Bally Barker Blog

At our meeting held on Tuesday May 21st, we were very impressed by the interesting new member talk given by Denise HORAN. Denise has been attending a number of events and functions over the past few months, and was delighted to join the club and tell us a short account of her life. Denise was born in a small town in the Hunter Valley and spent her childhood years there. She loved riding horses, camping and excursions around the beautiful open countryside and the lifestyle. Several generations had lived in these parts, and she recounted that her a family member was granted 90 acres on the Broke Road and was one of the first European winemakers and had planted grapes; but unfortunately, he died young and didn’t make the wine. 30 acres of the land was later acquired by Tyrells wines.   After finishing school, Denise when to business college giving her a variety of office-based jobs.   She also played several sports including netball & tennis and was a m...

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...