The Rotary Club of Orange Calare

26/10/2014

Well another year of serving steak sandwiches, sausage sandwiches, bacon & egg rolls, lamb sandwiches and the odd chicken sandwich has come to an end...for this year at least!

The last three days has seen our Club toil and slave, serve customers, stock the fridges, cook, clean and scrub, with very little time for breaks...but you wouldn't know it by the faces of our club members and volunteers, all willing to pitch in and do their bit for one of our biggest yearly fundraisers!

As the ANFD Coordinator, I would like to thank my Committee members and all our Club members who volunteered over the three days. Also a big 'Thank You' and a shout out to the Orange High School Hospitality students that came and pitched in to help. You are all truly wonderful people. And judging by the smiles I can see you enjoyed the fellowship that comes with working together on a project such as this one.

The Men's Educational Rural Van (MERV) was a great success. The Merv van became a project of our President Paul Cox, who wanted to see rural men have the opportunity to have their health checked while visiting the field days. While our farmers are busy tending to their stock and crops, they can often overwork themselves and overlook their health. By having the Merv van come along to the field days, it placed an essential service in the right location for rural men to be able to visit and have a basic check-up. Located next door to our kiosk, we witnessed some brisk business taking place as there was always huge crowds around the van.

Dianne Gill, the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program Coordinator led a fantastic team that spoke to and assisted a large portion of the field day population that accessed the services offered.

Thank you for a job well done by Dianne and the team. I know that President Paul appreciates all your hard work in running the van over the three days.

Story by: PP Fay Layton, ANFD Coordinator.
Pictures by: PP Fay Layton and Incoming President Phillip Wilson

25/10/2014

District Governor David Kennedy, Rotary Club of Blayney and Assistant Governor Mick Doyle, Rotary Club of Orange paid a visit to our Club on 13 October.

DG David, was the Club's Guest Speaker and spoke about how he would like Clubs to increase the number of new Rotarians within our District by 5% in 2014-15, as well as Foundation to benefit by Clubs increasing their contributions. He also spoke about the Paul Harris Society and invited those club members who haven't already, to join. He then increased our knowledge on this year's theme 'Light up Rotary' and asked us to look at how we present ourselves to the world.

Club members and guests enjoyed the visit and talk and look forward to the year ahead and taking on the challenges put before us.

We wish David well for the year ahead and will aim to contribute to his goals as District Governor.

21/09/2014

SHELTERBOX AID - MORE THAN A BOX

Recently our Club supported the worldwide Global Rotary Club Shelterbox program by sponsoring a Shelterbox.

Starting as the brainchild of one Rotarian with the support of his Rotary club in year 2000 – ShelterBox has grown to become the largest Rotary Club project in the 100 year history of the organisation. Rotarian support currently contributes an estimated 50% of ShelterBox donations. Around 5,000 rotary clubs worldwide have supported ShelterBox since it was launched.

The Shelterbox Mission is: To provide on a world-wide basis, humanitarian aid in the form of material and equipment that provides shelter, warmth and comfort to people displaced by natural and other disasters.

The first consignment of 143 boxes was sent to earthquake victims in the Indian state of Gujarat in January 2001. Over the next three years the project matured and by the end of 2004 nearly 2,600 boxes had been dispatched, following 16 major disasters. On 26 December 2004, news came of the devastating Indian Ocean Tsunami and ShelterBox faced its most significant challenge, one that would change its course forever. Donations and volunteers poured in and they were able to ramp up their operations on a scale unimaginable just six months earlier.

In 2005 they sent out more than 22,000 boxes, almost 10 times the number they had sent out in the previous three years. Not only were they sending aid to survivors of the Tsunami, but they were also able to help those who had lost their homes in Hurricane Katrina in the USA and the massive earthquake that hit the Kashmir region of Pakistan. In just a few short months, ShelterBox had emerged as a major player in the field of international disaster relief.

They have continued to grow and develop whilst always focusing on their beneficiaries and have now responded to earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, typhoons, hurricanes, volcanoes and conflicts.
Each box is packed at ShelterBox HQ in Cornwall, England. Depending on the location and nature of the disaster the contents of the box may vary but each box typically contains the following...

Shelter
At the heart of every ShelterBox is a disaster relief tent for a family of up to 10 people. It is custom made for ShelterBox by Vango, one of the world’s leading tent manufacturers, and is designed to withstand extreme temperatures, high winds and heavy rainfall. Internally, each tent has privacy partitions that allow recipients to divide the space as they see fit.

