ROTARY CLUB OF SUTHERLAND INC Annual Report 2011 – 12

ROTARY CLUB OF SUTHERLAND INC
Annual Report
2011 – 12
Presented June 2012
President Graham Thom
Secretary PP David Melville
Treasurer PP Anne Iffland
President Elect PP Warwick Parnell
Immediate Past President PP Bob Thomas
Club Admin Director Robbert Fox
Membership Director PP Warwick Parnell
Public Relations Director John Ives
Service Projects Director PP Graeme Boler
New Generations Director Perri Calderwood
The Rotary Foundation Director PP Pam Boler
www.sutherlandrotary.org.au

Rotary Club of Sutherland Annual Report 2011-12
PRESIDENT: Graham Thom
It is with pleasure that I report on the 2011 – 2012 year as President of the Rotary Club of
Sutherland.
The year began with the loss of our Immediate Past President Bob Thomas and it was a
pleasure, on behalf of the Club, to make a donation to St George Hospital Renal Unit in his
memory.
Over the period of the year the Club has participated in its usual activities including
Coffee@Peace, The Australia Day Fair as well as the annual raffle. We have continued to
support Rotary programs such as Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA), Rotary Youth
Leadership Awards (RYLA) and National Youth Science Forum (NYSF). Its support of
Australia Rotary Health (ARH) and Indigenous Medical Scholarship is largely due to the
generous donation made by one of our own club member’s.
While funds raised throughout the year has been disappointing the Club has worked hard in
building its profile with the local community, other Rotary Clubs in the Sutherland Shire and
beyond. It has also continued to build its relationship with Sutherland Shire Council which
has enabled us to partner with them in conducting significant community events.
We have held two Information Nights inviting representatives from the business community
to see first-hand the work of the Club. While membership to the club was encouraged it did
assist in increasing the profile of the club to local businesses including representatives from
Sutherland Shire Council. The Club has invested in new promotional Rotary banners used
at events, newspaper advertising, the use of social media including our website, Facebook
and Twitter, as well as Information Packs to give to prospective members and guests of the
club introducing them to the work of the Club and of Rotary. It was an honour and privilege to
induct new members Steve Geraghty and Matthew Wallis as well as Honorary Member,
Graham Annesley MP, to the Rotary Club of Sutherland.
Six club members and their partners visited Mudgee and took residence in a house we hired
and are very tempted to return back to. Vocational activities included visiting the wineries and
brewery as well as meeting the Rotary Clubs of Mudgee and Mudgee Sunrise for dinner.
Members have severely been hit with sickness and operations while others have had to look
after their own family members. Understandably, this has impacted on meeting attendance
and their participation in club activities. We look forward to seeing their return back at the
Club very soon.
The Club continues to be in transition as it faces the challenges of the future. At the time of
writing its direction is being charted and important decisions are being reached in continuing
to make the Club progressive, attractive and robust while also continuing to serve the
community, to uphold our resolve and ‘Serve above self’ and as we, in the words of Rotary
International President, Kalyan Banerjee, and the theme for 2011-2012,
‘Reach within to embrace humanity’.
Finally, I would like to thank the Board for their commitment and effort, and apologies to their
partners for the late nights the Board met, in furthering the interests of the Club; the
members for their support throughout the year; and I wish President Elect, Warwick Parnell,
not only an exciting year as President, but also, as with me, a rewarding and a satisfying
year too.
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Rotary Club of Sutherland Annual Report 2011-12
SECRETARY: David Melville
Congratulations and many thanks to President Graham and the Board for an interesting year,
especially after the sad loss of Past President Bob Thomas at the start of the year. Some
initiatives were tried with further changes to the ADF and involvement with Coffee@Peace.
This reduced the financial risk to the club but also the return.
We have met our legal obligations: Subscriptions paid to Rotary International, District 9750,
and Rotary Down Under. We submitted our Annual Return for last year as an Incorporated
Association to OFT, Our ‘Authority to Fundraise’ is valid with OGR till July 2015; and our
Child Protection Act and Privacy Act registers are up to date.
