Past President Garth Perkin from our club is raising funds for ShelterBox Australia. One of the best projects for disaster relief. No matter where it happens in the world.
As part of ShelterBox Larapinta 2022, over seven days, you’ll follow well-worn yet timeless red dirt tracks along the slopes of the West MacDonnell Ranges, immersed in the rich history of Australia’s First Peoples.
Beside winding rivers, across open plains, to the summit of Mount Sonder and into the shaded Ormiston Gorge – by day, you’ll conquer one of the world’s premier desert treks, enjoying breath taking historic landscapes made famous by Albert Namatjira’s paintings.
At night, you’ll camp under inky black skies filled with silver stars and fall asleep to the nocturnal sounds of the desert, inspired by the difference you’re making to the lives of families impacted by disaster and conflict.
I simply couldn’t resist this trek (mind you at the age of 79) as it starts on the 2nd of August which would have been my dear wife, Marg Perkin’s birthday.
Marg was the first female president of Coolamon Rotary club, and always passionate about helping others in need. She passed away last year after fighting cancer for 5 years so I feel this is a small tribute to her, yet for a great cause that she would be proud to support”.
Ukraine is on the mind as with everyone. Our Sunflowers for Ukraine initiative is taking off through Rotary. I met with the farmer Doug Bruckner from Collingullie on Tuesday Doug is donating half a tonne of sunflower seeds to my Rotary Club Coolamon. We are looking at the logistics and so far it is looking very feasible. Half a tonne of sunflower seeds! Anyone guess how many seeds that is? This is one way of packaging and 80 seeds in the bag works well, use a small scoop. The bag is about 100mm x 70mm they can be bought online in bulk at 2 cents each.
We have the art work for the cards that go in the bags if you need to print you own. Otherwise Quick print in Wagga Wagga can print them for you.
We have plenty of seeds available for mailing or collection from Ganmain. The bags and the cards are easy to produce. It is the filling of the bags that takes time and manpower. My estimate is that 10 good people can fill 100 bags with the card to the bag with say 40 seeds into each bag within an hour. That is 1,000 bags of seeds. Which is a good result all round. We have been approcahed by our Coolamon Central School to help fill the bags.
Now the answer to how many seeds in one kilogram:
I have counted the seeds from one sunflower which weighed 93 grams and I got 1,557 seeds. So 1kg of seeds would then yield 16,000 seeds and 500kgs gives us 8 million seeds enough to fill 200,000+ bags with 40 seeds per bag.
Once the seeds are harvested we will collect the seeds from Doug Bruckner of the Gnadbro Pastoral Company and they will be in one bulk bag weighing 500kgs. We will then package them into 1 kg bags enough to make up say 200 bags with 80 seeds per bag. NB the Yates seeds package had 30 seeds in it and cost $4 per packet so we can double the yield if we halve the number of seeds per bag!
Now we believe that the best way to obtain donations is by displaying teh seeds and the project in a display/donations box similar to this mock up we are using at the moment. They will cost $4.00 each plus postage.
My contact details are in the flyer below:
UPDATE ON THE SUNFLOWER SEEDS
The sunflower seeds are in the bin! Some photos from this morning’s harvest. Thanks so much Doug Bruckner you are a champion. We look forward to collecting your generous donation for Ukraine.
Ready to go!
L-R John Glassford Doug Bruckner and Albert Suidgeest
President Albert Suidgeest being interviewed by ABC Riverina
In the bin
The seeds are now in Ganmain ready for posting. Sunflower seeds for Ukraine update. Yesterday one of our Coolamon Rotary members Garth Perkin and I went out to The Rock to collect the seeds. Doug Bruckner who donated the seeds was there to load us with as many seeds as we needed. Based on the 10 kgs. I got last week, we only loaded what we needed. The bag was heavy, the two of us could not lift it. So we are up and away and next week I will send seeds out to those who have asked for them. Thanks again to Doug Bruckner of Gnadbro Pastoral.
PP Paul Weston was in the chair this week as President Albert is still away on holidays. Fourteen members were in attendance, and three were apologies: Leslie, Albert and Mary. It was a busy evening! The following subjects were discussed:
Grahame would like the Coolamon Archway committee to meet at Lions Park at 6.00 pm before the meeting on the 14th March. Committee members include Grahame, Alex, Garth, Neil and JG.
Neil spoke about the illness of Mark who puts up our flags in Lions Park. It was agreed that Ian J. would send some flowers to Mark and wish him a speedy recovery.
Grahame suggests that the club supports the flood appeal being conducted by RAWCS at the moment. This is set for discussion at the next board meeting. Ian Jennings advised the club that his sister who lives in Lismore lost everything in the floods and is not insured.
