Home Page | Rotary Club of Taree

August was another interesting month with Face to Face meetings zoomed to those who stayed at home. We had a variety of speakers, Bruce Moy on the Dairy industry , David Denning –“ what you would have done,” New member Frances Rosemond’s talk, Kerrie Wood from RAWCS and Michael Fellow new members talk. Everyone enjoyed, even with the zoom problems.
We held our 2nd Board meeting on the 2nd September and discussed many items including:

To continue Face to Face at the club plus zoom to those who can’t join at the Club.
Discussed our upcoming Rotary 100th anniversary celebrations under the leadership of PDG Ian Dyball and Colin Rose including the purchase of four peace poles for Bobin School, MVAC, Taree Primary or High school and Rotary Park. The pole has on one side “May Peace Prevail on Earth” and the other 3 sides, Japanese, Biripi, and the school selected language.
Russell Saunders has agreed to translate “May Peace prevail on earth” into our native language.
Our Rotary Nissan Ute donated for the Bushfire work is now to be returned to Midcoast Nissan by end of October. It is being used to pick up the Batteries with Warren Blanch.
Our Rotary Club through Bunnings was able to donate a timber cubby house to Jesse and Susan Greenham and family from Old Bar. Susan just gave birth to a baby boy and is suffering from a terminal brain tumor ( Rotary in Action)
Polly the Iron lung that is in Centre point arcade is due to be returned to Newcastle shortly
Our new storage shed we are building with Rotary Club Taree on Manning and Quota is ready to start now, we have council approval and grants to cover the full costs.
It was agreed to continue with our Golf Day next January 26th 2020, Covid 19 conditions approving.
Kevin sharp and his committee were thanked for their great work on clearing the northern entrance to our town and working on the new signage.

Frances Rosamond - "Mathematics - Queen of the Sciences"

My story picks up on the dairy farming story given by Rob weeks ago. I grew up on a small farm in rural Michigan. Michigan is in the United States, up near the Canadian border. If you ever meet anybody from Michigan they will lift up their hand - because Michigan is said to be shaped like a mitten surrounded by the Great Lakes. You can always remember those Great Lakes because their first letter spells out the name HOMES: Lake Huron, Ontario,
Michigan, Erie and Superior.

I grew up in a tiny little farm of about 180 acres about 73 hectares right in the middle of the map. The nearest town was about 40 km away and was smaller than Taree, and is much smaller now for the same reasons that Rob talked about.

About our President David Denning

CHILDHOOD - Born end WW2 – in Concord and lived in Concord - parents Horace and Mavis Denning – dad did not go to war as he worked making war machinery as a die Caster.

School- North Strathfield primary and Ashfield secondary Technical college - left in year 9 (3rd Class Intermediate Certificate passed all subject) - 1960

Another Successfull ZOOM Meeting 4 May

Sargeant at Arms Bruce Moy called the Meeting to order, and proposed a toast to R.I., the Queen and people of Australia.

President. Ross thanked Bruce, welcomed everyone, proposed a toast to Fiona Tinney for her guidance and leadership for the 2020 Ideas Forum. Les Hogarth was noted as an apology and Heather Hole was acknowledged as a guest attendee.

Report on ZOOM Meeting 20 April 2020

President Ross thanked Bruce, welcomed everyone, thanked Dr Grace for her PPE Appeal for Quezon Province in the Philippines. (Click here).

Phil Streatfeild advised that exchange student Anika was moving family at the end of the month, and that they were currently restricted to home due to COVID19.

President Ross then inducted Matt Anlezark into the Rotary Club of Taree. He and partner Paula had seen an opportunity and decided to move to Taree. Matt spoke of his family's history of Rotarian commitment. He works as a Strategic Business Consultant. We look forward to hearing more of his story at a later date. He was welcomed with acclamation.

Report from ZOOM Meeting 13 April 2020

Sgt at Arms Bruce Moy called the Meeting to order, and proposed a toast to RI, the Queen and the people of Australia.

President Ross thanked Bruce, welcomed everyone, thanked David Fisher for setting up ZOOM and proposed a toast to Greg Gilbert.