A smile
There‘s a children’s pack containing drawing books, crayons and pens. For children who have lost most, if not all of their possessions, these small gifts are treasured.

Warmth and protection
In addition to the tent, there is a range of other survival equipment including thermal blankets and insulated ground sheets, essential in areas where temperatures plummet at nightfall. Where malaria is prevalent mosquito nets are supplied, as well a life-saving means of water purification. Water supplies often become contaminated after a major disaster, as infrastructure and sanitation systems are destroyed; this presents a secondary but no less dangerous threat to survivors than the initial disaster itself.

Self-sufficiency
A basic tool kit containing a hammer, axe, saw, trenching shovel, hoe head, pliers and wire cutters enables people to improve their immediate environment, by chopping firewood or digging a latrine, for example. Then, when it is possible, to start repairing or rebuilding the home they were forced to leave.

Fit for purpose
Every item is durable, practical and brand new. The box itself is lightweight and waterproof and has been used for a variety of purposes in the past - from water and food storage containers to a cot for a newly born baby.

A heart to the home
Key items in the box are either; a wood burning or multi-fuel stove. The multi-fuel stove can burn anything from diesel to old paint. Some boxes also contain our specially designed wood burning Frontier Stove. This provides the heart of the new home where water is boiled, food is cooked and families congregate. In addition, there are pans, utensils, bowls, mugs and water storage containers.

Adaptability
We keep a broad range of equipment in stock so we can adapt the contents of a box to a specific disaster. For example, following the Javanese earthquake in 2006, when some resources were available locally or could be salvaged from one storey buildings, the overwhelming need was for shelter – so we just sent tents, packing two in each box.

Sometimes the aid is not packed in boxes but sent in bulk. It is essential that they always support the needs of those who have survived disasters and this can vary enormously based on the type and scale of a disaster. They also do this to maximise donors’ money ensuring that they only send what is really needed and appropriate for the situation and culture.

In any disaster a large number of people without shelter will inevitably be children. Schools will often have been destroyed along with homes and other buildings. ShelterBox will, therefore, sometimes include ‘SchoolBoxes' in their aid consignments. These contain essential supplies for teachers, including blackboard paint and chalk, along with school equipment for 50 children.

If you would like to help or just know more about this amazing project: http://www.shelterbox.org/

ShelterBox is an international disaster relief charity that delivers emergency shelter and vital aid to people affected by disaster worldwide.

08/09/2014

Today we welcomed several guests to our Club lunch, among them our guest speaker Toireasa Gallagher.

Toireasa was born in the New South Wales city of Bathurst. Before the 2004 Athens Paralympics she piloted Lindy Hou in the tandem pursuit and road races; after the games, she was Hou's sole pilot.

At the Athens Games Toireasa won two silver medals in the Women's Road Race / Time Trial Tandem B1–3 and Women's Individual Pursuit Tandem B1–3 events.

At the 2006 IPC World Cycling Championships Toireasa won two gold medals.

Then at the 2008 Beijing Games, she won a silver medal in the Women's Individual Pursuit B VI 1–3 event and a bronze medal in the Women's 1 km Time Trial B VI 1–3 event.

It was interesting to hear from Toireasa and our members and guests enjoyed her talk immensely.

We also welcomed the incoming 2015 Orange High School Captains Alex Kennedy and Sean Faucett. We look forward to getting to know Alex and Sean over the coming year.

It's always sad to say farewell and we will miss the company of 2014 School Captains Meaghan Kempson and Trent French as they hand over the reigns.

Before they left they were eager to conduct the fine session after having sat through and watched many sessions over the last year, that were conducted by our own members. And they did a fabulous job of it...testing us with sports (a weakness for some of us)!

Meaghan and Trent we all wish you the very best for the HSC exams and for whatever you choose to do in the future. We hope you will both take the opportunity to visit with us now and again when time permits.

08/09/2014

Bringing the Arts + Health Together

Last Monday our guest speaker was Brad Hammond, Arts and Health Curator, who talked about how the overstocked Art Gallery in Orange forged the first ever partnership with a Health Service to stock the bare walls at the new hospital and create a 'positive distraction' with wall artwork.

