The Rotary Clubs of Gerringong and Kiama are funding and administering the delivery of a two day Mental Health First Aid course in May for interested members of our local community.
Mental Health First Aid courses have been shown to assist with early-intervention, increase mental health literacy and teach the practical skills needed to support someone experiencing a mental health problem, experiencing a worsening of an existing mental health problem or in a mental health crisis.
Participants develop the skills to assist until appropriate professional help is received or the crisis resolves.
Adult Mental Health First Aid – May 3 and 4, Tuesday and Wednesday at Kiama Pavilion
Youth Mental Health First Aid – May 19 and 20. Thursday and Friday at the Gerringong Library
These courses are being offered free of charge to residents of the Kiama Municipality.
For additional information or to enrol please contact Helen Stirling: helenstirling@bigpond.com or Sandra McCarthy: Sandra.McCarthy@internode.on.net
This is a program that has been supported by the local Rotary clubs for the last 14 years. It has already been delivered to over 800 members of our local community to better manage their own mental health and wellbeing as well as providing them with skills to more effectively help others who experience mental illness. The course introduces participants to the main types of mental illness that impacts individuals in our community and assists participants to understand the help that is available and how and when to access it whilst ensuring dignity and respect of the illness sufferer.
Kiama Rotary Club marks its 70th anniversary by recognising others through a ‘Spirit of Community Award” during our platinum celebration in May, 2022.
Nominations are invited for an individual who volunteers their time to give selfless service to the community for the benefit of others.
Members of the community are invited to submit a nomination for an individual resident of the Kiama LGA who they consider has given significant service directly to the Kiama community or in a wider regional or international context.
The Club will celebrate its 70th anniversary in May and wants to recognise those who embody the Rotary ideal of Service above Self as part of marking this special occasion.
There is no age limitation on who can be nominated and the service can be individual or as a participant in clubs, service organisations, volunteer organisations or other community groups.
A panel of independent judges will select a shortlist of finalists who will be invited to attend a Recognition Event on Monday 2 May hosted by the Rotary Club. At this event each finalist will be appropriately recognised for their selfless service and an overall winner will be announced.
Nominations close at midnight on Friday 8 April 2022.
Submissions must be made on the official Nomination Form at this link:
https://forms.gle/tmMRyzCuF23esjrdA
Enquiries to spiritofcommunityawards@rotarykiama.org.au
Rotary Club of Kiama will be offering Free Men’s Health Checks on Feb 5 and 7 near the Old Fire Station in Hindmarsh Park.
The Men’s Health Education Rural Van (MHERV) offers health screening services free of charge. A male nurse working out of a purpose-built caravan will be in Kiama to offer these services on Saturday 5 February from 9.30-12.30 and Monday Feb 7 from 9.30 – 3.30
This initiative has been developed by Rotary in NSW to ensure men are receiving health screening. Many men are notorious for not finding time to see their GP for check-ups. Whilst the program is targeted at men, women are welcome to take advantage of a free screening. The MHERV nurse will be conducting tests and discussing any health concerns in the privacy of the consulting rooms within the van.
As part of this Rotary initiative, MHERV has been visiting rural centres since 2008, originally way out west, and increasingly in regional centres throughout NSW. The registered nurse offers to screen BP, cholesterol and diabetes as well as having discussions about any health issue of concern. This service is offered in a relaxed, confidential and informal setting under Covid safe guidelines.
Just a 10 mins investment in time can save your life or the life of someone you love.
MHERV is a Rotary Clubs of NSW initiative which is also generously supported by The Royal Freemasons’ Benevolent Institution. The RFBI has provided funds for the registered nurse who will conduct the tests.
The Rotary Club of Kiama will be providing administrative and logistical support as well as accommodation for the nurse whilst he is in Kiama.
MHERV screenings have saved lives and improved health outcomes for many men throughout NSW. Why not take the opportunity for a quick non-invasive check-up.
The Rotary Club of Kiama’s Annual Antiques and Retro Fair planned for January 15-16, 2022 at the Kiama Leisure Centre, in Kiama has been CANCELLED.
This was to be a major fundraising event for the Rotary Club of Kiama but regrettably, COVID restrictions and subsequent cancellations by a number of dealers have left us with no choice but to cancel the event. We hope we’ll be able to hold the Fair in 2023, after cancellations this year and in 2021.
Sad news this week – Passing of immediate past president, David Smark
The members of the Rotary Club of Kiama are deeply saddened by the sudden and unexpected passing of immediate past president, David Smark. His contribution to our club and our community are greatly valued and he will be deeply missed. Last year, Dave took up the role of President for the third time in order to steer the club through the particularly challenging 2020-21 club year. Dave was an exceptional leader who always considered the bigger picture and took all perspectives into account. He was a mentor and good friend to his fellow Rotarians. Dave was the leading light on key projects such as the Melanoma Skin Cancer Screening and a number of new fundraising approaches as well as an active member of all club activities.
During his time with Kiama Rotary, Dave served as President on three occasions in 2003/04, for a part year in 2016/17 and again in 2020/21. In addition, Dave has participated on various Rotary Club Board’s in a number of roles throughout his 20 years of service with us. Dave was a member of Warrandyte Rotary, in north east Melbourne, from March 1986 to June 1994 and an active member of Kiama Rotary since moving to the district and joining us in March 2000.
Rotary rewards outstanding contributions by members with Paul Harris Fellows awards named in honour of the founder of Rotary. Dave was the recipient of three such awards.
We would like to express our condolences to Dave’s wife Maria who is well known to our club through her ongoing support of Dave and regular participation in partner events.
Dave exemplified the Rotary motto of Service Above Self and is a very sad loss to our club.
Carol Jagger Club Member of the Year
The Rotary Club of Kiama is delighted to award Carol Jagger this year’s Robert East Rotary Club of Kiama Member of the Year. The Award is named in honour of past member and President of the Club, the late Robert East, who was a major contributor to the Club, and the Kiama community.
Carol is an outstanding club member whose enthusiasm is infectious. She is always ready to raise her hand in both club service and fellowship. Carol brings new ideas and never hesitates to lend a helping hand to one and all.
The recipient of this Award is voted on by all members of the Club. It is awarded to the member who is deemed by the club members to be most deserving. Voting is anonymous with consideration of the criteria including contribution to the Rotary avenues of service:
o Participation in Club Activities
o Mentoring of new members
o Introduction of new ideas,
o Willingness to help fellow members,
o Contribution to district or Rotary activities
Congratulations to Carol who has also taken up a role on the Board this year. We look forward to her continued leadership and contribution to our vibrant club. Carol joined the Rotary Club of Kiama to develop a greater connection to the community and takes great pleasure from the camaraderie in the club.
2021 CAR Raffle
of Gerringong Sunrise Inc. with each Club’s respective Community Projects to help make a difference in their communities.
living with Parkinson’s Disease; the provision of free Skin Cancer Screening Clinics; support for The Mens’ Shed and ongoing Kiama Municipality Mental Health initiatives
ROTARY KIAMA EMERGES FROM LOCKDOWN
Outgoing President Barry Wilson handed leadership of Rotary Kiama to incoming President Dave Smark at a Dinner on 29 June, hosted at the Sebel Hotel. Members attended either physically or virtually by video, maintaining appropriate “social distance”, to recognize the significant efforts of long term stalwart members Carol Jagger, Peter Maitland and Bruce Johnston, as well as the contribution of outgoing President Barry Wilson.
Rotary Kiama is a Club that serves the community, locally, nationally and internationally. Significant funding has been raised by the Club over the last 12 months to support the battle against Rheumatic Heart Disease, which seriously impacts indigenous children in remote Northern Territory communities at some of the highest rates in the world. The Club was briefed by live video by grateful Doctors Josh Francis and Jennifer Yan who head up the RECARDINA Project in Darwin which trains indigenous health care workers to detect the disease and support treatment of indigenous children in remote communities. The Club intends to continue to support this great project which empowers local communities to support critical health needs locally in remote areas.
Rotary Kiama’s fundraising activities are about to relaunch after the enforced pause due to the pandemic. Look forward to enjoying an egg and bacon roll at the Sunday Markets at Black Beach, or to see the cars at the Kiama Auto Expo in the coming months. Rotary Kiama is about “Service above Self” and fundraising serves the community locally (such as supporting programs at Kiama High and the bushfires), nationally such as RECARDINA, or internationally.
Rheumatic Heart Disease affecting Indigenous Australians
Rotary Kiama has joined several co-sponsors, with the Menzies School of Health Research in Northern Territory, in training Indigenous Health Workers to use a simple handheld echo scanning device to detect the incidence of Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) affecting Indigenous children of the Northern Territory.
In this three-week RHD study of several remote Indigenous communities, many hundreds of children were screened by briefly trained health workers, to compare their results with those of expert sonographers and paediatric cardiologists using identical equipment.
As part of the team, two members of the Rotary Kiama (President Barry Wilson and Director Peter Maitland with their wives) attended and assisted by recording results for the study.
Initial outcomes from the study have been positive. Several cases of RHD were detected and confirmed, as were a significant number of borderline cases. Immediate counselling for the family was provided and where possible prophylactic treatment was initiated.
As part of the study, the team also provided videos that had been produced in local Indigenous languages about the cause and prevention of RHD. These were exceptionally well received,
After detailed analysis of the results are completed, we will better understand if this groundbreaking study has the capacity to proceed to an effective, cost efficient and culturally acceptable method of detecting and identifying Indigenous children who can be identified before RHD symptoms become severe.
Bush Fire Appeals
Recently, the Rotary Club of Kiama was delighted to be asked to be involved in the “Play it Forward – Kiama’s Free Bushfire Relief Concert”. The Kiama and District Business Chamber hosted the event, with funds raised going directly to South Coast communities affected by the bushfires.
We were thrilled to see Kiama families and local businesses support this musical event. Without volunteers in our community, these and similar events would not exist. The Rotary Club of Kiama is one of these many volunteer organisations.
Here are just a few of the projects the Rotary Club of Kiama has supported in the last year:
- National Youth Science Forum, two Kiama High School students, sponsored; (pictured below).
- Elimination of Rheumatic Heart Disease – Northern Territory and Timor Leste;
- Exercise Classes for people living with Parkinson’s in the Kiama Municipality;
- Local Rotary Youth Leadership Awards;
- Financial Support for Mission Australia’s Triple Care Farm at Knight’s Hill;
- Shelter Box purchases for transport to Disaster Zones;
- Madang Hospital Kitchen (PNG) refurbishment from recycled materials from Kiama Hospital;
- Mental Health First Aid Certificate Courses – Kiama High School;
- Free Skin Screening Clinics for Kiama Municipality residents.
Here’s a thought – 2020 is the Year to Volunteer – a new decade, a new beginning and new opportunities. If you are thinking about a volunteer’s role in 2020, The Rotary Club of Kiama would be delighted to welcome you into our Rotary family.
All you need to be is service-minded, have a sense of humour and willingness to be involved. Call John Clarke (0419 546 094).
Kiama Leagues Club Supports Rotary Bush Fire Appeal
Congratulations to Kiama Leagues Club for their generous donation after an outstanding result from the afternoon tea last week. The afternoon tea was well supported by residents, members and club management working together in support of Bushfire victims. Once again- Thank you to Marilyn for collecting the cheque.