Daryl Breust spoke about the Scott Reardon and Vanessa Low night on Saturday April 2nd. Daryl asked for help in promoting the event via social media. John G. will post the news to all of our media outlets including printing 40 A4 flyers to be placed in all the shops. Daryl reminded the members present that the funds raised go to our hospital, Allawah Lodge and the Kindra Park Trustees. Details of the night are listed in this bulletin.
Daryl then spoke about the upcoming Gears and Beers where we are looking for 17 volunteers to man important sections in our area. Daryl said that so far the Wollundry RC has received around 1,600 entries including 1234 for the Dirty 130 and amazing result. We are needed on Sunday 27th March and Daryl will have details at the next meeting where Phil Macintosh will be coming along to outline the details.
John G brought the members up to date on Sunflowers for Ukraine. So far after only 5 days since the idea was first created we have 3 Australian districts who want to support the project. As well several clubs have contacted John including Forbes, Nowra, Young, Wagga Wagga Sunrise and Bundaberg. We also have the support from our stand in IPDG Michael Moore, DGE Geraldine Rurenga and DGND Rob Uhl. JG advised the members that he will have a presence at the District conference in Temora after an invite by our IPDG Michael Moore. JG will be visiting the sunflower farmer this week.
DIARY
Monday, 14th March – Regular meeting visit of Phil Mackintosh from the Wollundry RC to go through regarding our involvement with supporting the Gears and Beers event on the 27th March,. Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7 pm.
Wednesday, 16th March – CRC Board meeting. Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 7 pm.
Saturday, 2nd April – Sportsman’s Night featuring SCOTT REARDON and VANESSA LOW.The CRC Sportsman’s Committee have organised a fundraising function featuring local paralympian Scott Reardon and his wife Vanessa Low, also a paralympian. The event will take place in conjunction with the Coolamon Football Club at Kindra Park. Time 6.00-10.00 pm.
To all our Internet users: please start sharing the CRC Facebook page, our website and the booking form links which will have all the details for this night.
Saturday 21st May – D9705 Club Development Seminar {formerly called District Assembly}. – ALL 2022-2023 Board Members need to attend. West Wyalong, 9 am start.
Monday 4th July – CRC 51st Changeover. Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7 pm.
JUST FOR LAUGHS
THE PUZZLER
Answer to the last Puzzler:
From top left: forehead, good looking, waterfall, wake up, tuna fish, foreign language, seahorse, middle aged, broken heart, seesaw, missing you, teabag
This week’s challenge: What can be driven although it doesn’t have wheels, sliced but stays whole?
ROTARY NEWS
1. An evening with Paralympians Scott Reardon and Vanessa Low
To make the Internet work for this very important event for our Coolamon community please share the following links that apply to you and how you use the Internet:
John Glassford continues to get a lot of interest on an idea to support the people of Ukraine.
John met up with Doug Bruckner from the Gnadbro Pastoral Company on the Berry Jerry Station.
Just reporting in met with Doug Bruckner from Gnadbro Pastoral Company or Berry Jerry Station. What a magnificent property and very large one on the Murrumbidgee with magnificent red gum trees.
Doug now knows what we need and he suggests that 500kgs would be more than enough to get going and he would have more if needed. He is happy to donate the 500kg and get more if we need them however I doubt it. Right now I am told that sunflower seeds are hard to come by.
He sprays them this week with a herbicide to speed up drying and will be harvesting in 4 weeks time approx. 100 hectares.
Doug suggests that we take a 500kg pack. Doug will have the seed cleaned. Once we have it home, wherever that might be, we have a forklift here. Then we can look at what size bags we need to send in bulk to the various clubs maybe 2 kgs. would be more than enough.
Now the challenge: how many sunflower seeds in one kg? I have no idea however it is important as it will determine the number of seeds per packet.
Vanessa Low and Scott Reardon are the power couple of Australia’s Paralympic team with a love story that traversed years of long-distance romance as each followed their journeys following train and tractor accidents when they were young.
Eight years after Reardon first approached Low at an athletics meeting in London, the Australian sprint star can take some credit for convincing his now-wife to switch allegiances from Germany to Australia for the upcoming Paralympics, which begin next week in Tokyo.
PP Grahame Miles was in the chair this week as President Albert is away on holidays. Grahame welcomed 18 of our members and the following guests: Ann Baker (Howard’s partner), Heather and Ken Parker from Adelaide (guests of Anne) and Ken Plane from Marrar (a guest of Brian Pattison).
Discussion included:
The Temora Conference BBQ on Friday 18th March has the following volunteers in Daryl Breust, Paul Weston, JG, Ian Jennings, Dick Jennings, Don Dyce, Neil Munro and Brian Pattison. Wonderful support. Setup time is 5.00 pm at the Temora Rural Museum.
