DISTRICT CONFERENCE

Wagga Wagga | New South Wales

Sponsors: CSU | Junee Liquorice Factory

Welcome

Program & Map

Speakers

Workshops

Youth

Dinner

In Memoriam

The District Conference will be streamed live from our Facebook Page.

Welcome Gawaymbanha

I extend to you all a warm welcome to our conference. I say our conference very deliberately; because, it is an opportunity to both celebrate the achievements of the Rotarians and Clubs that make up District 9705 and to think about the kind of organisation we want to build for the future.

Our conference has three key focus areas around which presentations and activities are based; all of which emphasise the important themes of equity, diversity and inclusion:

• People of Action
  
• Protecting the environment
  
• Reconciliation in Australia
  

I invite you to consider these focus areas and select a break-out Workshop that particularly interests you and/or where you see opportunities for your Club into the future. It really is up to us to Imagine Rotary for a better tomorrow!

I’d also like to extend my thanks to all those who have contributed to the success of this year’s conference. Most importantly, I hope you enjoy this opportunity to learn, share and celebrate being part of the D9705 family.

Rotary International - President 2022-2023

Jennifer Jones

Conference Program

Safe trip home everyone!

Main Menu

Map of Conference Venues at CSU

Aunty Mary Atkinson

PDG Sarita McLean

PP Mark Balla

Peter Morris

Prof Renee Leon

DG Geraldine Rurenga & Kay Hull

Dr Colin Chartres

Dr Richard Agnew

Aunty Mary Atkinson

My Name is Mary Atkinson I'm a Proud Ngunnawal/ Wiradjuri Elder.

I have 4 children and 14 grandchildren.

I believe in reconciliation for all Australians and believe this will happen with lots of sitting and yarning together. We all have a role to play in this.

I have worked in Education for over 22 years.

PDG Sarita McLean

Sessions 1 and 6

Sarita attends the Conference as the representative of the Rotary International President Jennifer Jones.

Sarita is a registered health and safety professional (with the Health and Safety Association of New Zealand (HASANZ)) with over 20 years experience in this field. We provide training, auditing and consulting services nationally for a range of industries both large and small. Sarita runs a health and safety consultancy - Bedrock Solutions - in Christchurch.

Outside of work, she has a busy life as a member of The Rotary Club of Christchurch South in District 9999, was a DG in 2017-18 and since 1 July 2021 inhabits the role of Rotary Public Image Coordinator for Zone 8 (Australia, New Zealand, Pacific Islands). Just in case your thought she wasn't busy enough we understand Sarita is also a registered Marriage and Civil Union Celebrant.

When asked about her Rotary journey, Sarita is reported to hve said:

It was a casual conversation with a friend that led her to join Rotary. "I joined Rotary to be able to make a difference and planting over 700 petunias raised so many smiles...I thought it was something I could do when I was semi-retired, and then I thought, well actually, the best time to do it is now."

When asked, what are the challenges to being a woman president in Rotary?, Sarita said they are the same challenges faced by women in the workplace - the demands on time, energy and resources. Sarita says: "I'm luckily my club is very progressive and has had a number of women presidents. Members are very supportive."

And remember when you chat with Sarita, don't forget to smile!

PP Mark Balla

Session 1

Mark Balla is past President of the Rotary Club of Box Hill Central and a past Assistant Governor District 9810 in Melbourne. He has recently completed six years on the board of the WASH Rotary Action Group and is a member of the Rotary Foundation Cadre of Technical Advisors.

He joined Box Hill Central in March 2014 bringing a small but significant project with him. Mark will tell us about this project and others that have developed since.

In the eight and a bit years since joining Rotary, Mark has attended Rotary International Conventions in Brazil, South Korea, Canada and Germany and spoken at side events at all of these. He has also presented at 16 Rotary District Conferences in Australia, the USA and India.

Mark is married to Annie who is chair of Box Hill Central's Satellite Club. They have two adult children - daughter Paris and son Oscar who are both university students in Melbourne. Mark has a complicated relationship with his family cat and his golf handicap. During the pandemic he became seriously addicted to cycling, which he finds far less frustrating than golf.

Peter Morris

Session 2

Peter is General Manager of the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) program at Reconciliation Australia.

Peter is a passionate non-profit leader with 15 years of international experience in partnership development, communications, and public policy analysis. He has dedicated his career to building a more inclusive society that values and benefits from the resilience and ingenuity of First Peoples.

