Monday 7th May 2018

President Paul welcomed members and guest to the evening. The highlights of the District conference were then discussed with the following making a particular impact on those that attended:

• Keynote speaker Sarah Brown. She is the Chief executive Officer of Western Desert Nganampa, Walytja, Polyantjaku, Tjutaku Aboriginal corporation and has been working to provide greater access to dialysis treatment for Aboriginal communities. This limits the travel time Aboriginal community members need to travel for this life saving treatment each week. Through the sales of Aboriginal art a number of units have been established in fixed locations as well as mobile unit.
• Richard Woodburn, Eastern District chair, spoke on Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children (ROMAC) which brings children in need of critical medical care from the Pacific islands to Australia for treatment. Currently ROMAC has coordinated the treatment of over 250 children.
• Keynote speaker Brendan Farrell, founder of the Burrumbuttock hay runners, spoke on the hay runs and donations that the runners make to drought stricken farmers across Australia. Since it’s inception in 2014, Brendan has coordinated 13 truck runs, the latest having over 250 trucks and trailers and delivering $1.72 million in donated hay and other goods. The hay runs not only supply hay to desperate farmers but also lift the community with concerts and food parcels.
• Michael Milston, former 9700 district governor in 2016-17, spoke on the need to end Trachoma in remote communities. This eye infection can lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated and the remoteness of the locations means that the chances of this happening can be very high.

Each of the initiatives above were recommended for possible funding into the future.

Members then enjoyed a delicious meal before listening to our guest speaker

Guest Speaker, exchange student Lucia

Lucia spoke on her recent Safari Tour around Australia and it was abundantly clear she had a fantastic time. The tour consisted of exchange students from 5 districts, the Riverina, the Boarder (SA and Vic), two from Adelaide and Tasmania with students from across the world going on the 7000 km tour. 

The tour began in Wagga Wagga and then went on to Horsham, before going to Adelaide where they collected the last of their touring companions and had a chance to visit the city of churches (which Lucia informed use she did get a chance to actually see any churches).

They then travelled north going to Uluru, Alice Springs and Kings Canyon where they watched the great rock change colour at sunset, rode on camels, walked the canyon rim and swam in waterholes – while keeping a close eye out for crocodiles, which according to the reptile man had a taste for German tourists.

The Tour then moved on  – after some very long driving days – to the East coast where they dived the great barrier reef at Cairns with some close encounters with turtles, sharks and ‘big fish’. They also met the fresh water crocodile Dave and swam in a waterfall. Moving next onto the Gold Coast, they toured the city and finally made it to Coffs Harbour and then Sydney where they walked the bridge.

The next day Lucia had to say goodbye to her friends when the tour finished in Wagga Wagga. She had a great time  – and even managed to come back with a bit of a tan – and is hoping to become a Rotaract in the future.

Update From Jackson in Finland

My first 3 months in Finland

Leaving Wagga Wagga in mid-January seems like a long time ago. It was great to leave with the other people from my district. The flight was long, over 40 hours so I was pretty happy to land in Helsinki. I spent my first night in an old military camp in Helsinki. This was pretty cool as I got to know the other exchange students. From there I went to a language camp and had so much fun. There was snow everywhere and pretty cold, about -15 degrees, compared to 38 degrees when I left home. The language camp was great. I really got to know the other exchange students and learning about life in Finland. I got to try a sauna, the Finnish way (use your imagination for this)! I also learnt a few words in Finnish.

My family, the Talabacca’s, picked me up from the camp. My host parents are Sari and Jari and there are 3 children, Senja, Jakko and Sara.  I had a bit of drive to my home town of Urjala. The Talabacca’s are a great family and I have settled in well with them. I spend a lot of time with Jakko as we are about the same age. The family are very hospitable and have helped me settle in well. They have given me a lot of fun times so far. Jakko is a great to hang out with. I pretty much do everything with him.

I go to the local high school. I am in the 10^th grade with Jakko. I am really enjoying school and have made a lot of friends. I have been to some friends’ houses and done a lot of different and interesting things with them. I have tried ice skating and I’m getting better at it. I spend some of my spare time also cross country skiing, playing and training for ice hockey, hunting and ice fishing. The school is like a central school. There are about 350 students there. The younger students at the school are very keen in getting to know me, which is a lot of fun. I really enjoy my classes and am learning more Finnish. My friends do a lot of translating for me in class when I’m not sure what the teacher is saying.

When I went hunting I caught a rabbit. I caught an 85cm pike fish when I went ice fishing. This is a completely new experience. Cutting a hole in the ice and sitting in the cold to wait for a bite is hard work, but catching a fish makes it worthwhile. I have played some ice hockey with a team. I am not very good at this but I have 9 more months to get better at it! I spend a bit of time cross country skiing which I really enjoy. I have been in a few local races and am actually the under 18 cross country champion of Urjala. I should possibly mention I was the only one in this age group! I also really enjoy having a sauna. I do this regularly with my family. I have mentioned to my parents back in Australia that I think we should build a sauna when I get home.

The best part of my experience so far was when my family took me on a holiday to Lapland for a week. We spent the week cross country and downhill skiing. I really loved this. It was amazing and very cold, but I coped really well. I learnt to go over some pretty big jumps and even ski some rails. I also got to visit Santa’s village and meet the real Santa. The holiday was an amazing experience. I really appreciate my family taking me on this fantastic holiday.

