Bulletins

COOLAMON ROTARY CLUB MEETING May 5th 2025

President Adrian asked for any general business and we had a few:

• Reminder that RYDA starts at 9.00am at the Wagga Showgrounds.
• Henk thanked Annie for doing the flags, I think Annie did say that she was not tall enough!
• Reminder that the wood raffle is from 3.00-6.00pm on this upcoming Friday at Foodworks.
• Paul thanked Annie for distributing the Chronicle.

After dinner Adrian introduced our guest speaker Leigh Mathieson.  Adrian reminded us that one of the seven areas of Rotary’s focus is supporting the environment and became Rotary’s seventh area of focus. It joins peacebuilding and conflict prevention; disease prevention and treatment water, sanitation, and hygiene.

Leigh Mathieson, Murrumbidgee Landcare on “Narrandera koalas and other Landcare projects”

Leigh gave a comprehensive talk on koalas and described in detail some of the work that he is involved in at Narrandera in the koala colony there and beyond.

Koalas have been around for 45 million years and have a common ancestry with wombats.  The Indigenous people of Australia see the koala as a spiritual being.  As of February 2022, the Australian government listed the koala as an endangered species.

Some of the interesting points that Leigh brought up and there were many included:

• Koalas are being reduced in number mainly due to habitat loss and disease.
• In 1972 23 koalas were introduced to the 2ha Narrandera Koala Reserve which has grown to a population of 300 today.
• One area that was addressed in Narrandera was to fence the area to prevent road deaths of koalas.
• A Koala Committee was formed with the National Parks and Wildlife.  Involved was Leigh and Joanne Dutton. This committee fund raises for the koalas in the local community.
• The Murrumbidgee landcare group is involved in a 3 tier project:

  
  

• The Narrandera population is healthy and thriving.

• In the future they propose to relocate koalas from Narrandera to other part of the NSW including Sydney and Talbingo.

Adrian thanked Leigh for an excellent talk enjoyed by all present.  More information on Leigh:

“Leigh is a dedicated individual with a passion for the environment, sustainability and biodiversity. After studying a Diploma in Animal Technology, he gained years of valuable experience in pre-clinical medical research, working on projects related to cancer pharmaceuticals and diabetes transplant technologies.

Eventually, Leigh felt a desire to return to his roots in the countryside, where he discovered an unexpected opportunity in the pig industry”.

READ MORE HERE

The raffle was won by Lorraine Hamilton and a heads and tails was won by Barry.

The meeting closed at 8.50pm.

FOOTNOTE:

All our members and partners wish Ted Hutcheon a speedy recovery from his confrontation with the fork lift.  We believe the score is now Ted 1 Forklift 1.  See you soon Ted.

Friday May 9th RYDA in Wagga Wagga at the Showgrounds.  9.00 am Volunteers are: Adrian, Dick, Howard, Annie, Daryl and Alex.

Friday May 9th: Firewood raffle at Foodworks.  Roster is:

3.00-4.00 pm Ian and Mary

4.00-5.00 pm Vicki and Henk

5.00-6.00 pm Lexi and Annie

Monday 12th May Board meeting 5.15pm, Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club.

Monday 12th May Club Assembly Meeting .  Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm. meeting.

*Monday 19 May guest speaker Professor Jeff McCormack, Associate Head of School of Agriculture, CSU on “Agricultural research project in PNG”.  Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm. meeting.

*Monday 26th May Social Meeting:  In the hot seat will be PP Mark Reardon, Mark has been a member of our club for 40 years!  Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm. meeting.

*Monday 16th June Guest Speaker: Steph Cooke MP, Member for Cootamundra on State Issues for the Coolamon Shire.  Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm.

Sunday June 15th Red Shield Appeal details to follow.

Saturday 21st-25th June 2025 RICON IN Calgary, Canada

Calgary RICON 2025  Calgary Facebook Page

*Monday 30th June CRC 54th Annual Change Over Dinner. Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm.

*Guests welcome to bring their partners and friends.

JUST FOR LAUGHS

All of the above images were obtained from Facebook.

ROTARY NEWS

1.   NYSF NATIONAL YOUTH SCIENCE FORUM

Applications for the 2026 NYSF Year 12 Program are now open!

Apply Now

Applications close 20 June 2025. We encourage you to start your application early so you have time to complete the application and gather any required information. Find tips on applying and answers to common questions on the How to Apply page.

Applications close 20 June 2025!!!

As far as I can remember our last NYSF student was Bethany Crocker:

NYSF WEBSITE

2.  PRID JESSIE HARMAN EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK

Past Rotary International Director Jessie Harman has trekked to the Everest Base Camp to raise funds for Polio Plus.

Jessie is a member of the Rotary Club of Wendouree Breakfast in District 9780 (Victoria).

Jessie was our RI Director for Rotary Zone 8 in 2021-2023, Zone 8 covers Australia and New Zealand.  Jessie said before the trek:

“Why I am fundraising for The Rotary Foundation?

To help eradicate polio once and for all, I will be walking 6 km every day for 60 days, culminating in a final challenge: a trek to Everest Base Camp. I’m taking this journey to raise awareness and funds to End Polio – a disease that is 99.9% eradicated but still threatens children in vulnerable communities.

Every step I take represents the millions of steps needed to deliver vaccines, educate communities, and provide other essential support. But I can’t do this alone – I need your help!

By partnering with me, you will be:✔ Keeping children safe – from this devastating disease.

✔ Making a global impact – your contribution directly supports Rotary’s polio eradication efforts

✔ Being part of history – Rotary and its partners are on the verge of eradicating polio forever. Your support helps make that possible!

Please make a donation to help us obtain the vaccines, transport and materials needed in our fight against polio – or share my page to spread the word.”

ANZAC DAY 2025

110 YEARS OF THE ANZACS LANDING AT GALLIPOLI

Australians and New Zealanders commemorated the 110th anniversary of the landing at Gallipoli.  Small villages like Ganmain and large cities like Sydney and all around Australia and New Zealand came out in large numbers for the 110th anniversary of the Gallipoli landing.

Our President Adrian laid a wreath on behalf of our Rotary Club as did Ian Penfold on behalf of the Coolamon Lions.

President Adrian with the CRC wreath.

Above photo of Ian Penfold by Marc Canino.

Above the start of the dawn service in Ganmain.

TWO ANZAC STORIES FROM CRC MEMBERS:

1.  JOHN NULTY

John sent us some photos of his service in Vietnam they speak for themselves:

I think that all of us would like to hear John’s story of his service in Vietnam.

