Rotary Club of Gosford City News

Laugh Out Loud for a Great Cause – Comedy for a Cause Returns to Gosford!

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 01:02:21 GMT

Comedy for a Cause Returns to Gosford!

Get ready to chuckle, giggle, and roar with laughter at one of the Central Coast’s most anticipated community events, Comedy for a Cause , proudly presented by the Rotary Club of Gosford City on Friday, 13 March 2026 at the Central Coast Leagues Club (Parkview Room) .

This much-loved annual fundraiser returns for its fourth year, bringing together locals for an unforgettable evening of stand-up comedy featuring top-tier comedians handpicked from the Sydney & Melbourne International Comedy Festivals. Expect sharp wit, hilarious storytelling, and entertainment that will leave you smiling long after the final punchline.

Doors open at 7 pm , with the comedy kicking off at 8 pm — making it the perfect night out with friends, family, colleagues, or community groups. Tickets are an affordable $40 for general admission , and if you want to make it an extra special evening, why not upgrade to a VIP ticket for $125 ? VIP includes a delicious pre-show dinner from 5:30 pm at At Baker St Restaurant, complete with two courses and a drink on arrival, an ideal way to relax and catch up before the laughs begin.

But this night is about more than entertainment. Every ticket sold helps support SafeLink Alliance , a local charity providing connection, care and dignity for people facing hardship, homelessness and isolation on the Central Coast. You’ll also be supporting the Rotary Club’s own community projects that make a real difference across the region.

Whether you’re in it for the laughs or the warm-fuzzy feeling of giving back or both! Comedy for a Cause promises a joyful evening where laughter truly meets purpose. Don’t miss out, secure your tickets today and be part of something special!

Central Coast Health & Well Being Living Lab talks to Rotary

peter@gosford.kwikkopy.com.au (Peter Clarke) — Wed, 15 May 2024 01:43:10 GMT

Natassia Smith joined us to talk about the Central Coast Health & Wellbeing Living Lab

Thankyou Natassia for sharing this much needed project being undertaken right here on the Central Coast. This is of interest to all of us to search for better outcomes for our elderly and the journey all of us will take.

Empowering Healthier Lives: The Central Coast Health & Wellbeing Living Lab

The Central Coast Health & Wellbeing Living Lab is on a mission to revolutionize how we approach the health and well-being of our aging population. With a vision to empower people to live healthier and happier lives in their own homes as they age, the Living Lab places older adults and their carers at the heart of its efforts. By identifying unmet needs, generating innovative ideas, and testing possible solutions, the Living Lab strives to create products, services, and interventions that truly benefit end users.

What Are Living Labs?

A Living Lab is an interactive environment where researchers, government agencies, businesses, and community members collaborate to create, prototype, and test new technologies and solutions in real-world settings. This user-centered approach ensures that developments are sustainable and directly applicable to the community's needs. The Living Lab's primary goals include proof of problem identification, value creation, financial viability, and impact.

Key Focus Areas

The Central Coast Health & Wellbeing Living Lab addresses four critical challenges faced by older adults:

Community Connectivity : Reducing social isolation and loneliness through digital technologies that foster inclusiveness.
Independent Living : Developing products and services that promote independence in daily living and reduce risks associated with aging at home.
Care at Home : Supporting individuals to preserve their capacity for independent and dignified living, preventing unnecessary admissions to long-term care facilities.
Preventative Health : Creating solutions that enable proactive, healthy living and prevent hospital or long-term care admissions.

Activities are centered at the Gosford Health and Wellbeing Precinct, with additional events held close to places of residence to ensure accessibility for all older adults.

Getting Involved

The Central Coast Health & Wellbeing Living Lab invites community members, innovators, and entrepreneurs to participate in this transformative journey. Whether you're interested in co-designing new solutions, staying updated on technological advancements, or increasing your social connections, there are numerous ways to get involved.

For innovators and entrepreneurs, the Living Lab offers access to end users throughout the development process, assistance in determining product-market fit, and the opportunity to tap into a comprehensive health service community and research-intensive university.

Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of our aging population. Visit www.ccll.com.au to learn more and get involved today.

For more information, contact Natassia Smith, Program Coordinator, at natassia.smith@health.nsw.gov.au .

Together, we can create a healthier, happier future for our community.

Laugh Your Way to bring Hope to the World: Rotary Presents Comedy for a Cause with Peter Berner!

peter@gosford.kwikkopy.com.au (Peter Clarke) — Sat, 27 Jan 2024 06:45:52 GMT

Get ready to chuckle, chortle, and maybe even snort a little, because the comedy event of the year is about to land on the Central Coast! On the 1st of March, 2024, at 7pm, the Park View Room at the Central Coast Leagues Club will be echoing with laughter, all for a great cause. And who better to lead this laughter riot than the maestro of mirth, the sultan of satire, the one and only Peter Berner!

Why You Can't Miss This:

Peter Berner: The Main Attraction

Peter Berner isn't just a comedian; he's a one-man laughter factory. With wit sharper than a tack and observations so spot-on they'll have you nodding in agreement between giggles, Peter is the perfect headliner for our Comedy for a Cause event. He's not just about the laughs, though; prepare for insightful comedy that makes you think as much as it makes you laugh.

A Night of Non-Stop Entertainment

Apart from our headline act, we've got a lineup of comedic talents that will keep the laughs coming. Expect a smorgasbord of stand-up routines, each with their unique flavor of humor, ensuring there's something for everyone. Whether you're into observational comedy, parodies, or just good old-fashioned slapstick, we've got you covered.

Laughter for a Good Cause

What's better than an evening filled with laughter? Knowing that every chuckle and guffaw is contributing to a great cause. The proceeds from our Comedy for a Cause event will go towards supporting local initiatives that make a real difference in our community. So, not only will you be treating yourself to an unforgettable night of entertainment, but you'll also be helping us make the world a little bit better.

The Perfect Setting

The Park View Room at the Central Coast Leagues Club is known for its cozy ambiance and great acoustics, making it the perfect venue for live comedy. With comfortable seating and a great view of the stage, you're in for an immersive comedy experience. Plus, there's a bar with a selection of drinks to keep your whistle wet throughout the show.

How to Join the Fun:

Tickets: They're selling like hotcakes, and you don't want to be the one hearing about it from your friends the next day. Secure your spot today and be part of this unforgettable night.

Dress Code: Come as you are! The only requirement is a readiness to laugh.

Bring Friends, Make Friends: This event is not just about the comedy; it's about coming together as a community. Bring your friends, family, and even that neighbour you only say hi to. Who knows, you might leave with a few new friends!

Mark your calendars for the 1st of March, 2024, because the Comedy for a Cause event with Peter Berner is not to be missed. It's a rare opportunity to see one of Australia's finest comedians live, all while supporting a noble cause. Laughter is said to be the best medicine, so let's overdose on happiness and help make a difference at the same time.

See you at the Park View Room, where the laughs are guaranteed, and the good vibes are infectious. Let's make this a night to remember!

Click here to Book Now

Comedy for a Cause 2024

peter@gosford.kwikkopy.com.au (Peter Clarke) — Sun, 14 Jan 2024 08:25:53 GMT

Laughter is the Best Medicine: Gosford City Rotary's Comedy for a Cause!

Event Details

Date: March 1, 2024

Location: Central Coast Leagues Club, Parkview Room

Time: 7 pm

The Rotary Club of Gosford City is set to host "Comedy for a Cause" - an evening of humor and heart. This event, taking place at the scenic Central Coast Leagues Club, invites community members to enjoy a night filled with laughter, courtesy of a yet-to-be-announced lineup of talented comedians.

Purpose of the Event

Funds raised from this delightful evening will support Care4Coast and Rotary Gosford City Projects, vital initiatives that make a significant difference in our community. Your attendance and contributions will directly aid these causes, demonstrating the power of community support and engagement.

The Power of Laughter in Fundraising

Why comedy for a cause? Stand-up comedy creates a unique environment where laughter unites everyone. It's not just about the jokes; it's about the shared experience, the joy, and the universal language of laughter that breaks down barriers and opens hearts. This makes it an excellent tool for fundraising. The positive atmosphere fostered by humor encourages generosity, making attendees more inclined to support the cause. Plus, a night of comedy provides a memorable experience, ensuring the event and the cause stay in people’s minds long after the last laugh.

Join us on this special night where every chuckle counts towards a great cause!

For more information and ticket details, please visit the event page .

The Rotary Spring Drive 2023

peter@gosford.kwikkopy.com.au (Peter Clarke) — Wed, 13 Sep 2023 03:19:23 GMT

A Day of Fun, Family, and Philanthropy

On the 10th of September 2023, the Rotary Club of Gosford City hosted its much-anticipated Rotary Spring Drive. The event, which began at the scenic Waterfall Café in Mt Penang at Kariong, was not just a drive but an adventure filled with observation tasks and a questionnaire that led participants to a mystery location through the Central Coast Hinterland Valleys and back.

The day was marked with excitement as families gathered at 9 am for registration, eager to embark on this unique journey. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation, as participants speculated about the mystery route and discussed strategies to tackle the observation tasks.

But the Rotary Spring Drive was not just about the thrill of the journey. It was an opportunity for families to bond, laugh, and create memories. As cars revved up and set off from the Waterfall Café, they carried with them the spirit of camaraderie and the promise of a fun-filled day.

Upon completing the drive, participants were encouraged to lay out their picnics in the lush expanse of the Mt Penang Gardens. As families spread their blankets and unpacked their baskets, the gardens echoed with laughter, chatter, and the clinking of glasses. The picturesque setting of the gardens provided the perfect backdrop for a leisurely lunch, as participants reminisced about the day's adventures.

The event was not just about fun and games. With an entry fee of $50 that covered everyone in the car, the Rotary Spring Drive also had a philanthropic angle. The funds raised from the event are earmarked for the Central Coast Prostate Cancer Support Group and various Rotary Gosford City Projects. In addition to the entry fees, participants had the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets, with the promise of exciting prizes from generous sponsors. We the help of our Major Sponsor Lexus of the Central Coast , our event sponsors as noted below and our of course our participants and families, we successfully raised over $4,000 dollars.

As the day drew to a close, the Rotary Club of Gosford City reflected on the success of the event. The Rotary Spring Drive 2023 was not just a day out for families; it was a testament to the spirit of the community, coming together for a cause, and making a difference while having fun.

A Big Shout out goes to Rotarian Mark Cleary, without your passion and persistence the event would not be the success it is today.

For those who missed out this year, mark your calendars and book early for the next edition. The Rotary Spring Drive promises to be an annual event that combines the joy of family, the thrill of adventure, and the satisfaction of giving back to the community.

Media Release - SAVE THE EMPIRE BAY BOATSHED

admin@gosfordcityrotary.org.au (Anne Charlton) — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 14:39:50 GMT

GROUNDSWELL OF COMMUNITY SUPPORT TO SAVE THE EMPIRE BAY BOATSHED

Our local heritage matters! This morning Gosford City Rotary Club heard from two passionate local hero’s who are determined to save the iconic Empire Bay Boat Shed.

Errol Baker, President of the Empire Bay Boat Shed Association and Peter Rea, local Historian and Member of the Central Coast Council Heritage Committee updated the club on the campaign to date and the tremendous community support the Save the Empire Bay Boat Shed campaign is garnering.

As the Boat Shed nears its Centenary, the implications of losing it are dawning on local’s. Errol Baker said “We already have 780 hours of local tradie support pledged for the restoration. Builders, carpenters and even sparkies have come out of the woodwork signing up to help for free – we just

need some support and goodwill from local and state governments.”

“This is such a beloved part of the local community, we need to save and restore the building so it can be used by community, pay its own way and continue its vital role in educating current and future generations about the proud history of boat building on Brisbane Water.”

“The Boat Shed has good bones – we know the cost of restorations, around the $200,000 mark, would repay itself within the first few years of operation as a community asset.” Peter Rea said, “The Heritage Report states that this Boat Shed is a significant piece of local history.

The building is one of the last of hundreds that were once on Brisbane Water. We have a vast array of historical artefacts that currently don’t have a home. Imagine if we could restore this site, house our Central Coast boat building history and generate income to maintain the site for generations to follow.”

“The Boat Shed has fallen into disrepair under the management and custodianship of NSW Crown Lands and currently requires restoration, as well as site remediation to address contamination in some areas of the lease.”

“It just makes no sense to let this wonderful part of our history degenerate and potentially disappear from future generations.”

The community came out in their hundreds to support the Save the Empire Bay Boat Shed campaign in a pre-election BBQ last November. The next step in the campaign is for a follow-up event at 12pm on 22 July to show our local politicians and council that the community will not stand for demolition.

This building must be restored, and Gosford City Rotary will stand with the community to ensure this important local part of our heritage is saved.

More information here.

Gosford City Rotary meets every Wednesday morning at 7.15am at Baker Street Café, 6 Baker St, Gosford.

We welcome visitors and new members e: admin@gosfordcityrotarty.org.au or

www.gosfordcityrotary.org.au

Speaker Dan Allars NSW State Manager for Top Blokes

peter@gosford.kwikkopy.com.au (Peter Clarke) — Mon, 26 Jun 2023 13:43:01 GMT

The Top Blokes Foundation is helping boys grow into Top Blokes

Daniel talked to us today about the great work Top Blokes are doing in our community. Teaching young men and boys about how to build positive relationships. It was our honour to support them this year in their mission. Take a look below at Daniels presentation. Reach out to Daniel at Top Blokes if you want to know more about this program.

Speaker Jeff Hayhurst - The Shitbox Rally

peter@gosford.kwikkopy.com.au (Peter Clarke) — Sun, 28 May 2023 13:06:01 GMT

Jeff says he is ready to rock n roll for 1 more Shitbox Rally

Jeff Hayshurst joined us share his passions in particular his favourite charity fund raiser the Shitbox Rally. The latest Rally raised over $2.3m for the Cancer Council.

"Shitbox Rally is not a race, rather a challenge to achieve the unthinkable… To drive cars worth just $1,500 across Australia via some of its most formidable roads, all in the name of charity.

Trust us – this is going to be great fun."