I am really enjoying my time in Finland so far. I love the snow, but don’t really enjoy it when the sun comes out and the snow starts to melt, everything gets wet and sloshy. The snow and cold weather is something very knew for me. I am not feeling the cold really. My host Rotary club has bought me some snow boots which have been wonderful. This has allowed me to go out and keep my feet dry. I have been to one Rotary meeting which was interesting. I did my presentation about Australia and they enjoyed it a lot. The meeting was very different to what I have experienced in Coolamon as there are no females and the meeting was over and done very fast. Everyone was really friendly and very interested in getting to know me. My next host family is with the president of the Rotary club.

So far everything I am experiencing has definitely been fantastic. I am really having a wonderful time and cannot believe how fast the time is going. I am looking forward to everything that is in front of me. Learning the language is very difficult but I think I am getting better at it. Thanks to everyone for the support and experiences so far.

Until next time – Jackson Wykes

Sponsor Club – Rotary club of Coolamon

Quote of the Week

Who said this?

“The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow”.

Last week’s Quote of the Week was attributed to John Lennon.

Diary

Monday, 14 May  – no meeting tonight in lieu of tomo night

*Tuesday, 15th May – Guest Speaker: RI director Noel Trevaskis at Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7:00 pm.

Wednesday, 16th May: Board meeting, Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 7:00 pm.

Friday, 18th May – Catering at clearing sale at Karinyah, Buchanan’s property on Millwood Rd.

Saturday, 19th May – Catering at clearing sale at Rand’s Tank, Marg & Garth Perkin’s property on Millwood Rd.

*Monday, May 28 – Guest Speaker. Daryl Bruest on Kokoda trek, at Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7:00 pm.

Thursday, 14th  June – BINGO.  Grahame M  (Captain), in Community Centre Hall

Saturday, 23rd June to Wednesday, 27th June – Rotary International Convention. Toronto, Canada.

*Saturday, 30th June – Coolamon Rotary Changeover and District 9700 Changeover.  Ganmain Hall.

Monday, July 9th – Guest Speaker. DG John Glassford visit to Coolamon Club.

* denotes partner & guest night

Community Events

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

Reminders

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

May is Youth Service Month

District 9700 Board 2018-2019

The 2018-2019 D9700 Board is coming together nicely and the restructure is going to work and work well.  DGN John McKenzie and DG George Weston are committed to making it work, as are the others on this much smaller Board: The 9700 district that the Coolamon Rotary club was a member of has now been split. Coolamon Rotary will now be a part of District 9705 as of 2020. Details will be updated as they arrive.

District Governor: John Glassford {Membership Retention} Coolamon

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

District Governor Nominee {New District}: Michael Moore

Immediate Past District Governor: George Weston {Youth} Leeton

Foundation Director: PDG David Kennedy {Foundation} Blayney

Secretary: PP David Benn {Administration} Wollundry Wagga Wagga

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

Communications Director: PP Paul Murray {Public Image} Wollundry

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

Associate Member: AG Julie Poplin {Assistant Governors}

Other District Appointments

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

District Trainer: PP Geraldine Rurenga Wagga Wagga Murrumbidgee

PETS Facilitator: PDG Tony Monley D9810

Public Officer: PDG Ian Tooke Blayney

2019 Griffith D9700 Conference Chair: PP Ross Grillo Griffith

DIO Insurance/Risk Management: PP Sam Catanzariti Griffith

COL 2019 Representative: PDG Gary Roberts

We are still looking at appointing two more Assistant Governors.

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

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

DG JG 9700 2018-2019

ROTARY INTERNATIONAL 2017-2018

President Ian Riseley RC of Sandringham Melbourne

President Elect Barry Rassin RC of East Nassau The Bahamas

District 9700 Governor George Weston RC of Leeton

District 9700 Governor Elect John Glassford RC of Coolamon

District 9700 Governor Nominee John McKenzie RC of Orange North

Monday 30th April 2018

President Paul welcomed 20 members as well as guests Helen & Lorraine. Point of discussion for the evening were: 

• Wayne thanked all those members who helped out with the catering at the Coolamon Trots on Sunday.
• Secretary John presented the correspondence which included a request from Up-2-Date Art Exhibition for a prize sponsorship.
• Volunteers requested to work the catering van  at a clearing sale on May 18th – sheet to be sent around to enable a roster to be constructed.
• President Paul talked about the need to get the trees in the ground at the showground before the end of the Rotary year.  Ian announced that planting can’t be started until we get a decent rain.
• Next board meeting 16th May.
• Dave reminded us of the need for us to all register for ‘working with children’.
• Wayne presented a ‘Matekeeper’ program he is trying to glean interest in to support mental health in the community. Below is a brief that Wayne kindly supplied  on the Matekeeper program. Thank you to Wayne for supplying this to for the bulletin.

Matekeeper Program

BAD THINGS HAPPEN WHEN GOOD PEOPLE DO NOTHING.

Rural Outreach Counselling Inc ( ROC) is an organisation formed by Mr John Harper , Mr David Post and a very  good committee all of whom are well aware of this problem we call MENTAL HEALTH. ROC is an organisation that is a little different to other organisations that help with mental health problems in that it relies on sponsorship to do their good work. They are not government funded.

Organisations or individuals that would like to help with sponsorship are requested to contact John, David or Wayne via the a contact numbers at the end of this article.

Mental health is an issue for the entire community. Most people will feel the impact of a mental illness at some time in their lives, either through their own experience, or through family or friends.

THE MATEKEEPER PROGRAM

ROC is looking for ‘Matekeepers’; people in our community that can look out for others that are struggling with mental health problems. They are looking for MATEKEEPERS not only in Coolamon but in other rural towns and regional centres. at this stage in the Riverina. ROC is hoping to expand at a later date.

