Melanaite - Miracle baby from Tonga

Baby Melenaite from the Pacific Ocean island of Tonga, was born with a large teratoma, a 2.5kg mass of tissue and blood vessels, on her lower back. 
 
Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children (ROMAC) arranged for her, with mum Michelle, to fly to Canberra, where the 2.5kg tumour was removed at The Canberra Hospital.  Unfortunately, some remnants remained and she was transferred to the Sydney Children's Hospital at Randwick for more specialised treatment. Unfortunately, the tumour resulted in other complications, impacting her kidneys, bladder and hip joints.
 
In March 2023 Melenaite underwent 5 hours of surgery at The Sydney Children's Hospital in Randwick.  Firstly, an operation by Urologist Dr Sarah Guitronich addressed the kidney issue.  Then followed a 4-hour operation by Neurologist Dr Saeed Kohan to excise the remaining teratoma. Following these procedures, Melenaite was fitted with a hip brace and returned to Tonga with her Mum Michelle in April 2023.
 
In mid-February 2024, Melenaite and Michelle returned for reviews of her various issues at both Canberra and Sydney Children's Hospitals.  This included an MRI under general anaesthetic.  It was great to see the child that was here twelve months ago as a babe in arms, returning as a very lively near 2-year-old!
 
Following the all-clear they returned home to Tonga on 8 March 2024, farewelled at Sydney Airport by Botany Randwick and ROMAC Board Member, Richard.  It is planned that they return in a few month's time for a further review.
 
Whilst in Sydney, they stayed at Ronald McDonald House close by the Hospital. Our Club is a major supporter of the House, and it is fantastic to see the reciprocation of this support in their assistance to ROMAC children.
 
For more information on ROMAC visit http://www,romac.org.au 
Melanaite - Miracle baby from Tonga Richard Woodburn 2024-03-08 13:00:00Z 0

Indigenous Health Scholarships

These yearly scholarships are awarded through Australian Rotary Health to Indigenous tertiary students as a way to support the barriers of tertiary study and qualification in Australian Indigenous populations. They are jointly funded by a Rotary Club or District and the State or Federal Government. Each scholarship is worth $5,000 per year.

The Rotary Club of Botany Randwick has been funding one of these scholarships each year, for the at least the last 15 years.

Our Scholar this year is Jesse, who is studying Vision Science at Flinders University.  Jesse wrote recently to update us on his progress:

"I wanted to express my sincere gratitude to you and the Botany Randwick Rotary club for the invaluable support extended to me throughout 2023. The club’s generosity through the Rotary Indigenous Health Scholarship played a pivotal role in allowing me to engage my studies at university.

Indigenous Health Scholarships Richard Woodburn 2024-02-16 13:00:00Z 0

National Youth Science Forum NYSF

The National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) is a10 day program designed to give senior High School students a broad understanding of the diverse study and career options available to them in STEM.
 
The Rotary Club of Botany Randwick is pleased to sponsor Michaella to attend this year's forum at the University of Queensland from 12 – 20 January 2024.  There will be about 200 – 300 young people in the Year 11 or 12 of high schools who will graduate next year.  Michaella attends Cerdon Catholic Girls School in Merrylands.
 
National Youth Science Forum NYSF Moira Gibson 2024-01-07 13:00:00Z 0

Maroubra Mental Health Unit

On Friday 8 December, a very successful event was held to thank those involved in the refurbishment of the Maroubra Mental Health Unit.  Cheryl Wittingslow, Peer Support Worker and refurbishment coordinator, invited SESLHD Mental Health representatives, key sponsors and funding groups to be a part of the celebrations.
 
President of Botany Randwick Rotary Club, Christine Baramilis, Secretary Greg Lill, past member of Rotary Randwick, Alex Weiss, and Kim Millar, past relationship manager, Prince of Wales Hospital Foundation, plus representatives from the POW Hospital Mental Health facilities attended the unveiling of two plaques at the Maroubra Centre, Eastern Suburbs Mental Health.
 
The plaque in the reception is dedicated to Rotary and The Prince of Wales Foundation.  Cheryl Wittingslow, spoke about Randwick Rotary’s important donation in 2020 which helped the Centre begin its upgrade.  Rotary’s commitment assisted the Health Department to improve the original poor conditions of the building and the centre.  Since then our club has assisted with the purchase of gym equipment.
    Maroubra Mental Health Unit Richard Woodburn 2023-12-14 13:00:00Z 0 #Botany,#Botany Randwick,#Maroubra,#Randwick,#rotary

    Outgoing Sydney Airport Chief recognised

    On Wednesday 29 November 2023 Geoff Culbert was recognised by the award of a Paul Harris Fellow for his support of the Airport Coin Collection run by the Rotary Clubs of Botany Randwick and Marrickville. 
     
    Christine Baramilis, President of Botany Randwick, and Eddie Lakiss, from Marickville, made the presentation with the assistance of Past District Governor Garry Browne AM and the Chair of Sydney Airport Corporation, David Gonski AC.
     
    Geoff, as Chief Executive Officer of Sydney Airport Corporation, has presided over many changes and innovative approaches to the way Airports are managed and how they participate in our changing world.  Geoff’s leadership in the Airline and Tourist industry has seen him involved as a member in the ACI World Governing Board and the Second Vice President of the Asia- Pacific Regional Board of Airports Council International (ACI), the global industry association representing airports around the world. He is also the Chair of the Tourism, Transport, Freight and Logistics Group at the BCA and Chair of the NSW Fundraising Committee for the Australian Olympic Committee.
    Outgoing Sydney Airport Chief recognised Richard Woodburn 2023-11-30 13:00:00Z 0

    New Airport Bins

    In conjunction with the Rotary Club of Marrickville, our Rotary Club is currently refurbishing the Rotary coin collection bins at Sydney Airport. 
     
    The latest of these refurbished bins, with improved security measures and display legends, was put in place last week.
     
    The two Clubs undertake monthly collections with members committing to regular sorting and counting of coins and notes deposited into the bins, located in both the Domestic and International Terminals. 
     
    We are very grateful to Sydney Airport Corporation for providing access to both "airside" and "landside" areas of the airport.
     
    By arrangement with Sydney Airport Corporation the funds collected are largely directed towards charitable projects and services in the vicinity of the airport.
     
    Recent counting resulted in some 130 currencies being found in the bins.  Whilst some currencies are readily negotiable for Australian currency, others are virtually worthless outside their own country.  The two Clubs are currently exploring ways of engaging with Rotary Clubs in those countries to utilise these funds.  Donations have also been made to needy causes in other countries, taking advantage of local contacts travelling to those countries.
    New Airport Bins Richard Woodburn 2023-11-11 13:00:00Z 0

    2024 District Conference

    Bookings are now open for the District Conference 8 - 10 March 2024.  

    The Conference is being held at the Novotel Hotel, Cliff Road, North Wollongong, a wonderful location overlooking North Beach. Watch the Conference Page for progressive updates on the program for the weekend.

    There will be speakers covering topical subjects and important Rotary projects.  So come and join us for a weekend of learning and fun.  Catch up with friends and make new ones - meet fellow Rotarians who care about creating a better world.  It's a great opportunity for members new and old to get together and hear more about Rotary and what we do in our district and across the world.
     
