Stories

Cessnock High School Interact Recognised

Image may contain: text that says '2019-2020 ROTARY CITATION WITH PLATINUM DISTINCTION Interact Awarded to the Interact Club of CESSNOCK HIGH SCHOOL for helping Rotary connect the world in the lives of people all over the world. Aea Aelurg Mark Daniel Maloney President, Rotary Internatipnal'

In the world, there are 10700 Interact clubs and each year they are able to be reviewed for an International President Citation. These come in 5 levels, a citation, a bronze citation, a silver citation, a gold citation, and a platinum citation. We are very proud to announce that the Interact Club at Cessnock High School has been recognised with one of the rarest awards a Platinum Citation from the International President of Rotary International. This team of students is quite amazing and it is wonderful to see their efforts rewarded. Last year they hosted a food drive, raised money for polio, hosted leadership sessions, made a movie, took on a kindness project, and had many students participating in service projects in the community. We look forward to presenting a framed certificate in the future to the team. Although they have been interrupted briefly by COVID 19 they are in current plans for their next project and we look forward to supporting them.

The Rotary Club of Cessnock is back in action after the Covid 19 Lockdown restrictions

Image may contain: 4 people, people standing and text

This week Cessnock Rotary have been able to host our first fundraiser at Hunter Valley Gardens outside the Putt Putt and Aqua golf. We hope to be a regular in this space and with thanks to our events director Sharon Waite for thinking outside of the box. It was great to be out in the sunshine for a few hours. Some of the community may see our BBQ van at regular events such as Bunnings BBQ's but we are always interested in new opportunities and the money raised through this fundraising helps our local community of Cessnock LGA, National and International projects. If you are interested in having us at your event, getting involved as a sponsor or even helping us out as a friend of Rotary please contact us via our website, facebook or instagram.

Covid 19 has been a difficult time for our club, having to adjust to keeping in touch with zoom, the opportunity of this has been members have been able to enjoy our meetings from wherever they are. This flexibility of being able to check in via zoom will continue even as face to face meetings return in early August on our regular Thursday night time at Cessnock Leagues Club. Rotary has changed a lot over the years with its transformation into a far more inclusive, flexible organisations whose focus is to help, wherever they can.

On the 2^nd of July we held our Club’s Changeover. The event itself was available via zoom and included a few physical presentations. The meeting was attended by the District Governor Graeme Hooper. President John Rosee presenting his annual report detailing donations to the community, which was achieved through the sponsorship of businesses, fundraising and our BBQs in the community. A special presentation was made to PDG Greg Bevan with his Paul Harris Fellow triple Ruby recognition. This year the board decided to introduce a special award, where the President selects a person who has shown outstanding service, to receive the “David Clark Memorial Award” to recognise the outstanding service rendered, this year Friend of Rotary, Ron Jackson was chosen for his continued participation in the Christmas Lights project for the last 7 years. Then the highlight of the night where John inducts Vicki Steep as our new president. She now becomes our 84th President and President for the third time which no other member has ever achieved in club history.

Inspiring Team

What an inspiring performance by our Cessnock Rotary Club team over the last months since I started my presidency.

The energy, the commitment and the dedication shown by members and friends of Cessnock Rotary is truly encouraging.

The amazing amount of work, organisation, and behind the scene efforts, which has gone into our fundraising events and community services given, is truly representative of the support our club has provided and will continue to provide in the future to the community and beyond.

I would also like to thank our wonderful Sponsors for their continued support to help Cessnock Rotary serve the community.

An outstanding achievement!!!! Thanks to all for your tireless efforts.

Kind Regards, John Rosee

Cessnock Rotary Club President 2019-2020

Donation - Cessnock RSL Sub-Branch

Posted by Dave Owens

DONATION TO OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY

The Cessnock RSL Sub-Branch does a great job looking after the welfare of Returned, serving and ex-service personnel and their families in our local community. However, currently, because of circumstances beyond their control, their normal funding sources are not available to them. Our Rotary club decided that the work that the local RSL club does in our community is so essential that we should assist them with a donation to help carry them through this current period.

