Our Meeting 10th Sep 2024
For those that missed it, The Sydney Swans had a comfortable win on Saturday…phew!!!
 
This was a very busy meeting with two guest speakers and a presentation. We were also graced with the presence of Ken Cook,  Norma Gray and Karen Walsh( ptr of Preso David), and OS visitors Steven and Lorrie Ledger, Lorrie having been an exchange student to our Club from Canada in the 1980’s.
 
Lorrie and Steve had previously visited our Club in 2020. They are in OZ to attend a wedding in Brisbane. Lorrie let us know that their family is now a second Rotary Exchange family with their son who went on exchange to Brazil in 2013. They have maintained a close relationship with John and Norma Gray. A great example of the benefits of Rotary exchange.
 
Karen Walsh was very pleased to share the information that her daughter had received an “Emmy” at the recent awards. A great effort from a girl from Cootamundra who progressed through the industry to America. Congratulations to Emily Walsh
 
 
 
Our first guest speaker was Rhys Cummins from Murrumbidgee Mens Group (MMG). Rhys was driven to establish the MMG after suffering mental health issues and could not see where to turn. The group was established in 2019. He and his mate who established the MMG decided that discussion with someone else seemed to reduce the stress. They meet every second Sunday at various venues in Wagga. They sit in a circular fashion so that no one is excluded or “in charge”. It allows men to openly discuss their thoughts. Most meetings have usually 10 to 15 present. They do get guest speakers from time to time. Some of those speakers have been high profile NRL players. If someone needs external help, Rhys says they can send them in the right direction.
 
They discuss the hard stuff. The members do not feel inadequate in discussing all matters including domestic violence. It seems to be easier to share the stories between the men rather than trying to share with family members. A number of men come to the meetings without mental health issues, just to listen and to share their thoughts.
The MMG is self-funded, although they have received a couple of government grants, Rhys was thanked by President David. The message is very clear. If anyone is struggling with health issues, put your hand up and ask for help.
 
Gears & Beers Chair Phil McIntosh, gave us an update on the event which is closing in quickly. The route for the dirty 130 has changed slightly but it just means a bit rougher road. The registrations are ramping up and are now higher than last year.
The very pleasing aspect of the event is the sponsorship team have managed to secure sponsorship of in excess of $100K. An outstanding effort in an economy which is doing it a bit tough. The only downside is that Phil is receiving information that accommodation is difficult to get. Gears & Beers Meetings are every Wednesday at 5.30 at the Lincoln.
 
 
 
Ali Reid from “Start” attended the meeting at the invitation of David Post and was presented with 25  entry tickets to the Henty Machinery Field days commencing next week.  These tickets are intended to be given to people like some of the Yazidi men to see what happens in the farming sector. A couple of our members will accompany those attending.
 
Doug Conkey asked for the Club support to attend a movie this Sunday September 15 being run for Legacy. Tickets are available at Legacy House.  The movie is called “The Runt” and  Peter Crozier hopes the movie is better than the Rotary promoted movie last Friday which was “ the worst movie he has ever seen”
 
We are cooking at Lillier Lodge this Wednesday and Pat Ingram has it all organized
 
 
Our “This is your life” was delivered by newest member Ken Dillon. Ken was given limited time and told a great story.
 
Ken grew up in Bathurst and attended both Primary and secondary there. He had a connection in Wagga as his Grandfather was station master at Wagga and lived in the two story home adjacent to the Railway station.
 
Ken was a keen worker and his parents instilled in him to the notion of “hard work”. He was keen to advance his education and moved from Bathurst to Sydney so choose the “bush“ University at Macquarie. It was far enough from the City Centre to be in the realm of bush. He graduated with a degree in Psychology and a Diploma in Education.
 
A number of Prac teaching roles was an experience for Ken. At one situation he was mistaken for a student “out of uniform” and threatened with two cuts with the cane. He immediately went along with the plan until he told the Principal that he would rearrange his jaw if the stick managed to inflict the corporal punishment. That appeared to be the start of quality education for ken as he progressed through a very distinguished career in Education. He got his first appointment at a Girls Catholic Boarding School. The principal priest was rather pleased that he had this new lad Dillon, who he assumed was catholic. Ken said ‘I am actually not Catholic”. The Priest said’ That’s ok, you will be by the time you leave”
 
When he was offered a teaching position said “anywhere but Sydney” so he was offered Ardlethan in 1982 in the middle of a shocking drought. That was great experience with friendly families respecting teachers to a high degree and indulged with many meals at family homes.
 