Grahame thanked the 11 representatives of our club (8 members and 3 partners) who attended the opening of the Batlow Men’s Shed on the 25th.
The members learnt that Hannah, who has been serving our food for some time now, has been accepted at CSU for her nursing studies. We all wished Hannah the very best for her future, although Hannah says that she will be still working at the club on Mondays.
Grahame raised the idea of a welcome archway to Coolamon. A committee made up of Grahame, Alex Thompson, Garth Perkin, Neil Munro and JG was formed to look at the feasibility of doing this.
Paul Weston spoke briefly on the Coolamon Community Chronicle going online. Paul is looking into copyright issues of posting photos and other content.
John Bond spoke on the payout costs for the CCC printer and the possibility of buying the printer (or a faster one) outright.
Henk Hulsman spoke about the theft of the Australian flag from Lions Park.
Dick was born in Temora and has a bother and two sisters. His mother was Dorothy and his father was George.
Dick married Maree Thomas and has 4 children: Katrina, Tracy, Natalie and Richard. Richard is the 5th generation to be farming the property since Dick’s great grandfather settled in Coolamon.
All that Dick ever wanted to do was to be a farmer. Dick attended Coolamon Central School and then moved on to the Canberra Grammar boarding school to further his education.
Favourite colour: green; favourite actor: Hugh Grant; and favourite movie: 4 Weddings and a Funeral.
Dick has not travelled extensively, but the favourite country he has visited is Vietnam.
The farm is now in the control of Dick’s son Richard and they have not had any stock for 10 years; all the land is now being cropped. Dick has truly earned a rest, however he still works as hard as ever.
Dick joined the Rotary Club of Coolamon in October 1979 and has been a member 42. Dick was our president in 1986/1987 and 2013/2014.
Dick can always be counted on for advice and is always one of the first to put his hand up to help our work. We look forward to many more years with Dick as a member of our club. Thank you Dick Jennings for your service and for sharing your very interesting life story!
DIARY
Sunday 6th March – Clean Up Australia Day. 9.00-11.00 am. Volunteers Needed go to:
Saturday, 2nd April – Sportsman’s Night featuring SCOTT REARDON – The CRC Sportsman’s Committee have organised a fundraising function featuring local Paralympian Scott Reardon. The event will take place in conjunction with the Coolamon Football Club at Kindra Park. Time 6.00-10.00 pm.
To all our Facebook users please start sharing the CRC Facebook page which will have all the details for this night uploaded soon.:
Saturday 21st May 2022, D9705 Club Development Seminar – West Wyalong ALL 2022-2023 Board Members need to attend; starting time 9.00am. {Was called the District Assembly}.
Monday 4th July 2022 CRC 51st Change Over Dinner at the Sports Club.
JUST FOR LAUGHS
THE PUZZLER
Answer to the last Puzzler: There are still 25 petals, although only 19 of them are still on the flowers.
This week’s challenge: What common words/phrases do the following pictograms represent?
ROTARY NEWS
1. WATER, SANITATION & HYGIENE
WASH Rotary Action Group supports and ensures sustainable long-lasting clean water, sanitation, and hygiene programs to communities in need.
About Us
The WASH Rotary Action Group was formed in 2007 by a group of Rotarians, recognized by Rotary International, and focused on WASH projects. Since then it has facilitated many hundreds of projects – helping clubs find partners, ensuring sustainability, stressing the importance of a needs-driven approach, and developing best practices. We encourage a holistic, integrated approach in which water is not the end in itself, but is rather the means to a better life and livelihood in the community. Most importantly, WASH Rotary Action Group links water and sanitation to improved hygiene, better health, and empowerment of the community – especially women, irrigation and agriculture, education and literacy and, ultimately, child mortality.
Calling all Rotarians
As a Rotary Action Group, WASH invites Rotarians from around the world to join them and engage in the battle to provide safe water, sanitation and hygiene for all. Any Rotarian interested in supporting us can get involved with our activities and be Linked to global WASH assistance efforts.
John Glassford has started getting interest on an idea to support the people of Ukraine. So far after only 48 hours the offer of support is significant and our Rotary International Director of Zone 8 Jessie Harman is in total support:
Hi John,
I’ll do what I can to promote it. If you can get some FB/social media activity going, I’ll share it wherever I can. I can also send some emails.
The TRF Trustees have also agreed to prioritise disaster response grant applications which support districts affected by the Ukraine crisis and to enable districts to divert unspent DDF to the TRF Disaster Response Fund for this purpose. It’s not public knowledge yet, but will be shortly. This will also complement your great efforts.