So if you are interested in becoming a Matekeeper, ROC will provide training and help & be able to help others. The Matekeeper program is focussed on the need to intervene early in life, early in illness and early in episode. Early intervention in poor mental well- being will hopefully, minimise the negative impact of mental illness and so be a positive force in suicide prevention.

The aim of the Matekeeper program is to bring people who are passionate about mental health together to talk about suicide prevention, forge new connections to professional services and build self-confidence in lessons learnt from the Matekeeper lived experience and to be proactive within rural and remote communities in suicide prevention.

CAN YOU HELP EITHER AS A SPONSOR OR A MATEKEEPER?

If you Need more information please call John Harper on 0447 431 422, David Post on 0408 221 697 or Wayne Lewis from the Rotary Club of Coolamon on 0427 311 174.

Quote of the Week

Who said this?

“Before Elvis there was nothing”.

Last week’s Quote of the Week was attributed to a Jewish proverb or Rudyard Kipling (although it was subject to some debate).

Diary

Saturday & Sunday, 5th-6th May – District 9700 CONFERENCE. Roxy Theatre, Leeton.

*Monday. 7 May  – Guest Speaker. Exchange student Lucia on her Australian Inland Safari at Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7:00 pm.

Thursday, 10th  May- BINGO.  Paul W  (Captain),  Bern M, Ivan F  & Craig C in Community Centre Hall.

Monday, 14 May  – no meeting tonight in lieu of tomo night

*Tuesday, 15th May – Guest Speaker. Noel Trevaskis at Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7:00 pm.

*Monday, May 28 – Guest Speaker. Daryl Bruest on Kokoda trek, at Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7:00 pm.

Thursday, 14th  June – BINGO.  Grahame M  (Captain), in Community Centre Hall

Saturday, 23rd June to Wednesday, 27th June – Rotary International Convention. Toronto, Canada.

*Saturday, 30th June – Coolamon Rotary Changeover and District 9700 Changeover.  Ganmain Hall.

Monday, July 9th – Guest Speaker. DG John Glassford visit to Coolamon Club.

* denotes partner & guest night

Register Here Today

Community Events

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

Reminders

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

April  is Maternal and Child Health Month

District 9700 Board 2018-2019

The 2018-2019 D9700 Board is coming together nicely and the restructure is going to work and work well.  DGN John McKenzie and DG George Weston are committed to making it work, as are the others on this much smaller Board: The 9700 district that the Coolamon Rotary club was a member of has now been split. Coolamon Rotary will now be a part of District 9705 as of 2020. Details will be updated as they arrive.

District Governor: John Glassford {Membership Retention} Coolamon

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

District Governor Nominee {New District}: Michael Moore

Immediate Past District Governor: George Weston {Youth} Leeton

Foundation Director: PDG David Kennedy {Foundation} Blayney

Secretary: PP David Benn {Administration} Wollundry Wagga Wagga

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

Communications Director: PP Paul Murray {Public Image} Wollundry

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

Associate Member: AG Julie Poplin {Assistant Governors}

Other District Appointments

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

District Trainer: PP Geraldine Rurenga Wagga Wagga Murrumbidgee

PETS Facilitator: PDG Tony Monley D9810

Public Officer: PDG Ian Tooke Blayney

2019 Griffith D9700 Conference Chair: PP Ross Grillo Griffith

DIO Insurance/Risk Management: PP Sam Catanzariti Griffith

COL 2019 Representative: PDG Gary Roberts

We are still looking at appointing two more Assistant Governors.

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

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

DG JG 9700 2018-2019

ROTARY INTERNATIONAL 2017-2018

President Ian Riseley RC of Sandringham Melbourne

President Elect Barry Rassin RC of East Nassau The Bahamas

District 9700 Governor George Weston RC of Leeton

District 9700 Governor Elect John Glassford RC of Coolamon

District 9700 Governor Nominee John McKenzie RC of Orange North

Monday 23rd April 2018

President Paul welcomed 19 members plus guests Helen, Sally, Wendy & Denise Winkler, our guest speaker for the night. Secretary John announced board meeting topics from last week, which  included approval of the printing of business cards for prospective members. This was followed by a delicious dinner and a talk from our guest speaker, Dr Denise Winkler. To finish off the night, Ted led an entertaining fine session, which possibly wasn’t ‘fair to all concerned’.

Guest Speaker Dr Denise Winkler

Guest speaker Dr Denise Winkler spoke on the value of  ‘stories’ in education. She then went on to tell us her ‘Case Study’ story, to illustrate how her story can educate us about who she is. 

She grew up in USA & was previously from Seattle, near Washington. In the early 2000’s she was searching for a new adventure/career & as a result sought to take up a take up a position at Faculty of Education at CSU in 2003. She went on to tell us her most interesting true love to tragedy life story.

When she arrived at Melbourne airport in 2003 she was hoping for someone from CSU to meet & collect her. She looked around for someone displaying her name; there were a few people there looking for a friend to get off the plane, but no one displaying a name. She approached  one man who seemed to be waiting for someone and he swept her up and kissed her. This obviously was not someone from CSU, however after brief conversation where both realised their mistake, both were intrigued by the chemistry they had.  After a tete a tete John asked her to join him for a coffee, where he then offered to help her find her way to CSU Albury. They exchanged phone numbers and he drove back to Melbourne.