2.  JOHN GLASSFORD

ANZAC Day has many and varied reasons why Australians and New Zealanders treat this day as sacred.  Many of us in our club have their own personal reasons and for me it is my father George James Glassford.  My father joined the NZ Expeditionary Force in 1912, with the Hawkes Bay Regiment in Napier, he was 21 years old.  In August 1914 he was posted, with his regiment, to join the 1st Wellington Division.  Dad landed at Gallipoli on ANZAC Day at 4.00pm Gallipoli time.

My father is the Sergeant sitting down wearing the lemon squeezer hat.  (He is also the Sergeant in the insert).  This was taken at Gallipoli a few days before he was shot in the chest and lost an eye from shrapnel.  Dad missed Chunuk Bair on August 8th as he was in hospital in Cairo.  His Division the 1st Wellingtons were wiped out that day with only 70 out of 760 men who survived.  My mother told me that his platoon in the photo above were all killed at Chunuk Bair.

COOLAMON ROTARY CLUB MEETING April 28th 2025

The evening finished with some yarns about Ted mainly from Albert and Lexi.  These are not for publishing as we were all laughing too much.  However the story of the runaway fork lift is a classic.

The night was a lot of fun and a very interesting Q&A with Bondy.

The meeting closed at 8.45 followed by some good fellowship.

Saturday May 3rd Wood cutting working bee at Adrian and Wendy’s property.  So far Alex, Albert, Gary and Adrian will be there.

*Monday 5th May Guest Speaker Leigh Mathieson, Murrumbidgee Landcare on “Narrandera koalas and other Landcare projects”. Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm. meeting. CONFIRMED

Friday May 9th RYDA in Wagga Wagga at the Showgrounds.  9.00 am 7 Volunteers are needed, so far we have Adrian, Dick, Howard, Annie, Daryl and Alex.

Friday May 9th: Firewood raffle at Foodworks.

Monday 12th May Board meeting 5.15pm, Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club.

Monday 12th May Club Assembly Meeting to change our Bylaws.  Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm. meeting.

*Monday 19 May guest speaker Professor Jeff McCormack, Associate Head of School of Agriculture, CSU on “Agricultural research project in PNG”.  Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm. meeting.

*Monday 16th June Guest Speaker: Steph Cooke MP, Member for Cootamundra on State Issues for the Coolamon Shire.  Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm.

Sunday June 15th Red Shield Appeal details to follow.

Saturday 21st-25th June 2025 RICON IN Calgary, Canada

Calgary RICON 2025  Calgary Facebook Page

*Monday 30th June CRC 54th Annual Change Over Dinner. Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm.

*Guests welcome to bring their partners and friends.

JUST FOR LAUGHS

All of the above images were obtained from Facebook.

ROTARY NEWS

ROTARY DOWN UNDER

We hope that you enjoy your Rotary Down Under which is now 60 years old and still going strong.

For 60 years, Rotary Down Under has been the voice of Rotary in Australia, New Zealand and the South West Pacific. Since April 1965, it has connected Rotarians, shared stories of service and strengthened Rotary’s public image — reflecting a deep commitment to humanitarian service, community engagement and leadership.

The idea began in the early 1960s, when Rotarians from Bayswater, Vic, and Newtown, NSW, saw a need for a regional publication. Rotary International’s The Rotarian lacked Southern Hemisphere content. Bayswater president Jim Robinson, Les Gilbert and Paul Henningham of Newtown launched Rotary Down Under in 1965.

Despite some early resistance, they secured support from all 11 Australian district governors to trial the magazine. It quickly succeeded, and the 1965-66 governors became the first Board of Rotary Down Under, a not-for-profit association. Paul Henningham, a suburban newspaper proprietor, served as founding editor, leading the magazine for 19 years before handing over to Bob Aitken, who continued for another 30. Today, the legacy is carried on by General Manager Gay Kiddle, Club Relationships and Merchandise Manager Sam Ausburn, Editor Meagan Martin, Creative and Digital Director Rhys Martin and Proof-reader Gwen Walker.

Rotary Down Under plays a vital role in promoting Rotary’s impact. Each issue showcases inspiring community projects, disaster relief, youth programs and global initiatives across the region. By highlighting work in Rotary’s seven areas of focus, the magazine raises Rotary’s profile and reinforces its values of service, fellowship, diversity and integrity.

The magazine also strengthens membership by connecting Rotarians across vast distances, reinforcing shared purpose and fostering engagement. Through storytelling and powerful imagery, it inspires new members and showcases Rotary’s impact.

As media evolves, so too does Rotary Down Under — now embracing digital editions, social media, videos and online storytelling. Staying true to its mission of service and connection, it ensures Rotary’s message of Service Above Self remains strong for generations to come.

Click on the copies below for a larger image:

RDU AND RAGES.

Some of you may know that the Rotarian Action Group for Endangered Species or RAGES was started in Coolamon.  We did get an excellent article published in RDU, the story was published in the August 2017 issue of RDU.  Click on the images below to read the article:

LIONS CRC BOWLS CANCELLED 28th APRIL.

NB. Lions couldn’t get any takers for the joint meeting. Graeme said that they will have a fairly busy week with Easter, ANZAC Day, Trots.

TENTH ANNIVERASY OF THE 2015 MOUNT KENYA CLIMB

Coolamon RC and Wagga Sunrise RC Joint Project.

On April 25th 2015 the centenary of ANZAC Day a team from Coolamon Rotary Club and Wagga Sunrise Rotary Club went to Kenya to climb Mount Kenya to Point Lenana the third highest peak in Africa.  This was the third African mountain that our club has climbed.

This ANZAC Day week is the 10th anniversary of that climb and most of the members of that team met in Wagga to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of that climb.  Thanks got to Harry Nixon for organising the dinner.

Above Susan, John, Colin Wiese, Fred Loneragan, Alex, Chris Finkel, Harry Nixon, Sally Farmer and Don.  Apologies from Peter and Lyn Sparks and David Nixon.

The 2015 Mount Kenya ANZAC Centennial team included: Alex Thompson, Don Dyce and John Glassford form Coolamon.  PDG Fred Loneragan and Colin Wiese from Wagga Sunrise,  Chris Finkel from Forbes RC, Harry Nixon from Kooringal Rotary with his son David from Newcastle, Mark Janetzki from Henty RC (Since Passed Away), Mathew Joseph from Rotorua RC,  and Peter Sparks from Griffith Avanti RC.

