Another busy week

Our New Member -Welcome Patricia

At Tuesday April 1, 2025 club's meeting Patrica Crowhurst was inducted into the club by President Diana.

Patricia was a member of Gerringong Rotary before moving to Manly last year and learnt about our club when she was purchasing Bonanza Raffle tickets at Balgowlah Village in December.

Everyone welcomed Pat who has attended several club meetings over the last few months

Ex members recognition of service.

Three members who left the club late last year where recognised for their outstanding service and dedication to the club:

BevYakich:

Bev joined Rotary on April 16, 2012, and was a member of Upper Northern Beaches Club and transferred to Balgowlah Club on April 7, 2020.

Bev added an extra flair to fundraising and championed many projects – who can forget the 6 Donation Boxes that spelt ROTARY with the internal lights.(anyone knowing where they are please let us know!)

Or Recycle for Rotary - over $5,000 was raised for StreetWork, that's a lot of bottles and cans!

Each year, StreetWork supports around 350 young people to turn their young lives around.

Or the Cars n' Clues Car Rally:

Bev supported so many avenues of club service, SunRun marshaling, BBQs and official functions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

However the Bonanza Raffle at Christmas was amazing. She came to the stand on every occasion; would help set it up, sell tickets then dismantle; each weekend.

During her service at Balgowlah Rotary, Bev was recognised with 2 Paul Harris Fellowships (Sapphire)

Lindy Myers:

Lindy joined Balgowlah Rotary on 7/4/2015 and was sponsored by Ian Grayburn.

After being Club Secretary, Lindy became Club President in 2020-2021.

John and Lindy conduct changeover by ZOOM

The club could no longer meet during most of that year due to Covid 19 lockouts and we were guided by Lindy in the proficient use of ZOOM and meetings were efficiently and effectively conducted without problems during that time. Moreover, we did not lose members during that time.

Club meeting on zoom with a guest speaker from Foundation

Throughout her years of service, our major fundraiser, the club's Golf Day and Dinner was championed by Lindy who made the arrangements with Wakehurst Golf Club and presented the prizes.

Michael Regan & Lindy preparing the shotgun start.

The prize-giving then the Dinner on the Golf Day

 

Unfortunately the Golf Day in the last few years was postponed on a few occasions due to heavy rain making the course unplayable, however the dinner and auctions were still able to be held.

Lindy managed the fundraising committee and encouraged participation in local events such as the Council Fun Run in February and Arranounbai school with presentation of the special bikes (and a Channel 7 sunrise weather cross.)

Oh, the Car n Clues Car rally: Bev and Lindy made it happen!

The club was always well presented since Lindy attended many local activities and projects 

Lindy also attended many District conferences and club celebrations.

Lindy, Diana and Sue at Cowra 2023

During her service Lindy received  2 PHFs (Sapphire)

 

The club presidents at our 50th birthday celebration

 

Ian Grayburn:

Ian joined Balgowlah Rotary on 13/11/2012 and was club President 2015-2016.

Ian was a keen Rotarian, any meeting that he attended he always ensured that questions asked and comments made added to the evening.

He was instrumental in the successful use of Comedy for a Cause being successfully held at Mackellar campus for a number of years helping thier P & C group raise funds with a drinks bar. The alumni celebration dinner was similarly supported.

Ian was Youth officer for many years of his service and worked with Balgowlah Boys High, Mackellar Girls and Brookvale TAFE to ensure that worthy candidates attended RYLA, RYPEN and MUNA.

He always supported the Club Quiz night and on a number of occasions they were the winning table.

Ian generously gave his time to conduction wine appreciation nights and tastings and ensured the club was supported with any club sales though his business. 

(Unfortunately in the 5 years the Blog has been going - the photo library does not have any photos of Ian's Presidency year)

Ian (middle top row) at last year's 50th club anniversary

 

 

We all extend our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Bev, Lindy and Ian for your invaluable contributions and unwavering commitment to the club.