    District Governor Tonia Barnes has secured five accommodation options to assist Rotarians wishing to attend her Rotary District 9675 Conference from Friday 8 March to Sunday 11 March 2024. But they will not last long and you must book soon if you want to secure one of these hotels.
     
    The hotels are the Novotel Northbeach, where the Conference will be held, the Sage Hotel, the Adina Apartment Hotel, Wollongong, Hotel Totto which opened last year, and the Mantra Wollongong.
     
    Important to note is the Rotary Room Block unsold rooms release date – this is the date the hotels will take back their rooms, and they will no longer be available to book under this agreement. – see details on Conference Page
    2024 District Conference Richard Woodburn 2023-10-07 13:00:00Z 0 #9675,#Botany Randwick,#rotary

    Project Support

    The Rotary Club of Botany Randwick actively supports a wide range of very worthwhile projects locally and internationally. 
     
    February 2024
    • Sponsorship of a family room at Ronald McDonald House at the Sydney Children's Hospital, allowing families from rural NSW to stay close to their children whilst undergoing treatment.
    • Donation to the Philippine's SHEP project.
    January 2024
    • Sponsorship of Michaela to attend the National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) at the University of Qld.
    • Sponsorship of Oliver to the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, a weeklong personal development program.
    • Renewal of our Indigenous Health Scholarship
    December 2023
    • Donation to Lou's Place, supporting victims of domestic violence
    November 2023
    • Donation for South Eastern Community Connect to go towards Christmas Hampers for the needy members of our community
    • Sponsorship of seven families to the Lions Club World Festival of Magic
    September 2023
    • Donations to The Rotary Foundation, including the Polio Program, Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children (ROMAC) and Australian Rotary Health
    August 2023
    • Sponsorship of three students from Randwick Boys High to a RYPEN personal development weekend
    • Member Brigit represented the Club as a Marshall for the annual City to Surf race, earning valuable income for the Club
    July 2023
    • Support to Little Heroes Swimming Academy with a hole sponsorship for their Golf Day
    • Commitment to assist Project Kindness in their purchase of a vehicle
    Project Support Richard Woodburn 2023-08-18 14:00:00Z 0 #Botany,#Randwick,#rotary

    RYPEN August 2023

    RYPEN, The Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment, is for young people aged 14 to 16 years, and caters for teenagers who have shown qualities and application in everyday life which deserve further development.

    RYPEN uses the common bonds of learning, co-operation, and friendship to design activities which facilitate trust and self-esteem. RYPEN seeks to broaden each participant’s horizons culturally, socially, and academically, providing the inner foundations for a strong future.
     
    The Rotary Club of Botany Randwick was pleased to sponsor Oliver, Luke and Omar to a recent RYPEN weekend run by the District 9675 RYPEN Committee.
     
    Our members Paul and Greg drove Oliver and Luke to the Telford Camp in the Royal National Park, just south of Sydney.  They were the first to arrive, so everything was being established for the weekend, which was great as the boys had first 'dibs' on their choice of room. Haydn, on his 2nd secondment as a RYPEN Peer Support representing University of Wollongong Rotaract Club showed the boys around the facilities. All the leaders had participated in RYLA earlier in the year.  Our third Randwick Boys HS participant, Omar, was driven to the camp by his father. 
     
    The boys were excellent candidates - they joined in all the varied activities with enthusiasm and made great connections with other the other participants from all over Southern and South Western Sydney and the Illawarra. Omar had a leading role in the “photo scavenger hunt” as one of the challenges was to obtain a photo with him.  
     
    All parents joined the camp for the Sunday BBQ lunch and awards presentation, which concluded the camp activities.
    RYPEN August 2023 Richard Woodburn 2023-08-18 14:00:00Z 0

    Sgt Robert Ricketts RAAF

    We have been contacted by the Rotary Club of Grangemouth in Scotland to advise our Club of their remembrance of Sgt Robert Ricketts, originally from Mascot, but who was killed when his Spitfire crashed during World War 2.
     
    Dr Tom McMorrow writes:
    I write on behalf of the President of Grangemouth Rotary Club, of Central Scotland. The purpose of writing is to bring to your attention an event of some significance in the eyes of Grangemouth people: in WW2, many Australians, as you know, made their way to Britain to help save this country when it was under Nazi attack.

    One of those Australians was Sgt Robert Joseph Prior Ricketts of Mascot, NSW. Sergeant Ricketts trained as a Spitfire pilot, of 58 Operational Training Unit, here at RAF Grangemouth, in the middle of WW2.  He was about to be sent to a frontline Squadron but his Spitfire got into difficulties over the aerodrome and he was fatally injured in the resultant crash. Sgt Ricketts was just 19. His death occurred on 10th June 1943.

    He was the son of Frederick Ernest Ricketts and Mrs Florence Ricketts. He had a brother but we do not know identifying details of his sibling.

    I am writing to let you know that yesterday, on the 80th anniversary of the boy’s death, Grangemouth Rotary Club and the Air Cadets (aged 12-18) of 1333 (Grangemouth Spitfire) Squadron, planted young flowers on his War Grave. On Armistice Sunday, the Air Cadets will attend his graveside again and place a cross there (as they do for the 71 Spitfire pilots of Australia and other nations) every year.

    This year was a special one for Sgt Ricketts whose Commonwealth War Grave is well tended by the CWG Commission, by we local people, and by the young Air Cadets.

    We do not know whether young Sgt Ricketts has surviving kin in Mascot but we do want you to know that his final resting-place is cared for here, 80 years on.

    With kindest regards, and with the best wishes of our Club President, Alison Meikle,


    We have not been able to identify any of Sgt Ricketts Next of Kin but brought this to the attention of the RSL and RAAF.  If any member has further knowledge of the Ricketts family, please let Christine or Richard know.
    Sgt Robert Ricketts RAAF Richard Woodburn 2023-07-21 14:00:00Z 0

    Maroubra Centre

    The Rotary Club of Botany Randwick is very pleased to have the opportunity to support the Maroubra Centre, a Community Mental Health facility and part of the South East Sydney Local Health Service.  The Centre has a client base, that extends throughout the Eastern Suburbs, of over 800 people and has a dedicated team of professional and caring staff to support their needs.
     
    Community Mental Health Services are distinct from inpatient mental health services and play a vital role in supporting people between 18 to 65 years old with a severe mental illness and psychiatric disability throughout the recovery process.  
     
    Community Mental Health Services support people with psychiatric disability to manage their self-care, improve social and relationship skills and achieve broader quality of life via physical health, social connectedness, housing, education and employment.
     
    We were able to donate a range of much needed gym equipment to assist the Exercise Physiology team.  
     
    They have already received some really positive feedback from the participants. We look forward to representatives attending one of our meetings in August to further elaborate on the role of the Centre. 
    Maroubra Centre Richard Woodburn 2023-07-15 14:00:00Z 0 #Botany Randwick,#Maroubra,#Maroubra Centre,#Randwick,#Rotary

    The Year in Reflection - President Christine's Report

    History
    To give a very brief history about our club – Botany and Randwick merged in June 2020.  Both clubs have a very long history in the community being formed in the 1940’s.   
     
    After our merger we were affected by Covid, and like everyone we had two very difficult years.  However we kept it together and here we are today a growing club which attracted 5 new members in the previous year, 7 members this Rotary year and an additional five being inducted tonight.  We have more leads to follow up on.
     