Peter served for eight years in various leadership roles at the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), the representative body of tribes and Native peoples in the United States. During his time at NCAI, he led engagement with the Obama White House to implement the annual Tribal Nations Summits, strengthened partnerships with corporate and civil rights organisations, directed a tribally-driven think tank, and oversaw strategic communications.

Peter has served in various staff and board roles in higher education, youth and children’s policy, and community development. He holds a Bachelors in Aboriginal Studies from the University of New South Wales and a Masters in American Indian Policy from the University of Arizona.

Professor Renée Leon PSM

Session 2

Professor Renée Leon is the University’s fifth Vice-Chancellor and President and commenced in the role on 1 September, 2021.

Professor Leon has extensive experience in Commonwealth and State public administration, covering policy, program management and service delivery. She has been the Secretary of the Federal Department of Human Services and the Department of Employment, and served as the CEO of the ACT Department of Justice and Community Safety.

Professor Leon’s expertise in leadership and change management underpinned the establishment of the Department of Employment as a high-performing organisation and the transformation of services and culture in the Department of Human Services.

Professor Leon holds a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws from the Australian National University and a Master of Laws from the University of Cambridge, where she was the Menzies Foundation Law Scholar in 1995.

Professor Leon was awarded a Public Service Medal in 2013 for outstanding service to public administration and law in leadership roles in the Australian Capital Territory and the Commonwealth.

Professor Leon is a Fellow of the Institute of Public Administration Australia, an Adjunct Professor at the University of Canberra and a member of Chief Executive Women Australia.

DG Geraldine Rurenga

with Kay Hull AO

Session 2

Geraldine has been an educator (with a Masters in Education) during her professional career from early childhood educator to lecturing to online educational designer. Then she made history as the youngest Rotary district governor in Zone 8 in June 2022 (her Changeover). As a young professional, Geraldine, joined the Rotary Club of Wagga Wagga Murrumbidgee, NSW, in 2014, when she returned to her hometown of Wagga Wagga after a 10-year hiatus. Geraldine recently transferred to Rotary E-Club of Brindabella.

Geraldine is up for the challenge and is looking forward to increasing the level of diversity in membership and within the district leadership, especially encouraging more younger people to get involved. She is keen to understand and create lasting change in organisations, through seeking out opportunities for mentoring emerging leaders, identifying barriers to inclusion, and sharing success stories of change through innovation.

“Rotary is committed to community service, and to serve the community we need to be representative of the diversity of that community. We need the diverse world views and perspectives to operate authentically and purposefully,” Geraldine said.

“Rotary provides many opportunities for young people to take advantage of. Regardless of your passion or area of expertise, Rotary creates the space for you to develop skills and follow your interests in serving humanity.

“The impact it has had on my life has certainly provided me with the skills and confidence to take on greater challenges, in my career and in my personal life.”

Dr Colin Chartres

Session 6

Dr Colin Chartres is the CEO of the Crawford Fund.

The Fund operates nationally and supports training in international agricultural development and increased public awareness of the benefits arising from Australia’s investment in international agricultural research.

Colin trained as a soil scientist and has worked in western NSW, the South West Slopes, North East Victoria and the Tablelands. He has also held senior management roles at CSIRO, Geosciences Australia and the National Water Commission as well as that of Director General of the International Water Management Institute, based in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

He has a strong understanding of the relationship between science and public policy and is passionate about global food and nutritional security and the role of water in development. He is widely published and has presented his work at many international conferences and to Australian, UK and Commonwealth parliamentarians and the UN.

Dr Richard Agnew

Session 6

Dr Richard Agnew provides specialist assurance advice for government, non-government, senior executives, auditors, project managers, risk, business continuity and compliance managers. He is a practical and professional risk manager with over eight formal tertiary qualifications including a doctorate.

Rick has travelled extensively throughout Australia and overseas. He was stationed in various places that have to remain secret ("I had to shoot the last lot that I told"). On rejoining the civilised world, he held various positions within Government and private enterprise.

Rick is an Adjunct Professor with over 25 years experience in professional advisory roles. This includes experience gained: running his own consulting company (Business Assurance Australia) - at Deloittes Touche Tohmatsu, PricewaterhouseCoopers (running their Risk Management practices in Canberra); The Australian Intelligence Community, the Office of National Assessments, the Australian National University’s Strategic and Defence Studies Centre, and officer and pilot training with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). Rick has the special capacity to translate formal training into practical outcomes.