Ken had the serendipitous experience on day 1 at Ardlethan of meeting his future wife.
 
The future was associated with further education and progress through the system. He and his wife decided that a move was necessary. They went to Forbes with a long term intention, but, once again, an opportunity arose from the local RCAE( now CSU). He was offered the job at an interview and, somewhat shocked at the lack of due diligence, accepted the job as a College lecturer. He decided that furthering his academic career was the way to go.
 
He completed a Masters with Honors and continued on in the lecturing role. Doors seemed to open for Ken when a head of School was retiring, Ken put his hand up and.…again….got the job as “head of school” Ken was supervising PHD students and cemented the head of school position for six years. His commitment to work was evidenced when he was offered the Dean of the faculty as associate Professor.
 
The academic career did not stop there as ken was then appointed to his final position at CSU as Deputy Vice Chancellor for six years before Ken retired from education five years ago. An outstanding career from Bathurst  primary to VC of CSU.
 
Congratulations Ken
 
A big thankyou to Rob Pearson who cleaned the top of the Civic Precinct container, patched the holes in the roof and put a new roof over the top of the container.
 
Thanks Rob
 
Guest Speaker - Ben Morgan
Our Guest Speaker was to talk to us about General Aviation in Australia, so there was no competition - Geoff Breust was to do the introduction.
 
Ben Morgan is the CEO of the Australian Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, is based at Bankstown airport in Sydney, and has been involved in lobbying for his association in political and industry issues.
He started by telling us about the government regulation of aviation, heavily regulated through CASA, and the creep to tighter regulation that seems inevitable in Australian society.
Statistically, aviation is very safe, but is being strangled by a public service that needs to justify its existence, and Ben gave examples of the USA equivalent which is far easier to deal with.
 
A significant issue that has impacted General Aviation revolves around the Federal Government decision to privatise Airports, where large commercial entities purchased the asset, and developed the site with regard to maximising return, but not for aviation interests. This has seen many general aviation sites used for residential and commercial development that is not sympathetic to the industry. 
 
Another major issue that Ben's association has to deal with is the failure to train personnel, both pilots and engineers. The large Commercial airlines have poached pilots from overseas, and aircraft maintenance was allowed to cease after the Lima convention where engineering procedures in third world countries are deemed to be equal quality to established standards here. Australian Airlines cut costs and moved maintenance overseas.
 
Ben spoke of many critical issues that  the association is facing - 
Failure to train apprentices in engineering roles.
Medical requirements for light aircraft pilots.
Airport expansion acreages reallocated to residential and unrelated commercial.
 
 
Wollundry Donates $6,850 to Carevan
Here is a Facebook note to Wollundry: Many thanks to the Wollundry Rotary Club for their extremely generous donation to Carevan.
Donations from community groups keep the wheels of Carevan turning. We greatly appreciate your support.
 
Bunnings Barbecue
Wollundrians helped out at Bunning's Barbecue on Sunday to help St Vincent De Paul Society (Vinnies) raise funds for their Winter Appeal. Gail Crozier, Kay Sutton Peter Crozier, Darren Wallace and Doug Sutton cooked around 500 sausages to help raise a total profit of $1,419. Trevor Urquhart thanked the volunteers and Wollundry Rotary for their assistance.
Our Club received some good publicity. Good effort.
Changeover 2024/25
"ONE OF THE BEST EVER CHANGEOVERS!"
Soon to be Past President Darren Wallace and MC for the evening Sally Bryant from ABC Riverina.
Last Night's  46th Changeover Dinner for Wollundry Rotary was an outstanding success. The Grange Community Centre proved a masterstroke for the organising Committee.
 
A spacious inviting Dining Area with Bar and Kitchen facilities, provided the perfect setting for a night of good food, fine wine and conviviality for the 87 Rotarians and Guests.
President Darren opened the meeting with an Acknowledgement of Elders of our Wiradjuri Nation. He welcomed our special guests including The Hon. Joe McGirr MLA Member for Wagga and Deputy Mayor Amelia Parkins as well as Representatives from Pro Patria.
He then called on PP James Hamilton for the traditional Invocation, which included prayers of thanksgiving and for guidance.
PP Phil Burgess attended to Housekeeping matters and read a list of apologies from Fred and Rae Lonergan, Mayor Dallas Tout, Kirsty Cole, Rotary Clubs of Junee and Tumbarumba and Inner Wheel.
 
