Welcome to the very first post on the blog for 2011!
I hope everyone enjoyed their chirstmas breaks with family & friends, and now back into all that consumes our lives!
Here are some pics from the clubs' last project before christmas, the shadehouse at MacKillop College. A big thank you to everyone who helped with this project.
Just a reminder that it is Australia Day tomorrow, so that means the Duck Race is on! So if you are able to get down there and help, here are the details from David Weekes, there will be some more dicussion at the meeting tonight, which is at the RSL Club.
DUCK RACE DETAILS
Table set-up commences from 9:00am tomorrow, official Australia day proceedings commence from 9:30am and conclude at 1:00pm. The Duck Race is scheduled for 12:30pm. Please all wear your Rotary Polo shirt and other Rotary accessories as available
We need to man our stall for sale of ducks from 9:30am and get the ducks ready for racing. We need at least three people at the desk to sell ducks and this will get very busy toward the end and we need everyone we can get at that time. Does anyone have a shade shelter – the Council will have a table and chairs but we need our own sun shelter.
We will also need three Operational Teams: Starters, Finishers and Race Marshals (promoters, record keepers and prize givers).
Starters – Rob Barlow will need help with the starting pen and start – say 3 plus Rob. These people will need to be in the water to hold and load the starting pen up river.
Finishers – one person to collect the winning 2 ducks and relay the numbers to the Race Marshals. At least three others to catch the other ducks and load back in the storage tubs. Rob will have a net behind the finish rope to catch the ducks but depending on the flow this could be tricky and we could need back stops. Older kids would be good for this part as it may involve some jumping around in the water. Please ensure everyone who will be in the water wears shoes that can get wet and other appropriate clothing.
Race Marshals – Someone to periodically get on the Mike and spruke up duck sales (will Phil Cole be available for this and to “call” the Race– would you check with him please David Nichol and issue the invitation if necessary – I will confirm proceedings with BRC and let you know tonight the format and facilities available). We also need someone to identify the winner from our paperwork and relay that info for announcement and to ensure thanks to all our sponsors and helpers and reiterate the virtues of Rotary and the race charity (RDA).
We need to man our stall for sale of ducks from 9:30am and get the ducks ready for racing. We need at least three people at the desk to sell ducks and this will get very busy toward the end and we need everyone we can get at that time. Does anyone have a shade shelter – the Council will have a table and chairs but we need our own sun shelter.
We will also need three Operational Teams: Starters, Finishers and Race Marshals (promoters, record keepers and prize givers).
Starters – Rob Barlow will need help with the starting pen and start – say 3 plus Rob. These people will need to be in the water to hold and load the starting pen up river.
Finishers – one person to collect the winning 2 ducks and relay the numbers to the Race Marshals. At least three others to catch the other ducks and load back in the storage tubs. Rob will have a net behind the finish rope to catch the ducks but depending on the flow this could be tricky and we could need back stops. Older kids would be good for this part as it may involve some jumping around in the water. Please ensure everyone who will be in the water wears shoes that can get wet and other appropriate clothing.
Race Marshals – Someone to periodically get on the Mike and spruke up duck sales (will Phil Cole be available for this and to “call” the Race– would you check with him please David Nichol and issue the invitation if necessary – I will confirm proceedings with BRC and let you know tonight the format and facilities available). We also need someone to identify the winner from our paperwork and relay that info for announcement and to ensure thanks to all our sponsors and helpers and reiterate the virtues of Rotary and the race charity (RDA).
From the collar:
Prior to Xmas I was busy attending speech nights at Bathurst High and Coreen School. They were both competely different presenations and worthwhile to say the least. They were a reality check, not being in the education field. Jack A. represented the club at McKillop College.
Our shade houses have finally been finished (refer picture). A great effort for those in attendance.
The support for the selling of the Ducks in preparation for the big race come Australia Day has been great – thank you all for your effort – now the race.
The recent floods have been devastating to say the least. As sad as what it is the drought that had occurred here in NSW over the last 10 years cost more lives and dollar value than that of the recent devastating SE Qld floods.
The media hype that has been displayed is absolutely sickening.