    Achievements and changes
    Apart from growing a stronger membership base there have also been changes to the committee structure.  Ken has taken on the membership portfolio and also the guest speaker roll from Aya, our Rotary Foundation Global Scholar.  Phillip Paraggio has become our Club Services person.  Peter Hamer and Warwick have taken on International and David Woodward Youth.  
     
    Our emblem has been completed during this year, and we now have two banners which look fantastic symbolising the area of the Eastern Suburbs and Botany Bay that we represent. 
    The Year in Reflection - President Christine's Report Christine Baramilis 2023-07-08 14:00:00Z 0

    Airport Coin Collection

    The major source of funds required to support projects undertaken by our Club comes from donation collection bins placed at Sydney Airport.  For this we are grateful to the ongoing support of the Sydney Airport Corporation.
     
    Following the last airport collection, a small team separated the notes from the coins, and using a "mechanical" sorter separated the foreign and Australian coins. The notes presented another challenge, as identifying the originating countries often involved painstaking research, with great support from Google.
     
    Another team then came together to sort the foreign notes. It was an involved process but a great result and a wonderful team building exercise. The members got to learn different currencies and worked together to sort the majority of the back log. 84 different currencies were sorted in piles on the day. The team worked tirelessly from 12.30 to 4.00 pm being feed tea, coffee and mint slices to keep their energies up. A big thank you to Mark’s mother and past member Andrew's wife Georgina, for donating the working space and sustenance. Thank you to the working team President Christine, Treasurer Richard, Secretary Greg, June, Julie, Paul, Phillip and Laura together with Emmanual from Marrickville Club for your wonderful effort. Apologies from Mark for his poor jokes on the day but they got a few laughs (or moans) to break the monotony.
     
    We are planning another sorting day in 4 weeks. Date and venue to be advised. Jokes are being planned.
     
    Airport Coin Collection Mark Daniels 2023-05-30 14:00:00Z 0

    PCYC Support

    Our Club has supported our local Police Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) in Daceyville through their Fit-for-Life program.  This program is designed to engage youth aged 12 to 17 who have been identified as high risk of offending by our local police. 

    We have donated boxing gloves and padders for up to 40 persons who can participate in a class. 

    The PCYC is an organisation that encourages young individuals to use physical activity as an alternative to offending behaviour by offering them a safe and supportive environment.

    Through this program the PCYC staff, NSW police force and volunteers put on a breakfast for all the students and then drive them to school to ensure 100% attendance on the days they are involved in the program.

    PCYC Support Richard Woodburn 2023-05-30 14:00:00Z 0

    Aya's Update

    Aya, our very recent Global Scholar from Japan, has written to update us on her life since she completed her studies at the University of NSW, where she received the degree of Master of Laws (specialisation in Human Rights Law and Policy) and was awarded Dean's List for "outstanding achievement in course", a fantastic achievement.  She writes:
     
    "It has been two months since I returned to Japan, and I am thrilled to share that I have begun working for Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders). I started in March to assist their International General Assembly, which will be held in Tokyo in June/July. Recently, they offered me the position of Association Coordinator, which I will start in July. I am excited about this opportunity to be involved in strategy and policy-making, work in the field, and communicate with international associations and movements. Though it will be challenging, I am thrilled to embrace the role.
     
    "I understand that MSF Japan has a close relationship with MSF Australia, and I hope that I will have the chance to visit your country sometime in the future! hehe

    "I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the Rotary Club of Botany Randwick for the invaluable support and opportunities you provided me during my scholarship. It was truly an amazing experience, and I could not have done it without your help. Please keep in touch and let me know how things are on your side.

    Thank you again for everything, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
     
    For more information on Rotary Scholarships visit https://www.rotary.org/en/our-programs/scholarships
    Aya's Update Richard Woodburn 2023-05-20 14:00:00Z 0

    Windeward Bound

    The Rotary Club of Botany Randwick is very pleased to be sponsoring three students from Alexandria Community School to sail on the Windeward Bound from Sydney to Brisbane, departing on 7 May for 7 days.  This program aims to encourage youth development by supporting efforts towards international friendship and understanding. We will look forward to hearing from them on their return.
     
    The brigantine "Windeward Bound" is a 33 metre symbol of enterprise and commitment to provide youth with an opportunity to enjoy and learn skills otherwise out of their reach.  The future of the Trust is tied to the development and training of youth with particular emphasis on those in dire need; made to feel helpless by financial, social, lifestyle or family circumstances.

    The Windeward Bound Trust also aims to foster good character and a spirit of enterprise in the youth of Tasmania and Australia generally, including youth disadvantaged or hampered by circumstances who could not otherwise participate. 

    It is the principal philosophy of the Trust that no young person should ever miss out on the Windeward Bound opportunity because of personal circumstances or lack of funds.
     
    Since launch day in 1996, Windeward Bound has covered more than 100,000 nautical miles, has circumnavigated the Australian continent, sailed to New Zealand and back, circumnavigated Tasmania, crossed Bass Strait more than 30 times and sailed the Australian East Coast many times. Almost always, we have carried Australia's youth, proving time and time again, the value of a structured Sail Training Program on a traditional square rigged vessel. She proudly flies the flag of many sponsors, and of Rotary International with whom she works closely, and is supported proudly by her Patron, Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Kate Warner AC, the Governor of Tasmania.
     
     
    Windeward Bound Richard Woodburn 2023-05-05 14:00:00Z 0

    ANZAC Day 2023

    The Rotary Club of Botany Randwick again commemorated Anzac Day, with members attending and laying wreaths at several Dawn Services.

    At Coogee, Richard and Simon attended a very memorable service, in perfect weather.  Richard is a retired Lieutenant Colonel and a former Commanding Officer of the 21st Construction Regiment, Royal Australian Engineers whilst Simon served as an officer in the South African Defence Force.

    It was somewhat of a family affair, with Simon's wife Linda and Grandson Harley also attending.  Richard was supported by his grandsons Kyle and Logan, his daughter Louise and son-in-law Grant, both serving Air Force officers and Middle East Veterans. 
     
    At Brighton Le Sands Greg and Mark placed a wreath on behalf of the Club.
     
    Aunty Barb gave the Welcome to Country at a very special Anzac Day Service at Redfern, attended by many dignitaries, with 
    ANZAC Day 2023 Richard Woodburn 2023-05-05 14:00:00Z 0

    ROMAC Update

    As we start to resume some sort of normality after years of COVID, ROMAC is slowly getting back into the provision of much needed surgeries for children in our Pacific neighbours.
     
    ROMAC recently farewelled baby Melenaite after 9 months of treatment at both The Canberra Hospital and Sydney Children's Hospital at ROMAC.  There are now three more children in Sydney:
    • Senri, a 13 year old boy from the Solomon Islands being treated at Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick for burns suffered when he picked up a World War 2 phosphorus grenade.  He was successfully operated on in a nearly 8 hour operation, with a second procedure in several week's time.
    • Isileli, a 9 year old boy from Tonga being treated at The Children's Hospital at Westmead for a respiratory issue, seen in the photo being welcomed at Mascot airport by one of our Club members, Richard, and a member of the Solomon's community.  He had successful surgery at Westmead to remove part of his lung, which had been very badly infected.
    • Ephraim, an 8 year old boy from the Solomon Islands, also being treated at the Children's Hospital at Westmead for vision issues.
    Our Club is a strong supporter of ROMAC, both in terms of financial donations and the work of a number of members who both assist the management of the Program and support the families whilst they are undergoing treatment at our local hospital.
    ROMAC Update Richard Woodburn 2023-04-23 14:00:00Z 0

    ROMAC Baby - Melenaite from Tonga

    Baby Melenaite was born with a large teratoma, a mass of tissue and blood vessels, on her lower back. 
     
    Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children (ROMAC) arranged for her and her mum Michelle to fly to Canberra, where the 2.5kg tumour was removed.  Unfortunately, some remnants remained and she was transferred to the Sydney Children's Hospital at Randwick for further treatment.  They have been living at Ronald McDonald House and members of our Club have been supporting them during their stay.
     
    On 2 March Melenaite underwent 5 hours of surgery.  Firstly an operation by Urologist Dr Sarah Guitronich to address the kidney issue.  Then followed a 4-hour operation by Neurologist Dr Saeed Kohan to excise the remaining teratoma. 
     
    The very good news is that, after 9 months of treatment at The Canberra Hospital and Sydney Children's Hospital, Melenaite has been cleared to return home to her family in Tonga in time for Easter.
     
    For more information on ROMAC visit http://www,romac.org.au 
    ROMAC Baby - Melenaite from Tonga Richard Woodburn 2023-04-04 14:00:00Z 0

    Indigenous Health Scholarship

    The Rotary Club of Botany Randwick recently renewed its long-standing arrangement with Australian Rotary Health to provide an Indigenous Health Scholarship in 2023.
     
    Through the Indigenous Health Scholarships, Australian Rotary Health is supporting the next generation of Indigenous health care providers to achieve an education that will help them assist their communities.   
     
    Each student enrolled in the program is provided with a $5,000 scholarship. The Indigenous Health Scholarship program is a collaborative project between Australian Rotary Health, participating Rotary Clubs, and the State and Commonwealth Governments.
     
    For the past two years our Club has supported Tracie Lane, who has now completed a Bachelor of Nursing at Deakin University.  To read Tracie's story, see https://australianrotaryhealth.org.au/tracie-lane/    
     
    Our 2023 Scholar is Jesse Aldridge.  Jesse is studying a Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Clinical Optometry at the University of New South Wales.
     
    Indigenous Health Scholarship Richard Woodburn 2023-03-12 13:00:00Z 0 #arh,#botanyrandwickrotary,#health,#indigenous,#rotary

    Vale Ray Atkin

    It is with deep regret that we advise of the passing of our member Past President Ray Atkin.
     
    Ray is remembered as a successful and respected business and family man whose career spanned the automotive, property and investment industries and, for the past 30 years, art dealership and galleries. He joined the Rotary Club of Kings Cross in 1997, before transferring to Botany-Randwick in 2022, during which he served as President for multiple terms and as Director for many more. Ray embraced Rotary's ideals and values, especially the commitment to service. As was his nature, he was always prepared to provide help where needed and never shied from life's challenges. 
     
    We send our deepest condolences to Maria and the family. Vale Ray Aitken, a true gentleman.
    Vale Ray Atkin Phillip Paraggio 2023-03-04 13:00:00Z 0

    Farewell Aya

    Sadly, the time has come to say farewell to Aya, our Global Scholar from Japan, who has been with us for the past year.
     
    Aya has been studying a Master of Laws at the University of NSW under the Rotary Foundation's Global Scholar Program.
     
    She had a very successful year of studies, receiving the degree of Master of Laws (specialisation in Human Rights Law and Policy) with Excellence (WAM 80+).  She was also awarded Dean's List for "outstanding achievement in course, a fantastic achievement - congratulations Aya!
     
    Somehow Aya found time away from her studies to become very active in our Club's activities.  She attended most of our fortnightly meetings, as well as District Conference and Rotary Foundation Dinners.  She fully involved herself in our Club activities, looking after our guest speaker program.  Outside of Rotary and her studies, she also volunteered for a number of NGO's in Sydney.
     
    We all wish Aya the very best for her future - you will be missed, and we are sure you will do very well!
     
    For more information on Rotary Scholarships visit https://www.rotary.org/en/our-programs/scholarships
    Farewell Aya Richard Woodburn 2023-03-03 13:00:00Z 0

    Ronald McDonald House

    The Rotary Club of Botany Randwick has been a long-term supporter of Ronald McDonald House at the Sydney Children's Hospital at Randwick.  The House provides accommodation and support for the families of children from regional areas undergoing treatment at the Hospital.  This is a mutually supportive arrangement as we are often able to have children from the Pacific Islands being treated under the Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children (ROMAC) program also stay at the House.
     
    One element of our support is sponsorship of one of the family accommodation rooms.  Last year:
    • 47 families called our room home 
    • Average stay was 6.5 days 
    • The longest stay was a family whose child was being treated for cardiac issues and stayed for 50 days. They usually live 1,385 kms away from Sydney in South Australia, where the necessary cardiac facilities were not available.
    • The most common diagnoses of patients using this room include oncology, gastrointestinal and neurological.
    For more information support provided by the House during 2022 see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIrQzH0TUpI 
    Ronald McDonald House Richard Woodburn 2023-02-16 13:00:00Z 0 #Botany,#Randwick,#Ronald McDonald House,#botanyrandwickrotary,#rotary

    Rotary International Convention - Melbourne

    imageWhen the Rotary world arrives in Australia for the 2023 Rotary International Convention, between 27-31 May, our vibrant country will be in the spotlight. This is a rare chance to be an ambassador for Rotary in Australia and for the warm, welcoming host city of Melbourne, so register today!
     
    The convention promises to be an inspirational event, with distinguished speakers, energizing breakout sessions, and abundant opportunities to brainstorm ideas for ‘Doing Good in the World’ with Rotary and Rotaract members from around the globe.
     
    Join us in Melbourne to Imagine What’s Next as we form and strengthen connections and learn from one another. 
     
    Register now and encourage your friends to do the same. 
     
    Rotary International Convention - Melbourne Richard Woodburn 2022-11-26 13:00:00Z 0

    Ngaire's Concert

    Our late member Alan Segal's daughter-in-law, Ngaire, is performing with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra on 10 November, on the forecourt of the Sydney Opera House. 
     
    Ngaire is a talented neo-soul R&B artist and featured in the pre-game entertainment at the recent AFL Grandfinal in Melbourne.
     
    Ngaire will be coming to our meeting on 23 November, with Alan's son Dan, to talk about a project that they have in mind in Papua New Guinea, where she hales from.  Ngaire has kindly reserved 6 spots at the concert for members of our Club.
     
     
    If you would like to attend, please advise Aya on ayamurakami0120@gmail.com
    Ngaire's Concert Richard Woodburn 2022-10-22 13:00:00Z 0

    Marathon Marshal

    New member Simon Van Wyk decided that he would support the Club's fundraising activities by volunteering as a marshal at the recent Blackmore's sponsored City of Sydney Marathon - here is his story ...
     