MC for the evening Sally Bryant, took her place at the microphone to introduce herself and take control of proceedings. Sally spoke of her awe for the work done by Rotary and Wollundry Rotary Club in particular. Since her arrival Wagga in 2019 she had come to realise how important Wollundry's contribution affects the wellbeing of many in our community. Sally said it was a real treat and an honour to be asked to MC the evening. She spoke of change in her own organisation the ABC and the need for organisations everywhere to adapt to the new technologies, social constructs and expectations. How do you plan for the Future? she posed. We are faced with a new generation and we need to be prepared to change.
 
Sally then introduced PP Doug Sutton and PDG John Egan to propose a Toast to Rotary International and a Response respectively.
 
 
Following his Response to the Toast to Rotary International PDG John Egan surprised and delighted the room by presenting Pres Darren Wallace with a Paul Harris Fellowship. The surprise was that there was no forewarning, but given the amount of work Darren has done for RYPEN over many years it was no surprise that he was afforded this honour.
Members and Guests applauded Darren who was presented with a Paul Harris Badge and Testimonial.
 
 
Darren addresses the audience after receiving his PHF. He spoke of his growth in knowledge of people and of himself as he carried out his role of President. He said that he tried to initiate change in the Club and believed that he had been successful in doing so thanks to the support of The Board and the Members getting behind the various proposals. Despite some of the changes being contentious, he was grateful for the positive response of members and their acceptance of the need to take a new direction. Darren said he has never been more proud to be a member of Wollundry than he is now. He expressed elation to be handing over the reigns to DAVID POST. He looks forward to supporting David into his new role.
 
David Golland proudly displays his Rotarian of the Year Award which was presented to him by Dr Joe McGirr MLA. David is a relatively new member in our club but has taken up a number of duties and as a Director, has been particularly industrious. Congratulations David and well deserved.
 
100 %ers: James Hamilton, David Pyke, Neil Pinto, David Byfield (46 yrs) Wal Paton and David Benn,
 
The monet of Transition. Darren places the Chain Of Office on New President David. The "Chain" contains the names of all 46 Presidents of our Club.
 
New President David Post thanked PP Darren for the great work he and The Board did in the past year. He also thanked all members for their support in acknowledging him as the latest President of such a wonderful club. David said his main focus would be in the areas of Mental Health, Domestic Violence, Peace, Local Community, Partnerships and International Programmes like Polio Plus.
 
New Board for 24/25 from left to right: President David Post, Phil McIntosh, John Egan, David Golland, Geoff Breust, Peter Whilesmith, Darren Wallace, Doug Sutton and Phil Burgess.
PP Darren drew the official proceedings to a close with a thank you to the MC Sally Bryant  for an excellent job, a thank you to the Grange excellent Bar Staff Ron Crouch and Ray Pluis, David Lugton and his team. All the visitors who helped make the evening exceptional.
 
The lucky door prize, a bottle of Borambola Shiraz was won by Doug Sutton
 
 
 
Guest Speaker Isabel Baker Draws Enthusiastic Applause
Immediate Past President Phil Burgess called Geoff Breust to the podium to introduced the guest speaker, Isabel Baker.
 
Isabel started her speech with a bit of her background: nurse, midwife and in the ‘80’s started working with dementia patients. She said that there are one hundred different diseases that affect the mental wellbeing of patients. She used the term “therapeutic fibbing” to help stabilize the behavior of an agitated patient.
She talked about various examples:  why a female may get agitated at 3 pm ... she is used to picking up school kids, making dinner, etc. A gentleman wanted to get up at 4 am and he was a dairy farmer and it was time to milk the cows.  So, the staff found the name of a person who helped with the milking and through “therapeutic fibbing” would tell the gentleman that so and so was taking care of it. Isabel gave the example of a gentleman who fought having his shirt removed and found out that he was a former rodeo rider and had many injuries to his shoulders and clavicle.
She recommended that everyone in the audience write down their likes and dislikes in their care plan to help in their care in the later stages of their life.  Isabel has written a book  titled The A to Z of Dementia Care and it will be for sale in book stores at the end of the year.
 
After comments and questions from the audience, PP Phil presented Isabel with a bottle of Olive oil.
 
