Australian travel writer Dan Slater has published an article in the Australian Geographic online that can only be described as a extremely complimentary description of his positive experiences in last years Gears and Beers and encouraging cyclists to come to Wagga and participate in this years October 5th and 6th event. He not only recognises the adventure of the ride, but the fun of the festival, the quality of the local craft beer and the great benefit to the community through the efforts of Wollundry Rotary and all their supporting community organizations. He has titled it Best of both worlds: Riding Wagga’s Gears + Beers cycling festival. The story subtitle goes: "The 2024 Beers and Gears is on October 6 and is a must-ride. Just ask Dan Slater, who recounts last year’s running of this unique event that combines bicycles and craft breweries in the best possible way". Click here to read the article. |
Wagga's sister city Leavenworth (Texas) played host to our Ambassadors for six days. They experienced many highlights including a Mayoral Reception, Wagga Week, a visit to Fort Leavenworth, Wagga Drive, an American High School, a Lions Club and learnt the history of Leavenworth. The year has passed quickly for these talented young women and they both believe it has equipped them well for their future. They thanked the club for the opportunity to speak and were rewarded by the full attention and applause of our members. President David thanked them on our behalf and presented each with a bottle of Wollundry Olive Oil, a fitting home grown product for two special locals. |
A few weeks ago at the beginning of our meeting President Davids partner Karen Walsh briefly made an announcement that her daughter Emily Walsh, won an Emmy Award. At that time we didn't have the photos and the details, but now we do and here it is courtsey of Region Riverina, 10 September 2024 | Jarryd Rowley |
Inspired by the design of Captain Jack Sparrow, Emily Walsh began her career in makeup after completing a TAFE course during her final years at school. Little did she know that 18 years after completing her studies, she would win an Emmy for Outstanding Period Makeup (non-prosthetic) on the hit FX TV show Shogun. Shogun this week broke the record for most Creative Arts Emmys won for a single season, scooping a total of 14 awards across makeup, production and costuming. Filmed during the pandemic, Shogun is one of the most expensive shows ever filmed, costing a reported $250 million in its first season. It quickly became one of FX’s (a network owned by Disney) most streamed shows ever, pulling in more than two billion streamed minutes across its first 10 episodes. It also has become one of the most critically acclaimed forms of media ever. So how did one of the biggest shows in history land a makeup artist from Cootamundra? Back in 2007, Emily was in her graduating year at Cootamundra High School. According to her mother Karen, Emily was allowed to pick up a skill-based course through TAFE and landed on makeup. After completing her schooling and taking a gap year, Emily was offered a course in Sydney with Napoleon Perdis Cosmetics. It was there that she learnt about prosthetic makeup and began her journey into film and TV. “When she was younger, she was always in the theatre. She was always on stage. She would do the makeup in the dance classes, and she did all that kind of stuff,” Karen said. “After working a couple of years in London, she came back to Australia but she didn’t know what she wanted to do. “I asked her, ‘What do you want to do?’ and she said, ‘I really want to get back into doing prosthetic makeup and the best place to do that is in Vancouver Film School in British Columbia, Canada.” Being a Canadian citizen through ancestry (Karen was born in Canada), Emily completed her course at Vancouver Film School in 2016 and from there moved on to a handful of shows, including Canadian drama Family Law and CW’s Big Sky. Emily then received a recommendation from one of her peers to work on a Disney-funded historical epic. Learning that it would be a high-budget adaptation of the popular Japanese story Shogun, Emily was justifiably reluctant. “When she was first asked, she was like, ‘I don’t know whether I can do that’,” Karen said. “I think that was when the nerves set in. The show is so big, and she was really unsure about whether she was going to do it.” Struggling with harsh weather, pandemic restrictions and long hours, the difficulties of working on a show such as Shogun also became some of its perks. “They [FX and Disney] brought people from Japan to show them how to tie all the costuming properly, how it would be in the old, traditional way,” Karen said. “It became very, very authentic in that sense. “She also worked exclusively with the lead actor Cosmo Jarvis [John Blackthorne in the series] because he was immune-compromised during the production. She learnt a lot of new skills and has taken a lot of confidence away from working with him.” |
After 10 months of filming and nearly 18 months of post-production, the show finally premiered on Disney+ in Australia on 27 February, 2024. After several months of hype and countless minutes streamed, Shogun was nominated for a record 25 Emmys. During the Creative Arts Emmys on 8 September, Emily won the prestigious award for the series’ eighth episode, titled The Abyss of Life. “Working on Shogun has been the highlight of her career so far,” Karen said. “On Sunday night, her time, winning that Emmy showed off just how many years of hard work she put in, and to see her get that recognition is a dream come true.” Shogun has officially been renewed for a second season, so here’s hoping Emily and her team will return. |
Here is a Facebook note to Wollundry: Many thanks to the Wollundry Rotary Club for their extremely generous donation to Carevan. Donations from community groups keep the wheels of Carevan turning. We greatly appreciate your support. |
"ONE OF THE BEST EVER CHANGEOVERS!" | |
Soon to be Past President Darren Wallace and MC for the evening Sally Bryant from ABC Riverina. | |
Last Night's 46th Changeover Dinner for Wollundry Rotary was an outstanding success. The Grange Community Centre proved a masterstroke for the organising Committee. A spacious inviting Dining Area with Bar and Kitchen facilities, provided the perfect setting for a night of good food, fine wine and conviviality for the 87 Rotarians and Guests. | |
