Rotary Club of Dee Why Warringah

It's Melbourne Cup time! Get your tickets to win!!

2011-10-02T18:40:00.000+11:00

Visit us at Dee Why Square, Howard Ave, Dee Why throughout October to get your tickets or contact us at the Rotary Club of Dee Why Warringah www.RotaryDeeWhyWarringah.com.au

2011-04-24T15:24:00.008+10:00

Win $7000.00
Fantastic Odds!
Better than any lotto draw
Only 3,000 tickets that's a 1 in 3,000 chance!!! Fantastic
Check out the details at www.rotarydeewhywarringah.com.au home page

Calling all Mates!

2011-03-08T14:16:00.000+11:00

Are you planning on attending the Mates helping mates disaster relief benefit lunch on Sunday 13 March?

We need you to secure your seat! Give Lizottes a call on 99849933 so they can secure your table. Many people have said they will attend but our number of secured seats is disappointing. Without secured numbers the event is at risk of not going ahead. So please help us make this a reality. Our mates need us!

Our disaster affected mates need us now, more than ever! Rebuilding life after disaster is now a reality. They have no adrenalin to keep them going and with a series of natural disasters around the pacific the focus of assistance has shifted. Our mates are struggling to move forward.

The Mates event has been proudly put together by our local community and the performers have all donated their time. Your ticket price $58 includes your main meal and 6 awesome entertainers. It will be an great afternoon for a great cause. Help us make it a success.

To book your table call Lizottes on 99849933

Come on Sydney -- We need you!

2011-03-01T22:09:00.001+11:00

Have you booked your table for the Mates Helping Mates Disaster Relief event at Lizottes Sydney on the 13th March?

With less than 2 weeks to go -- now is the time!

Go to www.sydney.lizottes.com.au/live

Heaven Knows

2011-02-18T00:17:00.003+11:00

Went to Lizotte’s again tonight, god I love this place.

Rick Price was playing. I last saw him at the Rock Lilly many years ago. He was awesome then and he hasn’t lost it.

What a great show and, by the way everyone sang along, they were all fans. He played some originals, eg: ‘Heaven Knows’ and some new songs. I really liked the new ones he performed and purchased his new CD ‘Rick Price revisited’. Rick even signed it for me. I love the fact you can get up close and personal with the entertainers.

I took along two friends who didn’t know Ricks history or songs and they loved the show.

It’s countdown to our Flood Benefit lunch on 13th March, with the talent lined up for the day it will be epic. Get your tickets now guys, there are limited seats. Just ring Lizotte’s on 9984 9933.

Can’t wait.

The Boys are back in town

2011-02-13T23:26:00.004+11:00

Our R-Team are back in town and gave our club a briefing on their assistance in Queensland complete with photos. We will have the photos available to you soon.

I have spoken with the family who have had three generations effected by the flood. Mum and Dad lost their home. First son and wife lost theirs. Second son, wife and two small children lost their home. They lost one rental property. Their primary produce business has gone. Everything they owned and worked for, gone.

I was told they applied for the government grant allowed for contents of house and received $170.00 each in total. Can you believe this?

They applied for the government grant for structural damage and were told they did not qualify. $0.00. They have applied for the primary producers grant of $25,000.00 but are not hopeful.

They did receive the governments $1,000.00 grant.

Their insurance company, at this time, have not given an indication of payment but have requested an itemized list of everything lost.

Can you imagine how long it will take to put this together?

The family thanked our R-Team for their help and said although there were others up there to help our team were not hampered by rules. Before our team arrived they just didn't know how or where to start.

Michael from EmbroidMe, Milton has also expressed his appreciation for our R-Teams efforts.

He is still in need of assistance to get his business up and running again. We need to get him a PABX system.

Can you help? Can you donate? Can you attend our Flood Benefit at Lizotte's?

Our job is far from over and so many are in need of our help.

Mates Helping Mates Flood Relief Benefit. Book NOW!

2011-02-03T01:32:00.001+11:00

(click to view larger image)

Epic

2011-02-03T00:24:00.008+11:00

If you were not at Lizotte’s last night you just can’t imagine what you missed.

Matt Zarb and 16 year old Minnie Marks had their guitars ripping out the music. My god for one so young hell she can play. And Matt, awesome.

There was a special guest in the audience, a friend of Matts. He called him up onto the stage and asked him to give an unscheduled performance. We sat there in awe as Daryl Lovegrove performed Nessun Dorma

It was incredible.

What a voice. What a bonus for the evening. He received a standing ovation.

In one of Daryl's motivational speeches he askes 'What is it about Nessun Dorma?' Then he tells us 'It is the closest piece of music man has ever come up with that parallels the act of lovemaking. Well for one thing it only takes about two and a half minutes.'