ROTARY AND POLIO
Kiama Rotary Club on the Move to end Polio
Poliomyelitis, or polio, is a paralyzing and potentially fatal disease that still threatens children in some parts of the world. Poliovirus invades the nervous system and can cause total paralysis in hours. It can strike people of any age but mainly affects children under five. Polio can be prevented by vaccines, but it is not curable. Unlike most diseases, polio can be eradicated.
PolioPlus
For more than 30 years, Rotary and our partners have driven the effort to eradicate polio worldwide. Our PolioPlus program was the first initiative to tackle global polio eradication by vaccinating children on a massive scale. As a core partner in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, Rotary focuses on advocacy, fundraising, volunteer recruitment, and awareness-building.
Rotary members have contributed $1.9 billion and countless volunteer hours to protect more than 2.5 billion children in 122 countries from this paralyzing disease. Rotary’s advocacy efforts have played a role in decisions by governments to contribute more than $8 billion to the effort.
Polio Today
With our partners, we have reduced polio cases by 99.9 percent, from 350,000 cases in 125 countries in 1988 to just 33 cases caused by the wild virus in 2018. Only two countries continue to report cases of wild poliovirus: Afghanistan and Pakistan. The infrastructure we helped build to end polio is also being used to treat and prevent other diseases and create lasting impact in other areas of public health.
Challenges
Rotary and our partners have made tremendous progress against polio, but eliminating all cases is going to take even more progress and perseverance. Afghanistan and Pakistan face unique challenges, including political insecurity, highly mobile populations, difficult terrain, and, in some instances, logistical barriers. With sufficient resources, the commitment of national governments, and innovations that improve access to remote areas, we are optimistic that we can eliminate polio.
Ensuring Success
Rotary has committed to raising $50 million per year for polio eradication. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has pledged to match that 2-to-1, for a total commitment of $150 million each year. These funds provide much-needed operational support, medical workers, laboratory equipment, and educational materials. Governments, corporations, and private donors all play a crucial role in funding.
Rotary in Action
More than 1 million Rotary members have donated their time and money to eradicate polio, and every year, hundreds of member’s work with health workers to vaccinate children in countries affected by polio. Rotary members work with UNICEF and other partners to prepare and distribute informational materials for people in areas that are isolated by conflict, geography, or poverty. They also mobilize to recruit fellow volunteers, assist in transporting the vaccine, and provide other logistical support.
Free melanoma screening at Kiama Surf Club
The Rotary Clubs of Kiama and Gerringong are leading the fight against Melanoma in their communities through the hosting of free skin cancer screening clinics with the support of local volunteer GP’s.
Of those, 13 people were referred to their own GP’s for further review.
Around a third of those examined had skin lesions necessitating further examination.
Some sites were likely to be melanomas and a small number, Basal Cell Carcinomas.
Melanoma remains the most dangerous skin cancer, impacting more Australians under 39 years old than any other.
Nearly 90 per cent of melanomas are induced through UV exposure, with severe skin damage giving rise to melanoma cells able to take place within only four minutes of sun exposure.
Current medical techniques can only treat Melanoma successfully if it is detected in the early stages of development, allowing the entire tumour to be excised.
The speed in which it spreads, and the fact it thrives in hostile environments with limited nutrients and oxygen, make it particularly challenging to contain.
The Rotary Clubs of Gerringong and Kiama have also invested significant funds raised through the Kiama Auto Expo, into ground-breaking melanoma treatment research by Australian Rotary Health PhD student Sheena Daignault.
Sheena has been experimenting with potential novel therapies for Melanoma including using a specialised drug that ‘tricks’ the body into recognising the cancerous cells as foreign invaders, activating an immune system response. Hopefully further testing will result in a positive outcome?
In the meantime, the clubs will continue to organise cancer screening clinics, aiding in the early detection of melanomas and facilitating treatment
We look forward to helping you before it’s too late.
The Rotary Club of Kiama Invites You to Save the Date for one of Kiama’s Premier 2020 Events
The Kiama Antique and Retro Fair (Celebrating It’s 29th Year) Will be open on:
Saturday, 18th January 2020, 09:30 am to 05:00 pm
Sunday, 19th January 2020, 10:30 am to 03:00 pm
Held in the Kiama Leisure Centre at 1 Havilah Place, Kiama, NSW, 2533.
Adult Entry $10 Concession Entry $7 Children (<16) Free
On site parking available. Light Refreshments for Purchase.
Featuring on the Day: Collectables; Jewellery; Furniture; China & Glass; and much more.
If You Wish to discuss your Participation in this Event or to Arrange the Sale of your Antique or Collectible on Consignment:
Phone: John Worstencroft M: 0419 002 655 or e-mail worsty46@bigpond.net.au
Grants towards our Mental Health Programme at Kiama High School
We are delighted to report that last week our Club received a Stockland Care Grant towards our Kiama High School Teen Mental Health. This week our Club has been awarded an IMB Bank Community Foundation Grant for $5000 which is for the same program.
Trevor Phillis and Mal Bracken attended the presentation on Monday of last week.
Special congratulations to Trevor who was recognised as a Community Hero. Through these awards, the IMB seeks to honour people who work tirelessly in the local community to support others.
Kiama Rotary Club earns Shelter Box Award
Dear Rotary Club of Kiama,
Congratulations on being a ShelterBox Bronze Champion for 2017-2018. Out of over 1100 clubs in Australia you are among an elite group that are dedicated to ensuring families in disaster have shelter in their time of need.
I hope by now you have received your award certificate or our local ShelterBox representative is arranging to present you with this. Attached to this email is your ShelterBox Champion digital logo that you can use to showcase your dedication to disaster relief on your website, social media and newsletters.
We would encourage you to include this logo on your home page to promote the great work you are doing in disaster relief.
I have included some information below if you would like to include this in your communication channels.
ShelterBox is proud to be Rotary International’s Project Partner in disaster relief, further strengthening a global circle of friendship.
This year ShelterBox has launched the ShelterBox Champion Awards to formally acknowledge the amazing support that Rotary provides in supporting families that are left without shelter.
Natural and other disasters are inevitable and frequent, and the need is continuous. In 2018, with global Rotary support, ShelterBox provided shelter and life-saving items for 42,000 families robbed of their homes by disaster and conflict. That is 210,000 people helped on the road to rebuilding and recovery.
ShelterBox Champions are made up of an elite group of Rotary clubs that have identified the continuing need to prepare for and immediately respond to the worst day ever. We would like to congratulate ShelterBox Champions who have made a lasting impact in worldwide disaster response by supporting ShelterBox annually for three consecutive years.
Once again we would like to thank you and congratulate you on your efforts for being one of a handful of ShelterBox Champions in 2017-2018.
We look forward to continue working with you to ensure families receive the emergency aid they need following a disaster.
Kieryn Deutrom
Volunteer Program Manager
ShelterBox Australia
The Rotary Club of Kiama is very active in the Kiama Community hosting key fundraising events: Antiques and Retro Fair; the Festival of Choirs; the Apple Drive, the Auto Expo and monthly BBQs at the Kiama Seaside Markets. Rotary is structured so that every dollar raised goes directly to projects. Over $60,000 of funds raised were distributed to community service projects in the last financial year.
There is more to Rotary then meets the eye. As a Rotarian you are automatically a member of a global network of likeminded people who want to make a difference in the world. Rotarians are welcome to attend any Rotary meeting anywhere in the world. Kiama Rotary Club has hosted visitors from England, Scotland, South Africa and Padstow in the last couple of months.
A delegation of Rotarians including President Elect, Barry Wilson, are currently on tour in India as part of the, Rotary initiated, End Polio Now program. Local Rotarians led by Trevor Phillis are planning a visit to Madang in Papua New Guinea to install a recycled kitchen in the hospital in early March.
Rotary offers many avenues of community service. Another example is “Let’s Talk – Mental Health and Suicide in our Community” a Rotary event to raise awareness of and lead the conversation of mental health and suicide. The objective is to determine how we can work together in our communities to build resilience. Dr Andrew Rochford will be the MC for this event which will feature speakers such as legendary Rugby League player and commentator Wally Lewis, and Rev. Keith Garner AM, President of Sydney Rotary Club and CEO of Wesley Mission. On Saturday 23 February 2019 at 10:00am at the Wesley Conference Centre, Sydney.
If you would like to find out more about Rotary in Kiama you can contact us via the Rotary Club of Kiama Facebook page, email us at kiamarotary@gmail.com or join us at any one of our regular weekly meeting on Monday nights at the Kiama Leagues Club from 6.30 pm for 7pm dinner. Contact John Kenny on 0434 989 253 to attend a meeting.
Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment
The Rotary Club of Kiama is once again supporting local youth to engage in development opportunities. We are currently looking for nominations of young people to participate in RYPEN (Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment). This program is for young people aged from 14 to 16 years and caters for teenagers who have exhibited the qualities of decency, courage, persistence, sincerity, and application in everyday life, which deserve further development.
RYPEN uses the common bonds of learning, co-operation, and friendship to design activities which facilitate trust and self-esteem. RYPEN seeks to broaden each participant’s horizons culturally, socially, and academically, providing the inner foundations for a strong future.
The camp will run on the weekend of in 5-7 April at Teen Ranch, Cobbity. Transport can be provided by Rotarians who are authorised for working with children.
Application forms need to be downloaded from the District website: https://rotarydistrict9675.org/page/rypen
If you are aware of a young person who has the potential to benefit from this experience please contact Heather Morton via email morton.heather@calderwoodcs.nsw.edu.au
or Mal Bracken mbracken37@gmail.com mobile: 0414 905 616.
What did we do in 2018?
During the Rotary Club of Kiama’s AGM on Monday December the 3rd we took the opportunity to reflect on the club’s fundraising efforts throughout the year and the disbursement of those funds. The outgoing Treasurer, Trevor Phillis, led us through the key financials for the year to July 1, 2018.
The Rotary Club of Kiama’s major fundraising activities are the Antique Fair on 19-20 January in 2019, the Festival of Choirs in October, Auto Expo in November (a joint initiative with Gerringong Rotary) and an annual apple drive in May. Regular BBQs at the Kiama Seaside Market each month compliment the major events. Community support for all off these events is greatly valued and makes it possible for Rotary to support local and international programs.
A summary of how the funds raised in the 2017-2018 year were dispersed:
- $21,600 Local Youth Programs (mental health at Kiama High School, RYLA, RYPEN, Science Forum, Youth Centre and a literacy program for disadvantaged pre-schoolers)
- $11,000 Melanoma Research (ground breaking research into treatment of Melanoma)
- $8000 PNG Madang Project (supporting hospital and education for over 30 years)
- $4600 ROMAC (Rotary Oceania Medical for Children – providing lifesaving and dignity restoring surgery to children from the Pacific Region)
- $4000 Rotary Foundation (donations in recognition of guest speakers forwarded to Rotary’s global charity)
- $2000 Polio Plus (a global Rotary program to eradicate Polio)
- $2000 Shelterbox (providing life necessities to homeless victims of natural disasters and conflict)
- $1,500 Invictus Games
- $1,000 Kiama Dementia Friendly program
- $1000 Kiama Surf Club
- $1000 Kiama Pipe Band
- $1000 Bushfire Floods Drought Funds
- $1000 RAWCS (Rotary Australia World Community Service a registered Australian Charity funding and co-ordinating volunteers for Rotary projects)
- $500 BlueHaven Retirement Village
You can be confident your financial support for Rotary is effective. In January 2018, for the 10th consecutive year, The Rotary Foundation received four stars, the highest rating from Charity Navigator demonstrating both strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency.