Together with our supporters and wives we had a team of 17.  Rtn. Joseph Kingori from the RC of Nyeri on the slopes of Mount Kenya, joined us in the climb.

On ANZAC Day 2015 we held a special memorial ANZAC Day service at Shipton’s Camp 4,200 metres above sea level.  David Nixon a RAAF Officer, led the dawn service the sound starts at 35 seconds into the video:

It was a lot tougher than we expected and we managed to get 9 of the 12 climbers to the top of Point Lenana at 4,985 metres.  Point Lenana is the 3rd highest peak on Mount Kenya.  We had around 2 feet of snow the night before the climb to Point Lenana.  All in all we spent 6 nights and 7 days on Mount Kenya.

Click on the images below for a larger view:

PART ONE

We met in Nairobi most of us arriving on different schedules and then went to Diani Beach near Mombasa for the Rotary D9212 Conference.

PART  TWO

After Diani Beach we went to Nyeri on the slopes of Mount Kenya to prepare for the climb:

PART THREE

We reached Shipton’s Camp at 4,200 metres on the 24th April 2015 and started the climb on ANZAC Day:

PART FOUR

Following the success of the climb we all went our various ways, some to Oloimugi Maasai Village, some to the Maasai Mara and others to Amboseli National Park.  After the safaris most of the team went to Hout Bay in South Africa to visit our Centennial Twin Rotary Club Hout Bay:

PART FIVE

However the results of the climb are significant and we raised around $45,000.  We presented the Legacy Wagga Wagga Branch with a cheque for $12,790.  One of our three projects that we supported through the climb.

The remaining two projects received funds as and when needed.  In the main our sponsorship for the vulnerable and at risk girls from Mathare in Nairobi.  Part of these funds went towards the Rotary Club of Gigiri in Nairobi for education of the children of Mathare, a project that we have been with since 2007.  We also sent funds to Operation Medical Hope and Coolamon House in Hout Bay via our Rotary Centennial Twin club, Hout Bay RC.

DIARY

Monday 21st April: Easter Monday NO MEETING.

Saturday 26th April: Firewood raffle at Foodworks.

Monday 28th April: Bondy in the Hot Chair. Social Meeting, Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm. meeting.

*Monday 28th The Bowls between Lions and Rotary has been cancelled 

*Monday 5th May Guest Speaker TBC Leigh Mathieson, Murrumbidgee Landcare on “Narrandera koalas and other Landcare projects”. Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm. meeting.

Thursday May 8th.  Coolamon and Ganmain Hospital Fair.  Venue car park of the Coolamon Ganmain Hospital. Time 3.00pm.  Volunteers for the CRC BBQ are Bear, Gary, Alex and Annie will be doing the catering

Friday May 9th RYDA in Wagga Wagga at the Showgrounds.  Volunteers are needed.

Friday May 9th: Firewood raffle at Foodworks.

Monday 12th May Board meeting 5.15pm, Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club.

Monday 12th May Social Meeting Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm. meeting.

*Monday 19 May guest speaker Professor Jeff McCormack, Associate Head of School of Agriculture, CSU on “Agricultural research project in PNG”.  Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm. meeting.

Friday 6th June and Saturday 7th June: The MHERV Rotary Medical Van will be in  Ganmain on Saturday 7th June and in Coolamon on Friday 6th June.  Details available from Garth Perkin.

*Monday 16th June Guest Speaker: Steph Cooke MP, Member for Cootamundra on State Issues for the Coolamon Shire.  Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm.

Saturday 21st-25th June 2025 RICON IN Calgary, Canada

Calgary RICON 2025  Calgary Facebook Page

*Monday 30th June CRC 54th Annual Change Over Dinner. Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm.

*Guests welcome to bring their partners and friends.

JUST FOR LAUGHS

ANZAC DAY 2025

Above art work by Si Dowling entitled ‘ANZAC Hongi No.1’

“As we approach Anzac Day, I’d like to share this creation of mine.  This artwork was created to honour the bond between these two amazing countries.

Let’s keep the spirit of ANZAC Day alive, and honour those that served & sacrificed. Si”

To see more of Si’s beautiful work go to:

Si Dowling Art Work

{Hongi is a traditional Māori greeting in which people press their noses together.}

COOLAMON ROTARY CLUB MEETING April 14th 2025

Monday 21st April: Easter Monday NO MEETING.

Saturday 26th April: Firewood raffle at Foodworks.

Monday 28th April: Bondy in the Hot Chair. Social Meeting, Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm. meeting.

*Monday 28th April Joint Bowls with Lions Coolamon 6.00pm, followed by the weekly CRC meeting Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, at 7.30 pm.  Mark Reardon (TBC) in the Hot Chair. Social Meeting

*Monday 5th May Guest Speaker TBC Leigh Mathieson, Murrumbidgee Landcare on “Narrandera koalas and other Landcare projects”. Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm. meeting.

Friday May 9th RYDA in Wagga Wagga at the Showgrounds.  Volunteers are needed.

Friday May 9th: Firewood raffle at Foodworks.

Monday 12th May Board meeting 5.15pm, Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club.

Monday 12th May Social Meeting Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm. meeting.

*Monday 19 May guest speaker Professor Jeff McCormack, Associate Head of School of Agriculture, CSU on “Agricultural research project in PNG”.  Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm. meeting.

*Monday 16th June Guest Speaker: Steph Cooke MP, Member for Cootamundra on State Issues for the Coolamon Shire.  Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm.

Saturday 21st-25th June 2025 RICON IN Calgary, Canada

Calgary RICON 2025  Calgary Facebook Page

*Monday 30th June CRC 54th Annual Change Over Dinner. Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm.

*Guests welcome to bring their partners and friends.

1. OUT AND ABOUT THE OAKS

Vicki and Barry Langtry’s horse Sun ‘n’ Sand came second in the Oaks on Saturday. Congratulations!

We hear that Vicki has had a fall but is back home and is fine, according to Barry.  All the best Vicki.

2. OUT AND ABOUT SYDNEY ROYAL SHOW 2025

Many of our members are either on the land or have been on the land and others are associated with agriculture.  This story will resonate with some members especially those who went to Yanco Ag. High.  Dick and Don as far as know did attend Yanco Ag!!!!

Yanco Ag are the Sydney Royal School Display Champions!  This morning, saw the presentation of the School District Display, after months of preparation and hard work. Yanco has been awarded 1st place with our ‘Are you Bushfire Ready’ themed display. Congratulations to all students and teachers, who have dedicated many, many hours of time to ensure this outcome. We are so proud of you all and our school.

