A fabulous turn out at last week's meeting to listen to our guest Speaker Neil Jones, who's presentation was not only informative and amusing but also a great reflection on past activities in which our Rotary Club has been involved. Certainly, a rich and proud history.
By now, every member should have received, via email, their invoice for 2025/26 membership fees. This is our first attempt at doing this through Club Runner and I think it went fairly smoothly? Thank you to our new Treasurer Ros Yeoman for sorting through this. Please talk to Ros if you have any queries.
I am giving everyone this week off (except Bob Armessen, our social activities organiser) so we can enjoy a social night with our partners at Thai Carnation. I look forward to seeing you all there.
Sgt Kenneth gonged us into silence at 6:15 and passed to Pres. Phil to welcome guests.
Bob then gave us his thoughts and reflection on what he saw as a worrisome world situation …. War, violence, rebellion, increased arms manufacture, political turmoil, and proposed a toast to the peacekeepers of the world.
Kevin proposed his toast to the Rotary club of Tokyo. A club of 325 members, chartered in 1920, and currently active in supporting the removal of landmines in Cambodia.
Rose put to members for discussion the recent offer of us conducting a BBQ for the MS Gong ride in early September. After much member comment it was decided to pass on the offer as with our current commitments it was felt we could not give the event the effort it deserved.
A Certificate of Appreciation was presented for the funds raised to benefit Southern Youth and Family Services resulting from the recent Ride 4 Rotary event.
It was strongly recommended we support Green Connect’s very successful Farm and Picnic Day when next held (school hols).
Jim confirmed there are a number of excellent nominees for the Pride of Workmanship evening, with an option for a couple more such nominees.
Ken advised that there is a call for RYPEN candidates and asked members to support this program. Time is important as it will be held August 22-24.
RYDA is on for August 12-13 and a few volunteers needed to assist with various matters (non- strenuous) on those days. Members were also reminded that they are welcome to just attend as visitors to watch on.
Dennis spoke on last week’s successful raffle and Joker Draw, with the elusive Joker still in play. As usual, members a very welcome to attend and support on either/or both evenings.
Ray introduced our guest speaker, Neil Jones, who presented an informative and at times, amusing, detail of his successful nomination by the RCWW way back in 1981+/- as a Group Study Exchange ambassador to Japan. Back then Neil was a young electrical engineer and data systems specialist at Lysaghts. During his time in Japan he, and 5 other ambassadors representing various professions and Rotary Clubs, spent most of their time around Rotary D. 259 Yokahama being “home hosted’ by Rotarians, visiting a number of factories, businesses, other local Rotary clubs, and generally being great Rotary ambassadors. During his talk Neil detailed the selection process, a good history of the Rotary Foundation including many aspects of the schemes’ concepts and objectives.
The vote of thanks was given by Ray including the presentation of Ken’s professionally crafted piece of Conkaberry.
Pres. Phil gave a very detailed presentation of recent and future member levies, and that invoices “are in the mail”.
Thanks to those who have volunteered their time and effort to the upcoming BBQ.
Helen asked members to submit suggestions for upcoming District grants
Charity Race Day info sent to members by email, along with more detail of the SYFS annual raffle.
Wine raffle was won by Betsy and a very excited John.
Sgt Ken closed the meeting at 8:00pm with a great rendition of “The Girl With The Pram”.
ARH Let’s Get Together Dinner
Thirty-two attendees gathered for an inspiring night hosted by ARH Program Co-ordinator Cheryl Deguara OAM, with ARH Chair PDG Stephen Humphreys outlining the valuable work of the Australian Rotary Health (ARH) program. Guests enjoyed a delicious buffet and had the opportunity to meet a diverse group of passionate ARH scholars whose research and studies span crucial areas of healthcare and social impact.
PhD scholars
Ajay: Sponsored by Belconnen Rotary Club, studying Lewy body diseases (LBDs)—agroup of neurodegenerative conditions including Parkinson’s and dementia.
Joanna: Sponsored by Strathfield Rotary Club and NSW Rugby Union, investigating Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) at Sydney University. It may lead to dementia. It cannot be seen in a living brain and so can only be diagnosed after death.
Nina: Sponsored by Parramatta Rotary Club, creating an AI-assisted tool for adaptive neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and learning difficulties.
Stella: Sponsored by Davenport Rotary Club is researching GI disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome and Gastroparesis and how the microbiome can help improve these conditions. Stella is researching at Newcastle University.
Indigenous Scholars
Martha: Grew up in Coffs Harbour and studied nursing. She is now an Indigenous doctor currently practicing at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital but wants to specialise in gynaecology.
John: A past Indigenous scholar who, at age 45 and being a single dad to a 17-year-old son, wanted to become a doctor. At age 50, after graduating from Newcastle University he started work at the John Hunter Hospital and the Aboriginal Medical Service.
Zoey: Studying social work at Griffith University, focused on supporting Indigenous youth. Zoey is sponsored by Parramatta Rotary Club.
Stephen: From Tasmania and sponsored by the Davenport Rotary Club. Stephen originally graduated as a physiotherapist from Sydney University. He is now studying medicine at Sydney University working weekends as a physiotherapist at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. He is aiming to serve rural communities.
Audience members engaged the scholars with thoughtful questions, reflecting genuine interest and admiration. The evening closed with heartfelt thanks from the ARH leadership team, underscoring the transformative impact of Rotary-funded scholarships and urging continued support.