I was having a ball. After his set Matt came down and introduced himself to me and had a quick chat. Then it was time for the Hussy Hicks.

They were smooth and laid back to begin. Leesa Gentz has an incredible voice. Further into the set they upped the stakes. The place was kicking along.

Then they pulled out one of my favorite songs. Never expected this from such a young group. Now you know how, very often, you find no one can sing a song better than the original artist. Well not so in this case.

Hussy Hicks had ‘Ghost Riders in the Sky’ belting through that room, it was epic.

What a night!

Matty came down again after the show and had another chat. He is a really nice guy.

I’ve still got “Ghost Rider’ swimming around in my head, I just can’t believe how well those girls performed it, again I say, epic!

Having such a great night, I'm still on a high. I don't know how I am going to get any sleep.

Mates Helping Mates

2011-01-30T00:53:00.003+11:00

Mates Helping Mates
Flood Relief Fundraising Lunch

Live and local @ Lizottes Sydney

Lizottes in partnership with Rotary Dee Why Warringah will host the Mates Helping Mates Flood Relief Fundraising Lunch on 13 March 2011 to raise funds for flood effected people and communities.

The Mates Helping Mates Flood Relief Fundraising Lunch will feature amazing local talent including: Marisa Saroca, Zoe Elliott, Nic Jeffries, Gail Page, Taylor and The Makers and Overpass, special guest speakers and raffle prizes including a Dinner Show for 4 to Diesel in April complete with flambe dessert!

Come along with a group of friends for a great day of entertainment, great food, fun and support an amazing cause!!

Mates Helping Mates Flood Relief Fundraising Lunch

When: March 13, 2011
Cost: $58.00 (Includes show and main meal)
Time: 12pm (music starts at 12.30)
Where: Lizottes Sydney, 4/5 629 Pittwater Rd. Dee Why

Book online or call Lizottes Sydney on 99849933

How is Rotary Flood Relief different?
Because 100% of your donation goes directly to flood victims and communities.
No administration costs.
No red tape.
Rotary have Flood Relief Teams in all flood effected area's and are on the ground NOW helping to rebuild communities.
Rotary Flood Relief teams will continue to work in these communities until the job is done.
Its a massive task ahead. Many of those effected are uninsured, under-insured or do not meet criteria for government assistance, many have lost entire homes and or businesses, in some cases entire communities need to be rebuilt.

A day at the Pub

2011-01-29T23:58:00.004+11:00

Well, what a day!

I spent it at the Newport Arms where The Holidays & Ernest Ellis, amongst others, performed at the Queensland Flood Relief Concert.

The weather was kind and the crowd was great. I met so many fantastic young souls, all hugely generous when buying raffle tickets and donating to the flood appeal. I had a wonderful time chatting with them.

Cameron Bayfield and the staff looked after me really well and I thoroughly enjoyed helping out. Of course by the time it came to pack up Cameron and I were totally beat but happy we had raised over $7,000.00 I am told.

Well done everyone and thank you heaps.

Don't forget to check out our Flood benefit at Lizotte's on the Rotary Dee Why Warringah home page. See you there.

Bugger of a job!

2011-01-29T23:39:00.003+11:00

From the 'R-Team' Don writes:

'After two final days of serious physical effort we finished at dinner last night with two of Pat Kellen's sons, Wayne and Noel.

Thursday and Friday were spent mainly in their homes stripping them of walls, floors, kitchens, bathrooms and floor coverings - ever tried lifting Masonite that has a million staples holding it down? Bugger of a job. But they saved the best till last when they showed us there workshop.

A room about 4 metres square with millions of tools and spare parts all coated with stinking mud. We did what we could until our backs complained so much we were drawn back to the pub for some refreshing ale or 3.

We've left Queensland and our many new friends with some memories and a new slant on life.

It's still going to take a massive effort to fix the mess and there will be many who will be living with some horrid experiences.

Yesterday I overheard Waynes wife Lindell say "what really gets me is that we lost all the kids books. They have 2 boys 6 & 4.'

Blown away

2011-01-28T00:51:00.005+11:00

Jo askes ‘Do you love Lizotte’s as much as we do?’

Jo has been to Lizotte' a few times and raves about it.

As you know Brian Lizotte is putting on a Benefit to raise funds for the Rotary Flood Appeal on 13 March. So Jo and I visited Brian this afternoon to go over some of the detail. It’s going to be an awesome event with some top entertainers.

Anyway I decided to check out a show. The Flood were performing, so we organised to have dinner and take in the show.

I have got to tell you I was blown away. I have not enjoyed a live show so much in ages.

The acoustics at this venue are great and the sound man, Sid, has to be congratulated, as the mix and the sound were spot on. You could actually hear every word they sang and the guitars rocked. The drummer was pretty cool too.