A little bit about Jeff:

Jeff Hayhurst was born and grew up in Burton-in-Kendal in Cumberland UK. Trained as an electrician he subsequently completed a degree in Engineering. he worked for a number of companies although his longest period of employment was with State Street Bank in which he eventually rose to the rank of Senior Vice-President. Jeff has lived on the Central Coast for many years, commuting to work from Tascott

Speaker - Lindsay Stanford Blakworks

peter@gosford.kwikkopy.com.au (Peter Clarke) — Sun, 07 May 2023 13:42:42 GMT

Lindsay Stanford from Blakworks, running through the stats for

Aboriginal Employment - We Can Do Better.

Lindsay Stanford joined us this week for a look at Aboriginal Employment. Blakworks is a consultancy firm founded by Lindsay with a solid purpose

" I HELP SAVVY NOT FOR PROFIT LEADERS EMPLOY MORE ABORIGINAL PEOPLE AND HAVE A GREATER IMPACT"

Lindsay says Blakworks through years of her own experiences in the workforce have created systems and methods to help employers identify the barriers in their workplace to aboriginal employment. Develop plans to bring everyone on board to create culturally aware workplaces. We can take control and make a real impact in our community.

The statistics today are not good, with large gaps experienced by Aboriginal People, we can all do our bit, by talking out loud and bringing awareness to the opportunity that having Aboriginal Culture in our workplaces can bring.

Lindsay is running courses for Aboriginal Cultural Awareness for Workplaces, with the next being on the 11th May 2023 at Wyong Neighbourhood Centre. Check in with Lindsay if this session has been sold out as bookings did close on the 5th May. I am sure there will be more in the future, so start a conversation with your colleagues. How would an Aboriginal Person feel coming into your workplace ?

Speaker - Rhonda Wheatley Fairhaven Services 60 Years

peter@gosford.kwikkopy.com.au (Peter Clarke) — Sun, 30 Apr 2023 10:35:47 GMT

Fairhaven Celebrates 60 Years of Service to the Community of the Central Coast

We had another excellent meeting at Baker St Restaurant, with our guest speaker Rhonda Wheatley joining us to talk about the celebrations at Fairhaven Services as they recognise 60 years of service to the community. Please see Rhonda's presentation below.

At Gosford City we love Youth Programs. Rhonda talked to us about their youth vocation program, getting young people ready for employment opportunities. The Government has ceased funding for this program, Rhonda is looking to work with local businesses and supporters to keep this program running. Our club is looking to support with a contribution to support the consumables/materials budget. It was pleasing to note that Rotary connections has helped opened doors for Rhonda to talk seriously about partnering with a local business to support this funding gap.

Speaker - Professor Rhonda Wilson & Oliver Higgins

peter@gosford.kwikkopy.com.au (Peter Clarke) — Sat, 22 Apr 2023 22:31:06 GMT

There is huge potential for technology to meld with cultural methods to help with mental health outcomes.

This week was an outstanding step into the world of medical research with Professor Rhonda Wilson and Oliver Higgins. The team at Newcastle University are developing technology that will allow a non touch environment for mental health specialists to assess a patient.

With the Technology providing information on heart rate, movement, temperature. As well as being able to give prompts via smell, sounds and visuals. The kit comes with sensory toys, such as sensor sheep, rainbow pillows, blankets and cushions all fitted with sensors providing feedback to the Analysis App being developed right here in Gosford.

Green Ants have been a part of aboriginal culture for generations as being able to sooth the mind and bring calmness. Well the team are ground breaking with the use Genome technology available at CCRI to identify the make up of the green ants and narrow down the active ingredients that will make an impact. This will incorporate a very effective tool for specialists to apply with the technology in finding better outcomes for mental health patients.

The other advantage to this technology is it can be run remotely, reaching out to our furthest outposts. Either as a stand alone Program or via the internet in centres where its available.

The sensory units are all compartmentalised so the specialist can pick and choose the types of information and prompts they need. With each component prototyped right at here in Gosford using the latest in 3D Printing technology.

Read More in Issue 1 of SensoAbility - The Digital Health Sensory Solutions Newsletter

Baker St Restaurant

Check out our new venue sponsor. Mention Rotary and Chef Daniel

will spoil you when you visit for Lunch or Dinner. Click Here for Details

Speaker - Peter Lawley GEBC

peter@gosford.kwikkopy.com.au (Peter Clarke) — Wed, 12 Apr 2023 21:54:06 GMT

GEBC Strategic Plan is a 2 year look ahead for how the GEBC can support decision making for Gosford, Erina and surrounds.

Today we were privileged to have Peter Lawley, President of the Gosford & Erina Business Chamber (GEBC) to present the GEBC Strategic Plan for 2023.

In his talk, Peter highlighted the key focus areas of the plan, including better business, infrastructure, industry, tourism, and education. Through the plan, the GEBC is working to make Gosford and Erina a better place to do business, attract industry to the region, develop and promote tourism, and make Gosford a university town.

Peter also highlighted some projects that are already underway, such as the Kibble Park upgrade, Safer Cities Her Way, and the SCRAP Committee, as well as projects that are in the pipeline, such as the Business Improvement District Pilot EOI, Night Time Economy Discussion Paper, University and TAFE, Gosford Waterfront, Venues Live/Central Coast Stadium Events, Carparking and use of Baker Street, Gosford Cenotaph, and Presidents Hill and Rumbalara.

In addition to speaking about the GEBC’s projects, Peter also spoke about his role as CEO of Legacy on the Central Coast. Legacy is celebrating their ‘Centenary of Legacy’ this year, and a torch relay is underway throughout Australia. The torch will pass through Gosford on the 15th July 2023, and Peter is seeking volunteers to help with the Gosford Leg of the Relay. Register here https://legacytorchrelay.com.au/volunteering/

We are very grateful to Peter for taking the time to share the GEBC’s Strategic Plan and to discuss his work with Legacy. We look forward to seeing the plan come to fruition over the next few years, and to continuing to support the great work of the GEBC and Legacy!

You can flick through Peter's presentation papers below.

Comedy for a Cause

peter@gosford.kwikkopy.com.au (Peter Clarke) — Sun, 02 Apr 2023 12:40:38 GMT

Central Coast Community Celebrated with Laughs all round.

On Friday 31st March 2023, our Comedy for a Cause event was held at the Central Coast Leagues Club. The event was a huge success, with a great turnout of over 165 guests and lots of laughter.

The night kicked off with our MC for the night Daniel Townes , who set the tone for the evening with hilarious jokes and witty humour. The audience was in stitches from the very beginning, and the energy in the room was alive.

Next up was Mat Wakefield, who kept the laughs coming with his unique style and comedic timing about life with kids. Bruce Griffiths then came to the stage finish the first set with his hilarious one liners. The thinking mans comedian ! The audience was thoroughly entertained with laughs out loud heard across the room.

Before we kicked off the final Set, Mat got our Auction going with a great bid from Michael Goodwin of Loyal IT taking home the Mariners Jersey.

The Headline Act Tommy Dean came on with a roar from the crowd, Tommy kept us laughing for over 40 min with storys on being an American in Australia for the past 30 years or so. I think its time you became a citizen Tommy !

Our attendees were generous with their donations and helped us raise over $5,800. With 50% to go to Care4Coast and 50% to Rotary Gosford City Projects.

Overall, the event was a huge success, with great comedians, a lively atmosphere, and a fantastic turnout exceeding our expectations. We are so grateful to everyone who attended, a big shout out to Mat Wakefield from Comedy for a Cause for creating these professional events, a great event partner, as well as our sponsors and volunteers who helped make the event possible.

It was great to see all the Rotary Club Members from around the Central Coast in attendance. More importantly all 15 clubs supported us through spreading our event via their newsletters and social media. We cant thank them enough for helping to make our event a success. There are great things to come for Rotary on the Central Coast.

We can't wait to see you all again, hopefully we can do it all again next year for another night of laughter and giving back to our Gosford and Central Coast Community !

Thankyou so much

Peter Clarke

President - 2022-2023

Rotary Club of Gosford City

More Photos in the Gallery

Our Beneficiaries

Our Line up of Laughs for 2023

Our generous Sponsors

Made the night possible

Speaker - Barry Henwood Science & Engineering Challenge

peter@gosford.kwikkopy.com.au (Peter Clarke) — Mon, 27 Feb 2023 13:26:08 GMT

What is the Science and Engineering ?Challenge?

Barry Henwood is the current president for the Rotary Club of Gosford. They have been hosting the Science and Engineering challenge since its inception right here on the Central Coast. Thankyou Barry for sharing this project with our club and we look forward to helping out this coming July

The Science and Engineering Challenge (SEC) is a nationwide STEM* outreach program presented by the University of Newcastle in partnership with communities, Rotary clubs, universities and sponsors. Through the SEC, students experience aspects of science and engineering which they would not usually see in their school environment.

Speaker Ken Schembri Head of Football Central Coast Mariners

peter@gosford.kwikkopy.com.au (Peter Clarke) — Sun, 11 Dec 2022 21:02:04 GMT

Ken Schembri sharing his experiences in building a youth academy.

Ken Schembri built a football empire in Blacktown City over 30 years, this week we had the pleasure of having Ken share his experiences with coming to the Central Coast from Western Sydney.

Ken was invited to the Central Coast Mariners in 2014 when the owner saw a need for a youth academy to grow local talent here on the Central Coast. The Central Coast Football Academy was born and a Centre of Excellence was started in Tuggerah.

Ken has been at the forefront of youth football since, with the culmination at this world cup with 3 players from the Mariners in the World cup squad. With Garang Koul coming through the academy under Ken's guidance. Garang is the business of Football, That is produce outstanding players to sell on to the world stage.

Ken has recently retired from the position at the mariners, but when your work is your life's passion, Its hard to stay away from the calls and is already consulting many things Football. I can certainly see a few speaking gigs coming up for Ken to keep him busy.

Thanks Ken for sharing your morning with us.

Coast Shelter Facility Visit

peter@gosford.kwikkopy.com.au (Peter Clarke) — Sun, 04 Dec 2022 09:29:51 GMT

Its important for community organisations like Rotary to see and share the potential for the facilities at Coast Shelter.

Thanks to Penny & Michelle for preparing breakfast for our club visit to Coast Shelter this week. The facility in Mann St houses the admin team upstairs but as Michelle Cuneo ( Facilities Manager ) downstairs is where the real work begins for Coast Shelter. Serving lunches daily, its a place where people can come for meal in a safe environment and know that they will be treated with respect with no expectations placed on them. But the important part of the service Coast Shelter provides is to provide friendly caring face to people who wouldn't see that day to day. Gain their their confidence, get to know their story and put them on a path to recovery.

Michelle went on to say the service is all run by volunteers. The food and drinks are all by donation. Michelle said you never know what you going to get for a Coast Shelter lunch. But the amazing thing is professional chefs and home cooks give up their time to support the service and ensure their is a meal on the table everyday for anyone that needs it.

Thankyou again to Michelle and Penny for taking the time to share the latest services Coast Shelter has to offer. I urge you to look at your spare time and see if you can start with a friend and volunteer for Coast shelter. Corporate Teams are also very welcome especially with the kitchen, its a great opportunity for team building.

Especially with the lead up to Christmas there is lots of activities, such as gift wrapping at Erina Fair, preparing food and gift hampers, or maybe even cooking lunch on Christmas Day. Your help will go along way at Coast shelter.

The Peter Turnbull Community Service Awards 2022

peter@gosford.kwikkopy.com.au (Peter Clarke) — Sun, 27 Nov 2022 19:51:13 GMT

An enjoyable morning recognising some great people of the Central Coast

PP Richard Waterhouse assembled an impressive list of volunteers for us this year to receive the Peter Turnbull Community Service Award. Thankyou Richard.

They are all live up to the Rotary Motto of Service above Self and we would like to recognise, celebrate and share their contributions to our community.

Have a read of the Biographies of these amazing people and hopefully it inspires you to get involved. Usually it just takes one person to lead a particular aspect of a project or service to make it an outstanding success for everyone involved.

Well done to everyone and thankyou for coming along to celebrate.

Speaker - Matt Taylor on South Carolina USA

peter@gosford.kwikkopy.com.au (Peter Clarke) — Sun, 20 Nov 2022 10:53:32 GMT

The US College System is a lifestyle of its own.

Thanks to local central coastie Matt Taylor for coming to talk to us about his home town in South Carolina USA. Matt gave us an overview of the history of South Carolina and his experiences in University.

South Carolina is rural state with just 4-5million people, with a large agricultural industry and great climate it is once of the many food bowl states in the US.

Matt started uni in the US and completed his studies here in Newcastle and Sydney. One of the main points was Uni in the US is a lifestyle with most people living on campus. Where in Australia it was more of study and then go home. Sports is another big focus for US universities, for example, The university Matt attended had a 80,000 seat stadium to accommodate the college football team.

Typically university is self funded in the US with students left with large loans to re-pay, sounds familiar ! .. The first 4 years is dedicated to either a Bachelor of science, or a Bachelor of arts degree. With students then specialising in a master degree. With the whole qualification process taking 6 years in most cases.

Matt completed his masters here in Australia, studying architecture, and now works at CKDS Architecture here in East Gosford with Member and Past President Paul Jones.

Thanks so much Matt for sharing your insights into life in the US and your transition into life in on the Central Coast.

Speaker - Penny Newson from Happiness Habits

Sun, 13 Nov 2022 21:29:49 GMT

Happiness Habits train mentors to support vulnerable women to stay on track by building friendships, social groups and connections with family and community.

Founded in 2019, Happiness Habits Inc. has been serving local women who have experienced adverse life events and need support to create their best life.

Happiness Habits Inc. grew from the passion of its founders, Sally Hudson and Penny Newson, for empowering women to create a better life for themselves and their families through the application of the three Es of Education, Engagement and Employment. This week we were lucky to have Penny come and visit our club.

Happiness Habits offer free mentoring services for women who have experienced adverse life experiences. In addition, the service offers:

free empowerment training through community organisations
mental health courses
free mentor training for all our volunteers
peer lead support through a private facebook group

Mentors have extensive professional and educational training. Happiness Habits mentors are dedicated to maximising the time spent with clients. Mentors are dedicated, committed and focused. They work to ensure that every person can reach their personal best and overcome challenge’s through the culture and ethos provided through the mentoring process.