Photos: John O'Brien (well mostly)

District 9685 Conference.

District 9685 Conference was held at Penrith on Saturday March 22, and 4 club members attended: Diana Hart, Sue Terry, Heather Sare and Michael Mead.

The Theme was Our better world through Rotary. It had excellent, highly knowledgeable speakers and motivating presentations. 

Just a few of the presentations included:

Flags of the Nations ceremony conducted by Rotary Exchange Students

A journey to the Toilet - Mark Bella 
 

A journey to the Toilet - Mark Bella

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mark's scorecard - he has received 5 PHF's

Soil Stewardship in Agriculture - case studies of farming without antibiotics, weedkillers and supplements.

A very poignant story.

 

Sustainable Cambodia - post Pol Pot recovery of orphans

 Aussie Bangla Smile

 No Waste

Professor Veena Sahajwalla is an internationally recognised materials scientist, engineer and inventor revolutionising recycling science.  One of her most impactful projects was finding a cleaner alternative to using coal in the steel production industry. The process she created is called polymer injection technology, also known as green steel. It uses carbon extracted from old tyres to replace coal or coke in steel manufacturing.

 Energy Transition

Dr Alan Finkel AC is special adviser to the Australian government on low-emissions technologies.  He outlined the case for Nuclear Energy being part of the energy supply mix in Australia and the low cost replacement of lighter electricity transmission wires.

Dr Alan Finkel AC

 

 

 

 

 

We have already passed the Paris agreement target

He made the case that we should still live with reasonable availability of energy sources and not have to make great sacrifices of our lifestyle. The demand is increasing in most countries due to population but the transition to newer reliable and less damaging energy should be affordable and not rushed.

Nuclear is is best option to grow our energy needs

A central core of Aluminium makes lighter cables plus higher efficiency.

Over 200 high school children and high teachers attended and presented their projects on Challenge on Protecting the Environment.

 

All attendees thought that the District Conference was highly motivating and very inspiring. Next year the conference is in Newcastle in March 2026.

 District Assembly 2025

A most informative day for you club directors covering the key club areas including Presidents , Club Admin, Secretary, Vocational Service, Foundation, Youth and International Service. It was held on Saturday April 5, 2025

Six members attended :Diana Hart, Michael Mead, Heather Sare, Michael Brent , Roger Gray and Pascal Grant.

All clubs in District 9685 attended at the Lindfield Learning Centre.

Breakout sessions covered major areas of responsibility

Manly Fun Run Marshals

5 club members helped at the Manly Fun Run held on Sunday April 6, 2025. Diana Hart, Robert Exner, Pascal Grant , Roger Gray and Michael Mead.

it was a beautiful sunny morning and the level of enthusiasm shown by the runners was amazing. All the runners was enjoying themselves and having a great time.

Mike Simpson the coordinator at Manly Rotary reported:

"A massive thank you to each and every one of you who gave up your time to support the Manly Fun Run yesterday. It was an incredible day—great atmosphere, smooth operations, and so many happy runners and spectators!

We've received loads of positive feedback, especially about how fantastic the volunteers were. 

In total we had 123 volunteers on the day! Thanks to your efforts, we had 1,372 runners enjoy the morning and have a safe event. Early figures show we raised an amazing $115,000—all made possible by your commitment and energy."

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Great that we were able to help! Cooperation between clubs is a major need for our clubs to remain relevant.

 Next meeting:

Warringah Rotary will be joining us for a most informative evening. the flyer says it all:

Many members and guests are going to dinner @ 6pm.

 

Please NOTIFY TONY HILL on 0411 670 341 or aehill@bigpond.net.au by Monday 14th April latest 

FINALLY:

 

What do you get when you cross a Program Director, a Volunteer Manager, and a Floor sweeper? 

Answer: A situation that is not too uncommon in most Rotary clubs.