Awards 2022

Tuesday May 3 was a truly great night where the club had the honour and pleasure of awarding various members of our community with Rotary Awards acknowledging and rewarding the difference they make in the local community or vocations that they work in.

 

Each year the Rotary Club of Balgowlah, awards members of the local community for the work they have done in promoting and exhibiting high levels of commitment in the areas of Community Service and Vocation.

 

A total of 9 awards for 2022 were presented - two (2) Youth Awards to younger people nominated by their school; then two (2) Small Business Awards, two (2) Pride of Workmanship Awards and three (3) Community Awards to round out a night thoroughly enjoyed by Awardees and attendees alike. Rotary Balgowlah have been holding award evenings for almost 40 years, although in 2021 it was cancelled due to Covid restrictions and lock downs.

 

We had sixty (60) attendees at the event at held at Wakehurst Golf Club. The people attending consisting of awardees, parents, partners, and friends along with Rotarians and their partners. We were very privileged to have the Honourable James Griffin, member for Manly, and Michael Regan, Mayor Northern Beaches both present awards, who along with other VIPs where officially welcomed by Present Rick Van Brugge.

 

President Rick Van Brugge welcoming the guests

The food and service were excellent; and everyone enjoyed a great evening, People not only applauding the efforts of each awardee, but also gaining a better understanding of the efforts of wide spectrum of outstanding individuals giving valuable assistance to many people in our community.

 

The Hon. James Griffin, member for Manly gave a great address on the importance of community and the many aspects of key people and organisations that support and hold our community together. Whilst Covid has placed extra demands and limited activity in many areas - we must remain positive about the future. In the six years he has been involved in Rotary Balgowlah’s awards, the quality and excellence of people receiving awards has been outstanding and tonight was no exception. James also applauded our club for its many efforts with so many significant community projects.

 

Hon. James Griffin M.P. for Manly

The night commenced with the awarding of the Youth Awards to the following:

Rosie Brennan from Northern Beaches Secondary College – Mackellar Girl’s Campus

 

Rosie was nominated by Clare Corfe, Head teacher secondary studies, who outlined her record and said she is an outstanding role model to other young people and a valued and respected member of her school community.

Rosie was selected into the High Potential and Gifted Program in 2017 and has proven her dedication to her studies by being ranked first in five different subjects during her junior years. In each year since Year 7 her high results across the board have been recognised through an Academic Achievement Award. Of particular note, Rosie overcame the difficulties of studying during lockdown to complete one of her HSC subjects, Aboriginal Studies, a year early and not only achieved a top band result but was ranked 4^th in the subject in NSW for 2021.

 

Her sporting prowess, particularly in Sprint Kayaking, is evident in the many competitions she has taken part in with excellent results including placing 1^st in NSW the K2 and K4 Sprint Kayaking in 2021, and her selection into the NSW State Sprint Kayaking Development squad in 2022

 

Rosie is an outstanding leader. She has previously served as a Peer Support leader, Peer Mediator, School House Captain, and last year was deservedly elected School Captain for 2022.

She has completed her Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award. In 2021 her outstanding achievements were recognised through receiving the Rotary Neville Herdegen Award and the Principal’s Award, two of the most prestigious awards presented to students at Mackellar. 

 

 

Rosie was presented her award by James Griffin

Brock Tolley from Arranounbai School, Frenches Forest. Nominated by Katherine Dadd, Relieving Assistant Principal.

 

Sue Terry outlined the work of Arranounbai; a special school which has had an association with Balgowlah Rotary for 8 years, which Brock attends.

 

Brock and his cheer squad

Brock sustained significant childhood trauma which alongside autism, ADHD and anxiety has impacted his ability to regulate his emotions and function in a classroom, even in a SSP setting. Since 2016 Brock has worked with the support of two staff members on an individualised learning program utilising an outdoor learning space classroom.