President Darren opened the meeting with an Acknowledgement of Elders of our Wiradjuri Nation. He welcomed our special guests including The Hon. Joe McGirr MLA Member for Wagga and Deputy Mayor Amelia Parkins as well as Representatives from Pro Patria. He then called on PP James Hamilton for the traditional Invocation, which included prayers of thanksgiving and for guidance. PP Phil Burgess attended to Housekeeping matters and read a list of apologies from Fred and Rae Lonergan, Mayor Dallas Tout, Kirsty Cole, Rotary Clubs of Junee and Tumbarumba and Inner Wheel. MC for the evening Sally Bryant, took her place at the microphone to introduce herself and take control of proceedings. Sally spoke of her awe for the work done by Rotary and Wollundry Rotary Club in particular. Since her arrival Wagga in 2019 she had come to realise how important Wollundry's contribution affects the wellbeing of many in our community. Sally said it was a real treat and an honour to be asked to MC the evening. She spoke of change in her own organisation the ABC and the need for organisations everywhere to adapt to the new technologies, social constructs and expectations. How do you plan for the Future? she posed. We are faced with a new generation and we need to be prepared to change. Sally then introduced PP Doug Sutton and PDG John Egan to propose a Toast to Rotary International and a Response respectively. | |
Following his Response to the Toast to Rotary International PDG John Egan surprised and delighted the room by presenting Pres Darren Wallace with a Paul Harris Fellowship. The surprise was that there was no forewarning, but given the amount of work Darren has done for RYPEN over many years it was no surprise that he was afforded this honour. Members and Guests applauded Darren who was presented with a Paul Harris Badge and Testimonial. | |
David Golland proudly displays his Rotarian of the Year Award which was presented to him by Dr Joe McGirr MLA. David is a relatively new member in our club but has taken up a number of duties and as a Director, has been particularly industrious. Congratulations David and well deserved. |
100 %ers: James Hamilton, David Pyke, Neil Pinto, David Byfield (46 yrs) Wal Paton and David Benn, |
The monet of Transition. Darren places the Chain Of Office on New President David. The "Chain" contains the names of all 46 Presidents of our Club. |
New President David Post thanked PP Darren for the great work he and The Board did in the past year. He also thanked all members for their support in acknowledging him as the latest President of such a wonderful club. David said his main focus would be in the areas of Mental Health, Domestic Violence, Peace, Local Community, Partnerships and International Programmes like Polio Plus. |
New Board for 24/25 from left to right: President David Post, Phil McIntosh, John Egan, David Golland, Geoff Breust, Peter Whilesmith, Darren Wallace, Doug Sutton and Phil Burgess. |
Immediate Past President Phil Burgess called Geoff Breust to the podium to introduced the guest speaker, Isabel Baker. Isabel started her speech with a bit of her background: nurse, midwife and in the ‘80’s started working with dementia patients. She said that there are one hundred different diseases that affect the mental wellbeing of patients. She used the term “therapeutic fibbing” to help stabilize the behavior of an agitated patient. She talked about various examples: why a female may get agitated at 3 pm ... she is used to picking up school kids, making dinner, etc. A gentleman wanted to get up at 4 am and he was a dairy farmer and it was time to milk the cows. So, the staff found the name of a person who helped with the milking and through “therapeutic fibbing” would tell the gentleman that so and so was taking care of it. Isabel gave the example of a gentleman who fought having his shirt removed and found out that he was a former rodeo rider and had many injuries to his shoulders and clavicle. She recommended that everyone in the audience write down their likes and dislikes in their care plan to help in their care in the later stages of their life. Isabel has written a book titled The A to Z of Dementia Care and it will be for sale in book stores at the end of the year. After comments and questions from the audience, PP Phil presented Isabel with a bottle of Olive oil. |
Our guest speaker on Tuesday the 23 of April, 2024 was Lisa Simpson from Ronald McDonald House. She gave the members a PowerPoint presentation of the details, services, costs and objectives of the organization. Ronald McDonald House Charities Support extends well beyond the original home near the hospital. The programs include Ronald McDonald Houses, Hospital Family Rooms (Wagga Base has one), relaxing Ronald McDonald Family Retreats and one-on-one tutoring through the Ronald McDonald Learning Program. |
Ronald McDonald Houses are a warm and supportive home where families can stay together keeping families close to their child with a serious illness since 1981. Ronald McDonald Houses are located within footsteps of major women’s and children’s hospitals across Australia. Our Houses provide a homely and inviting place to stay for parents, guardians, carers and their siblings while their child is undergoing treatment in a nearby hospital. Part of what makes our Houses unique is that families are able to benefit from the compassionate support of our volunteers and staff, and the companionship of other families who are navigating a similar journey. |
Ronald McDonald Family Rooms are located inside major hospitals (Wagga Base Hospital has one) and are exclusively for the families of children undergoing treatment in a nearby ward. Run by friendly volunteers, the Family Rooms are welcoming spaces where families can take time out from the clinical environment of the wards, have a tea or coffee, freshen up with a shower or find a quiet space for a much-needed nap. The Family Rooms also have dedicated play areas so the siblings of seriously ill children can have a bit of fun. Ronald McDonald Family Retreats. With six Retreats in picturesque seaside locations across Australia, Ronald McDonald Family Retreats provide a peaceful getaway from the everyday, where families can simply be together in a tranquil setting. Families can enjoy up to a week of free accommodation, offering a welcome escape for those who might otherwise be unable to afford any time out due the pressures of caring for a seriously ill child. Ronald McDonald Learning Program is a tailored program to help seriously ill children catch-up on missed education. After a brief question and answer period, President Darren thanked Lisa for her well prepared and presented talk and presenter her with a small gift from the club. |
The donation, a result of fundraising efforts by Wollundry Rotary through the Gears and Beers Festival, will significantly value-add to the Garden precinct, enhancing facilities on site just in time for this year's festival, while also providing long-term benefits for families and guests visiting this beautiful part of the city centre.
