Friday, July 10, 2009
Friday, June 5, 2009
Nepal Toilet Project Update
We are now just about half way to our target of 70 toilets in Bhattedande village in Nepal. We have actually completed 32 toilets - 22 septic and 10 biogas.
We hope to construct another 10 in the second half of this year, after the monsoon rains. The local Nepali NGO - Community Health Development Society Nepal - and the village management committee are working to select the next lot of 10 families for toilets. So, we are working hard to raise funds for the project. Remember, any donations to this project are tax deductible. So, Lasho, and let's hope we can keep the project going.
We hope to construct another 10 in the second half of this year, after the monsoon rains. The local Nepali NGO - Community Health Development Society Nepal - and the village management committee are working to select the next lot of 10 families for toilets. So, we are working hard to raise funds for the project. Remember, any donations to this project are tax deductible. So, Lasho, and let's hope we can keep the project going.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Congrats RC Dee Why Warringah
District Awards Night
Bob Manley, Jenny Smith and Bill Forsyth attended the District Awards Night on Friday 22nd May. RC Dee Why Warringah received 4 awards:
Membership Growth Trophy – Larger Clubs: for our net membership gain of 9 from July 1 to April 30
Community Service Certificate of Achievement: for the efforts of our members in such projects as Remedial Reading at DYPS, Bowel Scan, Project ILYPA, Barefoot, SNAGS (with the Spastic Centre), Stacks-On (Pre-schoolers) and our Community BBQ.
With special awards to:
Jo Ragen: Vocational Excellence Certificate of Achievement
Sandra Meihubers: International Excellence Certificate of Achievement
These awards are the recognition of outstanding achievement for Club members who are active in so many diverse areas. Our thanks go to all those who made this possible.
Bob Manley, Jenny Smith and Bill Forsyth attended the District Awards Night on Friday 22nd May. RC Dee Why Warringah received 4 awards:
Membership Growth Trophy – Larger Clubs: for our net membership gain of 9 from July 1 to April 30
Community Service Certificate of Achievement: for the efforts of our members in such projects as Remedial Reading at DYPS, Bowel Scan, Project ILYPA, Barefoot, SNAGS (with the Spastic Centre), Stacks-On (Pre-schoolers) and our Community BBQ.
With special awards to:
Jo Ragen: Vocational Excellence Certificate of Achievement
Sandra Meihubers: International Excellence Certificate of Achievement
These awards are the recognition of outstanding achievement for Club members who are active in so many diverse areas. Our thanks go to all those who made this possible.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Patrick Moore - Dancing in the Rain
It was all going pretty well there for a while. I was an author, trainer and I had a law degree. I financed my studies by working in the movies as a stuntman - working alongside stars like Tom Berenger and Titanic's Billy Zane. My work week was a little unusual - hanging out of helicopters, falling off buildings and being set on fire.
I'd written a successful inspirational book, been interviewed on national TV and was about to launch overseas. I taught self defence to kids, had a black belt and won several titles in full contact martial arts. A real tough guy. But then I got hit with the hardest punch of all - the one you don't see coming - a complete mental and physical collapse. A stress induced melt down landed me in hospital battling depression and anxiety. I found out I wasn't so tough. It was a fight for my life.
From breakdown to breakthrough
They say the only way out is through. But my recovery took incredible support, an unlikely angel and a yearning to change. I searched for a simpler approach to work and life. I fired my facebook and squashed my Blackberry.
Then came the hardest, most rewarding part - re booting my mind with new ways of thinking. Negative thoughts are like toxic weeds. You've got to weed them out before they take over the garden. It's called awfulising - and I got really good at it. You invent worst case scenarios which are never going to happen - but it's as if you try to make them happen. Little do you realise it's the thoughts themselves that do the damage.
I learned that thoughts are the seeds which determine our feelings, which lead to our actions. And it's our actions (or inaction) which determine our results and our future. Good, bad or great, it all starts with a thought.
I'd written a successful inspirational book, been interviewed on national TV and was about to launch overseas. I taught self defence to kids, had a black belt and won several titles in full contact martial arts. A real tough guy. But then I got hit with the hardest punch of all - the one you don't see coming - a complete mental and physical collapse. A stress induced melt down landed me in hospital battling depression and anxiety. I found out I wasn't so tough. It was a fight for my life.