 

Brock has shown outstanding resilience and determination to overcome challenges and transition into a classroom with his peers. He has also demonstrated resilience in his ability to engage and work with different members of staff. Following a collaborative approach with staff, Brock has developed emotional regulation strategies which support him in managing settings and scenarios which are challenging for him. Brock displays courage and determination in his desire to integrate with his peers. There is a stronger display of confidence when sharing common interests with his peers and participating in group discussions. He is sympathetic to the needs of other students and is exceptionally compassionate and caring towards his peers when they are upset or hurt. 

 

This year Brock has increased the duration of time he spends in the classroom with his peers from 7 minutes per day to up to 90 minutes per day.  Brock’s unique and individual challenges and his perseverance, resilience and determination are noteworthy to be recognised in his nomination for this Youth Award. 

 

Brock (centre ) and Mum, Lara Ahola (right) receiving the Award from James Griffin

In addition to the award certificate, a Westfield voucher is given to each Youth Awardee. This kind gesture is donated by John & Debbie Darragh. The club thanks them for their generous support which has been made over a number of years.

Our next awards were for Small Business, and we had two successful awardees:

Active Answers Physiotherapy (John Appleby and Michael Gilbert).  Nominated by PP Lindy Myers.

Lindy outlined that she has known John Appleby for over 30 years - initially her daughter when to John Appleby for treatment of sprains, and similar occurrences that young kids need with falls and playground incidents. His caring professional approach was most evident and she like many others in Seaforth used his services.

John originally started the business as Appleby Physio at that time and It has grown over the years and become an important part of the community health care system in the area. Key to this is his caring approach with patients ensuring that they get results in the shortest timeframe with minimal outlay.

 

Michael Gilbert joined the business about 3 years ago. Whilst Covid affected the business in 2020/2021, they used the situation as an opportunity to step back, critically assess and rebrand the business (to Active Answers Physiotherapy), evaluate a more contemporary approach to the business and introduce newer technology for patients records and similar data and information storage systems. This also allowed relevant information to be accessed offsite - so that advice or follow up occurs whenever required.

Michael also developed a highly informative website to allow patients easy access to reliable information on common problems and sporting injuries; the convenience of booking on-line and outlines on suitable exercises on sporting and other injuries.

 

The business has also expanded with other services provided. Initially many patients were referred from GP and specialists for both Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation and Pain Management, in more recent times it also emphasises sport and exercise physiotherapy. The exercise physiotherapy side has now enlarged to 2 groups of 10 people attending weekly exercise classes in a local hall on Fridays.

 

This partnership with patients and other members of their healthcare team such as GP’s, specialists, pharmacists etc, has developed a great level of trust, confidence and respect in the community and gives a greater overall result for the patient and his or her well-being.

(left to right) John Appleby, Michael Gilbert and James Griffin

Warringah Golf Club Pro Shop Nominated by PP Roger Gray

Roger explained that he coordinates a group (called the Hackers) of Rotarians and ex-Rotarians and friends to play golf at Warringah each week, and over the years the extra care and attention given to all players together with the large amount of charitable work, activities and donations made by the Pro shop has been most evident.

 

The Warringah Pro Shop has been operated by the Richards family since 1966, when Rob’s father, Bob, was appointed as the Club’s professional – a role he handed over to Rob in 2002, However Bob continued his coaching role for many years after.

 

Rob runs a caring and successful business at Warringah – managing bookings, coaching, golf club repairs, and of course selling a wide range of golf equipment and clothing. Rob together with his small staff are always willing to help, with a good sense of humor thrown in as well. In addition, the Pro shop regularly holds and supports a number of charity days for a number of key aid organisations in our community.

 

Over recent months, times have been challenging, the course has been frequently flooded and worse. Bridges have been washed away and the back nine is presently closed. Yet they have worked hard to keep the front nine going and to look after their customers, always with a friendly smile. When I commented that they were having a tough time, Rob’s immediate response was “not nearly as bad as the people up north!” And that’s the kind of business they are!