3. OUT AND ABOUT SYDNEY THE WESTONS

Leslie and Paul Weston were in Sydney over the weekend and were showing their dogs at the DOGS NSW grounds in Orchard Hills. They are going back to Sydney again this week.

Photo below of their 7 month old wire haired dachshund, Julia after winning her first bitch challenge

Above Ray Wall presenting a ribbon to Leslie for Julia.  Most of us remember Ray when he lived in Coolamon.

Leslie posted this on Facebook:

“We ventured to Sydney for a quick trip to attend the NSW hound club specialty shows. Great weather and lots of friends came out… and our youngsters really enjoyed themselves too!! Thanks to the show committee and judges for another well run show!”

Full Story Here.

JUST FOR LAUGHS

All of the above images were obtained from Facebook.

ROTARY NEWS

1. POLIOMYELTIS ANNIVERSARY

 A ‘new medical age’: 70 years of polio vaccination

 12 April marked the 70th anniversary of the world’s first polio vaccine, a world-altering technology.

Australia World’s Greatest Meal to help End Polio

Thankfully the bad old days of 350,000 children acquiring polio annually are behind us.

A monumental effort by many with Rotary at the front and centre of this story Rotary Worlds Greatest Meal to Help End Polio has played a small part invigorating over half a million Rotarians and friends to think – yes this is not over yet – we must continue to raise Awareness and continue to fundraise.

Check on their website www.wgmeal.org.

Above Susanne Rea and her husband Nauman Abbasi who together are the couple behind the World’s Greatest Meal to help end polio.

 Polio Latest News

Editor’s Note:  JJG contracted poliomyelitis in 1952 in Kenya, and was nursed by his mother and recovered fully.  N.B.  One in 200 infections leads to irreversible paralysis. Among those paralysed, 5–10% die when their breathing muscles become immobilized. Cases due to wild poliovirus have decreased by over 99% since 1988, from an estimated 350,000 cases annually in more than 125 endemic countries, to two endemic countries, Afghanistan and Pakistan.

2.  EVERY CLUB CLIMATE FRIENDLY

Together, let’s turn down the heat.  Become a climate friendly and carbon neutral club now.

Why become climate friendly?

As pollution levels rise and the world becomes warmer, storms and droughts become stronger, harming the people that we, Rotarians, work hardest to help.

PRIORITY 1: INCREASE ROTARY’S GLOBAL IMPACT by taking actions to mitigate climate change in your club.

PRIORITY 2: EXPAND OUR REACH to those who are ready to act on climate change. Imagine the new partnerships in your community.

PRIORITY 3: ENGAGE THROUGH CARBON EMISSION REDUCTIONS & NATURE BASED SOLUTIONS such as mangrove restoration, tree planting and sustainable agriculture.

PRIORITY 4: ADAPT BY ALIGNING OUR INVESTMENTS with the environment area of focus in order to save future generations.

DETAILS HERE

Our Rotary 4 Way Test Compels Climate Action

COOLAMON ROTARY CLUB MEETING April 7th 2025

Monday 14th April Board meeting, Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 5.00 pm. meeting

Monday 14th April: Social Meeting, Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm. meeting

Monday 21st April: Easter Monday NO MEETING.

Saturday 26th April: Firewood raffle at Foodworks.

Monday 28th April: Bondy in the Hot Chair. Social Meeting, Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm. meeting.

Monday 28th April Joint Bowls with Lions Coolamon 6.00pm, followed by the weekly CRC meeting Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm. meeting.

Friday May 9th RYDA in Wagga Wagga at the Showgrounds.  Volunteers are needed.

Friday May 9th: Firewood raffle at Foodworks.

*Monday 16th June Guest Speaker: Steph Cooke MP, Member for Cootamundra on State Issues for the Coolamon Shire.  Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm.

Saturday 21st-25th June 2025 RICON IN Calgary, Canada

Calgary RICON 2025

Calgary Facebook Page

*Monday 30th June CRC 54th Annual Change Over Dinner.  Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm.

*Guests welcome to bring their partners and friends.

JUST FOR LAUGHS

As they say you cannot make this stuff up, the most amusing memes to date!

All of the above images were obtained from Facebook.

ROTARY NEWS

1. QUEENSLAND FLOODS

Right now, towns in South West Queensland are underwater. Places like Adavale, Quilpie, and Jundah are facing record-breaking floods, homes are submerged, and families are stranded. But if you turn on the TV, you’d barely know it’s happening.

Compare this to the floods on the East Coast—when the rivers rise in Brisbane or Sydney, helicopters are deployed, emergency shelters are opened, and live coverage dominates the news.
Out here? People are left to fend for themselves, waiting on rescue teams that are stretched too thin, musterers in their helicopters doing what they can or help just not coming at all.

Where’s the national coverage? Where’s the support? Why is it that when disaster strikes the bush, it’s a footnote—if it’s even mentioned at all?

To the people living through this right now, we see you. And to everyone else—𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘬 𝘶𝘱. Because these communities deserve better.

COOLAMON ROTARY CLUB MEETING MARCH 31st

We had a great night at the Marrar Hotel.  There were no formalities or introductions all in all 21 guests and members went to the pub!  The food was excellent and the social night was a great success.  Thanks to Bear and Ian for the organisation.

Here are some photos from Monday night, click on teh photo to get a larger image:

N.B.  Monday 7th April Guest Speaker: Jeanette Lloyd Social Worker on Rural Mental Health.

OUT AND ABOUT MARRAR

Plenty of activities happened in Marrar on Sunday 30th March.

8am-10:30am – Flower picking lkinnillamarket (Book online)

4pm-8pm – The Country Makers Markets Marrar Twilight Street Market

4pm-10pm – Live music at Marrar Hotel

Delicious specials available all weekend from Marrar Kitchen & Co.

Storewide sale at Paper Cloud Designs

Visit Coolamon Shire

GRIFFITH ROTARY CLUB TURNS 80

A great night at La Scala celebrating 80 years of the chartering of the Rotary Club of Griffith. A black tie event with General Peter Cosgrove and Lady Lyn. Four outstanding Rotarians were honoured with Paul Harris Fellowships presented by District Governor Rob Uhl. Rotarians from Griffith East, Griffith Avanti, Yenda and Leeton came together to celebrate the occasion. The cake was cut by Don Best who has been in Rotary nearly 60 years.

*Monday 7th April Guest Speaker: Jeanette Lloyd Social Worker on Rural Mental Health.  Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm.

