Whilst we have given President Bob the week off (I think this is the second one in less than 2 months!), we could not let this week go by without acknowledging the sadness felt around the world on the passing of Dolly Parton. Of course, as Rotarians, we know her best for the Imagination Library, a tribute to her dad, which she established in 1995, initially to help underprivileged kids in her rural home county. It has grown into an international program for kids from 1 to 5 receiving one book per month, which our club whole heartedly supports every year. Rest easy Dolly Parton, you have certainly left your mark on this world in the best possible way.
A reminder to all members that we have around 20 seats remaining to be sold for our Charity Race Day on Saturday 12 Sept @ Kembla Grange Racecourse. Please consider advertising this to friends and acquaintances as we enter the final 2-week push to hopefully sell out and raise much needed funds for Greenacres and The Flagstaff Group.
We all have this week off to enjoy our monthly social night at The Fraternity Club, organised by Rita Giampieri. If you haven't already, please let Rita know if you are attending.
Last Week’s Meeting Minutes:Scribe – Patrick Roberts
Sergeant Jim opened the meeting at 6:45 pm
In the absence of President Bob Armessen, Janet Crakanthorp acted as President and welcomed members and visitors.
Reflection – Dennis Simpson: Dennis reflected on the passing of Dolly Parton and her significant contribution to children's literacy through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, noting its alignment with Rotary's commitment to education and literacy.
International Toast – Patrick Roberts: Patrick raised a toast to Rotary International, recognising its more than 40-year contribution to the global fight against polio and the dedication of Rotarians worldwide in bringing the world closer to eradication.
Race Meeting – Past President Phil: Phil provided an update on preparations for the upcoming race meeting. Two tables have recently become available. Despite this, the event is currently expected to remain profitable.
Rotary South Pacific Pilot - Survey Program - Past President Phil provided an overview of the survey conducted in May–June 2026 to gather feedback on the Rotary South Pacific Pilot.
371 of 1,109 Rotary/Rotaract Club Presidents (33.5%) and 72 of 98 Rotary Community Leaders (73.4%) responded.
Most Rotary Community Groups were reported to be active, with increased collaboration between clubs and community groups.
However, awareness of the pilot's overall aims among club presidents remains limited, and the services and resources available are not being fully utilised.
Rotary Community Leaders reported positive relationships with district leadership.
The Steering Group and Board are reviewing the findings to identify areas for improvement.
Further updates will be provided to members, with additional surveys planned, including one for Rotary Community Leaders in May 2027
Fundraising - Charles Hotel Raffle: $300 profit. Bunnings BBQ - $1,100
Social Event - 2 September – Fraternity Club- Organised by Rita. Nineteen members/guests are attending.
Guest Speaker – Chris Dahmen
Anne Christensen introduced Chris. He presented an informative talk on online scams, explaining how scams operate and how people can recognise the warning signs before losing money or having their identity compromised. His presentation provided a practical guide to identifying common scam techniques and avoiding becoming a victim.
Chris identified the five most common scams as:
Investment Scams
Payment Re-direction Scams
Romance Scams
Phishing Scams
Remote Access Scams
Wine Raffle won by Michael Crowley and Patrick Roberts pictured below.
The generous support of The Charles Hotel and it's Amazing Patrons enable us to fund-raise, via our Thursday Night Jag the Joker and Friday Night Meat Raffles, in support of various local, national and international charitable organisations much in need of funding for their various community programs.
The IMB Bank Community Foundation
Monetary Grants from the IMB Bank Community Foundation allow us to conduct the Rotary Youth Driver Awareness (RYDA) program throughout the year at Kembla Grange Racecourse.
Aimed at students in years 10-12, students attend 6 sessions focusing on the various areas of Road Safety.
The IMB Bank Community Foundation helps build better, brighter communities.
Bunnings Warehouse - Kembla Grange
The generous support of the Bunnings Warehouse - Kembla Grange BBQ Program allows us to fund-raise in support of various local, national and international charitable organisations much in need of funding for their various community programs.
In addition, Bunnings donate equipment and vouchers in support of our other fund-raising initiatives.