We will finish the year with 34 active members and 3 honorary members.
We have a way to go to get that average age down, though Matthew is assisting Zoe and
Perri in that regard, and overall average age is 1 year less than last year (and the active
members’ average is 2 years less).
For those of a statistical bent, here is the picture:
Rotary Club of Sutherland Inc. Club Statistics 2011-12
Web site: www.sutherlandrotary.org.au Printed 6/06/2012 from RI-CAS
Member Numbers by Age and Member Type
Age Group - Members Active Exempt Honorary Total
Less Than 30 1 0 0 1
30-39 2 0 0 2
40-49 1 0 0 1
50-59 5 0 1 6
60-69 10 0 0 10
70-79 2 8 1 11
80-89 0 4 1 5
90-99 0 1 0 1
Total Club 21 13 3 37
Average Age 58 79 73 67
Member Numbers by Attendance Type Male Female Total
Active 18 3 21
Exempt 13 0 13
Honorary 3 0 3
Total 34 3 37
Best wishes to our incoming team for the coming year.
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Rotary Club of Sutherland Annual Report 2011-12
CLUB ADMINISTRATION DIRECTOR: Robbert Fox
PROGRAM
Bob Bayles started the year with a broad range of guest speakers but due to ill health
handed over the reins to Pam Boler to continue developing an exciting and diverse program.
In her usual style she stepped and organised the speakers for the rest of the year. It is credit
to both Bob and Pam that no TBAs were recorded. Only once did a guest speaker not
present for the meeting and no apology received. The choice of speakers and to hear their
stories were inspiring, motivating and of a consistently high standard. Great speakers
enhance a well organised meeting. Chair: Bob Bayles and Pam Boler
BULLETIN
The Bulletin has been produced weekly and has provided the club with a
clear and accurate history of activities in the club. It has recorded the
meeting faithfully but also provided an insight into the many other
activities that occur during the year which do not necessarily get
recorded or discussed at meetings. The Editor has tried to provide a
history for the club, a conduit to members who are not in attendance at
the meeting and gives some knowledge of various programs and
projects in Rotary. A bulletin has been produced for every meeting throughout the year.
Chair: Graeme Boler
BULLETIN SCRIBES
Over recent years a Bulletin scribe system has been in place. This works well as no one
person is tied up all night on scribing the notes for the Bulletin production. The scribes are:
Peter Williams, David Beslich, Martin Iffland and Graeme Boler and each of them did a
great job in recording the minutes of each meeting.
BULLETIN SUPPORT
Karen Stevens has provided a wonderful support for the Bulletin by producing and posting all
bulletins that require posting. The number of Bulletin’s being mailed out is being reduced and
will one day be all electronic. Until then Karen always gets the hardcopy Bulletin out on time.
Karen Stevens
PHOTOGRAPHY
Graeme Boler has been the photographer for the year. At almost every function and meeting
a photographic record has been prepared. This will be a great pictorial record of the year’s
events.
Chair: Graeme Boler
FELLOWSHIP AND EVENTS
Bob Bayles is a wonderful organiser and always has great ideas on places to go and visit
including vocational nights visiting local businesses. He set up a fine program of activities.
However, due to ill health, Pam Boler took over the role of coordinating the visits. This has
had an effect on social outings but plenty of interesting events have taken place. Members
have stepped forward with ideas. Throughout the year activities have been Embark
restaurant (2 November 2011), Christmas night, Como Hotel dinner, Japanese Restaurant
Night; Sunset Port Hacking Cruise (thanks to Bob and Karen Stevens 28 March 2012);
Chapel Night (3 April 2012); Hospitality Est vocational visit (6 June 2012); Chair: Bob
Bayles
WELFARE
Welfare has played a significant role in club activities. Many members and family loved ones
have had ailments and often at times these have been quite severe. They are unfortunately
not able to take part in many of the activities and they were well missed as apologies at the
meetings. They are in need of lots of support and many members have contacted them and
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Rotary Club of Sutherland Annual Report 2011-12
assisted in keeping their spirit up. We hope that each of them will quickly recuperate and will
be back to health very soon. We wish them all a speedy recovery. Chair Bob Bayles and
Pam and Graeme Boler
INTERNATIONAL TOAST
The Bulletin Editor provides a spot for members to share in toasting a club overseas. This
can be very rewarding particularly when contact is made to the club prior to the actual toast.