Monday 14th April Board meeting, Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 5.00 pm. meeting

Monday 14th April: Social Meeting, Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm. meeting

Monday 21st April: Easter Monday NO MEETING.

Monday 28th April: Bondy in the Hot Chair. Social Meeting, Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm. meeting

Friday May 9th RYDA in Wagga Wagga at the Showgrounds, full story at the end of this bulletin.  Volunteers are needed.

*Monday 16th June Guest Speaker: Steph Cooke MP, Member for Cootamundra on State Issues for the Coolamon Shire.  Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm.

Saturday 21st-25th June 2025 RICON IN Calgary, Canada

Calgary RICON 2025

Calgary Facebook Page

*Monday 30th June CRC 54th Annual Change Over Dinner.  Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm.

*Guests welcome to bring their partners and friends.

JUST FOR LAUGHS

All of the above images were obtained from Facebook.

ROTARY NEWS

1.  MYANMAR-THAILAND EARTHQUAKE

Perth Rotary – Western Australia

shelter-box-appeal

2.  THE NEXT GLOBAL LEADERS

Young trailblazers find inspiration at Rotaract UN Days

Haneekah Rahil and her Rotary friends Shahd Elshazly & Noël Kutz

Courtesy of Haneekah Rahil

The first Rotaract UN Days brought about 200 young people to the United Nations Office at Geneva for four days of inspiring discussions about human rights, health, economic development, peace, and science — and of course some fun (they’re Rotaractors, after all).  We asked three participants in the 30 October-2 November gathering to tell us about the experience, their takeaways, and what it was like to enter the halls of the historic Palais des Nations.

FULL STORY CLICK HERE

 

 

MARCH IS WATER SANITATION & HYGIENE MONTH

Artwork by Rtn. Debbie Vance RC of Merritt BC Canada

 

ROTARY CLUB OF COOLAMON Inc. 2024-25

Chartered March 3rd, 1971; Sponsoring Club Narrandera Rotary Club

• President: Adrian Lindner
• President-Elect 2025-2026: Mary Potts
• Secretary: Paul Weston
• Treasurer: Mary Potts
• Rotary Foundation Director: Gary Truscott
• Membership Director: Brian Pattison
• Service Projects Director:  Anne Rzeszkowski
• Youth Services Director: Lexi Furner
• Club Admin Director:  Ian Jennings
• Public Image Director: Grahame Miles
• Sergeant @ Arms: Albert Suidgeest
• Club Environment Representative:  Adrian Lindner
• Immediate Past President and Vice-President: John Bond
• Bulletin Editors: Paul Weston and John Glassford
• Webmaster: John Glassford

 

 

 

 

COOLAMON ROTARY CLUB MEETING MARCH 24th

President Adrian welcomed 21 members to our meeting last night.

We had an excellent roll up and another excellent Chinese dinner followed by some general business which included:

• Paul Weston advised us that the Chronicle is currently being printed in Wagga and will need help with the distribution.
• Mary Potts spoke about supporting the local Red Cross by administrating their upcoming raffle.
• Mary also advised members that Harry Nixon form Kooringal RC is organising a Shakespeare event at the Coolamon Cheese Factory.  Harry has asked us to man the doors for this event and the proceeds will go to our club.  It will be held on the 2nd August.
• Mary then spoke about the D9705 training day in Canberra and had a good time learning about Rotary.  Mary was accompanied by our incoming Treasurer, Vicki Langtry, who also spoke warmly about the day.  Apparently our annual fees will increase by $15.00.
• Garth Perkin reminded members that the next D9705 training day is this Saturday in Young  Garth will be attending.
• Albert Suidgeest handed out a box of chocolates to celebrate Garth’s birthday.
• Henk Hulsman has a box of 50 CRC Telephone Books which are left over and will be stored in the “telephone booth” at the Sports Club if anyone needs another copy.
•  John Bond said that the RSL are very happy to take over the printer.
• Bear Brian Pattison said that the Monday next meeting is confirmed at the Marrar Hotel and Ian Jennings will send out a menu.  Bookings are needed by 4.00pm on Friday.
• JJG said that there will be a 10th reunion of the CRC Mount Kenya 2015 team on Tuesday 22nd APRIL.

President Adrian Lindner then conducted a very interesting Q & A with our youngest member Alex Thompson.

Some of Alex’s life are summarised below:

• Born in Sydney and was adopted with his brother.  Alex’s birth parents were of Indonesian decent and Alex has met his birth mother and has 2 younger half brothers and one younger half sister.  Alex has been to Indonesia several times now and stays in touch with his birth family.  The family is of Catholic background and his uncles are 6′ tall.
• Since school Alex has been employed in the hospitality industry around Coolamon and Junee and has worked at the Coolamon Cheese Factory and the Junee Liquorice and Chocolate factory.
• Alex’s favourite actor is Richard Harris who will probably be best remembered as the wizened old wizard in the “Harry Potter” series.
• Movies Alex enjoys Japanese orientated cartoons.
• His NRL team is Manly Sea Eagles and his AFL team are the West Coats Eagles.
• Alex loves to travel and hopes to visit Scandinavia and the Arctic.
• As for Rotary Alex would like to see more projects for the environment and is concerned about climate change.
• His choice for a dinner companion dead or alive would be a family member.
• Alex said that he would like to see Coolamon not to grow too big and to retain what we have in our Shire.
• On being PM for a day Alex would help to reduce mortgage rates for families doing it tough.

Thanks for what you do for Coolamon and for Rotary Alex.  We all value your friendship and know that you will be a member of our club for a long time.

Here are some photos of Alex on the 2015 Mount Kenya Climb:

Rtn. Alex Thompson

The meeting concluded with S@A Albert Suidgeest conducting a fines session and a good joke about a BMW and sheep.

The raffle was won by Adrian Lindner.

The meeting finished on time at 9.00pm.

OUT AND ABOUT CANBERRA

PE Mary Potts and Treasurer elect Vicki Langtry went to the PETS in Canberra over the weekend, read about it in the link below:

PE Mary Potts & Vicki Langtry at PETS

1. OUT AND ABOUT GANMAIN

Ganmain had a very big week with three events that I am sure our members would like to know about.

Several of our members attended the concert/play in Ganmain at the wonderful Ganmain Hall last Thursday night.  The Advance Ganmain Committee did an excellent job and the Hall was booked out.

The Rotarians and partners that were there:  Marilyn and Ian Jennings, Sharon and Grahame Miles, Sharon and Mark Reardon, Garth Perkin and Susan and John Glassford.