Accordingly the President of the local Sub-Branch, Mr Max Lewis, was a guest at our club on 30th November and was presented with a donation cheque and a Certificate of Appreciation by President Graham in recognition of the very valuable work they do.

Rotary Cessnock Bunnings BBQ

Posted by Dave Owens

Yesterday, 12th November, The Cessnock Rotary Club conducted a fundraising BBQ supported by Bunnings Cessnock. The Board of the Rotary Club had decided that the proceeds from this particular BBQ would be donated to the Cessnock RSL Sub-Branch who are currently prevented from fundraising on their own behalf which is having a serious negative affect on their ability to assist the veteran and ex-service community in the Cessnock Area. It turned out to be a very successful day with assistance provided by club members Graham Farish, Mark Simpson, Greg and Lorraine Bevan, Bev Hannay, David Clark, Val Calvey and the very welcome addition of Raylene Jackson from the Ladies Auxiliary of the RSL.. It was a fine example of Rotary doing good in the local community by helping another community group who, through no fault of their own, are currently unable to carry out their normal community support activities.

2017 Cessnock Postie Bike Races

Posted by Dave Owens

On a cool and rainy 5th November Cessnock Rotary Club once again braved the elements to operate the Sausage Sizzle at the Annual Postie Bike Racing Carnival held in the grounds of Cessnock TAFE and the surrounding public streets. On the front line were Club members John Rosee, Vicki Steep, David Clark, Steve Jackson and one of our valued volunteers, Raylene Jackson, whilst in the background under the shelter shed wrapping the sandwiches was our erstwhile PP Ross Lidbury. Crowds were down slightly on previous years because of the inclement weather but in the periods when the rain stopped the crowds came and we were all kept quite busy. Meanwhile President Graham Farish and Bev Hannay with assistance from members of the Rotary Club of Kurri Kurri and the Girl Guides were doing a marvellous job running the VIP tent within compound adjacent to the pit area.

HVG Christmas Lights for 2017

Posted by Dave Owens on Nov 04, 2017

3rd November 2017 saw the first night of the Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Lights Spectacular and the first night that our club volunteers assisted with helping visitors to the Gardens find their way around. There was a bigger crowd this year than last year, but the night was very relaxed and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves especially the children. The changes this year particularly in the event area up the top appear to be working very well and the fireworks at the back of the Event area were well received. All in all a very good start to this years premier event.

Visit by District Governor

Posted by Dave Owens

Presentation of Interact Charter

On Thursday evening, 12th October, we were joined by special guest District Governor Helen Ryan and partner Mike accompanied by Assistant Governor Kerry Hayes. Also present were 3 representatives from the newly formed Cessnock High School Interact Club, Kyle, Michael and Catelyn, pictured here receiving their Charter and badges from DG Helen. Also present were Kyle's father Phillip and Michael Weatherall Interact Chair from the Rutherford Telarah Rotary Club..

Rotary Health Hat Day

Posted by Dave Owens

Lift the Lid on Mental Health

On Friday the 13th October, Cessnock Rotary Club conducted a Bunnings BBQ in support of Australian Rotary Health Crazy Hat Day.

Club Community Announcement

CLUB COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT.

Our Club’s annual drive to help women who are homeless. Refuges are always looking for items for women, and their children, when they are in dire needs. And Christmas time is often the time when things are needed most. We can help! Please bring a few items which we can collect and deliver to our friends at Jodie’s Place. These can be soaps, deodorants, skin care items, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoos, hair conditioners, sanitary items, dish washing items, clothes washing items, towels. And to help cater for the children – tooth brushes, toothpaste, children’s shampoo, talcum powder, disposable nappies, baby needs, tins of food, small toys, children’s books. Do not include anything which will not have a long(ish) shelf life – no foods, or other perishables. Please bring these things in as you can, and leave with Janette, who will arrange for them to go Jodie’s Place.