We have toasted Rotary clubs in many remote places and countries. Chair: Graeme Boler
ROTARY INFORMATION
Rotary information has been provided through the Bulletin but little is provided at the
meetings which is a pity as many Rotary programs are not understood and their benefits not
fully appreciated.
Chair: Graeme Boler
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Rotary Club of Sutherland Annual Report 2011-12
PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR: John Ives
CHAPEL NIGHT 3 April 2012
The Chapel Night was organised by RC Cronulla and was well attended. It is pleasing to see
other clubs have taken up the activity as it has been a wonderful way of members from
different clubs getting together. The chapel looks good after a spruce up. Chair: Pam Boler
EXCELLENCE IN WORKMANSHIP AWARDS
A wonderful showcase of good people doing good things in our community gave our Rotary
club the opportunity of recognising these people and also demonstrating that Rotary is a
community service organisation. This annual event was well organised by Bob Richards
and Aldo DiMartino with the result that we were able to present 8 awards on the night of
16 th May in the main auditorium of the Sutherland Entertainment Centre.
SUTHERLAND EARLY SUPPORT SERVICE
Presentation to Sutherland Early Support Service. President Graham presented Stan
Nurthen, as representative of the SESS with a cheque for $6,000. It is recognised by our club
that the Sutherland Early Support Service does a wonderful job.
Our Club sponsored this organisation many years ago under a different name – the work is
the same and the need remains the same.
In accepting the cheque Stan mentioned that the service has 65 cases currently running
many with varying needs and reasons for such intervention. The members of staff are
wonderful and have shown enormous dedication over many years – These are passionate
people who want to help the needy. Our congratulations go to all the people involved for their
dedication and fine work. The annual cost of running the service is $110,000. This sum will
help!
• Sutherland Early Support Service (SESS) – Bike-athon. The planning for this is
going exceptionally well. Stan has had great response from the Shire Mayor, Carol
Provan and Olsens Funerals as sponsors. (Jack Dalton described it as a “dead
cert!”). We will be in the thick of this when it gets going later in 2012. Stan’s aim is to
raise funds to cope with the annual costs of $120,000 the SESS requires to run this
fabulous enterprise. Chair: Stan Nurthen
REPORT ON THE SUTHERLAND EARLY SUPPORT SERVICE 2010 - 11
Once again another year has gone and we are in to our seventh year of service to the community. Our
runni.ng costs have increased slightly by about ten percent this year and we are constantly reminded
how difficult fund raising has become. The Shire Rotary Clubs have been supportive over the last few
years after we received a major grant from the Big Sister Movement some six years ago in order to
restart the service. Since then the various shire service and community clubs have been our lifeline.
Our basic service model is the same as the amount of community activity is restricted to the funding
available. We have our two coordinators, 65 to 85 volunteers and an advisory committee. Our monthly
client total is 65 families as some cases require more than one volunteer. A case can last up to twelve
months depending on the required assistance of the mother, baby or both. We cater for mothers
struggling with post natal depression, issues of disability or illness, multiple births, reflux babies and
many other issues that put families under a great deal of stress. Post natal depression now takes up
some 50% to 60% of our monthly case load and fortunately our volunteers receive advice on these
issues from a visiting Psychologist during regular training sessions.
Each client is asked to fill in a closure survey at the completion of our service. One survey from a mum
with a history of previous post natal depression and now with a three year old, a brand new baby, a
knee injury and a husband who had to return to work said in part: "Loueze was brilliant with my kids,
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Rotary Club of Sutherland Annual Report 2011-12
the service was flexible and provided extra support when my husband had to go away for work. I truly
believe this service helped me from going under".