Happiness Habits has an extensive referral network so that clients can be referred to services for intensive counselling/treatment where necessary. Penny shared some powerful stories of women turning their lives around through the support provided thought the Happiness Habits program.

We thank Happiness Habits for their tremendous work and look forward to staying in touch and building our relationship with this organisation.

Speaker - Harold Sharp Order of Australia

Sun, 06 Nov 2022 21:17:45 GMT

The Order of Australia is the most important and meaningful awards system in Australia

This week we had an outstanding introduction to our guest speaker OAM Harold Sharp by member Bob Pryke, Harold has had distinguished career and we are honoured to have him as a member of our club. Harold has worked primarily as a fundraiser throughout his career. Heading up some of the largest charities. With his claim to fame being to organise the opening of the Sydney Harbour Tunnel with over 700,000 people participating and co-ordinating a volunteer cohort of 2000+, its was certainly a highlight for Harold and also Rotary. Raising over $700,000 for the Deaf & Blind Society. These funds enabled the building of facilities in Western Sydney which are still in operation today.

The Order of Australia - What is it ?

The purpose of the order of Australia is to recognise, by National Honour, those who have made outstanding contributions that benefit their communities and ultimately, our country.

The second purpose of the order of Australia is that it serves to define, encourage and reinforce community standards, national aspirations and ideals by acknowledging actions and achievements and thereby identifying role models at all levels and in all spheres of the community.

Membership of the Order of Australia is not an award for Long Service. It is an award for Outstanding Service.

Do you know some one who provides outstanding service.

A nomination for a OAM is kept secret from the nominee. Harold Sharp still does not know the person who nominated him for an OAM. So you need to know the person well, know their circle of peers and prepare the stories around your nominee, prepare the referees and their statements to make a great application.

Harold Sharp OAM is the chairperson of the local alumni chapter here on the Central Coast, so please get in touch if you would like to discuss any opportunities for an OAM in your network.

Site Visit - Central Coast Research Institute

peter@gosford.kwikkopy.com.au (Peter Clarke) — Sun, 30 Oct 2022 21:22:42 GMT

The CCRI brings the experience of real life scenarios to medical research

Last week we visited the The University of Newcastle Central Coast Clinical School and Central Coast Research Institute. We were lucky to meet with Professor Nick Goodwin, Professor Rhonda Wilson and Dr Michael Bourke to show us around the facility.

The new building, which was made possible through a funding partnership between the Federal and NSW Governments, and the University of Newcastle, will educate and train the region’s future doctors, nurses and midwives, as well as support translational research into new models of integrated care through the Central Coast Research Institute.

The building is located on Holden Street in the Gosford Hospital precinct. It features more than 200 rooms and breakout areas, including: nine lecture and seminar rooms; 15 learning suites, consultation, training and teaching rooms; a co-staffed LHD/University library; six problem-based learning areas; three simulation wards; one simulation laboratory and a research laboratory.

The Central Coast Research Institute is co-located with the University of Newcastle Central Coast Clinical School. The Institute’s purpose is to undertake research into new models of integrated care as a means to improve people's health and wellbeing. By bringing together health professionals, clinicians, leading academics the Institute will provide the opportunity to collaborate and work on matters that are going to be benefit the community.

The University of Newcastle Central Coast Clinical School provides 850 places for students to complete their medicine, nursing and midwifery degrees, including:

More than 200 medical students
More than 600 nursing students
Around 20 graduate and postgraduate midwifery students
PhD students

As a place of learning and teaching, the University of Newcastle Central Coast Clinical School and Central Coast Research Institute celebrates the strong connection between the Darkinjung community and the region.

As part of the project, there are 74 unique artworks that now have proudly taken their place displayed inside and outside of the facility. In addition, the project sought permission from Darkinjung Elders to use the language of the peoples where the building stands to describe the use of the spaces within the building.

We thanks the team for having us and taking the time to share this world class facility with our club.

Thankyou to our special guests

Yvonne Crestani and Glenys Jordan from Crestani Foundation

Honorary Member - Liesl Tesch MP

Peace Poles Opening Ceremony

peter@gosford.kwikkopy.com.au (Peter Clarke) — Sun, 30 Oct 2022 20:25:44 GMT

The Rotary Peace Poles, Peace Park East Gosford.

A New Place for Rotarians and Locals to reflect on putting words into action.

"May Peace prevail on Earth"

The Rain did not dampen the spirits of the Rotary Club of Gosford City on Sunday 23rd September as they gathered in Peace Park in East Gosford to officially open the Peace Poles. They timed it perfectly with a break in the down pours of rain just as we gathered at 11am.

Peter Clarke - President of the Rotary Club of Gosford City 2022 - 2023, welcomed our dignitaries, the Honourable Dr. Gordon Reid MP, and District Governor Mina Howard.

Peter Clarke talked about the ambitions of Rotary to build conditions for sustainable peace, Past President Paul Jones the origins of Peace Poles

The design of the monument. Dr Gordon Reid talked about the importance of community and symbols like the Peace Poles to bring people together from all walks of life. DG Mina Howard talked about the importance of action when it comes to creating conditions for people to find peace in their place. Rotary is leading the way.

May Peace Prevail on Earth. A Sentiment that starts right here in Gosford Peace Park and travels throughout Australia and the World through Rotary.

After the ceremony, the intended picnic was cancelled with weather threatening. All was not lost with a group heading over to Gosford Hotel for a quality lunch.

We are thinking to make this an annual picnic event. We will keep you posted for October 2023.

Thankyou to everyone who made this a great day for the Rotary Club of Gosford City.

Peter Clarke - President 2022-2023

Building the conditions for sustainable peace

There is no question — we face enormous challenges. If we don’t act now to build the conditions for sustainable peace, these problems will only increase. Rotary International is a membership organisation with clubs throughout the world — seeks to foster peace by funding and implementing thousands of projects and programs that support education, water and sanitation, maternal and child health, disease prevention and treatment, and community development.

With a global network of volunteers who come together to make our communities better, by its very nature, our organisation encourages conversations that bridge cultures. We’re your neighbors — business and community leaders who represent all generations and virtually every ethnicity and culture in the world. When you are dealing with a Rotarian you can be assured they have applied the 4 way test in everything they do.

Is it the Truth, Is it fair to all concerned, Will it build goodwill and better friendships, will it be beneficial to all concerned.

International understanding increases the compassion we feel for each other. That’s why Rotary sends almost 10,000 students on exchanges every year. Our scholarship programs send graduate students to other parts of the globe to act as ambassadors of goodwill. Our international service projects depend on the collaboration of Rotary members from multiple countries, often with very different cultures.

At the Gosford City Rotary Club, we are committed to ‘Building the Conditions for Sustainable Peace’. We are bringing awareness and recognition of this ambition through our Peace Poles Project here in Peace Park, East Gosford. We are taking action through our international project, supporting students in the Philippines. We are taking action through supporting our local community organisations, like Mingaletta Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Corporation, Coast Shelter Homelessness and Domestic Violence Prevention Programs, Pacific Link Housing Tenant Support Programs, Top Blokes Foundation supporting our Young Men, to name a few.

For all of us, Conflict and unrest in the news can seem insurmountable. But often before real conflict and always after conflict comes a resolution and peace, if we, as a local community, as a global community, get to work and become problem solvers, change makers, and opportunity creators, we can be ready to provide resolutions, we can deliver a brighter and more peaceful future for generations to come.

Paul Jones - Past President 2021-2022

It was in 2021 that our club, Gosford City Rotary Club had

the idea of placing Peace Poles in our own community. It

was more than appropriate that we close ‘Peace Park’ for

our contribution.

Being located within the city area, we are fortunate that

this small oasis in a suburban setting, is located adjacent

a busy road which means that the Poles are

always visible.

The design of this installation is inspired by a number

of elements, The circle is a profound transcendent symbol. It represents wholeness, completion, inclusion, life circle, eternity and the universe — we live on a circular planet

And so placing the installation is based on a circle.

It is appropriate that there is a path through the circle

which represents our inclusion into something greater

as we pass through it.

The use of sandstone blocks is a nod to our local area,

where the use of local sandstone has long been used

in construction, and is representative of long lasting

connection to the earth.

A Peace Pole has become an internationally recognised

symbol of the hopes and dreams of the entire human

family, standing vigil in silent prayer for the peace on

earth. Each Peace Pole bears the message “May Peace

Prevail on Earth” in different languages on each

of its sides.

The Peach Pole project was started in Japan by

Masahisa Goi in 1955 and was inspired by the aftermath

of World War II and the bombings of Hiroshima and

Nagasaki. Since then more than 200,000 have been

placed around the world, in almost 200 countries.

All over the world, Rotary Clubs have been active in the

placement of Peace Poles in various communities.

Last year, 2021, Australian Rotary celebrated its 100th

birthday.

The Rotary Club of Canberra Lake Burley Griffin

started a mission to have other Rotary clubs donate 100

poles to 100 schools to develop a relationship between

the clubs and the schools, and send a message of peace

to all staff and students.

Finally, the Poles.

When thinking about what languages we would place on

our poles, we started with the following priorities:

We would recognise local indigenous languages
We would identify the most commonly spoken

languages in our community

We would note our moments in time to send a message of peace to the nations of two countries
in a major conflict at the time of our dedication.

We were diligent in trying to get our interpretations

correct, and hope that those who read these poles

acknowledge the thought behind them, even if there

maybe some discrepancies.

It is our club’s wish that this installation is a long lasting

symbol of our hope for peace which can be shared by

all in our community.

We are committed to the maintenance of the area and

hope that every now and then, someone will take the

time to enter the circle, sit on the sandstone, work at the

poles that represent our communities within our creator

community and continue to hope that.

May peace prevail on earth.

Mina Howard - District Governor 2022-2023

Today we gather to dedicate these five peace poles planted by the RC of Gosford City. I want to especially acknowledge PP Paul Jones for imagining this project and inspiring the members of Gosford City RC to take on and accomplish this wonderful addition to this Peace Park here in East Gosford.

The RC of Canberra Burly Griffin launched this particular version of planting PPs last year to celebrate 100 years of Rotary in Australia. They wanted to establish 100 poles. To date there are 255 poles in schools and parks around the country and the project is still growing.

Promoting Peace is one of Rotary’s 7 areas of focus. However, it is really the umbrella for the 6 other areas of focus.

When Rotarians work to provide clean water and sanitation, to fight disease, to improve the health of mothers and babies, to provide basic education, to protect the environment and to help grow local economies, we are providing opportunities for those who are being deprived of the ability to live a happy, fulfilling and peaceful life.

Our Rotary Peace centres have trained over 1,300 peace fellows to become effective catalysts for peace through careers in government, education and international organisations.

Our members have negotiated humanitarian ceasefires in areas of conflict to allow polio vaccinators to reach children who are at risk.

We focus on creating communities and convening groups that are connected, inclusive and resilient.

As a humanitarian organization, peace is a cornerstone of our mission. Rotarians believe when people work to create peace in their communities, that change, can have a global effect. Today, over 70 million people are displaced as a result of conflict, violence, persecution, and human rights violations. Half of them are children.

Peace is not simply the absence of war (referred to as negative peace) but the right of all people to have a well-functioning government, a sound business environment, equitable distribution of resources, acceptance of the rights of others, good relations with neighbours, free flow of information, high levels of human capital and low levels of corruption. These are what are known as the 8 pillars of positive peace.

Think about the global situation today in places like Iran, Russia, Ukraine, Afghanistan, Africa and within our own borders here in Australia. There is much work to be done.

The Secretary-General of the United Nations says that peace is a noble and necessary pursuit, and the only practical pathway to a better, fairer world for all people.

Instead of fighting each other let’s work to defeat racism, poverty, domestic violence, the climate crisis and inequality within our own community. And remember, peace begins at home.

Thank you, Gosford City Rotary for planting these silent sentinals in this beautiful landscape. They will be a constant reminder to the citizens of Gosford and to those passing through that we all need to strive to find peace within ourselves and help others to do the same.

‘May peace prevail on Earth’.

Speaker - Yvonne Crestani

Mon, 24 Oct 2022 14:34:55 GMT

Training is the key to developing skills locally says Yvonne Crestani

Last week we were very lucky to hear from Yvonne Crestani from the Crestani Foundation. The Crestani Foundation is a registered charity managed by volunteers. Their aim is for better outcomes for cancer patients by funding further education to advance skills and techniques in cancer treatment.

Crestani Scholarships was founded by Yvonne Crestani in memory of her husband Chris, who was the Chief Radiation Therapist at St Vincent’s hospital, who unfortunately died of cancer himself.

Medical personnel such as Radiation Therapists, Physicists and Nurses and other allied services are given the opportunity for higher education and research study by way of scholarships here in Australia and overseas.

An example of how the scholarships can achieve better outcomes for patients is that scholarships have been awarded to study a technique that resulted in the team at the Central Coast Cancer Centre being able to reduce the number of radiation treatments for patients from 30 to just two or three resulting in less trauma for patients.

Yvonne and her team of volunteers work tirelessly throughout the year to raise funds to support the scholarships. Everyone has been touched by cancer in some way and we thank them for their tremendous efforts. You can donate to the Crestani Foundation here https://crestanischolarships.org.au/

Speaker Laurie Obrien & John Daven

peter@gosford.kwikkopy.com.au (Peter Clarke) — Sun, 09 Oct 2022 21:22:22 GMT

The Central Coast has been been through some changes.

Laurie Obrien joined us this week to talk about the state of business on the Central Coast, with 40 years of experience in the finance industry as a local on the Central Coast he has always been exposed to business ups and downs. The key take away from Laurie's talk are the changes in population. With our current population sitting at 346k, the forecast to 2036 is taking is up 15% to 415k. In Gosford CBD and local surrounds there is no new land, so that means Medium to High Density is coming to gosford. We can see it now with 5k new apartments in the pipeline.

These extra people will be the lifeblood of the CBD, supporting not only business but giving confidence to entrepreneurs to invest in a vibrant night life with restaurants and entertainment.

