30th Anniversary of West Wollongong Rotary club.
To celebrate the Club’s 30th anniversary, three members related the history of the club. The night was held at the Mt. Keira Lookout Restaurant.. The first decade by Harvey Chesterfield -Evans, the middle decade by John Chaplin and the last decade by Ron Pedersen.
The First Decade - Harvey Chesterfield-Evans (1964-1973)
In addition to the speaker Charter members present at the meeting were Ron King and George Reynolds.
The 28 charter members of the club met at the Grand Hotel with Elwin Mackay as Charter President.
Projects undertaken early in the life of the club were the creation of a schoolroom at Cram House, extension of the children’s ward at Wollongong Hospital, followed by construction of a chapel for the Hospital. The annual opening of Hillview for public inspection commenced in 1968-1969, when Bill Shoobert was President.
The Middle Years - John Chaplin (1974-1983) John commenced by noting that eight of the 10 presidents from the period were present.
Themes followed by the club over the decade were youth projects, Hillview and “Rotary type things”.
Examples of youth activities included hosting youth exchange that commenced in 1980 and GSE teams. In addition, the club sponsored for some years a Year 10 scholarship to support a student who otherwise may have been forced to leave school through financial pressures.
Projects included Parameadows swimming pool construction and Wollongong Puppet World in support of Dale Woodward’s daughter Danielle in her pursuit of canoeing. She won a silver medal at the Barcelona Olympics.
The Hillview tradition became firmly entrenched on the 2nd or 3rd weekend each March. Gross returns to the club from these activities total $43,000 over the entire period of the project. Edwin Klein, the owner of Hillview, became a Paul Harris Fellow. A number of fond memories from Hillview were touched on, although the validity of all could not be confirmed.
Highlight of Rotary related activities included co-sponsorship of the Wollongong Central Club (chartered in March 1984), sponsorship of two Probus Clubs and a weekend conference on beard the cruise ship ‘Fairstar.’
Recent History - Ron Pederson (1994 to the present).
Ron related the last ten years as a period of challenge for the club with two economic downturns which are linked to membership falling from 54 to the present 36 and the struggle for the club to find a replacement for the Hillview project the last held being in 1985.
PRESIDENT: William Whitting 1993 - 1994 Inducted 1999 Law - General Practice
District Governor Neville Stevenson Club Service: Marcel Benson
Secretary: Albert Cachia Community Service: Arthur Booth
Treasurer: Mike Mitchell International Service: Harry Davenport
Sergeant: Barry Blundell Vocational Service: Ross Willmot
Secretary: Albert Cachia Community Service: Arthur Booth
Treasurer: Mike Mitchell International Service: Harry Davenport
Sergeant: Barry Blundell Vocational Service: Ross Willmot
A Word About the President
Bill had a very productive year keynoted by such projects as “Florrawarra”, and the “Sea Food & Sail Festival”. He promoted the furnishing of “Alkira Lodge” which has been built to accommodate out patients attending the Renal and Cancer units of Wollongong Hospital. Always an active Rotarian, Bill can be happy with his year.
Bill had a very productive year keynoted by such projects as “Florrawarra”, and the “Sea Food & Sail Festival”. He promoted the furnishing of “Alkira Lodge” which has been built to accommodate out patients attending the Renal and Cancer units of Wollongong Hospital. Always an active Rotarian, Bill can be happy with his year.
Club Service
Past District Governor Charles Morrison presented a Paul Harris fellowship to Lillian Mackay in recognition of her support for the Youth Exchange work by Tudor over many years and her support for countless students. This was a very special award, which was enthusiastically supported by all members and guests present
Fellowship Evenings:” Phantom of the Opera” in Sydney. A weekend trip to taste the wines of Mudgee, the Gulgong Museum with dinner at Hornby Farm Saturday evening.