 

Mayor Michael Regan presented the award to Rob Richards

Pride of Workmanship had two successful awardees

Kim Smee– Editor, Manly Observer nominated by Pres Rick Van Brugge

Kim Smee is the founder and sole editor of Manly Observer.

In late December 2020, when the Northern Beaches became a focal point of Covid lockdowns and the need for local, concise, and non-sensational information was highly apparent – Manly Observer provided exact locations and occurrences that was not available from most other outlets and together with clear guidelines which greatly enabled the outlook for our community to remain positive. This quality reporting continued whenever Covid outbreaks occurred.

Rick outlined how this became evident when some Rotarians attended Coles in the Corso for club project activities and only became aware of potential contact with a Covid case though Manly Observer; and it wasn’t reported elsewhere. Apparently, this information could only be otherwise obtained by searching government information databases.

Kim started Manly Observer in 2020 filling the information space that occurred when the business model of the Manly Daily changed and it became a subscription-based publication. The need for freely available, local, concise, and non-sensational information was highly apparent.

Kim’s background is Bachelor of Media degree plus an honours degree in politics, Kim has worked as a former newspaper editor, local government reporter, radio news producer and a media advisor for the justice system. She initially launched the Manly Observer website entirely using her own talents and funding Today, the publication has great news stories and photos showcasing our community activities, culture, and events - mostly not reported elsewhere.

Kim is very passionate about her work with non-nonsense information being offered to the community; and that has been a key factor of her success. What started as an experiment in providing non-sensational hyperlocal news in the lower Northern Beaches has grown into must read local publication with over well over 2 million annual website views and 50,000 social media followers. Kim frequently spends long days and nights getting the stories and reports for Manly Observer, clearing her schedule during times of crises to ensure clear, relevant information is accessible. She is now looking at employing some staff. 

Michael Regan and Kim Smee

Kim's drive and enthusiasm for the community is apparent from her other activities with Assistance Dogs Australia, volunteering for One Meal Northern Beaches and fundraising for Cancer research charity Can Too. 

Kim thanking Rotary for her award

Thomas Dent – StreetWork.  Nominated by CEO StreetWork, Helen Banu.

Thomas Dent is the Youth Services manager for StreetWork Australia - a not-for-profit, community-based organisation that focuses on prevention and early intervention strategies for ‘at risk’ youth young people aged between 11 – 18 years. Much of this work is required on the Northern Beaches.

 

Many of these young people are referred to StreetWork from the police or the courts and the youth services program aims to help young people affected by crime, violence, and destructive family relationships. Many are struggling with suicidal thoughts or self-harm, substance abuse, youth crime, homelessness, and school absenteeism.

 

StreetWork aims to help teens troubled by destructive influences and behaviour to turn their lives around through one-on-one mentoring.

Early intervention as the best form of prevention. It can help avoid a downward spiral into crime, disengagement from education and mental health issues.

Tom leads, manages supports and mentors the team of youth case workers and volunteers. This team currently consists of 4 male and 2 female case workers, and he will be recruiting more in the future.  What the team members set out to accomplish is to redirect young people through positive role modelling, mentoring, and practical support towards more positive and fulfilling choices for their lives. Moreover, this approach aims to put them in charge of making the necessary changes to get their life back on track.

 

Whilst situations may vary - the achievement of a good outcome is only possible though the progression of gaining mutual trust to build repour and respect. Not judging the situation but allowing them to be heard and understood and often the ability to tell private stuff.

 

Apparently the Covid lockdowns have placed extra demands on their services, which increased 35% often coupled with a large increase in domestic violence and problems.

 

Tom’s passion for music (HipHop) and his early experience in broadcast radio and hosting or being invited to a number of venues that catered for young people often gave him firsthand exposure to social and youth work - which he found both challenging and satisfying and over time he moved into working and helping ensure the best possible outcomes for vulnerable young people.

 

Tom was nominated by the CEO of StreetWork Australia, Helen Banu. In her nomination she described a number of Tom’s outstanding qualities and wrote that “He is a most dependable and professional manager and his judgement and mature outlook ensure a logical and practical approach to his endeavours.”