Members' Thoughts

This week's contribution provided by Alan Small

Will anything good come out of the treacherous Covid-19 Pandemic when it has finally passed.

Definitely!

There will likely be a stronger sense of community in Australia than we have known for decades.

In isolation people will discover new values and personal skills; neighbours will be appreciated more than ever.

Board Report

The Rotary Board met on Wednesday night via Zoom. Reports had been forwarded to all board members prior to the meeting to reduce time in the
meeting.
General Items of interest that were covered were –
 All Rotary events – Fundraising, BBQ’s, Youth, Vocational, Community Service have been Cancelled or Postponed due to COVID19
 At this stage RYLA 2020 has been postponed until August
 Work has been going on in relation to assisting Bobin School with their Fire Recovery, the BBQ has been purchased, Picnic Tables painted, and
bookcases are being built. However much of the work will require further assistance from other members so for now it was decided that no further
action could be taken until after the Crisis.
 We discussed the issue of if or how we did Rotary meeting during our time of isolation and it was decided that we would look at trying Zoom to see
if that would be a viable way to move forward during this time.
 Our exchange student, Anika Stanic is still in Taiwan and taking precautions with the family she is staying with.
 We are currently looking at the viability of Long-Term Student Exchange at Our Club as we need to be able to host an incoming exchange student.
We will be looking for any members who might be interested in assisting with
this.

A Word from our President

Posted by Ross Tingle

l hope all is well with our members. It is a most unusual time we are in when we are so used to meeting together, shaking hands and smiling at each other. We really have a great bunch of members encouraging each other in their various services to the community and abroad. The Thursday evening Drought and Fire BBQs in the surrounding villages are suspended until further notice, but the RAWCS bushfire support is continuing until the funds run out. Money for replacement tanks and fencing wire is still available along with the $999 gift cards for those still in need. David Denning, Ian Dyball and I have been busy with the club projects for Bobin school.

Report from Meeting 16 March @ Harrington

Sergeant at Arms Bruce Moy called us to order, welcomed guests and proposed the toast to RI, The Queen and Australia.

PP Ian Woollard -

 Opened the meeting, welcoming Rotary and Harrington Lions Club members and Amanda Brockwell.

 The President’s Toast was made to married couples but specifically Grace and Ivan.

Report from Meeting 9 March 2020

President Ross opened the meeting, welcoming members and guests.

The President’s Toast was made to Max Carey for his continuing service.
He welcomed our special guests – Matty Zarb and PDG Maurie Stack representing the Australian Children’s Music Foundation - Richard McGovern from the Westpac Rescue Helicopter service who had joined us to receive donations that were made possible by our Golf Day.

Neil Hanington

Scientific and Engineering Challenge discussions continue with University of Newcastle. No charge to schools – 32 Primary and 5-6 High Schools.
Manning River Speedboat Club Easter weekend Rotary to do a BBQ

Report from Meeting 2 March 2020

Sergeant at Arms Bruce Moy called us to order, welcomed guests and proposed the toast to RI, The Queen and Australia.

President Ross opened the meeting, welcoming members and guests. Ross proposed his toast to our Guest Speaker Dennis Hawkins from Bushland Health Group.

Report from Meeting 24 February 2020

Combined Rotary Clubs of Taree, Taree on Manning and Taree North have been notified that we have received grant of $67,000 from State Government and $13,000 from Dr David Gillespie to construct a shed for storage of club materials and possible garage sales in the future. D A approved on Council land at Kolodong.

Director Neil Hannington advised us that we have been invited to cater for next Car Show at Cundletown.
Neil also advised us that negotiation are proceding with University of Newcastle regarding siting of Scientific Challenge National Championships.
Director Colin Rose advised us of "Model United Nations" to be held at Bonny Hills.
Colin also told us of progress of Aged Care and preschool gathering to be held next Wednesday with Rock Painting and Scone making . Last gathering was great success so hope more to come.