I had emailed the other Rotary clubs in our zone with our idea of picking an outback town in NSW - with 1 reply ‘noted with thanks’. One can only assume who cares? Lets’ not get carried away here as the flood waters are still coming south – we still have a long way to go.
I then took a phone call from the Western Advocate newspaper asking me what our club was doing about the SE Qld floods. I asked what he had done for the NSW towns of Bourke and Warren that had, at that point, been underwater for 3 weeks ….. now that slowed him down ……. It is a pity that if something is going to be printed then they should get it right and not be misquoted. I am sure that we have all experienced that ….. our ducks now sell for $100.-- !!!
Expectation to do something, not only by local media but also that of the powers that be in Rotary is concerning as at the end of the day, we are only volunteers and givers at that.
I had apologised in advance for my non attendance at the district AGM in November, due to Dads condition at the time. I had sent in an idea of helping a small community out (faime style), even suggesting that it be adopted, trial it at the then Lockhardt floods. I am positive to say that if the Nov 12, 2010 email had been discussed then our Rotary District would have been much more organised to say the least.
18 / 1 /2011: PDG Fred Loneragan to Head Flood Relief Efforts
DG Neal has appointed PDG Fred to head up the relief efforts of the District. The situation has become immense, and DG Neal sees that a coordinated effort will be best. Already donations are coming into the Fund initially set up with District Treasurer Geoff Tancred . These funds will be distributed to the Rotary Districts that have been flooded. With more than 30% of Victoria under water, and an area the size of France soaked in Queensland, these events are unprecedented. The families affected will need lots of help to recover.
1. Rotary fodder drives at this stage from Parkes, Wagga Wagga, Narrandera and West Wyalong where it will be transported to flood affected areas. (Bathurst farmers organised one 2 weeks ago).
2. Many Rotary Clubs have been and are becoming active in fundraising and financial support. District Treasurer P P Geoff Tancred is accepting on behalf of the District donated funds.at P O Box 955 ,Orange. N S W 2800. When sending donated funds please specify as to the funds being Non Taxable Donations, or taxable donations for this area of deductibility you will need the details of the donor, their address and the amount donated. ,this receipt will be provided from a charitable fund that is registered as a tax deductible gift recipient with the Australian Tax Office.
All funds donated by individuals, club s, business and the corporate sector will be fully counted as Rotary District Donations and dispersed to Rotary Districts in the usual manner, there will of course be NO ADMINISTRATION fees deducted from your original donation.
A DOLLAR GIVEN EQUALS A DOLLAR DONATED
Other News:
1. Plenty of reading with 75 pages of Management of donated goods. This was written 12 months ago by the SA government – after the VIC bushfires. I think a big point that we can take from all this is that cash is probably the best thing to donate in most cases.
2. 2011/12 Rotary logo: “Reach within and Embrace Humanity”.
3. Centurion Membership Drive
The Floods in Australia have brought into pretty sharp focus the need to be prepared for “Mother Nature”! At the same time we have had the on going problems in Haiti and some three hundred or more people killed in Brazil. In some of those countries there is little help available! Here we have a caring workforce able to do things. Over there...?
Your $2.00 per week will help to bring normality back to them as the Foundation joins with Rotary Clubs to rebuild Lives. Your membership of The Centurion Club will help the Foundation do its wonderful work. Now there is a new option open to us to add our support to the Foundation. It’s called Direct Debit. Every month (or the time frame you think appropriate) your donation is debited from your account. It is relatively painless. Just $10 each month will make a huge difference to the lives of so many. If you are not a Centurion yet, here is an opportunity to join with your fellow Rotarians in a new, easy way. If you are about to renew your membership, you might like to consider this option as well. For all the details go to http://www.rotarnet.com.au/users/9/9700DIST/centurion.asp
Prior to Xmas I was busy attending speech nights at Bathurst High and Coreen School. They were both competely different presenations and worthwhile to say the least. They were a reality check, not being in the education field. Jack A. represented the club at McKillop College.
Our shade houses have finally been finished (refer picture). A great effort for those in attendance.
The support for the selling of the Ducks in preparation for the big race come Australia Day has been great – thank you all for your effort – now the race.
