What has been happening...

Just to catch up with a few happenings:

On Friday October 27, the National Final of the Science and Engineering Challenge was held at Sydney Olympic Park.

What is the Science and Engineering Challenge?

The Science and Engineering Challenge (SEC) is a nationwide STEM outreach program presented by the University of Newcastle in partnership with communities, Rotary clubs, universities, and sponsors.

Through the SEC, students experience aspects of science and engineering which they would not usually see in their school environment. It is a national program, running Challenge Days (for high school students) and Discovery Days (for primary school students) across every state and territory in Australia.

Teams of students from different schools compete against each other in a series of eight challenges, including:

·    Bridge: students construct a model bridge out of balsa wood and masking tape, which then must support a rail car carrying increasingly heavy weights as it races across a test rig.

·    Hover Frenzy: design, build and fly a model hovercraft that is fast, manoeuvrable and maintains hover height.

·    Future Power: avoid a blackout in Future City by balancing energy needs and a range of power stations to choose from.

·    Helter Skelter Shelter: towers are constructed from common materials and then tested for strength and stability, using weights and a shaking base which simulates an earthquake.

  32  students from each of the finalist schools competed- quite a crowd

Schools from all over Australia except NT

Michael Mead represented our club and assisted many Rotarians and some other activity personnel to supervise the 8 school teams of four students with 8 different and highly challenging activities during the day.

Just to give some idea of the ingenuity and keen young minds that were competing- here are some shots of the day:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then the results were eagerly awaited:

 

Gavin Ralston - E club of Sydney (National Chair) 

Christine Owen DG District 9685

Without Rotary volunteers this great event could not occur - thanks to Rotarians from Districts 9685 & 9675

Congratulations to Pacific Hills Christian School

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It’s in the Bag:

Under the able leadership of Sue Terry, the club has successfully delivered 85+ smart handbags filled with essential items: Sanitary Pads & Tampons, Shampoos & separate Conditioners (medium sized), Soaps, Deodorants, Toothbrushes and Toothpastes.

Other extras included hand and body lotions and shower gels.

 

The completed & checked bags will predominantly go, via a Share the Dignity volunteer to Women's Refuges on the Northern Beaches and N.E. Sydney, with any balance sent wherever most needed within Australia.

All loaded in the "Battleship.

Rick and Michael after unloading the "Battleship" (Michael's Land Cruiser)

 

This is our club's contribution to the DG Christine Owen's program:

  

Rotary says NO to Domestic and family Violence and YES to respectful relationships.

Balgowlah Rotary Club members, our friends, relatives and supporters are very proud to have been able to assist the "It’s in the Bag" campaign and wish Share the Dignity well for the much needed record donations towards Women's welfare, in crisis.

Thanks to all the hard working Rotarians: Sue, Lindy, Rhonda, Yvonne, Bev, Robert and Anne, Heather (packing); Rick, Michael M, Michael B (transport)

The certificate of appreciation sent to the club.

 About Share the Dignity:

Share the Dignity is a women's charity in Australia, that works to make a real difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness, fleeing domestic violence, or doing it tough. They also distribute period products to women, girls, and anyone who menstruates who needs support.

If anyone has further donations they wish to make, please take your completed bags to the Share the Dignity Collection bins at any Bunnings store between 17 November and 25 November.   They will be very welcome.

Our club also undertook a similar project in 2020.

Fifth Tuesday Picnic

A delightful gathering of Rotarians and friends took place at Seaforth on Tuesday October 31.

It was a great opportunity to get together and enjoy each other’s company in an informal and relaxing setting

Again; “Well Done Sue”.

Sue announcing the "It's in the Bag" final result

Mudlarks Potters

At the picnic, Nigi said some may be interested checking this out event on Saturday November 11.(We will be busy with the car rally on Sunday 12)

The details are on the flyer:

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And:

Our Lifeline Project:

 

Our club has funded a program conducted by Lifeline Northern Beaches called "Season for Growth". 

This program equips many seniors - especially those who have just retired, suffered a loss, or have lost their independence -  with a proven crisis support approach to dealing with the stressful situations that they encounter when significant changes occur in their lives.  

 

The following is from their newsletter:

Seasons for Growth Group

Lifeline Northern Beaches would like to invite participants aged 55+ to attend our Seasons for Growth Group. For seniors there can be many changes and losses - including loss of independence, moving home or area, health deterioration, bereavement loss of a partner or others.

Seasons for Growth is a small group program that combines psychology and education with peer support, within a person-centred learning approach. It uses the metaphor of the seasons to explore the cyclic nature of grief. It builds the knowledge and skills necessary to strengthen the social and emotional wellbeing of adults who are dealing with significant life changes by:

• Exploring the impact of change and loss.
• Learning about effective ways to respond and adapt to these changes.

Seasons for Growth normalises participants' experiences and can increase protective factors (including building personal resilience and social skills) while minimising some risk factors (including isolation) that influence mental health and well being. The program also supports the development of communication, decision-making and problem-solving skills.

Details:

Date: Tuesdays 10.00am to 12.00pm, 14 November to 5 December 2023

Location: Lifeline Northern Beaches

Cost: Free (Funded by Rotary Balgowlah)

Contact: Lifeline NB, Ph: 9949 5522 or email: counselling@lifelinenb.org.au

Bookings Essential

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Sunday 12 November - Spread the word!!

 

Our next meeting:

This will be held on Tuesday 14 November at Balgowlah RSL. Come eat dinner in the Bistro at 6:00pm before we meet in the Wine Room at 7pm.

Our speaker is Dr. Rob Baume

Doctor Robert Baume is a consultant rheumatologist and general physician with over 30 years of clinical experience. He has worked extensively in private practice and both public and private hospitals.

He is interested in all aspects of rheumatology but has particular interests in Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, Ankylosing spondylitis and Gout.

He is also the founder of the Twice The Doctor Foundation which has raised close to $1 million for training of medical workforce in Africa.

 

 

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THE AGM : NOVEMBER 21 @ 7 pm Wine Room Balgowlah RSL

 

Our club is only as strong as the support and efforts made by our members. Rotary is a great way to serve the community and be rewarded by practicing "Service above Self".

 

Many roles and responsibilities that become available at the club's AGM and the club will greatly benefit with different members filling them. 

 

Our recent club survey said many members have great skills sets that they would like to contribute -please give it serous thought. Only by working together can we continue to make a difference.

 

Please feel free to discuss any matters especially club officer roles, with a Board member -It will be strictly confidential.

Christmas Party

Where: Balgowlah RSL

When: Tuesday December 5 2023 @ 6:00 for 6:30pm

Cost $50 pp for 2 course Christmas buffet

Payment to Balgowlah Rotary General Account BSB:633-000 a/c:162 675 086

Your Surname - XMAS as message

 

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