Dr Yapa Bandara

Dr Yapa Bandara paid our Club a visit this week not only as a fellow Rotarian from the South Wagga Club but also as our guest speaker. Bandara originally from Sri Lanka is a lecturer at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Wagga and will shortly undertaking work for Camden Council.
 
            
 
Presently Dr Yapa Bandara alongside a team from the University of South Australia (UniSA), Muticultural Council of Wagga Wagga (MCWW), Leeton Shire Council and Charles Sturt University (CSU), are putting together a Migrant Settlement and Economic Impact Report on Leeton.  The case study with particular reference to Afghan hazara community explores the Socio-Economic and Cultural impact of refugee settlement in rural/regional Australia.
 
 
 
Positives (Pull Factors)
•             visa requirements,
•             employment opportunities,
•             the country lifestyle and affordability,
•             support available in the country towns,
•             welcoming regions and
•             sense of belongingness.
 
Challenges
•             Employment related barriers: Language/skills
•             Social and Cultural Isolation
•             Tertiary education opportunities.
 
 
Economic Contribution
•             Income
•             Expenditure
•             Employment: Labour for regional businesses/industries (Agriculture, manufacturing)
•             Vibrant communities and places
•             Entrepreneurial activities
•             Enhanced business and economic opportunities
•             Growth in regional economies.
 
 
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Stupid Silly Jokes…. (Just because I can)  
 
People make me, save me, change me, raise me. What am I?
 
Answer: Money
 
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Welcome Jennifer and Congratulations
 
This week we officially welcomed Jennifer as our newest Club member.  Jennifer has  being appointed as Area Governor Area 2 for the 2022-23 Rotary year assisting incoming District Governor Geraldine Rurenga. Congratulations Jennifer and welcome. 
 
 
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  Director’s Roundup
 
  • Farmers Market 5 Feb - Mountford Park – 4 to 8pm
  • George Weston as Chairman of Australia Day Committee thank you for the Australia Day BBQ Breakfast and a special thank you to Dan, for organising everything for the day.
  • Board Meeting – Tues 8 Feb at Brian’s residence commencing at 7.30pm.
  • Hospital Lighting – to be discussed at Board Meeting.
  • Fran MacDonald has requested the Club undertakes the marshalling at the SunRice Festival at Easter.
  • Showground Gates will be cleaned and painted after 13 March.
  • District Conference – 18-20 March.
 
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  Laurie’s Quote of the Week
 
“Knowledge is proud that he knows so much; wisdom is humble that he knows no more”
William Cowper (English poet 1731 – 1800)
 
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