John Daven from the Central Coast Prostate Cancer Support Group

This week we also had the pleasure of handing over a cheque to John Daven. These funds were raised by our Spring Drive Held on the 11th Sept. Thanks to Mark Cleary and his support team for championing this project.

These funds will be used to benefit members of the Prostate Cancer Support Group on the Central Coast, The group was formed as a result of Men and their families having no where to turn to talk about what to do next after a diagnoses. Now Men with Prostate Cancer and their families can turn to a group that can support them with connections to services and simply bring positive fellowship with people going through a similar experience. John has been living with Prostate Cancer for over 16 years. We thank John for his Service.

Find out more about the Prostate Cancer and the Central Coast Support Group here

Speaker - Michael Starr Coast Shelter

Mon, 03 Oct 2022 20:58:00 GMT

Coast Shelter celebrates 30 Years of service

Coastshelter is a registered Community Housing Provider operating crisis accommodation refuges across the region for people who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or experiencing domestic and family violence. Our club and individual members have a long history of support for

Coastshelter, through Toast the Coast, volunteer support and participation on Coastshelter’s Board and working as part of the team.

Last week we heard from Michael Starr, CEO of Coastshelter about what Coastshelter has been up to over the last twelve months and the plans for the future.

The causes of homelessness can be numerous, sudden, and affect people from all stages of life. Poverty, unemployment, mental illness, domestic violence and a shortage of affordable housing are common contributing factors leading to homelessness. Coast Shelter provides a safe environment for people to access services and support to help get their life back on track.

Coast Shelter delivers a response to strengthen after-hours domestic violence support as one of the leading causes of homelessness, including increased crisis and temporary accommodation. They also provide tailored local service options such as safety planning, case management, and assessment.

For 30 years, Coast Shelter’s Community Centre and Restaurant has provided free meals, as well as personal, financial, legal and health support and care for the most vulnerable people in our community.

Through the generous support of over 200 volunteers, and corporate and financial donors, the Community Centre kitchen prepares and serves thousands of meals every year.

The service is an inclusive and safe meeting place for all people when they need help the most. Coast Shelter is committed to helping people when they need help the most and we thank the team and their corporate partners, donors, funding bodies, staff and volunteers for their ongoing support

and commitment to ending homelessness on the NSW Central Coast.

Speaker - Anne Charlton NSW Council of Civil Liberties

peter@gosford.kwikkopy.com.au (Peter Clarke) — Mon, 03 Oct 2022 13:16:46 GMT

Justice is not an automatic outcome, the NSW CCL keeps people with Authority Accountable.

Member Anne Charlton entertained us this week, With her new role as Executive Officer at the NSW Council for Civil Liberties. Anne started her new role in June 2022 and has taken the position to a new level. With the Council being the go to organisation for submissions where independent views are required with the likes of the united nations.

Founded in 1963, the NSW Council for Civil Liberties is one of Australia's leading human rights and civil liberties organisations.

We monitor and fight against infringement of our rights and liberties and the abuse of power by government, its agencies and others. We also work to influence public debate and secure amendments to laws or changes in policy to strengthen our democratic rights and liberties.

We prepare submissions to government, engage regularly in public debates, produce content, hold events and conduct many other activities.

NSWCCL is non-sectarian and non-party political.

We are a Non-Government Organisation in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations, by resolution 2006/221 (21 July 2006).

Thankyou Anne for sharing your vocation with us. It was interesting to note that our Member Pauline Wright was the Past President for the NSW CCL.

We have amazing depth in the membership of our club. If you would like to be a member of a progressive business and community driven network, consider the Rotary Club of gosford City.

Speaker - Caine King CKDS Architecture

Sun, 11 Sep 2022 13:48:32 GMT

The future is looking bright for Gosford CBD.

Caine King

Senior Principal / Partner CKDS

As Founding Director and Principal Architect of CKDS Architecture, Caine King leads the team at its Central Coast based practice. Caine spoke to us about the challenges of working through lockdowns, keeping the team on track and managing clients through that period all presented complex

challenges.

CKDS is a leading architectural design practice in our region. Their Newcastle and Central Coast offices have worked on some of the regions most exciting projects. CKDS aim for a balance between innovative design, commercial considerations and sustainability. Caine spoke about his commitment to the local and global environment, his desire to maintain green space and protect the fragile environment of the Central Coast region.

We discussed the need for higher density living, whilst maintaining quality of life for residents of the development and surrounding communities. It is a balance CKDS works to achieve in all that they do. Australia currently a deficit of around 200,000 residential homes. It is essential that governments at all levels work to address this issue and that will require compromise, good planning and funding.

Caine briefed the group on the challenge facing Central Coast Council due to the depletion of staff in their planning and assessments team. Central Coast Council currently has a large number of Development Applications awaiting assessment and the current timeframes have blown out

considerably due to a lack of staff.

This compounds the challenges for local builders who are already struggling with disrupted supply chains and massive price rises due to the pandemic. These factors all combine to create a difficult building and development environment for the Central Coast.

Caine is active in supporting and promoting the architectural services sector through his role as Chair of Urban Development Institute Australia (UDIA) – Central Coast Chapter, Chair of Central Coast Architectural Network (CCAN), Current committee member of the AIA Newcastle Chapter and as former Chair of the Australian Institute Architects (AIA) Awards – Newcastle Chapter.

CKDS has worked on many significant projects on the Central Coast. More recently these include the Tuggerah Regional Sporting and Recreation Complex (Wyong), Marina (Point Frederick), Rockpool (Terrigal), and the Waterside and Bonython Tower developments (Mann Street, Gosford).

We thank Caine and CKDS for their contribution to the coast and our community.

Speaker Robert Tickner - Justice Reform Initiative

Thu, 01 Sep 2022 13:12:57 GMT

Locking people up, especially kids puts them into a cycle of poverty and re-offending. Robert says there is a better way.

This week we heard from Robert Tickner AO, the Chair of the Justice Reform Initiative. Robert is a former Australian Labor Party cabinet minister. He was Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Red Cross from February 2005 to July 2015. Robert is a passionate advocate determined to reform the

Australian justice system in an effort to prevent people from going to jail.

The Justice Reform Initiative believes that the over-use of prisons is fundamentally harmful to those in prison, their family and friends, and the broader community. JRI says that prisons are ineffective as a deterrent, ineffective at reducing crime, and ineffective at addressing the drivers of criminal justice system involvement.

Robert explained to us how the over-use of incarceration is a waste of human potential and a misuse of taxpayer dollars. The evidence shows that the majority of people entering prison usually arrive there because of an underlying cycle of disadvantage, and that prison both exacerbates and

entrenches that cycle of disadvantage which needs to be broken.

The Justice Reform Initiative is backed by eminent patrons, including former Governors-General Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO and Sir William Deane AC KBE as patrons-in-chief. Other patrons include: former justices of the High Court; former judges; respected First Nations leaders; former federal and state parliamentarians from all sides of politics; a former state Chief Justice; a former Federal Police Commissioner; a former Director of Public Prosecutions; and multiple respected community leaders including former Australians of the Year.

We thank Robert for his time in speaking with us.

To find out more about the Justice Reform Initiative, Click Here

Site Visit - The Glen Rehabilitation Centre

Sun, 28 Aug 2022 23:20:34 GMT

The Glen - Giving Men & Women a way to a better life.

Last week we were so lucky to have the opportunity for a site visit to the The Glen Centre. We were treated to a fantastic breakfast and had the opportunity to learn about The Glen from the wonderful residents and staff.

Ngaimpe Aboriginal Corporation set up The Glen in 1994. Since that time, it has been an example of the Koori spirit, and indeed the human spirit. The Glen is the only male-specific Central Coast Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Centre and we are proud to provide opportunities for drug and alcohol

rehabilitation for Indigenous and non-Indigenous men from all over NSW.

The Glen’s program is designed to treat a client in a holistic manner by addressing all of their issues. This means that they treat the person as a whole (spiritually, mentally and physically). The Glen doesn’t just treat addiction, they also look at things in the client’s life that may be causing addictive behaviours. The program is about empowering people to take control of their lives, to live a good, fun life and to become active members of their families and the community as a whole.

We feel very blessed to have been so welcomed and had this time around the fire at The Glen. We thank the staff and the clients for their generosity and welcome to Gosford City Rotary.

https://www.theglencentre.org.au/

Some photo highlights from the visit:

Speaker - Adrienne Ferriera Central Coast Writes Expo

Sun, 21 Aug 2022 11:38:30 GMT

Everyone has a story to tell !

This week we were treated to an inspirational hour of reimagining our beautiful local area through the multiple eyes of fellow coasties as we learnt about the wonderful Central Coast Writes Community Storytelling Project.

Adrienne Ferreira, an award winning author in her own right, told us about a project she created to support local people to tell their own story of a favourite or special place on the Central Coast.

Adrienne described the deep conversations and connections she made with project participants and how Central Coast Writes empowered them to record their own, personal memoir or narrative.

Central Coast Writes is a community storytelling project that develops true stories from local residents and connects them with emerging artists to illustrate. the program began with an introductory life writing workshop in local library branches to help people reflect on their experiences and learn how to write stories that crackle with truth and life. Participants enjoyed the company of other beginners as they learned creative techniques and built writing confidence in a supportive atmosphere.

In the months following:

Writers were invited to join a guided writing group;
Developed a short story for publication;
Showcased their stories in a live exhibition; and
Had the chance to connect with an emerging artists who will illustrated their work.

Following the writing workshops, people were invited to learn the art of illustration with industry professionals Jane Gillings and Joanna Francis. These practical workshops took students through the steps involved in creating an artwork to illustrate the local stories produced.

Adrienne is a powerful personal mentor and teacher to many aspiring and established writers.

Adrienne can provide one-on-one support through her coaching and editing service or through writing courses undertaken online and/or in person when possible. On 3-8 September, the Parkhouse Gallery in Gosford will also host a live reading event and exhibition. Open to the public, this exhibition will celebrate the creative collaboration between the writers and artists, and showcase a multitude of powerful true stories from people of the Central Coast.

For more information contact Adrienne through her website at https://www.bravewords.com.au/

Speaker - Christine Owen DGE on Zone 8 Regionalisation

peter@gosford.kwikkopy.com.au (Peter Clarke) — Sun, 14 Aug 2022 11:00:00 GMT

Regionalisation - The future of Rotary is in our hands

District Governor Elect Christine Owen was our speaker this week andjoined by colleague Doug Vincent on the Rotary Zone 8 Regionalisation Project.

This is a project over the next 3 years which will look at ways to improve Rotary and make it more relevant to new & older Rotarians.

Some of changes might include:

- Give Rotary a unified one voice

- bring in a new heirarchy, potentially replacing the current district model.

- Reduce the duplication of administration costs across the districts.

- Longer Terms for officers, say 3-4 years to enable time to implement ideas.

- Bigger, more flexible project funding.

and much more.

Please watch the videos again that Christine Presented this week

and visit the website for more information

www.creatingtomorrowrotary.org

The project will only go ahead if 2/3's of clubs vote yes. Our club gets 1 vote, with the vote expected in mid September, we have a few more weeks to discuss.

In addition this week we had the pleasure of 2 events

- PP Paul Jones & Christine Owen DGE were honoured to present member Robyn Parker with a Paul Harris Fellowship as a thankyou for her contribution to Rotary.

- We were also pleased to induct our newest member. The Hon. Dr. Gordon Reid MP was inducted as an Honorary Member of the Rotary Club of Gosford City. Gordon returned the honour with presenting us with an Aboriginal & Tores Strait Islands Flag and is looking forward to supporting us when he can with our meetings and Rotary Projects throughout the years ahead.

Speaker - District Governor Mina Howard

peter@gosford.kwikkopy.com.au (Peter Clarke) — Sun, 07 Aug 2022 12:01:06 GMT

Imagine Rotary, our theme this year is for Rotarians to dream big and harness their connections and the power of Rotary to turn those dreams into reality.

It was a pleasure to host District Governor Mina Howard. District 9685 covers the northern parts of sydney, west to the blue mountains and north to lake macquarie. With 73 clubs and nearly 2000 members its a hectic schedule.

Mina explained the story behind the Imagine Theme logo. See story on the meaning of the design.

The upcoming conference for 2023 is in Cowra. There is a rich history in this country town, it will be great to have a look around while taking in the great work that Rotary does.

One of Mina's favourite Projects has been her husband Larrys handywork in making walking sticks from burnt bush branches from around their district in black heath. All founds raised go to Mental Health Programs via Australian Rotary Health.

After the meeting, Mina joined President Peter Clarke, pp Paul Jones and District Administration Chair & Club Member Russell Grove at our new Peace Poles Project. Reserve the date for our opening ceremony on the 16th October 2022.

Mina Howard Bio Here

Speaker - Margaret & Hugh on Electric Vehicles

peter@gosford.kwikkopy.com.au (Peter Clarke) — Mon, 01 Aug 2022 13:59:59 GMT

Passion for the environment will get you a long way in a Electric Vehicle

It was great to have a users perspective on Electric Vehicles. Margaret and Hugh are very passionate about their choice of vehicle and they have the statistics to back it up.

Love in an Electric Vehicle certainly can bring a spark to a relationship. Margaret & Hugh hit it off from the start, announcing they are now officially married. Anne Charlton gave us the tip, Hugh and Grant were surprised with an official rotary welcome & flowers.

Margaret & Hugh are a wealth of information on the pros and cons of electric vehicles, it was certainly an interesting talk. See the video / powerpoint below:

Speaker Kelly Drover - Michael Hughes Foundation and Feel the Magic

Sun, 24 Jul 2022 22:15:21 GMT

Do you know where your nearest defibrillator is ?

This morning we heard from the wonderful Kelly Drover and her efforts to raise funds for two important charities, Feel the Magic and the Michael Hughes Foundation. Feel the Magic is an Australian charity providing early intervention grief education programs for kids aged 7 to 17, who are experiencing pain and isolation due to the death of a parent, guardian, or sibling. Kelly has raised substantial funds and is now an Ambassador and mentor for Feel the Magic https://feelthemagic.org.au/

The Michael Hughes Foundation (MHF) is a purposeful Australian Charity and Social Enterprise with a focus on the community response to cardiac arrest and with a mission to Turn Bystanders Into First Responders in all medical events. Kelly’s personal story of loss and grief is substantial, having lost her husband to cardiac arrest in 2013. Kelly is determined to educate and resource as many individuals and groups to prevent devastating fatal cardiac arrest impacting the lives of others.