Orange Health Service Art and Health Strategy is a partnership between General Health, Mental Health Drug and Alcohol Service, Orange City Council, Orange Regional Gallery and the community.

A growing body of evidence suggests that the arts can contribute significantly to a sense of well being and can aid in recovery in health settings.

Various art forms such as music, theatre, performance, participatory arts projects, and visual arts and crafts are assisting in humanising and bringing warmth to what can be sterile and alienating environments.

Our club viewed the artwork, through pictures, that are now hanging at the hospital and Brad discussed the weavers involved in creating sculptures in the hospital courtyard. The pictures looked amazing.

Also interesting was the number of local artists involved in the project and the great work they created especially for the hospital.

Brad conducts a tour of the artwork on the first Friday of every month beginning at 1.00 pm. Contact Brad if wishing to join the tour. Details are on their website; orangeartsandhealth.org.au

Brad Hammond is pictured here with Orange Calare President, Paul Cox.

25/08/2014

Members and guests enjoyed a 6 course meal at the Orange TAFE dining room on Monday 25 August 2014.

Hospitality students, with their teacher in attendance, served drinks and meals. And the service was as good as anyone would receive in a 4 star restaurant.

While all food served was extremely good, the highlight for me was the 4th course consisting of Pork tenderloin Mignon served with kumara, Hawaii potato gratin and finished with apple cider & rosemary sauce...delicious!! And everyone agreed the 6th course dessert of three chocolate tart served with basil sorbet and Tullie was also a hit!

The night was enjoyed by all and students received a resounding vote of thanks from our President, Mr Paul Cox.

Photos: Fay Layton

22/08/2014

The Rotary Club of Orange Calare
BOOT SALE BOOT SALE BOOT SALE BOOT SALE

To raise funds for the children’s charity GIVE ME 5 FOR KIDS the Rotary Club of Orange Calare is holding a boot sale at Towac Park Race Track on SATURDAY 6 SEPTEMBER 2014. Entry is from Ploughmans Lane.

Whether you’re a seller or buyer there will be an enormous variety of items to choose from.

SELLER SITES: $15 with own Insurance Cover or $21 to include Insurance Cover. Any seller with own Insurance Cover must produce Certificate of Currency on the day, or extra $6 will be charged. No exemptions. Booking a site is not necessary, simply turn up on the day.

Lots of undercover sites
Sausage sizzle available
Coffee and soft drinks available

BUYERS: Entry by gold coin donation from 9.30 – 1.00pm

For further information contact;
Tony Shepherd - 0408 639 681 Ken Ehrlich - 0428 241 736

PUBLIC LIABILITY
Stallholders that are a registered business require a Public Liability Insurance Certificate of Currency minimum $10m. Unregistered stallholders can take advantage of Insurance Cover arranged for them for a low $6.

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW
Event timing:
• Entry and set up is from 8.30am on the day of the Event (no earlier due to track work)
• Sites must be set up by 9.30am on the day of the Event.
• No vehicle movement is permitted on site between 9.30am - 1.00pm.
• Sites must not be dismantled before 1.00pm on the day of the Event.
• Sites may be packed up from 1.00pm and the site, including all waste, vacated by 2.00pm on the day of the Event

TIPS FROM OTHER STALLHOLDERS FOR A SUCCESSFUL DAY
• Arrive and set up early.
• Expect that customers will want to negotiate on price. Prepare beforehand and know what price you are willing to sell an item for and how low you will drop your asking price.
• Price your items competitively. Shoppers are after a bargain.
• Price items before displaying.
• Have a good selection of items at reasonable prices.
• Place your interesting items at the front of your stall to attract customers.
• Be friendly and relaxed – enjoy the day!
• Operate your stall by the rules of the event.
• Take instruction and advice from Rotary Club of Orange Calare volunteers when required.
• Preparation is everything!
• Bring with you:
o Plenty of water.
o Plenty of food (or take advantage of the food vendors at the event).
o Someone to assist you run your stall. It’s best to have more than one person operating a stall to ensure you get a break for food, toilets and to look around the event. It is risky and difficult to leave your site unattended if operating a stall on your own.
o Shelter (for all weather conditions).
o Sandbags (or other weights) if setting up a gazebo.
o Chairs.
o Sunscreen and protective clothing.
o Bags for items you sell and wrapping for breakables.
o Lots of change that’s appropriate for the price of your items.

