Edition 19

Meeting Notice for 2nd November 2026

The Family Hotel at 6:00 for 6:30pm

PROGRAMME: 

Celebrating Bob Donoghoe’s 60th Anniversary

Last meeting

.                                   Trish Moore and Heather Stewart
Our members were treated to an informative and highly relevant presentation by Trish Moore and Heather Stewart from Commonwealth Bank Tamworth, who shared practical advice on protecting ourselves from the ever-growing threat of scams and fraud. Drawing on real experiences from their banking roles, they reinforced the simple but powerful message: "Stop, Check and Reject" whenever something seems suspicious.

The presenters explained that scams can happen to anyone and highlighted five common warning signs to watch for: urgency, offers that appear too good to be true, threats of fines or penalties, requests for secrecy, and demands for money or personal information. They outlined a range of scams currently affecting Australians, including investment scams, fake text and email messages, relationship scams, remote-access scams, fraudulent job offers, and buying and selling scams.

A particularly powerful example involved a client who lost $1 million after bank account details on an invoice were intercepted and altered by scammers. Trish and Heather stressed the importance of independently verifying payment details by telephoning the business using a trusted contact number, rather than relying on information contained in an email or invoice. They also noted that banks now undertake account name checks to help reduce this risk.

The session concluded with a discussion about the increasing use of artificial intelligence in sophisticated scams, including fake videos and online content designed to impersonate trusted individuals and public figures. Members were encouraged to protect themselves by using strong passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication, never sharing banking credentials, and reporting suspected scams promptly. The clear takeaway from the evening was that taking a moment to pause, ask questions, and seek advice can prevent significant financial and emotional harm.

Thanks to James Hindmarsh for the notes.

PRESIDENT’S  REPORT 

We were treated to a wonderful presentation on Monday night from Trish Moore and Heather Stewart from Commonwealth Bank Tamworth on scams and fraud prevention at tonight's Rotary meeting. The key message was important being if you get a suspect email - Stop, Check and Reject which is sound advice.

As discussed in the meeting this coming Monday we will be recognising Bob Donoghoe 60 Year Anniversary in the Club.  We are making this a club night with speakers from within so if you can attend should be a good evening.

On that note a reminder again fellows to make sure you register your attendance for next Monday nights meeting 2 November by no later than 7pm on Saturday to give our caterer sufficient indication of numbers for our meeting.  If you could please make note of any special dietary requirements with your registration.

Thanks again for those fellows to helped out for the Youth Insearch Brighter Day event in Bicentennial Park on Saturday,  Peter Dillon, Kevin Craggs, Gavin Hombsch, Bob Lockwood, Ron Carr, Ron McDonald, Scott Edwards.  While numbers were depleted with the threat of wet weather those that came were able to enjoy a sausage and a drink all for a gold coin donation.   Special thanks also to Richard Chaffey and Gordon Austin whose temporary modification of Richards 5 x 8 trailer to include the BBQ was very successful.

We are seeking helpers for the Can Assist Day at Tamworth Golf Club on Friday 13 November.  If you can help out on the Friday, I understand with numbers down on normal we should only really need three volunteers, please click the link to the signup list in this Bulletin.  If you are keen for a game I believe they are seeking more teams to play.

Don’t forget to register for Showcase in Tamworth on 21 and 22 November.  As discussed, I have registered to represent our Club.  It will be a good opportunity to network with other Rotarians, meet new people and especially for our newer members experience more about Rotary.

Our Rotary Return and Earn Recycle Project is now starting to get underway.  We now have four business / workplaces on board and I have our Project page just about ready to launch at which time I will start actively promoting on social media. Recycling is easy, just drive through the Return & Earn depot at 4 Macintosh St in Taminda, reverse into a loading bay, empty your bottles and cans into the blue bins provided and once your bottles and cans have been processed, ask the staff to credit the proceeds to the Rotary Club of Tamworth West Return and Earn account.  Its that easy.

That’s all for this week.

YIR

James

ATTENDANCE - Meeting of Monday 2nd November  2026

Select the link below to the next meeting attendance ONLY if you are attending our next meeting on Monday.
The cut off time is 7pm on Saturday.

The caterer is advised of numbers just after 7.00pm Saturday evening