Working with Feel the Magic enables Kelly to positively impact and support young people who are grieving the death of a loved one. Kelly is determined to change the outcomes for grieving kids and to share grief aware practices with our community.

Kelly has walked the Kokoda Track, Mt Kosciusko and recently completed a half marathon as part of her fund and awareness raising efforts. Kelly is a passionate advocate for everyone in our community to learn first aid and to keep their CPR skills up to date. We thank and applaud Kelly for her efforts. Visiting our club has ensured that our members are more cardiac aware.

Speaker Daniel Allars - Top Blokes Foundation

peter@gosford.kwikkopy.com.au (Peter Clarke) — Tue, 21 Jun 2022 04:05:53 GMT

Rotary Club of Gosford City is supporting Top Blokes bring out the best in our young men.

We support the Top Blokes Foundation with their mission "Our mission is to challenge and nurture young males to be their best selves." With Programs across the Central Coast.

Thankyou Daniel Allars for the update this week. Click the image below to read more on what top blokes is up to.

The 2022 Bob Ward Vocational Service Awards

Tue, 14 Jun 2022 01:03:25 GMT

We are excited to announce our recipients for 2022.

Honouring Bob Ward, GCRC Vocational Service Awards acknowledge and reward vocational excellence in our local community. This years recipients reflect a diverse range of professional skills, all with outstanding and enthusiastic contributions to their community and workplaces. Thank you! We are inspired by you all NSW Police Force NSW Health Pacific Link Housing Brisbane Water Police District Kincumber Mitre 10 Loyal I.T. Solutions

Philippines Project Update - June 22

peter@gosford.kwikkopy.com.au (Peter Clarke) — Mon, 06 Jun 2022 02:51:59 GMT

The Students from Our Philippines are thankful for the support received

Speaker - Ian Lynch CEO Pacific Link Housing

Wed, 25 May 2022 20:01:57 GMT

Pacific Link Housing is providing a pathway to secure affordable housing for our community.

This week we were very fortunate to have CEO of Pacific Link Housing Ian Lynch and Adelle Laing visit our club to update us on the work Pacific Link are doing in the housing and homelessness space here on the coast. Pacific Link manages over 1300 properties in our region, housing close to 2000 people. This vital service is delivered through a variety of programs in both the affordable and social housing spheres aiming to move residents towards the goal of long term secure housing.

Pacific Link has built 129 new units in the last 6 years. Ian spoke about the importance of a blend of types of residences in each development, affordable, social and open market type properties are included in each development.

Pacific Link launched its licenced real estate agency Key2 Realty in 2019. Key 2 provides a property management service to private landlords and is a fantastic opportunity for investment property owners to support a social enterprise dedicated to ending homelessness whilst continuing to grow their investment. The profit from Key 2 funds Pacific Link tenant support programs such as education scholarships, learner driver program and the sports and exercise program.

It was a pleasure to hear from Ian and Adelle this week. We appreciate the hard work of the Pacific Link team, especially though out the last two years of COVID and all of the support and compassion shown to tenants. We look forward to the year ahead and the exciting work Pacific Link has planned for the future.

Speaker - Patricia Skehan Author

peter@gosford.kwikkopy.com.au (Peter Clarke) — Sun, 22 May 2022 10:39:35 GMT

Patricia took us to the Frontline of the Pandemic in 1919.

Speaker - Author Helen Menzies

Thu, 12 May 2022 03:34:37 GMT

Helen Menzies is a great raconteur

We had the opportunity to have a Q & A with renowned author Helen Menzies, as she is about to launch her new book "The Harbour Mysteries" it was a great chance to get Helen in to showcase and share her life so far with our members.

Richard hosted Helen on the Q & A. Here is what he had to say,

Helen is a great raconteur and gave long answers so there wasn't time to ask her all the questions we had devised.

She spoke first about her early life as a student who was the first member of her family to attend University. She also spoke of her experiences as a teacher in both urban and remote communities. Second she focussed on her life as a sports journalist for the Murdoch press and how she focussed on women's sports, in the process raising the profile of women in sport. Finally she spoke about her career as a writer; first as an author of children's books in the style of Enid Blyton; and second as a crime writer, inspired by Peter Temple and Peter Corris. Her talk sparked lots of questions from the audience.

Thankyou Helen, from the Rotary Club of Gosford City

Helen's Book Launch of "The Harbour Mysteries" is on the 10th June, Woy Woy Library. Click Here to Find out More

Event - Conversations with Dianne O'Brien as we launch her new book Daughter of the River Country

peter@gosford.kwikkopy.com.au (Peter Clarke) — Tue, 03 May 2022 11:38:40 GMT

Gosford City Rotary raises $5000 to support Mingaletta

Mingaletta Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation has a suite of programs aiming to empower and support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across the Central Coast. Gosford City Rotary is proud to play a small role in supporting some of this important work.

Chairperson of Mingaletta Corporation Dianne O’Brien said "It's great to collaborate with Gosford City Rotary. Rotarians respect the work we are doing here and want to help out. Our programs are all about building strength, identifying any issues in our community and working alongside our members to solve them."

Gosford City Rotary President Paul Jones awarded Mingaletta a $5,000 District Grant to provide additional financial support for important programs like the Didge and Dance Group at Mingaletta.

"Rotarians work hard to raise funds to support initiatives making a tangible difference at the grassroots level. Mingaletta is an ideal partner for us because we can see the difference these programs make to our local community. We can also get involved in a voluntary capacity to support Mingaletta with general cleanups, BBQ’s and family days for Mingaletta members,” Mr Jones said.

“Every time we come to Mingaletta we listen and learn from elders and community members who welcome us and are prepared to share cultural practice and Indigenous knowledge with Rotarians. We value this opportunity immensely.”

Gosford City Rotary recently held a book launch for Ms O’Brien’s memoir “Daughter of the River Country” to raise the funds for the District Grant. Ms O’Brien (Aunty Di to most) was in conversation with Bobbi Murray, local Aboriginal leader, discussing themes central to her story and many other Aboriginal people across Australia.

“We felt very fortunate to host Aunty Di, a respected Yorta Yorta Elder and fantastic local author, to raise these valuable funds,” Mr Jones said. “We couldn’t have done it without the support of the Woy Woy CWA who supplied the dessert, local Aboriginal artist Garry Purchase who donated a painting for auction and The Glen Centre who attended the event and donated a digeridoo for the raffle.”

“We even had local identity Troy Rushton, from Coastal Realty, as our auctioneer for the night. Troy’s expertise ensured we raised substantial funds through our auction, we cannot thank him enough,” Mr Jones added.

Gosford City Rotary is a dynamic club, committed to making a positive difference in the lives of local people here on the coast. The club also supports international initiatives in the health and education space for vulnerable communities in the Philippines. Gosford City Rotary meets on Wednesday mornings for breakfast at the Top Point Café in East Gosford. Visitors and guests are welcome.

New Members - Harold Sharp and Graham Jaques

peter@gosford.kwikkopy.com.au (Peter Clarke) — Mon, 25 Apr 2022 23:39:43 GMT

With pleasure Paul had the honour this week to welcome our newest members, but also long term members of Rotary

New Members Inducted on the 20th April 2022

Harold Sharp PDG

- Harold transfers from the Rotary Club of Crows Nest and has been the standard of what a Rotary Member can achieve through a lifetime of service to Rotary. Harold is the current chairman of ROMAC, and is the past DG for District 9685

Graham Jaques PHF

- Graham comes to us from the Rotary Club of Orange, having recently moved to Narara. Graham has also had distinguished membership with Rotary with many fundraising projects under his belt. Culminating in a Paul Harris Fellow being awarded for his services to Rotary.

Speaker - Fiona Lloyd - Words on the Waves

Mon, 25 Apr 2022 23:07:22 GMT

We love hearing from and supporting passionate people in our community - Fiona Lloyd certainly meets that criteria.

This morning we heard about a remarkable local festival – Words on the Waves - from the kids workshop convenor, Fiona Lloyd. After the roaring success of the inaugural Words on the Waves, held in various locations on the Central Coast in June 2021, the not-for-profit writers festival is now gearing up for its second event taking place June 3 – 6, 2022.

This year the festival has secured the appearance of a number of top tier authors from across Australia, including: from Adelaide, author of bestseller Burial Rites, Hannah Kent; from Canberra, crime writer Chris Hammer; from Tasmania, Gourmet Farmer star Matthew Evans; from Darwin, Uluru Statement from the Heart campaigner, Thomas Mayor; from Melbourne, award-winning literary authors Favel Parrett and Lucy Treloar; from Victoria, cultural commentator and theatre-maker Van Badham; from Far North Queensland, Indigenous fire management advocate Victor Steffensen; from western NSW, regional editor Gabrielle Chan; from Melbourne, artist, memoirist and mental health advocate Heidi Everett; from Victoria, Miles Franklin winner Sofie Laguna; also from Melbourne, political reporter Judith Brett; and from Queanbeyan,

poet Omar Musa; and more.

From closer to home, we welcome cinema icon Bryan Brown; trailblazing businesswoman Wendy McCarthy; investigative journalist Louise Milligan; Archibald Prize finalist Amani Haydar; Crikey editor Bernard Keane; literary favourites Charlotte Wood and Delia Falconer; bestselling

commercial writer Kate Forsyth; award-winning historians Ian Hoskins and Anna Clark; bibliotherapist Germaine Leece; memoirist Patti Miller; and many more.

The festival will once again feature a memorable array of intimate conversations and panels, ranging over inspirational true stories, untold histories, current human truths and contemporary fictional narratives.

As the festival sold out in 2021, it has responded to demand by doubling its program in 2022. In addition to the Ocean Beach Surf Life Saving Club, the festival will also host simultaneous author talks at the nearby Umina Surf Life Saving Club.

Attendees can access the author talks held at these two venues by purchasing a Saturday Day Pass, a Sunday Day Pass, or a Weekend Pass – all available as part of this First Release Tickets. As part of the Second Release, Words on the Waves will also offer standalone special events across various venues, including an opening night conversation event at Naughty Noodle Fun Haus, adult writing workshops, a family fun day, a cinema screening at Cinema Paradiso, a literary cruise touring up the Hawkesbury, and more.

For more information click below

Speakers - Central Coast Domestic Violence Committee

Mon, 18 Apr 2022 21:59:28 GMT

Gosford City Rotary says No to Abuse.

This week we heard from the Central Coast Domestic Violence Committee (CCDVC). CCDVC was established over 25 years ago with the objective to end Domestic and Family Violence by bringing community and the sector together through advocacy campaigns and community connections.

Co-Chair from NSW Police, Sharon Wilkinson said “Community connection and engagement are our primary vehicles for raising awareness and creating a whole of community response to end family violence and abuse”.

Over the month of March 2022 Brisbane Waters PD received 388 Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) reports with Tuggerah Lakes PD receiving 483 reports.

“These unacceptable levels combine to bring the Central Coast to one of the highest areas of reported DFV in the State. Both Brisbane Water PD and Tuggerah Lakes PD are in the top 10 of the State in applying for ADVO’s and combined brings the Central Coast to one of the highest in applications, which is also indicative of the volume of DFV reports received” Ms Wilkinson said.

Co-Chair Nicole Harvey from Pacific Link House briefed the club on the See Something Do Something campaign CCDVC is working collaboratively with NSW Police and Central Council to roll out locally.

“This campaign has a focus on being an active bystander” Ms Harvey explained. “The campaign is about raising awareness for people to notice situations and to be more aware of surroundings. It is not about getting in the middle of a confrontation. Bystander intervention is an approach that can be used to improve situations where it looks like a person could use some help.”

”The approach is about being an active, positive contributor – someone who challenges problematic behaviour effectively and respectfully” said Vice-Chair Sharon Walsh. See Something Do Something involves sale of masks, promotion day at Wyong Races, garbage truck messaging and other promotional material. The next Primary Prevention Day at Wyong Race Club is scheduled for 25 Nov 2022. Everyone is encouraged to come along and support the important work of the committee and to raise awareness more broadly with friends, family and colleagues.

We thank the members of the committee for taking the time to visit our club. The Central Coast Domestic Violence Committee website is https://www.ccdvc.org.au for further information. 1800RESPECT is the national sexual assault and domestic family violence counselling service available 24 hours 7 days a week call 1800 737 732.

Speaker - Paula Martin

peter@gosford.kwikkopy.com.au (Peter Clarke) — Sun, 03 Apr 2022 21:53:19 GMT

Gosford is on the verge of something big

Last week we were joined by Business NSW Regional Director, Paula Martin. Paula gave us a snapshot of where the Central Coast sits within the broader NSW and national economy.

Locally, small business is the backbone of this region with a major focus on tourism, accommodation and hospitality. We also have a large health and aged care sector, manufacturing and an agricultural focus locally.

Prior to the onset of the pandemic, the shortage of skilled labour was already a problem for the Central Coast, particularly in our high value-added industries like food production and advanced manufacturing.

After two years of closed borders and a lack of international students, that problem has only intensified. Labour shortages are now affecting every industry across the Coast and our hospitality, aged care and agriculture sectors have really felt the bite

of no overseas workers.

With the current severe labour shortages across all industries on the Central Coast, upskilling our local workforce, coupled with an increase in permanent skilled migration, should also be a priority for the Government so Central Coast businesses can take advantage of the post-COVID economic recovery.

Paula talked through the challenges local business faces in growing their enterprises without the labour and skills required. Paula is particularly interested in the TAFE and University sectors capacity and ensuring courses offered locally are both available and affordable for our local young people or indeed, workers who need to upskill or change sectors. We really valued our time with Paula and appreciate her time within a very busy schedule.

Thank you Paula!