We can only continue to offer this service if we have the support of the Rotary and community clubs in
the shire. We will try to organize fund raising activities throughout this year and would seek your
ongoing support.
Our thanks to the coordinators, Anne and Lina, the wonderful volunteers, Martin Iffland, Peter Pidoux
the Advisory Committee, the Rotary Club of Sutherland, the Shire Clubs and community
organisations. We look forward to your continued assistance for the coming year. With thanks:
PP Stan Nurthen, President SESS Advisory Committee.
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Rotary Club of Sutherland Annual Report 2011-12
MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR: Warwick Parnell
RECRUITMENT
The Board decided this year to hold 2 Membership Nights (September 2011 and May 2012).
Many thanks to John Ives for providing a potential members list of approx 30 persons for the
September night, however despite a concerted effort to extend an invitation to attend, we had
minimal success. We were however able to extend Honorary Membership to local MP
Graham Annesley. Some of those contacted expressed an interest in coming along to
meetings in the New Year. However follow up efforts have proved difficult to gain a
commitment – Wednesday Night meetings seemingly being a major factor.
On a more positive note we were delighted to induct both Steve Geraghty and Matthew
Wallis into the club during the year. Both Steve and Matthew are proving to be enthusiastic
members, enjoying the fellowship of the club, as well as the club’s current and upcoming
projects. Steve has agreed to take up the New Generations Directors role next year – Many
thanks Steve!
In regard to the second Membership Night in May, we embarked on a wider promotion by
securing an advertisement in “The Leader,” as well as contacting the St George and
Sutherland Shire Business Networking Group. In addition we targeted several of the
“Excellence in Workmanship” awardees, and follow through on a District wide effort to secure
a Salvation Army representative into clubs. Once again the Wednesday Night commitment
was often raised as a difficult objection, however your committee is still working on securing
at least 2 members from our awardees group mentioned above. The individual efforts of
Robbert Fox, Perri Calderwood and Graeme and Pam Boler in bringing along potential
members as their guests, is to be commended. We hope in the near future we can provide
some future inductions!
We would once again remind all members that growing our membership is a responsibility for
all members of our club.
It should be noted that a considerable amount of work has taken place on updating our club
website this year. Our Webmaster David Melville has improved our social networking focus –
now featuring Facebook and Twitter (courtesy of chief ‘twit’, Peter Williams).
It is hoped that interest in our club and its projects will allow us to make contact and appeal
to a younger generation of future members.
RETENTION AND DEVELOPMENT
Sadly during the year we received the resignation of Membership Director John Dodson.
John subsequently expressed to the writer that his newly acquired job had grown to a point
where regular Club attendance and Board Meeting attendance had become an issue for him.
YOUNG ROTARIAN PROJECT
With the loss of PP Bob Thomas, Director John Dodson and the current health of Paul
Anderson, we were again unable to introduce this programme.
It is hoped the programme can be looked at again in the New Rotary Year.
COUNCIL
In discussion with our Mayor, Stan raised membership of our club. Carol was quite receptive
to the idea of promoting Rotary within Council. Stan sought good literature on our club and
reports on our activities. This was required by Friday to give Stan a chance, over the
weekend, to compile 20 booklets for Monday (Pres. Graham said - “Give him a Medal!”).
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Rotary Club of Sutherland Annual Report 2011-12
SERVICE PROJECTS DIRECTOR: Graeme Boler
Christmas Raffle
The Christmas Raffle received a makeover! It was decided to try a new concept of offering a
larger prize with the winners having a trip to London. Books were made up at $20 to
encourage sales of books of tickets. Robbert Fox engaged Loftus Public School to do some
selling. It was hoped that they would be able to sell lots of tickets through students and
parents. This only had moderate success. The ticket sales raised were only enough to meet
the expensive trip to England for two people and a contribution to Loftus Public School for
their efforts. The raffle was drawn at the Australia Day Fair at Menai.
