Our Guest speakers on Tuesday were members of the leadership team at LOCAL KIND (formally called Community Northern Beaches). They were introduced by PE ( and PP) Dr Di Hart OAM

Craig Stevens (CEO), Daniel Fields (Board member) and Chris Lake (Chairman of Board also from ONE MEAL) attended the meeting. Both Craig and Chris received Community Service Rewards from our club in 2023.

Craig Stevens CEO LOCAL KIND

Craig said that the service has been operating since 1977 and provides support to the most vulnerable in our community. It was renamed due to the confusion with Local Northern Beaches Council. The new name says exactly what is does – provides kindness to locals. It treats all vulnerable people who are deserving of love & support with kindness . - and no strings attached.

The centre has over 6,500 people it assists annually- with many requiring a multitude of services. (many of those who provide the assistance are volunteers). Many people in need have come through trauma and are not fully capable of form filling and accessing many possible services of due to poor education or inability to read & write. Notably homelessness has risen from 40 two years back to 85 currently.

The key issues on Northern Beaches are firstly DOMESTIC VIOLENCE in a multitude of forms. Stalking, siphoning off money, mental and physical abuse. - which all frequently results in homelessness, coupled with poverty and isolation.

Craig outlined the many services that LOCAL KIND operates:

· Homeless Outreach Services. (includes housing and support applications)

· Domestic violence support (both men & women)

· Drop-in Centre (10-2 weekdays) Food & drink availability and counselling/ support groups.

· Youth services (High Schools’ program)

· Multicultural services – refugee settlement support

· Swimming program – especially for refuges

Full details (including volunteer possibilities are available on the website: https://www.localkind.org.au

The stats on the website demonstrate the situation on the Northern Beaches - despite the beauty and apparent affluence.

Daniel Fields outlined a scheme for local businesses supporting LOCAL KIND and having credentials to show the community support they give.

Patrons include James Griffin (Member for Manly) and Sue Heins (Mayor, Northern Beaches).

Ambassadors Kim Smee (Editor in chief Manly Observer) and John Cunningham (MD of Cunningham RE) together many sporting personalities.

Four local business that donate funds each month towards the costs of LOCAL KIND giving this valuable support to the community.

Daniel explained the business plan.

GOAL TO ENGAGE LOCAL BUSINESSES:

In addition to the 50% government monies, LOCAL KIND needs $600,000 annually from outside sources to maintain its operations such as support workers, insurance, together with operational and overhead expenses. The target is for 50 local business to donate $400 per month.

On May 17-19, a local event called “SHOP FOR GOOD” will be launched where participating businesses such as cafes & shops will donate between 1 to 5 % (or more) of takings to LOCAL KIND. This support will be promoted through emails, social posts and ambassadors, sporting clubs plus many assets available online. (using Facebook, NB council website, Instagram etc.)

During question time several opportunities to assist their operations were identified and options will be further explored. Ways of the club assisting with “hands on” activities will be investigated.

Past President Rick Van Brugge thanked the team from LOCAL KIND and all present where most impressed by the outstanding work that it gives to our community.

Craig Steven and PP Rick Van Brugge

WELCOME TO THREE NEW MEMBERS:

Congratulations to three new members; Denise HORAN, Seamus REDMOND, and Warwick WADDELL. Many members are keen to get to know you and enjoy your company and friendship through the many activities the club undertakes.

Denise has regularly attended meetings and activities. She worked in the NSW Police and NSW AG’s department and is now retired. She lives in Balgowlah and enjoys coming to our events as well as the meetings. Denise is interested in assisting with our projects, and social activities and her buddy will be Sue Terry.

Denise and Sue

Seamus and wife Helen live in Seaforth. He has an extensive career in management and engineering and is very keen to work with some club projects events and sponsors. He is a keen rugby follower, and his buddy is Robert Exner.

Seamus and Roger

Warwick and Kaye are both keen to participate in many activities and would like to focus on areas such as Youth, Vocational and International. They were nominated by Pascal Grant. Warwick’s career was in Brand management and Sales for Wine companies and his organizational skills assisting with the Golf Day and collaring sponsors has already been most evident – before becoming a member.

Ian Grayburn will be Warwick’s buddy since they already know each other though friendship and business.

Warwick and Pascal

Well Done membership director Sue Terry!!

WELCOME TO THE CLUB!

Thank you to John O'Brien for the photos.

2024 ROTARY DISTRICT 9685 CONFERENCE, TERRIGAL

Dr Di Hart OAM and incoming President for 2024-25 outlined many of the happenings at the Rotary District Conference last weekend.

Dr Diana Hart OAM

Rotary conferences are organised so Rotarians can get together while learning more about Rotary and the wider world.

The District 9685 Conference was held at Terrigal on Friday 15^th March at Crowne Plaza Terrigal then 16^th March at Erina. EV Church.

The first event was the walk “Say NO to domestic and family violence and YES to respectful relationships”. It started at Terrigal and went to the headland along the boardwalk. Coupled with donations at the dinner the amount collected exceeded $6,000. Lindy Myers won a lucky walker prize ( which she subsequently donated to LOCAL KIND at the Tuesday club meeting)

The Good Vibrations beach party dinner on the Friday night had most people attending decked out in interesting beachwear. Many attendees put time and effort into interesting costumes and sunglasses.

Di Mead, Michael Mead and Sue Terry

Lindy, Michael & Sue

These guys won the best dressed award...

l to r: Sue Terry, Lindy Myers, Michael Mead, Dr Diana Hart (Standing), Diane Mead

The head of Exhibition Development and Design at Powerhouse Museum, Brad Baker was guest speaker and poke about many famous people he met including Pope John Paul, Buzz Aldrin, Dali Lama and Bill & Melinda Gates. The interesting stories were very entertaining.

The Youth Exchange students had fun creating a enticing conga line dance to the music on the night. Eventually most Rotarians joined in.

The conference on Saturday 16th was represented by Sue Terry, Lindy Myers, Di Hart (and sister Helen), Michael Mead (and Di)

DG Christine Owen opens the Conference

The speakers were varied and highly interesting:

Human Genome and Research Exploring Prostrate Cancer – Professor Vanessa Hayes

Professor Vanessa Hayes

Role of Mining to Net Zero – Allison Britt (Director Mineral Resources, Geosciences Australia)

- St Jude School in Tanzania- Gemma Sisia OAM (who spoke to the club via ZOOM)


The school started with just 3 pupils - today it has 3 schools with over 1,800 primary and secondary students as well as 350 tertiary scholars across 49 universities.