I tell you this is 'entertainment centre' quality performances right here on our doorstep. Who needs to go to town with this venue and value for money right under our nose. No parking hassles, no long drive home. Just enjoy.

I loved the way the band interacted with the audience on an intimate level.

You have got to check this place out and make sure you tell all your friends.

This place rocks!

The loss of a four year old child

2011-01-25T22:21:00.003+11:00

Don writes:

‘Sitting in the Lowood club hotel where we managed to get a room tonight and tomorrow. Lucky, because most rooms are taken by local families who lost their homes and everything. Pretty depressing. This is the heart of Lockyer Valley.

We drove up to Toowoomba this morning, 2 hours, to find that we weren't need, so after phoning all sorts of places, we were directed too, we went back to the farm we were at Sunday and carried on our work there.

But our drive through this area really has brought home the scale and violence of this event.

It's so big, describing it does not come close to the overwhelming size of what has occurred.

Mark was just at the bar and a woman asked him how he did in the flood. He explained what we were doing and asked her how she did. They lost everything but were luckier than their friends who lost a 4 year old son as well.

It wets the eyes and fills you with grief for these fellow humans. Imagine a whole community dealing with this tragedy.

Well we are back to it tomorrow even though it's Aussie day.’

After reading this email I could not help but cry. If the email affected me in this way can you imagine what affect it had on our ‘R-Team’ listening to this distraught family relay theirs and their neighbor’s story? Dear God!

'R-Team' heads to Toowoomba

2011-01-25T08:24:00.002+11:00

7.45am (Qld time) Our 'R-Team' have woken to another perfect Queensland morning. They are about to fire up the BBQ and cook bacon and eggs.

Then they pack up, load and head for Toowoomba, where the devastation started, with no idea what they will find there.

A huge effort at EmbroidMe, Milton

2011-01-24T22:59:00.003+11:00

‘Another day at the coal face.’ Don informs me. Our ‘R-Team’ arrived back at EmbroidMe, Milton today.

Geoff and Mark worked on the electrics and by 3pm all was up and running. For the record, that involved every power point and light replaced, complete new power boards built and installed and every wire inspected and replaced and traced to its correct spot on the board. The air conditioner was inspected, some parts were replaced and it is now operating.

Peter and Don scrapped the ceiling and walls of pealing paint. Then cleaned and painted them with two coats. All looks great, they inform me.

The insurance assessors arrived whilst our ‘R-Team’ were working. Hopefully Mike will receive some good news.

for the "Cost of a Case"

2011-01-24T22:22:00.003+11:00

Read the full article in The Manly Daily

The Rotary clubs of Brookvale and Dee Why-Warringah have joined forces for the “Cost of a Case” campaign to raise money for those who have been affected by the floods.

As part of the fundraiser, revellers are encouraged to cut down on alcohol over the Australia Day holiday and donate what they

would usually spend on a case of beer.

Dee Why-Warringah president Christine McCormack said all donations made to Rotary would go directly to the flood victims and would not be tied up in administration.

“A member of the community came to us about it,” she said of the campaign. “I think we will get quite a few people to take part because Australia Day isn’t on a weekend this year.”

* To make a donation visit www.rotarydeewhywarringah.com.au

The real horror of the flood

2011-01-23T21:52:00.006+11:00

The boys arrived in Bellbowrie this morning and were sent out to some jobs, however, things seemed to be in hand, tradesmen had arrived and the horses are now fine so our ‘R-Team’ ended up on a farm at Fernvale, owned by David Strong and three generations of his extended family. Fernvale is inland approx 50km up the Brisbane Valley Highway from Bellbowrie.

When the flood came to their area the Brisbane River rose some 21 meters. Increasing it from a normal 50 meters wide to over 3 kms wide.

The family were lucky to get out with their lives as predictions had them safe. They came close to loosing a sister-in-law when she tried to save the family horse. Sadly the horse was swept away and died.

Forty of their cattle were washed away. They found twenty-one as far as 50km away.

Three of our team have spent the afternoon stripping the farm tools, drying and getting them working. Don has been knocking an inside wall out that was soaked.

Reading this email turned my stomach and sent shivers through me. I can’t begin to imagine the horror of those moments for this family. I’m so glad Don and the boys are there to give them a hand.

They can build, repair and render first aid

2011-01-23T17:17:00.002+11:00

The 'R -Team' have been hard at work at EmbroidMe Milton over the last couple of days. Yesterday they demolished the remaining timber and gyprock walls, did some cleaning, started work on the power problems and rebuilt some shelving.

EmbroidMe Milton, Queensland. 22.01.11

Michael said that this work will greatly expedite the process of returning the shop/warehouse to a usable state. Repairs are moving along - but supplies are still difficult to get and some repairs are not able to be complete until the legalities of insurance etc is sorted out; hopefully this will be clearer over the next few days. Michael says "it feels like a bad dream" ... "It's frustrating but at least there has been some progress these last few days". There is still a massive job ahead!