In addition to the financial contributions Rotary Volunteers make a difference in the community through volunteer efforts on programs such as mental health first aid, free skin cancer screening, youth development programs, community service award and emergency services training.
Melanoma Research
Following the outstanding success of the Kiama Auto Expo the Rotary Clubs of Gerringong and Kiama came together for a joint meeting to hear from the PhD student jointly sponsored by the clubs.
Sheena Daignault presented to our meeting on her Rotary Health PhD Research into potential novel therapies for Melanoma.
Medical practice today can only treat Melanoma successfully if it is detected in the very early stages of development and the entire tumour can be excised. Melanoma remains the most dangerous skin cancer, and impacts more young Australians under 39 years of age than any other cancer.
Sheena shared with the us the fact that exposure to sun is the biggest risk factor, as around 90% of melanomas are UV induced. She also explained that serious skin damage occurs with only 4 minutes of sun exposure, and this could give rise to precursor Melanoma cells. The characteristics of Melanoma that make it particularly challenging to treat is the speed with which it spreads and the fact that it thrives in hostile environments with limited nutrients and oxygen. Like many cancers the biggest obstacle to treatment is by causing a mutation of the body’s own cells the immune system does not identify the cancer as a pathogen or foreign object and does not mount a full immune response.
Sheena’s ground-breaking research involves removing melanoma cells from the body and killing them with a drug that is known to kill Melanoma cells. By killing the cells and exposing internal compartments that the body doesn’t recognise, she hopes to trick the immune system into identifying the cells as foreign invaders so the immune system can respond. Importantly, this drug is already registered with the FDA approval in another cancer type.
When Sheena uses a mouse model to reintroduce the dead mouse Melanoma cells back into the mouse the immune system recognises them as a pathogen and works to arrack the living Melanoma. Research to date has shown promising results. Sheena expects to finish this research in the next 18 months.
Free Skin Cancer Screening Clinics
In the meantime, early detection is critical to saving lives particularly of young people. We continue on the local initiative of the Gerringong and Kiama Rotary clubs running free screening programs with the support of local volunteer practitioners. During the Auto Expo we screened 90 participants. Around 28% were referred for further investigation. A couple of the lesions were likely to be Melanomas and a handful of Basal Cell Carcinomas.
We are working with local SLSCs to run screenings in December and January but encourage you to take the opportunity for you and your loved ones to be screened by your GP on a regular basis.
Kiama Auto Expo – Sunday 11 November 2018
The Gerringong and Kiama Rotary Clubs are holding their annual Kiama Auto Expo on Sunday 11 November 2018 at the very scenic and centrally located Kiama Showground. This is an exciting opportunity for all the family to enjoy with an emphasis on fun and entertainment for all ages. Jumping castles, face painting, musical entertainment and refreshments will all be on hand.
For the motor enthusiast there will be a smorgasbord of vehicles on display. The focus is on classic, vintage and veteran cars and bikes but anyone interested in showing a vehicle can take advantage of this opportunity. Last year’s event was a huge success with 230 cars on display and many stall sites resulting in a stimulating day out.
This year our fund raising will go towards skin cancer and melanoma screening and research and supporting a PhD Student whose research is related to finding a cure for melanoma.
Rotary will once again be offering free skin checks on the day carried out by local general practitioners who volunteer their time for skin cancer prevention. This program initiated by the Gerringong and Kiama Rotary Clubs has already resulted in 270 people being screened and two melanomas being detected earlier enough for lifesaving intervention.
We are again expecting a large display of vintage, classic and veteran cars and motorbikes together with vendors stalls. This year we will be including demonstrations by SES on the jaws of life and RFS will demonstrate their capabilities There will also be a number of automotive related presentations being held on site in the Showground Pavilion.
A special attraction at this year’s event will be the exhibition of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. The replica Chiity was built by retired limousine builder, Mile Ellard in Berry NSW. Based on the Ian Fleming classic and 1968 movie. It has taken over 2 years to complete the construction. Mike spent many hours perfecting the wings. They now work beautifully and appear magically at the turn of a key and Chitty looks ready to fly. Chitty will be a highlight of the day.
The Monster Raffle will be drawn on the day. Tickets will be available at the Rotary stalls at the event. The prizes include:
- 1st prize: Travel to the value of $2000 (Cruise World Holidays, Gerringong)
- 2nd prize: 2 nights accommodation for 2 people (including breakfast) Park Ridge Retreat, Gerringong
- 3rd prize: 2 adult passes, Jamberoo Action Park (value $140)
- 4th prize: Family pass C1 Speed Indoor Karting at Albion Park Rail (value $100)
We appreciate the support of our sponsors making this raffle possible.
It is not too late to enter an exhibit. Exhibiting your vehicle is free. There is a small charge for stallholders. Address enquires to Bob on 02 42341336 or email kiamaautoexpo@gmail.com. Individual entries will be accepted on the day and auto clubs are encouraged to book in advance.
If you belong to a car club or are a private car enthusiast please put this event on your calendar and take time out to enjoy a fun filled day in beautiful Kiama. Bring the whole family. They are bound to enjoy Kiama.
On the day an entry donation of $5 per person is requested. Children 12 years of age and under are free. Gates are open to the public from 9:00am to 2:30pm. Kiama Showground is centrally located and an easy walk from the train station and to all of the major tourist attractions.
Rotary in the Community
The Rotary Club of Kiama was delighted to have the opportunity to host the Kiama Council Car Boot Sale last weekend. There was a large contingent of Rotarians on hand and it was a pleasure to be able to support the local community by managing the parking for the participants, access to the event along with the provision of a Rotary BBQ. The gold coin donations received from visitors will contribute to Rotary’s community service work. We were pleased with the extraordinary weather on the day and a wonderful atmosphere and thank the community for their support.
We would like to remind you to save the date for another community event. The Rotary Club of Kiama will be hosting the annual Festival of Choirs on the afternoon of Sunday October 7 at the Pavilion in the Kiama Showground staring from 12.45pm This event is as a celebration of choral achievement and helps raise funds in support of Rotary’s local and international community service projects.
Performers young and old will provide an outstanding afternoon of choral entertainment. Seven choirs will perform on the day, including:
– Illawarra Youth Vocal Ensemble
– Southern Lights Vocal Academy
– Kiama Probus Men’s Choir
– Shoalhaven Lydian Singers
– Sing Gong Go
– Wollongong Harmony Choir
– Sing Australia Kiama
This is an ideal outing for the entire family including the elderly as the venue is fully accessible.
The next major event on the Rotary calendar is the Auto Expo on Sunday Nov 11 also at the Kiama Showground. This is a combined initiative by the Rotary Clubs of Kiama and Gerringong to raise funds for the prevention of skin cancer and melanoma. We invite entries from cars and bikes and encourage vintage, veteran and classic auto clubs to participate. There will be hundreds of cars on display as well as a range of activities for the entire family and free skin screening by local GPs.
MENTAL HEALTH EDUCATION FOR KIAMA YOUTH
Member for Kiama Gareth Ward MP announced funding that enables the next stage of Kiama Rotary Club’s Mental Health Intervention Project to be run at Kiama High School. More young people in Kiama will learn how to recognise mental health problems and reach out for support if they or their peers need it, thanks to $8,000 funding from the New South Wales Government. “Early interventions initiatives like this project are a vital part of helping young people who may be experiencing mental health problems,” Mr Ward said.
Mr Ward made the announcement with Principal Catherine Glover and representatives from the Rotary Club of Kiama including Trevor Phillis and Mal Bracken during a visit to Kiama High School, on Friday July 6. Principal Catherine Glover and School Councillor Nathan Vickery of Kiama High School have thrown their full support behind the program. Principal Glover said: “We are very appreciative of this funding which will allow Kiama High School to continue its proactive approach to empowering our students. Nathan Vickery, a school counsellor, has been trained as an instructor to deliver Mental Health First Aid to staff in our Wellbeing Team and all Year 8 and 10 students.”
“It is a key component in our Wellbeing Program and provides evidence-based education which gives young people the skills to identify and respond to risks. We have enjoyed working in partnership with the Rotary Club of Kiama to maintain a strong focus in promoting mental health,” Ms Glover said.
Member for Kiama Gareth Ward MP making the announcement at Kiama High School today with Principal Catherine Glover and representatives from the Rotary Club of Kiama including Trevor Phillis and Mal Bracken.
Dr John McAlpine Dr Mark Burgess Dr Robyn Dalley
Kiama Pipe Band Marching Strong
The sound of the pipes and the beat of the drums can always draw a crowd and this was certainly the case on Sunday 24 June when Kiama Pipe Band performed in Hindmarsh Park.
The Band has a strong community focus and receives support from Kiama Rotary and Lions Clubs and the Kiama/Jamberoo RSL sub branch. On Sunday the Rotary Club of Kiama presented a donation of $1000 to help maintain the band into the future.
The kilt in the uniform is the “Red Ulster” tartan and this was chosen to maintain the link between Kiama and the many early pioneers of the district who came from that part of Ireland. The band is very cosmopolitan, having both male and female players from Australia, Ireland and America in its ranks.
The band and individual pipers are in great demand for ANZAC commemoration events and to play at weddings and funerals. Under the direction of Pipe Major Paul Wells the band is always willing to offer its support for local community events where the presence of the band can add some colour and spectacle.
A key goal of the band is to develop its playing strength so that the Kiama Community can continue to enjoy the benefits of having its own Pipe Band. We offer free tuition to young and old who are interested in learning to play pipes or drums so if anyone would like to get involved we would love to hear from you.
Contact the Secretary John Kenny on 0434 989 253 or send us an e mail at kiamapipeband@gmail.com for further information on bookings or to express interest in joining the band.
Pipe Major of Kiama Pipe Band Paul Wells receiving a donation from Bill Humphreys on behalf of Kiama Rotary Club.
Ian and Carole were part the team who initiated the Rotary Emergency Service Community Awards. This awards program was initially developed in the Illawarra and has now been rolled out statewide. These awards recognize and celebrate the outstanding service, sacrifice and spirit of all emergency service personnel, both volunteers and paid, who are at the front line of emergency response.
In 2017, Ian Johnston initiated a vocational training project in Vanuatu. Surprisingly, Vanautu has one of the highest risks of natural disasters anywhere in the world and until now has been ill equipped to respond. Tsunamis, cyclones and earthquakes are just some of the natural risks. Ian led a multi disciplinary team of senior trainers from NSW organizations; SES, Fire and Rescue, Rural Fire Service (RFS) and Volunteer Rescue Association (VRA). They visited and educated over 40 personnel from Vanuatu’s emergency services teams and will be following up with further training, equipment and maintenance support.
We wish Carole and Ian all the best in the next era of lives together and look forward to updates on their travels and continued leadership in humanitarian programs.