Guest Speaker Lisa Simpson Talks on Ronald McDonald House Charities
Our guest speaker on Tuesday the 23 of April, 2024 was Lisa Simpson from Ronald  McDonald House.  She gave the members a PowerPoint presentation of the details, services, costs and objectives of the organization.
 
Ronald McDonald House Charities Support extends well beyond the original home near the hospital.  The programs include Ronald McDonald Houses, Hospital Family Rooms (Wagga Base has one), relaxing Ronald McDonald Family Retreats and one-on-one tutoring through the Ronald McDonald Learning Program.
Ronald McDonald Houses are a warm and supportive home where families can stay together keeping families close to their child with a serious illness since 1981.  Ronald McDonald Houses are located within footsteps of major women’s and children’s hospitals across Australia. Our Houses provide a homely and inviting place to stay for parents, guardians, carers and their siblings while their child is undergoing treatment in a nearby hospital.

Part of what makes our Houses unique is that families are able to benefit from the compassionate support of our volunteers and staff, and the companionship of other families who are navigating a similar journey.

Ronald McDonald Family Rooms are located inside major hospitals (Wagga Base Hospital has one)  and are exclusively for the families of children undergoing treatment in a nearby ward. Run by friendly volunteers, the Family Rooms are welcoming spaces where families can take time out from the clinical environment of the wards, have a tea or coffee, freshen up with a shower or find a quiet space for a much-needed nap. The Family Rooms also have dedicated play areas so the siblings of seriously ill children can have a bit of fun.

Ronald McDonald Family Retreats.  With six Retreats in picturesque seaside locations across Australia, Ronald McDonald Family Retreats provide a peaceful getaway from the everyday, where families can simply be together in a tranquil setting. Families can enjoy up to a week of free accommodation, offering a welcome escape for those who might otherwise be unable to afford any time out due the pressures of caring for a seriously ill child.
 
Ronald McDonald Learning Program is a  tailored program to help seriously ill children catch-up on missed education.
 
After a brief question and answer period, President Darren thanked Lisa for her well prepared and presented talk and presenter her with a small gift from the club.
City Council to Partner with Wollundry Rotary on Playground Shade Initiative
Wagga Wagga City Council has set sail on a new initiative with Wollundry Rotary, agreeing at this week’s Ordinary Council meeting to accept a generous $25,000 donation from the branch to fund the addition of a shade sail, signage, and new seating at the Victory Memorial Gardens playground.  (Reprinted from Council News)

The donation, a result of fundraising efforts by Wollundry Rotary through the Gears and Beers Festival, will significantly value-add to the Garden precinct, enhancing facilities on site just in time for this year's festival, while also providing long-term benefits for families and guests visiting this beautiful part of the city centre.

Manager City Growth & Regional Assets Ben Creighton noted he was pleased with the donation.
"Once completed, families visiting the Gardens can expect a more enjoyable play experience, with increased shade for playground users and carers,” Mr Creighton said.

A key feature of the proposed signage will be its acknowledgment of not only the donation and the Gears and Beers festival, but also the fruitful, engaging long-term partnership between the Council and Wollundry Rotary in bringing projects such as this, to life.
In turn, Council will contribute project management and ongoing maintenance services for the upgraded playground area, to ensure the infrastructure meets safety standards and is of high quality.

Director Regional Activation John Sidgwick echoed Mr Creighton’s sentiments, going on to state that “this initiative underscores the positive impact that collaboration between community organisations and local government can have on enhancing public spaces for the benefit of all.”

Past President of Wollundry Rotary Club and Chair of the Gears and Beers Festival Phillip McIntosh, noted that the Club was excited to once again partner with Council in giving back to the community via a project that will serve such an important purpose. “Core to our Rotary values has always been investing in projects that both serve the public good and promote the many wonderful things Wagga Wagga and the Riverina have to offer locals and visitors to the area,” Mr McIntosh said. “To that end, Wollundry Rotary has enjoyed a wonderful collaborative partnership with Council over the years, particularly over the last decade in bringing the Gears and Beers festival to life, and we look forward to more of the same in years to come.”
 
Indeed, although the Victory Memorial Playground was not initially earmarked for shade sail installation, its proximity to the festival grounds and popularity with residents and guests to the city alike, made it a prime location for such an upgrade.

Wollundry Rotary’s selection of this location also aligns with Council's long-term strategic goal to increase shade in playgrounds across the city.