Milton, Queensland. 22.01.11

Like all good 'tradies', Don managed cut himself on the finger. Luckily our Rotary Flood Relief Team are a talented bunch; yes, they can build, repair and render first aid - well done troops!

A cut finger wont slow Don down. Mark to the rescue.

After a hard days work the team played a few games of pool and today had a sleep-in 'til 7am! Today they've headed to Moggill to help rescue horses.

Day one at EmbroidMe Milton

2011-01-22T14:00:00.008+11:00

The sun is shining and it is a glorious day.

Don and the boys were up at 5am, their host, Michael rose somewhat later, possibly as a result of the boys assisting him in commiserating over several bottles of red.

I scoffed saying ‘that wasn’t very nice.’

In saying so, a thought occurred to me. Maybe that is just what he needed. Jo was feeling he needed a big hug and I suppose this is the male equivalent of that. At least it would have relieved the stress for a while.

They shared a platter of fresh fruit, brought up from Sydney, then headed off to Milton.

A huge amount had already been cleared in the days after the flood. All cleaning had basically been done. There were a lot of destroyed walks and fittings pulled out. Don and the boys finished the dismantling and cleaned up as far as they could.

Geoff made a start on wiring but can't achieve a lot, as the electrical wholesaler is not open and he needs extra supplies. Frustrating.

Mark, Peter and Don will move to Bellbowrie shortly. They have been asked to help outat an equestrian centre that is a real mess. I have reports Bellbowrie are now seeing some tradesmen to work on the housing.

‘There is not much evidence of the flood, as such, in Milton. A huge clean up has been underway.There's no smell and it's a fine day.’ Don says.'I have to stop and consider the enormity of the job ahead. We’re in a block of 20 or so business that have been virtually wiped out and have to start afresh. Multiply that by thousands and thousands. It's mind-boggling.'

Our Flood Relief Team arrive in Queensland

2011-01-21T23:20:00.004+11:00

Well our volunteers have arrived in Queensland. Met with Michael from EmbroidMe and as Aussie's do organized a BBQ with the food they took.

"Very lucky we arrived with all food and we supplied, prepared and cooked a tasty BBQ. All good," Don Says.

They will start work on the shop tomorrow.

Don said "around Grafton was the most obvious flood effected area. The smells were awful. Made the mistake of opening the windows. Yuk!

Tradies ready to rebuild

2011-01-21T18:34:00.003+11:00

They've packed their tool belts, sunscreen and eskies and are ready for a week of hard yakka.

Four blokes from the northern beaches will today begin their first day of work helping to rebuild the Brisbane CBD after weeks of heavy rain and floods. As volunteers with Rotary, the men have been matched with an embroidery business in Milton and will spend the next week helping to refurbish it.

Team leader Don Rosenfeldt, a full time tour operator, said his group consisted of an engineer, an electrician and a retired elevator installer.

“Geoff Butler, our electrician, is going to be very popular,” he said. “His services are going to be invaluable. We are going to have to keep his presence fairly quiet.”

The group, that also includes Peter Hussey and Mark Schmidt, left for Queensland yesterday in two utility trucks packed with supplies and donations.

The team will stay at the home of their new mate Michael Crowley, who owns EmbroidMe Milton; the business they will help rebuild.

EmbroidMe in Milton, Queensland under water in the worst floods in Australia's History

“The guy we are helping has a home with a few spare beds. So we are going to bunk in with him.” said Mr Rosenfeldt

Read more on this story in the Manly Daily here

Rotary Flood Relief Tradesman's Challenge

2011-01-20T23:37:00.003+11:00

Ross Bell Electrical Services Pty Ltd has kicked off a tradesman challenge by donating $500.00 to the Rotary Flood Appeal and challenges all tradesmen to take his lead.

Don Rosenfeldt of Australian Eco Adventures is offering a healthy percentage of their profit to the Rotary Flood Appeal for anyone booking an Australian outback tour within the next 2 months and mentioning Rotary. website here

Donations of tools, a vac, buckets, hoses, brooms and much more are flooding in, excuse the pun, for our Flood Relief Team to take with them to Bellbowrie. A huge thank you to the members of BNI for your generous donations. BNI is the largest business networking organization in the world. Who offer members the opportunity to share ideas, contacts and most importantly, business referrals. They meet at the Builders Club on Wednesday mornings.

Want to challenge a Tradie?

Email us and we'll post your challenge here.

Donate online

For the cost of a case

2011-01-20T23:09:00.005+11:00

Lyndal says "My local bottle shop sells a case of XXXX for $48.00. How about instead of buying a case for ourselves this Australia Day, we give that money to the Flood Appeal?