Coffee @Peace
For the second year our club participated in this annual Council event. This time there was a
twist. We organised a “Cook-Off’ between six local hospitality businesses including Cronulla
Rydges Hotel, Hospitality Est, Boyles Hotel, Loftus TAFE, Hazlehurst Gallery and Gymea
Tradies Club. Teams fought against each other in either preparing an entrée, main course or
dessert from a ‘mystery box’ of ingredients with coffee as a key ingredient. We sold raffle
tickets to the public with the winners having the privilege of being a judge in the cook-off.
This proved to be successful in that we raised more money in this activity than in the
barbeque. Comperes were our Paul Andersen and John Hennessey from Hennessey Coffee.
Chairman: Graham Thom
A special Development: Robbert Fox told us of a client of his, Harry Banks, who was a
merchant sailor. Robbert first met him in 1974. Harry gained legal advice from Robert over
the years on a number of matters. He had a lucky number – 3. This Robbert told us came
from an experience he had during WW2. He was on board a ship which came under fire from
a Japanese submarine. A torpedo whistled past the bow of the ship; a second torpedo
skimmed past the stern; yes and the third hit amidships. Fortune was in Harry’s favour, the
torpedo failed to detonate and thus all were safe. Harry decided that he was lucky and that 3
is his lucky number. He presented Robbert with gifts from time to time; three torches; three
tall ships.
Harry passed away about 18 months ago and detailed a bequest to provide useful
community service. Robbert, being the executor of the will, has established The Harry
Banks Sutherland Rotary Club/ Australian Rotary Health PhD Scholarship. A
scholarship of $29,000 per year for three years totalling $87,000 is offered. This a wonderful
effort of using funds to maximum benefit. We are all aware of the tremendous work done by
ARH and particularly in the area of mental health. We look forward to hearing regular
updates on the selection and the advancement of the successful student. Chair: Robbert
Fox
Australia Day Festival
Sutherland Rotary Club is very happy to participate with Sutherland Shire Council in
providing a first class community event – The Australia Day Festival at Parc Menai. It is
pleasing to work for our community with so many community organisations being involved in
the running of the festival and participating in the event. I acknowledge and thank them for
the wonderful support given by government agencies for their efforts and participation.
Inclement weather paid a significant role in keeping the attendance to an estimated 5,000.
I congratulate the Council staff who have dedicated so much of their time to making this
event worthy of our Shire. I also congratulate the members and supporters who gave
wonderful support on the day.
Rotary - The Management Team was made up of President Graham Thom and Graeme
Boler with Warwick Parnell and Pam Boler managing the barbeque.
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Rotary Club of Sutherland Annual Report 2011-12
Parc Menai was again the site. Other sites were sought but were rejected by Council so Parc
Menai became the only solution. Given that it has some severe limitations it is a pretty well
contained site. The site caters for a relatively small crowd. The fireworks being away from the
main venue makes it less appealing and quite a number of obstacles to overcome including
restriction access to the site, and height of the surrounding trees.
Partnership between Council and our club was very successful. This year was a change of
structure for the management role. There was a closer knit group as distinct from a “them
and us” approach. It worked well with all members participating in active debate on the event
planning and execution. I congratulate all members on their willingness to make it work and
work it did! There was a philosophical change. Equal emphasis between Cronulla and Menai
– The change from Cronulla being the main focus to having two equally viable venues was a
strong plus in our favour.
The decision to build up a better solution for the central and western end of the Shire for
festivals is an important step in the right direction. The Parc Menai festival was aimed more
at families and entertainment organised for the event reflected this.
The Rotary Role changed substantially. Where funds had been given to Sutherland Rotary
Club to run the event by providing all services and entertainment it was decided that Council
would provide much of this. The argument for centralised purchasing and delivery was
compelling. With the better “buying power” of Council meant the dollar would gain better
value results. I believe this was borne out by the results. The quality of equipment,
entertainment and delivery was superb!
Rotary Capacity – Rotary has a limited capability and capacity to deliver such an event.
