Copy of bulletin 3 August 2026 (Jul 29, 2026)

Meetings Dates

Next meeting

2 November

then fortnightly following,

16 November

30 November

Heather Casey – The History of Mental Health Services in Otago

Heather Casey, retired Southern Mental Health Nursing Director, gave the Club a fascinating and thought-provoking insight into the history and development of mental health services across the Otago region. Her presentation covered a wide range of services, including dementia care, and highlighted how many of the challenges facing mental health services today have changed surprisingly little over the past 160 years.

From asylums to community care

During the Asylum Era (1860–1930), people experiencing mental illness were generally housed in large psychiatric hospitals, where the emphasis was on custody and containment rather than treatment and recovery. Overcrowding, staff shortages and unsuitable, poorly maintained buildings were common problems. Patients also faced considerable stigma, often being referred to as “lunatics” and ostracised by their communities.

The Otago gold rush brought its own challenges. A rumour circulated among potential immigrants that criminals were sent to Australia while the mentally ill were sent to New Zealand. Although exaggerated, there was some truth behind the saying. The pressures of gold fever, disappointment at failing to find gold, alcohol misuse, mercury poisoning and untreated infections all contributed to the demand for mental health care.

Dunedin’s first Lunatic Asylum operated from 1863 to 1884 on the site now occupied by Otago Boys’ High School. Many of its patients were men aged between 25 and 40, with Irish Catholic men frequently admitted for alcohol-related problems.

Rotary Friendship exchange success

last month 12 Otago Rotarians spent 12 days on Long Island New York hosted by Rotarians. It was a privilege to spend that amount of time In part of USA that most Americans have never been to.

in the early days it was a huge food bowl with over 45,000 acres of potatoes and many other crops.

now a mix of small communities and open spaces, it has retained a semi rural feel with no high rise buildings

We visited several research centres working on agricultural and biological projects.
We were hosted by the owners of a huge glasshouse operation who grow Poinsettias and geraniums for Trade Depot! Their seedlings come from Uganda and Kenya.

we stayed for 4 nights in 3 different parts of the island and took part in Rotary projects and social activities with our hosts

PHOTOS

Hosts and D9999 visitors celebrate their final night together

Neville working on the Rotary water cleaning project using oysters. An oyster can purify 50 galleons of water a day

The Otago team reinact Washington crossing the Delaware as part of the 250year USA celebrations

Bingo Night to help Nathan Seddon

Bingo Night

Thursday 19 November

Bowling Club Mosgiel

Cycling Otago, Mosgiel Bowling Club and Sid Brown will be hosting a Fundraising Bingo Night to raise money for Nathan Seddon's unfunded Cancer treatment. To start the prize pool off for the evening Donald and Margie Murray have donated a 6 x 8 trailer load of dry fire wood. Other donations are being needed to ensure this evening is as successful as possible. If you know of a organisation, business or wish to donate yourself please contact Donald who will pass the information onto the organising team. Thank you.

Help for Nathan

Help Nathan Seddon Continue His Fight ❤️

This is a page created by Nathan’s family to help him raise the funds to continue treatment in the fight against his brain cancer.

Nathan is continuing to fight an aggressive Grade 4 Glioblastoma brain cancer. His cancer has now progressed despite the treatment he has already had. His medical team has recommended further Chemo treatment in Dunedin, giving Nathan another opportunity to slow the cancer after his radiation, chemo and 2 surgeries, most importantly giving him more precious time with the people he loves most - his Children and Family.

The next treatment comes with a significant financial burden and is not publicly funded, with approximately $30,000 needed. There will also be other treatment costs, flights and to see his children and family. This isn’t simply about treatment. It’s about quality time to watch his children grow, make memories with them, be there for the important moments when he can.

Nathan has always been a fighter. As a former New Zealand rep and Commonwealth Games Track Cyclist, he has spent much of his life pushing himself to the limit, through grueling training, competition and the determination it takes to reach the finish line. This continues to be his toughest race yet. His greatest achievement has never been on a bike, it has been a loving dad to his 3 children, a loyal friend, a wonderful brother and an amazing son.

We are organizing a Bingo Night to help raise vital funds for Nathan and his family. We are reaching out to local businesses for support and would be incredibly grateful for any raffle prize contributions, whether a voucher, product, experience or other donation.

Every donation, no matter how big or small, will help towards his treatment, travel home and precious time with his kids, friends & family.

From the bottom of our hearts thank you for supporting Nathan and his family during this incredibly difficult time.

Club Runner

A timely reminder for all members to login to Club Runner and check you contact details.

If unsure how to login contact Robbie.

Coffee Morning

Coffee Morning at THE GRANGE

Monday 19 October 10.30am

Happy Thoughts

The Happy thoughts are going well, with members kindly sharing their happy thoughts for the week/ fortnight.

Parting Thought

Mental Heath is not a

destination but a process.

Its about how you drive,

not where you're going.

Noam Shancer

Boxed up Left overs

At the last meeting the club trialled a new initiative to reduce food waste by offering members the opportunity to box up leftover food from the meal to take home. Once everyone had finished eating, boxed meals were made available, and members were invited to fill a container for $10 per box. The containers are a generous size, allowing a good amount of food to be packed in, making it well worth it for those who would enjoy the leftovers later. The system was self-service, giving members the freedom to choose what they would like, while also helping ensure that less food goes to waste.

Apologies

Merv Clearwater has taken over the role of Attendance and the Duty Roster from Brian Shanks.

If you are unable to attend a meeting it is your responsibility to let me know well in advance of the day of the meeting if you are unable to attend. If you DONT we will be charged for the meal from Paul the caterer and you will be liable.

Don't just TELL me as I am very forgetful; Text me on 0274 339689 or email me at merv@mcinsure.co.nz

As for Duties they will be advised in the bulletin so if you aren't able to attend it is up to you to find someone to take your place.