Lets try for 1000 pledges. Invite everyone you know

Donate securely online.

Or make your donation on Australia Day. Look for the Rotary Dee Why Warringah Flood Relief Team at the Strand at Dee Why Beach on Australia Day.

Bellbowrie we hear you!

2011-01-20T22:54:00.005+11:00

The Rotary Flood Relief will provide Humanitarian Aid for the worst natural disaster in Australian history! Our community has answered the call.

The people of Bellbowrie and Moggill are calling themselves the forgotten ones. Neville Marsh, who is coordinating the recovery in Bellbowrie said that there are about 90 houses totalled by the flood. "There are only house frames left". Bellbowrie needs Builders, carpenters, any trades to do with building houses.

A team of volunteers headed by Rotarian Don Rosenfeld are on their way north to Bellbowrie where the community is in great need. Through the generosity of the community including BNI the relief team will be well stocked with donations of buckets, brooms, vacs, tools and loads of electrical materials to begin repairs.

Further teams will be needed in the future, especially in Rural Areas. You do not need to be a Rotarian to join a team. The advantage of traveling with a Rotary Team is that you will be fully covered by Rotary Insurance and you will be working with locals and local Rotary Clubs. It’s a hands on down to earth experience.

If you're interested in joining a Rotary Flood Relief team contact us at brookvalebd@bigpond.com.au

Help us deliver Humanitarian Aid to those in desperate need. Donate now!

Donate securely online

A huge thank you to the members of BNI for your generous donations. BNI is the largest business networking organisation in the world. BNI offer members the opportunity to share ideas, contacts and most importantly, business referrals. They meet at the Builders Club at Dee Why on Wednesday mornings.

Update from Bellbowie

2011-01-20T16:53:00.014+11:00

Speaking to Neville Marsh, who is coordinating the recovery in Bellbowrie, we have been told there are 90 houses totalled by the flood. "There are only house frames left. Some still have a roof," Neville said. "We are in need of Builders, carpenters, any trades to do with building houses. We have one property on acreage we will have to clean out and rebuild. It will be a big job."

If you are one of these trades and can help or have a company that can spare some of your tradesman please let us know. We will coordinate the teams and ensure all avenues are covered.

Rotary Volunteers head to Queensland

2011-01-20T16:27:00.004+11:00

A team of volunteers headed by Rotarian Don Rosenfeld will leave shortly with the intention to assist with these two cases. More tradesmen are welcome to join this team.

Further teams will be needed in the future, especially in Rural Areas. You do not need to be a Rotarian to join a team.

The advantage of traveling with a Rotary Team is you are fully covered by Rotary Insurance and you will be working with locals and local Rotary Clubs. It’s a hands on down to earth experience.

The Rotary Club of Dee Why Warringah are donating a generator to Michael at EmbroidMe Milton which will be taken up by our team. The generator will be passed on to others in need when he has finished with it. Our Electrician will be taking up a quantity of electrical equipment.

Business in Milton, Queensland devastated

2011-01-19T16:19:00.000+11:00

Michael is still pretty frantic trying to work out exactly how to move forward. He would welcome support to get things cleaned up and repaired – and hopefully back to some level of business trading. He said that getting supplies for repair is really difficult. His electricity cannot be restored until the power switch board is replaced. It was completely submerged in flood water. This will be the case for many I suspect.

He can’t start his clean up until the insurance assessor arrives, hopefully today.

"Getting items in the local area is difficult. As you can imagine everything is in short supply due to damage or demand. So if tradesmen can pre-empt as much as possible in terms of supplies, that might help them get more done when they arrive,” Michael said. 'While electricity is being restored to some area’s it is very slow. Power generators would be helpful to many people.”

Michael is a family friend of Rotarian Jo Ragen. He is a small business owner of EmbroidMe Milton. Visit his web site at: EmbroidMe Milton

Photo: EmbroidMe Milton, Queensland

Under water in the worst floods in Australia's History

Bellbowrie – the forgotten ones

2011-01-19T16:14:00.007+11:00

The people of Bellbowrie and Moggill are calling themselves the forgotten ones.

Sadly this town is known for the bride lifted by helicopter to attend her wedding, covered by national television.

“We thought the helicopter was bringing food and water, we were stunned” a local said.

A couple in their 80’s who suffered in the 1974 floods lost their home under the water in this flood. They have found a caravan to live in at the moment.

“There are many people worse off than we are” they said when we inquired about assisting them. “Nobody is helping the town. People don’t understand how bad things are here.”

This couple in their 80's are relatives of Northern Beaches residence Ross & Maggie Bell, Cromer

Inaugural Northern Beaches Zone combined dinner meeting

2011-01-18T22:13:00.000+11:00

We're excited about our upcoming Rotary Zone get together where our guest speaker will be The Hon Tony Abbott MHR Leader of the Opposition, Federal Member for Warringah.