A week or so later, he phoned her and asked if he could come  to Albury to meet up again and Denise agreed. In that time, while seeing her for the second time, he proposed to her after spending a week togther. What a true love story that is! – the editor

They discussed plans and had long conversations over the phone.  Her family questioned her decision to rush into the marriage, suggesting he could be a ‘serial rapist’ or this or that; you just wouldn’t know.  But Denise knew! – the editor

They decided to meet up in Hawaii and it was there they got married. After a honeymoon, they returned to the USA  to have a joyous life together filled with sailing and fun, but sadly after a few years, John became ill with cancer. After months of chemo treatment having been given the all clear they decided to come to Australia for a visit where it was found the cancer had spread to other parts of his body. They had 8 happy years together before he tragically died in 2011 in Melbourne.

This left Denise stranded in Australia having just lost her husband. However she reconnected with her good friend and doctoral supervisor who was working at CSU and has since found a new home in Coolamon. 

Denise finished off by stating that risk taking is important in decisions we make in life. After her talk, she answered a number of thought-provoking questions from her captivated audience.

Quote of the Week

Who said this?

“God couldn’t be everywhere so he created women”.

Last week’s Quote of the Week was attributed to Stephen Jay Gould.

Diary

Monday 30th April –  Regular meeting  at Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7:00 pm.

Saturday & Sunday, 5th-6th May – District 9700 CONFERENCE. Roxy Theatre, Leeton. Suggest booking accommodation early!

*Monday 7 May  – Guest Speaker.  Exchange student Lucia on her Australian Inland Safari at Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7:00 pm.

Thursday, 10th  May- BINGO.  Paul W  (Captain),  Bern M, Ivan F  & Craig C in Community Centre Hall

Monday 14 May  – no meeting tonight in lieu of tomo night

Tuesday 15th May – Guest Speaker: RI Director Noel Trevaskis. Joint meeting with Junee and Temora at Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7:00 pm.

*Monday May 28 – Guest Speaker. Daryl Bruest on Kokoda trek, at Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7:00 pm.

Thursday, 14th  June – BINGO.  Grahame M  (Captain), Wayne L, Mark R & Ian J   in Community Centre Hall

Saturday, 23rd June to Wednesday, 27th June – Rotary International Convention. Toronto, Canada.

*Saturday, 30th June – Coolamon Rotary Changeover and District 9700 Changeover.  Ganmain Hall.

* denotes partner & guest night

Register Here Today

Community Events

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

Reminders

April  is Maternal and Child Health Month

District 9700 Board 2018-2019

The 2018-2019 D9700 Board is coming together nicely and the restructure is going to work and work well.  DGN John McKenzie and DG George Weston are committed to making it work, as are the others on this much smaller Board: The 9700 district that the Coolamon Rotary club was a member of has now been split. Coolamon Rotary will now be a part of District 9705 as of 2020. Details will be updated as they arrive.

District Governor: John Glassford {Membership Retention} Coolamon

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

District Governor Nominee {New District}: Michael Moore

Immediate Past District Governor: George Weston {Youth} Leeton

Foundation Director: PDG David Kennedy {Foundation} Blayney

Secretary: PP David Benn {Administration} Wollundry Wagga Wagga

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

Communications Director: PP Paul Murray {Public Image} Wollundry

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

Associate Member: AG Julie Poplin {Assistant Governors}

Other District Appointments

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

District Trainer: PP Geraldine Rurenga Wagga Wagga Murrumbidgee

PETS Facilitator: PDG Tony Monley D9810

Public Officer: PDG Ian Tooke Blayney

2019 Griffith D9700 Conference Chair: PP Ross Grillo Griffith

DIO Insurance/Risk Management: PP Sam Catanzariti Griffith

COL 2019 Representative: PDG Gary Roberts

We are still looking at appointing two more Assistant Governors.

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

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

DG JG 9700 2018-2019

ROTARY INTERNATIONAL 2017-2018

President Ian Riseley RC of Sandringham Melbourne

President Elect Barry Rassin RC of East Nassau The Bahamas

District 9700 Governor George Weston RC of Leeton

District 9700 Governor Elect John Glassford RC of Coolamon

District 9700 Governor Nominee John McKenzie RC of Orange North

Points of discussion on the evening:

• • Daryl reported that last week’s Bingo was only attended by 10 players and asked Rotarians to please come along in the future to help build support for this community activity which generates funds to provide amenities for the local hospital.
  • A big congratualations to the editors of the Coolamon Chronicle who did a fantastic job with this month’s edition.
  • The LCAH committee would appreciate the support of Rotary members if they find the opportunity to go down to this Rural  Supplies this Saturday from 8 am to 12 – noon for a free sausage sandwich and information on regular bowel cancer screening, one of the top five cancers in Australia.
  • It was pointed out to the Bulletin editor that last week’s happy birthday to Ian J incorrectly put his age down as 56. In all fairness however, that was the age I was told and published, even if it was a little tongue in cheek. If you want to know exactly what age Ian was celebrating, you’ll have to ask him yourself.
  • Grahame rejoined us for the meeting this week after a cruise around New Zealand. He made us all a little jealous by reporting that he had a fantastic time, with the food and entertainment on the cruise being excellent and that his visit to Hobbiton (the set of the hobbit village from the movie Lord of the Rings) was very enlightening and well worth the time.
  • District Governor-Elect John encouraged all Rotarians to go to the district conference in Leeton on 4-6 May. Sara Brown, one of the guest speakers, is paticularly inspirational. He also added that $25 dollars of each member’s annual fees go to the district conference, so why not go and get your money’s worth.
  • The progress on the shed for storing the food van and other items was discussed. Daryl handed out a copy of the drawings submitted to council  for an 10 x 8 m shed at a cost of $32,000, including slab, electrical and labour. There was further discussion on the conditions of use that will be required and the interests of the show committee, as well as possible future use of the show grounds. However, it was deemed that such discussion, though important, was still speculative.
  • Incoming president Daryl and the board are looking for ideas to make the best use of district grants. If you have any ideas, can you please forward them on to a board member.
  • Moo Poo – Ted is looking to buy half a truckload and would like to make the purchase via Rotary; full discussion was left until Wednesday’s board meeting.
  • Discussion on possible future community and fundraising events was put forward. It was suggested that we may wish to put on an open garden tour in spring with the possibility of a garden produce competition and a garden demonstration, e.g. How to do a Bonsai tree by Sarah, in the afternoon as added incentive to get people to come out to Coolamon. All were in general agreement that Spring would be the best time for such an event.
  • There was some discussion on compensating host families for the cost associated with hosting our exchange student Lucia. Most members were in general agreement. However, it was pointed out that such an arrangement should have been made prior to accepting an exchange student, but as it all happened very quickly on this occasion this was overlooked. The board will make a decision on the issue on Wednesday. It was also agreed that it would be best if families with children going on exchange were the families most suited as hosts and should be nominated into the future.
  • Wayne said he had a stainless steel bench that could used for the refurbishment of the food van if it will fit.
  • Don’t forget that Noel Travaskis, Rotary International director, will be coming on the 15th of May and we will be meeting on Tuesday rather than Monday that evening. Be sure to be there.
  • Wayne suggested we get Justin from the Office of Environment and Heritage to come out as a guest speaker.