Report from Meeting 10 February

Sergeant at Arms Bruce Moy called us to order and proposed the toast to RI, The Queen and Australia

President Ross opened the meeting and welcomed members and guests to our meeting proposing a toast to the Tinonee RFS members attending, who would be presented with a new radio for their second truck. He mentioned Neil Taylor who was presenting his new member talk this evening. Ross reminded members of Marion Woollard’s Funeral at 11am Wednesday. He acknowledged our partner Rotary Club of Okayama Chuo in Japan for their gift towards the Bushfire Appeal, and their delightful Christmas card. Ross also announced that PP David Denning is President Elect for 2020-2021.

Report from Meeting 03 February 2020

President Ross was introduced by Sgt at Arms Warren.

President Ross gave a tribute to past member Barry Hicks who passed away recently. Barry spent time as a missionary in PNG and as an insurance representative in the UK. He held a pilots licence and drove a Brabham Special racing car at one time. He was a member of Lae Rotary Club and Mudgee Rotary before joining Rotary Club of Taree.He spent a lot of time doing social work in Philipines where he passed away. An active life.

Report from Meeting 20 January 2020

Club Administarion Director David Denning gave members details of Australia Day Celebration in Queen Elizabeth Park commencing with Breakfast at 8.30am, following set up at 6.30am. Award Ceremony 8.35am, Entertainment 10.00am.

Nissan Navara available for Rotary Club use courtesy Nissan and Mario Tomlin. Contact David Denning.

Murray Difford gave members details of the dispersal of $175,000 of funds from Mid Coast Bushfire Appeal which has raised $350,000 so far for people whose home was destroyed by fire. Appeal in conjunction with RAWCS has set up a depot in Crescent Ave for collection of item donated.

We have approval from Midcoast Council, as of 15th January 2020 to proceed with the Men's Health Van medical check ups this year at the :

"BLUE CROSS OP SHOP" Manning Street Taree on Thursday 30 and Friday 31st January from 10am --- 4pm.

Leslie Corrigan is a qualified practitioner who travels the state in his mobile van helping to keep men and women in good health.

Report from Meeting 2 December 2019

Posted by Peter Tinney on Dec 08, 2019

Sergeant at Arms Bruce Moy called us to order and proposed the toast to Rotary International, The Queen and Australia.

President Ross opened the meeting and welcomed members to our Christmas Dinner also welcoming Misawa Natsuko and her parents from the Rotary Club of Okayama Chuo, Japan. The family invited members of the Club to join them for a traditional Japanese Tea ceremony in our next visit to Japan, since it would strengthen Rotary friendship.

Report from Meeting 25 November 2019

Posted by Peter Tinney on Dec 01, 2019

Sergeant at Arms Bruce Moy called us to order and proposed the toast to RI, The Queen and Australia.
President Ross opened the meeting and welcomed all members and began with toast to all members.
He then presented to John Roetman and Neil Taylor photos from their induction as members of the Rotary Club of Taree.

Bush Fire Appeal

Posted by David Fisher on Nov 16, 2019

Report from Meeting 4 November 2019

Posted by Peter Tinney on Nov 11, 2019

President Ross welcomed everyone to our meeting and proposed a Toast to PP Ian Woollard.
David Denning confirmed our program for the rest of the year.
Bruce Moy spoke about a Drought project in local towns to support communities affected by drought. The suggestion was a BBQ & drink, and an opportunity to chat about problems and challenges and share their stories. It has been suggested as a practical way to address the mental health of farmers, their families and communities. DPI suggests it is the worst drought in a very long time. A rough plan is coming together to perhaps do this at Mt George and Oxley Island initially and the aim is to try to achieve that before Christmas.

Report from Meeting 30 September

Posted by Peter Tinney on Oct 05, 2019

Meeting opened by Past President Ian Woollard. An apology was received from President Ross Tingle. PP Ian reported that Rotary material had been transferred from storage at Club Taree to a container behind Ten Pin Bowling during the weekend by David Denning, Warren Blanch and Ian. Ian thanked those who had assisted and advised members who may have Rotary equipment that it can be transferred to this container.

Kevin Sharp reported that plans were in hand for the Golf Day on 26 January.

Committee to meet after meeting to finalise plans for Hole in One Mustang prize.

Report from Meeting 9 September

Posted by Max Carey on Sep 13, 2019

President Ross opened the meeting and invited Director David Denning to report on weekend activities. Rotary members were thanked for their busy weekend with catering of BBQ at Cundletown for Motor Show and for finals of soccer competition. Both events were well attended and total of over $4,000 was taken in total. Over 100 cars at Cundleton vintage car display.