Manager City Growth & Regional Assets Ben Creighton noted he was pleased with the donation.
"Once completed, families visiting the Gardens can expect a more enjoyable play experience, with increased shade for playground users and carers,” Mr Creighton said.
A key feature of the proposed signage will be its acknowledgment of not only the donation and the Gears and Beers festival, but also the fruitful, engaging long-term partnership between the Council and Wollundry Rotary in bringing projects such as this, to life.
In turn, Council will contribute project management and ongoing maintenance services for the upgraded playground area, to ensure the infrastructure meets safety standards and is of high quality.
Director Regional Activation John Sidgwick echoed Mr Creighton’s sentiments, going on to state that “this initiative underscores the positive impact that collaboration between community organisations and local government can have on enhancing public spaces for the benefit of all.”
Past President of Wollundry Rotary Club and Chair of the Gears and Beers Festival Phillip McIntosh, noted that the Club was excited to once again partner with Council in giving back to the community via a project that will serve such an important purpose. “Core to our Rotary values has always been investing in projects that both serve the public good and promote the many wonderful things Wagga Wagga and the Riverina have to offer locals and visitors to the area,” Mr McIntosh said. “To that end, Wollundry Rotary has enjoyed a wonderful collaborative partnership with Council over the years, particularly over the last decade in bringing the Gears and Beers festival to life, and we look forward to more of the same in years to come.”
Wollundry Rotary’s selection of this location also aligns with Council's long-term strategic goal to increase shade in playgrounds across the city.
The installation is scheduled for completion by the end of June 2024.
David Post and Karen Walsh paid a visit to the Canmore Rotary club in Canmore Alberta Canada. The club is the home club of the late Dr Brent Pickard who for many years made Wagga his home and was an adopted member of Wollundry. David and Karen were especially pleased with the welcome they received from the 75 members that were present for their Christmas meeting. David told the members about the Canmore Festival of Trees in the halls of the beautiful Malcolm Hotel. Local businesses or individuals purchase a tree for from 300 to 3000 dollars and decorate it according to their business theme. The project brings in $100,000 a year for the club. In the above photo they are on the deck of the Canmore Golf and Curling club, holding Rotary club exchange banners. |
Our speakers at Tuesdays meeting were from STARTTS (NSW Services for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trama Survivors). Specifically they were Ali Reid and Yazidi refugee Rasheed Shanibaqi. Ali was the first speaker giving an overview her past work with refugees in the Riverina and the work of her organization. STARTTS NSW Service for the treatment and rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors ... it is a part of the Rural and Regional services. STARTTS provides assistance to refugees and other people from refugee like backgrounds living in NSW who have experienced torture and other traumatic events prior to arrival in Australia. STARTTS mission is to facilitate the healing process of survivors or torture and refugee trauma and to assist and resource individuals in other agencies who work with them. STARTTS services provide a holistic range which have evolved in response to client needs and incorporate the latest development in the treatment of trauma. |
Rasheed arrived in Wagga from Iraq in 2017, however his involvement with STARTTS officially began just a few days ago. He spoke of personal experiences and experiences of other refugees. Some of their services: culturally appropriate counselling and therapy, group work. Activities for young people including camps and trips. Referral and Case Management. Community liaison and consultation. STARTTS is responsive to changing client's needs and uses a multi-disciplinary approach. David Benn and David Pyke both related stories to the club in their involvement with refugees on a personal basis. President Darren thanked them for giving the members a well prepared overview of the STARTTS organization and presented them with gifts of local olive oil. |
David Post Welcome to Wollundry Rotary Postal Address: PO Box 229 Wagga Wagga 2650 Email address: secretary@wollundryrotary.org.au Wollundry Rotary is home to the Saturday Markets (held from 9 to 1pm in the Civic Gardens next to the Civic Theatre), |
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