The actors, dancers and singers, from Got Ya Back Productions, were very professional and put on a very different take on Banjo Patterson’s work. The two dancers were stunning and the whole show went down well with all 120 patrons.  Here are three short videos that will give you a taste of what we all enjoyed.

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1HfjJJXUdX/

Got Ya Back Website

https://www.facebook.com/gotyabackprod/videos/5962028433844547

What a wonderful asset the Ganmain Hall is for our Shire.

2. OUT AND ABOUT GANMAIN

Official Opening “Clarkie”

Council’s Mayor, Clr. David McCann along with General Manager, Tony Donoghue, Artist Andrew Whitehead, family and community members attended the official opening of “Clarkie” today in Ganmain.

Renowned artist Andrew Whitehead created this sculpture in honour of Kelvin ‘Clarkie’ Clarke, celebrating the hard work of farmers and farm laborers in Ganmain’s sheath hay industry.

The project was funded by Coolamon Shire Council, which aims to continue around the Shire highlighting the unique aspects of our towns and villages.

Today’s opening was hosted by the Advance Ganmain Committee, with speakers sharing insights on Clarkie’s life and the local industry.

3. OUT AND ABOUT GANMAIN

Ganmain Historical Society and Museum Annual Open Day.

Saturday, 29 March PETS and Club Development Seminars – Young Services Club, Young, NSW

*Monday 31st March Fifth Monday Social Meeting at the Marrar Hotel Confirmed.  Please advise Ian Jennings by Friday 4.00pm if you will be attending.

*Monday 7th April Guest Speaker: Steph Cooke MP, Member for Cootamundra on State Issues for the Coolamon Shire.  Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm.  Postponed to June 16th a new guest speaker will be announced in due course. TBA.

Monday 14th April Board meeting, Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 5.00 pm. meeting

Monday 14th April: Social Meeting, Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm. meeting

Monday 21st April: Easter Monday NO MEETING.

Monday 28th April: Bondy in the Hot Chair. Social Meeting, Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm. meeting

Friday May 9th RYDA in Wagga Wagga at the Showgrounds, full story at the end of this bulletin.  Volunteers are needed.

*Monday 16th June Guest Speaker: Steph Cooke MP, Member for Cootamundra on State Issues for the Coolamon Shire.  Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm.

Saturday 21st-25th June 2025 RICON IN Calgary, Canada

Calgary RICON 2025

Calgary Facebook Page

*Monday 30th June CRC 54th Annual Change Over Dinner.  Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm.

*Guests welcome to bring their partners and friends.

JUST FOR LAUGHS

All of the above images were obtained from Facebook.

ROTARY NEWS

Ротарі в Україні / Rotary in Ukraine 

 

MARCH IS WATER SANITATION & HYGIENE MONTH

Artwork by Rtn. Debbie Vance RC of Merritt BC Canada

ROTARY CLUB OF COOLAMON Inc. 2024-25

Chartered March 3rd, 1971; Sponsoring Club Narrandera Rotary Club

• President: Adrian Lindner
• President-Elect 2025-2026: Mary Potts
• Secretary: Paul Weston
• Treasurer: Mary Potts
• Rotary Foundation Director: Gary Truscott
• Membership Director: Brian Pattison
• Service Projects Director:  Anne Rzeszkowski
• Youth Services Director: Lexi Furner
• Club Admin Director:  Ian Jennings
• Public Image Director: Grahame Miles
• Sergeant @ Arms: Albert Suidgeest
• Club Environment Representative:  Adrian Lindner
• Immediate Past President and Vice-President: John Bond
• Bulletin Editors: Paul Weston and John Glassford
• Webmaster: John Glassford

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day 2025

Father Murphy walks into a pub in Donegal, and says to the first man he meets, “Do you want to go to heaven?”

The man said, “I do Father.”

The priest said, “Then stand over there against the wall.” Then the priest asked the second man, “Do you want to go to heaven?”

“Certainly, Father,” was the man’s reply.

“Then stand over there against the wall,” said the priest. Then Father Murphy walked up to O’Toole and said, “Do you want to go to heaven?”

O’Toole said, “No, I don’t Father.

The priest said, “I don’t believe this. You mean to tell me that when you die you don’t want to go to heaven?”

O’Toole said, “Oh, when I die, yes. I thought you were getting a group together to go on a trip right now.”

COOLAMON ROTARY CLUB MEETING MARCH 17th.

President Adrian welcomed 24 members to our meeting last night and our guests included: Lorraine Hamilton, Fiona Pattison, Leo and Maryanne DeKroo, Jim Neville, Wayne and Helen Lewis, Helen Moriarty, Marilyn Jennings and Wendy Lindner.

Guest Speaker: Sally Bryant, ABC Radio Announcer on Country Larrikins and Characters.  Sally was introduced by Ian Jennings.

Sally Bryant presents breakfast across the broad reaches of the Riverina, and she is enjoying exploring all the region has to offer, the culture, the stories and the rich diversity of communities.

Sally brings over a decade of experience in the media industry to ABC Regional Radio, having worked in city and rural newspapers and community radio through a varied career. She is a long-term member of the NSW Country Hour reporting team.

Sally has always believed in doing things the right way and was brought up on a solid foundation.  Sally lived on a 20,000 acre property near Bourke, with her parents and siblings and went to boarding school in the early 70s.  Education was her family’s priority over holidays.  In fact most school holidays seemed to fall on shearing time.

Sally’s friends from the city were always welcome to visit the “outback” for their school holidays. Living out in the Bourke area, Brewarrina and places like Walgett, Sally met many characters in her life.  However her grandmother  was one of her favourite characters.

Ian Jennings thanked Sally on behalf of all present and gave Sally a memento of her evening with Coolamon RC.

Monday 24th March Social Meeting and get to know your member.  Alex Thompson in the HOT chair.  Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm.

Saturday, 29 March PETS and Club Development Seminars – Young Services Club, Young, NSW

*Monday 31st March Fifth Monday Social Meeting at the Marrar Hotel TBC.

*Monday 7th April Guest Speaker: Steph Cooke MP, Member for Cootamundra on State Issues for the Coolamon Shire.  Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm.  Postponed to June 16th a new guest speaker will be announced in due course. TBA.

Monday 14th April Board meeting, Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 5.00 pm. meeting

Monday 14th April: Social Meeting, Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm. meeting

Monday 21st April: Easter Monday NO MEETING.

Monday 28th April: Bondy in the Hot Chair. Social Meeting, Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm. meeting

Friday May 9th RYDA in Wagga Wagga at the Showgrounds, full story at the end of this bulletin.  Volunteers are needed.

