I hope you have a safe and productive time. I wish to open this bulletin with the very sad news of the passing of Tom Bennett. Pam Bennett's husband. Tom fought a long battle with his health, with his wife by his side the entire journey. Our deepest condolences to Pam and her family.
We were also saddened to hear that Annette Billington passed away on Tuesday morning this week. Annette has been a valued member and friend of our club for many years and will be deeply missed. Annette retired as a member of our club in June 2021. She was very committed to our Community Service and Youth Programs in particular and helped a number of our visiting Youth Exchange students settle into their host families, making them feel most welcomed when they arrived. We send our deepest condolences to Annette's family at this sad time.
Our Rotary Club of North Ryde has certainly been keeping up a solid pace. Thank you to those of our members who helped organise the Club Assembly at Dunmore Lang College on Friday 20 October 2023, particularly Garry Maloney. As usual those who could attend, enjoyed a lovely, cooked breakfast. I had so many compliments at the end of the meeting.
We hosted four principals and representatives from our local schools. The purpose of this meeting is to say hi to them face to face, but to also to present them with the cheques from the money raised by us throughout the last year.
Currito presented Myf Gough, relieving Deputy Principal, from Ryde Secondary College with the cheque for $1000.00. Thank you Currito for stepping up. Myf told us how the money assists the students with a variety of help. It is amazing that the school has grown to over 1400 students. This has led to the school losing a great deal of their green space for demountable buildings, but also for a great deal of construction going on. They have also lost space on their valuable oval to accommodate the school growth.
Megan Gibbons accepted the cheque for Smalls Road Public School, of $500.00. Michelle is the Principal of the newest primary school in our area. They now have students up to year six and will continue growing in that way every year until they have a full school. The money helps with the purchase of resources for the students and prizes on their presentation day.
Rob Francis, Principal, accepted $500.00 for North Ryde Public. Rob was saying that there has been a slight downward trend of attendance at the school but is being addressed. The money helps many students who are nominated for a special award from teachers throughout the year.
Michelle Shannon, Assistant Principal, accepted $500.00 on behalf of Truscott Street Primary. As Deputy Principal, Michelle spoke to us of the benefit this money gives to both the special needs students they accommodate with learning plus the mainstream students, with much needed resources.
The Principal from Kent Road Public School, could not attend. Denise Minifie sent an explanatory note saying the students from Year 6, were on their Canberra excursion. Therefore, she was needed to help with the running of the school. Congratulations must go to the students whom Denise spoke of, who have achieved fantastic awards from various competitions conducted throughout the year. Congratulations to all those students.
I feel it is so important to have a gathering with our local school representatives, face to face. We had a wonderful discussion after the presentations, about the challenges they all face. Surprisingly so different, but so similar in their need for funding. Well done to the club on another wonderful donation of funds raised. I look forward to continuing this association throughout my time as President. See photos here or in albums below.
Pete and I travelled to beautiful Lithgow on Saturday 21 October, to help plant some of our Gro Tree contributions with Landcare Australia. About 30 people from the local community attended, and as they say, many hands made light work. In under 1 hour we had all 230 saplings planted and watered. See photos here or in albums below.
We finally got to meet Steve Fleischmann and Trish, from Landcare Australia. The work they have been doing to make a green corridor through Lithgow is fantastic. We planted down beside the Zig Zag Oval. Then we were treated to being on the other side of the BBQ, as the Lions Club cooked wonderful sausages and hamburgers. Others bought food to share, and it was a most enjoyable lunch.I have included a letter from Steven in the stories section below.
It was also great to hear of the pest and weed eradication programs they have running in the area.
Trish told us that the Lake Pillans wetlands, where many of “our” trees have been planted, is her baby. She spoke of the devastation of the bushfires in 2019. Loosing all their hard work, bridges, and boardwalks. Luckily the Council had insurance and replaced all the infrastructure. It was then that she broke down after battling the blaze and protecting her property for two days. Trish and her team are still replanting there as well. Well done to them all. Thank you to Bob and Brian for bringing this initiative to our club when you joined.
By the time this bulletin pops into your inbox, our very own Juliet Chen will be Doctor Juliet Chen. Congratulations on achieving your dream of 10 years, Juliet. Raising two young children in the meantime and commencing your internship at Concord Hospital in the very near future. All the very best for what comes next Juliet.
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the country on which we meet, the Wallumattagal people of the Dharug Nation. We recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.
Hi Bernie, There are a number of community groups whose passion and enthusiasm is infectious and invaluable.
The Gro Trees program of North Ryde Rotary is one of them.