He is an active alpine mountain climber, including summiting Mt Everest. He has many Australian and international records, but in gliding he holds over 40, of which most are still current, including speed, distance and height records.

Rick is currently a freelance expert specialising in matters of a general character - [whatever that means]. His recreational pursuits include bird watching and whistling (not necessary in that order).

Main Menu

A Leadership through different perspectives

B The Reconciliation journey for your Club

C D9705 Environmental Showcase

D Building diversity into our Clubs

E Women in leadership

F Service Projects smorgasbord

G Diversity and Inclusion - Dream Cricket

Workshop A

Leadership through different perspectives

Facilitator: Mary Brell

Convention Centre Room A

The three experienced presenters will challenge you to view leadership across a range of different experiences and perspectives.

A workshop that will be both interactive and thought provoking.

Mary Brell, Founding Director of Keys To Success, has been a professional educator, and learning and development consultant and trainer throughout her career. Mary has spoken at International, National and State conferences on a wide range of topics particularly relating to learning, leadership and management. Mary has been District Trainer and District Membership Chair for both Districts 9700 and 9705.

The work that Mary does in Nepal indicates her passion for Rotary and how Rotary helps people around the world.

Gerald Power

First Nation: Juru (Bowen North Queensland) and Kanaka (South Sea Islander)

Occupation: Deputy Mayor- Orange City Council

Self Employed : Indigenous Cultural Adventures- Bush Tucka/ Cultural Tours/ Consultant

Ordained Minister of Religion 1987 - 2019

First Aboriginal person elected to Orange City Council

Gerald has built his success on using his own journey as an Aboriginal person- incorporating those experience into empathy, compassion, personal drive to seek best outcomes for indigenous families.

Georga Nonnenmacher

February 2022 – Present: Parliamentary Engagement Support Officer, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

2017 – Present: Bachelor of Laws (Hons) and Bachelor of International Relations, The Australian National University

February 2022 – Present: Australian Red Cross, Community Engagement Network, International Humanitarian Law Volunteer

November 2015: Inaugural Rotary Club of Orange Daybreak Schoolies program to Nepal

Workshop B

The Reconciliation journey for your Club

Facilitator: Michael Milston

Convention Centre Room B

We will explore ways for Rotary Clubs to help create a more welcoming environment in our organisations and our communities and to go beyond awareness to better relationships.

Michael Milston, (RC Orange Daybreak) was district governor in 2016-17, and has had over 30 years in senior management in local government. Currently he is providing advice and policy support for not-for-profit organisations, and is an Official Visitor with the program under the NSW Minister for Mental Health. Michael has worked with the Local Aboriginal Land Council and community over many years, and is proud to have been supported by Rotary to establish the Wiradjuri Group Cultural/Study Exchange team (GSE).

Mary Atkinson, is a Proud Ngunnawal/ Wiradjuri Elder, who believes in reconciliation for all Australians and believes this will happen with lots of sitting and yarning together. 'We all have a role to play in this.'

Bernard Higgins, is the Aboriginal Community Development officer, Wagga Wagga Council

Peter Morris, from Reconciliation Australia, see his bio from this morning Session 2, here

Lynne Duckham OAM, (RC Canberra Sunrise) Area Governor, has worked with and amongst Indigenous people of various countries including Australia. Lynne is an active member of the ACT Reconciliation Council (an advisory body to the ACT Govt). Her professional background is in strategic advice, multi-cultural communication, community and stakeholder engagement, partnership collaboration, strategic planning, program development and management. This has underpinned her professional and volunteer work assisting others to address development, transitions and transformational change, and working with individuals, groups, communities, businesses and governments, in periods of transition, collaboration, and strategic program management.

Wiradjuri Cultural/Group Study Exchange Team

Lynette Bullen is a Wiradjuri woman who grew up in Orange.

She has been an active member of the Rotary Club of Orange Daybreak since 2007, where she has held various positions - president, secretary, youth, membership and Foundation director.

In 2009 she travelled around Australia with 32 overseas Rotary Youth Exchange Students and survived to tell the tale.

In 2016 she was the District 9700 training and development leader.

Lynette has been involved in two Rotary Australia Worldwide Community Service (RAWCS) programs in Nepal.