    I volunteered for the City of Sydney Marathon.   I did it mainly because the sponsor Blackmores was paying $70 per volunteer and I thought that was money for jam.   For those that might be interested it’s easy.   Apart from having to turn up early, which meant I had a nice early morning bike ride I had a good time.   You get fed and watered and sent to your zone.   There are very few instructions apart from "don’t be stupid".   There are few instructions because there is very little to do.   You stand around and basically make sure members of the public don’t ride their bikes across the path of the runners.   You get to see the leading runners hurtle past you so fast you get to feel the wind off their bodies.    You get to see that twice and it’s spectacular.   You get to talk to all manner of interesting people.   I had a great time talking to a teacher from Western Australia about the biggest nightmare in teaching - it’s the modern day parent.    Anyway, as a way to earn money easily it’s definitely worthwhile.
     
    Thank you Simon.
    Marathon Marshal Simon Van Wyk 2022-10-03 13:00:00Z 0

    A Town of Peace and Friendship: A Weekend Trip to Cowra

    This delightful story was submitted by Aya Murakami.  Aya, from Japan, is undertaking studies for a Masters in Law at the University of NSW under the Rotary International Global Scholars Program.  The focus of her studies is peace and conflict resolution, and she is jointly sponsored by the Rotary Clubs of Nara, in Japan, and our Club, Botany Randwick.

    About 3 to 4 hours drive from Sydney, after beautiful scenery of the Blue Mountains, there is a small but delightful town called Cowra. I came to know about the town before coming to Sydney, when a person, a chief priest of a temple and a member of Rotary Club of Nara, told me about the town. He suggested that I should make a visit to the Japanese War Cemetery during my stay, saying that it is a very special place. I was not aware of the details of the history and its significance until I made the visit over the weekend in September, 2022.

    Cowra symbolizes peace and friendship between Australia and Japan, but there is also a bitter history behind it. There were prison camps in Cowra during the Second World War in which over 2,000 Japanese were held among other prisoners from different countries.

    On 5 August 1944, 231 Japanese died after attempting to escape. They rest at the Japanese War Cemetery which lies next to the cemetery of Australians who lost their lives in the town during the War. The Cemetery is simple, yet tells us a lot about the history. Each grave has their name, age, sometimes a short description of how the person died. Mostly young men, some were kids, some were old. As we walked through the Cemetery, we imagined the faces of those who lived and died during that time.

    A Town of Peace and Friendship: A Weekend Trip to Cowra Aya 2022-10-03 13:00:00Z 0

    Vale Bill Bishop 1922 - 2022

    William Bishop, known to former members as Bill, passed away on 2nd September, after having celebrated his 100th birthday earlier this year, on 9 January.
     
    Bill was a long time member of the Rotary Club of Randwick, serving as President in 1978/79.  He was a regular attender at our meetings until several years ago.
     
    Born in Randwick, he contracted Polio when aged 10 and spent the next 18 months in a full-body plaster cast.  He was fortunate to recover well after intensive rehabilitation.  His resultant enthusiasm for life has since been appreciated by his many friends and family.
     
    Vale Bill Bishop 1922 - 2022 Richard 2022-09-20 14:00:00Z 0 #Botany,#Randwick,#bishop,#botanyrandwickrotary,#rotary

    Vale - Alan Segal

    It is with deep sadness that we report the passing of Alan Segal, a passionate Rotarian since 1985 – 37 years. 
     
    Alan first joined Rotary with the Kensington club and later transferred to the Botany club after Kensington Club was closed. In 2001 he became the president of the Rotary Club of Botany Bay and increased membership to 30 plus within 12 months.  His passion is best described as youthful and enthusiastic.
     
    Alan always thought big, delivered on many projects and was passionate and committed to many avenues of service. President, Secretary, International Director - he held many posts but none more dearly than his involvement in youth exchange and the post graduate Ambassadorial scholarships. He hosted many students and was a fierce supporter of our club.
     
    Vale - Alan Segal Mark Daniels 2022-09-06 14:00:00Z 0

    ROMAC Wine Offer August 2022

     
    TYRRELL'S WINE OFFER
    August 2022
     
     
    Dear Friends and Supporters of ROMAC

    We are delighted to be able to bring you another great wine offer from Tyrrell's Wines.  Once again, long-term generous supporter of ROMAC, Managing Director of Tyrrell's Wines, Bruce Tyrrell AM has released some more of his popular
    DRINK NOW VATS wines especially for us.  As in the past, a generous percentage of all sales will be donated to ROMAC so, by purchasing these wines not only will you be able to enjoy a fabulous drink, but you will also be helping improve the lives of sick children from our neighbouring islands in the Oceania region.

    These wines are currently available at a very attractive price of just $115 per dozen -
    delivered direct to your door.

    The offer closes on Friday, 26th August 2022 so we urge you to order now to avoid disappointment.

    UNFORTUNATELY, TYRRELLS ARE UNABLE TO DELIVER WINE TO LOCATIONS OUTSIDE AUSTRALIA, SO THIS OFFER IS ONLY AVAILABLE TO CLUBS AND INDIVIDUALS WITHIN AUSTRALIA.

    Many thanks for your ongoing support.

    The ROMAC Team
     
     

    Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children
    ROMAC is a project of Rotary Clubs in Australia and New Zealand.
    It is an approved Rotary International project.
    ROMAC provides medical treatment for children from developing countries in the Oceania region in the form of lifesaving and dignity restoring surgery not accessible to them in their home country.
    Read more about ROMAC at:  www.romac.org.au
     
    ROMAC Wine Offer August 2022 Richard Woodburn 2022-08-13 14:00:00Z 0

    RYPEN Camp

    RYPEN, The Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment, is for young people aged 14 to 16 years and caters for teenagers who have shown qualities and application in everyday life which deserve further development.

    RYPEN uses the common bonds of learning, co-operation, and friendship to design activities which facilitate trust and self-esteem. RYPEN seeks to broaden each participant’s horizons culturally, socially, and academically, providing the inner foundations for a strong future.
     
    The Rotary Club of Botany Randwick was pleased to sponsor Isabella to a recent RYPEN weekend.  Here is her report:
     
    Hi my name is Isabella Daniels, I am 14 and went to RYPEN weekend 5th August at the Royal National Park. I would like to share my experience and what I got out of the camp. Getting there on Friday afternoon I was a little nervous. I didn't know anyone and didn't really know what to expect. I met others the same age as me from different schools.
     
    We did activities over the three days, including talks about the land from elder Uncle Mark and on the Saturday night we had a campfire and told stories. By Sunday, I had a new amazing group of friends, I learned how to become more confident about myself and around others.
     
    I learnt that not everyone is perfect and  everyone has their downfalls in life. Thank you to the members of Rotary Club of Botany Randwick for choosing me to experience this camp. I would recommend it to anyone.
     
    For more information on RYPEN, visit https://rotarydistrict9675.org/Page/rypen
    RYPEN Camp Richard 2022-08-13 14:00:00Z 0 #Botany,#Randwick,#rotary,#rypen

    Fiji Holiday

     
    •  5 nights in an air-conditioned room overlooking the ocean.
    •  Full cooked breakfasts, lunches and two course dinners (drinks not included).
    •  Ground transfers to and from the airport.
    •  Rainbow Reef snorkelling experience.
    •  Tropical garden tour.
    Plus USD$1000 cash toward travel or spend as you wish.
    Plus bonus two nights at a 5-star hotel at Denarau Island.
     