It will be great to learn more about Mr Abbott; his life, growing up, his hobbies and more.

The challenge is on!

2011-01-18T18:04:00.000+11:00

If you've been following our blog we know you'll be really bored right now. We've been neglecting our blogging tasks terribly. Never fear - we're back! We've got our boots on, shirts rolled up and we're ready for another year of community spirit.

We have so many updates to bring to you.

Of course the devastating news of the worst floods in Australian history. We'll blog about how we're responding to these challenges over the coming days. We also have some exciting updates and events for the calendar year ahead. Watch for us in the next few days.

Welcome to 2011!

The Team at Rotary Dee Why Warringah

What in the world is Rotary?

2009-07-10T23:17:00.000+10:00

Nepal Toilet Project Update

2009-06-05T12:43:00.003+10:00

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.

Congrats RC Dee Why Warringah

2009-05-30T00:24:00.001+10:00

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.

Patrick Moore - Dancing in the Rain

2009-05-06T14:34:00.001+10:00

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.

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"

www.danceintherain.com.au

General Peter Cosgrove supports the Rotary Club of Dee Why Warringah ShelterBox Appeal

2009-05-01T17:14:00.003+10:00

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

A children's hospital for Sierra Leone

2009-04-25T20:19:00.004+10:00

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

2009-04-25T20:16:00.000+10:00

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.

A warm welcome to Daniel

2009-04-17T15:57:00.000+10:00

Welcome to the Rotary Club of Dee Why Warringah Daniel.

Awarded a Paul Harris Fellow

2009-04-17T15:49:00.004+10:00

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.

Congratulations to Sandra and Paul.

Community and Pride of Workmanship Awards Night.

2009-04-17T15:29:00.003+10:00

Congratulations to:

Peter Haack, Master Builder and member of the Master Builders Social club who has raised thousands of dollars for local community groups.

Adrian Meredith, restaurateur and owner of Sea La Vie who organised at his restaurant, a wonderful free Christmas dinner for 100 people.

Vanessa Crane, Youth Coordinator at Kaddy Transport coordinates the group's activities in an amazing way.

This year a Vocational Award was given to Seaside Nursing Home for their outstanding service to the residents.

Pride of Workmanship Awards were received by Petes Shoe Repair, John Parker of Westpac Bank, Lianne Brady and Vika Ahafona of Wesley Heights Aged Care, William Kiloh of Pearla Plumbing, Keven Price of Gleneon Retirement Village and Johanne Taylor of the RSL Lifecare.

Getting to know Bill

2009-03-02T21:38:00.006+11:00

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

2009-03-02T21:37:00.003+11:00

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

2009-03-02T21:36:00.002+11:00

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.

100 Shelter Boxes

2009-03-02T20:42:00.004+11:00

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.

Welcome Jill

2009-02-08T19:33:00.003+11:00

Welcome to the Rotary Club of Dee Why Warringah Jill

Central Coast Festival of Arts

2009-02-01T17:23:00.001+11:00

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

The Future of Rotary is in Your Hands

2009-02-01T16:58:00.002+11:00

"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.

AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE, OI OI OI

2009-01-27T12:11:00.004+11:00

Celebrating Australia Day the only way we know how ... at the beach! BBQing!! and throwing thongs!!! Of course. Australia day was a huge success. A grea day for all.

Our Land is Girt by Beach

2009-01-25T16:53:00.001+11:00

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

Together on the road for mental health

2009-01-21T14:48:00.005+11:00

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!

Interested? Contact Christine McCormack or Robert Manley to express your interest.

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!

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.

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!

A Sizzling Success

2009-01-20T17:13:00.000+11:00

The second Sausage Sizzle for the Anglican Retirement Villages took place on the 15th January in Mona Vale. Thanks go to those who braved the heat of the day to assist.

Nancy-Bird Walton 1915-2009

2009-01-13T21:18:00.000+11:00

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

2009-01-13T16:39:00.000+11:00

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!

* * *

Country with a Kick

2009-01-03T20:25:00.005+11:00

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.

And the WINNERS are .....

2008-12-24T18:00:00.001+11:00

The Rotary Club of Dee Why Warringah Christmas Raffle has been drawn.

Winners:

1st Prize: Geoff Gelding

Geoff took some of the prize for his family and four year old grandson and donated the balance to Bear Cottage.

Thank you Geoff!

2nd Prize Diana Meagher

3rd Prize Ruth Lind

24 DAYS TIL CHRISTMAS!

2008-12-01T22:13:00.009+11:00

Are you on the xmas roster yet?

Don't be shy ... We need you!

ONLY 24 Days til Christmas

2008-11-25T21:01:00.001+11:00

Welcome to the Rotary Club of Dee Why Warringah David and Amy.

