Bally Barker Blog

On Tuesday, May 27, Warringah Rotary hosted a presentation evening at Harbord Diggers. This was a cluster event and many people form Northern Beaches Rotary clubs attended. Ten Balgowlah members and partners attended the evening; Rhonda Scotter, Paul Apps, Michael Brent, Sue & John O’Brien, Rick Van Brugge, Di & Pascal Grant, Diane & Michael Mead.  Peter Coleman, a documentary filmmaker from Sydney, who has made or help film many documentaries over the years, discussed his film he is currently making about a young Kenyan boy named Elvis Okwembe. Despite coming from a poor township, Elvis has a secret weapon: he is a chess prodigy. The film is called Elvis and the King.  Peter Coleman Elvis is competing in the African national chess tournament with thousands of young players from various countries vying for the title.   Elvis Okwembe Peter Coleman noted the popularity of chess in Africa and its benefits to communities, especially poor...

The Rotary Club of Warringah held their Pride of Workmanship Awards Night at Wakehurst Golf Club on Tuesday, May 20, 2025.   The event celebrates those who excel in their workplaces and contribute to the community.   The awards night typically features a special dinner where nominees are honored with plaques and recognition.    Fifty-five people attended the event, where five individuals received Community Service Awards and two received Vocational Awards.  Ruth Vambaca congratulates Joni Bondanza Guy Morel - Founder and Manager, The Mind Cafe     Eli Demeny OAM - Sailability Manly, with Ruth Vambaca   The Awardees are listed below: Our club had a table: L to R: Michael Mead, Enid Hill, Tony Hill, Roger Gray, Michael Brent, Rick Van Brugge, Glenn Everingham (Pres Belrose), Heather Sare, Diane Mead. The evening was most informative and enjoyable, highlighting the quality of the awardees! So this Tuesday....   ...

 Our Guest Speaker: Our guest speaker was John Bayot, who presented a challenging metal health approach to the club members and guests. John has studied mental health through three major streams: science, philosophy, and religion. Much of the information he presented has roots from ancient cultures and beliefs.   John Bayot presenting to the club. John started this journey over 30 years ago when his sister faced challenges, prompting him study and investigate many approaches to mental health from a variety of sources and backgrounds and acquire as much knowledge on the topic as possible. He is also writing a book entitled “ Never have an Off Day ”. John's  Book : Never have an Off Day. John said that the book “looks at a new paradigm in having a wider perspective on Mental Health issues and how best to apply the wisdom and arcane teachings of the ancient pass for humanities evolutionary process.” John showed an image of poisonous South American frog...