    The prize is valid for 18 months and is transferable to friends (receipt has a gift certificate). And good news! your holiday is carbon offset.
     
    To purchase tickets and support the projects of the Rotary Club of Botany Randwick, see https://itstime.org/rc-botanyrandwick
    Fiji Holiday Richard Woodburn 2022-08-03 14:00:00Z 0

    ROMAC Baby from Tonga

    After several years of inactivity due to COVID restrictions, ROMAC - Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children, is now back doing what it does best - facilitating much needed major surgery for children of the Oceania Region that they don't have available in their own country.
     
    Baby Melenaite, from Tonga,  was born with a massive teratoma, larger than a football, on her lower back/posteria - it weighed almost as much as the baby herself.  Whilst benign, without urgent surgery her future looked very bleak indeed.  The ROMAC Team, all Rotary volunteers, worked with the Ministry of Health in Tonga to arrange for this urgently needed surgery to be undertaken at The Canberra Hospital. Passports, visas and travel were all arranged in record time, and the baby with her Mum Michelleanne, together with a nurse escort, Hulita, arriving at Mascot on 7 July.
     
    They were met at Sydney's International Terminal by Botany Randwick member Richard, accompanied by Tasimani Telefoni from the Tongan High Commission.  Richard arranged overnight accommodation for the family and their medical escort before putting them on a flight to Canberra early the next morning.
     
    Immediately on arrival in Canberra, baby Melenaite was admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at The Canberra Hospital and underwent a series of scans and tests.  In an 8-hour operation by large team, that included two senior Paediatric Surgeons and a Neurologist, the 2.5kg tumour was successfully removed several days later.
     
    Melenaite is now out of intensive care and can look forward to a bright future - thanks to ROMAC and Rotary. The Botany Randwick Rotary Club is pleased to have played a small, but important, part in the success to date of her treatment.
    ROMAC Baby from Tonga Richard Woodburn 2022-07-21 14:00:00Z 0 #Botany,#ROMAC,#Randwick,#botanyrandwickrotary,#rotary

    District Recognition

    Wonderful to see the Club recognised in the Annual District 9675 Awards at the recent District Changeover, held at the Strathfield Golf Club.
     
    The very well attended function, attended by members of Rotary Clubs across southern Sydney down to the Illawarra and Southern Highlands, marked the handover over District Governor responsibilities from Jeremy Wright AM to Janice Hall.  It was a great opportunity for Rotarians to come together and celebrate the wins we have had over the last 12 months as a District and look forward to the  year to come.  
     
    A number of awards were presented, with Botany Randwick recognised for its membership growth over the past six months.
     
    District Recognition Richard Woodburn 2022-07-03 14:00:00Z 0 #Botany,#Randwick,#Rotary

    Vale Andrew Daniels

    Long standing Rotarian and member of our Club, Andrew Daniels, passed away on 10 June 2022.  Andrew is the father of fellow member, Mark Daniels.
    Andrew was born on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus in 1944.  Andrew and his family left Cyprus by ship in 1950 and arrived in Sydney 6 weeks later at the beginning of 1951.  Living in Kingsford and later Maroubra, he attended Daceyville Public School, South Sydney Junior and Maroubra Bay High Schools, completing his Leaving Certificate in 1963.
     
    School life was difficult at first, with having no English and, in the 1950's, being from a foreign culture, it was difficult to fit in.  With an inner toughness and resilience, Andrew was a quick learner.  This stoicism is something he kept all his life.  With a fascination for history and technical subjects, he began his pursuit of knowledge, a trait that would continue for the rest of his life.  Andrew excelled at sport, and with his size and speed played rugby league all through high school, playing full back from first year to second row in his final year.  He also played cricket, rugby and soccer, but rugby league was his first love.  It was the toughness of sport that encapsulated his disposition.  In his final years of school, he made Sydney and NSW representative sides, was a school prefect and made fierce friendships that he held and cherished throughout his life.
     
    Vale Andrew Daniels Richard Woodburn 2022-06-25 14:00:00Z 0 #Andrew,#Daniels

    Maroubra Mental Health Unit Refurbishment

    The refurbishment of the Maroubra Center, part of the Prince of Wales Hospital, has now been completed, with significant funding support from the former Rotary Club of Randwick, just prior to its merger with the Rotary Club of Botany, to form the new Botany Randwick Club.
     
    The Maroubra Centre ‘Inspiring Recovery’ refurbishment project was created by lived experienced mental health Peer Support Worker - Cheryl Wittingslow. The vision was to transform The Maroubra Centre, a community mental health centre which is part of Prince of Wales Hospital, into a trauma informed, calming, safe and empowering space for the clients of the service, staff and all who visit the centre
    Maroubra Mental Health Unit Refurbishment Greg Lill 2022-05-04 14:00:00Z 0 #botanyrandwickrotary,#powhospital,#princeofwales,#rotary
    Rotary Statement on the war against Ukraine Richard Woodburn 2022-05-04 14:00:00Z 0 #Ukraine,#botanyrandwickrotary,#rotary

    ANZAC Day 2022

    Members of the Rotary Club of Botany Randwick were proud to participate in two very moving ANZAC Day Dawn Services at Bondi and Coogee beaches, to commemorate the 107th Anniversary of the landing at Gallipoli by the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, and to remember the sacrifice of members of our armed forces in subsequent conflicts.
     
    In a very moving service at Coogee Beach, attended by a capacity crowd of over 6000, members Richard Woodburn and Alan Segal, with Rotary Foundation Global Scholar Aya Murakami, laid the wreath on behalf of the Club.  Alan was wearing the WW1 medals of his grandfather, who was decorated for bravery in the field, with the award of the Military Medal, presented by General Sir John Monash.  Richard is a retired Lieutenant Colonel and a former Commanding Officer of the 21st Construction Regiment, Royal Australian Engineers.
     
    Our Honorary Member Aunty Barb also gave a very moving Welcome to Country at the very well attended commemoration at Bondi Beach.
     
    ANZAC Day 2022 Richard Woodburn 2022-04-24 14:00:00Z 0 #ANZAC,#Coogee,#Rotary,#botanyrandwickrotary

    District 9675 Conference

    The annual Rotary District Conference was very well attended by members of the Club.  This major event on the Rotary calendar was held at The Warwick, Cabramatta over the weekend 18th to 20th March 2022.
     
    It featured a fantastic array of guest speakers covering Rotary and general interest topics, with plenty of time to mingle and meet with likeminded Rotarians from across the District over morning and afternoon teas, lunches and evening dinners.  
     
    The Conference was a reminder that Rotary is a lot more than activities and projects at Club level.  The combined resources of Rotary Clubs achieve incredible results at District and International levels, many of which were showcased at the Conference.
    District 9675 Conference Richard Woodburn 2022-03-17 13:00:00Z 0

    Welcome Aya

    The Rotary Club of Botany Randwick is very pleased to welcome Aya Murakami to Sydney. 
     
    Aya, from Japan, will study a Master of Laws at the University of NSW, sponsored by the Rotary Foundation's Global Scholar Program.  The focus of her studies with be on peacebuilding and conflict resolution.  Our Club has joined with the Rotary Club of Nara, in Japan, in sponsoring Aya.
     