The installation is scheduled for completion by the end of June 2024.
Downside RFS a Big Help in the Gears and Beers
 
GEARS AND BEERS AND THE RFS
A feature of tonight's meeting was the presentation of a cheque to the Downside Rural Fire Service for their assistance at our annual cycle event, Gears and Beers.
Past President Paul Murray spoke about his long association with David Miekeljohn Captain of the Downside Rural Fire Service branch. They first met during the 1994 bushfires in the Blue Mountains where Paul drove a fire tanker and David was a crew member.
PP Phil McIntosh Chair of Gears and Beers speaks of the terrific assistance the RFS provides to Gears and Beers before presenting a cheque for $1000 to Downside RFS Captain Davd Miekeljohn.
 
David told us that the Downside RFS started in 1949. Max Miekeljohn and Jack Chamberlain were the initiators. David was a Rotary Group Study Exchange participant in 1993 and traveled to Maine and New Hampshire. He appreciates the work Rotary does and was happy to help with Gears and Beers. Firies love spraying water around don't they?
Guest Speaker
Today's speaker Tony Molyneux was introduced by Michael Knight who told us that Tony's and Michael's spouses were members of the Embroiderers Guild. Thus Michael became aware of Tony's involvement in Antarctic expeditions and invited him to come to our club as a guest speaker.
 
An employee of Antarctic Division Journeys, Tony took us through a series of spectacular slides helping us to get a good understanding of the terrain and freezing conditions on this great continent. Since 1983 Tony has been variously coordinating expeditions to Casey Station, resupplying stations including Davis and Mawson, working with logistics to establish the Blue Ice Runway.
 
Australia has two Icebreaker Ships, Polar Bird and Aurora Australis which was built in Newcastle NSW. These Icebreakers provide a very rough ride until they get to the ice when they literally ride onto the ice crushing it and therefore making for a much smoother transit. They don't have a keel, hence the extreme motion in the southern ocean.
 
One interesting point about Icebergs Tony told us is that they melt faster underwater than they do on top. Because most of the Iceberg is underwater they eventually become top heavy and flip over so you don't want to be too close when that occurs.
 
The trip from Hobart to Casey Station via Macquarie Island traverses the Roaring Fortys, "Filthy Fifties" and the "Screaming Sixties". It takes 6 days to reach Casey and 14 days to reach Mawson. Herd Island, like Antarctica itself, is claimed by Australia as its territory. A claim recognised by only four other nations. Herd Island is Australia's only active volcano. It is 55 metres higher than Mt Koziusko and last erupted in 2018.
 
Macquarie Island is an uplift of the ocean floor and so is an ideal place to do research. It is World Heritage listed and has been returned to a vermin free place after much effort.
 
The abundant wildlife includes Souther Right Whales, Penguins, Elephant Seals, Seals which all looked healthy and thriving in the pictures we were shown.
 
Staff are required to wear specialist gear in both Summer and winter. The outside temperature in Summer is as low as minus 18 and as high as minus 4. Blizzards can set in very quickly and so guide ropes are placed strategically to allow staff to find their way to shelter if there is a whiteout.
 
The Australian stations run their internal temperatures at a comfortable 18 degrees c. Sikorsky helicopters are used for quick transport between bases and to transport fuel and goods. The first female engineer has broken the ice and was responsible for the fleet of choppers. There are operating theatres on the hosts and stations but accidents can cause real dramas.
 
President Darren thanked Tony for his very informative talk and bringing to our realisation just how harsh and beautiful the Antarctic environment is. Members warmly applauded Tony in support of Darren.
 
 
The Week that Was
A wonderful night at the Schirmers. Neil and Margaret hosted about 40 people to a Pizza and Sweet night at their home overlooking the city; a beautiful spot. Neil showed his cooking skills as lovely pizzas kept turning up on the table. The desserts that followed were just superb . A great night and our sincere thanks for the hospitality!
 
 
 
PP Geoff Breust very quickly pulled together an event, An Evening with Fiona McDonald.  Fiona was in the area launching her new book. Fiona is a much published author, and has herself been subjected to Domestic Violence This event was meant to highlight again the effects of Domestic Violence and she was supporting Leah Anderson who operates a help group known as STEPS. Leah has been guest speaker at the club
It was an eye-opening session. Geoff is to be congratulated on his efforts to bring this to the Club.
An auction at the end of the evening brought the total raised to some $1400. A great effort. 
 
 
Read more...