This was last weekend we will be catering for Soccer this year and members who assisted were thanked by David for their devotion to duty.

Youth Service Director Colin Rose reported that we have three nominations for Public Speaking Competition. They are Adrian Pickerstaff, Paige Fitalan, and Tegan Hinshalwood from Manning Valley Anglican College. A nomination will be selected for Cluster selection.

Report from Meeting 29 July 2019

Posted by Peter Tinney on Aug 03, 2019

Pres Ross opened the meeting and welcomed guests, including Anika Stanic, Exchange student to Taiwan who introduced herself to members. Her mother Balinda was also present.

Community Director Neil indicated that Scientific Challenge will be held next year. The National Science and Engineering Challenge will be held in Taree on 23rd October 2020 at Taree Race Course. The top School in each state together with the top school in our district will take part. A prospectus has been prepared to enable sponsors to contribute to various levels of sponsorship. The teams will be bussed from either Newcastle or Port Macquarie Airports. 0n 22nd October there will be a science and engineering evening for all the schools taking part at the Race Course. Our club will be asked to provide for the breakfast on 23rd and the Rotary Club of Taree North will provide the barbecue lunch. A dinner will be held on Thursday night and all members will be invited, planning is well advanced and our next meeting we be held on 6th November 2019.

Report from Meeting 15 July 2019

Posted by Peter Tinney on Jul 19, 2019

President Ross opened meeting, welcoming visitors and Honorary Member Diana Chashchina. President Ross congratulated Peter Tinney on new format of Bulletin. Director David Denning reported on upcoming catering for football over next weeks.

Treasurer Ian reminded members that Annual Subscriptions are now due. Directors will meet with committees at Club Assembly next week.

The Rotary Time Capsule

Kevin Sharp recently reported on the Time capsule which had been stored at TAFE College since it was sealed in 1988. Members of the public and organizations had been invited to place a message or an article in Time Capsule to be opened in 2038. The Time capsule was established to celebrate 50th anniversary of Rotary in Taree. Kevin has now taken charge of the time capsule for maintenance and cleaning and will store it until the Rotary Storage shed is established.

Christine Evensen (Kikki) was Taree Rotary’s exchange student from Norway, in 1986/87. Her host families were Ken and Margaret Patterson, Alan and Margaret Swift (not in Rotary), Brian and Heather Hole and George and Margaret Shreeve. Her counsellor was Clive Norling and her International Service Director was Colin Ruprecht.

Kikki will be in the Taree area from July 18- 26. If any members want to catch up with Kikki (who is now 51) you could contact Brian or Heather Hole or Ken Patterson on.

Report from Meeting - 29 April 2019

President Ian opened the meeting with a toast to President Elect Ross for all the work that he is doing.

Report from Meeting - 15 April 2019

Posted by Joy McCaffrey on Apr 24, 2019

President Ian opened the meeting and welcomed members and guests to our meeting. He also welcomed Dawn Beer, Judy Richardson and Heather Hole to the meeting.

The President’s toast was given to Suzie Ploder for all her hard work as Fundraising Director.

Unfortunately our Guest Speaker, Marilyn Sendar, could not be with us for the night due to another late commitment and we will have her back soon.

Report from Meeting - 8 April

Posted by Max Carey on Apr 14, 2019

President Ian opened the meeting and welcomed guest Speaker Graham Taylor. He extended a warm welcome to Brian and Heather Hole, pleased to see Brian well again and back with us.

Board meeting held last week with discussion regarding Think Big Session, details at a later date.

Mentioned members need to contact Bianca to ensure that they have undertaken the Working with Youth Protection requirements. Bianca will contact you as your renewal comes due. Needed for such activities as RYDA and Science Challenge as well as other youth contact activities.

Club Assembly planned for 29 April 2019 and Combined Club meeting at Kings Creek on May 16.

Donation of $500 made to Bishop Tyrell Place to construct Botanical Garden, working bee later to construct garden.

David Denning reported that Football Roster is not required until 28 April 2019.