Australian Business Volunteers Award

2008-11-25T20:56:00.001+11:00

Peter Richardson has been recognised for his contribution to Third World Nations in Asia and the Pacific by receiving an Australian Business Volunteers Award for being the longest serving member of that organisation.

Peter has also completed the greatest number of projects of any member. A well deserved recognition for a wonderful record of service.

Well done Peter!

Mind your mind

2008-11-25T20:25:00.000+11:00

Mind Your Mind

Follow the Mind Your Mind sign posts was the message from Coralie Hicks from Alzheimer’s Australia this week at Dee Why Warringah

Alzheimers Australia now have good evidence from research that shows adopting a 'brain healthy’ lifestyle may reduce the risk of developing dementia. Alzheimer’s Australia’s Mind your Mind® program involves seven signposts to help keep your brain healthy and reduce your risk of developing dementia.

For more information contact: National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500.
Or visit: www.alzheimers.org.au

Renee Offner - Rotaract Distict 9680

2008-11-18T22:32:00.001+11:00

Our club has not had the benefit of interaction with a Rotaract Club for several years, so it was most interesting to hear Renee Offner present the current situation in our District 9680 and to tell us something of her life journey and her involvement with Rotaract. Renee, with the assistance of her friend, Jeremy Charles is attempting to form a new club on the Northern Beaches.

Are you between 18 and 25? Interested in making a difference in your community? Want to gain experience and to build new networks? Rotaract might be what you are looking for. If you're interested in joining or would like further information contact us.

We're looking forward to the emergence of an active and vibrant Rotaract movement on the Northen Beaches in the very near future! Don't miss out!

Cyber-fines: we're watching!

2008-11-17T10:21:00.002+11:00

Our "interupted" dinner service is proving a challenge for our sergeant-in-arms to gather intelligence for the weekly fines. So it might be time for some collaboration. Don't let those fines go unnoticed! post them here.

2008-11-17T09:31:00.001+11:00

A BBQ just isnt a BBQ without Bob the Builder and he sure does help sell those christmas raffle tickets. Way to go BTB! and Frank too.
Be sure to check out Santa's little helpers on our home page.

Charity e-News straight to your inbox

2008-11-09T19:04:00.004+11:00

Charity e-News will help you keep up to date with fundraising laws, about emerging issues and provide practical advice about managing fundraising activities. This is a must-site for anyone involved in the not for profit sector.

Register online to get news direct to your inbox.

Gloria Ingham: The Cancer Council

2008-11-04T22:37:00.000+11:00

Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world. Each year more than 1600 Australians die from this almost entirely preventable disease. Fortunately, being SunSmart is a simple and effective way to reduce your risk of developing skin cancer. Gloria demonstrated many of the simple and effective ways to be sun smart and how to recognise skin cancers. For more information visit the Cancer Council.

28th October

2008-11-03T22:09:00.002+11:00

Another interesting week at Dee Why Warringah.

Last days on the Trifecta Tickets

2008-11-02T21:17:00.003+11:00

If you haven't already handed in your money raised for the rotary trifecta tickets please do so by Tuesday. Also if you have tickets left over you still have a couple of days left to get them sold. SELL SELL SELL and Good luck for the big race on Tuesday!

Carmen Bekker: Assisting youth on the northern beaches

2008-10-28T22:38:00.001+11:00

Carmen shared with us her passion of working with kids whom have experienced hardship, the breakdown of family relationships and the supports that underpin their health, education, happiness and wellbeing.

The valuable services offered by Taldumande on the Northern Beaches focuses on providing stable short and longer term support and accommodation options, encouraging young people to remain within their local communities and achieve longer lasting successful outcomes for their personal goals.

A reason to eat cake!

2008-10-25T21:29:00.004+11:00

What better reason to eat cake! get your plum pudding or whisky cake for xmas and support rotary projects at the same time!

Your contributions will support much needed community projects.

Contact Frank to order now.

Help fill our stocking!

2008-10-23T15:38:00.008+11:00

Christmas is almost here!

and we need your help to fill our

christmas stocking!

We need contributions suitable to fill our [large] christmas stocking. The stocking will be raffled to raise money for much needed community projects.

Do you have a new car you want to donate?
Toys? for little people or big!
Perfume? Books? or Gadgets?

Non perishable food items? Gift vouchers?

If you have items you'd like to donate or know someone who might please contact Frank or Bob at the Rotary Club of Dee Why Warringah. Your donations will support Rotary projects.

Help us make this rotary christmas the best year EVER!

Great success at the Rotary BBQ

2008-10-22T21:41:00.006+11:00

The Berry Reserve BBQ was a great success on Sunday

Join us at our next BBQ on Sunday the 16th November.