Read More on what Paula has been up to here

https://www.linkedin.com/in/paula-martin-7b589a5/

Rotary Club of Gosford City welcomes Emeritus Professor in Government and International Relations at the University of Sydney, Rodney Tiffen

Thu, 24 Mar 2022 01:29:05 GMT

Professor Tiffen spoke about the rise and fall of the Packer dynasty

The Rotary Club of Gosford City was pleased to welcome Emeritus Professor in Government and International Relations at the University of Sydney, Rodney Tiffen this morning. Professor Tiffen is a prolific author and commentator. He has authored numerous articles on mass media and Australian politics, and his latest book (with Anika Gauja, Brendon O’Connor, Ross Gittins and David Smith) is  How America Compares ,  published in 2019 by Springer.

Professor Tiffen spoke about the rise and fall of the Packer dynasty.

Professor Tiffen said “Like many dynasties, the Packer family owes its fortune as much to luck as to skill.”

Robert Clyde Packer (known as R.C.) got his break in 1921 running a small paper called the Smith’s Weekly  which became profitable. Wealthy Sydney identity and hotelier James Joynton Smith who owned the paper, generously gave Packer one-third ownership. The Packer wealth was off and running.

R.C. died in 1934. His son Frank Packer took over the empire and shortly before his father’s death launched the Australian Women’s Weekly in 1933. It quickly became the biggest-selling and most profitable magazine in the country.

Frank, aged just twenty-nine took over the Daily Telegraph in 1935 when the  Sydney Morning Herald ’s circulation was almost two and a half times the  Telegraph ’s.

“Packer spent large sums of money on his new venture, employed some of the best journalists, subscribed to an international news agency and bought more modern printing equipment. Within a few years the two morning papers were level-pegging, and during the second world war the  Telegraph  overtook the  Herald  — a lead it has maintained ever since” Professor Tiffen said.

“Frank’s reputation and indeed his main satisfaction came from the  Telegraph  and the way he could play politics with it. He had been involved in the machinations that saw John Gorton replaced as Liberal prime minister by Packer’s long-time friend, William McMahon. However, ultimately he had to watch all but helpless as Gough Whitlam and the Labor Party swept McMahon and his colleagues aside” Professor Tiffen said.

By all accounts Frank Packer was a destructive and authoritarian father figure to his two sons Clyde and Kerry. Clyde had emigrated to America to get away from his father and in 1974 Kerry inherited an empire that was probably worth around $100 million.

Professor Tiffen said, “just as importantly, it included almost unassailable strategic assets: the most successful commercial TV network and the biggest and most profitable magazine stable.”

Kerry Packer continued to build the empire and more from the very rich to the mega-rich on the back of favourable government policy. Hawke Labor government, led by Treasurer Keating, rewrote the media ownership laws in 1987–88. The new laws banned cross-media ownership between television and newspapers. This advantaged Packer.

“Packer was now at the zenith of his power. The other two TV networks were deeply in debt, but he was all cashed up. From then until his death, Packer had many business opportunities but managed few business achievements.”

“When Kerry died in 2005, he was said to be the richest man in Australia. According to the business magazine  BRW , his son James inherited $6.5 billion. In contrast to Kerry’s inheritance, however, James received assets whose value had already peaked” Professor Tiffen said.

James was determined to move the empire out of the media and into casinos. He purchased Crown casinos. James Packer’s Crown empire rose and fell relatively quickly. In less than two decades the business was hit by two overlapping crises. In 2016 Packer came under scrutiny in Israel due to a series of very generous gifts he had given to the then Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and nineteen Crown employees were arrested in China.

Professor Tiffen said “In August 2019, an investigation led by the  Age ’s Nick McKenzie, which had obtained tens of thousands of leaked documents and interviews with key informants, identified how Crown sought to attract high rollers from China, described Crown’s relationships with the junkets that arranged the trips, and revealed that some of the junkets had links with triad criminal gangs. McKenzie and his colleagues reported that Crown had turned a blind eye to money laundering; had provided sex workers and drugs for high rollers; and had connived in circumventing Chinese gambling laws. A former senior Australian public servant revealed that two government ministers had lobbied him to relax controls over private jets bringing Crown’s high rollers into Australia, where their distasteful behaviour included shooting wombats on rural properties.”

Ultimately Packer has been found unfit to run his Crown Barangaroo casino and is being forced by the Victorian State government to sell his majority share in Melbourne’s Crown casino.

Professor Tiffen left us with these salient words “In a sense, Packer’s downfall is the apotheosis of a corporate culture that has been building over four generations. R.C., Frank and Kerry would probably have made the same decisions as James in the same situations. They all thought that rules only applied to other people; that a law only matters if it can be enforced; and that connections and backroom deals matter more than rational public debate. And now it has all come crashing down.”

The Rotary Club of Gosford City (RCGC) meets weekly for a breakfast meeting at Top Point Café at the Gosford Regional Gallery. Visitors are welcome. For more information visit https://www.gosfordcityrotary.org.au/

This article draws from Professor Tiffen’s speech to RCGC and his recent essay to Inside Story “The rise and fall of an Australian dynasty.”

Speaker - Harold Sharp on ROMAC

peter@gosford.kwikkopy.com.au (Peter Clarke) — Sun, 20 Mar 2022 12:40:45 GMT

While the Program is on hold due to Covid, the need has not decreased.

“Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children”

ROMAC provides surgical treatment for children in Australia and New Zealand from developing countries from our Pacific Region in the form of Life Giving and dignity restoring surgery not accessible to them in their home country.

Harold and Gina have produced a wonderful video detailing the history and works of ROMAC, narrated by our very own PP David Bacon.

See Video Below

With Covid restricting travel, there is a significant backlog of potential recipients that ROMAC will be looking to assess and hopefully provide assistance in the near future.

Whilst Doctors and volunteers provide their time and services free of charge, there are significant costs associated with bringing these patients to Australia and hosting them with their family member through the surgery and recovery periods. It is these costs that ROMAC meets through its funding.

There are many ways to help the team at ROMAC, you can provide donation to our club, using our ROMAC link will ensure these funds are passed onto ROMAC, for larger donations requiring a tax deduction, you can donate direct to ROMAC via their website .

ROMAC also have a wine promotion through Tyrells wine, where a percentage of each sale goes to ROMAC, Click here to view the options.

There are some great heart warming success stories created by the great work of ROMAC, allowing kids to grow up and lead normal lives in their community. Read more about ROMAC and these amazing stories here .

Thankyou to our member Harold Sharp and fellow Rotarian Gina Growden for speaking with us and bring us up to date on the important work of ROMAC.

The reach and depth of Rotary is just amazing. What do you think ?

Speaker Ash Bowden - A Dr on the Move

Sun, 13 Mar 2022 22:48:46 GMT

'Do More' That is the simple action for us to take in Ash Bowden's message

It was a pleasure to meet Dr Ash Bowden this morning at our club breakfast. Ash was an inspiring guest; helping us all to unleash our inner fitness guru.

We talked about some of the barriers to establishing exercise as a regular part of everyday life. Procrastination was high on our list! But also, more serious issues like anxiety and self-belief create substantial barriers to getting active. Exercise can play a big role in tackling anxiety and Ash gave us the self-confidence to get out there and give it a go.

We also talked about the prevalence of cancer in our community and the opportunity to be part of the #MoveAgainstCancer2022 Challenge this September. Ash is on a mission to get people exercising and moving to improve their health and happiness. Combining this ambition with raising awareness and much-needed funds for cancer research seems like a brilliant idea to us! Participation costs only $10, with all money going to Cancer Council and an array of prizes for steppers up for grabs kindly donated by local businesses to incentivise the Central Coast’s participants.

Ash shared his pride and joy project with us; the Do More Activity Search Engine. It is a ‘Google for Exercise’, where Ash wants to empower everyone to find movement that suits them. Ash maintains “If you’ve not found a movement you enjoy, then you’ve just not found it yet.”

Thank you, Ash, for your wonderful presentation. Check out the Dr Do More database here:

Profile: Dr Ash Bowden

Ash Bowden is a doctor on the Central Coast and who is passionate about improving health and happiness through physical activity, something he is lucky enough to be able to do in and out of work. Please come along and be inspired and pick up some tips on keeping yourself active and healthy.

Ash says “After a light-bulb moment with an Intensive Care Consultant in the UK, I’ve dedicated my career to improving how active we can all be. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends just 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week – something 55% of adults in Australia are not achieving. Yet physical activity has so many benefits for our health! It’s not just the boring things like ‘cardiorespiratory disease’, blood pressure or Diabetes, it’s our mental health – that black dog we can all appreciate.”

“My pride and joy is the Do More Activity Search Engine I created back in 2019, a ‘Google for Exercise’, where I want to empower everyone to find movement that suits them. Through the lens of social media, it’s easy to believe exercise is only something that models enjoy, but everyone can. If you’ve not found a movement you enjoy, then you’ve just not found it yet. Let me play matchmaker and find something to get you more activity so you can continue your journey to better physical and mental health.”

“The goal here is to get our community more active. You’ll feel better, active businesses (or ‘Providers’) on the Central Coast will gain clients and, in the long run, fewer people will find themselves in hospital for preventable illness. I’m actually just trying to save myself some work.”

Speaker - Chris Andrews Lexus Central Coast

peter@gosford.kwikkopy.com.au (Peter Clarke) — Wed, 23 Feb 2022 12:36:57 GMT

What will the car industry look like in the future ? Chris Andrews has his finger on the pulse.

Today was a topical insight into the state of affairs in the car industry, Electrical Vehicles are here to stay. Chris informed us that while overseas may opt for full electric vehicles, for Australia Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrids are the best option for us for the coming years. The new Lexus Plug-In Hybrid vehicle have a range of about 80km and then kick into petrol-electric Hybrid mode for the rest of your journey. Despite our vast distances, Chris mentioned on average most Australians only travel about 37kms per day. Well within the range of the new Lexus NX450h+ Plug-In Hybrid vehicle.

There is a fine balance between burning fuel in your car, and burning coal at power station to power our vehicles. Chris has mentioned the innovations that are coming for power generation, will make electric vehicles a no brainer in years to come. In fact we heard earlier this year from our guest speaker from Star Scientific how hydrogen technology will be capable of running our power stations in the years ahead.

The car industry business model is going to be turned on its head over the next 10 years as electric vehicles require very little servicing. In fact, Chris mentioned that hybrid vehicles use the braking system to charge the batteries, extending the life of the break pads 4 to 5 times.

We really appreciated Chris taking the time to share his knowledge with us today. If you get the chance pop in to Lexus at Kariong and have a chat.

Speaker Claire Pullen - Executive Director of the Australian Writers Guild

Thu, 17 Feb 2022 03:45:16 GMT

Where are the Australian Accents in our TV Programs ? The Australian Writers Guild are lobbying for Government to take some action.

The opportunity to listen and learn from someone with such a depth of industry experience, knowledge and passion happens rarely. Yesterday, for our first face to face meeting this year, we were treated to a wonderful experience with Claire Pullen, Executive Director of the Australian Writers Guild. Claire briefed us on the issues facing Australian writers working in film, television, radio and digital media and the work of the guild in representing these artists and workers.

During the last two years during the coronavirus period theatres have closed and the subsequent job loss has been substantial.

Government support for the industry has been minimal leaving many people from this industry in financial crisis.

The other major disruptor to the industry has been streaming services. Australia is ranked 8 ^th in the world in terms of subscriptions to streaming services. On a per capita basis this puts Australia as a global leader in accessing viewing via streaming. The major problem for our film and television industry is that there is no government legislation supporting the creation of Australian content. This differs starkly from other countries where streaming services are obliged to create content.

Australian-made TV shows face an uphill battle to stay on our screens without further pressure applied by government reform. At the moment, streaming services are free from quotas for Australian screen content – which the government describes as “critical for supporting cultural identity and social cohesion”. However, the government has failed to legislate meaningful reform to ensure Australian content is produced.

The Australian Writers Guild supports quota’s for Australian content and the thousands of jobs that would flow from such quotas. One of the excellent point Claire made during her presentation was that this type of reform costs the Australian taxpayer nothing, yet provides an enormous opportunity for more government revenue to be raised via the employment opportunities for locals.

We thank Claire for her time and her passion in raising these important issues with our club.

Speaker Peter Rae - Ship Builders of the Brisbane Water

Thu, 10 Feb 2022 20:41:42 GMT

Over 500 Ships were built in the Brisbane Water over 125 years, an amazing history.

Speaker Rony Ling and the Central Coast Dolphin Project

Wed, 08 Dec 2021 09:31:58 GMT

CENTRAL Coast “citizen scientists” are being recruited

CENTRAL Coast “citizen scientists” are being recruited to learn more about dolphins in our local waterways. This morning we heard from Ronny Ling, from the Central Coast Dolphin Project which documents the behaviour of dolphins as well as different species that visit our Coastal waterways. The information helps to develop strategies and plans to help protect our dolphins and their environment. The information helps to develop strategies and plans to help protect our dolphins and their environment.

The team is some of the most experienced in Australia when it comes to handling marine mammal emergencies and incidents, and the authorities often ask them for advice with situations.

The Dolphin Project advocates to protect the environment and works primarily with dolphins, seals and whales in our waterways from Broken Bay to Catherine Hill Bay.

Ronny was formally a committee member and president for the Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans in Australia (ORRCA) for seventeen years. Ronny has decades of experience rescuing and protecting whales and dolphins.

Our club is keen to do a field trip with Ronny next year during the whale watching season. We have a lot to learn and look forward to taking advantage of learning from an expert in the field. Thanks Ronny!!!

Speaker - Matthew Hingerty from Star Scientific

Sun, 05 Dec 2021 07:49:52 GMT

The Hydrogen Economy just might be the catalyst for the next industrial renaissance

We have so many amazing people and organisations here on the Central Coast – Star Scientific an innovator and leader in the field of hydrogen technology has made a rich contribution to environmental health of our planet. This morning we heard from Matt Hingerty, Deputy Chairman, Deputy CEO and Head of Business Development Star Scientific.

It was an excellent opportunity for our club to be briefed from an expert in the field. Matt is a passionate advocate for the hydrogen economy and believes the pioneering work of Star Scientific and the HERO® catalyst has the potential to spark an industrial renaissance in Australia and globally.