From breakdown to breakthrough
They say the only way out is through. But my recovery took incredible support, an unlikely angel and a yearning to change. I searched for a simpler approach to work and life. I fired my facebook and squashed my Blackberry.
Then came the hardest, most rewarding part - re booting my mind with new ways of thinking. Negative thoughts are like toxic weeds. You've got to weed them out before they take over the garden. It's called awfulising - and I got really good at it. You invent worst case scenarios which are never going to happen - but it's as if you try to make them happen. Little do you realise it's the thoughts themselves that do the damage.
I learned that thoughts are the seeds which determine our feelings, which lead to our actions. And it's our actions (or inaction) which determine our results and our future. Good, bad or great, it all starts with a thought.
And it's why some people dance in the rain...and others just get wet.
Here are some 'dance lessons' for life and business that I learned, and now share in my talks:
Aim for the Gaps - A simple way to perceive every situation as an opportunity
From Can't to Can - You're stronger than you think
Dream Big - Get on the front foot and start now!
Fatness to Fitness - How I lost 14 kilos by following 3 simple "Golden Rules"
Friday, May 1, 2009
General Peter Cosgrove supports the Rotary Club of Dee Why Warringah ShelterBox Appeal
General Peter Cosgrove will be a Special Guest Speaker at a Lunch to be held at Dee Why RSL Club on Saturday, 30 May 2009.
General Peter Cosgrove will speak on a variety of subjects including his experiences operating in disaster zones and the value of ShelterBoxes, recently used to aid victims of the Victorian bush fires in Whittlesea and Kinglake.
Lunch will be 11.45 to 2.00pm
Cost: $70.00 per person
Venue: Dee Why RSL, 932 Pittwater Road, Dee Why
Dress: Smart Casual
RSVP and cheque to:
Rotary Club of Dee Why Warringah
PO Box 100
Dee Why NSW 2099
For further information email: tonyw01@bigpond.com
Or visit: www.RotaryDeeWhyWarringah.com.au
Proceeds of the lunch will be used to re-stock ShelterBox
Saturday, April 25, 2009
A children's hospital for Sierra Leone
Dr. Nuli Lemoh and P.P. Laurie Facer from the Turramurra Rotary Club told us about their exciting and ambitious plan to build a Children's Hospital in the town of Bo, Sierra Leone.There is currently only one children's hospital in a country of 5.5 million people and the planned facility would focus on health promotion and help prevent many unnecessary deaths.
The infant mortality rate is horrendous. One in six babies dying at birth. The common causes of death in infancy and early childhood are malnutrition, diarrhoea, malaria and respiratory diseases. These are all preventable illnesses. A hospital that focused on health promotion would greatly reduce illness through preventive treatment.
Nuli and Laurie presented a lively and informative talk, introduced by bongo drum playing from Nuli, who also gave us an insight into his remarkable career as a paediatrician. We wish Turramurra Club every success in this worthwhile project.
Welcome to Dee Why Warringah, Neil
President Bob inducted into membership our newest Rotarian, Neil Crook, who was previously a member of the Condobolin club. Neil has the classification of Playground Equipment. Welcome Neil to the challenges and pleasures of our happy club.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Awarded a Paul Harris Fellow
At our recent Community and Pride of Workmanship Award night keynote speakers were our very own Sandra Meihubers and Paul Pholeros.
Paul shared with us a little of his work with Health Habitat and Sandra brought us up to date with her work in the Sanitation project in Nepal. Both Sandra and Paul are incredibly inspiring in how they exhibit the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self” and freely use their vocation in the service of humanity, here in Australia and overseas.
As a mark of recognition of their selfless work, President Bob Manley had great pleasure in awarding Sandra with a Paul Harris Fellow, and to complete the surprise also awarded Paul with a Paul Harris Fellow.
Paul shared with us a little of his work with Health Habitat and Sandra brought us up to date with her work in the Sanitation project in Nepal. Both Sandra and Paul are incredibly inspiring in how they exhibit the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self” and freely use their vocation in the service of humanity, here in Australia and overseas.