The Planning team met monthly to develop the strategy which then led to implementation at
a later stage. Both Council and Rotary were to provide management of all aspects for the
day. This was well planned and covered by Scott McNairn as Council’s onsite man and
Graeme Boler from Rotary. The synergy is important for such an event.
Entertainment Afternoon – The afternoon entertainment was designed to reflect the younger
aged people. Evening- The evening entertainment was superb and was appreciated by
many. The quality of the acts was first class! Fireworks – The fireworks are an essential part
of the day. Many people, it would seem, come for just the fireworks!
Rotary - Master of Ceremonies – President Graham Thom did a great job in his role as MC
for the day. He was untiring in his efforts to “work” the crowd and encourage them to be
involved with the stage performances.
Stalls – There were a variety of stalls for the public. It was disappointing that there were not
more stalls as this would generate more interest.
Barbeque - Sutherland Rotary decided to run the barbeque as there were insufficient food
stalls.
Carnival – O’Neill’s Carnival was commissioned to provide rides for the public. It was a pity
that the ADF clashed with Chinese New Year. This meant that O’Neill’s set up for only one
day and they brought considerably less rides and amusements. Only a moderate income
was achieved.
Site logistics - Area – The area is quite small for such a festival. This was reduced even more
by the construction of a disabled swing area in the playground precinct. The site was
surprisingly very wet in the lower section, behind the rotunda, due to the heavy rain leading
to the day of the event.
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Rotary Club of Sutherland Annual Report 2011-12
Due to the late decision to run the BBQ it was hastily prepared but very well presented.
There was a fine roster of Rotarians and supporters on hand for the whole of the duration of
the festival. It is estimated that due to weather and a smaller crowd that only one third of
expectation was sold.
Fireworks were conducted to be a delight of the crowd. It was very good display. Chair:
Graham Thom
Assistance Dogs
We had a visit from the Assistance Dogs to our regular meeting on 23 rd Nov.
This is a wonderful charity and well supported by our club over the years. This year is no
exception. In combination with Commonwealth Bank social committee we are contributing
towards the $25,000 required to train an assistance dog. Rotary will have co-naming rights
on the dog’s jacket. Lisa Heather, Graham Thom’s wife, was the driving force in this project.
Chair: Graham Thom
Australia Rotary Health (ARH)
This brilliant program of Rotary Australia continues to grow and do wonderful work in medical
research, assistance and training. The Beslich family made a substantial donation of
$100,000 to the program this year. This was acknowledged by a certificate presented to
President Graham at a President’s meeting. It also means that this club is a $4,000 per
capita club.
Part of the promotion of ARH has been Hat Day – This fell on Friday 18 th May. Our club
organised a hat night on 23 rd May in recognition. It was a fun night with members attempting
to re- create their youth and with paper and little else they were required to make a hat in no
time flat. Funds were raised for the Hat Day on the night. Chair: Graeme Boler
Indigenous Medical Scholarship
Jessica Webb 9 November 2011. Ron Beslich introduced Jessica Webb who is an
Indigenous Scholar studying medicine at the University of NSW. The scholarship has been
possible by the support of this club and also the support of Ron Beslich. The purpose of the
scholarship is to encourage indigenous people to take an active role in health for their own
people. Health is such an important part of the divide between the indigenous people and the
rest of Australians. Jessica went on to tell us that she is passionate about medicine and has
held a long term desire to help her people. She spoke about her opinion of the treatment of
the indigenous people and how she may help right some of these issues.
Jessica spoke of the history of the aboriginals and that there were over 1,000 tribes long ago.
The history and traditions and the rich diversity of her culture is fascinating. Jessica said that
the view of the aboriginals was that “they do not own the land but that the land owns them
and nourishes them.”
Health has played a major role in the reduction of the population of the aboriginal. Jessica
hopes to provide assistance in this.