*Monday 16th June Guest Speaker: Steph Cooke MP, Member for Cootamundra on State Issues for the Coolamon Shire.  Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm.

Saturday 21st-25th June 2025 RICON IN Calgary, Canada

Calgary RICON 2025

Calgary Facebook Page

*Monday 30th June CRC 54th Annual Change Over Dinner.  Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm.

*Guests welcome to bring their partners and friends.

JUST FOR LAUGHS

All of the above images were obtained from Facebook.

ROTARY NEWS

RYDA ROTARY YOUTH DRIVER AWARNESS

The 2025 RYDA Wagga Wagga Program is locked in for the week of 5^th to 9^th of May 2025 at Wagga Showgrounds.

The actual program with schools attending runs from Tuesday 6^th May thru to Friday 9^th May. The preceding Monday, 5^th May is for ‘set-up’ to ensure we are ready to hit the ground running Tuesday.

This email is a ‘heads-up’ to clubs as we again seek volunteers to assist with the smooth running of this years event. Wagga Wagga Rotary Club have requested a change to their day to help them better manage their Annual Book Fair which takes place around the same time.

With that in mind, I am proposing (requesting?) your club to provide six (6) volunteers as per the following.

Monday 5^th May,              Sunrise RC           Set-up

Tuesday 6^th May               South Wagga RC

Wednesday 7^th May        Wagga Wagga RC

Thursday 8^th May             Wollundry RC

Friday 9^th May                   ‘Out-of-town’ RC’s          (Sunrise RC to pack-up at days end)

Each day usually starts at 9.30am and concludes around 2pm. Lunch is provided each day by Kooringal RC under the astute and very experienced leadership of Doug Masterson. More details will follow in due course although I image many of your members will be familiar with this community service event from previous years.

I will be requesting the names of your club volunteers within the next 2-3 weeks. Hopefully this will give your members enough time to consider their availability.

RYDA Website now Called RSE Road Safety Education

Coolamon has always supported RYDA or RSE as it is known and here are some pics form previous RYDA events.

MARCH IS WATER SANITATION & HYGIENE MONTH

Artwork by Rtn. Debbie Vance RC of Merritt BC Canada

ROTARY CLUB OF COOLAMON Inc. 2024-25

Chartered March 3rd, 1971; Sponsoring Club Narrandera Rotary Club

• President: Adrian Lindner
• President-Elect 2025-2026: Mary Potts
• Secretary: Paul Weston
• Treasurer: Mary Potts
• Rotary Foundation Director: Gary Truscott
• Membership Director: Brian Pattison
• Service Projects Director:  Anne Rzeszkowski
• Youth Services Director: Lexi Furner
• Club Admin Director:  Ian Jennings
• Public Image Director: Grahame Miles
• Sergeant @ Arms: Albert Suidgeest
• Club Environment Representative:  Adrian Lindner
• Immediate Past President and Vice-President: John Bond
• Bulletin Editors: Paul Weston and John Glassford
• Webmaster: John Glassford

COOLAMON ROTARY CLUB MEETING MARCH 10th.

Book Here

The raffle was won by:

1. Don Dyce
2. Grahame Miles

Then the stand in S@A Dick and Cpl. Garth entertained the members with another spirited fines session.  We welcomed Bear back from his Nordic adventures with a fine.  Others fined included Henk, John Nulty, Anne and JJG.

All in all an excellent evening of fun and fellowship.  The meeting concluded at 8.30pm and many members stayed on for some good fellowship.

Next week we have a guest speaker in Sally Bryant, ABC Radio Announcer on Country Larrikins and Characters.

WOMEN IN ROTARY

International Women’s Day March 8th.

Every March 8th we celebrate International Women’s Day.  It was not until 1987 that women were allowed to join Rotary!

1. 1983-86

   In a lawsuit filed by the Duarte club, the California Superior Court in 1983 rules in favour of Rotary International, upholding gender-based qualification for membership in California Rotary clubs. In 1986, the California Court of Appeals reverses the lower court’s decision, preventing the enforcement of the provision in California. The California Supreme Court refuses to hear the case, and it is appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court.

2. 1987

   On 4 May, the U.S. Supreme Court rules that Rotary clubs may not exclude women from membership on the basis of gender. Rotary issues a policy statement that any Rotary club in the United States can admit qualified women into membership.

   The Rotary Club of Marin Sunrise, California (formerly Larkspur Landing), is chartered on 28 May. It becomes the first club after the U.S. Supreme Court ruling to have women as charter members.

   Sylvia Whitlock, of the Rotary Club of Duarte, California, becomes the first female Rotary club president.

   

   3. 2013:

    Anne L. Matthews begins her term as the first woman to serve as RI Vice President.  Anne was the RI President’s Personal Representative to the 2019 Griffith D9700 Conference, seen below with Susan and JJG.

   

    

    

   4. 2022

   Jennifer Jones begins her term as the first female president of Rotary International.

FULL STORY BELOW:

WOMEN IN ROTARY HISTORY

Here are just a few photos of the ladies in our club, I know that our club changed for the better when the women in our area started to join the club.  These are in the main, photos that we have used in our bulletin, and credit to those who took the pics, the pics are in a gallery format:

*Monday 17th March Guest Speaker: Sally Bryant, ABC Radio Announcer on Country Larrikins and Characters.  Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm.

Monday 24th March Social Meeting and get to know your member.  Alex Thompson in the HOT chair.  Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm.

Saturday, 29 March PETS and Club Development Seminars – Young Services Club, Young, NSW

*Monday 31st March Fifth Monday Social Meeting at the Marrar Hotel TBC.

*Monday 7th April Guest Speaker: Steph Cooke MP, Member for Cootamundra on State Issues for the Coolamon Shire.  Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm.

Saturday 21st-25th June 2025 RICON IN Calgary, Canada

Calgary RICON 2025

Calgary Facebook Page

*Monday 30th June CRC 54th Annual Change Over Dinner.  Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm.

*Guests welcome to bring their partners and friends.

JUST FOR LAUGHS

All of the above images were obtained from Facebook.

ROTARY

D9705 Saturday, 29 March PETS and Club Development Seminars

They are on their way. David Kenny will be speaking on new club formation and the new Wildlife Carers Rotary Club recently created in Queensland. He will be at the District Training on 22nd March in Canberra.