As a mark of recognition of their selfless work, President Bob Manley had great pleasure in awarding Sandra with a Paul Harris Fellow, and to complete the surprise also awarded Paul with a Paul Harris Fellow.
Congratulations to Sandra and Paul.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Getting to know Bill
Bill left school at age 14 (the norm in those far off days) and commenced work in the Public Service in the Public Works Dept. After two years he was transferred to the Taxation Dept.
At 17 he enlisted in the A.I.F. hoping to go to the Middle East but ended up in New Guinea. Post war he took advantage of the Commonwealth Reconstruction Training Scheme and was apprenticed in the Building Industry where he became involved in the building of Federation style residences. Bill was a teacher with TAFE for 27 years, teaching restoration techniques to 18 to 50 year old students including some women, a real first in this field. In this job he was required to travel and visited over 20 countries which has resulted in an interesting and fulfilled life.
Creating new opportunities
Occupational Therapy students from the University of Sydney are doing great community service. Kate, Wiktoria and Sarah are promoting Project Ilypa and Operation Papua New Guinea through a new project called the Schools for Schools Challenge. The Schools for Schools Challenge aims to increase awareness of health and educational inequalities in rural Australia and Papua New Guinea. This project will engage students at all levels, primary, secondary and tertiary and will provide exposure and promotion of the work of Rotary. It is wonderful to see and hear these great young people who are contributing so much for the community.
About Bill
Bill tells us he was born at a very early age! but he progressed quickly to his first job with the Permanent Trustee Co. After a year doing a disappearing act each day to the Registrar General's Office he moved to Hoffnungs, a General Wholesaler, eventually becoming their Traveller based in Inverell. Bill must have liked the town as he bought a Hardware Shop and remained there for 6 years. Leaving Inverell, and on a trip to Bathurst, he negotiated a $85,000 selling deal which greatly impressed his friend and relative by marriage, Alan Bridge of Bridge Real Estate, Brookvale.
Alan offered him a job where he stayed for 20 years as a Valuer and eventually the Principal. Bill takes on his health challenges one day at a time and will be celebrating his 80th birthday next Saturday.
Alan offered him a job where he stayed for 20 years as a Valuer and eventually the Principal. Bill takes on his health challenges one day at a time and will be celebrating his 80th birthday next Saturday.
100 Shelter Boxes
Last year Roy Sheargold was ‘decorated’ with an addition to his existing Paul Harris award.
Thousands of bed nets to prevent malaria were sent through Roy’s efforts. He received “more than a little help” from club members and his Rotary contacts in Canada. Click the video clip below to see immediate past president Werner Beeh presenting Roy with the award, then Lionel Arnold in the comfort of his home talks about this tremendous project.
Not one to rest on his laurels, Roy this year has obtained the services of General Peter Cosgrove to spearhead a fundraising to buy 100 (that’s the target!) Shelter Boxes.
STOP PRESS! Some shelter boxes have already been sent to aid the Victorian Bushfire Appeal.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Central Coast Festival of Arts
Our old friend, Bruce Martin was welcomed back and reported on his new club Northlakes - Toukley and their fund raising project the Central Coast Festival of Arts.
Now in its 34th year, this Festival has a turnover of $150,000 with many well-known artists contributing paintings and sculptures valued from $500 to $25,000. It has grown into the largest regional art exhibition of its kind in Australia. Together with the Festival Ball it raises $40,000 for Rotary projects including Rotary Health and Research.
Read more about the Central Coast Festival of Arts
Now in its 34th year, this Festival has a turnover of $150,000 with many well-known artists contributing paintings and sculptures valued from $500 to $25,000. It has grown into the largest regional art exhibition of its kind in Australia. Together with the Festival Ball it raises $40,000 for Rotary projects including Rotary Health and Research.
Read more about the Central Coast Festival of Arts
The Future of Rotary is in Your Hands
"Everything begins and ends with our clubs" says RI President-elect John Kenny. See his 19 January International Assembly speech and watch as he unveils the 2009-10 RI theme. Learn why The Future of Rotary Is in Your Hands.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE, OI OI OI
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Our Land is Girt by Beach
Cartoon by Peter Nicholson from "The Australian" newspaper: www.nicholsoncartoons.com.au
Our land is girt by beach ... so make the most of it this Australia Day and head to Dee Why Beach Reserve for some thong throwing! Surf, Sand, Music and Fun for the whole family. Print your program
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Together on the road for mental health
Are you a keen rider?