BBQ
We have a BBQ committee that stands ready to tackle our BBQ service. This year we had a
BBQ at Coffee@Peace and at the ADF. Both were well organised and run with most
members helping. They were financially successful as well. Chairs: Warwick Parnell and
John Barker
Relay For Life
This fundraiser for the Cancer Council is a great shire success. Our club has participated for
several years in this event. Our support again was there for the general ticket sales and the
breakfast BBQ. Nearly $700,000 was raised. 11 th May 2012. Chair: Ray Wheeldon
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Rotary Club of Sutherland Annual Report 2011-12
Minerva School
The Minerva School is a local school for disability students. They appreciate our help. From
time to time we carry out some activities such as tree lopping and general yard cleaning. This
year we donated some equipment for the school which was well received. Principal, Fiona
Young was an awardee at the Excellence in Workmanship Award from our club for the
tremendous effort she puts in and her commitment changes the lives of her students. Chair:
Graeme Boler
Rotary Park
At last, we have got back our park. For a few years the park was trampled on by workers and
the construction of the railway. Plants and the Rotary Park sign went missing. Through the
efforts of David Melville the sign was re-made and erected in a prominent spot in the park.
Bowelscan
Once Again Chris Makomaski came to the fore with his energetic support for the life-saving
program. Even though Chris had complications at home with his wife Wanda in ill health and
needing constant attention Chris managed to find the time to deliver and pick up the kits from
all of the nominated chemist in the Sutherland area. Chair: Chris Makomaski
Online Loyalty Program Fundraising
This seems like a mouthful and has a whole different meaning to fund-raising. The concept of
a loyalty program where funds flow from a seller on the internet to a nominated charity of or
selection is new and novel. It is taking some time to resolve the issues of electronic trading
and governments are unable to fully understand the ramifications of the process which
requires all sorts of considerations by our service provider. This has not yet come into
existence but will become a normal method of purchase in years to come. The board is
struggling with the concept at the moment. Chair: Graeme Boler.
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Rotary Club of Sutherland Annual Report 2011-12
THE ROTARY FOUNDATION DIRECTOR: Pam Boler
THE ROTARY FOUNDATION
ROMAC AND INTERPLAST
Bob Richards is our man on ROMAC. During the year reports were given and information
disseminated on the wonderful program that saves children’s lives who either have life-
saving surgery overseas by volunteer doctors and nurses or brought to Australia. Chair: Bob
Richards
GSE / VVT
There has been little activity in this area as it is a lay year and no team has visited or been
sent.
AMBASSADORIAL SCHOLAR
Caroline Brady from Brookville, Florida USA was a guest a speaker at our club. Caroline is
a very personable and outgoing lady who arrived in Australia in July for a one year study
period. She is studying Environmental Law with the aim to gain a Masters Degree at Sydney
University. Caroline outlined what is a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship. It is part of the
Rotary Foundation, this year over 400 scholars in 40 countries have participated.
The scholarship entails a grant US$26,000 for a degree over 1 or 2 years and the purpose is
to promote peace, understanding and goodwill in the world. A scholar cannot be a Rotarian
or related to one. The reason for selecting Sydney Uni is that it is world renown for
environmental studies and that Australia is a leading country in environmental reform.
Caroline’s background is she comes from Tampa, Florida, where she practiced law with a
small firm, received a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Philosophy, Political Science and
Economics from Birmingham-Southern College in Alabama, attended Law School at Florida
State University and attending the University of Sydney for a Master of Laws (LLM) in
Environmental Law
Why Study Environmental Law in Australia? There are similar concerns to US;
environmentally conscious culture; progressive laws. Chair: Pam Boler
RAWCS
PNG PROJECTS:
Ron Sommers remains a dedicated member to the cause of health in Kundiawa and the
Simbu Province.
He has sent containers to Kundiawa and to other places within PNG. A spectacular effort
was achieved when he sent two ambulances with all the equipment. Ron also organised
people to travel to PNG to show the locals how to best use the vehicle and equipment. A
wonderful effort! Ron has continued to support the formation of the Rotary Club of Kundiawa
and the club has paid the fees of the current members. Although the club is struggling and
there is a measure of conflict with the District the efforts made by Ron has been very
worthwhile. Chair Ron Sommers
ADOPT A PROVINCE:
Another project that has been the inspiration of Ron Sommers is the Adopt A Province. This
has not gained ready acceptance generally and Ron has battled very hard to be heard. It
would seem to need a high level approach for the project to be adopted at an inter-district
level.