RAWCS annual fee of $10, many members payment still outstanding. See David Denning as soon as possible regarding this.

Discussion took place regarding aspects of Members Insurance during sporting activities. Bianca helped to enlighten us.

Report from the Meeting - 25 March Harrington Waters Golf Club

Posted by Joy McCaffrey on Apr 01, 2019

Ian welcomed Rotarians, guests and friends to our meeting.

Guests included Mick Parsons – Chamber of Commerce - our guest speaker, Amanda Brockwell, Brad & Michelle Christensen, Mike Kelly and Artie Hudson – Lions Club, together with member partners, Jan Small, June Braithwaite, Jenny Fisher, Terry McCaffrey and Heather Hole.

David Denning thanked all who helped on the Football Canteen over the weekend. A successful day was had.

Report from Meeting 10 December

Posted by Joy McCaffrey on Dec 18, 2018

On Monday night we had our Rotary Club of Taree meeting at the Winning Post Function Centre, Taree Race Club.

President Ian welcomed all to our Christmas gathering and also gave a toast to our sister club the Rotary Club of Okayama Chuo.

Report from Meeting 3 December

Posted by Joy McCaffrey on Dec 18, 2018

President Ian gave his toast to Past President Joy McCaffrey for the work put into producing our Weekly Bulletin.

President Ian also gave credit to the new incoming Board for 2019 /2020 under the leadership of Ross Tingle. A big thank you to all for giving your time so freely in order to continue to make our Club run smoothly.

Report from Meeting 26 November 2018

Posted by Joy McCaffrey on Dec 03, 2018

President Ian gave his toast to Past President Brian Hole for all the work he has undertaken within and for Rotary. Well done Brian.
He also touched on the visit to Currie Bros last week, noting what an interesting place this was to visit.
He sang the praises of Les Miserable and what an exceptional show it was. We have some extraordinary talent in this area. He also sang the praises of David Denning for his work on set construction, Ashley Cleaver for his amazing photography and Kylie Cleaver for her role in production of this play.

Report from our Exchange Student - Bailee Pinnock

Posted by Joy McCaffrey on Nov 26, 2018

Here's the latest news from Bailee, our Exchange Student in Denmark.

Report from Meeting - 5 November 2018

Posted by Joy McCaffrey on Nov 12, 2018

Acting Sergeant at Arms welcomed everyone to our meeting.

President Ian gave his toast to David Denning for his input and hard work on the sets of Les Miserable.

Report from Meeting 22 October

Posted by Joy McCaffrey on Oct 30, 2018

President Ian gave his toast to Ross Tingle who has now taken up the position of President Elect. Well done Ross. Our support is with you.

He also welcomed back Col Rose, Bianca Adimari and Joy McCaffrey who have all been away on leave.

As this night was our Club Assembly night some of our Directors spoke to us on their various portfolios.

 Ashley Cleaver spoke to us on Membership and Public Relations

 Bianca Adimari spoke to us on Youth Compliance Protocols and Insurance. Bianca is also our District Insurance Officer.

 Murray Difford – gave us an overview of where we are at and what is happening in Youth. Particularly where the Youth Ambassador program is at.

Murray also informed members of the Movie Fundraiser being put on by the Rotary Club of Taree on Manning.”Bohemian Rhapsody” at Fays Twin Cinema on Wednesday 14 November 2018. Please see attached flyer.

Kevin Sharp spoke on our Golf Day to be held on 26 January 2019. Please ensure you mark this in your diary to assist with this awesome fundraiser for our Club. Your help is needed.

Susie Ploder also advised that from a Fundraising point of view there will be a Bunnings BBQ to be held on 15 December 2018. Please note this in your diary and lend a hand to this fundraiser.

Members please do not forget the District Governor’s visit to our Club. This coming Tuesday 30 October 2018 (Not Monday 29 October 2018) at Club West for 6.00pm.

Report from Meeting 8 October

Posted by Max Carey on Oct 08, 2018

President Ian opened the meeting and reported on his attendance at opening of Oncology Unit at Manning District Hospital as part of hospital additions.