Tribute to PHF George Burns., The sad unexpected passing of George on 19 July was announced in last week’s bulletin. Harvey Chesterfield-Evans spoke of his long friendship with George, who served during WW2 as a sergeant in the second AIF. In this role,
George was known for the kindness he showed to those serving with him.
After the war, George went to work for Davis & Penny, starting as a traveller and over the years moving to roles that are more senior.
After the war, George went to work for Davis & Penny, starting as a traveller and over the years moving to roles that are more senior.
It was this line of work which led to George’s unique contribution to Hillview, for which he was the provedore, supplying both a laugh and quantity of food for these functions. His special contribution to Hillview was recognised in 1986 with the award of a Paul Harris fellowship. Harvey described George as a diligent, responsible and caring. George was a good friend.
Annual club fees will remain at $120 this year.
A club barbeque was held once again at Atis Strazdins home, 16 October.
Fun Night – The Debate
Imagine! Paul Keating, Kerry Packer, Mother Theresa and Bronwyn Bishop in a balloon (a hot air balloon?) somewhere over the Pacific. The balloon is losing altitude and three of its occupants must jump out in order to save the fourth.
But who should be saved?
Kevin Orrell attempted to argue the case for Paul Keating, while John Chaplin looked unconvincing as Mother Theresa., Brian Hedley represented Kerry Packer and Tudor Mackay pretended to be Bronwyn Bishop
Each in turn made a series of feeble excuses as to why they should be saved, and why the others should be jettisoned first. None were particularly convincing. President Bill, as adjudicator, made an executive decision on the evidence that Mother Theresa made the most believable case.
PHF awarded to Tudor Mackay for his consistent work in Rotary Youth and his support of club projects such as Baby capsules. Tudor now is a double recipient of PHF awards.
PHF awarded to Tudor Mackay for his consistent work in Rotary Youth and his support of club projects such as Baby capsules. Tudor now is a double recipient of PHF awards.
Darryl Pearce organised a Wine Appreciation night on 24 Nov - 6 varieties + port. Norm Case of Coledale Cellars presiding
Melbourne Cup breakfast with RC Illawarra Sunrise 2nd Oct.
Club Christmas Event with Rotary Club of Wollongong Central.
Club Assembly “Women in Rotary” All speakers on the subject supported women being admitted to Rotary, 3rd Nov 1993
At his Strazdins 80th Birthday was celebrated with a Birthday cake presented by the club. 17 Nov 1993
Bruce Inglis was inducted by President Bill. Brian Davis introduced Bruce, who was both members of Apex. 2nd March 1994
April 6th saw a Club organised debate - “Should Australia become a Republic”
Bob Armessen was inducted by President Bill on 18th May, 1994.
Community Service
The “Sea Food & Sail” Festival was held 19-20 February 1994. There were four participating yacht clubs represented this year. $3423 was raised.
A working bee organised by Alan Goodridge, was carried out at the Dudley St. Baby Capsule site. President Bill has secured a lease from the Illawarra Area Health Service for the site. The club moved to Dudley St. on 4th August 1993.
The club again participated in the “City to Gong” cycle race as Marshals
Many club members formed a table at the Cancer Carers Picnic Day at Glennifer Brae. It was reported that Barry Blundell won a Teddy Bear.
The major project involving the club finances this year was the donation of $6000 to “Alkira Lodge”. This Lodge is to accommodate outpatients for Renal and Cancer on a limited basis whilst having treatment at Wollongong Hospital.
The “Red Shield Appeal” was once again supported by club members by providing drivers for appeal door knockers
International Service
The club has been supporting the formation a new Rotary Club - The Rotary Club of Illawarra Sunrise. Their charter night was held on Friday 27th August 1993. Many club members attended.
Guest Speaker - Damian Keogh - Basketballer: Damian Keogh, who has been in the last three Olympics, has played over 160 games for Australia and is currently Captain of the Sydney Kings. Damian is the Promotions Officer for the Sydney Olympic Bid Committee.