Thanks for caring John,
Regards
Jessie
The idea or the germ of the idea can be found in this document:
Tonight President welcomed 18 members to this week’s meeting which was a Club Assembly.
Items discussed were:
Garth Perkin kicked of the discussions with an idea to raise funds for ShelterBox by hiking the Larapinta Trek starting on August 2nd, Marg Perkin’s birthday. Each entrant has a goal of raising $3,000 for three ShelterBoxes. Trekkers will also need to cover the cost of a flight to Alice Springs. Garth is looking for members who might accompany him on the trek. This is a wonderful initiative by Garth in memory of Marg and you can find details here:
Grahame Miles brought up the idea of the Welcome to Coolamon arch which might be a joint project with Lions in Coolamon. This is an arch in Berry, NSW which gave Grahame the idea:
Grahame Miles brought up the idea of painting the Brushwood Silos, which is being proposed by Ricky Hard. The silo art has taken hold around Northern Victoria and New South Wales. The first silo to be painted in NSW is in Weethalle:
Discussion ensued on the grants available from the NSW Government as relayed to Grahame Miles by Steph Cooke. Funds from the program might be used to upgrade the printer used for printing the Chronicle or purchasing it outright. John Bond will do some research into the matter.
The Coolamon Shire Council are giving away $10,000 for worthy projects that attract visitors to the Coolamon Shire. Applications for up to $3,000 are being sought by the council.
Paul Weston spoke on revitalising our annual markets. Further discussion will take place at a subsequent meeting when time permits.
The meeting concluded with a brief fine session and raffle.
Friday 25th February – Opening of the Batlow Men’s Shed
Eleven members of Coolamon Rotary (8 Rotarians and 3 partners) attended the opening of the Batlow Men’s Shed. The following travelled to Batlow in support of the RC of Batlow whose idea it was to establish a Men’s Shed in Batlow following the devastating bush fires of 2020:
Coolamon Shire Councillor and PP Garth Perkin
Rtn. Mary Potts
Rtn. Bernadette Milne
Rtn. Anne Rzeszkowski
PP Henk Hulsman and Maureen Hulsman
PP Ian Jennings
PP Howard Atkinson and Ann Baker
PDG John Glassford and Susan Glassford
There was a large crowd present and the Batlow Men’s Shed was opened by Kristy McBain, the Federal Member for Eden-Monaro and Dr. Joe McGirr, the State member for the seat of Wagga Wagga. Batlow Men’s Shed president Gene Cowin received a cheque from the Batlow RC for the balance of the funds raised.
Fundraisers were the Batlow RC, the RC of Belconnen, the RC of Coolamon and the Yazidi refugee Community from the Wagga Multicultural Council. The Yazidi community of Wagga Wagga wanted to give back to the community for the kindness shown to them and the Batlow story was one they wanted to support.
Here is the story of why Coolamon Rotary got involved following the bushfires of 2019-2020:
Saturday, 2nd April – Sportsman’s Night featuring SCOTT REARDON – The CRC Sportsman’s Committee have organised a fundraising function featuring local Paralympian Scott Reardon. The event will take place in conjunction with the Coolamon Football Club at Kindra Park. Time 6.00-10.00 pm.
To all our Facebook users please start sharing the CRC Facebook page which will have all the details for this night uploaded soon.:
Saturday 21st May 2022, D9705 Club Development Seminar – West Wyalong ALL 2022-2023 Board Members need to attend; starting time 9.00am. {Was called the District Assembly}.
Monday 4th July 2022 CRC 51st Change Over Dinner at the Sports Club.
JUST FOR LAUGHS
THE PUZZLER
Answer to the last Puzzler: 1. FRAGRANT, 2. PAINTING, 3. NECKLINE, 4. BANDSTAND, 5. LEAFLET
This week’s challenge:
Leslie had five flowers with five petals each. She removed petals from the flowers until there were only two flowers with all the petals intact and three with three petals each. How many petals are there now?
ROTARY NEWS
1. THE FOUR WAY TEST
One of the world’s most widely printed and quoted statements of business ethics is The Four-Way Test, which was created in 1932 by Rotarian Herbert J. Taylor (who later served as RI president) when he was asked to take charge of a company that was facing bankruptcy.
This 24-word test for employees to follow in their business and professional lives became the guide for sales, production, advertising, and all relations with dealers and customers, and the survival of the company is credited to this simple philosophy. Adopted by Rotary in 1943, The Four-Way Test has been translated into more than a hundred languages and published in thousands of ways.
The Four-Way Test, created in 1932 by Rotarian Herbert J. Taylor (served as RI president, 1954-1955)
Global Chair, International Fellowship of Rotarian Musicians
2. FEBRUARY 23rd. 1905
The first four Rotarians. From left: Gustavus Loehr, Silvester Schiele, Hiram E. Shorey, Paul P. Harris.
