Rotary Matters

Tuesday 6 June sees the final in the Climate and Peace webinar series hosted by Rotarian, Jeremy Wright. Tune in at 6 pm for a topical and thoughtful discussion on the challenges facing the community as we grapple with the challenges of climate change.  www.climateandpeace.com.au Jeremy also discusses his passion for bees, why we need them and what we can do to ensure their survival.

The Science Experience provides students in years 9 and 10 with an insight into the activities, the work, study and career possibilities for people working in science. They do this at tertiary campuses under the guidance of scientists who donate their time and love their work. Representing Rotary on the Science Foundation which coordinates the Experience all over Australia, we meet Marilyn Mercer...

Chris Lewis President of Kuring gai Rotary explains the many projects delivered by his club....from a huge community fun run, to the Bobbin Head Cycle Classic to supporting a local school, cleaning up the environment, running a dementia cafe and funding youth programs. www.kuringgairotary.org.au

RYPEN for 14-16 Year olds is an intensive residential weekend camp where the students develop increased motivation, improved life skills, better self image, pride in themselves and an understanding of setting and achieving goals. Convenor, Amanda Barnes explains. Apply by 15 May for the June 2023 winter Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment.

Chris McMillan, Australian, applies his energy, expertise and vision to improve the lives of a community in Senegal. He introduces sustainable agriculture practices enabling the successful production of fruits, vegetables and honey. And in doing so raises the standards of living at Kaffrine in Senegal. An inspirational story.

Putting their lives on the line every day, our emergency services workers rarely get the credit they deserve. They shun the limelight and are truly humbled when they are recognised and saluted with a Rotary Emergency Services Community Award. Ron Browne and Warwick Richardson explain RESCA. Nominations are sought by the end of April.  www.rescawards.org.au

With only 18 members, Hornsby District Rotary Club punches well above its weight with a suite of projects for youth, for the local community and internationally. Of special interest is the Foreign Coin Repatriation Program which has raised over $500,000. Sadia Niazi and Simon Bryan explain. www.hornsbydistricrotary.org

Who can men turn to to share the major upheavals of life....house moving, job changing, family problems and so on? Mentoring Men is the answer and the CEO Simon Jarvis explains. www.mentoringmen.org.au 

Lucy Hobgood-Brown updates us on the inspirational work she is doing to improve the lives of people living in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Micro finance loans, emergency medicine education and helping pygmies harvest honey, sustainably....and more. www.handup.org.au

Opera in the Arboretum is an open-air, all-weather, BYO picnic style annual charity event hosted by the Rotary Club of Woy Woy. This community event brings together a star-studded line-up of artists to perform Opera’s much loved arias, duets and ensembles in the coastal rainforest setting of the Crommelin Native Arboretum in Pearl Beach on the Central Coast. This unique venue is an easy 60 to 90 k...

One in five men are likely to experience anxiety in their life time. Mentoring Men offers free long term one to one life mentoring for men going through challenges or changes in their life. John Milham explains.

With an ageing population the incidence of dementia is on the rise. But people with dementia and their carers can now access support and social connection through dementia cafes aka D Cafes. Michael Midlam from Kuring gai Rotary Club explains how he and his fellow Rotarians are involved and make it all work.

With cycling becoming more and more popular it is good to learn about Bicycle New South Wales, their advocacy for cycling, their services and position on topics like e-bikes, rail trails and minimum passing distances. CEO, Peter McLean explains. BNSW is a major supporter of Rotary run Bobbin Head Cycle Classic, 26 March 2023. www.bobbo.org.au

Courtesy of Tony Butera from Radio Northern Beaches, we meet Tony James from the Upper Northern Beaches Rotary Club who explains a humanitarian program he launched to change the lives of children in one of the poorest countries in the world, Cambodia. An inspiring example of putting service above self.

We meet Tamara Sloper-Harding who speaks with Tony Butera from Radio Northern Beaches about the work she does in Soibada, Timor L'Este, a town brought to its knees by invading forces and now flourishing again thanks to Tamara and her determination to make a big difference to this beleaguered community. Tamara also explains the influence that Rotary plays in her life.

Modern communications technology enables nurses and midwives from all over the world to connect, share professional experiences and expertise. They are members of the Global Nurses and Midwives Rotary Club. Dr Wendy McIntosh explains how it all works, how they meet and the causes they support. www.gnmrotaryclub.com 

We foreshadow the Giant Lifeline Book Fair at Barker College 10-12 December. Michael Cleary explains what its all about, how it works and why its a must for pre Christmas bargains. Over 80,000 titles with something for everyone. www.lifelineh2h.org.au

Flora Chan, trainer and assessor won a Pride of Workmanship Award from Wahroonga Rotary Club. A qualified accountant, lawyer and language teacher, Flora works tirelessly for her students (up to 93 yrs!) ensuring their integration into the local community. A worthy and inspirational winner.

Two fine examples of Rotary at work. Sydney Cove's annual corporate regatta to save lives at sea and their initiatives to provide relief and support for besieged Ukrainians and Ukrainians who have made it to Australia. Past President Guy Glenny explains.

With 150 stalls, two entertainment stages and much fanfare the Wahroonga Village Fair has something for everyone in the community. Councillor Sallianne McLelland and Janelle Speight from Wahroonga Rotary Club explain what its all about. www.wahroongavillagefair.com

Rotary Nomads meet online and gather at organised musters where they provide essential services enabling rural communities to enjoy festivals and events. Geoff St Clair explains what its all about and why this form of Rotarianism is becoming so popular. We also caught incoming President of Rotary International Gordon McInally on his brief visit to Sydney. 

With proceeds devoted to the Rotary Foundation, author and historian Trevor McAlister introduces his fascinating book Exploring Hidden Sydney which uncovers the secret histories behind over 700 sites and buildings. www.woodslanepress.com.au In this episode we also meet Mark Anderson on the train during the hugely successful End Polio Train Ride.

Foreshadowing the next webinar in the Climate and Peace series, Rotarian Jeremy Wright AM explains why we need to rethink waste and the perspective to be taken by his expert faculty. Webinar is on 8 November. See www.climateandpeace.com.au

The beating heart of Walcha in northern New South Wales is undoubtedly the Rotary Club. Only 24 members but punching well above its weight. Andrew Corlette describes the initiative to provide children going into foster care with a back pack of familiar, comforting items. We learn about a program to introduce school students to the realities of sheep farming. Another great example of Rotary in the...

Can you help plant the first Rotary Peace Pole in the Democratic Republic of Congo? Lucy Hobgood-Brown and Dr Grace Maano explain the background, the purpose and the process to ensure their Peace Pole will join the 250,000 already in place around the world. Yet another Rotary initiative demonstrating service above self. Donate via www.rawcs.org.au and nominate Peace Pole as the beneficiary.