In 1991 Sydney entered their bid for the year 2000 Olympics. Originally, eight cities had entered bids. There are 90 voting members on the I.O.C.C. including six Royals and of these 70 have visited Sydney. Australia is one of two countries that have been to every Olympic Games since they commenced on 1896 in Greece.
In 1908 we had an Olympian by the name of Reg “Snowy” Baker who participated in Boxing, Tennis and Fancy Spring Board Diving.
It was with much joy that Sydney was awarded the games for 2000.
Several Members of the Club attended the ‘Steelers” home game to sell raffle tickets in aid of the Fred Hollows Foundation.
A visit from the GSE team from Japan was most interesting. The leader Mr. Shinsuke Matsuka of the RC of Kojima East was very entertaining as was his team.
Guest Speaker: Natalie Dupresnes, a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar from Besancon South East of France. Natalie was studying MBA at Wollongong University.
Achievements include sponsorship of community projects in India (including the naming of a village square after the club). Donation of a personal computer to the Bulli Bush Fire Brigade (1986). Support of Polio Plus and the CES Job Club by 18 members (1989) and commencement of two ongoing projects, Sea Food & Sail Festival and the Wollongong Baby Capsule Hire Service (in association with Wollongong Hospital)
Youth Service
The Summer Science School Student selected this year is Joshua Cochrane
The Summer Science School Student selected this year is Joshua Cochrane
RYLA 1994 nominee is Rosie Duncan. Rosie nominated by Kim Hockings. She works in Human resources BHP.
RYLA nominee Andrew Woodall attended Stanwell Tops. He is an Assistant Engineer at BHP.
Rob Booth was the outgoing exchange student for 94/95.
RYPEN - the club’s representatives for 94 are Evi Fiakou from Illawarra Grammar and Vladimir Yastreboff from Edmond Rice.
Vocational Service
Guest Speaker - Nando Leli. Nando addressed the club on “Unions” and their place in the year 2000.
Nando is currently President of the South Coast Trades and Labour Council. The talk was a personal view of the role of unions in making Australian industry more flexible, efficient and productive.
Elements of Nando’s view of the role of unions included:
Guest Speaker - Nando Leli. Nando addressed the club on “Unions” and their place in the year 2000.
Nando is currently President of the South Coast Trades and Labour Council. The talk was a personal view of the role of unions in making Australian industry more flexible, efficient and productive.
Elements of Nando’s view of the role of unions included:
- recognition that “industry destiny is workers destiny”
- change in attitude by those who see unions as an obstacle to management
- a recognition of unions as part of the democratic system
- consensus and consultation in the workplace at all levels of decision making, with workplace committee helping to identify employees needs.
- legislative recognition of the role of delegates with access to information, training office facilities and phone.
- The presentation attracted a number of questions from members on subjects such as demarcation disputes and solutions to unemployment. “Pride of Workmanship” awards were presented to Marilyn Billingham. Marilyn has been employed by Southern Engineering Services for the past 13 years and Bruce Adie who works at BHP in the Photogrametric Laboratory.
Guest Speaker Sid Fairs - Sport in the Illawarra:
Sid, introduced by Hilton King, recounted his long experience as a journalist, firstly on the South Coast Times and more recently at the Mercury where Sid was sports writer until his retirement in April 1993.
In his talk, Sid reviewed the history in the region of a number of sports including golf, soccer, boxing, rugby league, tennis, rugby union and basketball.
Many of the sports were introduced by migrant groups moving to the district at various stages of its development. Soccer was introduced by coal miners from England, and its popularity was enhanced by visits from Chinese and Canadian teams. Soccer remained the main football code in the Illawarra until WW2. Rugby League gained popularity through games played on Sundays.
Sid, introduced by Hilton King, recounted his long experience as a journalist, firstly on the South Coast Times and more recently at the Mercury where Sid was sports writer until his retirement in April 1993.