12/08/2014

Our social days seem to come around so quickly. Yesterday saw members and visitors experience challenges from ex-tv show 'A Minute to Win It'.

Members had a minute to complete the challenge at each of the 7 stations set up around the room. Some of the challenges saw them moving tic tacs with chopsticks, sucking up m&m's with a straw, blowing plastic cups off the table with a balloon, playing tic tac toe with ping pong balls and even building a pyramid with beer cups!

While members managed to complete most of the challenges, some found blowing the balloons just a little too exhausting! But in the end all enjoyed the fellowship of team play and even managed a few laughs...even at their own expense!

22/07/2014

The third Monday of each month our Rotary Club swaps the two course meal and guest speaker for sandwiches, juice, fruit and socializing.

Yesterday's "Social Day Meeting" was organised by President Paul Cox who chose to align our social day with the upcoming Commonwealth Games and had the members participating in his version of 'The Games'.

Teams played 'toss the rings', shot air balls at a target in 'the shooting gallery', and then tried their hand at putting with a little stick...what is that thing called??..oh yeah, a putting iron (suffice to say I do not play golf!).

The Social Day was lots of fun and a huge success. Thank you to President Paul for organising a fantastic social day with lots of entertainment, fellowship and laughs throughout the meeting.

Our next social day is Monday 18th August 12.45 for 1.00pm at Duntryleague Golf Club. We would welcome anyone wanting to join us for lunch. For more information or to register your interest in joining us for the day, please contact the Administration Officer Fay Layton on 0417 661 532 or President Paul Cox on 0419 262 978.

14/07/2014

MERV at Australian National Field Days (ANFD).

The Rotary Club of Orange Calare will host The Men's Educational Rural Van (MERV) at the upcoming ANFD at Borenore on 23-25 October 2014.

MERV was developed by the Community Nursing Team at Mudgee Health Service and is a unique project with no other similar service offered throughout New South Wales.

MERV is a mobile men's health check and information service. The health check includes a review of blood pressure, blood glucose and cholesterol levels.

Local observations identified that men were often reluctant to access health facilities and that MERV addresses this barrier by offering a versatile and flexible men's health specific health service.

Since it began in June 2005 over 6000 men have accessed the program, including individual and group support.

If you are a male and intend to visit the ANFD this year or know of
someone who does, MERV will be parked next to the kiosk run by the Rotary Club of Orange Calare, Kiosk 7 in K Street. Please encourage them to visit. Entry is free.

14/07/2014

Incoming International President of Quota visits Orange Calare

Our Club was privileged to recently have Karen Murphy, Incoming International President of Quota, as our guest speaker.

Quota International, founded in 1919, is an international service organisation that links members of all ages, occupations, and nationalities in a worldwide network of service and friendship. Quota is in 14 counties and came to Australia in 1933.

With a motto "We Share," Quotarians are known especially for their service to deaf, hard-of-hearing, and speech-impaired individuals and disadvantaged women and children.

At the end of June the 2014 Quota District Conference was held in Orange and attended by Karen as the International Representative.

Karen spoke with passion about helping children and talked about the QuaCKa reading project, a program aimed at children in Year 1 and Year 2. QuaCKa stands for 'Quota Cops and Kids.' Karen had an idea of police staff visiting a school in their area and reading books donated by Quota, and from there piloted QuaCKa as a program. Since its inception, this program has not only helped break down barriers with the police, but there has been a 50% increase in literacy standards. The program is slowly spreading to other schools but does depend on a Quota Club taking ownership of the project in their area.

It was exciting to hear Karen speak with such passion and commitment and one could feel her energy! Thank you Karen for the very informative topics you covered and your many 'pearls of wisdom' throughout your talk.

Photo: Incoming International President of Quota Karen Murphy and Rotary Club of Orange Calare President Paul Cox.
Story by: PP Fay Layton

10/07/2014

2014-2015 Board elected at Changeover luncheon
The election of the Rotary Club of Orange Calare Board members for 2014-15 was a very smooth transition with 90% of the previous board either retaining their positions or taking on the challenge of a new position.
The fact that many of the board members chose to stay on for another year is testimony to the dynamic, efficient and energetic leadership of our President, Mr Paul Cox.
Highlight of the afternoon was the presentation of a Paul Harris Fellowship (PHF) to community member Richard Kidd for all his outstanding efforts for both our Club and our District over the years. A very worthy recipient.