Outside of Rotary, Lynette has worked in the Drug and Alcohol field for the last 28 years, six years in rural and remote Aboriginal Communities in NSW, providing drug and alcohol support to clients and staff education. For the last ten years, Lynette has been employed as a senior clinician in the Involuntary Drug and Alcohol Treatment Unit in Orange.

Ethan M. Williams is a First Nations Man of Galiyarr & Marrambidya - Wiradjuri. He has worked with the National Museum of Australia, and is now employed with Heritage NSW, Department of Premier and Cabinet as a Senior Heritage Operations Officer, facilitating communities to repatriate Ancestors and communities identify record and protect important places and items. Ethan is in Canberra/Queanbeyan

Tennille Dunn, a proud Gallari (Lachlan) woman of the Wiradjuri nation, grew up with a warrior spirited nan, Lois Goolagong in Condobolin. Lois came from humble beginnings, living in a tin humpy on the Murie (Aboriginal settlement) with her mother, her 2 sisters and her 3 brothers. They lived there with no electricity or running water and compacted dirt as their floor.

She is currently employed by NSW TAFE as Services Coordinator.

Micka Newman is a proud Galari (Lachlan River) Wiradjuri Gibir (man), living and working in Orange NSW. He has been with the NSW (State) Government working in Education, Family and Community Services, Police, Aboriginal Affairs and TAFE.

Micka is currently working in the Aboriginal Community Controlled sector as Operations Manager at Orange Aboriginal Medical Service.

Eddie Whyman is a proud and strong Wiradjuri man with my descendants being the Wiradjuri Warriors. His blood lines are connected through to Yorta Yorta, Wemba Wemba, Barapa Barapa, Dja Dja Wurrung, Tuangurung and Wurundjuri nations.

He has an extensive record in employment in the area of social welfare and Cultural Heritage, which led to starting his own business in Wagga, for the protection of significant Cultural Heritage sites. He is now with Water Infrastructure NSW as Senior Aboriginal Culture Officer (and Karioke apparently).

Workshop C

D9705 Environmental Showcase

Facilitator: David Brawn

Convention Centre Room C

Introduce a variety of significant environmental projects that will be of interest to club members and may provide clubs with ideas for future high impact projects.

The projects range from the theme of Food Security with the protection of bees and their habitats to the theme Circular Economy with Return and Earn and Lead Acid battery recycling and then on to multi-club international projects with the Fiji School Solar project and the great Ukraine/Sunflower fundraising initiative.

The speakers are Rotarians from District 9705 clubs and are well qualified to make the Environmental Showcase interesting and informative and one of the highlights of the Conference. The speakers will be attending the House of Friendship after the session to answer any questions.

The Program:

• Installing Solar Power at a Fiji School - PDG David Brawn
  

• Protecting Bees and their Habitats - John Kenworthy and Stephen Targett
  

• Recycling Batteries - PP Margaret Bandiera
  

• Recycling Bottles and Cans - PP Sue Glover
  

• Supporting the people of Ukraine with Sunflowers - PDG John Glassford
  

Installing Solar Power at a Fiji School

David has been a Rotarian for 25 years, is a PDG from D9675, a member of Berry RC, District 9705 Environmental Leader and an ESRAG Board Director.

Recently, David invited clubs around the District to cooperate together to raise funds to help install solar panels, batteries and associated electrical infrastructure at the school in Fiji. The plan is to complete this project in Quarter 2, 2023 at a total cost of $45,000. David will explain that this target has recently been reached with pledges from 22 supportive D9705 clubs (and one Rotarian).

Protecting Bees and their Habitats

John, a Rotarian in the Hall RC, is professional civil engineer with a 50+ year career based on sustainable principles of land and residential development. He has an environmental conscience, a sense of community wellbeing and an avid interest in all living things and their continued existence. He was the inaugural chair of his Club's Environment Committee and is an active member of Canberra based ACTforBees and other Pollinators and the Australian Conservation Foundation. He is now involved in the establishment of Rotarians for Bees in NSW/ACT.

Protecting Bees and their Habitats

Stephen was raised on a dairy farm in the Bega Valley, and is a Rtn in Narrandera RC. After 23 years in the Army where he was awarded a Conspicuous Service Medal in 1995, he started his journey in bees. Stephen started with a few hives and as his knowledge increased, he increased his hive numbers. He recently sold the business of 440 hives he managed for pollination and honey production. He has been involved with bee industry bodies for the last 15 years; and currently is the chair of the Australian Honey Bee Industry Council (AHBIC) which is Australia’s peak bee industry body.