In his talk, Sid reviewed the history in the region of a number of sports including golf, soccer, boxing, rugby league, tennis, rugby union and basketball.
Many of the sports were introduced by migrant groups moving to the district at various stages of its development. Soccer was introduced by coal miners from England, and its popularity was enhanced by visits from Chinese and Canadian teams. Soccer remained the main football code in the Illawarra until WW2. Rugby League gained popularity through games played on Sundays.
The region has produced many world champions in the sports reviewed by Sid. He sees recent developments such as the sports academy, sports medicine clinics and modern facilities as promoting sport in the district, and providing an opportunity for talented athletes to advance to world prominence.
Visit to Hot Strip Mill BHP Steelworks.
A small group accompanied Barry Blundell who is the senior process engineer working on HSM Development to see the recently modernised hot strip mill at the Steelworks.
Members were impressed by the scale and degree of automation of the mill, which is capable of rolling over 2 million tonnes per annum of steel slab into strip. The hot rolled strip is used further processed to tin plate within the steelworks or cold rolled for coating and other applications. Some is used directly for manufacturing. Barry was able to tell many storied of his involvement in the strip mill modernisation and the underlying technologies. He also said that the mill is now amongst the modern in the world and is probably the most automated plant.
Members were impressed by the scale and degree of automation of the mill, which is capable of rolling over 2 million tonnes per annum of steel slab into strip. The hot rolled strip is used further processed to tin plate within the steelworks or cold rolled for coating and other applications. Some is used directly for manufacturing. Barry was able to tell many storied of his involvement in the strip mill modernisation and the underlying technologies. He also said that the mill is now amongst the modern in the world and is probably the most automated plant.
PRESIDENT: Darryl Pearce 1994 - 1995 Inducted 1964 Law - Judicial
District Governor Richmond Manyweathers
Club Service: Barry Blundell Secretary: Ron Pedersen
Community Service: Mike Campbell Treasurer: John Vromans
International Service: Clyde Lee Sergeant: Brian Hedley
Vocational Service: Bob Armesson Youth Service: Ian McKensey
Word About the President
Darryl as expected was a very dedicated President. Keen to uphold the ideals of Rotary and an excellent organiser. His year was going extremely well until tragedy struck his family mid year and his health suffered as a result. Everyone in the club put their shoulders to the wheel to help Darryl through the year and despite this set back Darryl had a fine Rotary year.
Club Service
Guest Speaker - Eric Klein - Para-Olympian. Mike Mitchell introduced Eric with a long yet concise resume of Eric’s achievements through his work with BHP Information Technology as a project leader and his notable achievements in his chosen sport of archery.
Eric opened his address with an acknowledgement of the support that Rotary and Rotaract have given to Wheelchair Sports - specifically during the 1970’s in establishing a stadium at Mount Druitt for disabled sports people. In addition, something else he owes to Rotaract - he met his wife through his membership of the Campbelltown Rotaract Club.
Firstly, Eric spoke in general about disabled persons in sport and employment. It is important to emphasise that disabled persons have abilities and that community attitudes need to be changed to recognise this. He recalled that in pursuing his own career path that he was treated in the same way as other employees. Disabled people want to let the general community know that they ARE capable.
The body is disabled, not the mind. Disabled people tend to take less “sickies” than fellow able-bodied workers and are more appreciative of the job they hold.
Eric issued a challenge for us to “take off the blinkers” concerning our attitude towards employing a disabled person in our business. Try to learn more about disability, try going for a day in a wheelchair or wearing earmuffs or taping over our spectacles.
A fitting conclusion to this segment of his address, Eric cited a most distinguished person - Franklyn D. Roosevelt - who led the USA through World War 11 - paralysed by polio.
Paralympic Games were held in Rome in 1960 where there were 400 disabled competitors from 23 countries. More recently in Barcelona there were 5,590 competitors.
His own involvement in sport dates from 1973 when Eric took up archery or rather became a Toxophilite.