Matt recently attended the Glasgow Climate Change Summit, COP26 and we were interested to get a first-hand account and Matt’s view on how much the world achieved at the Glasgow climate talks. Matt spoke about middle-income nations like India, South Africa and the Philippines and their demands for green energy investments to build their economies. Star Scientific has recently signed an MOU with the government of the Philippines to develop hydrogen technology to potentially replace high emitting diesel generators across the Philippine archipelago.

Our club thanks Matt for his time and the team at Star Scientific for their extraordinary contribution to reducing the impact of climate change and moving towards a greener economy.

The Peter Turnbull Community Service Awards 2021

Sun, 28 Nov 2021 13:56:10 GMT

Celebrating Amazing people in our community, making a difference everyday.

The annual Peter Turnbull Community Service awards pay tribute to the thousands of hard-working volunteers across the Central Coast who tirelessly volunteer their time, just like Peter did, to improve the lives of vulnerable people in our community.

This morning we were honoured to acknowledge the following 8 people for their enormous contributions over many decades.

Steve Jelfs: Posthumous Award - Treasurer of 5 Lands Walk, Avoca Beach Rugby Club and Avoca Beach Surf Lifesaving Club
Con Ryan: Founder and inaugural President 5 Lands Walk
Johanna Reygersberg: Woy Woy CWA Group Historian
Sarah Beard :  CEO Take 3 for the Sea
Robyn Reid: Elder at Mingaletta
Gary Jackson: YIPA Youth in Performing Arts
Pauline Maniskas: Disabled Surfers Central Coast volunteer
Chris Holstein: Coastal Open Spaces, Protection of Ettalong Sand Dunes and many community projects

This is just a small snippet of the contributions of this group. It was an inspiration to hear from them and their families about the wonderful work they are all undertaking. Our community is safer, stronger and more resilient as a result of your endeavours.

Speaker - Philippines Project Update

peter@gosford.kwikkopy.com.au (Peter Clarke) — Sun, 21 Nov 2021 11:30:22 GMT

Our Philippines Science Class Project is changing lives

This week Peter Clarke presented an update on Our international project for 2021-2022, The Special Science Class Project is supporting 10 students in the Philippines. The students attend Luciano B. Rama Sr Memorial National High School in Poro, Camotes Island, Cebu.

The school runs a special science class for the brightest students, there is currently over 160 students running through the program. Many students miss out on being part of the program due to financial commitment required by the student and their family to participate in the classes.

Rotary is changing the lives of 10 students, supporting them with direct financial assistant and also supporting teacher resources associated with the Science Class Program.

Read more in our slide presentation, and meet our amazing group of students.

Tip: Click on the 3 dots on the bottom bar of the presentation and select full screen mode.

Speaker Max Rae - Bee-utiful Honey

Sun, 14 Nov 2021 13:25:27 GMT

A Hobby that turns into a business, thats how you make your work life enjoyable. Bees have done just that for Max Rae.

Plumber by trade, apiarist by passion, Max Rae knows that in Australia we have the best honey in the world. Max talked to us about how keeping bees for him has been enlightening, humbling, educational and rewarding, and how this deeply satisfying hobby has turned into his full time vocation.

Bees perform approximately 80% of all pollination and this function alone contributes billions of dollars into the Australian agricultural economy every year. Hives in suburbia do really well and interest in backyard, rooftop, and hobby beekeeping continues to grow. If you welcome a beehive into your life you can expect about 30 – 50 kg of honey per year.

We learnt about the medicinal properties of honey and how with some clever marketing in the 1950’s honey went from a health food to a breakfast spread. Humans have been treating wounds and other ailments with honey for thousands of years.

One of the advantages of producing honey at home is that what comes out of the beehive is what goes in the jar. Completely organic and not blended with any imported honey which may contain pesticides. Due to our relatively mild climate, Australia has the perfect environment to produce honey. European honey bees produce honey all year round. The purpose of this production is to create a food source over the cold European winter for the bees. This is not necessary in our climate, so we can have production all year round.

Unfortunately the future is grim unless we seriously tackle climate change. Bees are suffering. In Europe flowering seasons are becoming shorter and in Australia drought, extreme weather events floods and bushfires are limiting opportunities for bees to pollinate eucalyptus which accounts for over 80% of our honey production.

Max left us with the message that we can and must do better to limit the impact of a changing climate on our planet.

Speaker Damien Fraser - Commando & Real Estate Agent

Wed, 27 Oct 2021 05:55:32 GMT

Transitioning from Army life to Civilian Life is a challenge Damien's is taking at full pace.

It was a breath of fresh air to meet Damien Fraser this morning at our first face to face meeting this year.

Damien is an exceptional Coastie, we are very lucky to have him in our community. Damien joined the Australian Defence Force after high school at the age of 17. Damien earned one of the military’s highest and most exclusive honours, serving as a Commando in the Australian Special Forces by the age of 21. 

This morning Damien shared some of his experiences over 11 years of military service, in Iraq, Afghanistan, United States and Sydney. Damien told us about his training (lucky it was him and not us!) and his subsequent experiences supporting and training local troops in Iraq and Afghanistan on multiple deployments.

We talked about the enormous contribution and sacrifice our defence force personnel make in serving and protecting our country. So many people who have served have to deal with some level of trauma as a result of their service. Damien spoke about the wonderful support he has received from friends and family transitioning back into civilian life.

Damien’s secret to success was to move into a profession that he is passionate and where he can focus his broad set of skills. For Damien, this is Real Estate, and in March of this year he joined Raine & Horne Gosford and East Gosford. He hasn’t looked back forging a new and successful career. We feel very lucky to have Damien in our local community and look forward to watching him succeed in this new venture!

Speaker - Catherine Hewitt CEO Kamira

Wed, 20 Oct 2021 02:39:07 GMT

When you have the passion that Catherine has for Kamira, it was always going to be a success. From success has come amazing innovation on how we treat women with drug and alcohol addictions.

Speaker - Prof. Stephanie Short

Fri, 15 Oct 2021 06:28:41 GMT

Dying with Dignity is not yet permitted in NSW ! Professor Stephanie Short is doing something about it.

More information Click here

Speakers Nick & Angela Farr-Jones

Thu, 07 Oct 2021 21:35:14 GMT

What do Rugby Champions do after their last game ? They inspire others ! Nick Farr-Jones is doing just that with his partner Angela on her quest to inspire our youth to Stand Tall.

We were delighted to welcome Angela and Nick Farr-Jones to our club this week to speak about their charity, Stand Tall which works to ensure the mental well-being of our youth for their future.

Angela reported on the results of participation from the Stand Tall Sydney 2021 live event, online event and Livestream replay. Over 5,200 secondary students from 52 government and independent high schools across Greater Sydney and Regional areas attended the live spectacular.

Over 100,000 students from 504 schools across Australia either tuned in for the live-streamed version on the day of the event or watched a recording in the months following - an incredible 90% increase in schools from last year's online event. 

Diversity was a key element to this year's live and online event, where students of ranging abilities, from various cultural, religious and socio-economic backgrounds took part. These included special needs schools, such as StreetWork for homeless youth in NSW and Ohana College, which provides special assistance to students in Brisbane.

The Stand Tall event was found in 2021 by Jeanine Treharne, Angela Farr-Jones ad Rosyln Hills in response to the tragic level of drug use, depression, bullying, hopelessness and self-harm among high school students.

From humble beginnings in 2013 where 1,200 secondary students sat in a school hall to hear inspiring stories of hope from a diversity of speakers, the success of this first event triggered a new way of providing effective wellbeing lessons to secondary students. Stand Tall has now become the largest youth event of it’s kind in Australia, experiencing exponential growth over the last eight years. 

Working with educators, Stand Tall addresses national high school curriculum outcomes for PDHPE by gathering world class athletes, popular musicians, and inspirational speakers, who all share their life experiences in a relevant and relatable way to Australian teenagers. One massive day of positive input into a young Australian can change a life.

Our Rotary Club is proud to support Stand Tall and we thank Nick and Angela for their time in updating the club on the most recent event. Here are

some links with more information about Stand Tall and positive impact it can have on young people.

The impact of Stand Tall on students  

Stand Tall Sydney 2021 Student feedback 

Stand Tall Summer Camp  

Stand Tall Sydney 2021 Highlights video  

David Bacon Presidential Awards for 2020 - 2021

peter@gosford.kwikkopy.com.au (Peter Clarke) — Sun, 03 Oct 2021 21:48:55 GMT

Presidents are only as great the team supporting them.

With our Changeover meeting cancelled we didn't get a chance to celebrate and acknowledge the great contributions our members make to the year that was 2020 to 2021.

David took the time in this weeks meeting to acknowledge the members that stood out to him in making his year as president a successful one.

The Presidents Awards - David Bacon

End of year recognitions 2021

One of the prerogatives of the President is to recognise some members who he has considered have served then Club with distinction during the year. I have decided to exercise that privilege.

In a volunteer organisation such as this, a lot of logistical work goes on behind the scenes to make things happen. Stuff needs to be moved around, stuff needs to be bought, things need to be organised, people

need to be contacted and badgered.

So my first award goes to Jeff Gay. Jeff is the king of movements. With his trusty van he goers to Sydney to collect flowers for mothers’ day stalls and keep them supplied on the day. The material need

for MUNA is another mammoth effort and who bumps it in and out - Jeff Gay. And he’s always on hand to do a lot of other stuff, not to mention be the club’s photographer and one of the organisers of our car rally.

Congratulations Jeff.

Another mover and shaker is Clive Blunt. Clive is the keeper of the BBQ trailer and I think most of the other big items belonging to the club. For future reference, don’t tell anyone you have a big garage. The trailer is in bigger demand these days and has to be moved around, registered, cleaned and resourced.

The logistics of MUNA has also been on Clive’s agenda, not to mention also being the club’s treasurer and a key organiser of our Boots fundraiser dinner.

Congratulations Clive.

In a club such as this, projects and events don’t happen unless someone leads them and in a volunteer organisation does most of the organising work. A hugely successful event for this club and one which has promise to grow bigger in the coming years is out mothers’ day flower stalls. The person responsible for introducing and driving that project is Robyn Parker. Robyn also perseveres in organising both the Peter Turnbull Community Service Awards and the Bob Ward Vocational Awards. I am grateful for your efforts this year.

Congratulations Robyn.

Please join me in thanking Jeff, Clive and Robyn.

Speaker - Dr Chris Trethewy

Wed, 29 Sep 2021 13:28:31 GMT

Our Covid Response is in good hands with Dr Chris Trethewy

This morning we were very pleased to welcome Dr Chris Trethewy back to our club. Chris has led the Central Coast Health District’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

His role has been two-fold.

Day to day he works as a frontline doctor in the emergency department seeing potential COVID patients on a daily basis.

Perhaps less obvious, but equally, if not more important, was the work he has done behind the scenes. Working with colleagues from throughout the hospital - particularly intensive care and the respiratory departments, but also with executives within the hospital - he has set up systems to facilitate patient care in case of a large outbreak which could potentially overwhelm the healthcare system. This included the adaptation and implementation of a computer program designed to help staff efficiently document patient care.

Chris spoke about the challenges of dealing with the Delta strain and how, due to the vaccination of health care workers, the Central Coast is thankfully seeing almost no transmission from patients to health care workers.

Our club discussed how incredible it is that we have a vaccine and the way the scientists and doctors from across the globe were able to collaborate to develop a solution so quickly. Chris explained how important it is to get everyone including children vaccinated. We are seeing a jump in COVID-19 cases in Singapore - one of the most vaccinated countries globally – which is forcing the government to reintroduce restrictions. COVID-19 is becoming a disease of the unvaccinated and so we need to urgently address access and ensure supply of the vaccine to our most vulnerable populations.

At the moment the Central Coast has a significant burden of disease in the hospitals, there is also home care and supported accommodation for people who do not have stable accommodation or require isolation from their household. The most dangerous place for transmission remains within individual households.

Mental health has deteriorated and anxiety problems have increased significantly in our community throughout this pandemic. People have suffered in so many ways.

We feel very grateful to all healthcare workers globally and give special thanks to local health care workers here on the coast.

We acknowledge the leadership role Chris has played in our community and the substantial time away from family and personal risk of working on the front line during a pandemic.

This morning is was our very great pleasure to award Dr Chris Trethewy with a Paul Harris Fellowship. Rotarians associate the naming of a Paul Harris Fellow as a tribute to a person who has demonstrated a shared purpose with the educational and humanitarian objectives of The Rotary Foundation.

The recognition is named after Rotary’s founder, the late Paul Harris, a Chicago lawyer, who started Rotary with three business associates in 1905.

A world of goodwill and better understanding comes closer to reality today because the Rotary Club of Gosford City has made a gift to The Rotary Foundation so that Dr Chris Trethewy can be named as a Paul Harris Fellow.

In being presented with a Paul Harris Fellow recognition, Chris joins a remarkable company of people throughout the world, all recognised for their commitment to ‘Service Above Self’ to benefit local and international communities.

We sincerely thank Chris and congratulate him for his commitment to Rotary’s common goals of world understanding and peace. New Paragraph

Speaker "Foam Muncher" Christian McLean from Wastepro

Wed, 22 Sep 2021 00:49:52 GMT

Minimising Waste to Landfill is an important component in any production process - Foam Muncher from Wastepro is providing a solution.

The federal parliament passed legislation banning the export of unprocessed waste overseas via new legislation designed create local demand to reuse these recovered materials in infrastructure, packaging and products. Christian explained how he feels that the government has put the cart before the horse. Australia does not currently have the infrastructure to process and recycle our own waste. Additionally labour costs are much higher in Australia and therefore we are dependent on international partners to undertake this work.

Exporting material recovered from waste isn’t “bad” per se, particularly when you consider Australia imports more manufactured goods than we make locally. Currently, our economy remains structured around exporting virgin (new) and recyclable materials, which are made into products offshore and then re-imported.

Effectively, the ban prohibits the export of specific raw (unprocessed) materials collected for recycling: plastic, paper, glass and tires. Any materials that have been re-processed and turned into other “value-added” materials (those ready for further use) can still be exported under the law. For example, a single type of plastic cleaned and shredded into “flakes”, or cleaned packaging glass crushed into “cullet”.