Italian Theme Night

Posted by Dave Owens on Sep 01, 2017

The club meeting venue was turned into an Italian Ristorante for the fellowship meeting of the 31 August. The balloons in the Red, Green and White colours of the Italian flag and the red and white chequered tablecloth inserts emphasised the Italian ambience. Many thanks to Jo Rosee for the idea, Jo and Bev Hannay for the decorations , Jo and John Rosee for the setup and Leisa Craig the club Events Manager for the finishing touches. The buffet style meal of a number of Italian dishes in quantities reminiscent of Italian feasts was beautifully prepared and of exceptional quality. Many thanks to the Club Catering Staff for a great job. Club members were joined by guests Kay Carver, Val Calvey and past member Louise Selmes and granddaughter Chloe. It was a great night of fun and fellowship with Sergeant John Rosee extracting many fines, deserved and undeserved, from all members.

At the end of the evening prior to the National Anthem members and guest were treated to a stirring rendition of the Italian Classic O Sole Mio in Neapolitan by our club resident Tenor Peter Carver.

O sole mio is a globally known Neapolitan song written in 1898. Its lyrics were written by Giovanni Capurro and the music was composed by Eduardo di Capua

MHERV - Rotary Cessnock

Posted by Dave Owens

MHERV is coming to Cessnock and Kurri Kurri

So ‘who’ is MHERV? ... Mherv is a rural life-saver in a purpose-built caravan that begins its 2017/18 tour of 56 centres across NSW in Cessnock, on the 24th and 25th of August, followed by Kurri on the 27th and 28th.

The Men’s Health Education Rural Van (mherv) accommodates a registered nurse who runs some simple health tests for rural men who are notorious for not finding time to see their GP for check-ups. Many just ‘drop dead in the paddock, at work in the mine , at home in the backyard, in the vineyard ’ ... because nobody saw it coming!

As a Rotary initiative, MHERV has been visiting rural centres since 2008 especially way out west. But the project has more potential than was being realised on casual outings.

Retired Magistrate and Cessnock Rotary Club’s Steve Jackson has recently handed over the role of District Governor to Nelson Bay’s Helen Ryan. During his Rotary District Governorship in 2016/17 he was keen to see the Mherv project really get ‘out there’ Now ... starting in Cessnock, and then Kurri Kurri,mherv is scheduled to undertake men’s health screenings in 56 centres during 2017/18

Cessnock’s Rotary Club president Graham Farish said “ it’s good that we can cooperate on this project with Kurri Kurri Club led by President Paul Hughes. We are having screenings in both towns, one after the other.

Cessnock -Thursday and Friday 25 August – Cessnock Supporters Club Carpark

Kurri Kurri -Sunday 27^th and Monday 28^th August – Main St Kurri- carpark at old Workers Club

As Rotarians are often seen raising money with barbecues, raffles and other events, but people rarely see where that money is being spent. Rotary will be doing these health tests without charge, it’s a community project ... already on previous outings mherv has saved lives.”

MHERV is generously supported by The Royal Freemasons’ Benevolent Institution. They have world’s-best-practice aged care facilities in Cessnock and Kurri Kurri, and also offer home care packages in the area. The RFBI has provided funds for the registered nurse who is soon to join the project to conduct the tests. The dedicated mherv nurse will be assisted by community nurses whenever possible, so the two consulting rooms in the van can be used at the same time.

Paul Cousins , CEO of the Cessnock Supporters Club is sponsoring the Cessnock leg of the Mherv visit

On screening days both the Cessnock and Kurri Clubs club will have their barbecue lit up - hot and sizzling, close to the MHERV van in The Cessnock Supporters Club carpark and . All those who get checked will get a free sausage sandwich or whatever is on offer on the day. Screenings there will be between 9am and 5pm on both days.

President Graham Farish says “it doesn’t matter if you’re farmer, a miner, a footy-fan or a publican, the local community needs you! ... so if you’re one of those blokes who hasn’t seen your GP for a checkup in ages ... ‘man-up’ and get checked for free!”

It’s a five minute ... non-invasive group of tests. • Blood pressure just to check the heart isn’t too stressed. • Blood sugar levels ... just a pin-prick in the finger, to make sure there’s no type two diabetes ... which is manageable even if there is. • Cholesterol ... just another pin-prick to see if levels are high and need attention. • There’s also a test for bowel cancer …we’ll provide the kit, but that needs to be done later at home.

See! ... nothing to it! But in the past when mherv has shown us a bright red light, we know that lives have been saved.

