and our club in the photo below:

2.  THE REV. SCOTT MUDD 

Happy Birthday Scott!

Gisborne Parish yesterday afternoon, our Vicar was interviewed & photographed with his cat, Preditacat ahead of our upcoming spring fair. On of our op shop volunteers managed to grab this photo of them being wrangled into position. Don’t forget, the fair is coming up on October 4th, complete with Pet Blessings at 11 am!

3.  BLAYNEY ROTARY TOY LIBRARY

Blayney Rotary Toy Library is celebrating their first birthday! come along and join in the fun!!

I love this idea and we could do it here in the Coolamon Shire.

BLAYNEY RC FACEBOOK PAGE.

SEPTEMBER IS ROTARY’S BASIC EDUCATION AND LITERACY  MONTH

Artwork by Rtn. Debbie Vance from Canada

ROTARY CLUB OF COOLAMON Inc. 2025-2026