The Ride4Rotary is on - raising funds for youth services
President's Message
The past week has seen two sad passings – John Harper and Ben Broekman. John was a member of our club for 10 years and remained an Honorary Member. Ben was a regular visitor and supporter with his wife Netty. Netty, who now lives in Melbourne, was a Rotary member for 22 years, 20 of which was in West Wollongong. She was President in 2011 and a Director for 6 years. Our sincere condolences go to both families.
After the District’s selection process, the District Governor Nominating Sub-Committee
recommended Rick Vosila as the nominated District Governor for the year 2027-2028.
Rick is a member of the Rotary Club of Strathfield and currently holds the positions of Foundation Grants Officer and District Chair for Australian Rotary Health. He has also held other positions at District level including Assistant Governor in 2018-2022.
Tonight we will hear about Our Community Project Port Kembla which appears to be a very interesting and worthwhile project.
Then Sunday 18th will be the Ride4Rotary (supporting SYFS) - and Ride Wollongong Community Expo. Our Wobbly Wheelers team is somewhat smaller this year but we’d be delighted if you can come along and cheer us on whilst enjoying all the events and festivities on the day at Lang Park.
Cheers,
President Rose
VALE: Honorary Member, John Douglas Harper, PP PHF
It is with great sadness we were informed last week of the passing of John Harper, who had been suffering dementia and in care for the past eight months.
John was inducted as a member of the Rotary Club of West Wollongong in 2002, and subsequently occupied the roles of Club Service Director (2003/2004), Membership Chair
(2004/2006) as well as the Club’s Auditor from 2004 to 2011, and he was on numerous sub-committees and other roles within the Club during his time with us. In recognition of John’s contribution to our Club and the community, our Board bestowed honorary membership to John following his departure on 12 July 2012.
According to his sons, their father’s membership with Rotary spanned many years prior to joining our Club in areas within Sydney, South Australia and Papua New Guinea at a time
when he was pursuing his banking career with the Bank of New South Wales/Westpac.
John & Sue Harper were also keen travellers both within Australia and overseas and they actively participated in Rotary’s ITHF program (International Travel and Hosting Fellowship).
On retirement in Adelaide, John & Sue wanted to be closer to their three sons, grandchildren and ultimately great grandchildren so they decided to relocate to Cordeaux
Heights in 2002... a location in closer proximity to their family. That is the time John became associated with our Club.
Family members mentioned during the funeral service that John was always active. In his early years he played rugby union earning the nickname ‘zippy’ (he kept that little gem from us!), tennis, scouting, sailing, running and a significant involvement with the Surf Life Saving movement. Golf was another of John’s passions... so much so that he achieved a golf handicap of ‘8’ in the mid-1980s. However, John’s main focus was on his family and was referred to as ‘gaggy’ by his grandchildren.
John was a man with a booming voice and an insatiable curiosity. His warm and positive character will be remembered along with his kindness, empathy and compassion for others.
For those members and friends who knew John and were unable to attend his funeral, his service may be viewed online via this
The Club has received the sad news that Ben Broekman passed away on 30 April, aged 93. Ben's funeral will be held at St. Joseph's Church, South Yarra on Friday 16 May at 11 am. It will be livestreamed by Tobin Brothers Funerals who will set up a link.
"While missing our many friends in the Gong, the last 4 years brought us much joy being closer to family and friends here and the beautiful parkland in our backyard", says Netty.
We are in the countdown now for Ride4Rotary Supporting Youth at Risk in the Illawarra
Funds are used by Southern Youth and Family Services (SYFS) for their Employment Education Program. providing a sustainable future for our vulnerable youth
Sergeant Ken opened the meeting and welcomed our speaker Kirsten and her husband.
The reflection by Helen was on the value of families. Her daughter Hanna came with her to
her first Rotary meeting.
Kerry proposed the international toast to the Rotary Club of Copenhagen and spoke of
events in the small country of Denmark during the second World War.
Anne’s welfare report contained sad news of the passing of past member John Harper and
husband Ben of past member Netty Broekman. More Information has been sent by email.
Anne also mentioned that Arthur might not come to meetings from now on but may attend
other activities.
After the meal, Kerry introduced our speaker, Kirsten Nixon. She told us about the 3 and a
half years writing of her book “Voices of Entrepreneurial Women: Inspiring Stories of Small
Business Owners”. She talked about the importance of passion, courage and perseverance
of the women and also her own battle with Parkinson's.
Wine raffle winners were Kerry, who gave hers to Kristen, and Patrick.
Phil gave a short overview of Clubrunner, thanked members who commented on the District Budget and mentioned the upcoming District Assembly.
Last Week’s Meeting Minutes: Scribe – Helen Hasan