C’mon girls! ... don’t lose the one you love for the sake of five minutes with MHERV “ drag them in “

Girls! ... be persuasive!

A health check with mherv is completely FREE. It is a community service provided by Rotary and our sponsors. You will see and hear about mherv before the van arrives in town.

Local Rotary clubs will make sure you know all about it. Where the van will be parked, and the times it will be open to do the tests. Rotarians will host the project, they are people you know from your district ...they will be on hand throughout the visit. So... Visit MHERV ... just man up and get tested – your family will be glad you did

The 2017 (80th) Changeover Dinner.

Posted by Dave Owens

On the 29th June 2017 The Cessnock Rotary Club held its 80th Annual Changeover Dinner at the Potters Hotel and Brewery. District Governor and club member Stephen Jackson performed admirably in the role of MC for the proceedings. An evening of fun and fellowship was also the setting for the presentation of a number of awards and donations to Rotary Members, Community organisations and outstanding members of the community. The prestigious Community Innovation and Excellence Award was made by Past President Vicki Steep to Helen Scott for her tireless work in the Branxton Community. Club donations to the community were made to the Girl Guides, Cessnock Volunteer Rescue Association, Wheeling and Able and Jacaranda Lodge. PP Vicki Steep also accepted a contribution to the Umoja Orphanage in Kenya and the club made a donation to Past District Governor Janette Jackson for the District Governors Partners Project, End Polio Now.

President Ross in one of his last official duties presented Peter Carver and John Jowett with a well deserved Sapphire Pin to their Paul Harris Fellow award. President Ross was surprised by being made a very deserving Paul Harris Fellow.

As the culmination of the evening President Ross presented the Chain of Office to incoming President Graham Farish who outlined his vision and plans for the club for the ensuing year. President Graham was then able to induct our newest member into the club, Bev Hannay.

Special mention must be made of the 2017 Changeover cake which was a masterly creation by Claudia Koncz.

A very Special evening finished with a rousing rendition of the National Anthem.

Presidents Annual Report

Posted by Ross Lidbury

Cessnock Rotary Club - President’s Report 2016-2017

From the first night, that being the change over (combined District and Cessnock club) on the 2^nd July 2016 it has been a hectic pace during my year as president.

During the 12 months, the club had the following guest speakers:

A big thanks to David and Val for the organisation of guest speakers

Vic Lair (retired journalist)

John Cormick (University of 3^rd age (U3A))

DG’s Wife Janette Jackson – district challenge

Sara Fenton (Mobile Travel Agent)

4 Mt View students presenting their experiences with MUNA

Rachael Pullicino (Potter Tavern Events Manager)

Tracey Frost (Ingenia – lifestyle development)

Michael Brendton – Little boats

Marine Bullen – Endeavor Sailing Ship

Brian Oakely NGSE

Damien Alley – Mayoral award 2016

Events that the club took part in 2016 - 2017:

A big thanks to Vickie, David Clarke and Graham Farish for the organisation of these events.

Branxton Markets (Book Stall)

Vintage Car Rally (B-B-Que)

Bunnings – (B-B-Que)

Postie Bike race (B-B-Que)

Hunter Valley Lights (Nov – Jan) Guides

Fire in the Park – Guides

Cessnock Council Christmas function – Guides

Special needs Christmas party (Santa and helpers)

Stomp Festival

Mayoral Awards

Effie O’Neil Debate

Cessnock Art Gallery Dinners

Some of the events that shaped the Rotary Year 2016-2017

The club embraced the start of a new 5 Year strategic plan steered by Wilma and Pam from District.
18^th August 2016 Peter Carver was award 50 Year service
25^th August 2016 Ben Yates was awarded the James Johnson award.
The AGM was held on the 8^th December 2016 and a new constitution was presented for discussion and later approved in March 2017.
Christmas party was held on 15^th December 2016 and a fun time was had by all who attended.
9^th March 2017 Club runner starts up – David Owens
2^nd May 2017 Mayorial Awards
8^th June 2017 Effie O’Neil Debate Between Mt View High School and Cessnock High School.
15^th June 2017 Meeting at Cessnock Art Gallery.
29^th June Change Over Dinner

During the Rotary year the Cessnock Rotary club has seen the passing of past president, Brad Dewhirst, John Jowett’s wife Meg and past member Ian Marshell.