On 23 February 1905, Paul P. Harris, Gustavus Loehr, Silvester Schiele, and Hiram E. Shorey gathered in Loehr’s office for what would become known as the first Rotary club meeting.
Harris’ desire for camaraderie among business associates brought together these four men and eventually led to an international organization of service and fellowship.
Each of the first four Rotarians, and Harry L. Ruggles, who is often called the “fifth Rotarian,” brought different professional perspectives to the organization.
Tonight President welcomed 17 members to this week’s meeting.
Reminders:
Batlow Men’s Shed opening Friday 25th of February at midday. We have 11 going.
Temora 2022 District Conference – Members are reminded to register for what promises to be another thought-provoking gathering of Rotarians. We may organise a bus for Saturday if we get enough interested members (this would facilitate attendance at the dinner at the aviation museum that night). This is likely to be the closest DISCON to Coolamon for some time, so plan on attending!
Club Assembly on Monday (21 Feb). An email will be sent to each member announcingg this meeting.
Reminder that the half yearly subs are due — please pay Henk.
District 9705 are looking for clubs to sponsor outward bound students for our Youth Exchange programme.
Grahame Miles reported that Steph Cooke could possibly get a grant for our club for as much as $15,000 to purchase a printer for the Coolamon Community Chronicle — sent to the Board for discussion.
IN THE SPOLIGHT
Tonight we had PP Henk Hulsman in the spotlight. Here are some highlights of the Q&A session with Albert:
Born in Narrandera in 1946
Dutch heritage
Lived in Ganmain in his early years
Henk has two sisters and a brother who passed away recently
Maureen and Henk have two children and 3 grandchildren
Henk’s father Harmen Hulsman was a Dutchman and lived in Java managing a rubber plantation and ended up in Narrandera and had a few jobs including farm work a motor mechanic and as an accountant.
Henk went to St Brendan’s School in Ganmain
They then moved to Nowra where Henk attended Nowra High School and continued his studies after year 11 on marketing and accountancy at the UNSW and Macquarie Uni
Henk and Maureen met at work in Sydney and have been happily married ever since
Henk joined the CBC as an accountant in 1964 and stayed with them for many years, ending up in Coolamon where he joined Rotary and was president in 1984
Maureen and Henk loved Coolamon and did not want to move again so he resigned from the CBC and headed up the State Government Employees Union in Wagga and spent 25 years with the SGEU in Wagga until he recently retired. Henk will read one book a week.
Henk and Maureen love cruising and visiting European countries
DIARY
Saturday and Sunday, 19 and 20 February –PETS President Elect Training Session {PE Paul Weston}. Cowra.
Monday 21st February – CRC Club Assembly. Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm.
Friday 25th February – Opening of the Batlow Men’s Shed. Batlow, 12.00 pm.
Saturday, 2nd April – Sportsman’s Night featuring SCOTT REARDON – The CRC Sportsman’s Committee have organised a fundraising function featuring local Paralympian Scott Reardon. The event will take place in conjunction with the Coolamon Football Club at Kindra Park. Time 6.00-10.00 pm.
To all our Facebook users please start sharing the CRC Facebook page which will have all the details for this night uploaded soon.:
This week’s challenge: Place a pair of letters in the blank spaces in the words below to give five common words. The pair of letters must be same for the two sets of blanks for each word, but each word will have a different pair of letters.
1. F __ __ G __ __ N T
2. P A __ __ T __ __ G
3. __ __ C K L I __ __
4. B __ __ D S T __ __ D
5. __ __ A F __ __ T
ROTARY NEWS
1. RCC CARAVAN
Thought that some of you might like these before and after photos of our caravan which does sterling work for our club and the events that we attend in support of our local community.
2. CLUB ASSEMBLY
At times it is good to remind ourselves why we have a club assembly and we have one upcoming next Monday the 21st February. Above all it is the responsibility of the Club Administration Director to plan and set Club assemblies.
A club assembly is an opportunity for all club members to reflect on and discuss club meetings and activities.
You can use club assemblies to:
Brainstorm ideas for projects and activities
Review the club’s strengths, opportunities, and weaknesses
Set goals and develop action plans
Coordinate committee activities
Learn more about Rotary
As always, the members can put their recommendations to the Board for their approval by way of a motion. This is the best and correct way of protecting the interests of our club and of our members.
