Bally Barker Blog

Tuesday September 7, 2021 Our last meeting via ZOOM had a most interesting talk by Michael Regan, Mayor of Northern Beaches Council who discussed the challenges and accomplishments of the Council, especially with overcoming the difficulties created by Covid 19 restrictions, together with some aspects of his passionate following of the great rock band from Dublin, U2 and his huge love of cricket. Mayor Michael in fine form at our club ZOOM meeting Keynote address at our Awards night November 2020   Michael and the council support many volunteer community organisations in the Northern Beaches and applauds Rotary and its efforts. In addition to being a keen advocate of our club and our projects, he is a Paul Harris fellow, awarded by Rotary Frenchs Forest.   The Covid Challenge: Michael told the meeting that formulating the council’s Covid response is challenging since whilst vaccination is fully encouraged - it is not mandatory. This creates uncertainty with

Meet our member Mike Molins   On August 17, our club speaker was new member Mike Molins who gave a very interesting and enlightening talk on his career, life in two countries and his involvement in Rotary. His talk via ZOOM was greatly appreciated by all members and we all look forward to his further involvement with the club.   Mike was born in USA and studied and worked there. He decided to take a break from working for a law firm based in Texas in 1969 and came to Australia on a skills-transfer visa and decided this was the place to be. His two now grownup children are more Aussie than he. Mike and his wife Carla live in Seaforth.   Mike was a former member of Manly Sunrise Rotary Club, however being a 6:30am breakfast club was challenging especially when retired; so, he spoke to Roger and found that our evening club was just what he wanted. Mike is enthusiastic about things Rotary, and has even studied the evolution of the codes of ethics when at Manl

Changeover night was held via ZOOM tonight. Eighteen people were present for the ceremony where the office of President was handed over from Lindy Myers to Rick Van Brugge in what is now Rotary Balgowlah’s 47 th year.     We were most honoured to have a number of special guests, James Griffin, MP - Member for Manly; Michael Regan, Mayor-Northern Beaches Council; Sarah Grattan, Counsellor Manly Ward - Northern Beaches Council and Johanna Johns -Rotary Assistant Governor Beaches (District 9685) In addition to Rotarians we were joined by former Rotarian Ken Reed, Past President of the Club.   After opening the meeting, Lindy invited James Griffin to address us. James thanked the club for its support and many ways that we are helping the community - many people in our community were struggling at present due to Covid and necessary restrictions.     James also pointed out the Centenary celebrations were a wonderful recognition of the work that has