After a fruitful evening of discussion the meeting was closed at 9:00pm

And just for a laugh

Quote of the Week

Who said this?

“The most important tactic in an argument next to being right is to leave an escape hatch for your opponent so that he can gracefully swing over to your side without an embarrassing loss of face. “

Last week’s Quote of the Week was attributed to Lady Gaga with John once more the winner.

Diary

*Monday 23rd April – Guest Speaker: Denise Winkler on ‘Education’. Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7:00 pm.

Saturday & Sunday, 5th-6th May – District 9700 CONFERENCE. Roxy Theatre, Leeton.

   Suggest booking accommodation early!

*Monday, 7 May – Guest Speaker. Lucia Bohnsack (exchange student) at Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7:00 pm.

*Tuesday, 15th May – Guest Speaker. Noel Trevaskis at Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7:00 pm. NB Different meeting night; joint meeting with Junee and Temora.

*Monday, 21 May – Guest Speaker. Daryl Bruest on Kokoda trek, at Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7:00 pm.

Saturday, 23rd June to Wednesday, 27th June – Rotary International Convention. Toronto, Canada.

*Saturday, 30th June – Coolamon Rotary Changeover and District 9700 Changeover.  Ganmain Hall.

* denotes partner & guest night

Register Here Today

Community Events

LCAH committee holding a sausage sizzle on Saturday 21st April at Rural Supplies from 8 am to 12 – noon with free information on regular bowel cancer screening

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

Reminders

April  is Maternal and Child Health Month

District 9700 Board 2018-2019

The 2018-2019 D9700 Board is coming together nicely and the restructure is going to work and work well.  DGN John McKenzie and DG George Weston are committed to making it work, as are the others on this much smaller Board: The 9700 district that the Coolamon Rotary club was a member of has now been split. Coolamon Rotary will now be a part of District 9705 as of 2020. Details will be updated as they arrive.

District Governor: John Glassford {Membership Retention} Coolamon

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

District Governor Nominee {New District}: Michael Moore

Immediate Past District Governor: George Weston {Youth} Leeton

Foundation Director: PDG David Kennedy {Foundation} Blayney

Secretary: PP David Benn {Administration} Wollundry Wagga Wagga

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

Communications Director: PP Paul Murray {Public Image} Wollundry

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

Associate Member: AG Julie Poplin {Assistant Governors}

Other District Appointments

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

District Trainer: PP Geraldine Rurenga Wagga Wagga Murrumbidgee

PETS Facilitator: PDG Tony Monley D9810

Public Officer: PDG Ian Tooke Blayney

2019 Griffith D9700 Conference Chair: PP Ross Grillo Griffith

DIO Insurance/Risk Management: PP Sam Catanzariti Griffith

COL 2019 Representative: PDG Gary Roberts

We are still looking at appointing two more Assistant Governors.

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

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

DG JG 9700 2018-2019

ROTARY INTERNATIONAL 2017-2018

President Ian Riseley RC of Sandringham Melbourne

President Elect Barry Rassin RC of East Nassau The Bahamas

District 9700 Governor George Weston RC of Leeton

District 9700 Governor Elect John Glassford RC of Coolamon

District 9700 Governor Nominee John McKenzie RC of Orange North

Monday 9th April 2018

President Paul welcomed all members and their guests. Guest for the evening included Helen Lewis, Marilyn Jennings, guest speaker Daniel Fisher and to-be-inducted Coolamon Rotary members Anne Rzeszkowski and Lyn Schadel.

Points of discussion on the evening:

• Easter market day was very successful with a net of ca. $1200 made on the day. Big thank you to Wayne for the use of his trailer for the firewood (and cutting the wood with Dick and Dave) and the bottom pub for their voucher for a meal for four that were used for the raffle prizes.
• The last batch of Rotary shirts have arrived; if you have ordered one please collect and pay Henk ASAP.
• Happy 56th birthday to Ian J
• Dave gave us an update on our exchange students Lucia and Jackson. Lucia is currently on safari around Australia, and Jackson is apparently having the time of his life in Finland and is so busy with winter sports he rarely even gets around to contacting his parents.  Please see below for full report.
• Reminder to consider attending the D9700 District Conference in Leeton. It is a great opportunity to see what Rotary is up to in the area. Registration link below in the diary.
• Bingo roster this week is Dave, Alex and Don.
• Board meeting will be Wednesday, 18th April.
• Reminder there is a club assembly next week.