The last twelve months has whizzed past and the club is already starting to organise its 80^th Birthday in November 2017.

Thanks, must go to the Club’s media crew, George Koncz – “Spoke” club newsletter,

David Owens – Club runner, a job well done.

I wish to thank all the board members for their support during the year, for without their dedication this rotary year would not have been the success it was.

Cessnock Rotary President

Dr. Ross Lidbury

Effie O'Neill Debate 2017

Posted by Dave Owens

On Thursday 8th June 2017 the annual Effie O'Neill Debate between student teams from Cessnock High School and Mount View High School took place at the Cessnock Rotary Club. The debating teams were given a choice of three topics for debate and chose "School tuck-shop menus should be chosen by the students/Teachers and parents". Cessnock High School took the affirmative position and Mount View the negative. Each team consisted of 3 speakers and a researcher with the first speaker from each team speaking twice to present the opening and closing arguments. Each speaker was allowed 3minutes with the timekeeper indicating the 2minute mark with a green light, the 2minute 30second mark with an amber light and the 3 minute mark with a red light at which point the speaker had 30 seconds to conclude before point penalties could be applied. The moderator was David Clark, the timekeeper was David Owens and the Adjudicators were; Judy Clark, George Koncz and Nicole Craft who, incidentally, had been a team member during the first Effie O'Neill debate.

Both teams conducted a well prepared and vigorous debate but in the final analysis Mount View High School were adjudged the winner and were presented with the shield and first prize.

Guest Speaker Damien Alley

Posted by Dave Owens

Last Thursday night the club had a very interesting guest speaker. Damien Alley. Damien gave us an insight into the challenges associated with, firstly, primary school teaching and then the work/life balance with a young family and currently undertaking the Diploma of Building Design. Damien is a very impressive young man and we hope to see more of him in the future.

Damien during his presentation.

Bunnings BBQ in aid of Bushfire Appeal

Posted by Dave Owens

Cessnock Rotary Club, ever ready to grab a fundraising opportunity, were contacted by Bunnings Cessnock and asked to fill a community BBQ fundraising slot that had become vacant at very short notice. A scratch crew were immediately organised by IPP Vicki Steep and our club decided that all profits generated would be dedicated to the Rotary District Bushfire Appeal which is explained in the following extract from the District 9670 website:

Following the extensive bushfires which have occurred in central western NSW recently, the Rotary Club of Mudgee and Mudgee Sunrise have jointly sponsored and established a fund to assist individuals and families suffering significant loss and distress caused by the fires. The fund has been established through the Rotary Australia Benevolent Society – an arm of Rotary Australia World Community Service - and has been listed as a charitable fund. This means it has Deductible Gift Recipient status so that donations made to it are tax deductible. “Moneys donated to the fund will be used to assist those who have exhausted any assistance available from Government and Insurance resources following the Sir Ivan, Kains Flat and other fires in the Mid-Western Regional, Upper Hunter and Warrumbungle regions” the Project Manager, Margaret Barnes of the Rotary Club of Mudgee Sunrise, said today. “At last count 31 houses had been lost, as had 104 outbuildings and an unknown but significant number of livestock. The village of Uarbry, decimated by the Sir Ivan fire, lost 9 of its 12 houses and its church” she added.

The morning shift consisted of PE Graham Farish, Mark Simpson, David Owens, Vicki Steep with all the essential equipment delivered on time by David Clark. There followed a morning of fellowship punctuated by some periods of hard work with substantial sales being made and with some generous donations to the Bushfire appeal by Bunnings patrons. The afternoon shift of Greg and Lorraine Bevan, President Ross and Vicki continued on the good work culminating in a successful day with the profit of $857.20 donated to the bushfire appeal..

I should also mention one of our morning shift members who suffered a heavy fall whilst setting up but showed great dedication to the cause by completing his shift.