Recycling Batteries

Margaret Bandiera was a charter member of the Rotary Club of Griffith Avanti, located in the beautiful city of Griffith in the Riverina, MIA. She is currently President and was also President in 2014/15

When the club was relatively new, a few of its members proposed that the club collects lead acid batteries to sell for recycling and we have now done this successfully for several years. This project had beneficial outcomes - first it provides a good income stream, second the batteries were being recycled for environmental benefit and third it brought the members together for a common purpose

Recycling Bottles and Cans

Sue moved to Bungendore in 2018 and shortly after joined the public service following a long and varied career in private enterprise.

Sue joined our local Rotary club in 2018 also and instantly felt very welcomed and included. In 2021, She became President of her club and enjoyed a great year. During her year as President, her club continued to grow their Return and Earn recycling project and won a NSW Tidy Town Award for their support for the Return and Earn programme in 2022.

Supporting the people of Ukraine with Sunflowers

John joined Coolamon Rotary Club in 2003. He has served for 15 years as a Director in various positions and became President in 2008-2009. He also served on the D9700 RAWCS Committee as well being a Board member of the first Rotarian Action Group, RFFA (Rotarians for Fighting AIDS). In 2014, John founded the Rotarian Action Group for Endangered Species, RAGES.Chair from 2014-2018. He became District Governor of District 9700 (Now 9705) in 2018/19.

Following the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, John came up with the idea of raising funds for the millions of displaced Ukrainians by selling sunflower seeds for to benefit these people. The creative initiative has recently been adopted by many Rotary clubs around Australia.

Workshop D

Building diversity into our Clubs

Facilitator: Mark Balla

Convention Centre Dining Hall

Explore ways for Rotary Clubs to be more inclusive and therefore more representative of their communities.

Panel:

• Michelle Duncan - Pres Orange Daybreak
• Rob Uhl - DGN Brindabella e-Club
• Libby O’Brien - District Rotaract Rep, Canberra Rotaract
• Isaac Graham-Singh - Rtn Brindabella e-Club
• Hayley Gollasch - Rtn Brindabella e-Club
• Wendy De Luca - Rtn Brindabella e-Club

To consider issues around:

• Physical disability
  
• Youth diversity (YES)
• LGBTQI+ community
• Youth and Young professionals/business operators
• Transgender experience
• Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) community
  

Workshop E

Women in Leadership

This workshop is being conducted for aspiring young female leaders, invited by the DG.

Facilitator: Prof Renee Leon

Building 229, Room 111

Workshop F

Service Projects Smorgasboard

Facilitator: DGE Andrea Grosvenor

House of Friendship

Take a tour of the Service Projects set up in the House of Friendship next to the main Hall. Listen to each Service champion briefly share their goals, and the impact they make and how you and your Club can help make a difference.

Workshop G

Diversity and Inclusion Dream Cricket

Facilitators:

Murray Paterson & Jo Wilson

Outside Convention Centre

See the great enjoyment as children who might otherwise not get the opportunity to play cricket, have that dream come true. Understand how your Club can play its part in this great initiative

Youth Focus - so many projects

Youth Exchange

Cultural/Group Study Exchange

Rotaract

Youth Exchange

Panel to be interviewed by

PP Judith Hall

(Past Youth Exchange Chair)

The In-bound Youth Exchange Students are

• Joni RAINESALO (FINLAND) with RC of E-Brindabella
• Flora GAHMIG (GERMANY) with RC of Parkes
• Joelle KUEHNELL (GERMANY) with RCs of Griffith & Griffith East
• Lilia SCHUELL (FRANCE) with RC of Young
• Jiun-China (Chynna) HUANG (TAIWAN) with RCs of Canberra Sunrise & Tuggeranong
• Inpat (Malt) ROONGRUJIMEK (THAILAND) with RC of Gungahlin
• Hanna CHIYOMI MAEDA (BRAZIL) with RC of Leeton

Yet to arrive:

Yuna KAWAGUCHI (JAPAN) with RC of Cooma

Pedro LINO SANCHES (BRAZIL) with RC of Orange

Wiradjuri Cultural/Group Study Exchange Team

Lynette Bullen is a Wiradjuri woman who grew up in Orange.