Gro trees have enabled Lithgow Oberon Landcare Association to achieve revegetation projects across the district with hundreds of tube stock planted along Farmers Creek in places like Oakey Park, Lake Pillans and the Vale Of Clywdd. Many of these plants have grown beyond tube stock and are growing into a permanent feature of the local landscape.
These plantings will significantly contribute towards future amenity of Lithgow township through improved shade for public walkways. Significantly, it will also provide much needed habitat and connectivity for local wildlife, such as the iconic Gang Gang Cockatoo.
Over coming years we will continue to engage the local community in order to create linkages of remnant vegetation along Farmers Creek to further improve the local environment for all who call it home or like to visit.
Lithgow Oberon Landare Association look forward to continuing and deepening the relationship with North Ryde Rotary and Gro trees.
Thank you for your support, and thank you for making the time to visit us on Saturday. We all hope you had an enjoyable day and that you will keep in contact for future visits.
You mentioned that you have a newsletter, would you like me to write an article for it?
Thanks,
Steven Fleischmann Landcare Coordinator Economic Development & Environment Lithgow City Council t: (02) 6352 9181 m: 0419 795 781 w: council.lithgow.com PO Box 19, 180 Mort St, Lithgow, NSW, 2790
Our Club presented cheque donations to the Principals and representatives from the local schools at our Club Assembly on Friday 20 October 2023. We make this annual donation to the five local Primary Schools which include North Ryde Public School, Truscott Street Public School, East Ryde Public School, Smalls Road Public School, Holy Spirit Primary School and Ryde Secondary College.
The Rotary Carols on the Common will be held on Sunday 17th December 2023 from 5pm at North Ryde Common.
Planning for this year's Carols on the Common is continuing well, with the committee meeting last Thursday evening 19 Oct at North Ryde RSL Sports Club.The response for our volunteer callout from both club members and friends has been good so far. Shayne Dumbrell and I will begin to allocate roles for those who have volunteered and will let you know soon where you will be needed.
Please look at the tasks below and consider volunteering your time for one or more of these tasks if you have not already done so.
These tasks include:
Morning set up from10am-12pm
Afternoon preparation: 12noon-3.00pm
Entertainment backstage assistance: 3.00-10.00pm
Sponsors VIP tent hosting assistance: 4-10.00pm
Top car park assisting with directing cars and collecting payments: 4-10pm
Bottom Car Park assisting with directing cars and collecting payments: 4-10pm
Bucket Collection: 8.00pm
Event Pack up: 9pm-12am ( the more people we have for this the earlier we can finish)
Raffle ticket sales during the event: 4-9pm
light duties can also be assigned
We still need strong, able people to help with the setting up and packing up phases of the event. The more helpers we have the quicker this can be done.
If you can assist in any way please let me know the times you are available and your preferred role/s by email:woodmal50@hotmail.comor call my mobile 0400803417 Also, if you have family or friends who are also willing to help out, let me know.
Sponsorship packages are still available. If any business would like to support this wonderful community event please send an email to Roseanna@rgmusic.com.au or mobile: 0418 692 410.
We will again be running a Christmas raffle throughout the event with two baskets of Christmas goodies to be won. We are seeking donations of items to go in these baskets as part of the prizes. If you would like to donate some items such as bonbons, Christmas cake or pudding, shortbread biscuits, wine, serviettes or any other Christmas fare items please contact me by email or on my mobile 0400803417. We are also happy to take cash donations so we can top up the baskets with any items that may not be donated to make them more appealing.
We look forward to your support.
The next meeting of the Carols Committee will be on Thursday 2 November at 7pm.
Kind regards
Pam
Pamela Wood Community Director 2023-24 The Rotary Club of North Ryde Mobile 0400803417
For the last several years, the Rotary Clubs of North Ryde, Chatswood/Roseville, Wahroonga, Pennant Hills and Turramurra have worked together in raising funds for a literacy program at Moree East Public School called “Books in Homes”. Nearly 90% of the students at the school come from the local Aboriginal community. The program has had a profound positive effect on the literacy skills of the students. The program provides “…quality books-of-choice to children living in remote, disadvantaged and low socio-economic circumstances, ensuring crucial early literacy engagement and the development of reading skills needed for lifelong achievement.” The Rotary Clubs in Moree are our local representatives.
One of the fund-raising activities has been the sale of delicious puddings from Pudding Lane. The puddings have won international prizes in previous years and include your traditional Christmas pud, macadamia and brandy, gluten free, date and toffee, rum and plum, mango and brandy and a variety of evil dark chocolate.
Payment by direct deposit: Rotary Club of North Ryde BSB 633 000 A/c 126363779 include your last name & “# (total number of puddings)” or by mail: send order form and cheque (“Rotary Club of North Ryde”) to PO Box 6171, North Ryde 2113