President Ian and Dianne also attended concert at Entertainment Centre featuring Manning Valley Concert Band and featuring Mitchel Brown celebrating 100 years of Anzac.

Report from Meeting 27 August

Posted by Joy McCaffrey on Sep 06, 2018

President Ian welcomed members and guests to our meeting, particularly our guests PDG Brian Beasley and his lovely wife Heather. Visiting Rotarians Paul & Elizabeth Tollis, Geoff & July Fuller and Judy Northam from the Rotary Club of Taree on Manning. It was also good to see our friend Judy Richardson back again and to also welcome Ashley Selibio who is a nominee for our Club’s Youth Ambassador position. A bonus was to have visiting Rotarians Regina and Vim from the Rotary Club of Springfield, Queensland at our meeting.

Report from Meeting 20 August 2018

Posted by Joy McCaffrey on Aug 26, 2018

President Ian welcomed members to our meeting, which is our Membership Meeting.

His toast for the night was to Past President Murray for all his hard work with respect to our Battery Muster Project. This Project has taken off and is a credit to all the hard work put in by Murray and his team. Congratulations and well done.

Report from Meeting 13 August

Posted by Joy McCaffrey on Aug 20, 2018

President Ian welcomed David Denning back from his trip to Kokoda and noted that we look forward to hearing of his trip later in this meeting.

President Ian reported on the successful visit of our Japanese Exchange student Natsuko who enjoyed her time her immensely.

Meet and Greet

Meet and Greet Assistant

Room Set Up

Introduce Guest Speaker

Thank Guest Speaker

Room Pack Up and Tidy

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Welcome to our Club!

Service Above Self

We meet In Person

Mondays at 6:00 PM

Club Taree (Taree RSL & Golf Club)

121 Wingham Road
Taree, NSW 2430
Australia

District Site

Venue Map

Chats by Rotaract Australia podcast.

Listen to Laura Telford talking to Rotarians and Rotaractors from across Australia.

Click to Listen to the latest interview - PDG Lorraine Coffey

Heather Bolstler - Polio Survivor

Isn’t this a nice bit of synchronicity? – myself, someone living with having had polio, addressing people who’ve been working to eradicate polio most of my adult life – a few days before World Polio Day. It seemed to me a good opportunity to say thank you on behalf of the millions of children worldwide who didn’t catch polio as a result of Rotary’s efforts.

I was raised on a farm in rural Alberta, the westernmost of Canada’s prairie provinces, about a 2 hr drive from Edmonton, the nearest city. We had an 800 acre cattle and grain operation. My early childhood experiences live for me as happy, normal ones – riding on the thresher with my Dad, tunnelling through snowdrifts, playing with my dog Buster, getting into trouble painting the house with mud.

DG Debbie Loveday's Visit

Debbie came tonight to talk to us about M&Ms and even brought some of them to illustrate the point! M&M in Rotary means “MAKING MEMBERSHIP MEMORABLE”. She highlighted the fact that it is reasonable to lose membership due to uncontrollable circumstances like change in residence or careers but there are many ways/strategies to otherwise keep our membership engaged and to improve membership retention.

Dr Andrew Browning - Barbara May Foundation

Andrew, who is an Honorary Rotary Member of Rotary Club of Kincumber moved to Africa seventeen years ago. However of recent he has moved back to Australia and is currently living at Copacabana on the Central Coast NSW with his wife and two sons. He commutes to Africa on a regular basis doing fistula surgical repairs, with a plan to go back next month of October. His first son William was born in Ethiopia in 2005-the most memorable day of his life. When asked how different is it raising children in Africa? He says it is the “same parenting difficulties, just in a different context”. An example is when you say to your child “don’t play with your food” - in Africa live sheep is food, when William saw the beheading of the sheep, he asked them to put the head back on!

Zone 8 Virtual Conference

The Zone 8 Virtual Conference was held 19-20 September, in place of the Conference that was planned for Alice Springs.

PRID Noel Trevaskis did a marvelous job pulling all the speakers together.

If you missed out on listening to these speakers or just want to review what you heard click on the link below to listen to the Keynote Speakers.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCINXDFUA4cLHCCQ4AWYMZgA

New Member Robyn Gaspari AM

Robyn Gaspari with President David and sponsor Susie Ploder

Crazy Hat Fundraiser - Winners

Susie’s hat with colourful flowers was handmade with her granddaughter….

