Bob Edwards & Eleanor Chevor (Reserves: Sally O'Neill & Helen Gulson)
Set up & pack up:
Peter Grinter & John Weingarth (Reserves: Liz Grey & Bob Edwards)
Speakers & topic:
LIZ DE ROME - TALDUMANDE YOUTH SERVICES
Rotary Club Meeting 4 September 2018
Welcome
President Ranald welcomed members and guest speaker DG Susan Wakefield and her husband John, and guest Amy Britten.
Toast
Peter McNair gave a toast to the Rotary Club of Longreach, Queensland which was established in 1961 - the “Rotary Club in the Outback”. Recently over 30 people took part in the RideWest bike ride from Brisbane to Longreach which raised over $315,000 for the Royal Flying Doctor Service and for mental health services. They too are in a drought affected area where farmers need assistance.
Announcements
Sally O’Neill reported on the outcome of the Bridge Day and the Netball barbeque. The Bridge Day raised $3,500 which will go to Kids Like Brett and the Water Reticulation in East Timor project. Sally thanked all those who helped on the day – Kevin Tattrie, Valda Andrews, Garth Carter, Peter McNair, George Raffan, Eleanor Chevor, Angie Fernandes, Pat Gray and Nino, as well as all those who made slices.
The Netball BBQ on 1 Sept raised $1900 and Sally thanked all those who volunteered on the day to make it such a success. Special mention was given to Elizabeth Gulson who worked 2 shifts and walked up to Woollies and back to buy the extra bread and sausages that were needed. Sally said that a big team is needed to man barbecues and asked that everyone consider volunteering in the future.
Rob Coote thanked those who helped out at the Bucket Appeal at Willoughby Fair recently, especially Kim and George. $2400 was collected for Drought Relief.
Mike Cocks announced that the Cantorian Choir is performing at St Peters Church at the top of Blues Point Road on 16 September at 2.30 pm.
Sergeant Michael Bartok again extracted money from everyone during the sergeant’s session.
Guest Speaker - District Governor Susan Wakefield, OAM
President Ranald introduced guest speaker District Governor Susan Wakefield, OAM. Susan joined the Rotary Club of Lower Blue Mountains and has held positions in many areas of Rotary. She is a Senior Girl Guide Leader at State Level and has been awarded an OAM for her services to the Girl Guide Movement.
DG Susan said that she had joined Rotary in 2007 and that she and her husband John had been on many committees and have hosted 19 exchange students. Her Rotary “moment” came in 2015 when she travelled to Delhi, Jaipur and Agra to help with Rotary’s National Immunisation program in India. The Delhi South Metropolitan Rotary Club supports a school in the slums and they took with them money, equipment and supplies to help them. They visited villages to seek out children for immunization and helped to administer polio vaccinations. 114 million children were immunized in the February immunization program that year. Indian Rotarians run the immunization program three times a year and appreciate all the help they receive from Rotarians all around the world.
DG Susan said that she is honoured to be District Governor. One of her goals is to improve membership. New members are as important as current members and keeping engaged with all members is equally important. Two Sydney districts are looking at merging.
She said that the Channel 9/RAWCS appeal has raised $9.5m for the victims of drought and the funds were being distributed to farmers. District 9650 gives vouchers to families in need, and Rotarians across the country are physically assisting those they know to be in need of help on their properties. She is proud of all the Rotarians who have contributed in many ways to the drought appeal.
John Wakefield then briefly spoke about the District Conference to be held in March 2019 in Newcastle. Earlybird registration is still open and he encouraged all members to attend. He spoke about a partner project, Grace’s Place, which provides support for children of homicide victims.
President Ranald thanked both Susan and John for their talks and reiterated that we believe appeal funds collected must be distributed quickly to where it is most needed.
The Rotary Club of Northbridge held its second successful Bridge Day on 30 August 2018. Eighty-four guests played a full day of Bridge and enjoyed a delicious morning tea and lunch with a glass of wine at Northbridge Golf Club.
Mayor Gail Giles-Gidney opened the event and spoke to the Bridge-players about Willoughby Council initiatives, including the upcoming Spring Fair. She then introduced speakers from the two worthy causes that benefit from this event. Firstly, Rotarian Barry Anderson described the Rotary Water Reticulation Project in East Timor and how an entire community will have access to clean, running water. Then Steve Jones spoke about Kids Like Brett, a local charity that donates life-saving medical equipment to children’s hospitals.
The Club raised $3,500.00 from ticket sales and a raffle with fabulous prizes including a beautiful quilt made by Elva Alma, family passes to the Maritime Museum, hair products and a voucher from Glamourpuss Salon and dinner vouchers for the Harbourside Restaurant.
Many of the guests attended for the second year in a row and are already looking forward to next year’s event for a delightful day of Bridge while raising funds for worthwhile local and international causes.
It hasn’t rained in many months ... worst drought since 1902! the crops are gone … the ground is parched, The sheep are gaunt - too weak to walk … a bale of hay … might do!
Farmers in many parts of New South Wales have reached desperation point!
They need YOUR help!
The Rotary Club of Northbridge
is raising much needed funds to assist our farmers stay on the land!
.PNG)