MATTERS TO BE RECCOMMENDED TO THE BOARD FOR ADOPTION:
RECOMMENDATION # 1, 2, 3 etc.:
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Motion Resolved: YES/NO
Before planning an agenda, ask members for their input to ensure that the meetings address their interests and concerns. Ask your president and secretary what is the goal of each assembly and how your committee can help plan the meeting. Assemblies can be held throughout the year to address relevant topics, as shown below.
TIME FRAME PURPOSE
1. After district training assembly To describe, review, and discuss plans developed at the district training assembly.
2. After 1 July To discuss and adopt a strategic plan for the year.
3. Two weeks before the governor’s official visit. To prepare for the visit during the governor’s official visit To talk about the club’s activities and goals with the district governor.
4. Midpoint of the Rotary year To review the club’s progress toward goals and determine its plan for the rest of the year.
5. April or May To provide an opportunity for open discussion.
Assemblies are also a good place to question any decisions made by the board through the Rotary year. Board minutes are distributed to every member by the secretary usually within a week of the board meeting.
February is Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution Month
Graphics by Debbie Vance from Canada.
ROTARY CLUB OF COOLAMON Inc. 2021-22
Chartered March 3rd, 1971; Sponsoring Club Narrandera Rotary Club
We welcomed President Albert Suidgeest back in the chair. Albert spoke on his recent family going into isolation after they all had contracted Covid.
19 members attended — another good turnout.
The following matters were discussed:
Albert presented a bottle of wine to the recent birthday members including Grahame, Bruce, Mary and Bernadette who was an apology. A very poor rendition of Happy Birthday was sung.
Albert spoke on the RAWCS appeal for Tonga and encouraged members to donate to the cause. The Board will make a decision at the next Board meeting on supporting the RAWCS appeal to raise $1 million for the Tongan disaster.
Henk reminded members that the semi-annual Rotary fees are now well and truly due.
Gears and Beers still needing volunteers so please advise Daryl Breust of your intentions for the Sunday event on March 27th.
Scott Reardon night will have further information on our Club Facebook Page.
Batlow Men’s Shed opening — please give your name to John Glassford if you are attending on Friday 25th February. So far we have 10 members including partners going.
Anne advised the meeting that Rotary Youth Exchange gets under way, after a long absence, in May this year. Details will follow.
Anne mentioned that our NYSF student, Bethany Crocker, had a wonderful time with the NYSF programme. Bethany will be visiting the club to give us a presentation on the event which was held virtually this year.
Albert asked for opinions on our changeover night and the general consensus was to hold it on a Monday night at the end of the Rotary year. PE Paul and Albert will set the date ASAP.
Daryl pointed out that Covid rules are changing from March 1st and that we should all be aware of them.
JG asked members to think of where they were on February 6th 1952. Not many owned up to being alive at that time. JG was living 50 miles from Treetops in Kenya where Princess Elizabeth became the Queen of England and the Commonwealth that night King George VI died.
The raffle was won by Howard and the eggs by Chez and Grahame.
John Bond conducted a short fines session.
IN THE SPOLIGHT
Tonight we had PP Ian Jennings in the spotlight and here are some highlights of the Q&A session with Albert:
Ian’s family came to the Coolamon area in 1879 from England where they first settled in Moruya and then moved to Albury. Ian’s great grandfather then settled in Coolamon and started farming.
To this day, Ian, his brother Stewart and cousin Dick Jennings are still farming in the same area.
Ian has two sisters and one brother.
Attended Coolamon Central School from kindergarten until year 10 and then went to Wagga Wagga High school for years 11-12.
Ian then attended Armidale University where he studied agricultural science for 4 years and then moved back to the farm with his father.
Ian is not into sports however he enjoys tennis but loves a good wine.
His favourite actor is Sean Connery and he would love to spend more time in Spain.
On his bucket list is to visit the home of his ancestors in England.
Ian met Marilyn at university and they have been happily married ever since.
Marilyn and Ian adopted a boy from Sri Lanka, Tom. Ian described this as a wonderful experience. Tom has three daughters now and the granddaughters are very much loved by Marilyn and Ian. Tom and the three girls live in Uladulla.
BTW Ian has been a dedicated member of our club and is our longest serving member, having joined on the 1st May 1977. He has served as President of our club in 1982-1983 & 1995-1996.
DIARY
Monday February 14th – Regular Meeting. Coolamon Sports Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm.
Wednesday February 16th – CRC Board Meeting. Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 7 pm.
Saturday and Sunday, 19 and 20 February –PETS President Elect Training Session {PE Paul Weston}. Cowra.
Monday February 21st – CRC Club Assembly. Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm.
Friday 25th February – Opening of the Batlow Men’s Shed. Batlow, 12.00 pm.