The recent floods have been devastating to say the least. As sad as what it is the drought that had occurred here in NSW over the last 10 years cost more lives and dollar value than that of the recent devastating SE Qld floods.
The media hype that has been displayed is absolutely sickening.
I had emailed the other Rotary clubs in our zone with our idea of picking an outback town in NSW - with 1 reply ‘noted with thanks’. One can only assume who cares? Lets’ not get carried away here as the flood waters are still coming south – we still have a long way to go.
I then took a phone call from the Western Advocate newspaper asking me what our club was doing about the SE Qld floods. I asked what he had done for the NSW towns of Bourke and Warren that had, at that point, been underwater for 3 weeks ….. now that slowed him down ……. It is a pity that if something is going to be printed then they should get it right and not be misquoted. I am sure that we have all experienced that ….. our ducks now sell for $100.-- !!!
Expectation to do something, not only by local media but also that of the powers that be in Rotary is concerning as at the end of the day, we are only volunteers and givers at that.
I had apologised in advance for my non attendance at the district AGM in November, due to Dads condition at the time. I had sent in an idea of helping a small community out (faime style), even suggesting that it be adopted, trial it at the then Lockhardt floods. I am positive to say that if the Nov 12, 2010 email had been discussed then our Rotary District would have been much more organised to say the least.
18 / 1 /2011: PDG Fred Loneragan to Head Flood Relief Efforts
DG Neal has appointed PDG Fred to head up the relief efforts of the District. The situation has become immense, and DG Neal sees that a coordinated effort will be best. Already donations are coming into the Fund initially set up with District Treasurer Geoff Tancred . These funds will be distributed to the Rotary Districts that have been flooded. With more than 30% of Victoria under water, and an area the size of France soaked in Queensland, these events are unprecedented. The families affected will need lots of help to recover.
1. Rotary fodder drives at this stage from Parkes, Wagga Wagga, Narrandera and West Wyalong where it will be transported to flood affected areas. (Bathurst farmers organised one 2 weeks ago).
2. Many Rotary Clubs have been and are becoming active in fundraising and financial support. District Treasurer P P Geoff Tancred is accepting on behalf of the District donated funds.at P O Box 955 ,Orange. N S W 2800. When sending donated funds please specify as to the funds being Non Taxable Donations, or taxable donations for this area of deductibility you will need the details of the donor, their address and the amount donated. ,this receipt will be provided from a charitable fund that is registered as a tax deductible gift recipient with the Australian Tax Office.
All funds donated by individuals, club s, business and the corporate sector will be fully counted as Rotary District Donations and dispersed to Rotary Districts in the usual manner, there will of course be NO ADMINISTRATION fees deducted from your original donation.
A DOLLAR GIVEN EQUALS A DOLLAR DONATED
Other News:
1. Plenty of reading with 75 pages of Management of donated goods. This was written 12 months ago by the SA government – after the VIC bushfires. I think a big point that we can take from all this is that cash is probably the best thing to donate in most cases.
2. 2011/12 Rotary logo: “Reach within and Embrace Humanity”.
3. Centurion Membership Drive
The Floods in Australia have brought into pretty sharp focus the need to be prepared for “Mother Nature”! At the same time we have had the on going problems in Haiti and some three hundred or more people killed in Brazil. In some of those countries there is little help available! Here we have a caring workforce able to do things. Over there...?
Your $2.00 per week will help to bring normality back to them as the Foundation joins with Rotary Clubs to rebuild Lives. Your membership of The Centurion Club will help the Foundation do its wonderful work. Now there is a new option open to us to add our support to the Foundation. It’s called Direct Debit. Every month (or the time frame you think appropriate) your donation is debited from your account. It is relatively painless. Just $10 each month will make a huge difference to the lives of so many. If you are not a Centurion yet, here is an opportunity to join with your fellow Rotarians in a new, easy way. If you are about to renew your membership, you might like to consider this option as well. For all the details go to http://www.rotarnet.com.au/users/9/9700DIST/centurion.asp
4. District Conference is just around the corner and registrations can be made on-line.