Christian explained that the government should stage this change. Without sufficient transition measures, it’s possible the ban could lead to more waste, stockpiling or illegal dumping in Australia. Existing waste companies will also run the risk of not surviving the transition.

Christian shared a new innovation – the Foam Muncher which is a mobile polystyrene recycling plant, world first! Foam Muncher is WastePro’s most recent innovation. In partnership with Allied (Pickfords), WastePro are launching this innovation in the Sydney and Central Coast regions in October. Two of the three directors of Foam Muncher are proud Coasties, the Foam Muncher innovation can proudly be acknowledged as being the result of a mixture of too much clean sea air, mixed with a little Six Strings ale! 

More about Wastepro and Christian McLean Here

Rotary Club of Twin Cities ( Centralia - Chehalis )

Wed, 15 Sep 2021 04:39:55 GMT

Where else can you meet like minded people from across the globe.

Tremendous to get together this morning with our international friends from Twin Cities (Centralia-Chehalis) in Washington State in the US. We thank and acknowledge the effort of everyone to get together across international boundaries, different time zones and communicating via screens!

Today we connected by zoom and heard about the broad range of projects undertaken by both clubs. Twin Cities work across their district providing substantial support to their local community. In addition, Twin Cities support a range of international projects in Mexico, India and Guatemala through partnerships with local district clubs and international clubs.

Both of our clubs have a focus on service, we are both progressive clubs who make a substantial contribution locally and internationally. We are very excited about the prospect of working together.

One of the wonderful parts of the meeting was to share fellowship listen to the stories of each of the members from across both clubs. Whilst everyone has a different background, we are combined by our determination to serve through the powerful vehicle that is Rotary.

Speaker Annai Charlton - Mental Health PHD

Sun, 12 Sep 2021 14:12:58 GMT

Mental Health - How do we reverse the negative effects of alcohol on our decision making ?

We were very lucky to hear from Annai Charlton this week. Annai is a PhD candidate in the Howard Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health at the University of Melbourne. Annai holds a Bachelor of Science with first class honours. In 2018 Annai was awarded an Ian Scott Mental Health PhD Scholarship from Australian Rotary Health.

It was great to be able to combine the learnings from Annai’s research and the opportunity to hear from a scholar who has been assisted by Australian Rotary Health. ARH is one of the largest funders of Mental Health Research in Australia and our club is a keen contributor.

As a passionate advocate for improving mental health and well-being, Annai’s research focuses on the behavioural and neurobiological effects of chronic alcohol use, and how these may be recovered with lifestyle interventions, that is, exercise! We learnt that exercise may be a way of regenerating brain cells and supporting people through recovery from alcohol abuse.

Annai took us through a day in the life of a PhD student and showed us some slides of her day to day work. It was very interesting to a largely non-science based audience. Annai believes strongly in the nexus between research and teaching, particularly in inspiring confidence in STEM disciplines. As such, Annai is a passionate teacher, engaged in student outreach programs, mentoring and tutoring. We felt very lucky to have such an enthusiastic teacher share some of her knowledge with us.

We also heard about the exhaustive hours required to undertake this type of research and how the stipend from ARH has made such a difference to Annai’s quality of life and her improved her capacity to undertake this work. ARH has also supported Annai to travel and contribute internationally.

A long discussion with club members ensued both about Annai’s research, her passion for science and the contribution ARH makes to our understanding of these complex and important issues.

Speaker - David Dean - Rotary Foundation District Chair

peter@gosford.kwikkopy.com.au (Peter Clarke) — Sun, 05 Sep 2021 13:44:24 GMT

Matching Grants are available for the Rotary Foundation

What incredible programs the Rotary Foundation has achieved over the years. David filled us in the types of projects other clubs in the districts have underway and how we can get involved.

Looking at existing projects, we can target a project that fits in with the our goals, add funds to the project to help them meet the projects funding objective.. Once the funding objective is achieved the funds are matched by the Rotary Foundation. A great way for our club to get involved in the larger projects going on within Rotary.

Speaker David Murphy - Paramedic

Wed, 25 Aug 2021 08:14:21 GMT

Being a Paramedic in Todays Frontline Healthcare is all in a days work for David Murphy

This morning we were incredibly lucky to have the remarkably busy David Murphy, former RYLA Director and current Central Coast Paramedic visit our club.

From a beginning in the IT industry working for companies such as Apple and Dell, David decided on a sea change and joined NSW Ambulance in 2007 as a Paramedic. Since that time, he has continued in his studies and has become qualified in Intensive Care and Extended Care as well as completing a bachelor's degree.

Speaker Adrienne Ferreira - Author & Educator

Wed, 18 Aug 2021 04:51:03 GMT

Stories of Place - Bravewords

This morning we were treated to an inspirational hour of reimagining our beautiful local area through the multiple eyes of fellow coasties as we learnt about the wonderful Stories of Place Project.

Adrienne Ferreira, an award winning author in her own right, told us about a project she created to support local people to tell their own story of a favourite or special place on the Central Coast. Adrienne described the deep conversations and connections she made with project participants and how Stories of Place empowered them to record their own, personal memoir or narrative.

This project has reduced the tremendous burden of isolation that some people have experienced through lockdown. It has created connections, conversations and imbued a passion for writing and story telling in younger people whom project participants collaborated with to illustrate their stories. We heard about the connection formed when 91-year-old Marjorie teamed up with 12-year-old Amelie, to encourage each others creativity, share ideas and form lasting, meaningful relationships.

Adrienne is a powerful personal mentor and teacher to many aspiring and established writers. Adrienne can provide one-on-one support through her coaching and editing service or through writing courses undertaken online and/or in person when possible.

For more information contact Adrienne through her website at https://www.bravewords.com.au/

Speaker Andrew Wilson - Barrister

Wed, 11 Aug 2021 03:27:32 GMT

Barrister Andrew Wilson Our Guest Speaker

We thank Barrister Andrew Wilson for his time and expert knowledge this morning. Andrew presented us a case study about a trial relating to mandatory sentencing and how that particular case tore a small, rural community apart. It was very interesting to have complex legal argument explained in plain English and to gain an understanding of the broader implications.

And rew generously stayed with us, well over time to answer multiple questions and we had a fulsome discussion about the Law, about what motivates people, industrial relations and the some of the consequences for families, individuals and community.

The conversation also covered questions about employers potentially mandating vaccines against COVID-19. Club member Pauline Wright did an interview on Radio National yesterday relating to this issue and Pauline’s interview can be found here https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/lawreport/balancing-rights-during-covid-pandemic/13442930

We appreciate your time Andrew, and look forward to future discussions and debates.

Angelo Raveane - Talk on Timor Leste & RYLA

Thu, 05 Aug 2021 07:37:08 GMT

RYLA is building a foundation of Leaders in Timor Leste

Take outs from This Weeks Meeting

Angelo Spoke to us today about the extraordinary partnership between the Rotary Club of Crows Nest and the people of Timor-Leste over more than a decade to establish RYLA, RYPEN and most recently a home-grown Timorese Rotary Club, the Rotary Club of Lafaek Dili.

Forming a new Rotary Club provides a pathway from Rotaract to Rotary when Timorese members reach the age of 30. Every year in Timor hundreds of young people apply to attend RYLA. Within this highly competitive environment 85 students ultimately gain a place in this intensive youth leadership program.

Attending RYLA is viewed as a tremendous opportunity to build networks and unlock potential for young Timorese to become community leaders, establish connections for training, business and

employment.

Timor is one of the worlds poorest countries and due to war and subsequent poverty, many young people have grown up with significant trauma and the loss of one or both parents. Angelo explained the history, provided context and gave us an intimate view of the lived experience of so many young Timorese.

Angelo shared with us the determined resilience of these young people and their consistent efforts to change their futures and lift their country out of poverty. RYLA has become a springboard for many young Timorese people to reach out for new horizons.

Take a look at the video and slide show showcasing the wonderful work of RYLA in Timor Leste.

About Angelo Raveane

Angelo is a Retired Pharmacist and has been a Rotarian for 38 years with the Rotary Club of Crows Nest.

Angelo’s service in Rotary includes Past President, District Conference Chair Twice, 2003 and 2016, Host of Organising Committee Sydney World Convention 2014 and Chairman of House of Friendship.

Angelo currently holds positions on Boards of Human Research Ethics Committee of Northern Sydney Local Health District and is Chairman, Institutional Biosafety Committee NSLHD Kolling Research.

District Govenor Lindsay May

peter@gosford.kwikkopy.com.au (Peter Clarke) — Wed, 28 Jul 2021 14:27:42 GMT

District Govenor Lindsay May talks 2021-2022 & International Project Launch

We had another excellent zoom meeting this morning with lots of laughter and fellowship. It was great to welcome District Governor Lindsay May and Assistant Governor Christine Owen to our club and to hear about the plans for our District for this year. Additionally we welcomed international guests Ms Laarni Apat and Head Teacher Joel Rojas from the Lucianbo B. Rama, Sr. Memorial National High School in the Philippines.

DG May has launched a “2022 for 2022” membership drive where he would like to see the District’s membership increase to 2022 over the coming year. The Rotary Club of Gosford City thoroughly endorses this idea and is doing everything we can to grow our membership and welcome new Rotarians to contribute to our mission of “Serve to Change Lives”.

Ms Apat and Principal Rojas have agreed to partner with our club to deliver additional support to ten students to participate in the school’s special science program. This program identifies the best graduates from the elementary schools in the Municipality of Poro and offers these students the opportunity to participate in this program of excellence. Our club will provide funds to ensure these students have the supplies they need to participate including internet connections, stationery and uniforms.

Our club is excited and honoured to participate in this program and we invite you to join us and support these wonderful students.

Our Philippines Project Partners & School

Breakfast Meeting with Paralympian Liesl Tesch

peter@gosford.kwikkopy.com.au (Peter Clarke) — Wed, 21 Jul 2021 14:01:27 GMT

Zoom Breakfast meeting 21 Jul 21

We had a wonderful zoom meeting this morning with our fantastic local member of Parliament Liesl Tesch MP. Liesl is the Member for Gosford and is currently in her second term in the New South Wales Parliament. Liesl is also the President of the Parliamentary Lions Club and the Parliamentary Friends of Paralympics and Olympics.

Before entering politics, Liesl was a Paralympic champion and competed at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, 2004 Athens Olympics, 2008 Beijing Olympics, 2012 London Olympics and 2016 Rio Olympics winning two gold medals for Australia in sailing, two silver medals and a bronze medal for basketball.

This morning Liesl shared her personal stories from competition, training and logistics and the tremendous challenges, rewards and honour of being an Australian Paralympic athlete. Liesl also talked about the particular challenge that the Tokyo Olympics presents for all athletes and support crew accompanying the team. We were encouraged to reach out to our athletes and support them online. We will do this both as a club and as individuals!

Support the Australian Team on facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/AUSOlympicTeam/

Access the TeamAus Filter for Facebook here: https://teamaus.olympics.com.au/

Rotary Club of Gosford City Annual Report 2021

peter@gosford.kwikkopy.com.au (Peter Clarke) — Sat, 10 Jul 2021 12:14:19 GMT

Rotary Club of Gosford City Annual Report 2021

View our Annual Report for 2021. We achieved a lot considering COVID restricted us. We found a way.

Report prepared by pp David Bacon PHF.

Rotary Vocational Awards 2021

peter@gosford.kwikkopy.com.au (Peter Clarke) — Fri, 18 Jun 2021 02:21:33 GMT

The Bob Ward vocational awards recognises the significant contribution members of our community put in each and everyday for their employers.

This year we celebrated a member of staff from our club sponsors who has contributed to their respective organisation in line with Rotary's moto

'service above self'.

Each of our club sponsors (Loyal I.T. Solutions, Kwik Kopy Gosford, Bendigo Bank East Gosford, Central Coast Lexus, All Point Security and Bambi Enterprises) nominated an employee who has made a significant contribution in their businesses.

President David Bacon presented the awards to each employee at our weekly meeting.
A great celebration and recognition of the value employees provide to businesses here on the Central Coast.

- Peter Clarke | Rotary Member

100 Years of Rotary in Australia

peter@gosford.kwikkopy.com.au (Peter Clarke) — Wed, 02 Jun 2021 01:25:15 GMT

The Centenary of Rotary in Australia was celebrated on the Central Coast today with the unveiling of a plaque at the Mount Penang Gardens in Kariong.

The location of the plaque was important because in 2005 the combined clubs of the Central Coast contributed $70,000 to the construction of the Puddle Garden in the gardens, to mark the occasion of the foundation of Rotary International in 1905. A plaque was installed on that occasion and a time capsule was buried to be opened in 2055.

A new plaque was unveiled today by the Governor of Rotary District 9685, David Clark, and attended by the Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch and the Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch, plus other dignitaries and Rotarians.

The first Rotary Club in Australia was formed in Melbourne in 1921 and was soon followed by a club in Sydney. Over the course of a century, Rotary’s footprint in Australia has expanded to over 1,100 clubs nationally with more than 25,000 members. The Australian clubs are part of a broader movement of 1.2 million Rotarians in nearly 33,000 clubs around the world.

The first Rotary club on the Central Coast was formed in Gosford in 1945 and over the next five years clubs were formed in Wyong and Woy Woy.

There are now 15 clubs on the Central Coast stretching from Toukley in the North to Umina Beach in the South.

Local clubs are part of Rotary District 9685 which extends from the Harbour Bridge to Lake Macquarie and West to the Blue Mountains.

Over the past 75 years local clubs have raised millions of dollar in support of local and overseas projects. This includes the building of a hospital on the Kakoda Track in Papua New Guinea, seed funding which led to the establishment of the practice of speech therapy in hospitals in Vietnam, and the delivery of 15 containers of wheelchairs, that is a total of 3,500, to developing nations. Locally, clubs have been responsible for the establishment of the first ever bowel cancer screening program in Australia, the save our kids from suicide program, and the establishment of the Youth in Performing Arts (YIPA) concert series for young people.

The 15 Rotary Clubs of the Central Coast have been very active internationally and locally, raising funds and assisting those in need in the best Rotary tradition of service above self.

- David Bacon | President 2020-21