Club at Work in Community

Zone 8 Virtual Conference 19-20 September

Greetings from Rotary International President

Greetings, fellow Rotarians and Rotaractors!

I am so honored to serve as your president this year. We have important work ahead of us at Rotary, and we are going to have a lot of fun as we do it.

Last year, we launched our five-year Action Plan to build a stronger future for Rotary. We are working to increase our impact, expand our reach, enhance participant engagement, and increase our ability to adapt. The last several months have shown that we — as Rotarians and Rotaractors — can realize these goals as we forge a new path for the future.

Past President Bruce Moy - "The Dairy Industry"

Bruce was raised on a Dairy Farm at Dyers Crossing and lived there until illness forced his father to sell out and move to Taree. Bruce is a third generation Auctioneer and has enjoyed a busy life in this occupation and did not mention any second choices.

He has spent his life with cattle raising and selling them and has owned various properties. He said that though country folk are accused of removing trees to clear their properties, most of them plant more trees than they remove, quoted his father as an example. Bruce has spent his life in
the Auctioneering business and still enjoys the challenge of the AUCTION.
Why do farmers stay on the land in spite of difficult conditions such as drought, flood , fire and poor milk prices? They love the land, enjoy working with animals and the outdoor life. They are dedicated caretakers of the land.

Guest Speaker - Peter Stevenson - Music Arranger & Producer

“Peter Stevenson is a highly accomplished studio and live musician, music arranger, producer, songwriter and recording engineer who has worked with some of the most talented and decorated music industry people in the world. This has made him one of the most in demand and respected record producers and musicians, winning and being nominated for a host of international and national awards with artists and projects he has produced, played on and directed.
But behind that warm and welcoming smile is a brilliant, creative and prolific mind whose passionate love of music combined with his unique versatility and musical talent has involved him in many different musical styles, genres and opportunities. One day he could be producing music for an ad for TV, the next working with an orchestra followed by a rock band and a company of voices for a musical. Another session could be programming music for a computer game or football theme song.

From left: PDG Ian Dyball, Peter Stevenson, PP Ross Tingle, President David Denning, De and PDG Maurie Stack, Dr Grace Maano, Ivan Shandanski, PP Bruce Moy

Taree Community News 5 August

Farewell to Murray Difford

IT’S COLD IN TAREE!

With three heaters on and still freezing at his house in Taree, during the imposed solitude brought on by pandemic – Murray realized he needed to move to somewhere warm.

Changeover June 2020

The new 2020-21 Board of President David Denning

For more photos of Changeover click here

Mark Stone - Billabong Zoo Port Macquarie

Mark talked about travelling through on the way to look at another Zoo that was for sale. But then stopped on the way back at Billabong, and the rest is history.

It has been difficult with ongoing costs for keeping and caring for animals and with the Zoo being closed there has been no income. Re-opening is beginning but with strict guidelines and social distancing. Even proposed Government support is limited, and costs are rising. Different animals have varying needs and foods etc.

It was an interesting and engaging presentation. Members remarked that many Rotary guests and exchange students have visited the Zoo accompanied by members and all have had a wonderful experience of Australian wildlife.

Rotary in the Community

Report from Meeting 15 June 2020

“If you had chosen a different career to that which you have followed, what would that have been and why??”

1. Neil Hanington thought he might have been a teacher, or I think he fancied himself as a footballer, but got a job with the Greater Taree County Council which began his career, and led him to Northern Power, and then finally to become General Manager of Midcoast Water.

2. Kevin Sharp entered training as a carpenter, never stopped learning and upgrading qualifications. Held a range of positions in TAFE. Went to PNG with May and worked in Technical Education until the dangers of living there led them back home. He talked about a range of positions and his final position in TAFE was Principal at Taree TAFE. His highlights included being on the Board and as Clerk of Works for Storm Village.

Bruce Moy thanked the speakers and handed back to President Ross.