    The purpose of the Rotary Global Scholarship program is to further international understanding and peaceful relations among people of different races, nationalities, ethnicities, and religions while pursuing an approved program of graduate study at an institution of higher education in a foreign country.
    Welcome Aya Richard Woodburn 2022-02-04 13:00:00Z 0 Botany,Global Scholar,Nara,Randwick,Rotary,Rotary Foundation

    Tonga appeal and Fiji Holiday opportunity

    The Rotary Club of Botany Randwick has donated $1000 the Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS) project to to provide funds for humanitarian programs to assist the people in Tonga recover from the volcano and tsunami disaster.
     
    Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS) will be working with Rotary New Zealand World Community Service (RNZWCS) and Rotary Club of Nuku'alofa (Tonga) in providing aid and assistance to the affected communities and restoring their livelihoods. The aim is to get Tonga back to normality as soon as possible so that they can look after their own communities again.
     
    The Club will also continue its association with the Its Time Raffle, with tickets selling at  $10 a ticket for 1, with a generous discount for purchase of multiple tickets and use the funds raised to further support the people of Tonga.
     
    Our Club retains 50% of the sale of the tickets, with all these funds being further donated to the RAWCS Tonga Appeal.  40% of the funds raised will go to Its Time Foundation in Fiji (Solar Schools Project) and 10% to Plastic Free Oceans, an Its Time Foundation initiative. 
     
    To purchase tickets, go to https://itstime.org/Home/RafflePage/105516
     
    Tonga appeal and Fiji Holiday opportunity Richard Woodburn 2022-01-23 13:00:00Z 0 #Tonga,#botanyrandwickrotary

    Community Grants

    The Rotary Club of Botany Randwick Inc is very pleased to award a number of fantastic local Community Service Organisations with Grants to help them serve those in need.  Congratulations to
    all of which do an outstanding job in servicing their Communities in many ways. A wonderful opportunity for all to come together and network
    Community Grants Richard Woodburn 2021-11-28 13:00:00Z 0

    World Polio Day 24 October

    Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a paralyzing and potentially deadly infectious disease that most commonly affects children under the age of 5. The virus spreads from person to person, typically through contaminated water. It can then attack the nervous system.
     
    Rotary has been working to eradicate polio for more than 35 years. Our goal of ridding the world of this disease is closer than ever.  As a founding partner of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, we've reduced polio cases by 99.9 percent since our first project to vaccinate children in the Philippines in 1979.
     

    Rotary members have contributed more than $2.1 billion and countless volunteer hours to protect nearly 3 billion children in 122 countries from this paralyzing disease. Rotary’s advocacy efforts have played a role in decisions by governments to contribute more than $10 billion to the effort. The Rotary Club of Botany Randwick has actively supported this effort with regular donations over many years.

    Today, polio remains endemic only in Afghanistan and Pakistan. But it’s crucial to continue working to keep other countries polio-free. If all eradication efforts stopped today, within 10 years, polio could paralyze as many as 200,000 children each year.

    World Polio Day 24 October Richard Woodburn 2021-10-16 13:00:00Z 0

    RYLA 2022

    RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Award) is a leadership program for young people aged 18 to 25. Participants are chosen for their leadership potential with their expenses covered by the Club. The event takes the form of a  camp to discuss leadership skills and to learn those skills through practice. RYLA is a life-changing program, providing an incredible opportunity to develop yourself as a leader alongside 75 participants.

    This will be a week of your life that you’ll never forget, and we’d love you to be involved!

    The next RYLA Program will be conducted by District 9675 from 3 to 9 January 2022 at Stanwell Tops.

    For more information and an Application Form see https://www.rotarydistrict9675.org/page/ryla

    RYLA 2022 Richard Woodburn 2021-09-23 14:00:00Z 0

    Like to win a tropical holiday for when COVID travel restrictions lift?

    The Rotary Club of Botany Randwick was invited by the Rotary Club of Corrimal in Wollongong to participate in a fund raising raffle at $20 a ticket for 1, with a generous discount for purchase of multiple tickets.
     
    Our Club retains 50% of the sale of the tickets, with 40% going to Its Time Foundation in Fiji (Solar Schools Project) and 10% to Plastic Free Oceans, an Its Time Foundation initiative. 
     
    This raffle has now been drawn - thank you for your support.  to view the winner:  https://iitime.org/raffle-drawn-2021-12-20/
     
    The $1103 proceeds of this raffle will support the Club's local and international projects.  Refer to the "Our Projects" pages on our website for more information.
     
    Like to win a tropical holiday for when COVID travel restrictions lift? Richard Woodburn 2021-09-17 14:00:00Z 0

    Graffiti Removal Day 2021

    The aim of Graffiti Removal Day is to highlight the problem of graffiti across NSW and encourage people to volunteer their time to remove and prevent graffiti. Since Graffiti Removal Day was established in 2012, volunteers have removed 141,000sqm of graffiti, saving our community about $10.40 million. 
     
    The Rotary Club of Botany Randwick is pleased to have been part of this important service to our community.
     
    After initial preparation works completed, the paint out was completed in just over an hour. The scope of works accomplished by seven volunteers was a warehouse roller door, adjoining brickwork wall, a galvanised fence, the adjacent walls and stairwell leading to a walkway to Hale Street, Botany.
     
    A great community project!
    Graffiti Removal Day 2021 Richard Woodburn 2021-07-05 14:00:00Z 0

    Timor Leste

    At our meeting on 29 April we were honoured to have as our guests the Consul General, Timor Leste, His Excellency Luciano Valentim da Conceico and Judy Charnaud OAM, OZ Green Program Manager Timor Leste.  They provided us with an overview of the political and community situation of the region. 
     
    Judy also spoke of the the work she is doing in Oecussi Province, an enclave sitting remote from the rest of Timor Leste, within Indonesian West Timor.  Our Club has been supporting her endeavours with donations for water supply projects and the Green Games.
    Timor Leste Richard Woodburn 2021-05-01 14:00:00Z 0

    ANZAC Day 2021

    Members of the Rotary Club of Botany Randwick were proud to participate in two very moving Dawn Services, at Botany and Coogee, to commemorate the 106th Anniversary of the landing at Gallipoli by the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, and to remember the sacrifice of members of our armed forces. 
     
    In a very moving service at Coogee Beach, President Christine, supported by members Alan and Richard, laid the wreath.  Alan was wearing the WW1 medals of his grandfather, who was decorated for bravery in the field, with the award of the Military Medal, presented by General Sir John Monash.  Richard is a retired Lieutenant Colonel and a former Commanding Officer of the 21st Construction Regiment, Royal Australian Engineers.
     
    At Booralee Park, Botany, the club was represented by members Rohan and "Aunty" Barb.  Barb also gave the Welcome to Country at the ceremony and later at the breakfast at the Botany Golf Club.
     
    ANZAC Day 2021 Richard Woodburn 2021-04-25 14:00:00Z 0

    Kekeli Foundation, Ghana

    Earlier this year the Rotary Club of Botany Randwick was pleased to provide a donation to the Rotary Club of Norwich in the UK, to further their project in support of the Kekeli Foundation in Ho, Ghana. 
     
    The two Clubs have a close connection through Rita Douglas, a member of the Norwich Club who has family in Sydney and regularly visits (at least pre-COVID) the Botany Randwick Club.
     