Last week Rotary Club of Kiama was addressed by Australian Paralympian wheelchair basket baller Brett Stibners. He resides in the Illawarra and is part of the WorkCover Paralympian speakers program designed to share personal experiences about the impact accidents can have on work and life and the importance of constant vigilance about safety at work.
WorkCover’s Paralympian Speakers Program sponsors athletes who have suffered permanent disabilities but gone on to achieve outstanding sporting success.
Brett was involved in a serious motor vehicle accident, when he was just 20 years old, on Picton Rd in 2001. It resulted in his left leg being amputated at the knee and his right leg being seriously and irreparably damaged. The accident happened at 11am when he had a nano sleep while traveling between jobs. He had started work early that day but had not had a night out or late night before. A simple lapse of a couple of seconds had a dramatic impact on his life.
Brett was an elite athlete in hockey prior to his accident and had just been informed of his selection to an Australian representative team. Brett’s transition to success in wheelchair basketball did not come easily. Once he had been convinced to give it a go, and realized it filled a gap in his life, he had a long hard road to his eventual selection to represent Australia. Advised he was unlikely to make the representative team he relocated to Spain where there is more opportunity to compete regularly and develop his skills.
Eventually, he was invited to represent Australia, Brett was part of the the wheelchair basketball team, the Australian Rollers, who won the Gold Medal in Bejing and the Silver Medal in the London in 2012. Representing Australia has given him the opportunity to travel the world and he continues to be an advocate for workplace safety.
Our Rotary Club invites you attend a premiere of the highly acclaimed film Breath, based on Tim Winton’s novel about surf, our culture and coming of age, at the Roxy Theatre in Nowra, Thurs May 3 starting at 7pm for refreshments. Screening at 7.45pm.
This private screening is a fundraiser for a project in Kenya to support a team of nurses to provide basic health care to Kenyans. There is no public health available in poorer areas of Kenya. The funds raised will assist to cover nursing and medical costs for procedures that require hospital care when an Australian team visits in August.
The Breath premiere event is being organised by Kate Thomas who recently joined Kiama Rotary. She is working with Rotary Kenya Health team in conjunction with Mt Warning Rotary club. Tickets are $20 and cover refreshments on arrival and the screening.
Kate Thomas plans to be one of the Rotary volunteers engaged in an international medical mission in Kenya in August this year. Rotary Health provide preventive health care services to thousands of children in the poorest neighborhoods of Kenya including the slum areas of Nairobi. Kate will be a member of a volunteer nursing team working in Kenya for four weeks.
Kate Thomas.
More than 70 volunteer doctors, dentists, opticians, nurses and non medical volunteers from around the world have been returning to Kenya, annually, to provide their services to a multi-disciplinary team led by Rotary which has been making a difference for the last decade.
More than 12,000 children and young people up to the age of 20 have been screened and treated during these ‘health and hygiene’ visits. There is a focus on those living in the Nairobi slums of Mukuru, Mathare and Korogocho, where the poverty rate is high and access to preventive health care extremely limited.
Projects that have been undertaken during the visits include: the setting up of dental clinics at local schools, eye treatment and examinations where the optical team produced prescription spectacles, and specialist HIV/Aids counseling and treatment. A 150 foot-deep water well was also built in the village of Mithini, to put an end to residents having to walk miles each day to haul water from a polluted source.
You can assist with this humanitarian project. Donate directly at kenyahealth.org.
You are also invited to attend a fundraising gala screening of the film “Breath” at the Roxy cinema in Nowra, on Thursday 3 May. Refreshments at 7pm and screening at 7:45. Tickets are $20. You can purchase a ticket through trybooking.com. https://www.trybooking.com/book/event?eid=366418& or contact Kate on 0418 648102.
The film is a highly acclaimed adaptation of Tim Winton’s novel about surf, culture and coming of age. Margaret Pomeranz calls Breath “A sublime adaptation of Tim Winton’s novel, Simon Baker’s debut feature is a knockout! It’s just beautful!”
If you would like to join us on the night or support the project by donation contact Kate on 0418 648102 or book through trybooking.com.
Weekly News for 20 Feb 2018
Minister for Emergency Services Troy Grant launched the 2018 Rotary Emergency Services Community Awards (RESCA) on February 6.
Service Above Self: Kiama Rotary’s Ian and Carole Johnston (left) were presented with Paul Harris Fellow recognitions by Governor of NSW, General David Hurley, and his wife Linda.
Mr Grant thanked Rotary for establishing the awards, which highlight the invaluable work undertaken by emergency services personnel and volunteers, who often go above and beyond the call of duty.
“The men and women in our emergency services epitomise the traits that bind and strengthen our communities,” Mr Grant said.
“Our emergency services have proudly chosen to devote their time to the service and protection of the community. They are often the first on the scene in times of crisis, and are the lifesaving hands that work to rescue or assist those in desperate need.
“As first responders their contribution to this state is immeasurable and these awards highlight their actions and service.”
In line with the Rotary motto of Service Above Self, the Emergency Services Community Awards recognise emergency services personnel for their community service beyond the call of normal duties.
The awards are the only time that all emergency services personnel, both paid and volunteer, are recognised in a combined awards ceremony.
The expansion of the Awards for the ACT will be the first step in initiating a National Awards recognition, with each State and Territory using the NSW model to recognise and celebrate their unsung heroes.
The Rotary Clubs of Illawarra piloted this very successful project over three years with the support of the local community and emergency services.
On the night it was an opportunity to recognise the services of two Rotarians who have worked tirelessly and shaped the project since its inception – Ian and Carole Johnston of the Rotary Club of Kiama.
Ian and Carole are moving to Canada in April. This was an ideal opportunity to recognise their dedication and service through the Award of Rotary International’s very prestigious Paul Harris Fellow – PHF – Recognitions, two each from the Rotary District and from the Committee of the Awards.
These added to existing PHF recognitions for each of them. The Governor of NSW, His Excellency, The Hon David Hurley, Patron of RESCA, pinned the PHF sapphire presented to Ian; while Mrs Hurley presented it to Carole.
Members of the public and emergency services workers are encouraged to act now, submit online nominations via the awards website at http://www.rotaryescawards.org.au.
Nominations will close at midnight on Wednesday, March 28. A panel of independent judges from Rotary Districts will assess nominees on three key criteria:
- Community service above and beyond the call of normal duties, which best exemplifies Rotary’s motto of Service Above Self;
- Personal attributes; and
- Contribution to their organisation.
Finalists will be announced on April 11, and an awards dinner will be hosted on Friday, June 1.
For further information, contact Dot Hennessy on 0412 130 314 or by email: dothennessy@gmail.com.
27th Annual Antiques Fair comes to Kiama
Kiama Rotary’s 27th Annual – Antiques and Retro Charity Fair was held on the 20th and 21st of January 2018 at Kiama Leisure Centre.
The Fair is the club’s largest single fundraiser of the year and has become a fixture on Kiama’s event calendar for locals and visitors alike. Funds raised help support important Rotary projects such as: polio eradication, international humanitarian aid and various local youth programs.
Local and out-of-town dealers offered a wide selection of items for sale including: furniture, jewellery, silver, china, porcelain, textiles, books, toys, Asian artefacts and many other interesting collectables at the Fair.
Photos courtesy of NEG Photography
Weekly News for 24 Nov 2017
Last week, we heard a very informative presentation from Helen Zwicker, CEO of the Kiama Community College. The College is a not-for-profit, community-based centre for adult education and provides courses for a wide range of clients. Helen spoke of Vocational and Education Training courses in subjects such as beauty and haircare, Certificate 4 courses to train people for vocational opportunities in subjects such as bookkeeping as well as art/craft courses that allow people to make the most of their lives embracing creativity, teamwork and fellowship.
Kiama Rotarian John Kenny is Literacy & Numeracy Co-ordinator at the college while Rotarians Marilyn Jarret and Tonia Barnes volunteer to assist students who struggle with their learning.
Two Kiama Rotarians were recently recognised for their community service. Peter Maitland was presented with a special award by Member for Kiama, Gareth Ward MP, in recognition of 50 years of community service as a Justice of the Peace while Carole Johnston was presented with the Robert East Memorial Award for Community Service by Kiama Council.
These are five great examples of how Kiama Rotarians are making a difference in our community.
Weekly News for 13 Nov 2017
November is Rotary Foundation Month when we focus attention on the history and work undertaken by Rotary’s major humanitarian fund.
The mission of The Rotary Foundation is to enable Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty.
The foundation celebrated its 100th anniversary earlier this year and during that time, the Foundation has spent over $3 billion on life-changing, sustainable projects. The largest single project is its polio eradication project where 99.9 percent of all international polio cases have been wiped out.
We had a very enjoyable dinner with family and friends at Kiama Golf Club last week and had all hands-on-deck with Gerringong Rotary for the Kiama Car Spectacular in support of Melanoma research at the Showground on the weekend.
Next weekend we will run our famous barbeque at the Kiama Seaside Markets in support of our various humanitarian projects, including the Rotary Foundation. Drop by and enjoy a tasty meal while supporting a worthy cause at the same time.
Weekly News for 2 Nov 17
Weekly News for 26 July 17
It is amazing to see what Kiama Rotarians get up to when they are not running one of their famous barbeques or other fundraising events. Following is a list of just some of the activities that club members were involved in last week.
- Assembly of new signage for Saddleback Mountain Lookouts,
- final preparations for the Emergency Services Training Team deployment to Vanuatu next month,
- co-ordination of Rotary Australia World Community Service’s Eastern Region Conference in Kiama,
- selling raffle tickets for the Kiama Car Spectacular in support of Melanoma Research, organisation of the upcoming Rotary NSW Emergency Services Community Awards presentation dinner in Sydney,
- assisting Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children in bringing sick kids to Australia for much needed medical treatment,
- planning the upcoming Festival of Choirs,
- communications with the Rotary Club of Madang, Papua New Guinea regarding unpacking the shipping container we recently sent,
- development of a new Youth Mental Health program at Kiama High School and finally,
- eight members spent one morning helping a friend who is having some medical
The club is certainly living up to this year’s international theme – Rotary: Making a Difference.
Weekly News for 23 July 17
Kiama Rotary will have the pleasure of hosting the Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS) Eastern Region’s, Annual and General Meeting in Kiama during the weekend of 5 – 6 August 2017. RAWCS Eastern Region spans much of NSW and ACT.
RAWCS supports Australian Rotarians and Rotary Clubs in assisting disadvantaged communities and individuals around the world with humanitarian aid projects. In 2016, RAWCS provided more than $31.3 million for overseas humanitarian aid projects and undertook 408 overseas aid projects in 22 countries. 147 of those projects were undertaken by clubs in Eastern Region.
Our club has a long history of supporting RAWCS projects. Many of our members have worked on overseas humanitarian projects. Particularly in Papua New Guinea and Timor Leste.
Current Kiama Rotary President, Lloyd Chatfield is Eastern Region’s Volunteer Co-ordinator while Past President Graham Morphet and Rotarian Bobbie East both remain very active in supporting RAWCS projects.
Weekly News for 7 July 17
Past President Trevor Phillis presented a cheque for $500 on behalf of Kiama Rotary to the local SCARF (Strategic Community Assistance for Refugee Families) refugee support group last week. The club has been supporting this program for several years and is part of our ongoing commitment to helping the local community.