David and Karen do a Makeup at the Canmore Rotary club in Alberta, Canada
David Post and Karen Walsh paid a visit to the Canmore Rotary club in Canmore Alberta Canada.  The club is the home club of the late Dr Brent Pickard who for many years made Wagga his home and was an adopted member of Wollundry. 
 
David and Karen were especially pleased with the welcome they received from the 75 members that were present for their Christmas meeting.   David told the members about the Canmore Festival of Trees in the halls of the beautiful Malcolm Hotel.  Local businesses or individuals purchase a tree for from 300 to 3000 dollars and decorate it according to their business theme.  The project brings in $100,000 a year for the club.
 
In the above photo they are on the deck of the Canmore Golf and Curling club, holding Rotary club exchange banners.
 
 
Read more...
The  Wollundry Saturday Markets are Returning to the Civic Precinct
The Wollundry Saturday Markets have returned to the Wagga Wagga civic precinct with markets being held (as in the past), on the second Saturday of the month, started on 10th February 2024.
 
The trading times are 9am to 1pm.
 
Cost per site, including marquee, is $50. Power is an additional $10 per site.
 
 
We welcome stallholders selling all of the common markets sale items (produce, retail items, bric brac, etc).
 
Enjoy a social setting on the banks of the beautiful Wollundry Lagoon in the centre of the city.  Plenty of vehicle parking. Enjoy a cup of coffee or other drinks. Sausage rolls,
 
Bacon and Egg and sausage sandwiches available.  Jumping castle to entertain the kids. Music from local artists.
 
Entry is free, however a gold coin donation would be greatly appreciated.  All funds raised are distributed to worthy charitable organisation supporting the
 
disadvantaged within our local community.
 
For all additional information send an email to:   markets@wollundryrotary.org.au
 
 
STARTTS  Guest Speakers on Refugees in the Riverina
Our speakers at Tuesdays meeting were from STARTTS (NSW Services for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trama Survivors).  Specifically they were Ali Reid and Yazidi refugee Rasheed Shanibaqi.
 
Ali was the first speaker giving an overview her past work with refugees in the Riverina and the work of her organization.  STARTTS NSW Service for the treatment and rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors ... it is a part of the Rural and Regional services.  STARTTS provides assistance to refugees and other people from refugee like backgrounds living in NSW who have experienced torture and other traumatic events prior to arrival in Australia.  STARTTS mission is to facilitate the healing process of survivors or torture and refugee trauma and to assist and resource individuals in other agencies who work with them.  STARTTS services provide a holistic range which have evolved in response to client needs and incorporate the latest development in the treatment of trauma.
 
 
Rasheed arrived in Wagga from Iraq in 2017, however his involvement with STARTTS officially began just a few days ago. He spoke of personal experiences and experiences of other refugees.
 
Some of their services: culturally appropriate counselling and therapy, group work.  Activities for young people including camps and trips. Referral and Case Management.  Community liaison and consultation.
 
STARTTS is responsive to changing client's needs and uses a multi-disciplinary approach.
 
David Benn and David Pyke both related stories to the club in their involvement with refugees on a personal basis.
 
President Darren thanked them for giving the members a well prepared overview of the STARTTS organization and presented them with gifts of local olive oil.
 
 
 
Guest Speaker 08/08/23
President Darren introduced our guest speaker Garth Perkins. Garth has been President of Coolamon Rotary Club twice, is still an active member and has been involved in some amazing projects which he is going to speak about. He is a Rotary Assistant Governor. He has been to Nepal, Cambodia and India with Rotary and has recently walked the Larapinta Trail in Central Australia to raise $27,000 for Shelter Box In his spare time he is a Councillor on Coolamon Shire Council and sings with the Rugby Choir.
 
Garth began with the words: How good is Rotary! But then he posed the question: How relevant do you feel as a Rotarian? He then went on to tell us what has inspired him in his Rotary Vocation.
In 2013, after being declared legally blind, the result of years of dust and hay in his eyes from farming, he went to visit Alok Sharma, Rotarian and Eye Surgeon. Over lunch Alok advised him that he required cataract removal. Once he had the operation Garth was invited to go to India with Alok on one of his regular trips to his native country, where he did cataract operations for the poor. Prior to the Indian Trip, Garth helped to raise $72.000 in one night to fund the Rotary sponsored enterprise.
 