End Polio Fundraising Dinner

Posted by Dave Owens

END POLIO NOW FUND RAISING DINNER

AN EVENT JOINTLY HOSTED BY THE ROTARY CLUB OF CESSNOCK AND THE ROYAL OAK HOTEL CESSNOCK

On Thursday 23^rd November the Rotary Club of Cessnock substituted its normal club meeting with a very important community event to raise funds for the Rotary International Foundation campaign to end polio in the world. Club members, Immediate Past President Vicki Steep and John Harvey (Royal Oak Hotel) organised the dinner which was held in the Hotel’s 5 star 221 Restaurant and Bar. A superb dinner was prepared consisting of an entrée of pan seared Canadian sea scallops accompanied by a Domaine de Binet Pinot Grigio 2015 followed by a main of Sous Vide Duck Breast accompanied by Audrey Wilkinson Tempranillo 2016.

The dinner was attended by 32 members and guests who enjoyed a great evening of fine food and fellowship. Guest speaker was Past District Governor Peter Raynor who spoke of the history of the Rotary Foundation and its links to the campaign to eradicate Polio in the world which at this stage has managed to isolate this deadly virus to only two countries in the world, a mighty achievement of which Rotary can be justly proud.

Successful fundraising on the night gained significantly from a very generous donation by John Harvey of $800.00 from the night’s takings at the Hotel. A useful amount was also raised by the clubs usual fun game of “Heads or Tails”.

A vote of thanks must go to the organisers, particularly Vicki and John, for what was a very enjoyable and successful evening. The evening was finally rounded off by a hearty rendition of the National Anthem.

RYPEN Program

Posted by Johanna Rosee on Oct 13, 2016

The Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment (RYPEN) in Rotary International District 9760 (a Youth Leadership conference for young students typically years 15 and 17 years old) was held again 23rd to 25th September 2016. A student was selected by each of the local school's Year Youth Program Leaders to attend the camp at the Myuna Bay Recreational & Sports Facility. The conference was a weekend long camp designed at developing these young people’s potential leadership qualities (recognised by the School's Year Leaders), through a mixture of inspirational guest speakers, workshop sessions and adventure-based activities/ learning.

Conference is designed to help develop basic skills in:

Resilience
Teamwork
Trust
Goal Setting
Forming and defining their own values
Leadership fundamentals and ethics
Taking initiative
Communication skills
Problem solving and conflict management
Community and Global Citizenship

The program’s principal aim is to help communicate to young people (taking part in the program) of a series of positive ideas, recognition of problems and social experiences, which will assist them in forming their own values and moral standards, and allow them to broaden their horizons culturally, socially and academically. Each student is free to discuss and interpret what they experience, and this may also be a help to make a significant step towards in fulfilling their future.

Cessnock Rotary were able to send 2 students (one from Cessnock High and one from Mt View High) to the camp for 2016. Teachers from both high schools were delighted with the wonderful offer, to allow these students to attend, as well as helping with bringing one of the students to and from the camp, and thanked Cessnock Rotary for their support on youth enrichment. School Year Leaders and the students have been invited as a guest, to give their feedback on the camp and their experience, and we are waiting for an appropriate date to hold the little presentation. Cessnock Rotary will be looking at the next camp session, and will work with the local schools to sponsor further students to help enrich more students with leadership potential.

Thanks to all the Rotary members who helped make this camp session a great success!!!

New Member for Cessnock Club

Welcome to our Rotary Family.......

On Thursday, February, 15, 2016, Mark Simpson was inducted as an active member of Rotary International. He was accompanied by his wife, Rosemary and sponsored by his neighbor, John Rosee.

Mark has been attending our weekly gatherings for the last three week or so and has fit right into the club. He and Rosemary have already joined in with our Adopt-a- road project.

Paul Harris Fellow Awards

Posted by Vicki Steep on Feb 11, 2016

Les Elvin posthumous award

The Rotary Club of Cessnock presented two Paul Harris Fellowships last Thursday night. The late Les Elvin was represented by his family to receive the highest award that Rotary can bestow. The award can be to a member of Rotary or someone that the club holds in high regard.

The Paul Harris Fellow is named for the founder of Rotary. He and three business associates had the first meeting in Chicago in 1905. The Paul Harris Fellows was established in his honour in 1957 to express appreciation for the contribution to the humanitarian and educational programmes of The Rotary Foundation. These programmes include an array of projects that save and invigorate the lives of people around the world and enhance international friendship and understanding.