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Rotary Club of Sutherland Annual Report 2011-12
Here is Ron’s Report
Report on Trial adoption of Simbu Province of unaffordable humanitarian services by
RAWCS D9750 #63 2008-12.
Why trial necessary? To prevent the generated "resentment" through non – holistic attempts
made to achieve "peace and good will from humanitarian services for the impoverished ".
Results of trial 2008-2012.
Positively there is sufficient discarded District equipment available to achieve holistic help for
the needy in every district of Simbu PNG.
Negativity is related to commitment required both from Donor (D9750) and Recipient (Simbu
population Plus D9600) Volunteers whether Rotarian or other service groups to the ideology
governing their commitment related to "service above self".
Solutions to problems are not insurmountable and related to intelligent team vocational
investigations.
Chair: Ron Sommers
ROTARY SOLAR LIGHTS
Graeme Boler submitted an application to RAWCS national to gain approval for this club
project. It is far reaching and could have enormous benefit to a half billion people around the
world. There are plenty of logistical issues but Graeme has waded through this and got the
project up and running. It is well accepted by many clubs. Graeme visits clubs as a guest
speaker to get other clubs involved. There is very limited interest from this club. Chair:
Graeme Boler
Many thanks to Graeme Boler for providing the framework of this report;
edited by Graham T, tidied up by David M and printed by Civic Copying.
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Rotary Club of Sutherland Annual Report 2011-12
NEW GENERATIONS DIRECTOR: Perri Calderwood
There have been several achievements made throughout the year with the New
Generations.
We have had two successful sessions of ‘U Turn The Wheel’ (UTTW) at St Patrick’s College,
Sutherland. Anne Iffland has been instrumental in supporting and implementing this program.
UTTW seeks to raise the awareness of safe driving habits for the senior students with the
cooperation of the Ambulance, Police Services and community organisations. Rotary has
received positive feedback from the school and there has been interest expressed by other
schools and parental groups.
Our nomination for the National Youth Science Forum (NYSF), Kieran Geraghty, was
successful in his application and attended the forum in January this year. He was an
excellent representative of the Rotary Club of Sutherland and upon his return to reported that
he had an experience that not only expanded his skills and knowledge in the area of science,
but allowed him to develop friendships which have extended beyond the experience.
Throughout Kieran’s participation in, his father Steven has now become a member of the
Rotary Club of Sutherland. We have recently interviewed and nominated a new participant,
Gemma Pethybridge for the NYSF experience in 2013.
We were able to send two representatives to the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) in
January, Palak Thacker and Aaron Cridland. Both representatives demonstrated personal
growth and Aaron’s change throughout the experience was noted by the District Governor,
Phil Whyte.
Currently we are investigating the possibility of an Interact club, and proposing a more formal
partnership with St Patrick’s College, Sutherland. We are seeking a champion from within the
club to support the school in the establishment and ongoing running of the club within the
school.
Students from St Patrick’s College Sutherland represented the Libya in the district MUNA
experience at the Nan Tien Temple in May. With the assistance of their teacher Ms Jennifer
Smith the students investigated the culture and ideology of the country and represented them
in a model United Nations Forum.
Our only shire Rotaract club, Como-Jannali is functioning reasonable well. Our club has
supported their club in various ways. President 2011-12 Vanessa Fyfe and Vice-President,
Teneal visited our club 21 st March to build a little better relationship between the clubs. We
also supported their trivia night with 6 people attending.
Considerable effort was made to attract suitable candidates for the Rotary Youth Program of
Enrichment (RYPEN) three day program for students aged 14 to 17. Unfortunately, Kirrawee
High school was unable to get the right people and it was too late to bring another school into
consideration. Therefore we had no student representing our club. It is disappointing but it
would seem that it is less popular with students these days.
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