Garth was blown away by what he saw and witnessed in India. With his team, Garth included, Alok assessed 2,500 people for eye surgery and 370 people had operations to remove cataracts and insert a lense, enabling the recipient to see clearly for the first time in many years.
The surgery was done in conditions that would horrify us here in Australia, but the surgeries were successful. Garth was even asked to assist by inserting anaesthetic needles into the back of the eye. (Shudders around the room). He also had the task of removing eye patches after a day or two.
 
Toward the end Garth decided to go and say goodbye to a number of the patients who had come along with members of their families. Garth was alarmed when an old man dropped to his knees in front of Garth and then prostrated himself and began crawling toward Garth mumbling in his language. Garth asked one of the team what is he saying? To which they replied he thinks you are a god! This was an extremely emotional moment for Garth. How can it be, he asked, that for the sake of a $25 surgery cost he could be regarded as someone who had the power to restore sight!
 
This Garth told us, is the power of Rotary and an example of how much good that can be done with energy and organisation.
 
Our Club veteran Peter Crozier shared his story of going to India on another occasion with Alok and how rewarding it was to see the outcome of this wonderful Rotary Project.
 
Darren gave a vote of thanks to Garth and presented him with a bottle of Olive Oil as a token of appreciation for his very enlightening talk.
 
 
PAUL HARRIS FELLOWS
Sister Kaye Bryan and Sister Carmel Wallace were named Paul Harris Fellows for their outstanding work as creators of Erin Earth. They are pictured with President of Wollundry Rotary, Phil Burgess and Kathy Wallace.
President Phil said that a Paul Harris Fellow award is the highest honour that can be granted by the International Rotary Foundation. It is an honour reserved for those who have met the ideals of Rotary: Service to others; Promotion of Integrity and Advancement of World understanding, Goodwill and Peace.
The ideals of Erin earth are entirely consistent with Rotary Ideals and the work of Erin Earth, and the Sisters, is an outstanding example of these ideals in practice. An honour truly well deserved.
President

David Post

Welcome to Wollundry Rotary
We meet at lunchtime on Tuesdays at 12:30 at The Lawson Riverside Suites
117-121 Tarcutta Street, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2650

Postal Address:  PO Box 229 Wagga Wagga 2650

Email address: secretary@wollundryrotary.org.au

Wollundry Rotary is home to the Saturday Markets (held from 9 to 1pm in the Civic Gardens next to the Civic Theatre),
 the Gears and Beers Festival,  the Wollundry Photo Competition  and 
the Wagga Food and Wine Festival (temporarily in recess)
 

Members: click below to download the club directory

Club Directory 

 

Photo Albums
President

David Post

Welcome to Wollundry Rotary
We meet at lunchtime on Tuesdays at 12:30 at The Lawson Riverside Suites
117-121 Tarcutta Street, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2650

Postal Address:  PO Box 229 Wagga Wagga 2650

Email address: secretary@wollundryrotary.org.au

Wollundry Rotary is home to the Saturday Markets (held from 9 to 1pm in the Civic Gardens next to the Civic Theatre),
 the Gears and Beers Festival,  the Wollundry Photo Competition  and 
the Wagga Food and Wine Festival (temporarily in recess)
 

Members: click below to download the club directory

Club Directory 

 

Club Executives & Directors
President
David Post
Secretary
Phil Burgess
Treasurer
Peter Wilesmith
Foundation
John Egan
Membership
Doug Sutton
Service Projects
David Golland
Administration
Geoff Breust
Youth
Neil Schirmer
PI & Gears & Beers
Phil McIntosh
PI & Cork & Fork
David Foster
Immed PP
Darren Wallace
Executive Secretary
Paul Murray
Protection Officer
James Hamilton
Headline Links
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Rotary commits funds to polio outbreak response in Gaza

Rotary is committing US$500,000 to bolster the initiative, channeling these funds through a dedicated Polio Outbreak Response Fund. This contribution represents Rotary's sustained support to the World Health Organization in combating polio globally.

Beyond truth vs. fiction in the media

Media literacy is crucial for healthy societies. Rotary members are teaching people to think critically about what they see and read

Calgary calls: Going to Moh'kinstsis

For centuries, people have gathered in Calgary at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow Rivers. Now, with its June 2025 convention, it’s Rotary’s turn

Rotary projects around the globe September 2024

Learn how Rotary clubs are taking action in Canada, the United States, England, Italy, and India.

Club provides an antidote to troubled times

The Rotary Club of Springboro (Ohio) reenergized itself by making adjustments to attract new members

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