He has participated in 4 Paralympics and represented Australia on 14 occasions. (Eric has won 19 gold medals and he holds a world record as well as nine Australian records.)
Australian disabled athletes participate in most sports held in the Paralympics as well as in the Winter Paralympics. From the Illawarra area there are three international and 12 state representative disabled athletes.
Unfortunately, although Australia boasts significant results by world standards there is no official support for disabled athletes who must go “cap in hand” to the general public for assistance to meet expenses.
Shortly, Eric is off to Beijing China, to represent Australia at the S.E. Asia Games as a member of a team of 160 athletes from Australia.
In proposing the vote of thanks, Brian Davis commented that Eric had given us a great deal of “food for thought” and that disabled people really have a great deal of ability.
List of Speakers -Evenings June - October.
- June 15 - Short/Board Aug 24 - Esso/Impact/Illaw.David Equid
- June 22 - Changeover Aug 31 - Outwest/4WD Goodridge/Brown
- June 29 - Vietnam Soldiers, P. Poulton Sept 07 - Youth Night Ian McKensey
- July 06 - Survival/bush R. Willmot Sept14 - Future of Banking Pat Roberts
- July 13 - Assembly/Budget Sept 21 - Short/Board
- July 20 - Short/Board Sept.28 – Address by Leon Becker on Paul Harris
- July 27 - Marriage Ceremony Barbara Dent Oct. 05 - Vocation Service Awards
- Aug 03 - Membership Brian Heaton Oct 12 - Law/Order/PNG Stephen Oil
- Aug 10 - Paralympics Eric Klein Oct 19 - Short/Board
- Aug 17 - Short/Board Oct 6 - Radio Joscelyne
Cost of Club membership this year $120
Several Members attended “A Night to Remember” at the invitation of the RC. of Illawarra Sunrise on Saturday 20 August at the Novatel.
President Darryl inducted George Mailath 24 August. George came to Australia from Hungary in 1949 and finally settled in Wollongong in 1992.
Club Speakers - Ian Bowmaker and Alan Goodridge
Bill Glossop ably introduced Ian Bowmaker and Alan Goodridge who introduced us tar-travellers to the Simpson Desert Cycle Classic.
These 2 masochists and 30 of their mates give their most to raise funds for the Paraplegic and Quadriplegic Association. They support 50 plus riders who each pays $300 entry to have the chance of riding on soft sand for 4-5 days in one of the world’s most uncompromising regions.
Don’t stop - it gets worse.
Before the race starts the support crew must take 2 tonnes of non- perishable food from Wollongong to the edge of civilisation at Oodnadatta (S.A.), about a three day trip. After taking on all fresh fruit, vegies and bread, they also load 2.500 litres of water at Coober Pedy and head to Dalhousie Springs, a thermal spring in the desert.
Riders have a 2 1/2 day period to get into condition then set off from Springs for a 600 klm jaunt to Birdsville.
As both Alan and Ian explained - there are a number of hazards on the way. These can be in the form of double digit punctures, heat (44 degrees C), wind storms that turn roads into sand drifts, blistered behinds and very sore eyes, not to mention the major problem of dehydration.
Somehow, it is all worth it when the total population of Birdsville greets the riders and lead them to the famous pub.
Somehow, it is all worth it when the total population of Birdsville greets the riders and lead them to the famous pub.
As Alan seems to average 20 hr days, I don’t know whether he’s had the opportunity to admire the varied flora and fauna that Ian spoke of, but it sure sounds interesting and worthwhile.
For those contemplating a ride next year be prepared for over six days in a vehicle and over 44 hours in the saddle - 44 hrs is the best time done by the 50 plus age group. I don’t know if it is progress or not but we learned that the first “civilised” man crossed the Simpson in 1936, the first vehicular crossing in 1968 and now they try pushbikes!!!