    Good progress is being made as this photo of the new preschool/ kindergarten building shows. It's coming along well.
    Kekeli Foundation, Ghana Richard Woodburn 2021-04-09 14:00:00Z 0 Botany,Kekeli,Norwich,Randwick,Rotary

    Australia Day 2021

    In recognition of the massive challenges that have faced our front line workers over the past twelve months, members of Rotary Clubs across District 9675 are distributing lamingtons to our hardworking hospital staff on Australia Day. 
     
    Members of the Rotary Club of Botany Randwick distributed some 1300 lamingtons to staff at Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney Children's Hospital and Sydney Women’s Hospital.
     
    Here are some of the grateful staff from the Delivery Ward  of the Royal Hospital for Women receiving their lamingtons from Rotary members Christine, June and Greg.
    Australia Day 2021 Richard Woodburn 2021-01-25 13:00:00Z 0 #australiaday,#reflectrespectcelebrate,#rotarysaysthankyou,Botany,Randwick

    Rotarians Honoured

    Five local Rotarians were recognised for their service to Rotary and the Community on the occasion of ou recent Inaugural Dinner.  
     
    Recognised as Paul Harris Fellows were:
    • Rotarian Rohan Calvert, for his dedicated service to the former Rotary Club of Randwick over many years.
    • Past Assistant Governor Hilary Lloyd, of the Rotary Club of Iron Cove.  As Assistant Governor for clubs in the Eastern Suburbs Group, Hilary had the challenging task of co-ordinating  the eight Clubs in the Group, to ensure the ongoing viability of Rotary in our part of Sydney.  Her enthusiasm dedication and wise counsel resulted in the amalgamation of the Randwick and Botany Bay Clubs.
    • President Christine Baramilis for her leadership of the Rotary Club of Botany Bay over the past two years and her support and drive of the amalgamation with the Randwick Club.
    As they are already Paul Harris Fellows, the following were recognised with Sapphire Pins to their existing awards:
    • Past President Greg Lill, for his leadership and dedication to projects undertaken by the Rotary Club of Randwick.
    • Past President Richard Woodburn for his leadership and involvement in a range of projects undertaken by the Rotary Club of Randwick.
    Rotarians Honoured Richard Woodburn 2020-12-26 13:00:00Z 0

    Peace Fellows Dinner 3 Feb 2021 - Cancelled

    Due to COVID restrictions on interstate travel, it now appears very unlikely that our two Peace Scholars, Rachel and Molly, will be able to travel from Brisbane to Sydney, so unfortunately we have had to cancel this function.  Hopefully alternative arrangements can be made at a later date. Refunds will be made to those who have already made their payment.
     
    ********       ********    ********     ********
     
    The Rotary Club of Botany Randwick Inc. is delighted to announce that a very special dinner will be held in Randwick on the evening of 3 February 2021.  Two Rotary Peace Fellows, as well as a Youth Exchange student currently studying in Brisbane, will be our guests.
     
    Rachel and Molly are two Rotary Peace Fellows from the US who are currently undertaking a Master of Peace and Conflict course at the University of Queensland.  This is one of five Rotary International sponsored courses conducted across the globe.
     
    Members of Rotary and interested community members are all very welcome to come along and hear their inspirational talks.  For further information and details, read on ...
    Peace Fellows Dinner 3 Feb 2021 - Cancelled Richard Woodburn 2020-12-15 13:00:00Z 0

    Support to Little Heroes

    The Rotary Club of Botany Randwick is delighted to support the Little Heroes Swim Academy with a donation of $4,940 for filtration equipment for their new swimming pool.  The Grant was provided in conjunction with The Rotary Foundation, which also provided $4,560.  The joint donation was presented to Little Heroes CEO Tracey Ayton by Rotary District Governor Warwick Richardson on the occasion of the Club's Inaugural Dinner.
     
    This Rotary Grant will provide the cleanest and most sanitized water for the health and wellbeing of the students and staff.  This is paramount at all times but with the introduction of COVID to the world it is even more relevant.  Whilst it is important for the chemical composition of the water to be correct, it is equally as important to make sure that the water is not too harsh on skin and also the airways of the students.  The system chosen for the centre allows this to be managed and to find the perfect balance for both.  It is also a system that is constantly monitored and alerts sent out if there is a wrong reading in the pool.
    Support to Little Heroes Richard Woodburn 2020-12-11 13:00:00Z 0

    Inaugural Dinner 27 Nov 2020

    The Inaugural Dinner of the Rotary Club of Botany Randwick Inc. was held on 27 November 2020.  
     
    Inaugural President Christine Baramilis was pleased to welcome official guests Rotary District Governor Warwick Richardson, Matt Thistlethwaite, Federal Member for Kingsford Smith, Ron Hoenig, State Member for Heffron, and representatives from a range of community organisations, neighbouring Rotary Clubs, as well as our own members and their guests, to the Inaugural Dinner held at The Randwick Club. 
     
    The new Rotary Club resulted from the amalgamation of the Rotary Clubs of Randwick and Botany Bay, both of whom have been active in their local communities for many, many years. With the Randwick Club formed in 1949 and Botany Bay in 1960, those present heard about the wonderful support that these former clubs have provided to both their local and wider communities.  They have laid an impressive foundation on which the new Club can build into the future.
    Inaugural Dinner 27 Nov 2020 Richard Woodburn 2020-12-01 13:00:00Z 0

    Much needed furniture for Sydney Childrens' Hospital School

    The Sydney Childrens' Hospital School came to the attention of the Rotary Club of Botany Randwick when it provided significant support to a long term Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children (ROMAC) patient from the Solomon Islands who was undergoing long-term treatment at Sydney Children’s Hospital.
     
    Over many years, numerous ROMAC children have benefited from attendance at the School at no cost to ROMAC or Rotary. It is a great example of mutual support between Rotary and the School.
     
    The School provides education for children undergoing long term treatment at the Sydney Children’s Hospital. The school enrols inpatients, outpatients (unable to attend their census school) and siblings of patients where the whole family have either temporarily relocated to Sydney for their child’s treatments. 
    Much needed furniture for Sydney Childrens' Hospital School Richard Woodburn 2020-10-16 13:00:00Z 0

    Mourine - Another ROMAC Miracle

    14-Year-old Mourine Kikisia from the remote Solomon Island of Vella Lavella has spent nearly twelve months in Randwick undergoing life saving medical treatment. Mourine had developed a large mass on her neck, the size of a small football and doctors in the Solomon Islands were unable to treat her.  With the support of Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children (ROMAC) and local Rotarians she was successfully treated at the Sydney Children's Hospital at Randwick.
     
    Whilst the tumour was found to be benign, it was "strangling" other vital organs, and could well have proved fatal without treatment.  It posed a significant challenge for the medical staff who liaised with international colleagues in search of a cure.  With a maze of blood vessels and nerves throughout, there was a major risk of Mourine being permanently disabled or disfigured.  After nearly six months of chemotheraphy to stop the growth of the mass, it was finally removed in a very successful nine-hour operation.  Then followed several months of radiotheraphy to ensure removal of any remnants.
    Mourine - Another ROMAC Miracle Richard Woodburn 2020-10-16 13:00:00Z 0
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