School of St Jude

YOUR DONATION WILL BE MATCHED

We have the best staff in the world! A bold statement but I believe it’s true – there are no teachers more passionate, cooks more diligent, cleaners more thorough, gardeners more devoted, guards more focused, drivers more attentive and an admin team more industrious than those I’m privileged to work alongside.

And, a truly heart-warming fact is that each salary we pay to one staff member, on average, supports five people – that’s 1,500 more people in the community seeing a difference in their lives because of you! Children can go to school; medical bills can be paid; a better diet can be enjoyed and electricity can be turned on at home. These are just some of the stories my staff have told me.

SUPPORT OUR STAFF SALARIES AND RESOURCES

But there is even more heart-warming news – two extremely generous supporters have offered up to AU$500,000 between them as a matching donation to help us raise the stakes during our annual appeal. If we can raise the same amount in donations and new sponsorships, your impact will be doubled. You can make twice the difference to St Jude’s staff – so, help us meet our match!

Because of you, St Jude’s has nearly 300 local staff – over 50 have been working here for more than 10 years – sharing your dedication to the school’s mission. Also, I have truly admired their devotion to the school during this pandemic. Now I’ll let them proudly share their personal stories…

Our ZOOM Meeting 01 June 2020

Chaired by Past President Bruce Moy, who asked three members:

“If you had chosen a different career to that which you have followed, what would that have been and why??”

Rotary Centenary Australia

A message from Garry Browne AM, Chair – Centenary of Rotary in Australia:

As you would be aware we are approaching the beginning of our Centenary and we are honoured to have the Governor General and Mrs Hurley as joint ambassadors for the Centenary and for the Centenary Project RGECF (Rotary Give Every Child a Future)

As Chair for the National Centenary Committee, I wanted to take the opportunity of sharing with you the video (Click here) that our Ambassadors have provided and you are welcome to share this with your Districts and Clubs. In fact I would encourage you to do so.

Our National Committee for the Centenary of Rotary has a cross section and representation across the whole country and we are keen to ensure that every Rotarian is aware of the celebrations and that we welcome their participation in this once in a lifetime event.

The Centenary is an opportunity to give Rotary a step up in terms of membership, leverage interest and action in the community, build awareness of what an amazing organisation we are and the value we have contributed to our country and of course internationally.

We will be providing and encouraging opportunities for everyone to get involved and in due course be sharing a plan of activities for the next 18 months or so that will allow participation and engagement.

Looking forward to an exciting and invigorating celebration of the Centenary of Rotary.

Bas Vlastuin - My Story

Bas Vlastuin was introduced by Mark Drury (Bas' son in law).

Bas presented his new members speech in which he described his interesting life and experiences. His parents were from Holland (Netherlands) but he spent his early years in Dutch (Western) New Guinea, until they migrated to Australia.

Bas’s enormously diverse life made for a great story. He attempted to show some photographs, which can be seen at click here.

Bas enjoys fishing!

Homeland Story

This is a remarkable story of cross-cultural cooperation in the development of Donydji, an Indigenous Homeland in Arnham Land. They have been supported by the Rotary Club of Melbourne and Vietman Veterans working with the young men of Donydji.

Click here to continue.

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards

Saturday 15^th – Saturday 22^nd August 2020

Lake Keepit Sport & Recreation Centre

RYLA Needs YOU !!!

Accepting nominations now

Thanks from Killabakh Community Association

Thank you Mid Coast Council, Taree Rotary and Taree Lions Clubs for supporting our community by hosting the Drought and Bushfire Relief BBQ on Friday, 28 February at Killabakh.

The community embraced the event with a great turnout. We enjoyed catching up and spending time with family and friends, with the added bonus of not worrying about organising or cooking. A big thank you for that.

The kids loved the jumping castle and made the most of it. The chocolate wheel was great fun, especially when you could choose your prize. The vouchers will certainly be put to good use, supporting not only us, but our local businesses. This BBQ allowed us to come together to celebrate surviving the fires and the end of the drought. Yay!

Thank you also for arranging to have representatives from various agencies in attendance. We weren't expecting that and it allowed people the opportunity to ask questions or seek assistance.

Thank you once again for hosting this event and your donation of wonderful prizes.

Michelle Ridd

Secretary, Killabakh Community Association