Berry Reserve

Pittwater Rd

Narrabeen Lake

Project Ilypa

2008-10-22T21:24:00.005+11:00

Erin Lowie and Nami McShane gave us an update on their progress of Project Ilypa. Project Ilypa aims to improve health outcomes for Indigenous children.

The Ilypa team have established a 2 stage project with the first stage to be complete by the end of 2008. Stage one will ensure that sound systems will be available in classrooms in indigenous communities in the Northern Territory. This will assist children who experience hearing loss due to Otitis Media to engage and learn more effectively in the classroom. .

The project Ilypa team will continue to establish corporate and community support to ensure funds are raised for the supply of sounds systems.

PDG Pam Pritchard: The Rotary Foundation

2008-10-21T22:40:00.001+11:00

Pam Prichard, from the Rotary Club of Turramurra was District 9680’s first female District Governor in 2006-07, and is well known to many members.

Pam spoke with knowledge and passion on the progress of The Rotary Foundation’s Polio Plus campaign which began in 1985 to rid the world of the scourge of polio. The UN, the World Health Organization and many others said that it couldn’t be done but today, the annual rate of new polio cases has fallen from around 1,000 per day to about 1,000 per annum, a remarkable achievement. Today, polio remains in only 4 countries: Nigeria, India, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Type 2 Polio has already been totally eliminated with the others expected to also become extinct within 2 or 3 years.

Although this is an expensive program, it is far less expensive than to accept the current level of infections and to handle the new cases as they arise. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation have donated $US100 million to the Rotary Foundation’s Polio Plus project on condition that it be matched by Rotary Clubs. A donation of $US1,000 from each Rotary Club in the world for 3 years will see it matched. After the first year, we are on track to reach the goal.

Clubs are encouraged to donate, as are individual Rotarians. For an on-going $100 pa, Rotarians can become Centurions, and receive Paul Harris recognition when their accumulated donations pass the $US1,000 mark.

PDG Pam was thanked by Bob Manley, noting that Pam was the DG’s Zone Representative in 1999-2000 when Bob served an earlier term as Club President.

Want to donate to support the eradication of polio in the world?Contact Tony to complete your transaction. We'll Thankyou!

Wonders of the Universe

2008-10-14T19:11:00.002+11:00

Glen spoke to us about the multitude of universes in the sky and the earth’s quest to find planets capable of supporting life.

He explained how earth telescopes are able to pick up large planets moving around stars and how from there an effort is being made to locate smaller planets the right size and distance from the star to allow life. To narrow this down they are looking at stars (sun’s) approx the size of earth’s sun. This narrowed the search down to 300 and from this they are concentrating on one particular star.
For ten years NASA and associated agencies have been developing a new telescope that detects the wabble of smaller planets. Planet Quest hopes to have this up and running by 2015 and it is hoped it will be the first telescope to detect habitable planets and is expected to monitor a couple of hundred stars over 15 years. There is also new breed of telescope that blocks out the sun and allows scientist to look at planets and objects closest to the sun.

Glen’s talk covered a great deal about the galaxy and the search for life on other planets and everyone enjoyed the evening.

Welcome DG Tony Castley

2008-09-30T19:11:00.000+10:00

District Governor Tony Castley addressed the meeting on the 30th September and gave our guests a brief on what Rotary does and is.

Tony spoke of our many youth programs and gave a short explanation of them. He explained how over 1.2 million Rotarians around the world work to make a difference. He gave a brief on the high rate of children dying from preventable causes and what can be done and is being done to prevent this.

Tony also gave an overview of the Polio effort and explained that only four countries now have the disease and our efforts to eradicate it entirely. He also explained if we stopped now the disease would spread quickly and we would lose the battle.

Tony offered an overview of the Rotary Foundation and the Australian Rotary Health Research fund and advised us of the upcoming Foundation Dinner on possibly, Thursday 14 May, 2009. A magazine containing two pages on projects from each club will be produced and distributed to the likes of Doctors surgeries, Motels, etc. Clubs will be involved also, by purchasing magazines and distributing this coffee table addition in order to promote Rotary to the public.

Fiji Rotahome Project

2008-09-23T19:11:00.000+10:00

For the past 23 year’s the Rotary Club of Lautoka, FIJI, has been behind a program building homes for those in desperate need. Instigator and director of the Rotahome project, Peter Drysdale, has overseen the building of 701 homes across Fiji’s Western Division. Assisting him was Saten, who still builds homes with the program assisted by hundreds of volunteers.

On top of this, in 2005 a 99 year lease was signed for 15 acres of land just outside Lautoka. 84 homes have been built there and Koroipita, Village of Peter, houses more than 350 people. The village also has a community hall/kindy, town clerk’s office, craft room, shop, bakery, store room, youth room and medical centre. With Koroipita finished, Peter, Saten and the more than 600 volunteers who have helped on the projects are poised for more.