She has been an active member of the Rotary Club of Orange Daybreak since 2007, where she has held various positions - president, secretary, youth, membership and Foundation director.

In 2009 she travelled around Australia with 32 overseas Rotary Youth Exchange Students and survived to tell the tale.

In 2016 she was the District 9700 training and development leader.

Lynette has been involved in two Rotary Australia Worldwide Community Service (RAWCS) programs in Nepal.

Outside of Rotary, Lynette has worked in the Drug and Alcohol field for the last 28 years, six years in rural and remote Aboriginal Communities in NSW, providing drug and alcohol support to clients and staff education. For the last ten years, Lynette has been employed as a senior clinician in the Involuntary Drug and Alcohol Treatment Unit in Orange.

Ethan M. Williams is a First Nations Man of Galiyarr & Marrambidya - Wiradjuri. He has worked with the National Museum of Australia, and is now employed with Heritage NSW, Department of Premier and Cabinet as a Senior Heritage Operations Officer, facilitating communities to repatriate Ancestors and communities identify record and protect important places and items. Ethan is in Canberra/Queanbeyan

Tennille Dunn, a proud Gallari (Lachlan) woman of the Wiradjuri nation, grew up with a warrior spirited nan, Lois Goolagong in Condobolin. Lois came from humble beginnings, living in a tin humpy on the Murie (Aboriginal settlement) with her mother, her 2 sisters and her 3 brothers. They lived there with no electricity or running water and compacted dirt as their floor.

She is currently employed by NSW TAFE as Services Coordinator.

Micka Newman is a proud Galari (Lachlan River) Wiradjuri Gibir (man), living and working in Orange NSW. He has been with the NSW (State) Government working in Education, Family and Community Services, Police, Aboriginal Affairs and TAFE.

Micka is currently working in the Aboriginal Community Controlled sector as Operations Manager at Orange Aboriginal Medical Service.

Eddie Whyman is a proud and strong Wiradjuri man with my descendants being the Wiradjuri Warriors. His blood lines are connected through to Yorta Yorta, Wemba Wemba, Barapa Barapa, Dja Dja Wurrung, Tuangurung and Wurundjuri nations.

He has an extensive record in employment in the area of social welfare and Cultural Heritage, which led to starting his own business in Wagga, for the protection of significant Cultural Heritage sites. He is nowwith Water Infrastructure NSW as Senior SAboriginalCulture Officer (and Karioke apparently).

Cultural Exchange:

Wiradjuri / Oceti Sakowin

(of the Sioux Nation's Lakota, Nakota and Dakota people)

Libby O'Brien & Matthew Crouch

Libby O'Brien is the 2022-23 District Rotaract Representative for district 9705 and the Immediate Past President of the Rotaract Club of Canberra. She was also a charter member of the Rotaract Club of Wagga Wagga.

Matthew Crouch is President of Wagga Wagga Rotaract.