Foundation programmes provide educational opportunities, food, potable water, health care, immunisations and shelter for millions of persons. These activities are funded, implemented and managed by Rotarians and Rotary Clubs around the globe.

Rotarians award a Paul Harris Fellow to recognise a person whose life demonstrates a shared purpose with the objectives and mission of The Rotary Foundation to build world understanding and peace.

Uncle Les Elvin (as he was known to many), who passed away unexpectedly 16thAugust 2015, aged 77, not long after his seventy-seventh birthday. Uncle Les was an Aboriginal elder, an Wonnarua man, the first elder of the Aboriginal peoples recognized broadly and warmly in our community. He worked hard to bring people together and close the divide that unfortunately still exists between our Indigenous first Australians and those who came here later. Les was a Wonnarua man who was proud of his Indigenous heritage and was always willing to share his culture and heritage with everyone. Les is survived by his wife, Jan, his three children and his seven grandchildren. Les was a well-respected Aboriginal elder, artist and teacher. In 2008 he won the Australian NAIDOC Aboriginal Artist of the Year award and has since designed a number of the Newcastle Knights Indigenous jerseys. In 2011 he became the fourth person and the first non-former mayor of Muswellbrook to receive the keys to the city. In 2012 he was named Cessnock city’s Citizen of the Year.

Cessnock's Citizen of the Year

Posted on Jan 26, 2016

Rotary Club of Cessnock's Past President David Clark received Citizen of the Year Award. Honorary Member Alison Davey received Senior Citizen of the Year and Hayden Grey received Young Citizen of the Year. Past President Arthur Beckmore's daughter Melanie Reec received Marthaville's Art's and Cultural Awards. Melanie was a past exchange student through our club who went to Poland.

Wheeling and Able Christmas Party

Posted by Louise Selmes

Please note that by clicking on the name of the photo album in the right hand column, you will see more photos of the most enjoyable event.

HUNTER VALLEY GARDEN CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

Posted on Dec 03, 2015

Club Events

Posted on Dec 03, 2015

Due to the large number of members involved in the Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Lights, attendance at our regular Thursday night assemblies has been down but it's been reliably(?) reported that they still managed to have a good time. David Clark is still short of a few volunteers to fill his rosters so please make yourself available. It's an opportunity to raise substantial funds for the club.

The Wheeling and Able Christmas Party is on tomorrow night and, whilst we do have a couple of people attending, it would be nice to have more. All you need to do is turn up and enjoy yourself in the company of nice people.

Our AGM will be held on Dec 10th.

Our Christmas Party will be held on Dec 17th. If you haven't already RSVP'd Vicki it is imperative that you do so tonight. NO RSVP = NO TUCKER!

Members' News

Sick List: We've still got George, and Jack on the sick list, and now they've been joined by Meg Jowett. (hopefully they have all improved in the past two weeks.)

Birthdays: Peter Carver.

Anniversaries: John & Meg Jowett

Lucky Draw: was won by Peter & Loarraine

President's Report 12th November 2015

Posted by Vicki Steep on Nov 18, 2015

The report is a bit late this week and thanks to Ellis for putting his hand up to fill in for George who should be on holidays relaxing on a tropical island in the Pacific but sadly George had a rather nasty fall off a roof and damaged his shoulder, sorry George I do feel the pain and hope the “drugs” are working hard to give you some relief.

Ross Crump was our guest speaker this week with a passionate talk on Relay for Life in Cessnock and the changes being brought into the distribution of the funds raised locally to be used locally to support those in need of help dealing with their illness rather than all the funds going into central funds for ongoing investigation into cancer causes and treatments. Ross expressed the need for support from local business and clubs like Rotary.

George continues to keep us up to date on Robyn’s adventures through Asia, Robyn is taking some wonderful photos and will have lots of good memories of her trip, I know many of you are not on face book but if you get a chance to take a look at Robyns’ page you will be able to follow her as she travels around the many different places.

Greg and Lorraine have returned from their trip and hope to see them back at our meetings soon, hope you are fully recovered Greg.