After this talk, I think we can understand some of the dangers and risks. Contact is only through HF radio and even then, help can be maybe many hours away. Although the Flying Doctor service may be closing in areas, their radio contact is still a lifesaver.
Alan also explained that NRMA road service is not readily at hand. Assistance is flown out by helicopter so as well as risks, the costs can be staggering.
(One question I forgot to ask Alan, how deep do you dig the latrine that takes care of three tonnes of processed foods.)
Barry Blundell gave a “from the heart” vote of thanks as he is leaving this month with Ian and Alan for this year’s race. Maybe the Club could offer to sponsor him if he rode as a competitor?
President Darryl inducted Pat Roberts on 20/7/1994.
A wonderful Christmas Party was enjoyed by all Club members at “Carringtons at the Belmore” organised by Barry Blundell.
The highlight of the evening was a play written by Brian Hedley and Barry Blundell. Based on a “Robin Hood” theme - all went well (almost), the narrator, Brain Hedley lost his limes, the 2 man horse bolted, and Friar Tuck (John Chaplin) lost the plot. Well, anyway we tried.
“The Highlands Weekend” Probably one of the best weekend fellowship events of all time was organised by Ross Willmot, Barry and Jessie Blundell.
It started as a “mystery’ weekend, nobody knew where they were going as all had to travel by train from Wollongong station dressed in their Murder Mystery’s character in a 22 seater bus called” Faulty Tours” driven by Ross.
Each person had to dress up in disguise as his or her character as determined by Barry and Jessie in a murder mystery story, which was held on the Saturday night at Raneleigh House, Robertson. Other guests were fooled when they thought we were royalty at the pre-dinner cocktail party. There were other visits over the weekend to a music museum, Bradman Museum and a Butterfly farm at Bowral. They still talk about it all, it was one of the best fellowship weekends every.
The Highlands weekend group at Ranleigh House for the Murder Mystery.
Community Service
The Florawarra Festival held at the Wollongong Botanic Gardens was a great success. The club set up and operated a soft drink outlet, sausage sizzle/barbeque outlet, Booth’s van with hot food, pies, sausage rolls etc was very popular. Streets ice cream was in full demand on “kids” day on the Friday. The club had to provide our own power from portable generators supplied by Arthur Booth. All had very good Fellowship
PP Bill Fancourt on the “Moove” PP Bill Fancourt on the “Moove”
Work continued on the Scout Camp ablution block. However, a quote to carry out brickwork was for $3000. Other avenues are to be investigated.
Sea Food & Sail festival was held in beautiful weather with the big marquee at Wollongong harbour fully occupied all day with several bands entertaining the “boaties” and public until 5 pm. A dinner/dance commenced at 7pm. Winners of the various yachting sections were announced and celebrated until late.
All stalls and the evening dinner made profits, most of our club members participated over the 3 day festival.
D.D.G. Neville Stephenson announced the distribution of funds raised through the Rotary Bushfire Appeal. $2000 has been allocated to the Mount Keira Fire Brigade through the RC. of West Wollongong.
Arthur Booth said that the Baby Capsule display put on by the club at the Illawarra Child Development Centre, Porter Street, on 20th August was very successful.
Arthur Booth said that the Baby Capsule display put on by the club at the Illawarra Child Development Centre, Porter Street, on 20th August was very successful.
Ron King collected for ‘Legacy Week” once again with $190 being contributed by the fellows.
The Club once again supported the Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal on 28th May.
The Club once again supported the Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal on 28th May.
International Service
The Lord Mayor of Wollongong once again officiated at a Naturalisation Ceremony held at Renown Court
Clyde Lee promoted -”Be a Friend” at the District Conference, Wollongong University on 17-19 March.
Clyde Lee promoted -”Be a Friend” at the District Conference, Wollongong University on 17-19 March.
Youth Service
Ian McKensey introduced Genoux Gomez to the Club after his arrival last Sunday 21st August. Genoux hails from Belgium. A banner was handed to President Darryl from Genoux’s home club of Pepinster Theux.