We also inducted our new Rotarians  Lynn and Anne. It is fantastic to see the Coolamon club continue to grow and gain strength with each new member.

See Club Diary below

The Raffle was won by Myffy.  Given that the prize was an XXL t-shirt which would not fit Myffy in a million years, Myffy kindly asked that it be auctioned off by Dick and was purchased by Ted for a princely sum of $20.00.

Rotary club of Coolamon youth exchange report

(Contributed by Youth Director Dave McKinley)

Our exchange student Lucy left on Sat. 7th April along with 40 other overseas Rotary exchange students on a whirlwind safari tour, a 3-week tour to Adelaide, Kings Canyon, Uluru, Alice Springs and to the coast at Cairns, down the Qld. coast, to Sydney then home to Wagga on April 27.

I spoke to Lucy on behalf of our Rotary Club the night before her departure and she was very excited and very much looking forward to the trip. On her return she is to spend one further week with Jodi and Digby Graham at Methul, then on Sat. May 5th spend 4 weeks with Club President Paul and his wife Leslie. The remaining 4 weeks of Lucy’s year with our club will be spent with Peta and Tim Wykes before she flies home on July 9th. I would encourage all members who can include Lucy in any activity to do so during the last few months of her stay with us.

Lucy will be our guest on at least 2 occasions (apart from farewells etc.) prior to her departure.

Apparently Jackson is still enjoying a new raft of winter sporting activities in Finland. I am a bit concerned he is not making much contact with our club. His mother shares the same concerns re his contact with his family — too busy he claims.

Guest Speaker Daniel Fisher from Delta Ag

Daniel Fisher, branch manager of the Coolamon branch of Delta Agribusiness since it opened in 2008, gave us a riveting presentation on Delta Agribusiness.

Daniel explained how Delta Ag was first conceived of by  a group of eight blokes that were working in the industry and were disillusioned by the way the industry had become so corporatised and wanted to return to a more locally focused business model. Consequently they decided to open their own business with branches at Young and Harden, with a model whereby the workers in the business have the option to buy shares in the business and therefore have a voice in how it is run and managed. However, it seems it was very hard going after initially opening as the established corporate businesses threatened any suppliers who were willing to supply Delta. Luckily, Delta were able to overcome this roadblock by being able to buy Lachlan Fertiliser which was a subsidiary of Combined Rural Traders (CRT), giving them the purchasing power need to stay afloat and be competitive.

Delta’s primary focus is on having the right people and service in their branches because ‘people buy from people’ and they must be doing it right as today Delta Ag has 28 branches across the region with 230 employees, 61 of which are shareholders in the business. Typically the business runs on very small margins and often runs at a loss 8 months of the year, the 4 months in summer when farmers are buying supplies for the next crop being the most profitable. The Coolamon branch is one of the best branches in Delta, primarily because it supplies for both cropping and livestock, giving it a broad diversity of sales. However, each branch is different and has its own unique strengths that cater to their local communities.

Daniel was then awarded the Rotary Vocational Excellence award for excellence in workmanship from the Coolamon Rotary club for the fantastic culture he has built up in the Coolamon branch and the his community-minded approach.

Quote of the Week

Who said this? 

“I think tolerance and acceptance and love is something that feeds every community  “

Last week’s Quote of the Week was attributed to Henry Ford.

Diary

Thursday, 12th April – BINGO.  Daryl B (Captain),  Dave McK (for Don D),  Ian J & Alex T. (please note change from roster sent out).

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

*Monday 23rd April – Guest Speaker: Denise Winkler on ‘Education’. Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7:00 pm.

Saturday & Sunday, 5th-6th May – District 9700 CONFERENCE. Roxy Theatre, Leeton.

   Suggest booking accommodation early!

*Monday May 7 – Guest Speaker. Daryl Bruest on Kokoda trek, at Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7:00 pm.

*Tuesday 15th May – Guest Speaker. Noel Trevaskis at Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7:00 pm. NB Different meeting night; joint meeting with Junee and Temora.

Saturday, 23rd June to Wednesday, 27th June – Rotary International Convention. Toronto, Canada.

*Saturday, 30th June – Coolamon Rotary Changeover and District 9700 Changeover.  Ganmain Hall.

* denotes partner & guest night

Register Here Today

Community Events

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

Reminders

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Easter Weekend 2nd April 2018

Due to the Easter weekend there was no meeting this week. However Rotary was still active and out and about in Coolamon over the Weekend with the Easter markets and participating in the Art Wars Competition for the Up to Date store.

Below are just some of the good times from Easter Saturday. Big thanks to John who took the photos.

The Rotary team busy at work painting their totem poles in the Art Wars competition

Sarah and Anne were busy at work on the door of the Up to Date store collecting entry donations and selling Raffle tickets.

Dick had a big job to do auctioning of the totem poles painted in the Art Wars to raise money for the Up to date Store

Our valiant artist with their complete totem poles.

And yes, Rotary was out in force selling delicious bacon and egg burgers throughout the morning. A big thanks to those who maned the grill.

The kids had a fantastic Easter Saturday painting their Totem poles

See Club Diary below

Quote of the Week

(still open from last week)

Who said this? 

“Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who  keeps learning stays young. The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young “

Last week’s quote of the week was attributed to Brian Wilson and John G was the first with correct answer

Diary

Saturday, 31st March – Easter Markets & U2D  Art Battle. UTDS, 9:00 am – 1:30 pm.

Monday, 2nd April – No meeting (public holiday).

Thursday, 12th April – BINGO.  Daryl B (Captain),  Dave McK (for Don D),  Ian J & Alex T. (please note change from roster sent out).

*Monday 9th April – Guest Speaker: Daniel Fisher (Delta Ag, Coolamon). Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7:00 pm.

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

*Monday 23rd April – Guest Speaker: Denise Winkler on ‘Education’. Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7:00 pm.

Saturday & Sunday, 5th-6th May – District 9700 CONFERENCE. Roxy Theatre, Leeton.

   Suggest booking accommodation early!

*Monday May 7 – Guest Speaker. Daryl Bruest on Kokoda trek, at Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7:00 pm.

*Tuesday 15th May – Guest Speaker. Noel Trevaskis at Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7:00 pm. NB Different meeting night; joint meeting with Junee and Temora.

Saturday, 23rd June to Wednesday, 27th June – Rotary International Convention. Toronto, Canada.

*Saturday, 30th June – Coolamon Rotary Changeover and District 9700 Changeover.  Ganmain Hall.

* denotes partner & guest night

Register Here Today

Community Events

Reminders

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MEETING March 26th 2018

Paul welcomed all 18 members to a members’ fellowship night.

No correspondence due to our secretary’s absence.

Treasurer’s report –

$406 profit from street raffle last week

$560 profit from Foundation dinner evening

Points of discussion for the evening were:

• Brief discussion on planning for markets this Easter Saturday.
• A roster sheet was sent around for members to fill in.
• However due to a number of members being away this week more members &/0r partners are needed to help out in the food van; please contact President Paul if you are available to help. 
• A motion was moved to change raffle from $5 per ticket back to $2 per ticket, or two for $5. After some brief discussion of pros & cons the motion was passed.
• A reminder about District conference on first week in May; if you are interested in going the link for registration can be found below. 
• A reminder about Bingo on the week after Easter; Daryl is the Captain for that night and he will phone those rostered on as a reminder.
• Dave gave some discussion on Youth programs such as RYDA which need more promotion to get more students involved.

See Quote of the Week & Club Diary below

Happy Easter Everyone

Don’t forget Easter is on April Fools’ Day the year.

And for those of you wicked enough to prank the kids this Easter, here are some more pranking tips, April Fools’ Day Easter pranks

Quote of the Week

Who said this? 

“Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who  keeps learning stays young. The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young “

Last week’s quote of the week was attributed to Brian Wilson and John G was the first with correct answer

Diary

Saturday, 31st March – Easter Markets & U2D  Art Battle. UTDS, 9:00 am – 1:30 pm.

Monday, 2nd April – No meeting (public holiday).

Thursday, 12th April – BINGO.  Daryl B (Captain),  Dave McK (for Don D),  Ian J & Alex T. (please note change from roster sent out).

*Monday 9th April – Guest Speaker: Daniel Fisher (Delta Ag, Coolamon). Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7:00 pm.

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

*Monday 23rd April – Guest Speaker: Denise Winkler on ‘Education’. Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7:00 pm.

Saturday & Sunday, 5th-6th May – District 9700 CONFERENCE. Roxy Theatre, Leeton.

   Suggest booking accommodation early!

*Monday May 7 – Guest Speaker. Daryl Bruest on Kokoda trek, at Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7:00 pm.

*Tuesday 15th May – Guest Speaker. Noel Trevaskis at Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7:00 pm. NB Different meeting night; joint meeting with Junee and Temora.

Saturday, 23rd June to Wednesday, 27th June – Rotary International Convention. Toronto, Canada.

*Saturday, 30th June – Coolamon Rotary Changeover and District 9700 Changeover.  Ganmain Hall.

* denotes partner & guest night

Register Here Today

Community Events

Reminders

Read more

The Rotary Foundation Explained

Rotary is dedicated to six areas of focus to build international relationships, improve lives, and create a better world to support our peace efforts and end polio forever.

SIX Areas of Focus

Members, friends of Rotary and some visiting Rotarians at the Convent last Monday.

Letter from PDG Ian Tooke:

MEETING March 19th, 2018

We met this week at the restored convent in Coolamon now being operated as a function centre by club member Howard Atkinson and his wife, Anne Baker.  A delicious three-course meal was enjoyed by all in attendance.  Neil gave an intro to Rotary’s peace program & the Foundation, before introducing PDG Fred Loneragan.  Fred gave a great over view of the peace program, part of the Foundation program, before discussing the many facets of the Foundation (Rotary’s charity), ably assisted by our John G operating the slide show.

Foundation provides all sorts of support for disadvantaged people around the world. In 1947, Foundation introduced graduate scholarships with $1000 donations from individual members, the start of Paul Harris Fellowships, a significant avenue of fund raising for the Foundation.  In the 1980s, a program started to eradicate polio–Polio Plus–which is now almost completed, with only a few known cases remaining in the world.

Foundation provides many grant programs, too many to list here.  Individual members can contribute to Foundation, and if a donation of $100 is made in one year, the member can become a Centurion.  It’s a great way to support one of the world’s most efficient charities, and at very modest cost: just $2 per week.

After the delicious dessert, Will led a most spirited fine session.  It was a great night, and a great way to learn more about (and contribute to) the Rotary Foundation (all monies raised on the night in excess of costs will be sent to Foundation). See some images from the evening below.