Enjoy a challenge?
Interested in making a difference?
The Rotary Club of Dee Why Warringah are seeking interested individuals to ride on their behalf in the Great Australian Bike Ride. You can ride all or part of the challenge. You choose!
ABOUT THE GREAT AUSTRALIAN BIKE RIDE
The Great Australian Bike Ride
The Great Australian Bike will travel anticlockwise around the country from Melbourne to Melbourne, and is co-ordinated by Australian Rotary Health. It is the most ambitious bike ride ever held in Australia and is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of a healthy challenge for a good cause.Whether it’s for a week from Melbourne to Hobart, or seven weeks from Darwin to Perth, here’s your chance to be part of the greatest cycling event Australia has ever seen!
The Great Australian Bike will travel anticlockwise around the country from Melbourne to Melbourne, and is co-ordinated by Australian Rotary Health. It is the most ambitious bike ride ever held in Australia and is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of a healthy challenge for a good cause.Whether it’s for a week from Melbourne to Hobart, or seven weeks from Darwin to Perth, here’s your chance to be part of the greatest cycling event Australia has ever seen!
Australian Rotary Health
Rotary International is a worldwide organisation with 1.2 million members that brings together business and professional leaders to provide humanitarian service, encourages high ethical standards in all vocations and helps build goodwill and peace in the world. Australian Rotary Health is the largest single project of Rotary in Australia. The main aim is to fund research projects into all aspects of community health and improve the quality of life for those dealing with mental illness. Australian Rotary Health is Australia’s largest provider of funds for mental health research after the Australian Government.
Rotary International is a worldwide organisation with 1.2 million members that brings together business and professional leaders to provide humanitarian service, encourages high ethical standards in all vocations and helps build goodwill and peace in the world. Australian Rotary Health is the largest single project of Rotary in Australia. The main aim is to fund research projects into all aspects of community health and improve the quality of life for those dealing with mental illness. Australian Rotary Health is Australia’s largest provider of funds for mental health research after the Australian Government.
Mental Health
The Great Australian Bike Ride will raise awareness of mental illness issues and support for continuing research. By riding around the country we hope to unite thousands of Australians behind this cause.Good mental health makes life more enjoyable and helps us appreciate our environment and those around us. However for many Australians mental illness is debilitating and means they cannot enjoy life to the full. With around one in five people suffering from a mental illness, the Ride is a chance to make a difference in the lives of many!
The Great Australian Bike Ride will raise awareness of mental illness issues and support for continuing research. By riding around the country we hope to unite thousands of Australians behind this cause.Good mental health makes life more enjoyable and helps us appreciate our environment and those around us. However for many Australians mental illness is debilitating and means they cannot enjoy life to the full. With around one in five people suffering from a mental illness, the Ride is a chance to make a difference in the lives of many!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Nancy-Bird Walton 1915-2009
Sadly, Nancy-Bird Walton a great friend of Rotary, died aged 93 on Tuesday 13th of January.
PDG Leon Becker recognised her contribution to Aviation and Rotary which was honoured by observing a minutes silence.
Shining Stars
Little Georgina and Chloe Wood of Beacon Hill emptied their piggy banks and set off to Warringah Mall to find a charity to donate to for Christmas. Their christmas present to the less fortunate. They found the Rotary Christmas Raffle and asked if they could give this money for the poor. They gave $12.75.
How fantastic is that?
Thank you so much Georgina and Chloe. * You are our shining stars *
Thanks to the ongoing commitment and generosity of our community the Rotary club of Dee Why Warringah continues to achieve great things in communities at home and abroad. We thank you all for your support!
* * *
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Country with a Kick
Debra Kennedy-Holmes: Supporting the fight against cancer
The Northern Beaches Country Music Club will be presenting FREE concerts at the Balgowlah RSL Club on the second Sunday of each month from 1.30pm to 5.30pm.
Enjoy great music, line dancing and loads of fun!!! All proceeds will support Cancer Research. Interested? Contact the Northern Beaches Country Music Club.
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