A reminder that the Wheeling and Able Christmas Party being held on Friday 4^th December, unfortunately many of us will be at the Lights so could others please make a time to call in for this afternoon and see the delight on the children’s faces as Santa hands out gifts for all.

Ross Lidbury will be hosting next week’s meeting with a talk on the Foundation, don’t forget to bring in your “pigs” decorated and named even though you might have already handed in you donations. Knowing Ross there will be a bit of fun to be had and I believe a small prize for the best named/decorated pig.

Members are reminded that our roster begins at Hunter Valley Lights on Sunday 22^nd, we need to be there at 6pm for signing, don’t forget to wear comfortable foot ware and be prepared for all weather with a rain jacket.

John Rosee has been attending our meetings on a regular basis lately with his move from Sydney to Cessnock, this Thursday we will induct John as a member of our club. All members please make John welcome, as you have over the past weeks, this will be a partners and friends night.

Birthdays this month – Janette Jackson, Peter Carver and Ellis Aldridge, Rotary Anniversaries John Jowett.

Vicki

Gift of Life

Newborns start healthy lives when hospitals have vital medical equipment to care for babies in their first moments of life. Your gift can help start a healthy future: http://on.rotary.org/Rotary_Give

Did You Know?

Posted by Ellis Aldridge on Nov 15, 2015

Clubrunner Website

Our Clubrunner site provides a handy repository for:

History
Photo albums
Details of past projects (eg., quantities of supplies for BBQs)
Directory of members both current and past, Friends of the club
Links to other Rotary websites
Past newsletters
and just about anything else that you want to save or tell the world about

This is the collective "tribal knowledge" that we always seem to lose!

It was designed by Rotarians for Rotarians. Provided you follow normal security procedures with your password your stored information is totally safe. The same personal information that would be on Clubrunner used to be written on cards. Older Rotarians will remember that there were many times that nobody even knew who had the cards!

When you decide to jump in and have a look, please call me if you have difficulties.

Cheers, Ellis

Lack of Education For Girls

Posted on Nov 13, 2015

Worldwide, 75 million children – 41 million of them girls – do not have access to basic education. Give to Rotary and support education and literacy: http://on.rotary.org/Rotary_Give — with Nana Kay Amponsah.

DISTRICT 9670 Conference at Forster

Posted by George Koncz on Mar 23, 2015

110th Rotary Birthday

Posted by George Koncz on Feb 21, 2015

Hunter Valley Gardens

Posted by George Koncz on Jan 15, 2015

WHEELING AND ABLE CHRISTMAS PARTY

STUDENTS AT OUR MEETING

Posted by George Koncz on Sep 07, 2014

We had our own student Iver Harsjoen from Norway, who was christened Viking One by some of our members. Mara Vogel is hosted by the Rotary Club of Kurri Kurri and we also had Chloe who is the granddaughter of one of our members, Louise Selmes.

BOARD MEMBERS 2014 - 2015

2014 CHANGEOVER

Mark Your Calendars!

Posted by George Koncz on Sep 27, 2013

Here you can post little tidbits of information, reminders, or anything else!

75th Anniversary Celebrations

Posted by George Koncz on Jul 05, 2012

More than 80 members and guests helped Cessnock Rotary Club mark a major milestone, its 75th anniversary of service to the community.

The function was held in Cessnock Supporters Club with guests including present and former district governors from district 9670 and incoming exchange students.

President, Gail Thomas took the gathering through the proud history of the club that began with its charter in 1937 at a time when some in Rotary thought a club may not be viable on the Coalfields.

But survive and grow it did with many of its achievements evident at this present day. Cessnock Rotary Club built the scout hall and girl guides hall, was highly involved in launching the PCYC and the former Crippled Children’s Association.

President Gail also spoke of the legendary Pit Horse Derbies that began in the dark days of World War II when huge amounts of money was raised that provided comfort funds for our troops overseas.

At its peak the club boasted a membership of around 70 and has retained a solid foundation to keep up its work in the community.

The evening also featured an audio visual presentation that took the audience through photos of past presidents, club projects, portfolio of each Inbound and Outbound Exchange student, and other club activities.