Motels in Wagga Wagga on pickup route for Conference Dinner from 5:30pm

PICKUP MOTEL ADDRESS - PHONE NO - Pick-up Spot order

1. Lincoln Cottage Motor Inn 337 Edward street 02 6925 3833
   
2. Best Western Ambassador Motor Inn 313-315 Edward Street 02 6925 7722
   
3. Boulevard Motor Inn 305-309 Edward Street 02 6925 5388
   
4. Heritage Motor Inn 244-248 Edward Street 02 6921 4099 Pickup across road
   
5. Astor Motor Inn Cnr Sturt Highway and station Place 02 6921 4328 Pickup across road
   
6. Townhouse Hotel 70 Morgan Street 02 6921 4337 Pickup Fitzhardinge St
   
7. The Club Motel & Apartments 73 Morgan Street 02 6921 6966
   
8. Mercure Wagga Wagga 1 Morgan Street 02 6939 7200
   
9. Bolton on the park 59-63 Tarcutta Street 02 6921 6222 Pickup outside Mercure
   
10. Garden City Motor Inn 2 Day Street 0458 848989 Pickup outside Mercure
    
11. Best Western Plus Charles Sturt Suites & Apartments 82 Tarcutta Street 0408 542481
    
12. The Lawson Motor Inn 117-121Tarcutta Street 02 6921 2200 Pickup across road
    
13. Carlyle Suites & Apartments 148 Tarcutta Street 02 6933 6100
    
14. Centralpoint Motel and Apartments 164-166 Tarcutta Street 02 6937 2300
    
15. Comfort Inn Prince of Wales 143 Fitzmaurice Street 02 6921 1922 Pickup across road
    
16. Mantra Pavilion Hotel Wagga 22-30 Kincaid Street 02 6921 6411
    
17. Wagga RSL Club Motel 156 Kincaid Street 02 6971 8888
    
18. Venue Quality Hotel Rules Club 188 Fernleigh Road 02 6931 2000 No pickup
    

The Op Shop Ball and Dinner

6:30pm at the Rules Club

188 Fernleigh Road

Starring Mitch Tambo

Mitch Tambo is one of Australia’s most unique and electrifying First Nations entertainers who has been hailed as “the new voice of our generation” (Natalie Bassingthwaighte).

The Sony Music Recording Artist has become an international sensation. His debut album ‘Guurrama-Li’ raced up music charts within Australia, the UK, US, Europe, Asia and New Zealand.

In February 2020 Mitch performed his single ‘Together’ as part of Eurovision Australia Decides and closed out the historic Fire Fight concert singing ‘You’re the Voice’ with John Farnham, Olivia Newton-John and Queen’s Brian May in a performance for the ages. Not slowing down, he also released ‘LOVE’, an upbeat anthem, sung in Tambo’s Gamilaraay language and his electro-pop Gamilaraay language version of Vanessa Amarosi’s ‘Absolutely Everybody’.

The acclaimed First Nations entertainer is also an ambassador for UNICEF Australia raising awareness of the issues affecting children across Australia, the region and the world, through focussing on early childhood education and mental health awareness.

The Melbourne-based performer also has his online content series ‘TAMBO TALK’ on his Facebook to motivate and connect with fans, he been joined by Ash London, Casey Donovan and Larry Emdur and more.

Remembering those who passed since the last Conference

We remember the contributions they made and how much better the world is for their service and commitment to Service above Self

Think of them as we take a little time to reflect ...

Bega

• Arthur "Butch" Robinson PHF Joined 1/2/2007. Died 31/8/2022.
  

Belconnen

• Brian Daniell PP PHF Foundation member and first President
  
• John McGee, former member of Belconnen and Cooma Rotary Clubs, Honorary member of Belconnen until his death. Well known for his sense of humour.
  

Bowral-Mittagong

• Allan Jones PP
  
• Terry Mortensen PP
  

Bungendore

• Glen Toscan
  

Canberra

• Sir David Smith KCVO AO, died 15 August
  
• Dr Mike Sargent AM, died 27 August
  

Canberra Sunrise

• Carol Hayes, d 16 October 2022
  

Cooma

• PDG Margaret Hassall PHF - President Rotary Club of Cooma 2013-14, District Governor D9710 2018-19
  
• Margaret Echarri PHF
  

Cowra

• Bruce Shean Member 1998-2016
  
• Harry Bryant OAM PP Member 1961-1990
  
• Bill Bundy OAM PP PHF Member 1983-2010
  

Crookwell

• William 'Bill' Martin OAM PP Club member for 54 years, President 1971-72 and 1991-92, Treasurer for many years. Bill published a history of the club’s 60 years in 2014.
  

Griffith

• Leslie Brown, member since 8 Nov 1977, passed away May 2022
  
• Robert (Bob) Mitchell, member since 8 Feb 1983, passed away July 2022
  
• John (Jim) McWilliam, member since 10 April 2012, passed away Sept 2022
  

Milton-Ulladulla

• PDG Bill Doherty. Born 2/12/1927. Died 18/4/2022. District Governor D9710 1997-98
  
• Keith Bennett PP PHF Born 10/1/1942. Died 24/7/2022. District Vocational Award in 1997-98.
  
• Brian Wilkins PHF Joined 17 July 2007. Died 13/6/2022 at age 84 years.
  
• Tim Gregory PP PHF Joined 26/3/1991. Died 7/7/2022
  

Moruya

• Gerry Busa PHF Born 9/12/1926. Died 25/9/2022
  

Moss Vale

• Lofty York PP PHF Died 6/5/2022
  

Murrumbidgee Canberra

• Pixie Gray, the wife of Woden RC member John Gray, passed away in February 2022. Pixie was a member of Canberra Woden Inner Wheel Club from around 1985 until the Club closed.
  