Saturday, 2nd April – Sportsman’s Night featuring SCOTT REARDON – The CRC Sportsman’s Committee have organised a fundraising function featuring local Paralympian Scott Reardon. The event will take place in conjunction with the Coolamon Football Club at Kindra Park. Time 6.00-10.00 pm.
To all our Facebook users please start sharing the CRC Facebook page which will have all the details for this night uploaded soon.:
Last week we voted on supporting ShelterBox for Tonga however ShelterBox has been closely monitoring the situation in Tonga ever since news of the volcano and tsunami emerged. After much investigation and consultation, it has recently been announced that ShelterBox will not be responding in Tonga.
Following on from my last email at the bottom of the ShelterBox story on Tonga was news that RAWCS have started a $1 million appeal for Tonga:
The effects of the Volcano and Tsunami on January 15th will be far-reaching, impacting the Tonga Community for months, possibly years to come.
Communication remains problematic with international and inter-island call still no possible due to the damage to the undersea cable.
Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS) will be working with Rotary New Zealand World Community Service (RNZWCS) and Rotary Club of Nuku’alofa (Tonga) in providing aid and assistance to the affected communities’ and restoring their livelihoods.
RAWCS has registered a Rotary Australia Relief Fund project to seek financial assistance from Rotary Clubs, the public and private sector.
Donations to the RAWCS Relief Fund are tax deductible.
Since 2002, The Rotary Foundation established 7 Peace Centres at universities around the world after an extensive selection process. The University of Queensland was one of these 7. The fellowships cover tuition and fees, room and board, round-trip transportation, and all internship and field-study expenses.
Rotary’s most significant effort to wage peace is the Rotary Peace Centres program, established in 2002. Each year, the program trains some of the world’s most dedicated and brightest professionals, preparing them to promote national and international cooperation and to resolve conflict. There are seven Rotary Peace Centres throughout the world. They are in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA, Tokyo, Japan, Bradford, England, Brisbane, Australia, Uppsala, Sweden Bangkok, Thailand and Kampala, Uganda. Learn more about Rotary Peace Centre and our investment in Peace Fellowships at rotary.org.
The University of Queensland’s Rotary Peace Centre is part of a global program to advance research, teaching, practical training and knowledge on issues of international relations, conflict resolution and peace-building. It offers a tailored Master’s Degree in Peace and Conflict Studies, aimed at potential world and community leaders, designed to have a practical effect on peacebuilding and addressing international and regional conflicts. The Rotary Foundation’s decision to establish this unique program at The University of Queensland is recognition of the outstanding reputation of postgraduate programs in peace and conflict studies within the School of Political Science and International Studies.
The Centre is one of only six worldwide, the others are housed at:
Duke University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill USA
International Christian University, Tokyo Japan,
University of Bradford, West Yorkshire England
Uppsala University, Uppsala Sweden
Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand (Professional Development Centre)
The first cohort of Rotary Peace Fellows started their studies in 2003 and since then there has been a cohort of 10 Fellows selected each year from around the world to study a masters degree in peace and conflict resolution at the University of Queensland Rotary Peace Centre.
Rachel Buchan is a Rotary Peace Fellow at the University of Queensland from the USA. Previously, Rachel was Vice President of Government Relations at Capstone LLC, a policy analysis firm in Washington, DC that helps institutional investors understand how geopolitics impacts large industries.
Rachel also served in The Office of Barack and Michelle Obama, for the U.S. Congress, and at Human Rights First. Rachel discovered a passion for peace while completing a 2015-2016 Fulbright Scholarship in Turkey, and she owes her deep love of learning to her alma mater, Birmingham-Southern College, where she graduated with honours and Phi Beta Kappa in 2015. Rachel is granddaughter to former Tuscaloosa, Alabama USA Rotary Club President, Donald Brown.
February is Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution Month
Graphics by Debbie Vance from Canada.
ROTARY CLUB OF COOLAMON Inc. 2021-22
Chartered March 3rd, 1971; Sponsoring Club Narrandera Rotary Club
Back at the Sports Club in Coolamon after a long break. 18 members attended the meeting and PP Daryl Breust was in the chair. Some of the highlights of the night included:
Treasurer Henk Hulsman advised all members that our 6 monthly dues were due on January 1st 2022 and that the club has paid Rotary Down Under, District 9705 and that the RI fees are also due to be paid. Members, please submit your fees to Henk as soon as possible.
Daryl brought up the three Facebook pages that the club maintains and asked members for a show of hands as to who uses Facebook. The majority do have a Facebook presence. Daryl is in contact with Liam O’Neill who will help us with the promotion of the Scott Reardon night on April 2nd.
Daryl then requested volunteers for Gears and Beers as we will need 17 Rotarians to tend the check points over that weekend. Many volunteers put their names down however more are needed so please advise either Daryl or John Glassford if you can help. More details will be provided when they become available. There is information in this bulletin on Gears & Beers bellow.