Adrian Gregory from New Zealand will be speaking on ‘Mana Tangata’ which is the concept successfully implemented for small clubs coming together under one club structure so they only need one President, one treasurer and one secretary. Particularly of interest to small clubs or clubs struggling to find their next President. Adrian will speak at the training in Young on the 29th March.

District Training is for everyone, not just President-elects! There will be a number of choices in each time slot for people to attend. These will include workshops for Club secretaries, Club treasurers, Board members, and Youth Directors; there will be lots of sessions on the amazing projects clubs are doing and which your club could be doing. New members and prospective members are welcome. Register now on the District website. (and you are welcome to attend more then one of the three trainings days: Batemans Bay, Canberra and Young).

Saturday 15 March; St Peter’s Anglican College, 61 Train Street, Broulee, NSW

Saturday 22 March; Daramalan College, 121 Cowper St, Dickson ACT

Saturday 29 March Young Services Club, 42 Cloete St, Young NSW

If you would like to attend simply go online and register:

Register Online Young 

Everyone welcome to join us for the day and learn about what Rotary does. Register now

MARCH IS WATER SANITATION & HYGIENE MONTH

Artwork by Rtn. Debbie Vance RC of Merritt BC Canada

ROTARY CLUB OF COOLAMON Inc. 2024-25

Chartered March 3rd, 1971; Sponsoring Club Narrandera Rotary Club

• President: Adrian Lindner
• President-Elect 2025-2026: Mary Potts
• Secretary: Paul Weston
• Treasurer: Mary Potts
• Rotary Foundation Director: Gary Truscott
• Membership Director: Brian Pattison
• Service Projects Director:  Anne Rzeszkowski
• Youth Services Director: Lexi Furner
• Club Admin Director:  Ian Jennings
• Public Image Director: Grahame Miles
• Sergeant @ Arms: Albert Suidgeest
• Club Environment Representative:  Adrian Lindner
• Immediate Past President and Vice-President: John Bond
• Bulletin Editors: Paul Weston and John Glassford
• Webmaster: John Glassford

COOLAMON ROTARY CLUB MEETING MARCH 3rd.

A small amount of general business was discussed including the distribution of the Chronicle and the proposed increase to $22 for our weekly dinner.  Ian Jennings outlined our options for our honour board in the Sports Club.

Another excellent Chinese dinner was followed by our guest speaker Jericho Nyatoro.  Jericho gave an excellent talk on his journey from Zimbabwe which led him to Junee and as a Baptist Care Chaplain within the Junee Correctional facility.

Jericho went from Zimbabwe (Southern Rhodesia), to Dallas where he obtained his BArts with two masters degrees and due to the situation in Zimbabwe at the time decided to look for a country to settle in.  Jericho’s wife is in the medical profession and works with dementia and mental care. Having looked at Canada, too cold, they decided on Australia!  Jericho saw an advert for a job at the Junee Correctional Centre and moved to Wagga.

Jericho did not have any experience with inmates and had only seen prisons from a distance.

What followed was a wonderful example of a human being and how we should never judge a person on the wrong side of the law.  Jericho gave a passionate talk on his work and how he is there for every prisoner irrespective of what they have done and Jericho said that it was a privilege to be with an inmate without the guards being present.

Jericho said that one area that is lacking is the provision of clothes for the inmates on their release to give them some dignity, especially during the winter months.  The main problem is lack of housing with so many having to choose the streets and in winter that is unbearable so they do what they can to get back inside for shelter and food.

Jericho’s talk was well received by all present and John Nulty gave Jericho a warm vote of thanks.

Adrian encouraged us to donate used clothes.

You can read a summary of Jericho’s work below:

Jericho Junee

The meeting concluded with a very brief fines session and the raffle was won by:

1. Maureen Hulsman
2.  Bernadette Milne

The next meeting on Monday 10th will be a social evening preceded by the monthly board meeting.

Monday March 10th CRC Board Meeting:  Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 5.00 pm.

Monday March 10th: General Meeting: Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm.

Tuesday March 11^th Anti-Slavery Commissioner* in Wagga Wagga.  Logistics for this meeting – time, venue, and format are still to be confirmed by the Commissioner’s Office.  This may need to be ticketed for catering purposes.

*Monday 17th March Guest Speaker: Sally Bryant, ABC Radio Announcer on Country Larrikins and Characters.  Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm.

Monday 24th March Social Meeting and get to know your member.  Alex Thompson in the HOT chair.  Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm.

Saturday, 29 March PETS and Club Development Seminars – Young Services Club, Young, NSW

*Monday 31st March Fifth Monday Social Meeting at the Marrar Hotel TBC.

*Monday 7th April Guest Speaker: Steph Cooke MP, Member for Cootamundra on State Issues for the Coolamon Shire.  Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm.

Saturday 21st-25th June 2025 RICON IN Calgary, Canada

Calgary RICON 2025

Calgary Facebook Page

*Monday 30th June CRC 54th Annual Change Over Dinner.  TBC.  Coolamon Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm.

*Guests welcome to bring their partners and friends.

JUST FOR LAUGHS

All of the above images were obtained from Facebook.

ROTARY

WASH

Clean water, sanitation, and hygiene education are basic necessities for a healthy environment and a productive life.

When people have access to clean water and sanitation, waterborne diseases decrease, children stay healthier and attend school more regularly, and mothers can spend less time carrying water and more time helping their families.

How Rotary makes help happen

Through water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programs, Rotary’s people of action mobilize resources, form partnerships, and invest in infrastructure and training that yield long-term change.  More in the link below:

WASH 

WASH RAG  (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Rotary Action Group).

Here are some water based projects that you and your club can get involved in:

WASH PROJECTS

MARCH IS WATER SANITATION & HYGIENE MONTH

Artwork by Rtn. Debbie Vance RC of Merritt BC Canada

ROTARY CLUB OF COOLAMON Inc. 2024-25

Chartered March 3rd, 1971; Sponsoring Club Narrandera Rotary Club

• President: Adrian Lindner
• President-Elect 2025-2026: Mary Potts
• Secretary: Paul Weston
• Treasurer: Mary Potts
• Rotary Foundation Director: Gary Truscott
• Membership Director: Brian Pattison
• Service Projects Director:  Anne Rzeszkowski
• Youth Services Director: Lexi Furner
• Club Admin Director:  Ian Jennings
• Public Image Director: Grahame Miles
• Sergeant @ Arms: Albert Suidgeest
• Club Environment Representative:  Adrian Lindner
• Immediate Past President and Vice-President: John Bond
• Bulletin Editors: Paul Weston and John Glassford
• Webmaster: John Glassford