For those that missed it, The Sydney Swans had a comfortable win on Saturday…phew!!!
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This was a very busy meeting with two guest speakers and a presentation. We were also graced with the presence of Ken Cook, Norma Gray and Karen Walsh( ptr of Preso David), and OS visitors Steven and Lorrie Ledger, Lorrie having been an exchange student to our Club from Canada in the 1980’s.
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Lorrie and Steve had previously visited our Club in 2020. They are in OZ to attend a wedding in Brisbane. Lorrie let us know that their family is now a second Rotary Exchange family with their son who went on exchange to Brazil in 2013. They have maintained a close relationship with John and Norma Gray. A great example of the benefits of Rotary exchange.
Karen Walsh was very pleased to share the information that her daughter had received an “Emmy” at the recent awards. A great effort from a girl from Cootamundra who progressed through the industry to America. Congratulations to Emily Walsh
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Our first guest speaker was Rhys Cummins from Murrumbidgee Mens Group (MMG). Rhys was driven to establish the MMG after suffering mental health issues and could not see where to turn. The group was established in 2019. He and his mate who established the MMG decided that discussion with someone else seemed to reduce the stress. They meet every second Sunday at various venues in Wagga. They sit in a circular fashion so that no one is excluded or “in charge”. It allows men to openly discuss their thoughts. Most meetings have usually 10 to 15 present. They do get guest speakers from time to time. Some of those speakers have been high profile NRL players. If someone needs external help, Rhys says they can send them in the right direction.
They discuss the hard stuff. The members do not feel inadequate in discussing all matters including domestic violence. It seems to be easier to share the stories between the men rather than trying to share with family members. A number of men come to the meetings without mental health issues, just to listen and to share their thoughts.
The MMG is self-funded, although they have received a couple of government grants, Rhys was thanked by President David. The message is very clear. If anyone is struggling with health issues, put your hand up and ask for help.
Gears & Beers Chair Phil McIntosh, gave us an update on the event which is closing in quickly. The route for the dirty 130 has changed slightly but it just means a bit rougher road. The registrations are ramping up and are now higher than last year.
The very pleasing aspect of the event is the sponsorship team have managed to secure sponsorship of in excess of $100K. An outstanding effort in an economy which is doing it a bit tough. The only downside is that Phil is receiving information that accommodation is difficult to get. Gears & Beers Meetings are every Wednesday at 5.30 at the Lincoln.
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Ali Reid from “Start” attended the meeting at the invitation of David Post and was presented with 25 entry tickets to the Henty Machinery Field days commencing next week. These tickets are intended to be given to people like some of the Yazidi men to see what happens in the farming sector. A couple of our members will accompany those attending.
Doug Conkey asked for the Club support to attend a movie this Sunday September 15 being run for Legacy. Tickets are available at Legacy House. The movie is called “The Runt” and Peter Crozier hopes the movie is better than the Rotary promoted movie last Friday which was “ the worst movie he has ever seen”
We are cooking at Lillier Lodge this Wednesday and Pat Ingram has it all organized
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Our “This is your life” was delivered by newest member Ken Dillon. Ken was given limited time and told a great story.
Ken grew up in Bathurst and attended both Primary and secondary there. He had a connection in Wagga as his Grandfather was station master at Wagga and lived in the two story home adjacent to the Railway station.
Ken was a keen worker and his parents instilled in him to the notion of “hard work”. He was keen to advance his education and moved from Bathurst to Sydney so choose the “bush“ University at Macquarie. It was far enough from the City Centre to be in the realm of bush. He graduated with a degree in Psychology and a Diploma in Education.
A number of Prac teaching roles was an experience for Ken. At one situation he was mistaken for a student “out of uniform” and threatened with two cuts with the cane. He immediately went along with the plan until he told the Principal that he would rearrange his jaw if the stick managed to inflict the corporal punishment. That appeared to be the start of quality education for ken as he progressed through a very distinguished career in Education. He got his first appointment at a Girls Catholic Boarding School. The principal priest was rather pleased that he had this new lad Dillon, who he assumed was catholic. Ken said ‘I am actually not Catholic”. The Priest said’ That’s ok, you will be by the time you leave”
When he was offered a teaching position said “anywhere but Sydney” so he was offered Ardlethan in 1982 in the middle of a shocking drought. That was great experience with friendly families respecting teachers to a high degree and indulged with many meals at family homes.
Ken had the serendipitous experience on day 1 at Ardlethan of meeting his future wife.
The future was associated with further education and progress through the system. He and his wife decided that a move was necessary. They went to Forbes with a long term intention, but, once again, an opportunity arose from the local RCAE( now CSU). He was offered the job at an interview and, somewhat shocked at the lack of due diligence, accepted the job as a College lecturer. He decided that furthering his academic career was the way to go.
He completed a Masters with Honors and continued on in the lecturing role. Doors seemed to open for Ken when a head of School was retiring, Ken put his hand up and.…again….got the job as “head of school” Ken was supervising PHD students and cemented the head of school position for six years. His commitment to work was evidenced when he was offered the Dean of the faculty as associate Professor.
The academic career did not stop there as ken was then appointed to his final position at CSU as Deputy Vice Chancellor for six years before Ken retired from education five years ago. An outstanding career from Bathurst primary to VC of CSU.
Congratulations Ken
A big thankyou to Rob Pearson who cleaned the top of the Civic Precinct container, patched the holes in the roof and put a new roof over the top of the container.
Thanks Rob