John G reminded members that we have been invited to the opening of the Batlow Men’s Shed on Friday 25th February at 11.00 am. All members are encouraged to go along. So far we have 10 going including some partners.
Dick Jennings spoke on the recent volcano disaster in Tonga and asked the club to support by way of sending a ShelterBox for Tonga. The Board met and approved the donation of one ShelterBox at AUD $1,000.
In the past our club has actively supported ShelterBox by setting up an actual ShelterBox in Coolamon, Ganmain and at “Kiambo”:
Adrian Lindner spoke on Rotary International’s seventh area of Focus: The Environment. In particular that D9705 through PDG David Brawn, District Leader, Environmental Envoys Team, Rotary District 9705 is calling for every club to recruit a Club Environmental Representative (CER). Adrian has volunteered to be Coolamon Rotary’s CER. PS Adrian is going to the Temora DISCON–are you ?
Dick Jennings followed on with the reasons why we should support the Temora District Conference and encouraged us to turn up in large numbers. There is a story on this year’s DISCON Below with the appropriate links. It is easy to book online, and be sure to register for the Saturday night dinner in the Temora Aviation Museum.
Board members were reminded that the next board meeting is set for Wednesday the 16th February. Those present at the meeting agreed to hold a Club Assembly on Monday the 21st February.
The meeting closed with a quick fines session and raffle, which was won by Anne.
DIARY
Friday 4th February – Riding for the Disabled Event, Plumpton Road, Wagga Wagga 6.00 pm. (see above).
Monday 7th February – Regular Meeting. Coolamon Sports Club 6.30 for 7.00 pm.
Saturday and Sunday, 19 and 20 February –PETS President Elect Training Session {PE Paul Weston}. Cowra.
Wednesday February 16th – CRC Board Meeting. Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 7 pm.
Monday February 21st – CRC Club Assembly. Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 7 pm
Friday 25th February – Opening of the Batlow Men’s Shed. Batlow, 11.00 am (see story below).
Friday – Sunday, 18th-20th March 2022 – Temora DISCON{District 9705 Conference}. See story below: TEMORA 2022
Saturday, 2nd April – Sportsman’s Night featuring SCOTT REARDON – The CRC Sportsman’s Committee have organised a fundraising function featuring local Paralympian Scott Reardon. The event will take place in conjunction with the Coolamon Football Club at Kindra Park. Time 6.00-10.00 pm.
To all our Facebook users please start sharing the following page:
Ready for the Winter Olympics? We’re off to a ripper of a start!
THE PUZZLER
Answer to the last Puzzler:
This week’s Puzzler is a riddle to challenge your grey matter:
Cut me in half and I am nothing. Turn me on my side and I am everything. What am I?
ROTARY NEWS
1. WOLLUNDRY RC GEARS & BEERS NEWS
The Ride
Gears + Beers is a unique festival combining our two loves – cycling & craft beer. The festival is held on 26 + 27 March 2022.
The weekend offers a combination of rides catering for all age groups, distances, energy levels and cycling levels. All roads lead to the craft beer festival.
Our flagship ride is the Dirty130. 130km of road, gravel, farms, golden couches, dead camel lane (if you don’t know, you will!) and more gravel. It’s a slog, but totally worth it.
The event is run by the Rotary Club of Wollundry Wagga Wagga with all proceeds going to charity.
One of the courses that goes into Coolamon is the Dirty 130
Date:Sunday, 27th March 2022 Time: 7am Cost: $140
So much awaits the course veterans and unassuming newbies. In 2022, the picturesque and challenging course will see more gravel, a tiny bit more climbing and even more on-farm trails (through private property). It is a given that the infamous Dead Camel Lane (the wildest gravel sector on course) will feature and leave an impact (on your butt and rubber). It all ends with a roll back home on the black stuff. We’ll have you at the festival holding a cold brew in hand in no time.
Few people have seen more remote places and wild animals than Dr Chadden Hunter. From the Sahara desert to the Antarctic ice cap, Chadden has not only braved the elements but returned with award-winning footage and death-defying stories.
Originally from north Queensland, Chadden grew up surrounded by rainforest and coral reef, an immersion in nature that inspired his life journey. He studied marine biology on the Great Barrier Reef and his passion for wildlife took him on a wild ‘Gorillas in the Mist’ adventure to study gelada baboons in the remote war-torn mountains of Ethiopia for his PhD. While dodging armed bandits and surviving brain parasites he learnt the local language and realised he wanted to communicate with a greater audience.
Go to the website to make your booking and being the nearest Rotary Club to Temora let us all attend and have fun in Temora.