Murrumburra-Harden

• Hilton Doberor
  

Narooma

• Frank Neil Eden PHF Joined 2014. Died June 2022 age 67. Rotary District 9710 Community Service Award for the Renewable Energy Expo 2017.
  

Queanbeyan West

• Colvin Berry PP PHF Passed away 4 June 2022. Longest current serving member of the club, since August 1978.
  
• Garry McComb PP - President 1983 - 84.
  

Wagga Wagga

• Rob Sharkie PHF and SP Joined Linfield Club in 1975 to 1991. Joined Wagga Club in 1991 to 2021. Honorary Member 2021 to 2022 Died 4 July 2022, aged 83
  
• Philip Jackson PHF Member Wagga Club 1980 - 1994, 1996 – 2009. Honorary Member 2009 – 2022. Died 20 July 2022, aged 90
  
• Viv Littlewood PP PHF Past President 1981 – 1982 Member Wagga Club 1973 – 2001. Died 15 August 2022, aged 92
  

Wollundry - Wagga Wagga

• Graham Burmeister PP, PHF Charter member and committee member in establishing Rotary Club of Wollundry of Wagga Wagga. Club treasurer 1983-84, Vice President 1985-86,President 1986-87. Rotary service 28th February 1978 to his death on 14th September 2022.
• Alan Larcombe PP Member of Wollundry Rotary Club from 1991 to 2000, President 1998 -99, Chairman of The Sunday Markets Committee.

Yenda

• Gordon Browne PP PHF. Joined Rotary 30th June 2004.
• Peter Ryrie Joined Rotary 14th March 2005

People of Action

Focus on key projects from local Rotarians and clubs

Reported by our Area Governors

1. Graham Parker (North)
   
2. Jennifer Newton OAM (West)
   
3. Elaine Almond (South)
   
4. Desmond Woods OAM (Central East)
   
5. Lynne Duckham OAM (South East)
   
6. Adam de Totth (East Coast)
   

ROYCE ABBEY PEACE ORATION

The Royce Abbey Peace Oration was named in honour of Past Rotary International President Royce Abbey AO, DCM. As the World President of Rotary International for the years 1988 to 1989, Royce selected as his presidential Theme ‘Put Life into Rotary – Your Life’ and indeed this was his personal credo throughout his life. Royce Abbey passed away in February, 2014.

His distinguished army career was marked by the award of the Distinguished Conduct Medal for bravery. His exemplary war service was followed by a number of very successful business enterprises.

Royce Abbey’s first contact with Rotary was with Sir Angus Mitchell, the first Australian world president of Rotary. Royce was to follow in his footsteps. After contributing many years of community service as national president of the YMCA, Royce received many accolades for his inspiring support of The Rotary Foundation. Royce was recognized as one who had a strong vision for peace in the world. He was impressed by the prospects of forming lasting international friendships within Rotary and recognized their potential to improve international understanding, goodwill and peace.

The inaugural Royce Abbey Oration was presented by PRIP Royce Abbey at the first International Conference of Rotary District Peace Communities held in Wagga Wagga, Australia on 10 September 2000. It established a tradition of addresses by prestigious speakers focusing on the concept and practice of peace. The concept of peace espoused by the Rotary District 9705 Communities Program transcends the simplistic view of an absence of war and encompasses all those measures that improve human relations with positive and harmonious outcomes. Violence and conflict are pervasive global phenomena that are seriously affecting community well-being. The rejection of violence, the respect for life and human dignity, the resolution of personal and community violence and the reconciliation of differences can realize those freedoms under which Peace and harmony can flourish.

Royce Abbey

2023 Conference

Join us in Queanbeyan next year

for the D9705 District Conference

20-22 October 2023

Photos courtesy of Visit Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council

For more detail on Queanbeyan visit: treasuretrail.com.au or @visitqueanbeyanpalerang

Credits

DG - Geraldine Rurenga

Team - PDG Michael Milston, DGN Rob Uhl, Eilagh Rurenga, Mary Brell OAM, Beth Woolley, John Smith, Meghan Barrell, Travis Holland

AV - Travis Holland

Layout - Wendy de Luca

Stage Mgt - Meghan Barrell

Logistics - John Smith and his capable team of Wagga Wagga Rotarians and Rotaractors

MC - Shawn Wilson

Remembrances - DGE Andrea Grosvenor