Quote of the Week

Who said this? 

“I have stage fright every single concert I’ve ever done. I have at least four or five minutes of it. It’s absolute living hell.”

Last week’s Quote of the Week is attributed to Albert Einstein.

Diary

Monday, 26th March – Fellowship meeting. No set agenda, just a chance to bat the breeze and get to know each other better.  Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7:00 pm.

Saturday, 31st March – Easter Markets & U2D  Art Battle. UTDS, 9:00 am – 1:30 pm.

Monday, 2nd April – No meeting (public holiday).

Thursday, 12th April – BINGO.  Daryl B (Captain),  Dave McK (for Don D),  Ian J & Alex T (please note change from roster sent out)

*Monday 9th April – Guest Speaker. Daniel Fisher (Delta Ag) at Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7:00 pm.

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

*Monday 23rd April – Guest Speaker. Denise Winkler on ‘Education’ at Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7:00 pm.

Saturday & Sunday, 5th-6th May – District 9700 CONFERENCE. Roxy Theatre, Leeton.

   Suggest booking accommodation early!

*Monday May 7 – Guest Speaker. Daryl Bruest on Kokoda trek, at Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7:00 pm.

*Tuesday 15th May – Guest Speaker. Noel Trevaskis at Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7:00 pm. NB Different meeting night; joint meeting with Junee and Temora.

Saturday, 23rd June to Wednesday, 27th June – Rotary International Convention. Toronto, Canada.

*Saturday, 30th June – Coolamon Rotary Changeover and District 9700 Changeover.  Ganmain Hall.

* denotes partner & guest night

Register Here Today:

Community Events

Reminders

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MEETING March 12th 2018

DGE PP President John Glassford welcomed members & guests to the meeting. Guests were our guest speaker Auntie Gail Clark, together with Jan Nulty & Anne .

Points of discussion at the meeting included:

• Sat. June 2 in Young – John G needs some helpers at the District Grants seminar.
• Dave talked on the need for a placement for our Exchange student Lucia after she leaves Digby & Jody Graham’s
• Street Raffle next Sat 17th – see roster below
• New DGE Elect for 2019/2020 has been chosen last weekend & is Michael Moore from Canberra
• Neil gave a report on Bingo from last Thursday, where we had 23 players & the jackpot of  $90 went off. Helpers were Neil M (captain), Bruce H, Don D & Leslie W.
• Neil also spoke on the Foundation Dinner next week and its organisation. Catered by Howard & Anne & one employee for the night.

Roster for Street Raffle this Saturday.

6.30 to 8.30 am   Don Dyce, Ted H & Julie C

8.30 to 10.30       Bruce H & Henk H

10.30 to midday   Ian J & Paul W & Leslie W

Raffle was won by Grahame M

See Quote of the Week & Club Diary below

 Guest Speaker: Auntie Gail Clark, Aboriginal Elder and Teacher

Auntie Gail spoke on her and her peoples connection to Country and the Wiradjuri Nation as well as her life experiences growing up in this region. This included her experience of hiding from the government officials that would have taken her and her siblings as children to be put into forced institutional care. She also spoke on why Coolamon (pronounced Goolamon in the Wiradjuri Language) is so important to Aboriginal people,  with the name thought to have come from  the ‘valley’ created by the two hills on each side of Coolamon, which is reminiscent of the carrying vessel made from the bark of the gum tree that Aboriginal people call a coolamon.  Auntie Gail informed us that Coolamon was a central gathering place for all the Wiradjuri peoples and the starting point each year for the women & men to go off to other districts for initiation ceremonies & learning centers. The men went to Currawarna, while the women to the University hills before they rejoined at The Rock. Auntie Gail also spoke of her strong local family connections throughout the region. 

Quote of the Week

Who said this? 

“Light travels faster than sound – that is why some people appear bright – until they speak.”

Last week’s Quote of the Week is attributed to the Dali Lama and was guessed correctly by John Glassford.

Diary

Saturday, 17th March – Street Raffle outside Newsagent – See roster above.

*Monday, 19th March – Foundation Dinner Evening. Saint Michael’s Convent with guest speaker on Rotary Foundation being PDG Fred Loneragan. Cost will be $35 a head, a portion of which is to go to Foundation. 

Monday, 26th March – Fellowship meeting. No set agenda, just a chance to bat the breeze and get to know each other better.  Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7:00 pm.

Saturday, 31st March – Easter Markets & U2D  Art Battle. UTDS, 9:00 am – 1:30 pm.

Monday, 2nd April – No meeting (public holiday).

Thursday, 12th April – BINGO.  Daryl B (Captain),  Dave McK (for Don D),  Ian J & Alex T

(please note change from roster sent out)

*Monday 23rd April – Guest Speaker. Denise Winkler on ‘Education’ at Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7:00 pm.

Saturday & Sunday, 5th-6th May – District 9700 CONFERENCE. Roxy Theatre, Leeton.

   Suggest booking accommodation early!

*Monday May 7 – Guest Speaker. Daryl Bruest on Kokoda trek, at Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7:00 pm.

*Tuesday 15th May – Guest Speaker. Noel Trevaskis at Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7:00 pm. NB Different meeting night; joint meeting with Junee and Temora.

Saturday, 23rd June to Wednesday, 27th June – Rotary International Convention. Toronto, Canada.

*Saturday, 30th June – Coolamon Rotary Changeover and District 9700 Changeover.  Ganmain Hall.

* denotes partner & guest night

Register Here Today:

Community Events

Saturday March 17th 2018 –  The long Table Charity Event at Kindra Park Oval

Reminders

Read more