Joshua Cochrane was the Clubs selection to go to the ANU Summer Science School in Canberra
Joshua Cochrane was the Clubs selection to go to the ANU Summer Science School in Canberra
Vocational Service
Vocational Service Awards were presented to Jack Lettingham, and’ Lifeline” co-ordinator Grahame Gould at Florawarra
PRESIDENT: Michael (Mike) Mitchell 1995 - 1996 Public Relations
Inducted 1990
District Governor Heinz Gerstl Club Service: Brian Hedley
Secretary: Bill Whitting Community Service: Bruce Inglis
Treasurer: John Vromans International Service: Pat Roberts
Sergeant: Barry Blundell Vocational Service: Ian McKensey
Secretary: Bill Whitting Community Service: Bruce Inglis
Treasurer: John Vromans International Service: Pat Roberts
Sergeant: Barry Blundell Vocational Service: Ian McKensey
A Word About the President
Michael was a very energetic and popular president who had an excellent Rotary year. He is credited with combining with Colin Wilson (Wilson's Holden who was an officer of the Cruising Yacht Club in Sydney and is also a competitor in the "Sydney to Hobart") to start up the "Sea Food and Sail" festival conducted at Wollongong Harbour. Mike's year as President was most productive and maintained the high standard that all aspire to. Fellowship was also on a high even though it was a heavy workload year.
Club Service
Guest Speaker- Jenny Dunkley. Jenny Dunkley conned the club members into participating in a "Gut Busters" program over several weeks. There were frequent cries of cheating when gut measuring took place, despite this the 14 members won acclaim as the best group in the Illawarra with their picture published in the Advertiser.
The Christmas party this year was held at Renown Court where every one danced to the strains of Ron Garbutt and his Band.
Ross Willmot, Jessie and Barry Blundell organised a car rally and picnic,– which everyone enjoyed so much that PE Arthur wants another next year, competition was fierce.
A wonderful evening was had by everyone who attended "Miss Saigon" theatre in Sydney
Hunter Valley Visit – Several members of the club took the opportunity to visit the wine growing region
Once again a car rally was very popular with everyone having a high score with only a couple of points between 1st and 2nd place
New members, Larry Mulder, Peter Lainela and Steve Morgan were inducted during the year.
The club distributed $16,500 to various charity projects.
Community Service
Mt Keira Scout Camp ablution Block rebuilding has finally been completed, and is operational thanks to Bruce Inglis.
"Florawarra". Under the guidance of Bill Whitting it was a great success despite a rainy weekend at the Wollongong Botanical Gardens. Arthur Booth provided his “food caravan” and generators.
Sea Food & Sail – Barry Blundell chaired this now annual project held at Wollongong Harbour to entertain the CYC Yacht Crews and the public over the 2-day weekend. $3388 was raised thanks to everyone's efforts.
The club participated in the "Harbourfest" at Port Kembla by providing vehicle marshals.
A Trivia Night proved to be very entertaining and made a few dollars for community service
Baby Capsules. After some to-ing and fro-ing the Illawarra Area Health Service agreed to pay for transfer of equipment from Dudley Street Wollongong to Port Kembla Hospital. The hospital needs the Dudley Street site for Workshops. Ray Ward assisted the club with legal assistance. Approx $10,000 was raised for the year.
Renal Ward Appeal – The Wollongong Hospital Renal Ward Appeal requires $250,000. Bill Manson of the Rotary Club of Bulli organised a campaign to raise this money. Our club donated $5,000 which grew to $10,000 with a Government Matching Grant.
Brian Hedley and his motley crew attended the barbecue cooking for the Illawarra Interchange Group's annual picnic.
International Service
The Citizenship Ceremony held in February saw six members of our community swear allegiance to Australia. Renown Court was the venue and the Lord Mayor, David Camp