 

James Griffin presented the award to Thomas Dent

(left to right) Helen Banu, CEO StreetWork, Sonya Myers, GM Transformation and Creative Services, Thomas Dent (awardee) , Nicola Tuckwell.

David and Jean Hay

The raffle was drawn by Jean Hay AM. Jean who is the last Mayor of Manly 2008 -2016) and husband, David Hay (Former Liberal member for Manly and Mayor of Manly on six occasions) both are long-time, strong supporters of our club

 

 

 

 

 

 

Community Service Awards had three successful awardees.

 

Doug Rodgers - Fragile X – nominated by Lindy Myers

 

Unfortunately, due to his wife, Sue testing positive to Covid on the day of the awards, Doug was unable to accept the award in person.

 

Lindy outlined how her children and Doug and Sue’s children had been in Scouts together and she has seen much of their journey dealing with Fragile X, a genetic disorder that is located on the X chromosome and is the most commonly known cause of intellectual disability, including autism or autism spectrum disorder.

 

Both of Doug and Sue’ s affected by Fragile X syndrome and over the last 30 years, Doug has tirelessly worked to setting up of Fragile X Association of Australia and obtaining its charity status.

 

In the early days, Doug started a support group that met at a doctor’s office after hours. Later he formed a more formal operation and was its Treasurer for many years. For these beginnings, Doug was a key instigator of the creation of a Nation-wide organisation to promote awareness and provide more advanced levels of information and support, so that families can discover and access treatment services and learn important skills.

 

In 1989, Doug championed the necessity for the Association to become a registered charity and has arranged an large auditing company to conduct the audits for charity registration status to perform the work free-of-charge.

 

Wendy Bruce accepting Doug's award from James Griffin

In accepting the award on Doug’s behalf, Wendy Bruce, the Executive Director at Fragile X Association of Australia, who Doug hired 10 years ago, said that Doug set up the National organisation and ensured its future.

Jane Vincent - StreetWork. Nominated by CEO of StreetWork, Helen Banu.

Unfortunately, Jane was unable to be present to collect her award and it was presented by Michael Regan to her work colleague, Sonya Myers, GM Transformation and Creative Services at StreetWork.

Jane Vincent

Jane is an alumnus of Northern Beaches Branch of StreetWork, and she volunteers as Chairperson of StreetWork Northern Beaches Board and a Police Advocate.

 

Her work on the local Board of StreetWork includes establishing local relationships and helping raising awareness of the work that StreetWork does.

Jane also works to obtain grants from council and other donors, benefactors.

Jane has arranged fundraising functions like a local Band night which had over 150 people attending, a charity day with clothing outfitter Blue Illusion and a successful cocktail party. Jane also helps at events or outreach occasions- such as barbeques at local skate parks that endeavours for StreetWork youth case workers and volunteers to interact with younger people.

Jane’s work as Police advocate involves supporting vulnerable young people (aged 12-18) at local Police Stations when they have been detained or arrested. Her Police advocate role is to assist and support the young person being interviewed by helping them to self-advocate and represent themselves properly and ensure that the Police interviews are being conducted fairly and respectfully. Jane also works with the court system to assist and support young people who appear before the courts. The courts are frequently lenient on young offenders who will enter the StreetWork program.

Jane’s efforts go beyond expectations, she personally strives to assist wherever needed.  Many of the police advocacy callouts that Jane has responded to over the years have occurred in the middle of the night requiring to stay and support the young person for many hours in cramped, cold Police cells.

 

The CEO of StreetWork, Helen Banu who has known Jane for 8 years, in nominating Jane for this award said the following: “Jane has been an exceptional Chairperson in all respects and her interest, initiative, and contributions to StreetWork show insight and knowledge concerning with venerable young people."

 

"Jane is a highly motivated individual who carries out her work in a very professional manner. Jane has a clear sense of community service and is w ell aware of her strengths and does not hesitate to advocate for the needs of vulnerable young people. Moreover, Jane’s demeanour is one of confidence, compassion, and professionalism. "

 

Sonya Myers accepting Jane's award from Michael Regan.