SCARF facilitates a range of targeted programs to help refugee entrants navigate the practical and personal challenges of resettlement. Their mission is to see refugee families happily settled and participating fully in the life of the wider community.
President Lloyd Chatfield and four Kiama members attended the District changeover event in Sydney last weekend. District 9675 comprises over 60 clubs located from Sydney CBD in the north, west to the foothills of the mountains and south to Kiama. As well as contributing thousands of hours of voluntary work in local communities, district clubs also raised several million dollars for various local and international humanitarian projects. This was helped make possible through the generous support of our many supporters and friends. We thank you.
Weekly News for 2 July 17
President David Smark handed over leadership of Kiama Rotary to incoming President Lloyd Chatfield at our Changeover Dinner last week.
David reported that the club had another very successful year and as well as having a very enjoyable time, we distributed over $57,000 to various local and international projects. This was in addition to the $50,000 grant previously allocated for the refurbishment of the Saddleback Mountain Southern Lookout and opened in November 2016. It was great to see the new lookout featured nationally on a recent Channel 9 Today Show broadcast from Kiama.
David commended Past President David Chambers for his co-leadership of the club prior to his relocation to Tasmania earlier this year.
Congratulations go to Past President Trevor Phillis who received the Robert East Award for being elected Rotarian of the Year as voted on by fellow members.
Past President Mal Bracken and Rotarian Bobby East were each awarded a Paul Harris Fellow with Sapphire Pin for their ongoing dedication and commitment to helping others through Rotary.
The New Board
Weekly News for 19 June 17
Judging is currently underway for the 2017 Rotary NSW Emergency Services Community Awards. In keeping with Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self”, the awards acknowledge and celebrate outstanding community service of NSW Emergency Services Personnel. Funds raised through the event support two important Rotary initiatives: (1) an Australian Rotary Health, PhD Research Scholarship investigating Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in Emergency Services Personnel and (2) a Rotary Vocational Training Team to travel to Vanuatu to conduct Emergency and Disaster Preparedness training.
The training team will comprise five senior NSW Emergency Service Trainers and will be led by Kiama Rotarian, Ian Johnston. Their goal will be to educate Vanuatu Emergency Service Professionals regarding the latest thinking and best practices relating to disaster preparedness and response.
According to the United Nations University World Risk Index, Vanuatu is the world’s most at-risk country for natural hazards. In the event of a major disaster occurring, local emergency service agencies are on their own for at least the first 48 – 72 hours before foreign aid can begin to arrive. Therefore, they need to be well trained and self-sufficient to cover this critical period.
Rotary Supporting Scouts and a Dementia Friendly Kiama
The Rotary Club of Kiama is once again acknowledging the great work taking place in all sectors of the community by presenting cheques this week to the Kiama Scouts and the Dementia-Friendly Kiama Initiative this week.
Dave Smark, President, Rotary Kiama stated that “the club has had a long and rewarding relationship with the Kiama Scouts since Kiama Rotary assisted with the construction of the Scout Hall in 1952, our clubs first community project in Kiama.” The Scouts contribute greatly to the community both through the learning and development of Kiama’s youth through to supporting many community initiatives.
Kiama Scouts Group Leader Mr Greg Crofts stated that Rotary’s generous donation will assist the Scouts in purchasing a new oven for the kitchen. The new oven will not only benefit the Scouts but many community groups that use the hall on a regular basis including local charity Homestead of Hope for providing lunch to those in need every Tuesday and Thursday.
President Dave Smark presented an additional $1,000 to Nick Guggisberg, Manager Community & Cultural Development for Kiama Council. This funding is for Rotary’s continued support of the Dementia-Friendly Kiama initiative. Mr Smark stated “Rotary is pleased to support this important initiative. Dementia, although more prevalent in the elderly can strike at anyone at any time.”
Through the development of this project, Kiama is able to listen to what is important to people living with dementia in the Kiama community. The Kiama Local Dementia Alliance includes people with dementia and representatives from local government, community organisations, businesses and schools. Kiama’s Local Dementia Alliance meet regularly to support, discuss, provide advice and promote the dementia-friendly Kiama initiative. It supports local organisations and businesses to become dementia-friendly with training and resources developed by Alzheimer’s Australia for staff.
The project helps raise awareness of dementia with information sessions, public lectures and educational opportunities for all members of the community; and works with organisations to promote volunteering, employment and other social engagement opportunities for people with dementia. It also works to improve the physical environment in Kiama and surrounds, such as providing better signage in public areas.
If you are interested in learning more about Rotary’s programs and how you can get involved please contact the Rotary Club of Kiama on 0401 177 799 or visit http://rotarykiama.org.au and follow us on Facebook – www.facebook.com/RotaryKiama .
Weekly News for 5 June 17
Kiama Rotarians joined our Berry colleagues last weekend at their annual Celtic Fair held at Berry Showground. As well as cooking our usual barbeque fare, we also served a variety of Celtic cuisine including haggis, blood pudding and Scottish sausage. Club members Bill Humphreys and John Kenny participated with the Kiama Pipe Band while stalwart member Ray Thorburn served as a judge.
Minister for Emergency Services, The Hon Troy Grant MP announced the 24 finalists in the 2017, Rotary NSW Emergency Services Community Awards at Parliament House on Tuesday. The awards recognise and celebrate outstanding community service performed by NSW Emergency Service Personnel. Funds raised support two important Rotary initiatives namely, PhD Research to investigate Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in Emergency Service workers and an Emergency Services Team going to Vanuatu later this year to conduct training in emergency and disaster preparedness.
Family, friends, supporters and the general public are invited to attend the Awards Presentation Dinner to be held at the Bankstown Sports Club on August 4th. Tickets can be purchased online at: www.RotaryESCawards.org.au.
Weekly News for 14 May 17
Apples, apples and even more lovely, pink-lady apples freshly picked and delivered direct from Batlow.
Rotarians Alan Waterworth and Joe Mura drove down to Batlow and back on Tuesday to collect this year’s supply of apples straight from the orchard. This annual fundraising event is a much-anticipated delicacy for local apple fanciers.
Rotary family and friends were on hand to receive delivery and spent a strenuous but enjoyable few hours bagging the apples ready for sale around town. We have been able to keep the same price of $5 per bag – the same as previous years.
The apples will be available at various outlets around town including Kiama Newsagency, Kiama Leisure Centre and more. Funds raised will help support our various local and international projects.
Rotary Supports Local Youth Projects
Last week, the Rotary Club of Kiama celebrated its ongoing involvement in several local youth projects by holding a special Youth Service dinner at Kiama Leagues Club.
Special guests included: Kiama High School’s Student Wellbeing and Engagement Teacher Ms Jane Littrich, Mr Andrew Chatfield from Kiama Youth Centre and Rotary Program of Enrichment (RYPEN) students Bridget McCormack and Jade Vidilini accompanied by their families.
RYPEN program is for young people aged 14 – 16 years and caters for teenagers who have shown qualities of decency, courage, persistence, sincerity and application in everyday life, which deserve further development. RYPEN uses the common bonds of learning, co-operation and friendship to design activities while facilitate trust and self-esteem. RYPEN seeks to broaden each participant’s horizons culturally, socially and academically, providing the inner foundations for a strong future.
If you are interested in learning more about Rotary’s Youth programs, please contact the Rotary Club of Kiama Youth Director Heather Morton on 0401 177 799 or visit http://rotarykiama.org.au and follow us on facebook.com/RotaryKiama.
Mal Bracken, Kiama Rotary Acting Youth Director presented Kiama High School with a cheque for $1,800 to support of the introduction of the Junior Top Blokes “Crossroads” Program at Kiama High. The program will be delivered by the Top Blokes Foundation and will deliver an innovative social education program to empower teenage boys to make healthy life choices and improve their health and wellbeing.
Mal also presented $1,000 to the Kiama Youth Centre to assist the funding of Young Women’s and Men’s Programs which help build resilience, capacity and encouraging positive approaches to life. Andrew Chatfield said: “The financial contribution from Kiama Rotary is really going to help more local, young men and women than we can currently serve. With the various issues that are prevalent amongst young people within the community, I think as a community and working together in partnership we can start addressing some of these issues.”
Miss McCormack and Miss Vidilini spoke enthusiastically about their recent experiences at RYPEN and how it provided them with a positive experience including: a heightened sense of self-confidence, knowledge and skills regarding stress management plus making many new friendships.
The 2017 Rotary NSW Emergency Services Community Service Awards
The 2017 Rotary NSW Emergency Services Community Service Awards will remain open for an additional week due to the delayed opening of the nomination period. Unfortunately, the planned opening coincided with the recent floods on the North Coast. Members of the public and fellow officers are encouraged to submit entries online at http://www.rotaryescawards.org.au. Nominations now close on Friday 19 May 2017.
2016 Winners
In line with Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self”, the Awards acknowledge and celebrate selfless Community Service of NSW Emergency Services Personnel while supporting two important Rotary initiatives: (1) an Australian Rotary Health – PhD Research Scholarship investigating Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in Emergency Services Personnel and (2) a Vanuatu Emergency & Disaster Preparedness Vocational Training project.
The Awards are open to all emergency services personnel (both paid and volunteer) from the six official NSW emergency service agencies, namely Fire & Rescue NSW, Marine Rescue NSW, NSW Ambulance, NSW Rural Fire Service, NSW State Emergency Service and NSW Volunteer Rescue Association.
Kiama Rotarians have been actively involved in managing this event since its inception.
Weekly News for 10 April 17
The NSW Minister for Emergency Services the Hon Troy Grant MP, launched the 2017 Rotary NSW Emergency Services Community Awards last week.
In line with Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self”, the Awards acknowledge and celebrate selfless Community Service of NSW Emergency Services Personnel while supporting two important Rotary initiatives: (1) an Australian Rotary Health – PhD Research Scholarship investigating Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in Emergency Services Personnel and (2) a Vanuatu Emergency & Disaster Preparedness Vocational Training project.
The Awards are open to all emergency services personnel (both paid and volunteer) from the six official NSW emergency service agencies, namely Fire & Rescue NSW, Marine Rescue NSW, NSW Ambulance, NSW Rural Fire Service, NSW State Emergency Service and NSW Volunteer Rescue Association.
Kiama Rotarians have been actively involved in managing this event since its inception.
Members of the public and fellow officers are encouraged to nominate Emergency Service Personnel who they think have performed community service above and beyond the call of their normal duties by submitting entries online at: http://www.rotaryescawards.org.au. Nominations close on Friday 12 May 2017.
Weekly News for 3 April 17
Last week we heard from Kiama Rotarian, Barry Wilson who provided an update on the wonderful work being performed by ROMAC (Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children).
ROMAC was founded in 1988 to provide specialist treatment for children from developing countries, in the form of life saving and/or dignity restoring surgery not accessible to them in their home country. Since then, ROMAC has changed the lives and in many cases saved the lives, of over 500 sick children at no cost to their families.
We are very proud to say that Kiama Rotarians hold two of the five national ROMAC Board positions; with Barry serving as Operations Director and Peter Maitland as Secretary.
ROMAC’s key objectives include: providing hope and restoring dignity to transform children’s lives; providing the best possible surgical and medical expertise; engaging Rotary and the community at all levels to fund and support the ROMAC cause; maintaining and improving the quality of the management process and ensure high quality governance of the ROMAC program.
The ongoing fundraising work performed by our members together the generous support provided by family and friends, help make projects such as this possible.
SOME OF THE CHILDREN RECENTLY ASSISTED:
Two-year-old Junitalia from Timor-Leste was a very sick little girl. She was diagnosed with a Tetralogy of Fallot (ToF) which meant her little heart had multiple problems and required urgent open heart surgery. Junitalia was referred to ROMAC for assistance. She has since had very complex heart surgery and is recovering well. “Aunty was very grateful for ROMAC’s help and she wants to talk to families in Timor-Leste, on what to expect when they come to Australia and not to be afraid,” Maria added “it reinforces the huge value of ROMAC’s voluntary work and the very positive effect it has on providing Life-Giving surgery for a child”. This positive message is taken back home to a small village environment and provides hope for other families who children may have similar life-threatening conditions.
Teretoriano was referred to ROMAC by the Biro Pite Clinic in Timor-Leste. He had been diagnosed with a Wilm’s tumour of the kidney. As his mother had suffered TB,
Teretoriano’s grandmother Claudina had to accompanied him. He arrived very ill and had to have immediate surgery at Monash Children’s Hospital, Melbourne as the tumour was so large it was pressing on his other vital organs, including his heart.
Thanks to the amazing effort of the surgical team from Monash Children’s hospital lead by Prof Kimber plus Teretoriano’s own fighting spirit, he was able to come through this enormous ordeal.
Weekly News for 20 March 2017
In March, Rotary observes Water and Sanitation Month. This area of focus has long been high on many Rotarians’ service agendas, and for good reason – 663 million people do not have access to clean water, and one-third of the world’s population live without access to a toilet.
Think about how different life would be if you had to spend hours each day fetching water or worrying about the threat of dysentery, cholera, Guinea worm, and a host of other waterborne diseases.
Kiama Rotary has helped with the installation of multiple clean water filtration systems in schools located in remote rural areas of Ubon Ratchatani in north east Thailand. Families living in these remote areas do not have access to clean drinking water which amongst other things, causes serious health issues resulting in loss of school days and non-completion of school studies.
Projects such as these are made possible through our various fundraising activities and the generous support of the local community. Come and join us at our BBQ at the upcoming Seaside Markets at Black Beach.
Weekly News for 6 March 17
More than thirty people attended Kiama Rotary’s, Mental Health First Aid Certificate Course last week. This is the first of two courses to be held this month.
The second course will be held on Tuesday 28 and Wednesday 29, March 2017 from 9:00am to 5:00pm at the Kiama Pavilion.
There is no cost for Kiama residents to attend these certified courses but the purchase of a $35 course manual is required for completion. A certificate of attendance will be issued upon completion of the course. A fee may be charged for representatives from organisations or those who receive government funding for mental health first aid training.
This is an excellent opportunity for the public and professionals to gain a better understanding of how to help and comfort persons suffering a mental illness. Please contact Rotarian Helen Stirling at 0438 093 178 or email helenstirling@bigpond.com for more information or to make a booking.
These certified courses are made possible through the generous support of the local community at our various fundraising events and donations from the IMB Community Foundation.
Weekly News for 20 February 17
Members, family and friends enjoyed a beautiful late-summer evening at Jones Beach with a pizza party at Kiama Downs Surf Life Saving Club. It was a great way to relax after a very busy Christmas/New Year period.
President David Chambers recently advised that now he has retired, he will be moving back to Tasmania next month to be closer to his children. We are sad to see David go but wish him well in his retirement. Past President David Smark will step in as President until the end of the year.
Two Daves
David Chambers had the pleasure of inducting Alan Schofield as an Honorary Member of the club. It was a great opportunity to recognise Alan and thank him for his many years of dedicated service. David also awarded Alan Waterworth a Paul Harris Fellow with a Sapphire Pin and Ian Johnston with a second PHF Sapphire Pin. David commended both members for their service to the club.
Congratulations Alan
PHFs and new Honourary Member Alan
Cogratulations Ian
The evening closed on a delightful musical note with our newest member, Karen Fuller showing that she is a very accomplished acoustic guitarist.
Karen on guitar
Weekly News for 13 February 17
We had a triple celebration at last week’s dinner meeting. Firstly, we welcomed Karen Fuller as the newest member of the club. Karen’s induction continues to strengthen our club’s age and gender balances with well over one third of our members being female. Karen will join our Youth Service Team.
Secondly, Tonia Barnes was recognised as a Paul Harris Fellow for her selfless contributions to Rotary over many years. Congratulations Tonia and thank you for your dedicated service to Rotary and the communities in Kiama, Canberra and overseas.
Lastly but certainly not least, we had the pleasure of hearing from our latest National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) student Danyon Farrell. Each year we hear of how NYSF changes the lives of young people who have attended. This year is no different. Danyon we wish you great success as you finish your HSC and work towards your science degree.
Congratulations to each of you for achieving great things in your personal lives and with Rotary. We look forward to watching your journeys continue.
Visit by our Melanoma PhD Research Student – 6 February 17
Last week we heard from PhD Research Student, Sheena Daignault who is being co-sponsored by the Rotary Clubs of Kiama and Gerringong Sunrise to conduct Melanoma Research at the University of Queensland.
Despite the recent exciting successes in melanoma therapy there is still no cure for this devastating disease once the tumour has spread. This project aims at exploring proteins responsible for tumour growth, spread and response to anti-cancer drugs. To make a tumour grow, its cells must divide quickly. But there are also ‘dormant’ cancer cells that do not divide or do so very slowly. The fast dividing cells are more sensitive to drugs than the slow ones.
Sheena said, “Our research is directly relevant as we have developed a laboratory model to test cancer cell drug sensitivity in real-time. Using this model and the knowledge gained from my project I expect to translate our findings from the laboratory bench to bedside treatments and eventually to contribute to improved clinical strategies”.
This important project is made possible through the generous support of our local community at Rotary’s annual Kiama Car Spectacular scheduled for November each year.
Tenille and Aaron Shelley, PP Dave Smark, Craig Higbid, Pippa Spence
Draft editorial: Tenille and Craig will be joining the Melanoma March community event during March to raise awareness & funds for melanoma research
Gerringong Rotary Club member Pauline Thwaites, Sheena and Kiama Rotary Club IPP Marilyn Jarrett
IPP Marilyn presents Sheena with a Certificate of Appreciation for her visit. The Certificate denotes a donation to ROMAC in her name
Saddleback Mountain Southern Viewing Platform opened on 10th December by Kiama Rotary.
Work is almost complete on the refurbishment of the Saddleback Mountain Southern Viewing Platform and access track. The Official Opening of the Southern Saddleback Lookout by Gareth Ward MP – Member for Kiama, Councillor Mark Honey – Mayor of Kiama and David Chambers – President Rotary Club of Kiama occurred on Saturday 10 December.
This project celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the opening of the original Saddleback Mountain northern lookout which was a joint venture between Kiama Council and Kiama Rotarians, and dedicated to the memory of past Rotarians. Funding for the restoration has been provided by the NSW State Government and work have been undertaken by Kiama Rotarians and friends and Kiama Council.
This project is just the latest of many community projects undertaken by Kiama Rotary since its inception in 1952. Rotarians have been involved with Saddleback Mountain since the mid 1950’s when they assisted Council in clearing and building the first road to the summit.
Other significant community projects Kiama Rotary has been involved with over the decades include: Construction of Kiama Scout Hall in 1952, Saddleback northern lookout opened in 1966, Saddleback southern lookout opened in 1978, Kiama Stone Wall Markers and Old Saddleback Road stone walls restoration during the 1990s and the opening of Robert East Reserve in 2008.
This project continues 64 years of dedicated service in the local community and many thanks go out to family and friends who have supported us along the way. Long may it continue.
For more information and photos click here
Kiama Rotary News 19 Jan 2017
Kiama Rotary will hold its annual Australia Day barbeque at Coronation Park, Surf Beach on the morning of January 26. We will be getting an early start and should be ready to start serving hot breakfasts by about 7:30 am. Come and join us as you head out for an early morning run, jog, swim or just a leisurely stroll. Kiama Council will provide entertainment for the children including a jumping castle and face painting. It is always a fun way to kick start Australia Day celebrations.
December-January has been a very busy period for the club and we are looking forward to getting back into a more regular routine in February. Activities included: The Club’s AGM, Opening of the new Saddleback Mountain Southern Viewing Platform, Rotary Christmas Party, Easts Beach barbeque, New Year’s Eve barbeque, 26th Annual Antiques and Retro Fair, Australia Day Breakfast barbeque and two Seaside Market barbeques.
As you can see, we are a very active club and have a lot of fun while serving our local community. For more information regarding how to join in, ask one of us at a barbeque or Like us on Facebook.
New Year message from our President David
Happy New Year to all Rotarians and family and a big thanks for your ‘service above self’ during 2017. I am confident that 2017 will be as rewarding and fun to be part of our club as we approach the Antique Fair and many other projects both locally and internationally.
Last week whilst in Fiji visiting the Koriapita Village and Ami Chandra Memorial Primary a school reinforces why I joined Rotary 30 years ago. The growth of a young family who were given an opportunity through Rotary for shelter, water and security in the
mid 2000’s has changed their journey in life to being educated, employed and responsible adults with a bright future.
‘Rotary serving Humanity.’
Regards in Rotary
Dave
‘Service above Self’ awards to local Yr 6 students
Throughout early December, 4 local Yr 6 students, who have exhibited Service Above Self in their school or community, were recognised by our Club.
Congratulations to Charlotte Whisson of St Peter & St Paul’s Catholic School, to Shayleen Mawbey of Jamberoo Public School, to Travis Dickson of Minnamurra Public School, and also Emilia Kadwell of Illawarra Christian School, Tongarra.
2016 Triple Care Farm Students Graduate (Dec 14)
Triple Care Farm, funded by Sir David Martin Foundation thanks to the support of generous members of our community, and run by Mission Australia, saves the
lives of young people aged 16-24 years, from all over Australia. Situated in Robertson NSW, the farm offers young people both drug/alcohol rehabilitation and
mental health services – providing them the support they need to address these issues and assist young people in returning to education and training to find pathways to employment and a healthy productive life. Students and parents shared the journey they have experienced and the challenges they have faced through addiction and mental health issues and the positive sense of hope and pride now felt by many as we celebrated the achievement of each of the young people who completed the three month residential
program in 2016.
Our Club gave $500 as the Fred Wynne Memorial Award and $250 as the Kiama Rotary Encouragement Award.
Rotary Youth Exchange visitor to the Club
Youth Exchange student Chris Nobel was our guest speaker at ourmeeting on 21 November. Chris came to Australia in July from Denmark. He enjoys sports and travelling, so is fulfilling a passion by coming to our country. He attends Woonona High School and has two years schooling to complete when he returns home. His father is a Rotarian and they have hosted 8 exchange students, so he has had a rotation of brothers and sisters and now has ‘relatives’ all over the world. Chris is enjoying the opportunity to improve his English here, though New Zealand was really his first choice because of our reputation for venomous spiders and snakes. He said the tick is the most dangerous creature at home. He lives one hour from Copenhagen in the city of Soro, which has approx 20,000 people.
Chris talked about their Royal family, and said the Danes like Princess Mary. Denmark is well known for LEGO, windmills and turbines, cargo ships and Hans Christian Anderson (though most people are disappointed with the statue of his “Little Mermaid” when they see it in real life). Chris said the Danes are also pleased that Utzon designed the Sydney Opera House. Since his arrival, he has fed kangaroos, visited the blowhole (when it was actually blowing), walked over the harbour bridge and visited a farm in western NSW. He has helped at a number of BBQs for the Corrimal Club and is looking forward to more adventures here before he returns to Denmark in June 2017.
ROTARY FOUNDATION NAMED AS THE WORLD’S MOST OUTSTANDING FOUNDATION FOR 2016
Rotary News 15th Nov 2106
The Association of Fundraising Professionals has recognized The Rotary Foundation with its annual Award for Outstanding Foundation.
The award honors organizations that show philanthropic commitment and leadership through financial support, innovation, encouragement of others, and involvement in public affairs. Some of the boldest names in American giving — Kellogg, Komen, and MacArthur, among others —are past honorees.
“We are honored to receive this recognition from the AFP, which gives us even more reason to celebrate during our Foundation’s centennial year,” says Rotary Foundation Trustee Chair Kalyan Banerjee. “The continued strong support of Rotary members will help us keep our promise of a polio-free world for all children and enable the Foundation to carry out its mission of advancing world understanding, goodwill, and peace. We look forward to another 100 years of Rotary members taking action to make communities better around the world.”
The announcement came on 15 November, known to industry professionals since the 1980s as National Philanthropy Day. The award will be presented in early 2017 at the AFP’s annual conference in San Francisco.
Rotary Foundation Trustee Chair-elect Paul Netzel is set to accept the award on Rotary’s behalf, and Eric Schmelling, director of fund development at Rotary, will speak at the conference. The event is expected to draw more than 3,400 senior-level fundraising professionals from 33 countries.
“While almost everyone is familiar with Rotary, not everyone may realize just how much of an impact Rotary and The Rotary Foundation have had on countless people and communities across the globe,” says Jason Lee, AFP president and CEO. “On behalf of the entire charitable sector and people around the world, all of us at AFP are honored to be able to recognize The Rotary Founda-tion as our 2016 Outstanding Foundation.”
AFP’s committee of judges cited Rotary’s comprehensive campaign to eradicate polio as a major driver of the selection. They also mentioned that Rotary applies a methodical, purposeful approach to support a wide variety of causes, from providing clean water to educating the next generation of peace professionals.
The Rotary Foundation transforms your gifts into projects that change lives both close to home and around the world. As the charitable arm of Rotary, we tap into a global network of Rotarians who invest their time, money, and expertise into our priorities, such as eradicating polio and promoting peace. Foundation grants empower Rotarians to approach challenges such as poverty, illiteracy, and malnutrition with sustainable solutions that leave a lasting impact.
Rotary Car & Bike Spectacular
Great day at the Rotary Car and Bike Spectacular. Here is a shot compliments of @elev8 aerial images. Thanks to everyone for coming out and helping Rotary raise funds to support a PhD Research Student investigating further research into Melanoma Research.
Rotary supports Kiama Surf Life Saving Club
On 24 October, the Rotary Club of Kiama presented Kiama Surf Life Saving Club with a new 4m x 4m walled marquee at Surf Beach Kiama in front of many Nippers and family members.
Rotary Club of Kiama President David Chambers said “it is great to be able to provide the marquee. It is community support going to one volunteer organisation from another volunteer organisation. The fact that it is supporting youth is great and Rotary has a strong focus on fostering youth through its many programs.”
Chris Moore, President of the Kiama Surf Life Saving Club stated that “the beauty of this is that we will now have a tent for the juniors to go to all carnivals. Whether it is the Sydney Water Carnival or any of the local or country carnivals it will provide weather protection and great branding for KSLSC with thanks to Rotary.”
Moore stated “the fact that this tent has four sides unlike other tents makes it secure so it will allow us to go down to Gerroa for a bonding weekend away providing the children with a great experience and a place to sleep. It’s ideal for children to learn and grow”.
“Rotary is looking to forge our community partnerships stronger, and as you can see today, some of the Rotarians have grandchildren in nippers. What is impressive about the young nippers is it starts our young at an early age learn about community service and being good corporate citizens and I think that is a really good thing” stated Chambers.
Things we all should know about Dementia
Last week our guest speaker, Paddy, opened her talk by congratulating Kiama Council’s Dementia Friendly initiative, which has recently been recognised with both national and international awards. Paddy spoke about dementia, stating it is a word, not a sentence, and that people with dementia still have much to offer to our community. Her work centres around education, provision of services to those with dementia and their careers, and empower-ing those with dementia to live fulfilling lives.
Paddy spoke about dementia, stating it is a word, not a sentence, and that people with dementia still have much to offer to our community. Her work centres around education, provision of services to those with dementia and their careers, and empowering those with dementia to live fulfilling lives.
One of the services available is called “safely home” and provides a bracelet with a number on it to someone with dementia. If they are found wandering and do not know where they live, the police can be contacted with the number and they hold a register of their details, so they can be returned home.
One of the benefits of being involved with support groups is that others have been there before you and have advice about things that work and things that don’t work.
The brain is a very complicated organ with different parts for recognising, understanding, reasoning, planning, controlling automatic functions, short term and long term memory and more. There are normal changes that occur as we age, but dementia is not a normal change. People should not think they will get dementia because they are getting older. Some people get dementia in their thirties or even younger. There are factors which affect memory – tiredness, stress or anxiety, pain, grief, depression, nutrient deficiencies, dehydration and dementia. We should not presume a person has dementia because they are experiencing some memory loss. There is a very big difference between forgetting where you put your keys, and forgetting where you live or what a key is used for.
Dementia is the term we use for a range of symptoms that we see. Alzheimer’s’ is responsible for approx 2/3 of dementia. Dementia symptoms include general memory loss, but can be specific. For example someone might lose their memory in relation to counting and this would become obvious in their handling of money or their lack of relationship to time. Others might lose their memory in the area of language and this would be seen in their inability to recall the word for familiar items or the names of people they have known for a long time. Dementia could affect their special awareness which would be seen in the way they walk or drive. It could affect their personality , so someone who has always been quiet might become outgoing or someone who has always been gentle might become aggressive.
Dementia is the second leading cause of death and it is the leading cause of disability. There are over 350,000 people living with dementia in Australia at present and this number is expected to increase to one million by 2050. There are approx 8,000 new cases every week, so it has a huge impact on communities. There are changes in the brain a long time before there are symptoms of dementia in a person. There are five simple steps people can take to ward off dementia and these have been put together in a booklet 
Step One – Look after your heart
Step Two – Be physically active
Step Three – Mentally challenge your brain
Step Four – Follow a healthy diet
Step Five – Enjoy social activity
More Information is available through the website: http://yourbrainmatters.org.au/
Prestigious Rotary Award to Ian Johnston – 2 July
At the Rotary District 9675 Changeover, Ian was presented with a Vocational Service Leadership Award by District Governor Graham Wilson for his years of work in co-founding and growing the Rotary NSW Emergency Services Community Awards and heading up a team of Emergency Services workers to Vanuatu.
All members of Kiama Rotary Club are delighted that Ian’s work has been recognised. Well done, Ian.
Ian departed on Sunday morning for Vanuatu to undertake a scoping mission for a Rotary Vocational Training Team to assist in putting together a disaster preparedness plan for the islands.
Club of the Year Award to Kiama Rotary Club – 2 July
At the District Changeover DG Graham Wilson presented the Rotary Club of Kiama with the District 9675 Club of the Year Award.
DG Graham said the club has consistently had a well balanced program over all avenues of service and particularly commended the Club Bulletin, website and facebook.
Congratulations to all members of the Rotary Club of Kiama.
Photo PP Ian Johnston, DG Graham Wilson and Director of PR & Marketing Carole Johnston.
DEMENTIA FRIENDLY SHOWCASE – 24 June
Kiama is one of many towns aiming to become Dementia Friendly through the Universtity of Wollongong program. On Friday 24th June, PP Marilyn represented our Club at the Dementia Friendly Showcase held at the Kiama Anglican Church and presented a cheque from our members to Mayor, Brian Petschler.
Marilyn with Steve Warrick from the Kiama Chamber, Brian and Toby Dawson from the IRT Foundation during the cheque presentations
64th Changeover Night – 20 June
Gareth Ward MP talked about Rotary as an International Organisation with approx 1.2 million members in 33,000 clubs in over 200 countries. He thanked our Club for the work we do locally, especially the recently begun path to the lookout and the lookout platform at Saddleback Mountain. He congratulated President Marilyn and wished the incoming Board well, looking forward to the new Rotary year.
President Elect (PE) David Chambers proposed a toast to Rotary International and his in reply, District Governor (DG) Graham Wilson spoke of the advances made in the battle against Polio, with only 17 cases this year, compared with over 35,000 when we first started that journey.
President Marilyn said one of the highlights of her year has been the friendships formed and working alongside some „seriously dedicated Rotarians‟. Marilyn thanked Graham Morphett for tireless work locally, at District level and Internationally, over 59 years in Rotary. She said that between us, members of our club have 720 yrs of service and have contributed nearly 8000 hours to our local community this year.
Marilyn went on to thank our BBQ Coordinator, Alan Waterworth and those who have been on “the Shed Team” as well as others who have contributed in the roles of Sergeant, Program Director, & Bulletin Editor.
Marilyn announced that the recipient of the Robert East award for the Club Member of the Year is Bobby East.
She awarded two Paul Harris Sapphire Pins. The first to Barry Wilson for his 1250 plus hours as Operations Manager in ROMAC, and the second to Trevor Phillis for his willing support and ongoing service to the Club, not just as Treasurer, but also in his role as Project Manager on the Saddleback work.
Marilyn introduced David Chambers, a retired Policeman from Tasmania who now works with the SES. He is a Rotarian of nearly 30 yrs experience who was one of the youngest to be on a GSE team. Dave has been a volunteer with RAWCS to Fiji 5 times, and has been a President in his previous club.
Marilyn handed over the chain of office and officially ended her time as our President.
Dave thanked her for her work in that role, but then went on to talk about her contribution to Rotary over 19 years in 3 countries. He said Marilyn has been spent well over 50% of those years in executive roles in each club. He surprised her by awarding her a PHF (Paul Harris Fellow) for her many years of active service.
Dave and Bill
Dave went on to present certificates to the outgoing executives, and a Past President‟s pin to Bill Humphries who has not received it following his year in that office.
The Board for RY 16-17
Dave outlined some of his goals for the coming year, made in conjunction with the incoming Board who have already met twice to look at the risks, potential opportunities and priorities of 2016-2017.
He emphasized that every Rotarian‟s contribution is important and valued. He unfurled the new banner, and gave Marilyn the banner from her year as a memento. Marilyn & Dave joined together to cut the cake.
Click this link for the KR2015-16 Annual Report
Congratulations on your AM
In the 2016 Queen‟s Birthday Honours list, published this week, our recent guest speaker, Commodore Vincenzo Emilio Di Pietro received an AM for his exceptional service as the Commander of the RAN fleet Air Arm from Jan.2013 to Jan.2016 and as the Australian Naval Attaché to the US from June 2007 to June 2010. Congratulations, Vince.
Two Kiama Ambulance officers were selected as finalists for the 2016 Rotary NSW Emergency Services Community Awards at Parliament House last week. The announcement was made by the Minister for Emergency Services, The Hon. David Elliott MP. Rotarian Ian Johnston said “we received over 100 RESCA nominations from across the state with entries from as far afield as Lightning Ridge, Murwillumbah and such. 4 finalists were selected from each of the 6 NSW Emergency Service Agencies with 17 of the 24 finalists coming from outside of the Sydney metropolitan area – a wonderful result. It is a great achievement for Kiama to receive two finalists.”
Kelvin Milne – Station Officer – Kiama Kelvin Milne, an acting duty operations manager with the NSW Ambulance Service and a volunteer with the State Emergency Service, based at Kiama, started his career in 1994 and worked throughout the Sydney metropolitan area before arriving at the Illawarra in 1991. Among numerous management roles, he has been acting station officer and acting district inspector from Helensburgh to Eden. His tasks have included bus accidents at Jamberoo and Kangaroo Valley, the Canberra bushfires, floods in Dubbo and a racing yacht accident at Port Kembla. He has gone to great lengths to help fellow members in distress, and going public on television on a recent occasion obtained a $10,000 gift to an officer undergoing cancer treatment.
David Kay – Paramedic – Kiama David Kay has plenty of testimony to his more than 10 years of work as a paramedic, not the least from one man who found himself paralysed with a broken neck after a mountain bike accident at Kiama Downs. David’s quick and efficient response helped stabilise him and get him evacu-ated by helicopter to the Royal North Shore Hospital where extensive surgery restored the man almost to normality and averted quadriplegia. David, a Baptist churchgoer, who coaches junior soccer, raises thousands of dollars a year for charity, helps run a Christian surfers’ clinic and travels to Poland each year to help build a youth refugee camp, is described as “a real asset to the NSW Ambulance Service and the community”.
Rotary Meeting – 30 May
President Marilyn welcomed our speaker: Professor Andrew Miller, who was once a secondary Science teacher and is now a radiation oncologist and co-director of UOW’s Centre for Oncology Infomatics. He launched the Bowelscan program in the Illawarra last month and was very entertaining so Helen invited him to come and speak to us.
Professor Andrew entitled his talk:
Bowel Cancer—who gives a s**t?
We care about the statistics related to road deaths—1156 people died in 2014 and 34091 were hospitalized due to a road accident, so we SHOULD give a s**t about the statistics for bowel cancer—4120 people died and 17,070 were hospitalized.
With bowel cancer—if the disease is found early, in 90% of cases it is treatable and people go on to live long and fulfilling lives.
The problem is people don’t want to talk about poo. It is a yucky subject which Andrew made completely hilarious. He proposed that the “police” become the “poolice” – complete with “stool pigeons” who can dob in their neighbor if they haven’t had their scan. Andrew asked “what is your plan P?” and encouraged us all to pick up a kit and be tested. He explained that the diet of most Western people does not contain enough organically grown vegetables. He said that the new scans detect human blood in the poo, the results go to your nominated GP and you are then referred to have a colonoscopy. That test checks for polyps which are pre-cancerous growths in the bowel. He explained that people can have those without symptoms such as bleeding they notice in the toilet bowl, and that the kit is the best early detection device available. Andrew said many people are grateful to Rotary for a kit which has potentially saved their life. He recommended that we all get tested regularly in this non-invasive way, especially if there is a history of bowel cancer in our family.
Rotary Meeting – 21 May
President Marilyn welcomed guests: Mark Honey and our speaker, Mark Burns. Mal introduced our speaker, Mark Burns, a local physiotherapist, who talked to us about the role of Physios in preventative treatment as well as the more widely known treatment of sports injuries. . He stated that physiotherapists are one of the core evidence-based treatment providers in Australia, and explained some of the specific therapies for conditions such as vertigo and asthma conducted through his clinics. Mark stressed the importance of building strength to maintain balance and improve capacity, especially as we age, so that we can continue to do ‘the fun stuff’. He outlined a weekly plan including flexibility training such as yoga or pilates, strength building such as using light therapy bands or weights, and endurance activities such as swimming or walking. He said that maintaining a good weight is simply a matter of burning more calories than you eat, and recommended that we be aware of our posture, keeping balance equally on both feet. When answering questions, Mark gave advice on quick things we can all do as we watch TV, and said he puts together 8-10 minute fitness circuits for people to do at home using items they already have or can readily attain. He told us we should all be proactive and seek to improve our level of fitness and build strength around our joints—use it or lose it. Mal vouched for his services following his ladder fall last year, as he thanked him.
Mal Bracken thanks Guest speaker Mark Burns
Marilyn recommended that we invite partners next week to listen to our speaker, who she said is very entertaining despite bowel cancer being a ‘dodgy’ subject.
Rotary Meeting – 16 May
President Marilyn welcomed our speakers, members: Peter Maitland and Barry Wilson, and guests of Brian & Sue Petschler: John & Kay from Moree. She announced that Dave Chambers has been in Rotary 30 years this week. Marilyn then read a letter from the CEO of the League‟s Club outlining possible rewards for our members who show their membership cards at the front desk upon entry. And another piece of information from Rotary International which allows Clubs to have more flexibility around meeting times and membership requirements from July 1st this year. Following the last meeting’s talk on social media, Marilyn reported that Carole posted photos of last week‟s Saddleback Working Bee on our Facebook page and she put them onto the Kiama Community page, and there have been a lot of very positive comments encouraging our Club for the work we do in the local community.
Peter & Barry gave us the latest information about ROMAC. This great Rotary initiative started in 1988 when an Australian doctor holidaying in Fiji, found out about a child who needed surgery that couldn’t be done in country. He approached Rotary when he returned and they helped to raise the funds and fly the child to Australia. In the early years ROMAC handled 4-5 cases a year, now some 40-50 children from the Oceania region go to hospitals in many states of Australia or to New Zealand for life-saving and dignity-restoring surgery. Peter outlined the governance of the organisation and explained the impor-tance of those who look after the child‟s guardian throughout the time the child is in hospital.
They often do not speak English and experience culture shock and anxiety during their stay. He stated that most of the funds given by Rotary Clubs come from one or two wealthy clubs, and that only 24.6% of Rotary Clubs support ROMAC. He expressed gratitude for the NZ chair who has successfully applied for a number of Global Grants in partnership with Clubs in South Korea. Peter is currently the Secretary and finishes up at the end of next year. He stressed that everyone in ROMAC is a volunteer, even Barry who is the Operations Manager, and often puts in 8 hours a day, 6-7 days a week. The ROMAC ambassador is Rosie, a young woman from Fiji who benefitted from the program when she was 9 years old, having surgery on her face, arm and hand.
Barry gave us a very moving picture of the children and their families, recounting actual cases, includ-ing his heartache that a child in Bougainville PNG may not survive because the Rotarians who have tried to help did not turn to ROMAC quickly enough. He explained the process of acquiring passports and visas, organising hospitals and surgeons, coordinating flights and transfers, contacting local vol-unteers and completing the necessary paperwork.
Barry showed us before and after pictures of a number of children who have been assisted through ROMAC and shared stories of their journey. He expressed his gratitude for the doctors who work pro-bono, the hospitals that cap their fees and the many volunteers who make his role easier. He explained that the organisation is about to launch “friends of ROMAC” which will see people able to join via Facebook for $100 per year. It is hoped that each person will include that they are a friend of ROMAC in their status and that their „followers‟ will be encouraged to also join.
On behalf of our members, Marilyn thanked both Peter and Barry for their work in ROMAC as well as for their presentation to us.
Become a ‘Friend of ROMAC’ for only $100 per year
and help children such as these have a ‘before’ and ‘after’ story.
On Saturday 14 May, the incoming Board all attended the Rotary District Training Assembly at Greystanes High School in Sydney. DG Graham Wilson welcomed us to a day of information and networking.
We watched an extract of the incoming RI President‟s address, introducing the logo: “Rotary Serving Humanity”. He said that nobody should ever have to ask „What is Rotary?‟ because all Clubs should be making their local communities aware of who we are and what we do.
Rotary gives us an opportunity to serve. He said the effects of our decisions and our work will ripple out to people we may never meet and impact their lives. He reminded us that no other organisation effectively brings people together in a way that serves humanity.
There were a number of keynote speakers. Tony Brenner talked about Public Image & Awareness, stressing the importance of ensuring Rotary is given credit for Rotary’s many outstanding achievements. Chris Evans outlined the ten principles of good governance including the importance of recognising and managing risk, especially in the areas of youth, finance and projects. Charles Mille spoke about the five avenues of service and following morning tea we went to two break out groups for the avenue of service of which we will be Director.
Thank you to all members of the incoming Board for setting aside the time to benefit our Club in this way.
Rotary Meeting – 9 May
Heather introduced our speakers: members Geoff, Ian & Carole who did a triple act talking about the methods we use in our Club for both internal and external communication.
Ian opened the session with an outline:
Internal communication is that used between members and a small group of Rotary friends and comprises of our Bulletin and emails. He said we could certainly make better use of group SMS texts in situations such as a BBQ being cancelled due to bad weather.
External communications are those that inform the wider communicate, attracting sponsorship to partnership and new members. The right kind of communication is vital to the health of the Club.
There are times when traditional print media is appropriate for example in creating posters to put up around the town for an event. We also place a weekly article into the Kiama Independent and Ian is the one to contact to place information into the paper. At times, we have a half page which is a joint Rotary venture of the clubs of the Illawarra. The RDU (Rotary Down Under) is our Australia wide Rotary magazine, and members are encouraged to place these into local doctors or hairdressers venues in order to increase the awareness of the local community about the wider work of Rotary. Digital media which reaches non-members includes the Bulletin, Websites, and Facebook.
We have a Club website that is maintained by Geoff. He too needs interesting information and a steady supply of photos to keep this up to date. On the home page one can access Club news and events. We have the capability to have a private “members only‟ section as well. Our District has a website and every member can log in to update their own data. Rotary International also has a site and members can sign up to access “My Rotary‟ for data specific to them.
Carole organises our Facebook page and appreciates photos and little bits of information for this digital communication. There are over 1.09 billion users of Facebook daily and this is fast becoming the way to reach the younger generations. This form of digital media can be a public or private as the user wishes to make it. You can communicate with family and friends, or you can post information to all your contacts. Carole has also set up a Facebook site specifically for our Choirs event, and others can be set up for targeted audiences without it costing much money. The sites can be set up with an „action‟ button which allows people to make a booking or a donation. With Facebook there are ways to measure your reach, the number of people you engage. This happens when people “like‟ your site, post a “comment‟ or “share‟ your site with others. Carole is happy to help people set up a Facebook site if they would like to. Marilyn thanked them all for sharing their expertise.
Marilyn—”bag lady”