SES Manly – Nominated by Lindy Myers presented by James Griffin .

The New South Wales Emergency Service (SES) is an emergency and rescue service dedicated to assisting the community in times of natural and man-made disasters. It is almost made up entirely of volunteer members – often easily identified by their distinctive orange overalls - especially with the recent constant heavy rains and the local flooding in around our roads, shops, and homes.

 

SES major responsibilities are for flood, (including flood rescue), tsunami and storm operations. SES personnel often attend road crash rescue, general rescue, bush search and rescue, evidence searches and a variety of other forms of specialist rescue that many be required by local threats or weather conditions. They often assist other emergency services when major operations are being performed – services such as the police force, Rural Fire service, Fire and rescue NSW and NSW Ambulance.

 

Every Tuesday evening, the unit assembles for briefings and reports followed by training and testing. Their dedication and competence that these SES volunteers exhibit when performing a rescue or preventing damage in our community must be acknowledged.

 

We were given a cross section of the amazing situations on the screen highlighting the challenging situations that the unit faced over the last few months with local flooding into shops and homes, slippage of walls onto roads and houses,  stranded vehicles  and fallen trees.

 

The unit even has the misfortune of part of their facility in Manly Vale being flooded due to the rain bomb that occurred in early March and had to transfer vital equipment to Terrey Hills, but it was all back- operational and tidy just in a few days.

 

There is a state-wide award across all emergency services also given by Rotary NSW and several of the volunteers from SES Manly have received this award over the years. 

 

Not only those who are directly helped by the volunteers at SES MANLY that are thankful, but everyone in the community knowing that such willing and expert assistance is at hand.

 

The SES Team accepting the award from James Griffin

Graham Kinder, Deputy Unit Commander- Manly thanking the club for the award

It was a great night that showcased the extraordinary youth, business and community spirit and talent we have in our midst. They were all thoroughly congratulated by all attendees for well-deserved awards.

Just a few photos of some guests:

Alois and Nigi Lechner

Michael Regan and Di Hart

Craig Locke and Candy Tagg

Joy and Paul Apps

 

We should like to thank our president, Rick Van Brugge, Lindy Myers, John O’Brien (all the great photos), Ian Grayburn, Sue Terry, Roger Gray, Paul Apps and the Golf Club Percy and functions team for their hard work and great assistance in organising this event.

 

Michael MEAD

Community/Vocational Service Director

--ooOoo--

 FORWARD PLANNER:

May 17,  2022              Club Meeting

Balgowlah RSL Wine Room at 7pm. And via ZOOM

Dinner in Bistro at 6pm

 

May 31,  2022              Dr Ray Hodgson Special Event (see details below)

"Birth, Life and Hope in Nepal" 

Talk by Dr Ray Hodgson about plight of women in Nepal and aim to build a hospital for women in there. A talk well worth listening to.

Manly Leagues Club from 7pm. Please use Tribooking IT IS FREE!.

 

June 7, 2022              Arranounbai – A special place 

Talk by Stephanie Hopkins, Principal of Arranounbai -  

AT TOTEM CLUB 195 Condamine St Balgowlah, 7pm  

Come for dinner prior at 6pm.

 

June 26 2022              Cars'n Clues Road Rally -rescheduled 

Join the fun for the whole family. Answer clues at spots around the Northern Beaches. Great Prizes. Start at Seaforth Oval.

 

July 30, 2022              Fundraiser Dance. 

Venue is Pittwater RSL with the 3ARO Orchestra & singers

Save the date.  More to follow

 

September 9,  2022     Charity Golf Day & Dinner

Annual Charity Golf day and Dinner at Wakehurst Golf Club.

A great day and evening while raising much needed funds for the projects we support for youth and group in need.

Save the date. Bookings open.

 

https://www.balgowlahrotary.com.au/calendar

 

 Finally: