A First 50 Years History of the Rotary Club of Epping

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President’s Opening Remarks This book is a tribute to the many every-day, but extraordinary, men and women who, under the banner of Epping Rotary, have given of their time, their talents and their money to change lives and build community over a period of 50 years.

Chris O’Brien President, Rotary Club of Epping Inc 2011-12

It portrays the human face of many outstanding projects, and provides a fascinating insight into the nature of the Club over the years and how it has changed over each decade since its charter in 1962.

What’s in it for me?

For former Epping Rotarians, it’s a wonderful and nostalgic trip down memory lane.

For current Epping Rotarians, it’s a source of ideas, interest and inspiration; also of pride to appreciate the achievements of the Club over the last 50 years.

For local historians, it’s a unique insight into the activities of a significant contributor to service within the community.

For the casual reader, it’s an uplifting story of human interest, a story of dreams of making a difference turned to reality with the help of like-minded people.

Enjoy!

Finally, a word of acknowledgement. This book could not have come into existence without countless hours of voluntary effort collecting, compiling, writing and editing.

There could not be a more capable or appropriate person to lead the authorship; Graham Stevens, in addition to twice being President of Epping Rotary and holding several Rotary District level positions, has been a major ‘mover and shaker’ behind many of the projects that the Club has undertaken in its more recent history. So my heartfelt thanks to Graham; and also to Paul Clune and Stan Ledger, without whose dedication to preserving the Club’s history and Paul’s many direct contributions, this book would not have been possible.

Chris O’Brien President 2011-12, Rotary Club of Epping Inc

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Rotary International President’s Message

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Foreword by Andrew Tink If ‘to give – not to receive’ was Paul Harris’s main motivation for founding Rotary in 1905, no club in Sydney’s Northern District, renowned for its volunteer spirit, has demonstrated this better than Epping Rotary.

During the last half century, the club has generously supported local hospitals, schools, and community groups. Among other things, it has helped to fund a Coronary Care Unit at Ryde Hospital, promoted debates between Epping Boys’ and Cheltenham Girls’ High Schools and constructed the Epping Guides’ hall.

Since the year 2000 alone, over $300,000 has been raised for local and overseas community projects and charities. But countless initiatives have also been hands on including painting at Karonga Special School, the rebuilding of a mobile canteen, local graffiti removal, RYDA and the Terry’s Creek Walk.

As Epping has changed since 1962, so has the club. This sense of changing community is well captured in the club’s different banners – the first featuring the Channel 7 tower, the second highlighting Epping Station’s heritage building and the third depicting the eastern water dragon found on the Terry’s Creek Walk.

It would be a mistake to think that Epping Rotary’s focus has always been local. Disadvantaged communities in places as far afield as Nepal, the Philippines and Vanuatu have received generous assistance for dental, cleft palate and eye programs.

The Club has also been at the forefront of leadership within the Rotary movement itself, providing two District Governors in succession during 2007-09. This provided an unparalleled opportunity for Epping Rotary’s successful formula to be emphasised in wider forums, especially the District Conferences held at Bathurst and Newcastle in those years.

But Epping Rotary is not just a place of good works; it is also a place for good fellowship among other places at the Everglades Restaurant, Araluen, the Epping Club and Boronia Grove.

However the most exotic venue must have been in Siberia where a number of Epping Rotarians and their partners enjoyed the hospitality of the Irkutsk Eco Rotary Club.

Graham Stevens, Paul Clune and Stan Ledger have collaborated to produce this highly informative and delightfully readable tribute to fifty years of Rotary in Epping. It is also an important work of local history which will no doubt be a valuable reference book within the Hornsby, Ryde and Parramatta Library networks for years to come.

Andrew Tink

28 April 2012.

Andrew Tink was a Member of the NSW State Parliament for 19 years as the Member for Eastwood 198899 and the Member for Epping 1999-2007. In that time he held a number of shadow portfolios including 11 years as Shadow Attorney General and he was Leader of the House. He was an Honorary Member of the Rotary Club of Epping from 2003 to 2007. In 2009 Andrew completed the first biography of William Charles Wentworth. His most recent book is a biography of Lord Sydney

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Contents President’s Opening Remarks ........................................................................................................ 2 Rotary International President’s Message ...................................................................................... 3 Foreword by Andrew Tink ............................................................................................................. 3 Preface ............................................................................................................................................ 7 The Spark and fire of it All .................................................................................................... 7 Acknowledgements ................................................................................................................ 8 Other Contributors ................................................................................................................. 9 Chapter 1 – The Swinging 60s ..................................................................................................... 10 Epping in 1960s........................................................................................................................ 10 Charter of Epping Rotary granted June 15th 1962................................................................... 11 The Pedigree......................................................................................................................... 11 The Charter Members .......................................................................................................... 12 .................................................................................................................................................. 12 The Club ................................................................................................................................... 13 The Club Banner .................................................................................................................. 14 The Projects .............................................................................................................................. 15 Epping Guide Hall................................................................................................................ 15 Carols in Forest Park ............................................................................................................ 16 Youth Exchange 1968 ongoing ............................................................................................ 16 Seniors’ picnics 1963 to 1993 .............................................................................................. 19 Chapter 2 The Contributing Seventies ......................................................................................... 21 The Club ................................................................................................................................... 21 Fellowship ............................................................................................................................ 23 Rotannes 1972-2005............................................................................................................. 24 Epping Rotaract Clubs 1970-1984 and 1994-1998 .............................................................. 26 Our First Sister Club Relationship-The Rotary Club of Tokyo Ikebukuro Japan 1971 ongoing ................................................................................................................................. 27 Our Probus Club Success Story ........................................................................................... 29 The Projects .............................................................................................................................. 31 Epping Flea Markets 1973-1982 .......................................................................................... 31 The Epping Rotary Catering Van 1976-2009 ...................................................................... 32 Pride of Workmanship Awards 1979 ongoing ..................................................................... 33 Ryde Hospital Coronary Care & Intensive Care Unit.1979-80 ........................................... 34 Chapter 3 The Golden Eighties .................................................................................................... 36 The Club ................................................................................................................................... 36 Fellowship ............................................................................................................................ 38 The Projects .............................................................................................................................. 42 Microsearch Concerts at the Opera House 1982 and 1992 .................................................. 42 High School Debates 1983 ongoing ..................................................................................... 43 J. W. Langston Memorial Epping Scholarship 1984 ongoing ............................................. 44 Polio Eradication 1985 ongoing ........................................................................................... 45 St John Ambulance Caravan 1986 ....................................................................................... 46 Camp Breakaway –Wyong 1987 ......................................................................................... 47 Chapter 4: The Nineties a Decade of Change .............................................................................. 49 The Club ................................................................................................................................... 49 Fellowship ............................................................................................................................ 50 Rotary Friendship visits ....................................................................................................... 51 Ikebukuro, Japan 1978 ..................................................................................................... 51 China International Goodwill Mission 1993 .................................................................... 52 China 1998 ....................................................................................................................... 52 5

South Africa 1999 ............................................................................................................ 53 Great Siberian Railway Adventure 2007 ......................................................................... 53 Women in Epping Rotary..................................................................................................... 55 A New Sister – the Rotary Club of Monza Ovest 1998-2009.............................................. 56 The Projects .............................................................................................................................. 57 Eastwood Sunday Markets 1993-1997................................................................................. 57 Floods Earthquakes and Bushfires ....................................................................................... 58 RAWCS International Projects 1995-2007 .......................................................................... 59 Nepal ................................................................................................................................ 59 Vanuatu ............................................................................................................................ 60 Meadowbank Mystery Tour 1997 ongoing .......................................................................... 61 Carols in Boronia Park 1997-2009 ....................................................................................... 62 M2 Opening 1997 ................................................................................................................ 63 Primary School Debates (The Roy Sadler Trophy) 1998 ongoing ............................................. 64 Golf Days 1998 to 2002 ....................................................................................................... 64 Chapter 5 The New Millennium .................................................................................................. 66 Epping in the new Millennium ................................................................................................. 66 The Club ................................................................................................................................... 67 Two District Governors........................................................................................................ 68 2008 District Conference ..................................................................................................... 71 District Conferences engender fellowship ........................................................................... 74 The Rotary Foundation ........................................................................................................ 75 Australian Rotary Health...................................................................................................... 76 The Projects .............................................................................................................................. 77 The Terrys Creek Environment Project 2001 ...................................................................... 77 The RYDA Program ............................................................................................................ 79 Epping Street Fair 2005 ongoing ......................................................................................... 81 Graffiti removal .................................................................................................................... 82 Youth Programs ................................................................................................................... 83 RYLA ............................................................................................................................... 83 RYPEN ............................................................................................................................. 84 NYSF................................................................................................................................ 84 Chapter 6 Rotary Today and the Future ....................................................................................... 85 Epping Today ........................................................................................................................... 85 The Club Today........................................................................................................................ 85 The Meetings ........................................................................................................................ 85 The Members ....................................................................................................................... 86 Fellowship ............................................................................................................................ 87 The Projects .......................................................................................................................... 88 Fundraising ........................................................................................................................... 88 The Future ................................................................................................................................ 89 Appendix 1 – Past Presidents ....................................................................................................... 91 Appendix 2 – Membership Today.............................................................................................. 103 Current Members ................................................................................................................... 103 Honorary Members ................................................................................................................ 113 Appendix 3 Epping Treasures .................................................................................................... 117 Appendix 4 The Walker Family – a 50 year continuous link .................................................... 122 Appendix 5 History in photos .................................................................................................... 125 Appendix 6 Epping Members 1962 to 2012 .............................................................................. 135

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Preface “During the summer of 1900, Paul Harris was invited to dine with a lawyer friend and after dinner he and his friend took a walk, during the course of which they called on several neighborhood stores and shops of various kinds and at each visit his friend introduced him to the proprietor.

Paul was deeply impressed with the events of the evening walk. His host had evidently found a good many friends among the business men in his neighborhood.

Paul’s clients were business friends but they were not social friends, and he wondered if there were any reason why he could not make social friends of his business friends, at least of some of them. He conceived of a group of business men banded together socially; then he thought that there would be an especial advantage in each member having exclusive representation of his particular trade or profession. The members would be mutually helpful….

In 1905 he resolved to organize such a club. Who should be asked to join?

Of one thing he was certain—they must be friendly men. The literature of the period, most of which was the work of Paul, emphasized the business advantage of membership. Prospective members were frequently appealed to directly on the basis of business gain. But even here is a distinction, subtle though it may seem. The prevailing thought was to give—not to receive. Giving was more reconcilable with the other thing that went along with it—friendship.

The net result was that those who came into the club for the sole purpose of getting as much as they could out of it were disappointed and dropped out.

Edited extract from “The Founder of Rotary Paul P Harris” Rotary International 1928;

The vision of a world-wide fellowship of business and professional men united in the ideal of service had yet to come but the foundations of the organisation had been laid.

Since that time Rotary International has grown to 1,213,500 members in 34,145 clubs in 530 Districts in 210 countries. For the past 50 years the members of the Rotary Club of Epping have been part of that great organisation.

The Spark and fire of it All “Our Anniversary history has revealed outstanding achievements of our beloved Rotary Club since the day of its charter fifty years ago.

How did it all happen? Who made it happen one may ask. The answer is simple It has been the committed, professional and dedicated men and women who joined our club over the years, who sought out needs in the local Community, raised funds and fulfilled them. They made it happen. They maintained an interest in improving the lives of the disadvantaged and elderly in our community and the well being and personal development of young people here and overseas.

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They also had a vision beyond the local scene. They could see clearly that they were members of a prestigious worldwide organisation carrying out projects around the world for the betterment of humankind, such as the elimination of Polio and projects that lift the lives of the poor and needy in many countries and one strongly dedicated to peace.

It does well for each Rotarian to be confident and always remind ourselves of the fact that each one of us is a member of such a wonderful worldwide circle of people endeavouring to serve humanity when and where we can, wherever we may be in the world we have friends with shared values.

Throughout the fifty years of our club’s there has been a great strong thread of fellowship that has woven its way through it all, has bound the membership together and has been a basis for uplifting one’s approach and experience in membership of our Rotary Club. It has been Fellowship together with friendship and commitment and dedication to Service above Self that has been a driving force in the club in the past. This was each member’s motto and mantra. The Four Way Test was also their guidance as the club grew and became the great club it is and no doubt will continue to be.”

Paul Clune

Acknowledgements

Paul Clune and Stan Ledger without whose efforts much of our history would have been lost

The Rotary Club of Epping has been uniquely served by PP Paul Clune and Rotarian Stan Ledger who have documented the history of the club every year since its inception.

Their work is preserved on the club’s website www.eppingrotary.org.au as a testament to the contribution of members each year through their involvement in meetings, social activities, fund raising events and community service projects both locally and internationally. It documents the coming and going of members and how our funds were earned and distributed. It provides readers with a tangible record of the contribution that Epping Rotarians have made to the local community on a day to day basis.

In completing this story of Contribution and Achievement we have drawn on the official history but also the memories and reminiscences of members past and present, in an attempt to put 50 years of community service into perspective, to provide personal insights into what motivates members, and to look to the foundations of many of the great programs that the club has embarked on over those years.

We have also looked at the club in the context of changes in Australia and the local Epping community that have occurred over the period and speculated where Rotary and the club might be heading over the next 50 years.

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It is our hope that by better understanding the history and traditions of the Club, current and future members will lift it to even greater heights.

We thank those current and past members who have taken the time to document their memories of this great club.

In any endeavour of this type not all events or activities will be captured and some may question the prominence given to one event over another. As editors we have tried to present a balanced and comprehensive view. We will leave it to the readers to judge our success.

PP Paul Clune

PP Graham Stevens

Other Contributors PP Ken Beacom PP Max Breckenridge PDG Tony Castley PP John Corney PP Ian Dence Rtn. Arch De Pomeroy Rtn. Wal Dover Rtn. John Fenessy PP John Goddard PP Ray Hosking President Elect 2012-13 Bruce Jacob Rtn. Stan Ledger PP Ian Mackay PP Athol Mc Coy Hon Rtn. / PP Algy Morris Rtn. Bob Nash

Rtn. Betty Ockerlander President 2011-12 Chris O’Brien PP John Payne PP Doug Rae PDG Monica Saville PP Graham Simons Rtn. Bob Smeallie PP David Stewart PP Alan Thomas PP Cees Thurmer Rtn. Don Townsend PP Peter Tugwell Hon Rtn. Diane Walker PP Ken Walker Rtn. Pam Waugh Rtn. Stephen Wright

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Chapter 1 – The Swinging 60s Epping in 1960s When the Rotary Club of Epping was chartered in 1962, it was part of an expanding suburb. New housing developments in North and West Epping brought an influx of new families into the area. New High Schools at Epping and Cheltenham had been built to cater for educational needs the post war baby boomer generation, and a new primary school was opened in North Epping to cater for the growth in that area. While there was some migration from overseas into the area, in the early 1960s less than 5 percent of the population was born overseas.

The Epping shopping centre had developed separately on the east and western sides of the main northern railway line, and provided a diversity of shopping experience from menswear, shoes and ladies fashion, jewellers, TV and radio repairs, hardware, pharmacists, cake shops, service stations, a produce merchant, a timber mill, hotel, picture theatre, post office, bakery, several banks and a building society, two estate agents, a newsagent, local newspaper, a laundry, clothing manufacturer, and a cooperative building society. Complementing the Chinese Restaurant in the Beecroft Road, an enterprising restaurateur had constructed the Golden Inn on Kandy Avenue with its own on site parking. Barry Scotts had completed a new shopping arcade between Beecroft Road and Rawson Streets. A PMG line depot stood on the site of the current Epping Community Club. Moran and Cato’s grocery store had given way to a new idea from America, a “self serve” super market. By today’s standards it was tiny but it was a big innovation for Epping.

Houses in Ray Road and Bridge Street, Oxford Street and Cambridge Street were starting to give way to apartments. There were signs that change was in the wind.

To cater for the growing population scouting and guide units flourished, the Seals swimming club was formed at the new Dence Park Pool, new sporting clubs like the Epping Rams Rugby Club were formed and the YMCA took possession of its new hall.

The tennis courts at Rockleigh in Essex Street and Midson Road were packed and the croquet club and Central Epping Bowling club were thriving.

With the growing community came a need for more facilities like scout and guide halls, kindergartens, schools, libraries, hospitals, sporting fields, bowling clubs and meeting rooms for senior citizens. The Poplars Community Hospital in North Epping, established in the 1920, run by local doctors, and the birthplace of many of the post war baby boomers in the suburb, was the pride of the community.

There was also pressure on existing infrastructure and plenty of demand for parents and community minded people to get involved in maintaining and repairing existing buildings and facilities. Older institutions like the Dalmar Children’s homes and Lottie Stewart Convalescent Hospital relied heavily on community financial support and volunteer help for painting and maintenance tasks and to help with their fund raising efforts

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It was into this environment that 26 local business men came together in 1962 to form the Rotary Club of Epping. Not surprisingly most of the charter members were local businessmen who had premises in Epping, a veritable who’s who of the High Street.

Charter of Epping Rotary granted June 15th 1962 The formation of the Rotary Club of Epping was rapid. On 22nd May 1962 proposed members of the club were invited as guests of the Rotary Club of Ryde to St. Anne's Church Hall Ryde. A further meeting was held on 6th June 1962 at the home of Eric and Vera Allars.

On 11 June 1962 the proposed members met at the Everglades restaurant Epping at 6pm for an organisational meeting chaired by District Governor Sleath Lowry. Officers were elected and the club's Constitution and By-Laws adopted. The charter for the formation of the club was granted by Rotary International on 15 June 1962 and at that date the membership was 26. The first meeting of the club was held at Everglades 18th June, 1962.

On 10th September 1962 twenty seven members were inducted by District Governor Ed Hill, the first District Governor of District 268, and Epping's Charter was presented by Past District Governor Sleath Lowry in the presence of 450 Rotarians and wives in St. Albans Church of England Memorial Hall. Lloyd Gollan was Charter President.

On 29th October 1962 official visits were made by Rotary Clubs of North Sydney and Ryde. At that meeting the clubs presented a silver salver to PP Eric Allars in appreciation of his work in the formation of the Epping club and President John Edmonds of Rotary Club of Ryde, our mother club, presented a cheque for ₤122.8.2 ($224.83) representing the surplus of funds after the expenses of the charter night.

There were three remarkable features of the formation of the club: firstly the charter was granted within a record short time of four days due to the expertise of District Governor Sleath Lowny, secondly Epping was the last club formed within the boundary of the previous District 275, (the northern portion of which became District 268 on 1st .July 1962), and thirdly, because the Charter was granted so quickly the club never met as a provisional club

The Pedigree In 1921 two Special Commissioners arrived in Australia with credentials from the Board of the International Association of Rotary Clubs in Chicago, to establish Rotary in Australia and New Zealand. At that time there were only 800 clubs in the United States, Canada and the British Isles.

The Rotary Club of Sydney held its inaugural meeting on 7 May 1921, with 35 members.

In 1926 the Rotary Club of Sydney chartered the next Sydney club, the Rotary Club of Parramatta. In turn Parramatta chartered a number of clubs including the Rotary Club Burwood in 1939. In 1946 Burwood Club chartered the Rotary club of Ryde and Epping

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Rotary is one of the five daughter clubs of the Rotary Club of Ryde.

Ryde 1946

Rydalmere

Hunters Hill

Epping

Eastwood

Ryde North

1955-2008

1958

1962

1967

1978

Gladesville 1978

Carlingford 1972

E-Club of Greater Sydney

Macquarie Park

2011

2006

North Rocks 1994

The Charter Members All of the charter members either worked in or had businesses in Epping.

Back Row (L to R) Frank Hunt (Menswear); Wal Heiron (Motor Repairs); Wal Cooper (Watch Repairing); Col Kirkwood (TV and radio repairs); Russell Walker(Radio and TV repairs); Stuart Beck(Painting and Decorating); Bill Jennings(Sec) (Accountancy Services); Norman Charge(Garage Services); Rev Bert Parker(Minister of Religion) Jock Brodie (Insurance-Life); Middle Row John Niccol (Newsagency;) Jack Rae (Pharmacy); Les Booth (Dentistry); Bill Sterland (Groceries Retailing); Lloyd Gollan (P) (Optometry); Cec Chambers (VP) (Primary Education); Arthur Walker (Electrical Contracting); Frank Bloom (Poultry –Wholesale); Ken Rhodes (Real Estate); Bob Watson (Treas) (Banking); Front Row: Bruce Scotts (Property); Ron Jacobs (Feed and Grain Retailing); George McIntosh (Menswear); Barry Catt (Nurseries); Jim Hawkins (Building Construction); George Heath (Insurance – General)

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The Club At the time the Rotary Club of Epping was chartered, Rotary International had only been in existence for 58 years and consisted of 11,400 clubs and 509,000 members worldwide.

In Australia there were 462 clubs and 18,851 members.

Epping Rotary in the 1960s was a very formal affair; the charter members had the benefit of the considerable Rotary experience of Lloyd Gollan, Arthur Walker and Jack Rae, who had been long term members of Ryde Rotary. They brought with them the traditions and rituals of that club. Each meeting commenced with the loyal toast and the singing of Rotary grace. The President with his newly acquired chain of office would sit at the head table flanked by the Secretary and Treasurer. The Charter was displayed each meeting together with a photograph of the Queen on the wall and the Australian flag. Anything less than a suit and tie was frowned upon and members would not have contemplated anything more casual for the weekly meeting. Meetings followed strict protocols. Each three months and on special occasions like changeover and Christmas, club members would invite their wives to attend a ladies night and ladies would attend dressed in their finery.

All of the 26 charter members had businesses in Epping or worked and lived in the Epping area; that was a strict membership condition in the early years, and the Club boasted a weekly attendance rate in excess of 90 per cent.

The charter members reflected the diversity of the Epping shopping strip in the 1960s.

There was an optometrist, pharmacist, minister of religion, motor mechanic, menswear shop proprietor, bank manager, building society manager, school principal, property developer, insurance salesman, nurseryman, newsagent, produce merchant, real estate agent, TV and radio repairer, watch maker, printer, grocer, as well as an electrician, builder and painter and decorator As a sign of the time the Rotary club bulletin of the new club was called RIM (Rotary in Men) Shortly before the Epping club was Chartered in 1962 Russ asked me to accompany him to my first Rotary meeting at Everglades, Dence Park Epping. I was 16, in my first year out of high school, and my knowledge of Rotary then, was zero. The guest speaker happened to be Miss Bessie Mitchell, the first principal of Cheltenham Girls High School. I was quite traumatised when faced by my past high school principal, as my only other close encounter with her was receiving a detention for wagging scripture class.

Another significant moment in my life came 1963 when I was a debutante at the Rotary District Ball with Russ as my partner. We were presented to District Governor Ed Hill.

Di Walker

In 1963 District 268, as it then was called, organised its first District Conference at Katoomba, The registration cost was $2 and members from Epping Rotary attended. A very young Diane Trayor made her debut at the Rotary Ball with partner Russell Walker, the youngest member of the fledgling Rotary club

In 1963 the club was shattered by the tragic death of one of its charter members Rev Bert Parker the local Congregational Church minister, who was killed returning from his holiday home on the Central Coast. The planned Girl Guides Hall in Brigg Road Epping was named in his honour.

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Early projects of the club included supplying books for patients at the Poplars Community Hospital, sending books to PNG, painting the Isabelle Pulsford kindergarten in Bridge Street. A young watchmaker Wal Cooper was very much involved in starting the annual Carols in Forest Park and organising picnics for the elderly from Shalom nursing home, a passion he would retain for the whole of his Rotary career In 1966 three members Lloyd Gollan, Jack Rae and Arthur Walker and their wives visited PNG to inspect the work that the club had being done with local schools.

In 1967 the club sent out its first youth exchange student Narelle Sonter to Lacombe in Canada, The following year the club received its first inbound student Marylin Nelson (Stelfox) from the same club in Canada. There was some drama when Marilyn's flight from Canada was diverted to Melbourne due to an airline strike and Epping Rotarian Russ Walker contemplated driving to Melbourne to collect her. Fortunately a club in Melbourne was able to take her in and send her to Sydney the next day. That however was too late for the celebratory dinner that the club had planned in her honour In 1968 the club, together with Ryde Rotary co-hosted the D268 District Conference held at Macquarie University on behalf of District Governor Gordon Harmon of Manly club At June 1970 the club membership stood at 43. It had inducted 46 new members and had seen 29 members depart. Only ten of the original charter members were still in the club, Stuart Beck, Les Booth, Wal Cooper, Lloyd Gollan, Bill Jennings, John Niccol, Bill Sterling, Arthur Walker, Russ Walker and Cec Chambers. Two of the Charter Members PP Russ Walker PHF (Sapphire pin) and PP Wal Cooper PHF (sapphire pin) recently passed away, achieving just short of 50 years continuous membership of the Club.

The Club Banner

Original Club Banner 1962-1997

Second Club Banner 1997-2003

Current Club Banner 2003 -

One of the Rotary traditions is for members visiting other clubs, particularly overseas, to provide the host club with your club banner. The first banner received by Epping Rotary

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was from the Rotary Club of Hunters Hill in July 1962. The banner usually has been designed to reflect some aspect of the area in which the club operates.

Epping Rotary's first banner was designed in February 1963 by a Mr. Petley and represented the ATN 7 TV tower, an iconic structure in Epping in the 1960s built to coincide with the introduction of television into Australia in 1956.

The banner was redesigned in May 1997 to depict Epping railway station in 1905. The design was taken from a painting commissioned by PP John Hayes, at a time when the historic platform buildings were being torn down for a redevelopment of the station.

Andrew Tink, former State Member for Epping and a past Honorary Member of the Club recalls:

“The station building depicted in the banner is the oldest station building between Strathfield and Hornsby and is now well over 100 years old It had been under threat during the redevelopment of the station but I successfully lobbied the then Transport Minister to save it from demolition with help from Epping Rotary and the Epping Civic Trust. Unfortunately a second station building, dating from 1927, which the Minister refused to reprieve, was demolished.”

In 2003 the banner was again redesigned to depict the eastern water dragon, a common sight during the construction of the Terrys Creek Walking track.

Over 50 years the club has accumulated many hundred banners from other clubs and Rtn Stan Ledger did a marvellous job laminating them so that they can be used as place mats on Rotary special occasions

The Projects Epping Guide Hall In 1963 Howard (Jum) Land, a builder and President of the Epping Girl Guides Association approached Epping Rotary for assistance to build a Guide Hall on a site at the corner Blaxland Road and Brigg Road Epping. The parents had undertaken fundraising and had enough money for materials. The site had been leased to the Guides

by Hornsby Council for a peppercorn rent.

President elect Arthur Walker readily accepted the challenge to build the hall and the foundation stone was laid in December 1964. In the previous year Rev Bert Parker the Epping Congregational Church minister and charter member had been killed in a road accident and it was decided to name the hall the “Bert Parker Memorial Hall”.

Epping Rotarians were able to bring to the project building skills, the services of an electrician, painter and general willingness to get involved. They were also able to use their influence to source material such as the concrete for the foundations cheaply. The

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building was erected within six months for a budget of $11,000. The project was not without incident. When President Arthur Walker broke his wrist, his son Ken, who was also a member of the club, used some broken fibro to splint the wrist.

This first aid measure was not highly regarded when Arthur arrived at the Ryde Hospital casualty department.

During 1965 my good friend Harold (Jum) Land suggested I might like to assist him in helping Rotary with a project to improve the Epping Guide Hall. As I had two guiders in my family this began a long association with the Rotary movement, and introduced me and my family to the joys of work and fun in the community’s interest.

Ian Dence

The hall was officially opened on 26th June 1965 by Miss Eleanor Manning OBE, Chief Commissioner of the Girl Guides Association of Australia. The opening was also attended by ATN 7 personality Mavis Bramston who was very well known and popular character at the time.

The Club re-established its links to the Guide Hall on 29th May 2010 when it dedicated a memorial to Past President Russ Walker on the front wall of the building next to the foundation stone laid by his father, and planted a memorial tree. This celebrated Russ’ membership of the Club from 1962 to 2009. Subsequently the Club has used the hall as a venue for its annual austerity night dinner.

While the Guide Unit was disbanded for several years it has recently been re-established and the hall is still an important community asset.

Carols in Forest Park Wal Cooper loved to sing, he was in the church choir and the Rotary song master so it was a natural progression for him to suggest that the club should organise Carols in Forest Park each Christmas. Wal’s Church would tell the Christmas story and provide the choir and Epping Rotary would sell candles and hand out song sheets. The first Forest Park carols in 1966 raised $150 for the club and the carols continued until 1986.

In 1982 the club joined with ATN Channel 7 to assist with their carols. ATN had decked out its television tower at Mobbs Lane with Christmas lights and this tradition continued until the site was closed in 2000. The ATN carols continued until 1994. In the last year the club raised $1,000 from the sale of candles and food from its catering van.

Youth Exchange 1968 ongoing Youth Exchange is an official program of Rotary International and allows around 8,000 students to exchange annually to around 60 different countries.

Rotary Exchange students spend one year living in another country, usually with three or four host families. The exchange offers students the opportunity to learn another language, experience different foods, study different subjects, enjoy a new culture and enjoy a new way of living it allows students to learn a great deal about themselves and gain confidence and self-sufficiency.

The ambassadorial nature of the exchange promotes world understanding and peace.

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Epping Rotary first became involved in Youth Exchange in 1968 when it sent its first exchange student Narelle Sonter to Canada. In the following year Marylin Stelfax from Canada became our first inbound student.

“I recall the excitement for the arrival of the first exchange student, Marylin from Canada in 1968. A welcome party was arranged at ‘The Land’s home, her first host parents. She was due to arrive on a Sunday morning when unexpectedly the day before a Sydney airport strike was called, and her flight was diverted to Melbourne.

Fortunately a Rotary contact in Melbourne rescued her. Although Russ and his brother Ken had volunteered to drive to Melbourne to pick her up.

Russ and I were Marylin’s second host parents. I was only five years older than her. Our friendship has continued since and on the three occasions we have shared visits in Canada & Australia, it’s as if the years between just melted away Di Walker Over the years Epping has sponsored 44 outbound students and hosted 38 inbound students. In all 13 children of Epping Rotarians have participated in youth exchange, 7 sponsored by Epping Rotary and 6 sponsored by other clubs in the District. The most popular destinations has been Japan (8) followed by USA (6) and Denmark (5) The Rotary Youth Exchange program relies heavily on host parents, both in the sponsoring and receiving clubs. Many members have been host parents to students over the years and found it to be a very rewarding experience, often leading to long term friendships.

“Margot and I enjoyed our involvement with the Youth Exchange programme. It was marvellous to watch

the transformation of a number of the students during their year in Australia and I’m sure the benefits will be lifetime. We were host parents to 4 students and still have a close attachment to the 2 girls from Scandinavia, both of whom are now married with young families. The programme was under the committed leadership of the late Roy Sadler who ensured that it ran smoothly” Graham Simons.

Host parents are also responsible for the safety of the children while they are on exchange and sometimes the unexpected can happen: “The year I was International Director we were hosting Tom an exchange student from USA. We visited

Dee Why. Tom had never seen the ocean before and was amazed. We plunged in the surf and were enjoying ourselves. I turned to warn Tom of a possible rip and found he was battling to stay on his feet, walking across the main rip. We quickly went to his aid and fortunately we managed to drag Tom out of harms way. This was a good warning.”

Arch De Pomeroy For many years PP Roy Sadler and his wife Heather were the club’s youth exchange counselors, heavily involved in the welfare of both the inbound and outbound exchange students. Roy and Heather would take the students under their wings as soon as they arrived, setting up bank accounts, arranging their school enrolments and organising uniforms so the transition was as smooth as possible. Every student inbound and outbound would receive regular hand written letters of encouragement from Roy in his beautiful script, and he and Heather used to keep in touch with the inbound students long after they had returned home. Roy would say that he knew that non English speaking students had settled in and adapted when they started to dream in English

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“A highlight of my year as President was the

presentation of Order of Australia Medal to Roy Sadler for service to youth, particularly through the youth exchange programme of The Rotary Club of Epping” Ian Mackay PP John Corney was the District Youth Exchange Chairman for a number of years and he provides this perspective on the program

The Youth Exchange program had its beginnings in quite early days within Rotary (1920s). In Australia, the earliest exchanges occurred in the 1950s with Taiwan.

However by the early 1960’s the organisation of exchanges was being managed globally by the Rotary Foundation. By the rules of the Foundation, no member of Rotary can benefit from the Foundation’s activities so the children of Rotarians were unable to participate in exchanges. Eventually the Rotary Youth Exchange Program was taken out of the ambit of the Foundation to eliminate the restriction.

Roy and Heather Sadler

In the 1960’s in Australia most exchanges were arranged as a club-to-club exchange. Later it evolved into a District-to-District exchange so now the inbound student a club takes does not have to be from the same place as the destination of the outbound student.

In the 60s, 70s and 80s the cost of international travel was significant and the opportunity for a young person to travel and live overseas for 12 months was particularly attractive.

Accordingly there was quite a lot of competition for places in the program. With the increasing availability of international air travel in the 90s and on into the 21st century, the novelty has worn off and there is not as much competition for places. However the intangible benefits gained are just the same. Rotary’s supervised exchange program is not as attractive to young people as the less structured “gap” year programs now available. There are thousands of organisations providing student exchanges worldwide and hundreds of thousands of students participating each year.

The structured nature of the Rotary program appeals to the parents more than the students.

Amongst the benefits to the student of participation in an exchange, the growth in selfconfidence which it fosters is particularly significant.

From Rotary’s perspective the main benefits of the RYEP are 

it delivers to our community young people more tolerant and rounded by their year in another culture



it gives them experience of how other families organise their lives by comparison to their own family



It fosters world friendship and understanding by the hundreds of contacts the two students (inbound and outbound) make with other people during their year away.

These contacts cannot be replaced by the words of politicians or the accessibility of the internet. Ultimately it is the combined effect of millions of such contacts which forges the attitude of people in one country/culture to those of another country/culture.

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

It expands the contacts between the Rotarians and others who are involved in the management of the RYEP worldwide, starting with the host families.

One factor which has impinged on the operation of the RYEP exchanges is the ease and reduced cost of international communication and the effect of social media services. Communication has progressed from letter writing and a few phone calls a year to faxes and calling cards, then to mobile phones and now to Facetime, Skype and Facebook. This leads to problems with some students running up huge phone bills but more importantly students now aren’t forced as much to resolve issues themselves, but can rely on others back home or across the world to help them instantly. There are still problems to be solved but they’re different ones!

One aspect of youth exchange has not changed. Many students choose to participate in youth exchange because they hope to “reinvent” their personality in the process – to escape from personality traits they perceive they have (rightly or wrongly) and to become a better person.

Rotarians need to be cognisant of this aspect of the RYEP program and assist the students we host to develop as they hoped within the rules laid down by the program for the safety and benefit of all participants.”

John Corney

Seniors’ picnics 1963 to 1993 Our Club has a long history of supporting our local senior citizens including many years association with Shalom and Willandra Aged care Facilities of Baptist Community Services.

In the early days, picnics were the order of the day and over the period 1966 to 1993 there were nine outings for the residents of Shalom and Willandra In November 1966, April 1968 and August 1969 PP Wal Cooper and PP Ken Walker organised picnics at Bobbin Head In September 1970 Rotarian Bob Nash organised another Senior Citizens’ Outing to Bobbin Head for the residents of Shalom and also on this occasion for the residents of nearby Willandra, In February 1972, the outing was organised by Rotarian Mal Mitchell.

In September 1972, Rotarian John Dunn organised a car drive. The picnics lapsed for a number of years, although members still supported a range of seniors’ outings, lunches, and concerts organised by other groups like Christian Community Aid In December, 1990, Rotarian Bob Smeallie reintroduced the annual outing, inviting sixty elderly and lonely people from Shalom to a Christmas picnic.

Bob organised a similar outing in 1992 and Wal Cooper combined a picnic with a paddle boat ride for the residents in Lane Cove Park in 1993 Seniors picnic 1992

Simply recording the timing of the outings understates the contribution of Service above Self, by so many members in the club who contributed their time and the use of their vehicles, also the planning and 19

fund raising to support the outings and the contribution of the Rotary wives and Rotannes supplying the afternoon tea. All of these things ensured the enjoyment of so many and were a fitting prelude to the Rivercat Cruises which commenced in 1997.

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Chapter 2 The Contributing Seventies The Club “A knife and forker - Never!” was the members’ catch cry that heralded the Contributing Seventies. Active contribution was the order of the day. The club started the decade with 42 members and ended with 60 members, a net increase of 18 for the period.

When the Headmaster of the local Primary School knocks on the front door, you might be forgiven for wondering which one of the three kids is in trouble. I was relieved to know that Horrie Mendham had called to invite me to join Epping Rotary. This began, for me, 22 years of pleasure in the friendship of number of men and their families Don Townsend

Club meetings were quite formal with a structured agenda combined with humour, particularly from the sergeants of the day. It was considered quite an honor to be invited to join the Club. Fellowship was most paramount and was the very glue that bound the club together as it went about raising funds and contributing with a hands-on perspective.

1971 saw the inauguration of the Sister Club relationship with Ikebukuro Rotary Club in Japan. And the first of a number of Youth Exchange students coming from and going

to Japan In 1972 we sponsored our daughter club, the Rotary Club of Carlingford, which became one of the most successful clubs of our district Members enjoyed a sense of achievement through the many hands on projects, such as erecting fences and undertaking renovations at the Poplars Community Hospital, painting and building a bus port at Dalmar Children’s Homes, renovating and painting the Scout Hall, painting at Karonga Special School House, We also installed a clock at Epping Arcade and a drinking fountain at Poplars Hospital in memory of Charter Member, PP Arthur Walker who passed away in September 1973.

Two buses were presented to Karonga School for handicapped children and the club donated $10,000 to various charity appeals as diverse as, The Darwin Disaster Appeal, The RPA Hospital, Christian Community Aid Eastwood and Shoes for Lepers in New Guinea Our first flea Market in March 1974 raised $1,400 with Rotannes playing a significant role in its success.

The Member of State Parliament for Eastwood Jim Clough was inducted as an Honorary member of the Club “on the floor” of State Parliament. Over the years the club has had the privilege of inducting as Honorary Members the sitting Members for Epping, Andrew Tink and later Greg Smith SC MP.

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Jim Clough MP (left) with President Algy Morris and PP Cec Chambers at Parliament House following his induction as an Honorary Member of the Club

A burnt out tandem axle caravan was rebuilt and became the famous and well worked catering van of the club, which, became a source of so much vital finance to support the club’s projects throughout the years. It also earned the club an Achievement Award from Rotary International for the building and development of the Van High School Debates between Epping Boys’ High and Cheltenham Girls’ High Schools commenced. These debates were prior to those which were held in later years competing for the Cec Chambers Memorial Trophy.

The largest Rotaract Club in the Southern Hemisphere was sponsored and organised by our Club. We also established our first Probus Club –The Epping & District Men’s Probus Club, which made a significant contribution to and benefit for the lives of retirees of our local community Charter President, Lloyd Gollan, became our first Paul Harris Fellow.

During 1977-78 and with a club membership over sixty, fellowship was at an all time high, enabling many new community and international service projects to be under taken.. Family support within the Rotary Club of Epping was also particularly strong with BBQ’s, numerous social functions and tours throughout the year Ray Hosking

It was indeed a busy and contributive decade. Some twenty five fundraising events were conducted by the Club raising in the vicinity of $28,000. The events covered Bowls and Golf Days, Fetes at Dalmar and Karonga School, Carols. Flea Markets were a feature – six raising $19,000

Our Youth Exchange program moved ahead - 10 Overseas Students stayed with us and we sent 11 away. Students came from a wide range of countries such as Japan, USA, Denmark and South Africa and our outgoing students went to Japan, Canada, USA, Indonesia and Thailand.

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Fellowship was an important ingredient in the life of Each year Epping Rotary had a “Bucks the club if not most paramount in the bonding of the weekend” which was eagerly anticipated by members in Community Service and Service above all previous attendees, sleeping accommodation was usually primitive but Self. On at least thirty occasions throughout the was readily made up for by the fellowship food provided by members Eric Wade, Seventies, Family Days, Family Picnics, Family and the butcher and Algy Morris the pastry Weekends Away. Bucks’ Weekends, Boating cook and ably cooked by Russ Walker and - PP Ian Dence Weekends, Progressive Dinners and Austerity his helpers Dinners, all brought members together as a Rotary family. These set the stage for the building of the club as a leading club in the District and its “Anything I organised, day picnics, weekends away like success in contributing to the welfare of our local Community Sofala and Bendalong, or in Epping. Bob Nash was one of the key organisers of the fellowship evenings I would always try out myself in fellowship activities and the weekends in particular, always advance and ideally take along undertaking a recce in advance to make sure everything some other members” - Bob Nash would be in place for an enjoyable weekend The club initiated the Ryde Hospital Project and together with five other clubs raised $100,000 towards the building of a Coronary Care Ward. The government agreed to contribute dollar for dollar.

In 1979 when the “Everglades” venue where weekly meetings were held closed unexpectedly, meetings were held at "The Walkers in Brucedale Ave” until the Araluen Receptions venue became available. Dinner fees increased to $5.50.

It was a significant and contributing club during the Decade of the Seventies, led by outstanding Presidents, Eric Wade, Les Booth, Wal Cooper, Ron Turner, Algy Morris, Alan Emery, Ian Dence, Ray Hosking, Max Breckenridge and Fred Arthur.

Fellowship The importance of Fellowship was a recurring theme during the seventies. Bob Smeallie reflects on his early years in Rotary

“I was nominated by Max Breckenridge to join Epping Rotary in 1973 but at that stage because of work and family commitments I postponed joining till 1974, the late Ron Turner was President and it was a great to be part of an elite group of men that were committed to do things for the community.

Joining Rotary for me did have some early problems in so far that I was known to quite a number of people. I had been working in Epping since 1961 and also having to call Rotarians by their Christian names was rather daunting, the likes of the Late Lloyd Gollan , Ian Dence , Don Townsend the late Jum Land and others who had been customers of our shop for many years previously were all known to me as Mister.

My recollections of the early Flea Markets, where thanks to Ian Dence’s great truck and trailer we were able to collect many old wardrobes etc through the week after work and take them back to Ian’s place for sorting and pricing, I should also mention how the Rotannes used to go there to help price things through the week, what a great team.

I well remember the great social events, such as Progressive dinners, Trivia nights and various fund raising dinners, not forgetting our Austerity nights some of which we had at our home.

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The next great project the club had was to rebuild the caravan, we well remember the late Russ Walker finding a burnt out caravan on the central coast and taking it to Ian Dence’s home where it was stripped to the bare chassis and rebuild into a great catering van , not only was it a worthwhile project but the camaraderie with everyone was memorable , and we learnt so much from the likes of Bob Nash, the late Jum Land , Ian Dence and many others who were willing to teach the likes of myself with a lot of patience, to do things I thought I was not capable of.

I must mention of course the brilliant Bucks Weekends we used to have, the most memorable for me was when we stayed in the shearing shed at my cousins property out of Crookwell, the looks on the faces of some of our members was outstanding, the cricket we played, the Clay pigeon shoot, picking up of bales of hay was an eye opener to many, but the food and company was so memorable.

One of the funny things that happened that time was when the late Mal Mitchell asked how you shear a sheep. We got the hand piece and “shore” Mal then shot him down the Shute. He was unable the get back up so had to crawl under the shed into the counting yard. The next morning the late Russ Walker and I filled the shed up with sheep and then introduced some of the ewes to the guys who were still in their beds.

In 1975/76 when the late Allan Emery was President I was nominated to the sergeant’s position. This was a great experience for me as you had to be on your feet every Monday night even if you had had a bad day, and try to be amusing, all my jokes had to be vetted by Ray Hosking but the lessons I learnt from being able to get up and speak was a life changing event.

In 1999 I was presented with a Paul Harris Award by President Ken Beacom it was a tremendous and most humbling event that has ever happened to me, to be nominated and join the previous members of this elite group was unbelievable. I certainly enjoyed my years in Rotary and with the experience of those years I have endeavoured to live by the 4 way test.

Bob Smeallie Epping Rotary 1974 – 2005 PP Max Breckenridge remembers the club at that time as very family oriented

“My years in Epping Rotary have left a lasting memory of strong and enduring friendships whereby all my family enjoyed participating in the activities. The Club was very family oriented which contributed to the successful club.

We have maintained contact with two Japanese exchange students we hosted, Reiko Mizuno and Atsuo Iiyama and visited them in Japan 3 years ago We organized an Australia Day party with a colonial theme and those attending dressed in all manner of suitable clothing. There were plenty of willing helpers who organized tables and chairs and Ken Walker built a mechanised rotisserie for the spit roast lamb, vegetables and damper which was enjoyed by the Epping Rotarians and their families” Max Breckenridge, President 1978-79

Rotannes 1972-2005 From the earliest years wives of Rotarians have assisted their husbands with various projects and being denied the opportunity to join Rotary some wives turned to forming

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their own service clubs. The wives of the Liverpool Rotarians in England became known as Rotary Ladies. They later called themselves The Service Club.

Many similar Clubs under various names were formed to help Rotarian husbands.

However, it was the Manchester Club which in 1924 provided the name and model rules upon which the Inner Wheel movement is based. The Emblem is a small wheel contained within the Rotary Wheel, hence the name Inner Wheel.

Rotannes 10th anniversary 1982

At an early stage in its existence Inner Wheel began to spread overseas. The first Inner Wheel club in Australia was formed in 1931, Ballarat, Victoria (disbanded in 2001) closely followed by the still active North Sydney, NSW. From these small beginnings and the dedication of original members, Inner Wheel has grown in all States. Ryde Inner wheel was started in mid 1962.

In 1972 President Wal Cooper suggested the Epping wives should form a ladies group.

Some wives such as Arthur Walker's wife Dot, then a member of Ryde Inner Wheel were adamant that they did not need the formality of an Inner Wheel club and she suggested that any group should simply be for fellowship between the wives creating an opportunity for the wives to meet once a month for a social get together and perhaps an occasional guest speaker. Someone suggested the group could be called Rotary Annes but sensibly this was shortened to Rotannes. This style of wives group was unique to Epping Rotary and proved very successful.

Rotannes would support the club and their husbands in service projects like fetes and barbecues and help out in the Rotary caravan and also invite the wives of new members to join. This would play an important role in introducing families to Rotary. The group was not for fundraising but if they wished to support a club project financially or support a worthy cause they could do so. For many years Joy Payne arranged" Biggest Morning 25

Teas" supported by Rotannes, donating an amazing contribution to the Cancer Council.

Rotannes funds supplied a refrigerator for the caravan and an air conditioner for the St. John Ambulance caravan.

Over the years the club relied heavily on the wonderful support provided by the Rotannes. Rotary wives and the Rotannes came to be relied on for help on any project.

This could include selling candles at carols celebrations, helping out at fetes, pricing goods for the Flea markets and warehouse sales, preparing and serving afternoon tea for the seniors’ picnics, looking after food sales from the caravan, acting as models at the annual fashion parade or entertaining the members of Ikebukuro Rotary Club on their visits to Sydney. The 1993 Epping delegation to Japan presented Ikebukuro club with a tapestry of Australian native flowers jointly created by Rotannes.

The first president of Rotannes was Dot Walker but it soon became a tradition for the Rotary President's wife to take on the role of President of Rotannes. A monthly news letter 'Rotannes Chatter' for many years edited by Beverley Ledger informed partners of upcoming events and family news, sometimes a recipe and helpful hints.

The group continued to meet every second Tuesday of the month in member’s homes until 2005. Many excellent and interesting guest speakers were enjoyed and always supper and conversations. Some meetings were visits to places of interest, inspired by a guest speaker, Great friendships and cooperation were engendered between members but over the period from the late 1990s attendance at the monthly meetings gradually dropped as the older members retired and more wives of the newer members found it difficult to make the meetings as they juggled both family responsibilities and work Rotannes have made a wonderful contribution to the club. Stalwarts of the group have included Diane Walker, Bev Ledger, Sandra Castley, June Dence, Judy Land, Margo Simons, Margaret Goddard, Annette Hosking, Dorothy Turner, Ainsley Thomas, Carol Stevens, Dawn Dover, Del Morris, Joan Clune, Joan Stewart, Joy Payne, Sue O’Brien, Lyn Mackay, and Lorna Wade and of course Dot Walker and many more wives have enjoyed the company and friendship of the Rotannes.

Epping Rotaract Clubs 1970-1984 and 1994-1998 Throughout the life of our club it has always maintained an interest in the development and well being of young people. In this respect and in addition to its other programs for youth, it initiated and coordinated the charter of two Rotaract Clubs.

Such Clubs are an important unit in the Worldwide Rotary Family. They provide opportunity for students and young professionals between the ages of 18 and 30 to engage in Community Service and experience Social and Self Development. To this end the following reflects our involvement in the two charters: In October 1970, highly esteemed member, the late Mal Mitchell, was the driving force in the formation of a very strong Rotaract Club. It was chartered with 65 young people and at that time was claimed to be the largest of such clubs in the Southern Hemisphere.

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John Knight was appointed Chairman of the club and under his direction the club went on to significant achievement, for quite a number of years, contributing greatly to the community and to the personal development of the lives of its members.

When the Rotaract club closed in 1984 John was subsequently inducted as a member of our Rotary Club, and remained a member for some eight years thereafter.

Epping Rotaract was re-chartered in February 1994, when twenty five members were inducted.

Rotary Club members became involved in the formation of the club, attended its meetings and joined with our Rotaract friends in a number of social activities, especially, competing with each other at ten pin bowling.

It was a very active and dynamic Rotaract Club. Its members appreciated the interest and help of Rotary Club members and expressed thanks, especially to PP Peter Tugwell and the late PP Roy Sadler for the assistance and advice extended to them on many occasions about its operations, its service to the community and guidance in the development in the lives of its members.

Our First Sister Club Relationship-The Rotary Club of Tokyo Ikebukuro Japan 1971 ongoing The first contact with Ikebukuro was made in 1970 when the Rotary club of Epping hosted their first Japanese Youth Exchange student Miss Chizuru Jimbo. The then International Director Theo Taylor had applied for an exchange with Japan and had written to Mr. Tatsuji Kojima, the Rotary Youth Exchange Director for Japan and member of the Rotary Club of Ikebukuro.

It was during a makeup dinner by Theo Taylor at Ikebukuro and subsequent correspondence between Theo and Tatsuji Kojima, that it was considered that the forming of a sister club relationship between the two clubs would be of great importance in the development of Youth Exchange and open the door for goodwill and understanding between the youth of our nations and Rotarians of both clubs.

In May 1971 at the Rotary World Conference in Sydney, delegations from the Rotary club of Ikebukuro Sunshine Japan and the Rotary Club of Epping, NSW Australia, met at the Sydney Showground. Despite differences in culture, language and history, the delegations from both clubs joined each other and the then President of the Rotary Club of Epping, Eric Wade invited the Ikebukuro delegation to attend Epping Club's meeting on Monday 17th May 1971.

It was at that meeting that Past President Yoshinoro Terada, on the suggestion of Tatsuji Kojima, officially proposed a sister club relationship between the Rotary Clubs of Ikebukuro and Epping. His proposal was enthusiastically endorsed by the Rotary Club of Epping and President Eric Wade formally announced and promulgated the new relationship. This was a bold move at the time as Japan was emerging as an important trading partner for Australia but many of members had served in World War 2 and had very strong feelings towards the Japanese.

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Since the formation of the relationship 18 youth exchanges have occurred between the two countries. The first exchange was in March 1972 involving Hiroko Kojima, the daughter of Mr. Tatsuji Kojima. Eight exchanges have been from Japan and four to Japan and six short term club/club family exchanges.

In 1976, a monster cake baked by Algy and Del Morris found its way to Tokyo, but the Japanese Customs were baffled by it. After many days of confusion about the My association with Epping whereabouts of the cake, it arrived Rotary took my family to many just in time for Ikebukuro's Annual functions and places, had numerous outings in and around Celebration of the relationship.

Sydney, introduced us to people from many walks of life and culminated in our first ever trip overseas when we joined a group of 15 Rotarians and wives to attend the International Conference in Tokyo in April 1978. – Don Townsend

Qantas flew the cake up free of charge however the Japanese Customs would not allow it into the country without payment of duty. No doubt very costly for our sister club Algy Morris

1978 saw the visit of 5 fellows and their wives from the Rotary Club of Epping to the Ikebukuro Club. It was during this visit that PP Alan Emery laid the foundation for short term exchanges between families.

On the tenth anniversary in 1981, 17 members and wives from Ikebukuro visited Epping to celebrate the occasion and to strengthen the goodwill and friendship that had developed between the two clubs. During that year 3 Epping Rotarians and their wives visited also Ikebukuro.

In 1991, 23 Rotarians and families from Ikebukuro visited Epping to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the relationship. The Epping President Cees Thurmer welcomed the members from Ikebukuro to our dinner at the Araluen Function Centre in Epping and the following evening the Epping members were hosted at a special dinner at the Intercontinental Hotel

Visiting members of Ikebukuro Rotary 1991

In 1993, 30 Epping Rotarians and wives visited Japan and the Rotary Club of Ikebukuro for two weeks. The tour was led by President Tony Castley and included a welcome meeting at the Sunshine Prince Hotel, presentation of a tapestry organised by Bev Ledger and made by the Rotannes, a tennis match at the home of Mr. O’Hara followed by a journey through Japan that culminated in a trip to the ancestral home of Mrs. Harada at Yanagawa on Kyushu Island.

17 Rotarians and wives from Ikebukuro visited Epping in April 1996 for the 25th anniversary of the association (Yoshiyasu Harada was president of Ikebukuro and Graham Simons was President of Epping). Among other things, there was tennis at the

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Castley's, lunch at Doyle's seafood restaurant at Watsons Bay and a very big night at the club.

In April 2001, 22 Rotarians and wives from Ikebukuro visited Epping for the 30th anniversary of the association (Shutoku Yoshida was President of Ikebukuro and John Payne was President of Epping). Highlights were a barbecue at Avoca, lunch at the Fish Markets, a Bridge Climb (for a hardy few) and another big night at the club.

Mr & Mrs Harada and members of the Rotary Club of Ikebukuro planning for the 40th Anniversary visit by Epping Rotarians

A joint Rotary and Probus team led

by PP Wal Cooper visited Ikebukuro in 2003.

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the relationship, members, partners, and friends of Epping Rotary planned a trip to Tokyo and Japan in April 2011. The club produced two photograph albums as a memento to record the events over 40 years and ordered wine with commemorative labels as gifts for the Ikebukuro members.

Unfortunately fate intervened and northern Japan was devastated by an earthquake and Tsunami on 13 March 2011. In addition to the loss of life and disruption there was a major nuclear accident and it was decided to postpone the visit. Subsequently Epping members held a trivia night to support the victims in Japan and $6,000 was sent to the Ikebukuro Club to be distributed as part of the Rotary relief efforts in Japan.

The theme of the World conference in Sydney in 1971 was "Bridge the Gaps". During the past 41 years the two clubs have succeeded in this ideal, we were ahead of our time in the establishment of this relationship. Our governments and business have since joined in the path we so firmly commenced 41 years ago.

Our relationship with the members and families associated with the Rotary Club of Ikebukuro Sunshine Tokyo has extended friendships and left lasting happy memories.

Our Probus Club Success Story The formation of Probus Clubs throughout the Rotary World has served and satisfied a deep need for Retirees and elderly people. Over the years our Club has played a real part to that end in our local Community. Happily our club has sponsored and organised the formation of six Probus Clubs over the years and especially during the years 1979 to 1996. Of those six, five have survived and are still operating effectively. All meet once a month, engage fascinating and informative speakers, have a wide range of committees and activities which contribute to the enjoyment of the lives of the members of each club.

The following is a brief summary about each one:

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Our first Club, the Epping & District Men’s Probus Club, was coordinated by Rotarian Don Townsend. It was formed in April 1979 with 15 members and continues today with 90 members. It meets on the 2nd Monday of the month at the Epping Presbyterian Hall.

Being in Probus is like taking a luxury coach to Paradise Colin Campbell

North Epping Mens Probus Club formation meeting 1985

Our second Club, the Epping North Men’s Probus Club, was coordinated by Past President, the late Horrie Mendham. It was formed in November 1984 with 41 members and continues today with 116 members. It meets on the 3rd Monday of each month at the North Epping Bowling and Community Club.

Our third Club, the Epping Ladies’ Probus Club, was coordinated by Rotarian Des Ferguson. It was formed in September 1986 with 97 members. Although successful for a number of years, unfortunately its ageing and declining membership meant it was wound up during 2009.

Our fourth Club, the West Epping Men’s Probus Club, was coordinated by Past President, the late Ron Turner. It was formed in April 1986 with 68 members and continues today with 73 members. It meets on the 4th Friday of each month at the Brush Park Bowling Club.

Our Fifth Club, the Epping East Ladies’ Probus Club was coordinated by Rotarian Mal Bracken. It was formed in November 1992 with 100 members and continues today with 60 members. It meets on the 3rd Monday of each month at the Epping Church of Christ Hall.

Our Sixth Club, the West Epping Ladies’ Probus Club was coordinated by Past President, the late Wal Cooper and former Secretary, Rotarian Bruce Edwards. It was formed in June 1996 with 100 members and continues today with 76 members. It meets on the 2 nd Thursday of each month at the Epping Baptist Hall.

“Many Probus Clubs these days are formed as mixed clubs, whereas, as can be seen, the clubs outlined above are gender specific, which, also, was the case in Rotary, when a number of the above clubs were formed. Since formation thereof, in some instances, the gender identification 30

has been deleted from the club’s title. In addition most are now incorporated. In discussions with executives of each club, it is clear that members are happy to retain each club’s gender orientation, particularly the Ladies Clubs, where many members may have lost partners and accordingly find such orientation more appropriate.

The membership of Probus Clubs is much sought after and continues to reflect the outstanding contribution by Rotary, to the lives of so many of our senior citizens.”

Paul Clune

The Projects Epping Flea Markets 1973-1982 As a Rotary Foundation Awardee and Member of a Group Study Exchange Team to Texas USA in 1971, PP Ray Hosking saw Rotary on the World stage before becoming a Rotarian in 1972, which undoubtedly influenced his commitment to Community service over the following 30 years. Ray reflects on the development of the Epping Flea markets.

“Commenced in 1973, these markets played a significant role as a major fund raiser for over 10 years. Club members would spend months collecting and storing furniture and other items to be sold at a market day. Fortunately the club had the services of member Don Townsend who owned the local transport and storage company, so they had the resources to collect and sell the goods.

Initially the market was held at the Mobil Service Station on the corner of Ray Road and Carlingford Road in the centre of Epping. Later it moved to the car park of the AGL building in Langston Place.

A valuable contributor to Club fellowship and fun, thousands of man hours were contributed each year to guarantee their success. In the first year, only $1,100 was raised, with much energy expended in clearing unsold items. In some ways these markets provided a community clean up for many to dispose of unwanted items.

Over the years, the marketing operation became more sophisticated and selective with over $150,000 being raised to support a variety of Community projects. With the Ryde Hospital Appeal in full flight, a record $16,750 was taken in one day!

Apart from fundraising, these Epping Flea Markets added a new dimension in Public Relations, enabling all Rotarians to have a direct contact with our Community as well as significantly raising the community profile and awareness for Rotary International.”

Ray Hosking

31 Flea market on Carlingford Road in the 1970s

In 1978-79 the Flea Market raised over $6,300. This involved much activity in obtaining and sorting goods for sale. The legendary camaraderie of Epping Rotary was to the fore with so many willing helpers and a wonderful financial result to support local hospitals and charities PP Max Breckenridge

The Epping Rotary Catering Van 1976-2009 In 1976, club members identified a burnt out caravan they thought would be suitable for conversion to a catering van. The caravan cost the club $900. It was transported to the home of the Club Service Director, Ian Dence where it sat in the driveway, while members rebuilt and converted it. The members spent most Tuesday evenings and Saturdays working on the van followed by a BBQ with the wives and children.

The caravan was reclad, new windows cut in both sides for serving Inside serving benches and storage were added The conversion took 5 months, and most of the members of the club were involved. The total cost to the club was $2,200 and the project received a District, Community Service Award at the 1977 Canberra District Conference and President Ian Dence proudly towed the van to Canberra to receive the award The van served the club well for many years, acting as a mobile catering facility, and was hired out to other organisations. Generations of Rotarians refined their barbecue skills at fetes, Christmas carols and other community events, and wives and partners willingly assisted. In 1991, when the club started the Eastwood markets it was pressed into service each week by a Past President Russ Walker, who extended its catering repertoire to crepes and coffee.

In 1994, when major bushfires raged around Sydney, the caravan was used to feed and replenish the fire fighters battling the blazes.

The van in service: Di Walker, Joan Clune, Fay Beacom, Helen Campbell, Carol Stevens

The rebuilt van in 1976-77

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By 2003, the caravan was starting to look tired and was having difficulty passing routine health inspections, so Rotarian Ross Hinton, organised for it to be fully refurbished. Neil Anderson and his sons Duane, Brad and Matt took on the task. Over a period of a few months working on weekends, the interior was gutted and new flooring and new stainless steel serving benches were installed. The van was again pressed into service. Its main outing each year was supporting the annual Carols in Boronia Park, but there were problems finding a suitable place to store the van and the club relied very heavily on the Past President Russ Walker to look after the ongoing maintenance and tow the van to the various venues. We noticed that the public were starting to look for different styles of food from its traditional fare of hamburgers and sausages, and the club members began to lose their enthusiasm for barbecues.

In the 2009 President Graham Stevens, advised the Board that the van required substantial maintenance and another refurbishment if it was to meet current health regulations. He suggested that the club consider selling the caravan to another Rotary club that was better equipped to use it. The club advertised the caravan in the District newsletter and was approached by the members of Gosford North Rotary, who were interested in buying the van.

With a new club and new enthusiasm, the Rotarians at Gosford North set about refurbishing the van and the caravan came alive again as Annie, the Rotary Tucker box The food van is fully equipped, council compliant and manned by volunteer Rotarians to cater for high volume outdoor events. Profits go to local community projects, keeping up the tradition started by a dedicated band of Epping Rotarians 42 years before,

The Epping Rotary van takes on a new life with the Rotary Club of Gosford North

Pride of Workmanship Awards 1979 ongoing Pride of Workmanship Awards were an initiative of the Rotary Club of Pennant Hills in 1975 and have been accepted as an approved Rotary Project. These Award nights now occur in Rotary Clubs all over the world including Canada New Zealand and the United States.

Participating businesses promote the Pride of Workmanship theme of "Do it once do it well" throughout their organization and nominate 33

“It was with great satisfaction that we have recognised so many hard working employees with Pride of Workmanship Awards over the years. ` Stephen Wright

employees worthy of recognition, not only within the organization, but the wider community. Nominees of the Pride of Workmanship Program are presented with a trophy in recognition of their achievements.

Epping Rotary first embraced the program in April 1979 when Vocational Director Mal Mitchell organised our first Pride of Workmanship evening and made 10 Awards to employees of local businesses. Since that time these Awards have been a permanent feature of the Club’s annual program.

The Club’s Vocational Service Chairman for 2011-12, Stephen Wright, provided this précis of the Pride of Workmanship Awards Program:

A Pride of Workmanship Award is given to those individuals who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to their chosen vocation and who have done it with pride, purpose and conviction. They have shown a strong dedication to their job and a sound work ethic. They have shown a sincere desire to do their best and apply themselves to the very best of their ability in their specific vocation whatever that may be.

Rotary is above all an organisation that honours the application of the ideal of service in each individual’s personal, business and community life. The Pride of Workmanship Awards are a reflection of that Ideal of Service.

To give of yourself to your vocation and to serve others is highly valued in society and it is one reason why these Award nights have spread all over the world in Rotary Clubs as a symbol of service.

Service to others and pride in your work go hand in hand and that is what is demonstrated by the Award winners.

The Epping Community is asked to put forward nominations to the Epping Rotary Club for consideration and applicants are judged against three criteria: o Specific job related skills; o Knowledge of areas related to their industry and how that knowledge is applied; and o The applicant’s role and contribution to areas outside of work and to the community

in general.

The nominations are judged and assessed by a panel of Rotarians. The winners show pride in their work, demonstrate commitment to what they do and demonstrate by their attitude and actions that they are worthy of public recognition.

In 2012 the eight Pride of Workmanship Award winners, joined the many other outstanding individuals who have been honoured with this Award since its inception.”

Stephen Wright

Ryde Hospital Coronary Care & Intensive Care Unit.1979-80 To commemorate the 75th Anniversary of Rotary International members of Epping Rotary including President Fred Arthur and Past Presidents Max Breckenridge, and Ray Hosking, undertook a detailed survey of needs within the area looking for a worthwhile community project. They had discussions with Ryde Memorial Hospital and decided to 34

support a fund raising appeal to give the local community a first class coronary and intensive care facility at the hospital. The appeal was launched in 1979.

As this challenge far exceeded the capacity for one club, The Rotary Club of Epping invited five other Rotary clubs to join this campaign. The clubs involved Epping, Carlingford, Eastwood, Ryde, North Ryde and Gladesville made a three year commitment to the project.

The original target was $100,000, and it was agreed that Rotary would raise $50,000 and the State Government would contribute $50,000. The Clubs enlisted support from corporate sponsors, doctors, Hospital staff, past patients and thousands of community supporters In fact in the first year, the community raised $128,000, well above the original target.

“The State Government, with support from then Minister for Health Kevin Stewart, agreed to raise their initial commitment to match the wonderful community support.

In coming years with costs rising the project cost had increased to more than $500,000 and following a change of Health Ministers, the Governments promise of $250,000 was withdrawn.

The community by this time had contributed over $ 350,000.

Under intense pressure from Rotary and the Community, the State Government eventually agreed to a grant of $150,000 to complete the project. This first class facility was opened in November 1983 and named “The Rotary Coronary & Intensive Care Unit”. After the completion of the project the Medical Superintendent of Ryde Hospital Dr Roger Hooper was inducted as member of Epping Rotary, and was a member of the club from 1986 until 1990.

Undoubtedly this was the largest project of its type in Rotary District 9680 at the time, and it would never have been achieved without the initiative, foresight and determination of the Rotary Club of Epping and the five other Rotary Clubs involved.”

Ray Hosking

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Chapter 3 The Golden Eighties The Club In the 1980s membership of the club increased from 60 to a peak of 72 in 1985-86 before ending the decade at 57. This was the Golden period for Epping Rotary PP Paul Clune gives his impression of the club during that period.

“It was indeed an honour, in the real sense of the word, to be invited to become a Rotarian and join the leading business, professional and tradesmen, who lived and or worked in our great suburb of Epping. It was a privilege, to participate with each one in our club’s contribution for the betterment of the Community about us. The club was an all male club. Our constitution was not changed to include female membership, until early in the nineties.

Classifications were a most important issue, for, without a classification, membership of Rotary could not proceed. The classifications of members during this decade reflected the wide range of talent, expertise and professionalism which pervaded the club during those years.

Although rather lengthy, the following reveals and reflects the wide range of backgrounds and accordingly the strength of the club at that time. They included: Tertiary Education, Optometry, Residential Property Improvement, General Law Practice, Education, Engineering, Cosmetic Distribution, Aviation Services, Men’s Clothing-Retailing, Hydraulic Engineering, Parliament., Financial Administration, Watch Repairing, Pharmacy, Shoe Retailing, Banking, Architecture, Electrical Contracting, Meat Retailing, TV Servicing, Taxi Services, Residential Building, Insurance, News agency, Furniture Removals, Plumbing Services and more.

Meetings were held at Araluen, an up market Wedding Reception House, located at Brigadoon Court Epping. The House cooked the evening meal; however, the serving of meals was carried out by members on a roster basis. Under the headings of Meals In and Plates Out, so was the responsibility of each member every week, as was the person rostered on for Fellowship and another for work at the bar. Collar and tie was the fashion.

The general attitude to Community Projects was one of what has to be done, when will it be done and let’s do it! Members embraced a can do, will do, People can be divided approach to club deliberations. Whether it was cooking “Remember… into three groups…. hamburgers and chips at a Dalmar Fete, building a cabin Those who MAKE things happen; those at Camp Breakaway for respite time for disabled families, who WATCH things happen and those who WONDER WHAT has happened” or participating in our successful Markets or other special Club Directory 1981-82 activities, members and families were eagerly a part of it all and supported whatever project upon which the club embarked. Projects were more orientated towards the local Epping area, such as donating buses to the Karonga School, the building of the Coronary Care Unit of Ryde Hospital, or a fence and concreting at Dalmar or building, or renovating a caravan for donation to Community Service.

Raffles were not the order of the day and were not generally the accepted manner of raising funds, as such methods were frowned upon by many members. Markets were in the main the major method of raising finance. Much reliance was on club members to raise financial support for projects. Relying on grants and external finance were not considered the way to go in this respect.

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The club was a singing club. Members sang Grace and a song was an integral and important segment of each Monday night’s meeting. Who can forget PP Horrie Mendham pounding the ivories and leading us in a song of yesteryear? A wonderful bonding event of the evening.

Singing competitions were held each year, mainly with our daughter club of Carlingford and on occasions with our parent club of Ryde. It was a most enjoyable time of fellowship “Tweety Pie”, a caged canary was the prize. Not too many were keen to claim it though!

Attendance was an important issue. The requirement of regular attendance was quite strictly observed.

Attendance was not a laissez faire matter. Absences of unacceptable duration were not regarded favourably and to “show just cause”, was the order of the day!

Board approval for lengthy absence was the expected procedure in these matters.

The membership of any active, past service or senior active member who is absent from four consecutive meetings of the Club shall automatically terminate unless his absences is made up as hereafter provided, or he is excused by the Board of Directors for good and sufficient reasons…The membership of any member whose percentage of attendance is less than 60%, during the 1st or 2nd 6 months of the Club’s financial year shall automatically terminate unless he is excused by the Board of Directors” Club Directory 1981-82

Fellowship was a most important feature of club life, whether pricing articles for selling at our markets, or more particularly, members’ weekends away. The fellowship and bonding of members gained here set the stage for cooperation and working together to get things done. These occasions were not only enjoyable, they assisted in the bonding of members, ensuring the club had the reputation of being one of the most outstanding clubs in Rotary District 968 as it was in those days.

The conduct of meetings was quite formal and well structured. We had some amazing sergeants, whose humour contributed so much to the enjoyment of our meetings each week. Inductions were performed with dignity and presence and as a special occasion for each inductee. Each new member was led to the President for the induction by the Sergeant with baton at the ready.

Formality always present at these important moments.

Our weekly magazine, warmly referred to as RIM was recorded by a committee of rostered editors appointed for the Rotary Year. Each member of the committee had a responsibility for about two months to record matters that flowed through meeting each week. The notes produced would then be sent to Pam Gray, who typed it all up, ran it all off on a Gestetner. It was then bound and ready for distribution on Monday Night. It was a much sought after publication, especially in the homes of Rotary families.

It was a busy decade. The usual comings and goings of Exchange Students, Progressive Dinners, RYLA and J W Langston Awardees, work at Dalmar and Koronga School, also Minimbah Fetes, Flea Markets and Warehouse Days, Red Shield Appeals, Austerity Nights, Fashion Parades, Bush Dances, Fellowship Weekends, Channel Seven Carols, Carols in the Park, working on the Catering Van, all gave a wonderful opportunity for service and fellowship. During these years members raised over $130,000, of which $82,000 arose from Markets and Warehouse Days.

These sums were in addition to the funds raised for the Coronary Care Unit at the Ryde Hospital by our club in conjunction with other clubs “I tried to take heat off the President and fine those members who didn’t want to be picked!”

Algy Morris

The role of Directors of the Board was action orientated and therefore extremely important, in that they were the engines that drove the club’s service to the community. Directors of Club Service, Community Service, International Service and Youth Service,

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together with their committees with designated responsibilities and actions resulted in real achievements year by year.

Rotannes was an important segment of our Club. In all of the Club’s activities, it was ably assisted by such a wonderful, integral and significant part of the Rotary life of Epping. They were the wives of members. As a group of talented and competent women, they met regularly, were led by an elected President and management structure. They determined their own projects and aims, yet, in the main, supported members, contributing to projects such as market days and were of significant help with the catering van and outings, where their unique ability and help was required.

Ladies Nights were generally held each quarter in the Rotary Year. These were special occasions, when wives and friends of Rotarians attended our Rotary meeting and contributed to the warm fellowship there and had the opportunity to hear a presentation from a speaker of note.

Our attractive ladies brought colour to it all and added a pleasant touch to these enjoyable and happy evenings.

The above is just a snapshot of my experiences and impressions of the approach and significant achievements of the Rotary Club of Epping and its service to the community, through and by so many talented, professional and competent members, so dedicated to the betterment of the world about them, during the Golden eighties.

Paul Clune

Fellowship Past President John Payne joined the club in 1984 and has enduring memories of the social aspects of the club over a period of 25 years

I was inducted into the Club having been nominated by Rev. Ken Manley, who was then my next door neighbour. I remained a member for nearly 25 years before moving to Queensland in 2009. My time in the Club was the experience of a lifetime; and the same applies to wife Joy, who applied herself to the Club programs with every bit as much energy and enthusiasm as I could muster. It’s true that our Club was a family venture, especially in the PP John Payne and PP Paul Clune earlier days before society found it had better and more pressing things to do with its time than rendering “service above self”. Do you remember The Rotannes, the deeply committed wives who could be relied on to be there for us without fail and without reservation? There was never any difficulty finding the numbers to mount a project and carry it through with spectacular results, whether it was a sausage sizzle or hosting an Exchange Student.

Our most enduring memories are of the outstanding social aspects of club service and, of course, the remarkable Rotarians with whom we shared them. I might mention a few: our first gathering on Australia Day, a barbecue in the back yard at Max Breckenridge’s; the Harbour cruises for our nursing home friends, organised by the late (great) Wal Cooper; the erection of huts at Camp Breakaway, under the watchful eye of the late (also great) Jum Land; Christmas Carols in the Park, where, on one memorable occasion, I impersonated a ‘Wise Man’ and rode a camel … very precarious! Charity golf days organised by Ken Beacom and Paul Clune; singing old time songs at our dinner meetings accompanied on the piano by Horrie Mendham, or occasionally, by Eric Wade (both gentlemen late and great); and I mustn’t omit Joy’s lunches in support of the NSW Cancer Council, where the food and drink were exceptional and 38

the camaraderie priceless! For these efforts, our Club saw fit to bestow a PHF upon Joy, of which she is very proud. Then there were the lunches at the Simons’ holiday home, North Avoca, and several progressive dinners! We enjoyed a gathering of the 60 Year Olds at the Community Hall in Epping … I won’t mention names! And Joy and I entertained 25 members and spouses at Tuross Head for Easter/ANZAC Day, an event that lasted a week for some of us. How could I forget Russ and Di Walker’s Steamboat dinners?

Weekends away were a great opportunity for members to relax and discuss project details and get to know each other. One year Max Breckenridge hosted the members at his holiday house at Pearl Beach. Arch De Pomeroy recounts

”Whilst getting some exercise along the beach, I encountered Cees Thurmer, an aspiring angler new to the sport. Cees enquired as to the best spot to ‘try his luck’ and we selected an estuary run out. On returning from the walk I found Cees looking a little rueful, “Any luck?” I inquired Cees replied “any B….. Luck! I had a huge fish on, it took the bait almost stripped the reel of line and broke off.” -a bit more excitement than he was expecting...”

Arch De Pomeroy Past President Doug Ray joined Epping Rotary in 1982 but his association goes back much further.

The first I knew of the Rotary Club of Epping was from my late father, Jack Rae, becoming a Charter Member after being a member and Past President (1951/52) of the Rotary Club of Ryde – Sponsoring Club.

I became a member of the Rotary Club of Tamworth in 1976 and on business visits to Sydney was able to make-up at Epping Club. It was a real nostalgia trip to find Ian Dence and Wal Cooper who had attended Epping Public School when I had and Wal was in the same class as me. Alan Emery was in the same year as me at Sydney Technical High School then in Engineering at Sydney Uni where I met Ken Dobinson and afterwards we three worked in the Department of Main Roads up till that time. I knew Max Breckenridge and Roy Sadler through the Epping Presbyterian Church. Bob Paisley had married one of my Sunday School teachers, Lloyd Gollan and Neil Anderson had supplied me with glasses Having been transferred to Sydney and living back in Epping I was invited to join Epping Rotary Club in 1982. After a while I was made Secretary, a position I held until 1985 board elections when Doug Shute became President-Elect with me as Vice President-Elect. Planning for 1986/87 year was mucked-up when Doug Shute unexpectedly and tragically died in April 1986 and I became President-Elect only a couple of months before Change –Over.

Club members pulled together wonderfully to enter the New Year with an energetic board and Bruce Downie as District Governor. Over the previous 40-odd years travelling to the city by train one had been able to see the Downie name on the family’s business premises between Redfern and Central.

Looking back through the year’s R.I.M.S bound and presented to me I have been surprised at the large number of activities the Board Members organised for the Club to be engaged in. Many were regular local, district, national and international projects requiring physical effort or just funds input so I will only make mention of those of special interest to me but in no particular order.

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Conducted after a lot of the usual collecting, carrying and hard work, was our big Market Day which was financially successful but destined to be our last because of the ageing of members and the physical effort required.

At this time Probus Clubs were being formed as a new initiative of Rotary leading us to launch our third club – a Ladies Club.

Our Catering Caravan was used at many venues and also the caravan presented to St John Ambulance won the club a SMH Community Service Award.

I was especially interested in the Langston Award having grown up in Epping not so long after Langston’s death much was heard of his many community activities such that there was a photo of him in the classroom of the primary school headmaster. For the presentation of the annual award we welcomed some previous winners that included a couple I had been at school with.

During the year our Rotannes met regularly and provided the club with much assistance so that the fellows acted as waiters, drink waiters and kitchen staff for the ladies Christmas Party.

Combined meetings were held with nearby clubs – Beecroft, Gladesville and Carlingford, this latter for a singing competition.

It was a good experience to join with other district clubs in working bees establishing the Camp Breakaway site at San Remo erecting accommodation huts under the guidance of our club tradesmen.

Incoming DG Leon Becker called on our club to run his District Assembly at Hawkesbury Agricultural College. We started into planning for what was run in the next club year.

Realising that our Club’s 25th Anniversary would occur early next club year President-Elect Paul Clune commenced preparations. A Nostalgia Night was held on 15th June 25 years to the day that the Club Charter was dated. The main celebration was planned to mark Presentation of the Charter Anniversary on 11th September.

My late sister Margaret hand crafted a woollen tartan rug which she donated for a fundraising raffle to be drawn on Charge-Over Night.

Of the fellows I was privileged to induct into the Club, I would specially like to mention Ron Hinton recently returned from Rotary in New Zealand and before in Parramatta. As an old mate I had the opportunity to nominate Ron into Eastwood Apex Club for the start of a long career in service clubs for him and his son Ross also as a member of this club.

Following my resignation from Epping Rotary and move to the Manning Valley, soon after Lloyd and Lillian Gollan moved into a retirement village to be near their son, Peter and family. Both are now deceased.

In closing I would like to record my appreciation for the privilege of being a member and a President of The Rotary Club of Epping and to thank the present members for the chance to write some of my memories of the Club.

Doug Rae PP Alan Thomas has fond memories of his 29 years in Epping Rotary

I came to Epping Rotary Club by a circuitous route. Apparently I had been proposed for membership of Parramatta Rotary by Bill Rosier, a Structural Engineer I had worked with.

The membership was, fortunately as it turned out, blocked by another Architect member of that Club, but Bill forwarded my name to Epping’s Membership Chairman at the time, Russell 40

Walker. Russell and Di were close friends of my sister and we had met. Russell asked me to join him at a meeting (the Club met at Dence Park at that time) and the first person I met was Max Breckenridge, with whom I had played soccer for quite a few years some 15 years previously! After a start like that how could I not join!

I remember being struck by the open and friendly welcome of everyone in the room that night, an ongoing attribute of Rotary in all its forms for the next 29 years. I believe that friendliness was the basis for the success of all the work the Club did for its local and wider communities.

The inclusion of my family in Rotary’s life has also been very important. As well as the wide variety of social events for Ainsley and me the involvement of Matt and Sean in the Rotary family was also valued. We even gained a great daughter in law through Matt’s marriage to Sandy Hosking.

While the “day to day” activities of the Club have been the basis of my membership, I will always be grateful to PP Fred Arthur for having introduced me to a wider experience of Rotary International which commenced through Group Study Exchange, and led to involvement with Rotary Foundation Awardees, District Youth Exchange and roles as District Governor’s Rep for three DGs and Advisor/ADG to two.

Rotary has been a life forming experience for me only made possible by Rotary’s twin focus on Service to our local and international communities and the close and enduring friendships developed though that service. At the Club’s 50th anniversary I am proud to claim membership for over 50% of its life.

Alan Thomas John Goddard was President in 1988-89 and 2003-04

“Dedication and enthusiasm” may only be words, but we all put them into action in 1988/89. The year was also devoted to binding the club through fellowship. We conducted a bush dance in August 1988, had a fellowship weekend at Coolangatta Village near Berry in September 1988 as well as many BBQ nights at members homes and great attendance at the district conference. In November we had a “bucks” weekend at Max Breckenridge’s beach house at Pearl Beach.

We were active in all available projects, including youth exchange. Our student was Andrew Campbell from Epping Forest Club, just north of London in the U.K., and they welcomed Rachael Maguire from us for 12 months.

In 2003/4, I was again honoured to lead the Club as President. We had 46 members and thanks to their enthusiasm and the committee system, we again had an excellent year.

May I say what an honour it was to be the Club President and I recommend it as a goal to be attained by all members.” John Goddard PDG Tony Castley reflects on one of his early lessons in Rotary

Recent membership studies have revealed that one of the most important ingredients for successful Rotary is ENGAGEMENT! Engagement of the members in the Club, engagement of the Club in Rotary programs.

When I joined Epping Rotary in 1988, I guess I was just lucky. I hadn’t been in the club 2 weeks, when Rotarian (and later President in ’91-92) Athol Mc Coy asked me to run what was then called the Seniors Concert. This was an annual concert put on by Eastwood Community Aid at that time, and Epping Rotary had the job of arranging and transporting all the guests from the Nursing Homes.

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My first reaction was to say,”but I don’t know anyone”….to which I received the obvious answer, “yes this way you get to know everyone”. So it was a matter contacting all the Nursing Homes in the area, and getting the members to commit for the transport to and from the concert. Looking back it sounds easy, but at the time it was quite challenging, but of course also a good experience and a way to quickly get to know the members. A couple of years later when they stopped having the concert, we turned this into the “Seniors Ferry Boat Outing“, with the first one held in Lane Cove River park on a paddle steamer that was running there at the time.

I think the best year of any Rotarians Rotary life is the year they are President, and this certainly was the case for me (1992-93). Even though I have since been District Governor, I think my President year was my most enjoyable. Maybe it is just that I was younger and didn’t consider it as hard work, but more a most exciting year of great fellowship and achievement. Having learnt the lesson of engagement I was able to inspire the members ( as all President do ) and looking back I note we supported 36 different projects or charities, increased membership (including current President Chris O’Brien who joined that year), and received the Presidential Citation.

So I always remember that first project, and I have to thank Athol for having the foresight to get me engaged in real Rotary from day one! Just remember the acronym ARNIE ... All Rotarians Need Interesting Engagement.

Tony Castley

The Projects Microsearch Concerts at the Opera House 1982 and 1992 “Epping Rotary had been a supporter of the Microsearch Foundation established by Dr Earl Owens over many years. Dr Owens was a brilliant micro surgeon who had pioneered work rejoining nerves severed in accidents.

Surgeons around the world were watching this Australian initiative with great interest and several came to Sydney to study under him. Past President Ray Hosking had worked with the Microsearch Foundation and was involved in fundraising activities including the Opera House concert.

To support Australian Microsurgical Research, Vladimir Ashkenazy, one of the World's finest pianists and now Musical Director for the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, agreed to host a fundraising concert in the Sydney Opera House. His son, Dimca, had been a recipient of major reconstructive surgery undertaken by Dr Owens in Sydney

Microsurgeon Dr Earl Owens

The challenge to fill the Opera House with 2,650 people was a tall order and needed the support of the wider community to make it happen. Rotary District 9680 was a major contributor as many clubs at the time were supporting The Microsearch Foundation of Australia. (Now part of Sydney University). Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Epping formed part of the logistical planning team, selling tickets and planning the production requirements for the evening.

Interviews on national television, radio and the local press contributed to the promotion, together with support from Lions International and a variety of other community service groups.

Under Vice Regal patronage and with the Governor of NSW in attendance, the Opera House was filled to capacity, raising a then record of $75,000 for Australian Microsurgical Research, projects that are both on going and life giving.”

Ray Hosking 42

In 1992 Ray Hosking, supported by Cees Thurmer and John Hayes organised a similar Microsearch concert at the Opera House which raised $55,000. One of the young surgeons who worked with Dr Owens at the Microsearch Foundation was Dr Marco Lanzetta a member of the Rotary Club of Monza Ovest in Italy

High School Debates 1983 ongoing Each year since 1983 Epping Rotary Club has organised and hosted a debate between Year 11 students from Cheltenham Girls High School and Epping Boys High School.

The two teams debate for the “Cec Chambers Memorial Trophy” and, while the nature of the debating is always friendly and often slightly tongue in cheek, the trophy is much sought after.

In more recent years the Rotary Club of Beecroft has also become involved in hosting the debate, which is now hosted alternately at each Club.

Over the years the High School Debate has entertained the members from both Clubs and has provided many students with the opportunity to engage in debating, not to mention the equally important opportunity of socialising with the opposition! Currently the girls are leading the competition 18 wins to 11.

Where did the “Cec Chambers Memorial Trophy” come from?

In 1971 at the Rotary International Conference held in Sydney a Sister Club relationship was established between the Rotary Club of Epping and the Ikebukuro Sunshine Rotary Club of Tokyo. As a gesture of international friendship, Ikebukuro Sunshine Rotary Club of Tokyo sent our Club an intricately decorated silver cup, with no express wish for which the cup should be used.

It was decided by members of the Epping Rotary Club that the cup would be used as a trophy for an annual debate between Year 11 students from Epping Boys High School and Cheltenham Girls High School to encourage debating amongst the youth of Epping and joint activities between the two schools.

It was further decided that the cup would be named the “Cec Chambers Memorial Trophy”, in honour and memory of the second President of the Rotary Club of Epping, who passed away during the 1982/83 Rotary year.

Epping Rotary Past President and charter member Wal Cooper redesigned the cup with a new base and places for the inscription of details of future winners. The cup is adorned with ribbons in the colours of the two schools.

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J. W. Langston Memorial Epping Scholarship 1984 ongoing

John William Langston was born and lived his early life in Windmill Street, Millers Point.

He attended Fort Street Primary School but left school at 13 to join the Hoskins Iron and Steel Company as an apprentice patternmaker. He later became an engineer and supervised the manufacture of the first Australian metal pipes at Rhodes. Finally as General Works Manager he was instrumental in buying land at Port Kembla for the Steelworks.

When John moved with his wife, Eliza, to 7 Norfolk Road in 1904, Epping was a country village with a few houses dotted amongst bushland and trees. Epping Public School had opened in 1901 with 135 pupils and steam trains to the city ran every two hours. John and Eliza had 8 children, 3 boys and 5 girls (Iris, Violet, Daisy, Ivy and Lilac). Ivy (Mrs. Stapp) later taught at Epping West and Beecroft Public Schools. The whole family was musically inclined and at a Grand Concert in 1914 they presented four items.

During his 19 years as a resident of Epping J.W. Langston became involved in every community cause in Epping. He was elected a councillor on Hornsby Shire Council in 1920 and recognised as the leading citizen of the District. It was reported that he attended 27 public meetings in one month.

On 9 August 1923 at the age of 58, as he was leaving the Rhodes factory to attend a Hornsby Shire Council meeting, he was hit by a fast northbound train. According to the Advocate of 10 August 1923, “As a Shire Councillor, as in every other sphere, he was soon recognised as one of its leaders and one whose judgment could always be relied upon, whose integrity was beyond question, and whose word was his bond”.

Following Langston’s death a committee was established to determine a fitting tribute to him. It was resolved that Langston Place, adjacent to Epping railway station would be named after him and a Memorial Scholarship established to assist the most outstanding final year Epping student progressing to High School. The first recipient in 1924 was Nerida Bubb who received a scholarship for four pounds ($8).

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In 1984 the Trustees of the Scholarship approached the Rotary Club of Epping to see if the Club would be interested in assuming responsibility for the financial and/or administrative control of the Scholarship. The offer was accepted and on 28th June 1984 a new Deed of Trust was drawn up with the President, Secretary and Treasurer of the Rotary Club as Trustees.

In 2008 The Rotary Club of Epping recognised the 90th J.W. Langston Epping Memorial Scholar. In that year the scholarship of $250 and funds were provided by Bob Paisley a prominent Epping resident and local solicitor, Past President and Honorary Member of the Club. A further generous donation by an Epping Rotarian enabled a $50 prize to be presented to each of the finalists. It was decided that to maintain the prize into the future it would be desirable to set up a separate fund for the Awards.

Langston Award finalists 2005

The club sought out some sponsors and Mr. Ian Robertson of IAC Robertson, Accountants made a donation of $5,000 and member Craig Gallagher a Partner with Hunt and Hunt solicitors committed his firm to support the Langston awards for at least the next 5 years.

Polio Eradication 1985 ongoing In 1985, Rotary International launched Polio Plus a plan to rid the world of polio, one of the most ambitious humanitarian programs ever undertaken by a private entity. At that time, more than 125 countries were polio endemic, and at least a thousand children were paralysed every day or 350,000 cases each year.

The project had the support of the UNICEF, the World Health Organisation, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and most of the national governments around the world. Since that time Rotary has raised more than US$1 billion worldwide and more than two billion children have been immunised. More than five million children who otherwise would have been paralysed are walking.

In 2009 in response to a funding crisis, Rotary eagerly accepted a US$355 million challenge grant from the Gates Foundation, which required Rotary to raise an additional US$200 million over three years, raising a much needed US$555 million, all of it dedicated to polio eradication. This challenge has now been met.

B i Rotary International President 2010-11, John "Until the day lthe earth is declared polioKenny says the organization is dedicated to its 20+ free, this work must be our first priority, l and our main focus, it is up to us to finish year battle against polio. the job.�

G John Kenny RI President 2010-11 a t e 45 s "If we all have the fortitude to see this effort through to the end, then we will eradicate polio."

Bill Gates

Just two precious drops of oral polio vaccine can save a child from lifelong paralysis.

In 2011 there were only 80 reported cases of polio world wide and on 2012 there are now only three countries Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria that are still polio endemic. India was declared Polio free in 25 February 2012, having not recorded a new polio case in over 12 months. Rotary's vision of a polio-free world is now in sharp focus.

Epping Club has supported the Polioplus initiative since its inception. In 1986 and 1987 Presidents Doug Rae and Paul Clune undertook extensive fund raising and the club contributed over $9,000 to the program. Over the years the club has continued to support the program with donations and both PDG Monica Saville and PDG Tony Castley have participated in National Immunisation Days in India.

St John Ambulance Caravan 1986 During Arch De Pomeroy’s term as Director of Community Service in 1986, Club President, Russ Walker said he was aware that the St John organisation needed a mobile facility to attend various sporting and other functions to render assistance. It was decided the best way to provide stretcher storage, medication, and service air would be to modify an existing caravan.

The Community Service committee meeting initially decided to limit the numbers of members working on the project due to the modifications necessary and the space limitations of the caravan. Eddy Pearce and Arch set about procurement of a second hand caravan. Finally they settled on a traditional style van with timber frame for ease of modification. Russ towed the van back to Ian Dence’s property.

A jigsaw made short work of cutting a rear entry door and over a period of several months, working some evenings and week-ends, they gutted the cupboards and all the fittings and made provision for stretcher slide-in. Eddy had Clerk of Works experience and Arch had built his first home over a five year period so they had plenty of building experience between them. With the willing assistance of club members the van was fitted with air conditioning, shelving, cupboards and, cleaned and polished till it was in showroom condition. Finally an adhesive Rotary Emblem and ‘First Aid’ lettering was attached to the van. The presentation to officials of St John was a significant occasion with club members able to share the occasion.

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Handover with St John officials, Arch De Pomeroy speaking President Russ Walker and Doug Rae sitting

Arch De Pomeroy recalls

The project details were entered in the Sydney Morning Herald Community Service Awards.

Members attended the presentation evening with high expectations and were not disappointed.

Our entry won its section and it must be said that it was with great pride in representing the Epping Club that the citation was received from Dame Leonie Kramer.

The intrinsic benefits to the Club and members of meeting a genuine need is immeasurable and manifests itself in so many ways, the cohesion between members extends with ongoing benefits to society. It enhances Club’s image and is important in attracting potentially good members and better citizens.

Arch De Pomeroy

Camp Breakaway –Wyong 1987 Breakaway was conceived in 1982, when members of the Rotary Club of Wyong on the Central Coast of NSW convened a holiday camp for thirty young people with physical disabilities. This first camp was held at Strathavon Resort at Wyong.

Following the overwhelming success of this camp and the realisation of the compound benefits for young people with disabilities, their carers and for the wider community, Wyong Rotary continued to hold camps each year. For several years these camps were held at Camp Toukley.

The observed need for this style of respite camp was becoming increasingly obvious, as was the need to have a permanent campsite, specifically designed for that purpose. The vision, dedication and hard work of a large number of Rotary clubs and the Central Coast community, along with the generous support of Delta Electricity, enabled the establishment of Camp Breakaway at San Remo.

Past President Athol McCoy reflects on how the Clubs involvement with the Camp Breakaway construction project came about in 1987 because of his reluctance to sell raffle tickets. It also shows how individual Rotarians can make a difference.

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“Wyong Rotary developed the concept of Camp Breakaway, a place to look after about 20 handicapped young children so that their parents could have a break away from the constant demands of care for the handicapped child.

For two years they used a guesthouse at Wyong to accommodate up to a dozen handicapped children and entertained them. They soon learned the guesthouse was unsuitable for kids in wheelchairs as doors, rooms and corridors were too narrow and they could not negotiate the stairs, so the club moved the camp to a conference site at Toukley before deciding they needed to build a specially designed facility.

Wyong Rotary obtain land from the Electricity Commission and then asked the entire Rotary District to sell raffle tickets for a luxury car to help fund construction of specially designed facility, The Wyong Rotarian driving this project operated a significant building company and we happened to sit together at the District Assembly. As I hate selling raffle tickets I suggested to him it would be better if we asked all Rotary Clubs to see what building materials they could get donated.

I started this activity by approaching different people in Amcor, the company that I worked for at the time and with a few phone calls to distant branches of the company I obtained free delivery of timber wall and roof frames, timber weatherboards and plaster board for the internal lining of the cabins Once the word was out there was a spontaneous response from Rotarians from a dozen clubs who worked weekends erecting the prefabricated frames and interior walls, cladding the exterior walls with weatherboard, and installing the windows and doors. When the truck with the plaster wallboard arrived it was swamped by many hands and all wall and ceiling lining was installed in one weekend.

The builder was overrun with this spontaneous work and had to retreat a little as the workmanship was variable. We drank and slept on the ground on Saturday nights to avoid the return trip to and from Sydney.

We were all surprised when a fleet of four-wheel drives arrived towing surf boats. Obviously the news of the project had reached the local surf club and after the morning rowing exercise these tradesmen brought all the gear and took over. The Rotarians stepped back a little from the construction, and picked up paint brushes to work side-by-side with these gentle giants.

This sparked a lot of activity throughout the Rotary District and the Wyong community. Over ensuing weeks the Wyong ladies sewing groups made curtains and bed covers.

The biggest surprise was the unannounced arrival of a Wyong Council Road gang one Saturday with a road grader and truck of gravel. Without survey pegs the gang laid the road base and cheerily advised they would seal the road during the week. When the council engineer found out about this a few days later he entered into the spirit of the project and approved the use of council materials.

I think that was better than selling raffle tickets!�

Athol McCoy

The cost of the cabin was $16,000, and corporate donations of materials arranged by Athol amounted to about $7,000. In 1991 in his Presidential year Athol arranged for another $18,000 worth of building materials to be donated to Camp Breakaway 48

Chapter 4: The Nineties a Decade of Change The Club “Daisy, Daisy, Give me your answer do, I’m half crazy all for the love of you.

It won’t be a stylish marriage I can’t afford a carriage But you’ll look sweet, upon the seat Of a bicycle built for two” “The words still run around in my brain each time I hear that tune. I can see Past President Horrie Mendham pounding away on a tired piano at Araluen Receptions and hear Past President Wal Cooper’s tenor tones leading the singing. Those are my indelible memories of Epping Rotary in the early nineties.”

Graham Stevens Businesses were going through a period of rapid change, as they adjusted to the economic times, companies were restructuring, in many cases coming to grips with redundancies for the first time, structures became flatter, employees were working longer hours and secretaries had become Personal Assistants only working for the senior management. Everyone was getting a computer and learning the benefits of “multi skilling” to become their own PA. A suit and tie at meetings was still de rigueur at the Rotary Club of Epping. The meeting commenced with a formal welcome to the President, the Loyal Toast and the singing of Rotary Grace, which was helpfully printed on the back of the weekly RIM magazine. A printed RIM was distributed each week at the attendance desk as we handed over $14.50 for a weekly meal. We continued the tradition of “plates in and out” (members serving meals to keep costs down) when the meetings moved from Araluen to the old Epping RSL Club in Oxford Street in 1994. Our meetings moved again with the completion of the new Epping Club building in Rawson Street. Our first meeting in the new premises was the 1995/96 Changeover dinner when President John Hayes handed over to President Graham Simons. Shortly after we changed our venue to the Boronia Grove Receptions, where we have met, almost continuously, for the past 15 years. Monday night is Rotary night!

Club membership stood at 57 at the start of the decade and finished at 54, but over the course of the 10 years there were 51 inductions and 54 resignations or retirements. In addition at the end of the decade the Club had 4 Honorary Members Fred Arthur, Jim Clough, Horrie Mendham and Bob Paisley. The 1990s saw a number of the post war baby boomers join the club, many of whom had served their service apprenticeship in the Apex Club of Eastwood.

In 1990 there were less than 5 clubs in District 9680 with women as members. At the end of the decade there were 54 clubs, of which Epping Rotary was one.

When PP Horrie Mendham retired, his musical duties were taken over by Tony Castley and Monica Saville. Gradually over the decade the piano faded but the singing

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continued, rarely venturing much beyond popular songs of the 1920s and occasionally interspersed with rousing choruses of “Land of Hope and Glory” a personal favourite for some but anathema to others.

In the nineties a number of exciting new initiatives were added to the Club’s program including the Eastwood Sunday Markets, Trees for Survival, Youth off the Streets, Darling Harbour Festival, The Meadowbank Mystery Tour for seniors, Carols in Boronia Park and the Annual Charity Golf Day. Historically the club has mainly supported local community projects. In 1993, in conjunction with the Rotary Club of Tokyo Ikebukuro, Tony Castley organised Rotary Foundation support for a Cleft palate program in the Philippines. He also organised a number of projects in Nepal and CAIFU visits to China in 1993 and 1998.

By the end of the 1990s some of the members were arriving at the meeting dressed more casually, sometimes even without a jacket, reflecting the changes in office dress codes.

Not everyone accepted that this change was inevitable and Stan Ledger regularly chided some of the perpetrators with the comment “lost your tie chum”. Meetings still started with a formal welcome to the President and the singing of Rotary Grace. There was a move to replace the Loyal toast with a Toast to Australia, but that would take a few more years to bring about.

Fellowship When PP Cees Thurmer was Club President in 1990-91, the Rotary International theme was “Honour Rotary with Faith and Enthusiasm”.

“I was introduced to Rotary by Rotarian Steve Bakoss, who was Senior Lecturer at the then NSWIT, where I was part time student. During the many train trips to Epping he explained the concept of Rotary International and Rotary values such as “The 4 Way Test” and “Service above Self” with special emphasis on the Rotary Club of Epping.

Steve invited me to a Rotary meeting, introducing me to Rotary Grace and PP Horrie Mendham hammering out God Save The Queen on the piano. The first fellowship experience was a “steam boat” dinner at Dot Walker’s house which set the stage for a lifetime of friendship and fellowship. Very shortly after that, President Doug Rae, inducted me into the Rotary Club of Epping, which was special as PP Bob Paisley had the Dutch flag pinned to the wall in honour of my heritage. A wonderful and friendly touch.

When the Epping Rotary could no longer conduct their Flea markets in Epping, we joined with Ryde North Rotary to start a warehouse sale at Macquarie University. I bought two liquid amber saplings, planted them in front of our house, not realising that 25 years later the roots of the liquid amber would burst the main water supply pipe and a large part of North Epping would be without water!

In 1990 I succeeded PP Ron Hinton as President. A new world of Rotary International became part of my life. A highlight was the 20th anniversary meeting with our sister club Tokyo Ikebukuro.

Our Club turned on a great welcome and my thanks still go out to all Rotary members who made it such a memorable day. Ikebukuro Club was led by President Ohara, and we are still good friends today. Ikebukuro responded with a wonderful dinner of friendship and fellowship 50

at Hotel International. We presented them with a Rotary Presidential Collar and President’s badge which until that night had not been part of their Rotary regalia.

I also remember our Club’s involvement, together with PP Ray Hosking and PP John Hayes, in assisting with the Microsearch Concert at the Sydney Opera House.

The joys of Rotary were extended some years later with involvement in Group Study Exchange, Ambassadorial Scholarships and in February 2002 I headed the GSE committee that coordinated an exchange with the Rotary District of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Last year a member of the Argentinean GSE team, Carlos Hernandez, visited my cousin at her home in London, as GSE team leader!

Fellowship, friendship and values of Rotary are at times difficult to describe. It’s in the heart, mind and commitment which give Rotary that special value – “Service above Self” Cees Thurmer Ken Beacom was Club President in 1998-99 and he has very fond memories of the club fellowship activities.

“I was a member of Epping Rotary for almost 20 years. During that time I enjoyed the fun and fellowship of over 50 members of the club and their wives, husbands and friends.

Membership was about fun, fundraising and contributing to the avenues of community service.

High points in the 20 years are numerous, however in my year as President we raised over $21,000 of which $6,000 was applied to help build Jacaranda Lodge, the Cancer Support Centre and accommodation unit at the Adventist Hospital where I am currently being assisted by a Cancer Care Coordinator.

We always had record support at fellowship functions. Our progressive dinners, dinner on the South Steyne, visit to Cowra Rotary Club, Ikebukuro sister Club celebrations at the Ponto-Cho restaurant at Neutral Bay and the 3801 train trip to the Tamworth District Conference via Muswellbrook I must admit I always enjoyed the Mens’ weekends away with many new challenges like bunking down in a working sheep shed, trap shooting, canoeing on the Lachlan, cooking for the mob, the aftermath of the mice plague, trail bike riding, and small arms shooting.

I am proud of the effort I put in to the success of the Eastwood Markets and the three unforgettable Golf Days. From time to time I refer to my Presidents record; my Annual Report and my photo album, all remind me of the good old days.”

Ken Beacom

Rotary Friendship visits Epping Club has a long history of Rotary friendship visits where a group or Rotarians and partners visited Rotary clubs in overseas countries to get a better appreciation of the culture and the people. Quite often only a few Rotarians are involved but Epping club is renowned for some of the large group tours we have undertaken.

Ikebukuro, Japan 1978 1978 saw the visit of 5 fellows and their wives from the Rotary Club of Epping to the Ikebukuro Club. It was during this visit that PP Alan Emery laid the foundation for short term exchanges between families. A number of trips have followed and these are documented in the Ikebukuro Sister Club section in Chapter 2.

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China International Goodwill Mission 1993 In October 1993, Tony Castley led a team of 11 District Rotarians, including Epping’s Graham Stevens to China under the auspices of China Association for International Friendship and Understanding (CAIFU), a branch of the Chinese Department of Foreign Affairs. In 1990 China barely registered on the global economic scale, representing less than 2% of World GDP. China was just embarking on what Deng Xiaoping described as the socialist market economy, opening up special economic zones and privatising state enterprises. The excitement was palpable as the country started its transformation to an economic power house. In 2012 China now is the world’s second largest economy.

The tour visited Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Guangzhou and the members had the opportunity to meet with Government officials, industrialists and educationalists. In Shanghai the team stayed at the Xijiao Government Guesthouse often used to accommodate foreign heads of state, visited a copper mill and silk factory, saw plans to upgrade the city sewerage system and marvelled at plans for the proposed Pudong financial district, Shanghai, then little more than open fields.

China 1998 In May 1998 a large group of 28 Rotarians and partners from the three Sydney Districts 9680, 9690 and 9750 including 20 members and partners from Epping Rotary participated in a 16 day tour of China at the invitation of the Chinese Association for International Understanding (CAIFU). The Epping Rotarians and partners who participated were Ken and Fay Beacom, Tony and Sandra Castley, Ian and Lyn Mackay, Athol and Robyn McCoy, Stan and Bev Ledger, Monica and Geoff Saville, Graham and Margot Simons, Carol Stevens, David and Joan Stewart, Russ and Di Walker and Thomas Wong. This was the first CAFIU Goodwill Tour that involved Partners.

PDG Monica Saville recalls the trip

We visited well know tourist highlights such as Shanghai and Beijing, the Terra Cotta Warriors in Xian, Buddhist Shrines, the city of Chongqing, Chinese opera performances, Museums and cultural, art and craft displays. During our cruise down the Yangtze River we visited the Three Gorges Dam site and saw what the impact of the rising water would be on the towns, cities and villages along its banks.

As CAIFU was a semi government organisation we had introductions to places tourists weren’t able to go off the “tourist trail” We were escorted to Bin Xian, an impoverished county South West of Xian where we saw how the community was benefiting from a water pump that had been installed by the Rotary Club of Burwood and hospital beds and equipment donated by various Rotary clubs. We walked around the foundations of a new school being built by a consortium of Rotary clubs from around the world which included Crows Nest and Beecroft clubs in our District. (Since then, 20 schools have been built by these generous Rotarians!)

We visited children in their overcrowded, poorly built, and under resourced classrooms. We visited people living in caves. We donated generously to further assist with the provision of classroom resources and the alleviation of poverty. We visited city schools and an apartment to see how “ordinary “people live. We saw people ballroom dancing in the street and under the

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elevated freeways. We ate humble meals in a local city building in Bin Xian and enjoyed magnificent banquets as guests of CAFIU. In all, this Goodwill Tour gave us an opportunity to see how Rotary projects were benefiting a poor, remote community, it enabled us to see and learn about a rapidly developing country and it assisted in establishing goodwill and friendships between our team and the Chinese people we met. �

Monica Saville

South Africa 1999 In September 1999, fifteen members and partners participated in "The Tastes of South Africa" tour organised by Rotarian Colin Gray. The group included the Mackays, Briscoes, Grays, Walkers, Stevens, Savilles, Dale Taylor and relatives of President Ian Mackay.

Colin was a travel agent and he organised a tour to visit his favourite places in Southern Africa, so that Rotarians could experience the beauty of South Africa as well as meet with some of the local people to get a better appreciation of the country.

Some of many highlights included a launch trip to Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned; attending local Rotary meetings in Cape Town and Sun City.; the wonderful animals at Matetsi and the past grandeur of the Victoria Falls Hotel in Zimbabwe Ian Mackay

p

The places visited included Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Pahl, the Drackensburg, and Sun City in South Africa, and Victoria Falls and the Matetsi game reserve in Zimbawe. The group also attended Rotary meetings in Cape Town and Sun City.

Great Siberian Railway Adventure 2007

Epping Rotarians in Siberia

The Great Siberian Railway Adventure Goodwill Tour was conceived and brought to fruition by PDG Tony Castley. The 21-day tour was a circuit following the Trans-Mongolian and Trans-Siberian railways; starting at Beijing, heading north-west into Mongolia to Ulan Bataar, up into Siberia to Irkutsk, and Bolshoi Goloustnoe on Lake Baikal; from there across to Vladivostok, and back into China to Harbin then back to Beijing.

The intrepid party consisted of Tony and Sandra Castley, Monica and Geoff Saville, Graham and Carol Stevens, Graham and Margot Simons, Chris and Sue O’Brien, Peter and Sue Slattery, Vivienne Corney, John and Olive Briscoe plus Rotarians from other clubs Peter and Pam Hudson, Margaret Small, Marina Bournazos plus a friend of the Slatterys and it transpired Mongolian throat-singer par excellence, Tony Hill. We set out with over 100kg of gifts and craft materials, including many hand-made scarves.

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The tour was a combination of sight-seeing and Rotary activities. The sight-seeing was wonderful but the involvement with local people and cultures through Rotary projects lead to a much deeper and enriching experience.

President Chris O’Brien shared his memories of the trip

“Beijing was an eye opening experience a modern, polluted, bustling, and a city of inveterate traders; exaggerated by frenetic preparations for the 2008 Olympics. Massive infrastructure projects like the new international airport and six lane highways were conceived and constructed in the time that it takes Australian politicians to make promises. Our special visit to the main Olympic stadium construction site saw our OH&S expert and our hosts having palpitations! This was complemented by visits to historic sites including the Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, The Forbidden City, and a for some of us, the Entombed Warriors, a short flight away in Xian A toboggan ride down the Great Wall, riding ponies on We travelled to Mongolia, a country trying to recover from the Mongolian plains, the overthrow of communism and terrible winters that playing cricket with orphans at the Lotus Centre; staying destroyed millions of animals and for many their nomadic with a Buriat family in a way of life. The Gobi Desert and grass steppes were awe16tCcentury village in Siberia, meeting students at inspiring. We spent a day in The Lotus Children’s Centre, a the Maritime University in children’s home run by one of so many inspirational people, Vladivostok; and seeing the in a former rubbish tip The Centre was a deceptive Russian influences in Harbin – priceless environment, smart red uniform jackets providing dignity experiences but hiding the type of background that most of us could not Graham Stevens even start to imagine. We donated a bus, but that couldn’t compare with just one day hands-on offering some practical assistance. It was an unforgettable day of craft ...and cricket! Who could forget the smiles from children and staff as we handed out hand-knit scarves, or the bus packed to the gunnels with children

We had a brief stay in Irkutsk in Siberia and meeting with the local Irkutsk Eco Rotary Club, then on to Lake Baikal, the largest freshwater lake in the world containing an estimated 20% of the world’s total fresh water, unbelievable in its scale and biodiversity.

Here we stayed with traditional Buriat families in the 16th century village of Bolshoye Goloustnoye. Over a week we got to know the people and also assisted Rotarians from Irkutsk by building a side trail up Sacred Mountain branching off the Great Baikal Trail (GBT).

As our train travelled into Russia by it was impossible to describe the comedy that unfolded as contraband was smuggled across the border to avoid duty. Towels hidden under mattresses, leather jackets hung on the backs of doors, carpets going up into the roof space, attendants showing uncustomary signs of life carrying questionable wads of notes!

In Vladivostok the power and strength of Rotary came to the fore with the successful running of a Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA). We had to cope with an unknown number of participants, who despite our efforts had had no preparation, all carried out in a second language. Under Monica and Geoff Saville’s exceptional leadership everyone chipped in and everyone’s talents were utilised to the max. It was inspiring to see and hear so many of the Maritime University students contribute their ideas and concerns and have the confidence and courage to put them forward on behalf of another country in English.

And on the return journey to Beijing we visited Harbin, a Russian outpost after the revolution and now famed for its ice sculptures in winter and its Siberian tiger park. A fascinating city with Russian architectural influence that continues even in modern-day buildings.

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It was a trip of adventure, of achievement, of awe-inspiring scenery that would be impossible other than under the umbrella of Rotary”.

Chris O’Brien

Women in Epping Rotary From 1905 until the 1980s, women were not allowed membership in Rotary clubs, although Rotarian spouses, including Paul Harris' wife, were often members of the similar “Inner Wheel” club. Women did play some roles, and Paul Harris' wife made numerous speeches. In 1963, it was noted that the Rotary practice of involving wives in club activities had helped to break down female seclusion in some countries.

The first Irish clubs discussed admitting women in 1912, but the proposal floundered over issues of social class.

Gender equity in Rotary International was first publicly raised by the Duarte Rotary Club affair. In 1976, the Duarte California club allowed three women to join. Rotary International expressed alarm but requests to terminate the women's memberships were rejected by the club. As a result, Rotary International revoked the club's charter in 1978.

The Duarte club filed suit in the California courts, claiming that Rotary Clubs are business establishments subject to regulation under California's Civil rights Act, which bans discrimination based on race, gender, religion or ethnic origin. Rotary International then appealed the decision to the US Supreme Court. The RI attorney argued that "... [the decision] threatens to force us to take in everyone, like a motel." The Duarte Club was not alone in opposing RI leadership; the Seattle-International District Club unanimously voted to admit women in 1986. The United States Supreme Court, on May 4, 1987, confirmed the Californian decision and, since that time, women have been allowed to join Rotary. The first female club president to be elected was Silvia Whitlock of the Rotary Club of Duarte, California, USA in 1987 When Rotary International changed its Constitution to allow women to join Rotary, clubs around the world were requested to change their constitutions to allow this to happen.

Predictably this provoked much debate in clubs and many clubs voted not to make this change. The proposal was vigorously debated by Epping Rotary where a significant minority opposed to the change. However the club’s Constitution was amended but no action was taken to introduce women into the club.

In 1993 the club’s Membership Director, Charter Member and Past President Russell Walker nominated Helen Shaw, the Director of Nursing at Poplars Community Hospital for membership. Helen Shaw was well known to the Club, as it had supported the Poplars Hospital with donations of equipment and time since the Club’s inception in 1962. Russell circulated a standard notice to members of a potential new member and advised members that they had 14 days to lodge any objections to the nomination with the Board.

A number of members contacted Russell and requested that he withdraw the nomination, but Russell reiterated that any objections should be forwarded to the Board.

President Tony Castley had a similar experience. At the subsequent changeover board 55

meeting, the Board was presented with a number of written objections. The theme of the verbal objections was that members enjoyed the weekly meetings in male company and introducing women into Rotary would disturb the balance of the club and lead to changes in meeting formats and content. The written objections tended however to reflect concern from members wives that introduction of women to the club was not a good idea. Several members threatened to resign if any women were admitted. The Board considered the objections and found nothing that adversely reflected the character of the nominee. Accordingly they agreed unanimously to accept the nomination.

Helen Shaw was duly inducted as a member of the Rotary Club of Epping in July 1993.

Shortly afterwards the club inducted Lee McPhail, Manager of Fundraising for the Prince of Wales Childrens’ Hospital who tragically passed away in May 1994 after an operation.

The Club posthumously recognised Lee a Paul Harris Fellow. In September1993 the club also inducted the Deputy Principal of Epping West Public School, Monica Saville.

Monica’s husband Geoff had been a long-term member of Carlingford Rotary which was at that time still an all male club.

Monica subsequently went on to become the first female President of Epping Rotary in 1997-98 and the first member nominated by Epping Rotary to serve as District Governor.

A feat achieved 45 years after the club was chartered!

Since 1992 the club has inducted 25 female members who have added to the richness and diversity of the club. None of the members who threatened to resign if women were admitted did so and in fact a few years later one of the strongest opponents acknowledged that bringing women into the club had been a positive move. In 2012 the club has 10 female members.

The change of the second Rotarian motto in 2004, from "He profits most who serves best" to "They profit most who serve best", 99 years after its foundation, illustrates the move to general acceptance of women members in Rotary.

A New Sister – the Rotary Club of Monza Ovest 1998-2009 Spearheaded by one of the world's leading micro surgeons, Dr Marco Lanzetta, a Rotarian with the Rotary Club of Monza Ovest (West Monza) in Italy and PP Ray Hosking, in 1997-98 the clubs investigated the opportunity to develop closer ties.

The partnership was launched in Italy in 1998 during a visit to Monza Ovest by Past Presidents Rotary has and always will be a passport to international friendship and these exchanges Ray Hosking and John Hayes, together with their can only help to play a significant role, wives Annette and Wendy. The intent was to emphasising the things that unite rather than the things that divide, contributing to world further enhance international understanding and understanding, goodwill and peace goodwill and to encourage interaction between Ray Hosking Rotarians and their families and to evaluate possible combined international service projects from time to time.

Subsequently Past Presidents Ian Mackay and Athol McCoy and their wives Lyn and Robyn visited Monza Ovest.

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The relationship was celebrated in the early years with Italian themed nights including visits from the Italian High Commissioner, and there was an exchange of students between Cheltenham Girls’ High and Monza Ovest. However there was little interaction between the clubs apart from the annual exchange of greetings. In September 2009 President Graham Stevens wrote to President Casati of Monza Ovest Rotary suggesting that the relationship needed to be examined. In response Monza Ovest proposed that the formal relationship between the clubs be discontinued and this was supported by the Epping Board.

The Projects Eastwood Sunday Markets 1993-1997 Following on from the flea markets in the 1970s the Club had embarked on a number of fund raising projects including a series of warehouse sales in 1986 and 1988, now the Club was looking for other form of fund raising. Carlingford Rotary had established a very successful Bring and Buy market at North Rocks and the club decided to investigate setting up similar markets in Eastwood.

The preferred site was the Eastwood Public School grounds facing Rutledge St. The Principal of Eastwood Public School, John Payne, was a member of the Club and he was prevailed upon to use the school grounds. The school would receive a guaranteed share of the takings from the markets. The remaining earnings would be shared between the Rotary Club of Epping and the Rotary club of Eastwood.

In 1992 a committee was formed by President Athol McCoy comprising Tony Castley, John Hayes, Graham Stevens, Ken Beacom and Richard Farmer and members of Eastwood Rotary. The task was to obtain approvals for the markets from Council and the Education Department. The Eastwood Sunday Markets commenced in early 1993.

The club rented spaces in the grounds to stallholders and asked for a 20 cent donation from the public. This proved to be a valuable way of determining the number of people attending markets each week.

Russell Walker took the Club’s catering van to the market each week and offered a range of crepes and coffee.

The take-up by stallholders was reasonable but it was obvious that the Club it would need to advertise and promote the markets if they were to succeed. The committee developed a marketing plan which included a range of activities such as jumping castles, farmyards, and a busking competition to attract the crowds.

There had been some tension with the Minister of St Phillip’s, the local Church of England church, located opposite the school, who was concerned that the Sunday markets in the school grounds was a distraction to his congregation, but the markets committee had noted that there was usually a small increase in attendance at the markets when the services concluded.

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On the day of the busking competition, the organisers had deliberately scheduled the “The Minister descended from the pulpit and appeared in flowing robes like competition to commence after the church service Jaspers Ghost to protest the interference had concluded. Unfortunately, testing the wireless to his Sunday Sermon” Athol McCoy PA system borrowed for the contest was interrupted by the sight of the right Reverend rushing across the road, with his vestments flowing, waving his arms and shouting. Apparently the market PA had the same frequency as his church PA and he seems somewhat displeased that his service was being disrupted with “testing -- -- -- testing -- -- -- testing!”

Suffice to say the markets committee was summoned to meet with the Mayor of the City of Ryde and was asked to offer an apology to the right Reverend. We also decided that would be our last busking competition.

The redevelopment of Eastwood School meant that the market stalls had to be moved from their high exposure position on Rutledge Street to the Rowe Street side of the school. That had a detrimental effect on visibility which impacted on both patronage and stallholder numbers. Initially the clubs decided to change the markets to monthly, but it was soon clear that the most sensible course of action would be to close the markets.

While the markets never achieved the size or profitability of the Carlingford markets they did operate for five years from 1993 until 1997. In that time the markets generated over $170,000 of income which was distributed between the Rotary Clubs of Epping and Eastwood and the Eastwood Public School.

As well as providing a significant income stream for the two Rotary clubs, the markets offered great fellowship opportunities to the members who were rostered to assist each week, and that all added to the great social cohesion of the club.

Floods Earthquakes and Bushfires Past member Stan Ledger recalls the times that members were involved in assisting in two bushfire emergencies close to home.

“There are a number of memories that stand out for me; in particular there were two devastating bushfires in which the Club members were all able to play an important role.

The first was the ravaging fire emergency of January 1994, near the F3 motorway in the Mount Colah area. For some two to three days we established a mobile canteen around our catering van at three locations to serve food and drinks, twenty four hours a day, to the firefighters endeavouring to tame and extinguish the flames that were destroying so much. We approached leading suppliers such as Coles and Woolies for support and they willingly supplied mountains of food and drink which enabled us to satisfy the needs of the fighters working throughout the night and day to stem the fires approaching on all sides. Rotarians, families and friends assisted and the late Russ Walker and I had the privilege of making sure things ran smoothly.

The second, arose from the fires that burned for 11 days in January 2002, especially in the North Epping area, where a number of members and former members assisted the North Epping CFU to protect nearby homes from the raging fires that swept up the North Epping Valley, so

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close, they burned down the hedge of the North Epping Bowling Club. Graham Stevens, our President at the time, subsequently presented a Community Service Award to the North Epping Community Fire Unit, for the outstanding work and selfless effort in protecting the local area during the crisis. The club donated $500 towards the cost of new equipment.�

Stan Ledger

RAWCS International Projects 1995-2007 Epping Rotarians have been involved in international projects since the earliest days of the club In the 1960s the club supported a number of schools in New Guinea and several of the members visited New Guinea to inspect some of the projects.

The concept of Australian Rotary volunteers going to a developing country to provide facilities and skills training dates back to 1964 when a group of Rotarians travelled to Indonesia. The group discovered that they could obtain a travel concession if they were all members of the same organisation and that is how a body known as FAIM (Fourth Avenue in Motion) was formed. This was subsequently renamed Rotary Project Volunteers and in 1987 Rotary Australia World Community Service Ltd (RAWCS) was established to assist Australian Rotary Clubs develop and manage world community service projects.

RAWCS programs consist of international service activities through which Rotarians conduct projects to improve lives and meet human needs, and thus promote international understanding and goodwill by means of material, technical, and professional assistance. The vision is to encourage and foster the advancement of international goodwill, peace and understanding through meaningful World Community Service projects with the active participation of Australian Rotarians and Rotary Clubs.

Epping members have been involved in an eight RAWCS projects since 1995 mainly in Nepal and Vanuatu.

Nepal In 1995 Tony and Sandra Castley and Marcus Stewart, son of Past President David Stewart visited Nepal and were involved with the fitting out of a Mobile Dental Van which traveled to remote parts of the Kingdom providing dental and basic medical aid.

In 1996 Tony and Sandra Castley returned and were involved in completing a second van.

In 1997 the late Janet Edwards, wife of Rotarian Bruce Edwards and friend Carolyn Brereton spent two weeks teaching in Nepal.

Bruce and Janet Edwards, Caroline Brereton, Tony and Sandra Castley and Marcus Stewart received Certificates of Appreciation from the then Prime Minister John Howard in recognition of their community work in Nepal Ian Mackay, President 1999-00

Also in 1997 Tony Castley, Sudath Karunaratne and John Corney organised $50,000 funding for another Dental Van for Nepal this sum included $5,000 donated by club members and a local dentist together with a matching grant from the Rotary Foundation and an Ausaid Grant.

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1998 Tony and Sandra Castley and Bruce Edwards returned to Nepal to assist with a Mobile Clinic at the hospital at Kailash, a village in north-western Nepal.

Vanuatu Vanuatu is an archipelago of 83 islands located to the north east of Australia. The main island, home of the capital, Port Vila is Efate, other islands include Pentecost, famed for its land tower divers, Tanna, home of the active Yassur volcano and cargo cult followers of John Frum, and Espiritu Santo, the inspiration for James A Michener’s novel South Pacific. A third world country on Australia’s doorstep.

Chrissy Lockwood-Lyles an Australian living in Vanuatu, was badly injured during a cyclone and the Port Vila hospital staff, who despite having very outdated equipment and limited facilities, kept her alive. Her experience prompted a Rotary project commenced in 2001 to refurbish the Port Vila Central Hospital. This involved teams of Rotarians visiting every 3 months, container loads of equipment and supplies and building materials being imported.

In 2001 Graham Stevens joined a team from Beecroft Club to work at the Port Vila Hospital In 2004 Graham led an Epping Team comprising Rotarians John Briscoe, Anne Dally, Michael Denham, John Royer, John Corney, Bruce Edwards, Tony Castley, Ross Hinton, Catherine Johnson, Carol Stevens Olive Briscoe and Paul MacDonald. The team had raised over $40,000 in cash and donated equipment including air conditioning units, and ophthalmic instruments.

Opening of the Vanuatu National Eye Clinic 2004

A building for the National Eye Clinic in Port Vila had been constructed by various Rotary Teams including Beecroft Rotary. The Epping team assisted to complete the fit out of the building including some plumbing, electricals, carpentry and painting, and organised the official opening of the building by the Vanuatu Prime Minister Mr. Edward Natapei.

As well members of the team also repainted some rooms at the Hospital, including the Morgue and Carol Stevens spent her time sorting out the hospital library. Graham, Ross, Bruce and Catherine travelled to the Island of Tanna to work on improving staff accommodation at the Tanna Hospital.

In May 2006 a second Epping team visited Vanuatu, this comprised President John and Vivienne Corney, Graham and Margot Simons, John Briscoe and Ambassadorial Scholar Nicole Bowman. The team visited Tanna and built a new Storeroom at the Hospital Clinic and repaired and renovated many windows there. At the same time Tony Castley introduced his Sew Aid program to Vanuatu which involved providing sewing

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machines, training and micro loans to a group of ladies in Port Vila to provide some economic independence.

The Third Epping team to Vanuatu in 2007 comprised John Corney, John and Olive Briscoe, Chris O’Brien, Ross Hinton, Ian McIntyre, Clare Sydenham and John Edwards.

While the main team worked at the Port Vila Hospital, refurbishing the Canteen, replacing window shutters other members visited the island of Santo and relined a water tank. Tony Castley also used the opportunity to introduce his Sew Aid program to a group of local ladies on Santo.

Meadowbank Mystery Tour 1997 ongoing For many years Epping Rotarians had been organising outings for residents of the local Baptist nursing homes. In 1993 one such outing involved transporting the residents down to Lane Cove National Park, loading them on to a paddle wheel ferry that used to conduct regular trips along in a relatively short of section of the Lane Cove River within the park. At the conclusion Rotarians and of course the Rotannes and other wives were on hand to provide afternoon tea. As a relatively new Rotarian Graham Stevens thought that there might be a way to make the journey a little more interesting and in 1997 he suggested that an alternative might be to take the residents on a ferry trip from Meadowbank to the city and return.

PP Graham Stevens recalls the first outing “It seemed fairly simple idea - transport the residents to Meadowbank wharf, invite the prefects from Epping Boys High and Cheltenham Girls High to assist, load the residents onto the ferry, travel to Circular Quay and return them. Unfortunately we had not entirely planned the trip in detail and the first problem arose when the ferry crew was not expecting such a large group, then the fare collector wanted to see the pension cards for each of the nursing home residents and when we arrived at Circular Quay we found that the ferry was not returning to Meadowbank but was continuing on to Mosman. Chaos ensued, we had to unload all of the nursing home patients and their wheelchairs and the walking frames and move them three ferry wharves to the Meadowbank ferry which was due for departure. The ferry was delayed, all of the passengers eventually were moved and we returned to Meadowbank wharf where they Rotary ladies had set up afternoon tea in the ferry terminal.”

Graham Stevens

PP Wal Cooper and Joan Clune

Apart from the minor logistical issues everyone agreed that it had been a very successful outing and the Meadowbank Mystery Tour was born. In subsequent years we opened a dialogue with Sydney ferries so that they knew to expect 60 to 80 elderly people, Rotarians and school prefects on the afternoon ferry and made sure that the ferry was in fact returning to Meadowbank.

Indeed the relationship with Sydney ferries became so

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good that they often provided their backup ferry for this trip so Epping Rotary had exclusive use of the ferry.

It was not long before PP Wal Cooper took over the organisation of the ferry trip which was renamed Captain Wal’s Seniors Cruise. Wal of course felt that the trip would be better with some music so he introduced a regular sing-along much to the surprise of the other passengers.

In 2009 Greg Smith the new Member for Epping and now NSW Attorney General offered the services of his band The Tokens to provide the entertainment for the trip. This worked very well although there were times when the musicians barely had room to set up on the crowded public ferry.

From 2001 onward these afternoon ferry trips became known as Captain Wal’s Golden Oldies Cruises. Wal loved to organise this excursion. He arranged the ferry, ensured afternoon tea was available, organised Prefects from Epping Boys’ High and Cheltenham Girls’ High Schools to attend and assist the elderly on and off the ferry and to talk with them during the trip. He also took great delight in inviting our local member Greg Smith SC MP and his band along to entertain on the ferry. These outings have been a most outstanding success and an enjoyable experience for each of our guests.

Paul Clune

While the seniors and the Rotarians were enjoying the cruise the wives and partners of the Rotarians would set up the afternoon tea at the ferry terminal. Their efforts were greatly appreciated. No matter how much food was provided the residents made sure that none was left over 2009 was PP Wal Cooper's last ferry cruise as he passed away unexpectedly in May 2010.

As his legacy the club vowed to continue on with Captain Wal’s Seniors Cruise.

Recognising that there was always a degree of uncertainty relying on Sydney ferries to provide a ferry exclusively for the cruise in 2011 Rotarians decided to look for an alternative and hired a commercial ferry for the cruise. This provided much more certainty and has presented the club with some exciting opportunities to expand the annual cruise going forward.

Carols in Boronia Park 1997-2009 Epping Club's involvement with community carols goes back to the 1960s. After ATN Channel 7 ended its community carols in 1987 , the club became involved for a few years supporting the Wesley Mission's Carols at Darling Harbour. As usual our strength was catering, selling candles and programs In 1997, club member and local Church of Christ Minister Rev David Moyes was looking to expand his church's annual carols service to a broader audience. He had not been able to secure the interest of the major church congregations so he turned to Epping Rotary to see if we would be interested in helping him to promote the event. Epping Club members Christine Mikhael, Russ Walker and Stan Ledger joined the organising committee. PP Wal Cooper used his influence to engage the Baptist congregation and Rtn Christine Mikhael committed her firm to providing a fireworks display to close the event. Epping Rotarians would sell candles and hand out programs and provide food from the catering van. The churches would organise the program and the music.

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Rtn. Ken McPhail leads the singing at the Carols in Boronia Park

The first year attracted about 1,000 people, families enjoyed a pleasant evening on the lawns of Boronia Park, and the evening concluded with a spectacular fireworks display.

The die was cast, the following year more churches became involved and the crowds increased. For the next 12 years the club maintained its involvement with the carols. .

They are now a major event on the Epping calendar, attracting 4,000 to 5,000 families who are treated to an enjoyable evening of carols and celebration in the weeks leading up to Christmas As the organisation grew, the organisers placed less reliance on Rotary and we found other groups being invited in to sell candles and food. In 2010, the club decided that it would no longer participate in Carols in Boronia Park.

M2 Opening 1997 The Hills M2 is a 21km motorway that links the lower north shore and the northwest regions of Sydney, Australia. The motorway opened to traffic in May 1997 and is a key part of Sydney's orbital motorway network, providing a seamless link between the Lane Cove Tunnel and Westlink M7. The Hills M2 is also a key public transport corridor and includes dedicated bus lanes with 854 bus services using the motorway weekdays (eastbound and westbound), carrying over 27,000 passengers a day.

The M2 however was a controversial project when it was constructed in Epping, cutting through well established bushland and native forest along Devlin’s Creek A few years earlier Rotarians had been involved in the opening ceremonies for the Eastern Distributor and this had proved to be financially disastrous for the District so it was with some trepidation that the District clubs adopted a proposal to support the opening celebrations for the M2 motorway. A District committee was formed including Rotarian Bruce Edwards from Epping Rotary to coordinate the event and they went about formulating a plan in conjunction with the toll road operators to organise a public celebration for the opening.

Epping Rotarians volunteered to run a BBQ and hand out pamphlets and they also decided to issue a commemorative first day cover to celebrate the event. At the time Australia Post had a series of stamps depicting cars and these were selected as the stamps for the first-day covers. A competition was conducted in the local schools for a cover 63

design and the club arranged for covers to be printed and put up for sale to the public on the opening day. The event was quite successful.

In all $40,000 was raised in from the event and the proceeds benefitted the Australian Rotary Health Fund and the Prostate Cancer Research Fund. Epping Rotarians sold over 3,000 sausages, 1,000 steaks and 5,500 cans of soft drink resulting in a profit of $7,500 for the club. The Souvenir first-day cover sales resulted in a profit of $1,500.

The committee comprised Bruce Edwards, Colin Gray, Geoff Booth, Graham Stevens and John Goddard

Primary School Debates (The Roy Sadler Trophy) 1998 ongoing In 1998 Roy Sadler, a member of The Rotary Club of Epping, decided to put his effort into organising a debating competition amongst Year 5 students from local primary schools in the Epping area, and the Rotary Primary School Debating Competition was born.

PP Roy Sadler OAM

The philosophy behind the competition was to promote debating amongst the youth of our community by providing the opportunity for as many students as possible to participate. This philosophy has not changed.

Epping West, Roselea, Epping Heights, OLHC and Epping Public participated in the debating years, with adjudication being adjudicators from Macquarie University Debating Societies.

“When Roy Sadler approached me with an idea to start a debating competition between the local primary schools, the answer was obvious. …Lets do it!” Monica Saville, President 1997-98

North, Epping Schools have all competition over the carried out by University and Sydney

The debating competition consists of 5 rounds, semi-finals and a final. Many topics have been debated over the years including such topics as “School uniforms should not be compulsory”, “Pets are too much trouble” and “Today’s children face a bright future”.

The trophy was presented to the Club by Colin and Helen Campbell to award to the winners of the Year 5 Primary Schools Debating Competition. Colin named the Trophy to recognise the effort Roy Sadler put into establishing and organising this debating competition amongst the young people of Epping.

Golf Days 1998 to 2002 In 1997-8 then President Monica Saville was looking for a good fundraiser to replace the Eastwood Markets that had concluded the previous year.

As some of our members were members of the Pennant Hills Golf Club it was suggested we investigate holding a Charity Golf Day there. Each year the Rotary Club of Pennant Hills held a most successful Charity Golf Day at that course so Monica attended their event and they generously agreed to assist us to organise our first Golf Day on 24 March 1998.

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Paul Clune (who incidentally wasn’t a golfer but was certainly a great organiser) chaired the Committee and an excellent day was enjoyed by 155 golfers with 104 attending the dinner and auction held in the evening. The event involved all our members and many of the partners who worked tirelessly to make the day a resounding success. An amount of $11,000 was raised with the Epilepsy Association of NSW as the major beneficiary.

Another 4 Charity Golf Days were held in the following years with the funds raised increasing greatly as our expertise in organising successful Golf Days developed.

Members including Athol McCoy, Ken Beacom and Ian Mackay expanded the fundraising capabilities of the day seeking out sponsorships and auction items as diverse as holidays and bridge climbs and memorabilia signed by sportsmen as diverse as Tiger Woods, Greg Norman, football teams and the Australia Cricket Team.

In 1999 $15,000 was raised and the major beneficiary was Jacaranda Lodge Rotary Wing Appeal at the Adventist Hospital. In 2000 $22,000 was raised and a “Packer Wacker” defibrillator unit was donated to the NSW Ambulance Service. Our fourth Charity Golf Day held in 2001 raised $24,000 for Care Flight. The fifth and last of this series of highly successful fund raising Charity Golf Days was held in 2002 when $22,000 was raised to support a variety of local community causes and the Rotary Foundation

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Chapter 5 The New Millennium Epping in the new Millennium Epping started the new millennium much the same way it had started the decades prior, as a pleasant leafy suburb where families could settle and grow up. As a result of the ever increasing traffic that is part and parcel of a growing city, Epping town centre became increasingly isolated, surrounded by traffic and divided by the road and the railway.

The year 2001 marked the centenary celebrations of Epping Public School, founded in 1901. “Wisdom With Strength�, the school motto, was no less inspirational now as when it was 100 years ago, appealing to the more fundamental characteristics of its students rather than the physical trappings of modern life.

During 2004 the BP petrol station on the corner of Epping Rd and Carlingford Rd was demolished and a new 98 unit 9 storey residential/commercial building replaced it. The development was not without its controversies; however was a sign of the need for development of many of the old buildings and shops.

In 2007, Maxine McKew was elected as the first federal Labor MP of the seat of Bennelong, unseating the then Prime Minister John Howard, who had been the member for 33 years. She was only the second person to unseat a sitting Australian prime minister in their own electorate. However her victory was short lived, as at the 2010 Federal election she lost her seat to the Liberal Party candidate, John Alexander.

In 2009 the new Epping to Chatswood rail link opened. In conjunction with the new line Epping Station was completely rebuilt above ground and a new underground station was constructed. With new bus routes to the east and west, the transformation of Epping into a public transport hub was well under way.

Residential property prices steadily rose Epping station in 2009 through the course of the decade from a median price of $500,000 to around $900,000 and as long time residents reached retirement age, the suburb transformed into a multi-cultural mix of younger families and couples.

With the coming of the internet, Youtube, Facebook and the like, the whole world was changing at a rapid pace, and Epping was not immune to that change. By the time the first decade of the new millennium was over, the way we lived and the way we did things had changed dramatically in many ways.

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The Club With the changes that were occurring both in Epping and on a more global scale, Epping Rotary Club was presented with many challenges that had not been expected or foreseen.

As the population of Epping changed and as life seemed to become busier and faster, the prestige that was once associated with being a member of a Rotary Club was not carried through into the new millennium. While people were supportive of the efforts of the Club and Rotary in general, there was a reluctance to commit to the attendance requirements of weekly Rotary meetings and a perception that Rotary as an organisation was still in the last century.

This, together with the retirement and passing of many stalwarts of the club and led to Club membership numbers falling from 54 to 32 over the course of the decade. We did however retain more than half of the 30 new members we inducted in the period.

The falling numbers, while making the meetings smaller, didn’t deter members from continuing the good work of previous decades and many projects were continued and new ones instigated.

Changes were required to the traditional format of a Rotary Club meeting in order to bring it into the new millennium. The difficult balance of embracing change, while retaining the core characteristics and values of the Club and its heritage was an ongoing work in progress through the decade.

The tradition of being a “singing Club” which had started to fade in the late 1990’s was one area of the Club meetings where it was decided to move away from tradition in favour of making our meetings more businesslike. Rotary Grace was replaced with a Rotary Invocation and by the end of the decade the singing of the National Anthem was not always included at the end of each meeting.

A new Club Leadership Plan, developed by Rotary International to address the changing world, was implemented in 2008/09 to give more importance to The Rotary Foundation, Public Relations and Membership on the Board of each Club.

Our trusty caravan, the centre of fellowship and fundraising for many years, was sold to another Rotary Club in preference for targeting government and corporate grants as a major source of fundraising and partnership.

There was also a push for clubs to become more involved in centrally organised “District “Projects. In part that recognised that there were merits of coordinating projects involving many clubs like youth exchange, or leadership programs like the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) or the Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment (RYPEN). It was also an acknowledgement that the Rotary District had a range of advisers who were encouraging broader club participation.

Some thoughts from 2007-08 President Peter Slattery, capture the diversity of opportunity and involvement in the Club

“I greatly cherish my time being involved with Epping Rotary! The Club in its own unique style afforded me with some marvellous opportunities and challenges to grow and to develop 67

as an individual and to be active in my community. But above all to live by the key Rotary virtue of “Service of Above Self.” Even whilst being a street clown or building a bush track along Terry’s Creek or up the Sacred Mountain in Siberia”.

The cornerstone of the Epping Club is its people! They are a clever and eclectic bunch of folk full of generosity, good fellowship and certainly know how to get things done so as to make a true difference!.

I particularly recognised the brand power of the Rotary Wheel and the esteem with in Rotary is held in the business community when Laing O’Rourke willingly came onboard to sponsor and lend support to Rotary’s inspirational Youth Driver Awareness program.”

Peter Slattery

Two District Governors The Rotary Club of Epping was home to two District Governors during the decade.

PDG Monica Saville was District Governor in 2007/2008 and PDG Tony Castley followed the next year in 2008/2009. Two DG’s in a row! What a great effort and commitment from these two Rotarians. The experience and Rotary knowledge they brought to the Club was invaluable. In addition Past District Governor Don Keighran was a member of the Club from 1993 until his retirement in 2004.

PDG Monica Saville, Epping Rotary’s first District Governor reflects on her year leading the District

“It was an honour and a privilege to serve Rotary as the Governor of District 9680 in 2007-08. Epping Rotarian PP John Edwards was my very capable Aide.

The role of a District Governor is demanding but very rewarding. The responsibilities include the training of all District and Club officers and Directors prior to the PDG Monica Saville commencement of the year, visiting all clubs at least once to learn about their projects and to ensure their compliance with Rotary International and Government requirements, and monitoring all the District committees and the District finances throughout the year.

The Governor is also required to conduct a District Conference. Epping Rotarians, together with Carlingford Rotarians and under the excellent Chairmanship of PP Graham Stevens organised a most inspirational and very well attended Conference in Bathurst with the apt theme of “Rev Up Your Rotary”. The participation of all Epping Rotarians and their partners in the preparation and smooth functioning of the Conference was very much appreciated.

I believe that our District had an excellent year in 2007-08 and that the RI Theme for the year, “Rotary Shares”, inspired our 2,000 Rotarians in 67 clubs to impressive levels of achievement both locally and internationally.

The Service programs in clubs continued to support the disabled, the elderly, the young, the poor, the hard working and the talented. Clubs and individual Rotarians gave generously to those in distress, to medical research and to prevent illnesses such as Polio and Malaria.

Significant achievements during the year included: 

Completion of the first year of our District as an Incorporated Association, 68

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The development of a Strategic Plan for District 9680,

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Contributions to the Rotary Foundation which were a record for our District and totalled US$262,623. For the first time, the Annual Giving total represented over US$100 per Rotarian.

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Record breaking donations to the Australian Rotary Health Research Fund of $661,381which included a bequest of $370,000. District 9680 became the leading Australian district in total donations. Research supported included ovarian cancer, diabetes, brain tumours, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, childhood leukaemia, liver metastases, Phenylketonuria (PKU) – a metabolic disorder, and mental illness.

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Exceptional donations to the ShelterBox program of over $240,000 which enabled the purchase of over 200 Shelterboxes,

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Two excellent Group Study Exchanges – a multi-professional exchange with District 6310 (Michigan) and a banking and finance (outbound) and a music (inbound) exchange with District 7500 (New Jersey),

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$20,000 for Membership Grants to our clubs to encourage innovative membership initiatives,

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An increase in Clubs’ compliance with Government and Rotary requirements,

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Welcoming 150 new Rotarians to the District,

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Chartering a new club, Gosford City with 29 members,

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Receiving a Rotary International Public Relations Grant of US$6,000 to promote Rotary in the wider community,

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Strong commitment by individual Rotarians and clubs to programs across all the Avenues of Service particularly Youth Exchange which celebrated 50 years in 200708, Rotary District 9680 Youth Driver Awareness (RYDA), Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment (RYPEN), National Youth Science Forum (NYSF), Vocational Excellence, Bowelscan, Pride of Workmanship, Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS) and Scholarships and Matching Grants through the Rotary Foundation,

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Twenty-nine clubs received Rotary International President Wilf Wilkinson’s Presidential Citation for their membership growth and comprehensive service programs.

We showed that Rotary Shares by welcoming back to the Rotary family the 76 members of the Interact Club of James Ruse Agricultural High School which had been functioning independently of Rotary for many years, and we welcomed the members of the Provisional Rotaract Club of Macquarie University.

Throughout the year I was very grateful to the club Presidents and members for their pursuit of Rotary ideals. I very much appreciated the efforts of the District Leadership Team for their outstanding commitment and support in their various areas of responsibility. And of course, I was deeply indebted to my very capable Aide PP John Edwards, Conference Chairman PP Graham Stevens, President Peter Slattery and the members of the Rotary Club of Epping for their outstanding support of me in my year as Governor of District 9680 as we travelled together in our journey to show that Rotary Shares in 2007-08.” – Monica Saville District Governor 2007-08 69

Tony Castley followed Monica as District Governor for 2008-09

A District Governor Year is like no other Rotary experience. It involves no less than 200 meetings and almost the same number Rotary meals, 100s of email every day, lots of time travelling and very little sleep, solving problems while trying to inspire others ; and yet it is still one of life’s greatest experiences.

I sat for the District Governor selection along with four other candidates in 2006, and I was on a bus travelling across PDG Tony Castley Belarus with a group Rotarians when the my mobile rang and the then Governor Greg Muldoon said, “congratulations Tony you have been chosen as the District Governor for 2008-09!” That’s when it all started, and the lead up years as DGN and DGE where almost as hectic as the Governor year itself.

I was very thrilled when at our training in the USA , the then RI President Elect DK Lee announce the theme for our 2008-09 year “Make Dreams Real”, it was perfect for all that I had in mind. DK also asked the 530 Governors elect from around the World to focus on the 30,000 children that die every day from preventable causes and that again was something very close to my own heart.

After selecting a District team of no less than 132 people, we held our training sessions at Miramare, at Terry Hills. It was the first time for many years that the District training involved a whole weekend, and the Presidents were especially happy to get to know each other and it set the scene for good communication between the clubs for our year.

What did the year involve?

As required, I visited each of the 66 clubs in the District for the formal Governors visit and after you get invited back to anniversaries and other special occasions, you visit each club twice or sometimes even more.

I also attended the main functions of all the Rotary programs, such as RYLA, RYPEN, RYDA, MUNA, GSE, Youth Exchange and ROMAC, which are always very interesting.

Then amongst all that we ran our own monthly Presidents meeting, District team meetings and sub committee meetings etc. plus five District seminars, including a first time Sergeants Seminar.

Then the big one- the District Conference which was held at the entertainment centre in Newcastle, and where we introduced for the first time a House of Friendship with some 60 booths of Rotary projects.

What were the highlights of the year?

For me it was a year of highlights, even visiting a club and discovering all the fantastic good works they are doing was exciting, but I suspect the following were the biggies for the year.

During the year we had two Group Study Exchanges, one with District 1900 in Germany and one with District 5490 Arizona – which was an all wheel chair exchange- the first ever in the Rotary World and it, was huge success, thanks mainly to the fantastic management by PDG Harold Sharp. Five GSE members from Arizona came to Sydney for a four week vocational program and we sent four young Australian to Arizona for the same. It was great experience or all concerned and we all learned a lot about the “ability” as opposed the “disability”.

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It had always been an idea of mine to produce a coffee table quality book on Rotary, and so this year we actually did it. The Humanity in Motion book featured 50 of the District’s best projects and programs, and 10,000 copies were printed and distributed throughout the District. The Humanity in Motion has since gone national with over 25,000 being distributed in 2010-2011.

There are always special events in any Rotary year, but two of the special events in 2008-09 were the World Youth Day (WYD) and the President DK LEE Sydney luncheon. For WYD, our District put on BBQ for the young delegates at many venues across our district and it was huge success, not only for the participants, but we were also paid $52,000 from the Catholic Church for our efforts, which went straight into our Polio Plus program. We were also very fortunate to have the World President DK Lee come to Sydney and we put on a special Tridistrict Luncheon which was not only a great success on the day, but this has since grown into an annual event for the Rotary Foundation.

We also introduced for the first time the District Governor ors News Letter in electronic form and establishing a new District web site Rotarynews.info. This was rather ground breaking at the time, but we assisted the change by running a number of web training session for Rotarians at the Hornsby TAFE. The DG’s E-News has become the standard for the District since then and the website very much a part of our Rotary communication and information source.

What was achieved?

Membership: is always a major focus throughout the year, and while our District (and most of Australia) has been dropping in numbers annually, District 9680 had a small increase in 2008-09.

Fundraising: is always a strength of our District and this year was no exception with $108,845 raised for Australian Rotary Health, A$432,000 raised for the Rotary Foundation, and $209,657 for the Victorian Bush Fires.

Most all clubs had a very busy year with programs and projects to benefit the community both locally and overseas. It was also a big year for Shelter box with some 122 Shelter boxes ($146,000) being purchased by our clubs in 2008-09.

Child Mortality: And probably best of all , United Nations advised that the Child Mortality rate dropped to below 25,000 deaths per day; still a shocking statistic but “Make Dreams Real “ did help save some 2 million children’s lives “. Tony Castley District Governor 2008-09

2008 District Conference One of the obligations of a District Governor is to organise a District Conference which provides opportunities for networking, inspirational addresses, and discussions of Rotary-related matters.

The conference gives Rotarians and clubs a vision of Rotary beyond the club level and provides a memorable fellowship experience. Many Rotarians have said that they were never truly enthusiastic about Rotary until they saw an inspirational presentation at a District conference.

With the appointment of Monica Saville in 2007-08 as Epping Rotary’s first District Governor in 45 years, the club had the opportunity to become involved in the 71

organisation and delivery of a District Conference for the first time since it co-hosted the 1968 District Conference at Macquarie University. Over the years the District Conferences have become more elaborate as technology has improved and the size of the District had grown from 39 clubs in 1962 to 67 Clubs and nearly 2000 members in 2008.

Monica appointed PP Graham Stevens as her Conference Chairman and together they formed a conference team that was drawn from a cross section of clubs. PP John Waters and PP Hilton McKenna from Carlingford Rotary, PP Lyn Moore from Manly Sunrise, PP John Melrose from Mosman and PP John Payne, PP David Stewart and PP John Edwards from Epping Rotary.

The first task was to find a conference location and venue. The location proved relatively easy as Monica recalled that she had been to Bathurst when Carlingford Rotary organised a conference there in 1983. The venue and was slightly more challenging as there were few facilities that could accommodate a conference of more than 800 Rotarians. The Bathurst Council was happy to provide the Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre for the plenary sessions. The challenge was that the theatre complex with is state of the art lighting and AV equipment could accommodate 650 and the Civic hall with no facilities could seat 1,100, we had 800 delegates so we were faced with the additional cost of equipment and services.

The only venue large enough for the conference dinners was St Stanislaus’ College Performance and Sports complex, which again would require substantial preparation and setting up. Overall the budget for the Conference was in excess of $380,000.

The second task was to find a theme for the conference. While there was a historical link between Bathurst and gold, a more contemporary association was with the Bathurst 1000 motor race. The theme “Rev up Your Rotary” was adopted and that set the tone for the conference.

Monica introduced the conference to the District Rotarians at the 2007 Mudgee conference, entering the conference venue in racing leathers and riding on a pearl white Harley Davidson motor cycle.

The conference committee started the conference planning in earnest, developing the program, identifying potential guest speakers and entertainment and planning the decoration and themes for the venues. This did not proceed without incident, our first key presenter Bathurst Legend Peter Brock was killed in a car accident, our principal accommodation venue, the planned tourist hotel at Mount Panorama went into receivership and our major sponsor, RAMS had financial difficulties. Fortunately they still honored their promise of $20,000 sponsorship to us.

Undaunted the committee continued on, making a deliberate decision to source all supplies and services including caterers, AV and media suppliers, staging and entertainment from the local Bathurst community. We also sought guest speakers who had an association with motor sport or had a Rotary connection that would reinforce the “Rev up your Rotary” theme.

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Epping and Carlingford Rotary members were included in the planning process and we organised a social weekend in Bathurst for the members and their partners to experience Bathurst at first hand.

One of our greatest triumphs was Epping members involvement in painting the scenic backdrop for the conference dinner.

We had inquired about hiring a backdrop with a racing theme and that was going to Painting the Bathurst Conference backdrop cost something in the order of $2,000 to hire for the weekend. As an alternative we proposed to the members that they could paint the backdrop themselves. We sourced a 5 metre by 3 metre length of canvas and some paint and over the course of 3 to 4 weeks the Epping members became artists. While one team painted, another under the direction of Di Walker constructed the table decorations for the conference out of flashing red and blue lights among other things. On the night of the conference dinner the backdrop looked incredible, so much so that members of one of the attending clubs purchased the backdrop for $1,000 to donate to a local pre school in their area.

On the weekend of the Conference in March 2008, the Epping and Carlingford members worked together as a team to manage the logistics of over 800 Rotarians and partners attending 3 formal dinners, and 6 plenary sessions. This involved the logistics of transporting equipment to Bathurst, registering participants, managing the venues and the conference program, decorating the venues, developing seating plans for the dinners, acting as marshals and packing up after the The Epping ladies played a key role in designing and event. It was a wonderful cooperative making the decorations for the Bathurst Conference effort that left the volunteers exhausted but delighted with the success of the Conference.

The conference brought together a diversity of guest speakers from champion swimmer Duncan Armstrong to Bathurst legend Dick Johnson, former State Opposition leader John Dowd and former Miss World Australia Caroline Pemberton. One measure of the success of the conference was that the auditorium was still full for the closing ceremony on Sunday afternoon. Another was that the Conference was one of a handful in recent years that covered its costs and made a small profit for the District.

For the members of Epping and Carlingford Rotary this was service above self to support District Governor Monica.

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District Conferences engender fellowship Epping Rotary has a long history of supporting District Conferences going back to its inception. For clubs the District conference is an opportunity for a social weekend away for the members and partners and for the past ten years Rotarian Wal Dover has been coordinating Epping members’ attendances

“Each Year the District Governor organises a weekend conference usually outside Sydney. Past venues have included Canberra, Wollongong, Newcastle, Tamworth, Bathurst, Dubbo, Port Macquarie and infamously Hamilton Island. I have been coordinating Epping's participation for the past 10 years, organising accommodation and encouraging registrations. Members generally show a reluctance to commit too early and as a result we normally need to book and commit to rooms in excess of our requirements.

Each conference has a theme dinner on Saturday evening that is the social highlight of the conference. It usually involves the club members dressing up, although Epping has a recent tradition of not going over the top with our outfits.

Epping members embraced the Scottish theme at the 2002 Dubbo Conference

In 2002 we took 30 Rotarians and partners to DG Barry Philps' Scottish themed conference at Dubbo which was probably the biggest conference that the District has organised with over 1300 registrations.

However the one conference that comes to mind is the 1996 Newcastle conference where a movie theme saw Epping members and partners dressed up as Dalmatian dogs. We looked terrific and due to the costume making and needlework skills of the wives we were undoubtedly the best looking Dalmatians at the ball. Coincidentally several other clubs also embraced the theme to the point that there seemed to be spotted dogs everywhere.

Getting to the conference “in costume” was not without its challenges. The organisers had arranged for buses to pick up the delegates at their hotels but a few weeks before the conference the bus company had gone into liquidation, and we were forced to find our own way. We trooped down to the local bus station and the first bus that arrived had only one passenger 74

who looked a little under the weather. When the bus driver announced "no dogs on the bus" he woke up to be confronted by about 20 Dalmatians looking for seats. On the way home we decided it would be easier to walk and had to put up with the Hunter street hoons calling out "get a life" as they cruised up and down the street in their cars. Really?

There have been many high profile speakers at the conferences. Two of my favorites were Father Chris Riley of Youth off the Streets, who rode a horse on stage, and Gerry Harvey who spoke very directly about the challenges of running a large retail company.

Conferences are a great opportunity to meet Rotarians from other clubs, get a wider perspective of the Rotary organization, and enjoy a mix of fellowship and inspiration.

Much can be learned from the guest speakers as they provide an opportunity to learn about the immense range of projects Rotarians and other organisations are involved in locally and around the world. Conferences are good - try one out" Wal Dover

The Rotary Foundation The Rotary Foundation is not-for-profit Corporation supported solely by voluntary contributions from Rotarians and friends of the Foundation who share its vision of a better world. It is the largest private Foundation in the world and is the “engine room” which drives Rotary in all aspects of its Global International Service. A contribution of $US1, 000 enables a Rotary club or an individual to secure Paul Harris Recognition.

The Rotary Foundation was created in 1917 by Rotary International's sixth President, Arch C. Klumph, as an endowment fund for Rotary "to do well in the world.” It has grown from an initial contribution of US$26.50 to more than US$245 million contributed in 2007-08.

The Foundation's Humanitarian Programs funds international Rotary Club and District projects to improve the quality of life, providing health care, clean water, food, education, and other essential needs primarily in the developing world. One of the major Humanitarian Programs is Polio Plus, which seeks to eradicate the polio virus worldwide.

There are many ways to support the Foundation and the Club’s resident poet PP John “Flash Jack” Payne reflected how he could help in a poem he wrote in November 2008.

I didn’t write a poem this week, I haven’t got the heart, I haven’t been inspired and I don’t know where to start.

I sat with bated breath last week while Bruce* gave us the gen On Rotary Foundation; folks, I can’t remember when I was more filled with joie de vivre instead of nice red wine, My heart all jumping and my brain felt like it wasn’t mine, But more like some crusading knights like Sir Gawain or rather Like Galahad’s or Percival’s or even good King Arthur’s!

But when Bruce switched his slide show off, I came back down to earth; I mean, how can I measure up? What crumpets am I worth?

It’s not as if I have the talent of PDG Monica …

No, I am just a simple bloke, Poor John from Poor Japonica.

Dejected and downcast I dragged my feeble body home

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To her whom I obey sans question … now I am sans poem.

Is this the bitter end at last, the dregs of all my skill?

Is this the final chapter? Am I quite over the hill?

Well might you ask such questions, if you ever really bothered?

But nonetheless, I reckon that my vital spark is smothered By failing to live up to all the best ideals and aims That Bruce laid out before us. Now, don’t go and call me names.

The best that I can do, right now, is take my money box, (The one that Olga* gave me) and despite life’s cruelest knocks, I’ll carry it to Master Hantos* whose anticipation Of such generosity will cheer up the Foundation.

So, see? I’ve gone and done my bit and I hope you will too.

Next week I’ll write an epic poem, but this week … no can do! [*Bruce Edwards, Monica Saville, Olga Scaramuzzi, Steve Hantos]

Australian Rotary Health Since 1985 Australian Rotarians have been raising funds for medical research and related programs through the Australian Rotary Health Research Fund now known as Australian Rotary Health (ARH).

Over the years the Rotary Club of Epping has always been one of our District’s most generous supporters of the ARH not only by the donation of funds but by the participation of members in the ARH. Former member PDG Don Keighran was a Director and Honorary Treasurer from 1989-1997. He was made a Life Member of ARH in 2000.

PDG Monica Saville was a member of the District 9680 ARH Committee for several years and District Chairman from 2002-05. PP John Goddard and PP Cees Thurmer served on the District ARH Committee for several years. Many fundraisers to support the ARH have been held. In recent years the most notable were the Antarctic Calendar that PP John Edwards produced in 2009. The Calendar featured stunning photos taken by John during his three trips to Antarctica. The calendar was sold within Australia and overseas and raised $5,000. John was recognised as a Companion of the Fund for that contribution.

For the past three years PDG Monica Saville has sold ARF Christmas Cards through the Goodwill Charity Card Shop in the Sydney CBD. Rotarians and partners have volunteered their time to serve in the shop. Approximately $5,000 profit has been donated to ARH each year.

The all time total donation from Epping Rotarians is $62,195.80. Thirty nine people have been recognised as Friends or Companions of the ARH either by their personal donations or donations made on their behalf.

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The Projects The Terrys Creek Environment Project 2001 There’s a track winding back, Where there used to be a shack’ Along the banks of Terrys Creek Where the folks are all working to make the bush clean, We’ll all see a difference, a much better scene.

Rotary leads the way; we’re combining work and play Along the banks of Terrys Creek Words by Ken McPhail Terrys Creek is an important tributary of the Lane Cove River bisecting the Hornsby and Ryde local council areas. The area includes an important remnant of Blue Gum High Forest. In 2001-02 the club organised the construction of a 4km walking track that provides a link from Eastwood station to the Great North Walking Track at Browns Waterhole, Marsfield PP Graham Stevens, reflects on the background to the project

When I was President Elect in 2000-01 I was looking for a major project for the club. I knew that Terrys creek flowed from Eastwood to Browns Waterhole at Marsfield but could not find any tracks that would allow me to follow the creek line. The area was overgrown, infested with privet and other weeds and largely neglected. The surrounding houses looked away from the bushland and only a few dedicated volunteers were involved in restoring the degraded bushland.

I had been talking with the bushcare groups and how Rotary might be able to assist them, when I saw an advertisement promoting the Work for the Dole scheme. I spoke Ray Burgess a Community Work Coordinator with the group and found that they were looking for local projects. Not only could they provide access to volunteers from the program but they could also provide trained and paid supervisors for any successful project.

Armed with that information I approached both Hornsby and Ryde Councils with a plan to upgrade and link up the existing tracks along Terry’s Creek to develop a formal walking track between Vimiera Park Epping and Brown’s Waterhole at Marsfield, a distance of about 4kms.

While the councils listened to the proposal they brought forward a number of objections including public liability insurance, lack of funding, reluctance to become involved with the Work for the Dole program without some council oversight and the fact that the creek could be subject to flooding. All of these were valid objections but after talking with the company, Hornsby Council agreed to support the construction of a track from Vimiera Park to the Dence Park swimming pool on the western side of the creek, a distance of about 1km. It also committed some funding at allow one of their bushcare managers, Mr. Sonny Anderson to oversee the project.”

Graham Stevens

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A Pat on back for Rotary I was recently invited to attend the official opening of the Terry's Creek Rotary Walk in Epping – a scenic walking trail from Vimiera Park to Dence Park which has undergone extensive restoration and bush regeneration work.

I would like to congratulate Mr Graham Stevens, the President of the Rotary Club of Epping for his tenacity and vision in initiating and undertaking this fantastic project.

A wonderful belief was reaffirmed for me- a belief that one person can make a positive difference and I applaud Mr Stevens and Epping Rotary for the invaluable work they are doing.

As the only formalised walking track through a bushland reserve in the southern most part of the Shire, this project is an incredibly important environmental initiative designed to facilitate the area’s sustainable future for all residents to enjoy.

I encourage all residents to visit and enjoy the Terry’s Creek Rotary Walk Steven Pringle Mayor of Hornsby March 2002

Stage 1 of the project commenced in September 2001.

Supervisor Grant Wilson worked with volunteers over a six month period to improve and build the walking track. Epping members organised Community Awareness Days to inform the local residents of the work. The club also arranged for final year Environmental Biology students at UTS to undertake a pollution study of the creek, as a practical field study exercise for their course. Their work was featured in a segment on the children’s’ TV show Totally Wild.

Under the direction of Paul “that was a very wooden performance” Clune, the club made a short video of the project. Filmed by Bob Smeallie, it included interviews with some of the Work for the Role participants as well as Rotarians and was shown at the 2003 District Conference as part of the Community Service presentation.

As the track head M was an important crossing point for the Great North Convict a Road between Sydney and Newcastle, the club arranged for a plaque to be mounted to r record that fact. c h

The first stage of the track was opened by the then Hornsby Mayor Cr Steven Pringle on 2 3 March 2002.

0 0 Stage 2 of the track which was to be constructed along the eastern bank of the creek 2 proved to be more problematical. While the club had in principle approval for the track from Ryde Council there was reluctance by Council staff to authorise its commencement.

The club had secured a further 6 month commitment from the Work for the Dole program and National Parks who controlled the Browns Waterhole end of the track gave their approval. It was decided that “improvement” of the tracks on the eastern side of the creek should continue while talks continued with Ryde Council staff. One of the sticking points was a creek crossing. The club wanted a bridge and had spoken with the Epping-Chatswood rail contractors about funding. Our club engineer, Ian McIntyre had also prepared some plans. Ryde Council were concerned with flooding issues and suggested that any bridge needed to be higher than the 100 year flood levels. That President Ava Emdin and PP Graham Stevens at the opening of was clearly impractical so they accepted concrete Stage 2 of the Terrys Creek Walk

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stepping stones across the creek with flood signs. Epping members constructed this crossing one Saturday afternoon.

Work progressed until the track was completed and we invited the Mayor of Ryde to open the walking track. That caused a small furore with council staff who pointed out that various planning approvals had not been granted. Nevertheless stage 2 was opened on 21 September 2002. Total cost of the project to Epping Rotary was less than $2,500 and the community now had a 4 km walking track that linked Eastwood station and the Great North walk.

Ryde Council subsequently adopted the Terrys Creek walk as one of its signature urban bushwalks and spent several thousand dollars on new interpretive signage and brochure and Epping Rotary re launched the track with a community walk in September 2004. The track now is an important and well used bushwalking track for local residents.

Epping Rotary maintains its association with the track, participating in the annual Clean Up Australia Day removing accumulated debris along the creek line. In March 2012, the club celebrated the 10th anniversary of the opening of the track, cleaning graffiti from the signage along the track.

The RYDA Program In July 2000, the Hills District of Sydney suffered a devastating loss when four teenage boys lost their lives in a horrendous car crash Shocked by the senseless loss of such young lives, the Hills Rotary clubs set out to help avoid a repetition of this appalling accident in a practical way by establishing and sponsoring a youth driver awareness program.

The six session program was first introduced in the beginning of 2001 at the Honda Training site in St Ives, Sydney. Approximately 1,200 Year 11 students from six schools in the Hills area attended the program in its inaugural year.

The program’s organising committee sought financial support from the other Rotary clubs in District 9680 as well as volunteers to help supervise the high school students who were attending the program.

By 2003 there were about 80 local schools and 8,000 students attending the program at two venues, one at St Ives and another on the central coast. The organising committee asked each District club to donate $500 towards the cost of delivering the program When the Board of Epping Rotary decided that there were no funds available to support the program, two members Monica Saville and Graham Stevens were disappointed by the decision and decided to look for alternative sources of funds, in part because both Epping Boys High School and Cheltenham Girls High School were enthusiastic supporters of the program.

Monica decided to approach the Epping Community Club for funding under the Community Support and Development program, whereby large licensed clubs in

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conjunction with local councils are encouraged to provide financial support to worthwhile community projects.

Monica’s funding application was successful and the RYDA program was awarded $5,000 grant. Since that time as a direct result of Monica’s efforts Epping Rotary and the Epping Community Club have continued to provide funding for the RYDA program.

Funds provided by the club are used to subsidise the cost of attendance at the program by students of Epping Boys’ High, Cheltenham Girls’ High and Arden Secondary College.

In 2003-04 Graham Stevens was part of District Governor Danny Low’s leadership team as an Assistant Governor, responsible for the 15 Rotary clubs in the Hills District. As part of that role he met with Club Presidents and was discussing the future of the RYDA program the then President of Kenthurst Club, Terry Birss who was also the RYDA Chairman. They both shared the view that if the program was to expand beyond North Western Sydney and beyond Rotary District 9680 it would be necessary to have paid staff in a Secretariat. These staff would be responsible for the development of the program and managing the increasingly complex administration associated with organising schools to attend the program, organising venues and presenters and cocoordinating the Rotary volunteers.

Graham’s employer BOC Limited had a very active driver safety program as part of its ongoing commitment to workplace safety and he was able to organise a meeting between Terry Birss and BOC’s joint Managing Directors. It was suggested that BOC might consider sponsoring the establishment of a full-time secretariat to manage and develop the program in NSW. This would allow the Rotary funds and fees charged to the students to be directed exclusively to the delivery of the program.

The BOC directors were impressed by the philosophy of the RYDA program which focused on encouraging students to think about their attitudes to driving and the consequences that their driving might have on other people, rather than improving their driving skills. They also appreciated the contribution that Rotary volunteers could bring to the program. They felt however that the vision was somewhat limited, and suggested that if BOC was to become involved as a sponsor of the program it would like to see as a minimum a national program in Australia and desirably the RYDA program extended to New Zealand.

The size of the task was daunting but the RYDA Board accepted the challenge and BOC became the program’s founding sponsor for a four-year period. That sponsorship was subsequently extended and BOC continues to fund the annual cost of the head office staff as well as providing premises for the secretariat.

Each year Epping Rotarians attend the RYDA program as volunteers to support students from Epping Boys High when they participate in the program. Monica Saville and several other Rotary members have trained as co-coordinators for the program. In addition Past President Peter Slattery secured funding from his employer Laing O’Rourke to produce a training video for the program. The video, Remembering

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Genevieve, focuses on the impact on family and friends left behind, when a young person is killed in a road accident, and is a very powerful and poignant part of each training day.

In 2012, 11 years after the commencement of the program, and eight years after BOC became its foundation sponsor the program is delivered in all states of Australia and New Zealand. In Australia there are now 70 venues training over 42,000 students each year. To date over 150,000 year 11 students have participated in the program. That probably would not have happened if the Rotary Club of Epping had $500 to spare in 2003.

Epping Street Fair 2005 ongoing The inaugural Epping Street Fair was held on a gloriously sunny Sunday in August 2005 when the Rotary Club of Epping and The Epping Club worked together to give to the Epping Community a quality social event. The section of Rawson Street between Bridge Street and the laneway beside the Epping Club was closed to traffic (with Council permission). Stallholders were invited to sell a variety of food and merchandise. Local organisations were encouraged to have information booths and a talent quest entertained the crowd throughout the day.

Epping Rotarians sought stallholders and sponsorship prior to the event, assisted in setting up the stalls, managed the waste and kept the area clean and litter free, and assisted backstage with the talent quest and the judging of the numerous acts. Rotarians and partners staffed our catering caravan which provided hamburgers and drinks and at the conclusion assisted with cleaning up of the site. Display boards near the van featured photos of Rotary projects to inform the public about our endeavours Conducting an event such as a Street Fair involves significant expenses. Monica Saville applied for and received a $10,000 Community Development Support Expenditure (CDSE) grant through Parramatta Council and The Epping Club. This assisted in covering expenses such as the cost of the stage and shelter, the sound system, advertising, the generator, the portaloos, and permits for the street closure and waste removal. Although the proceeds from the first event were modest, approximately 5,000 Epping and community residents enjoyed that first Street Fair and gave us encouragement to repeat the Street fair crowds event.

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The Street Fair and a Black and White Charity Ball were also held that year where Epping Rotarians worked with the professional events management team at the Epping Club and commenced an excellent working partnership between the two organisations.

Subsequent Epping Street Fairs were held in March 2007, May 2008, August 2009, August 2010 and August 2011. We now are unable to accommodate all the stall holders who wish to participate. Our Rotarians have been obtaining much more sponsorship and coupled with raffle ticket sales, have contributed to greater profits for the event. The 2011 Street Fair raised in excess of $11,000 for Rotary projects.

Funding for the fair is provided under the CDSE funding scheme, so the fair needs to meet broad community funding guidelines. Epping Rotary has been particularly fortunate that PDG Monica Saville has taken responsibility for completing the funding applications.

The Street Fair has proven to be a great success with the local community, providing an opportunity for residents to get together and enjoy the entertainment and spectacle.

Planning is now well under way for the 2012 Epping Street Fair in August 2012.

Graffiti removal In 2006-07, John Edward’s year as President, District Governor Pam Pritchard wrote to all the Presidents in the District asking each Club to initiate one new project. Here is John’s story of his one man crusade against graffiti.

“As a long time resident of Epping I was concerned about the amount of graffiti in the Epping shopping centre and felt our lovely suburb was becoming a ghetto. I went out and took photographs of the worst graffiti in Epping and produced these at a Rotary meeting. Holding up the photographs I then asked the question – “Is anyone happy with this graffiti?” There was a resounding NO! so I decided we should do something about this problem.

My plan was for teams of Rotarians to go out and remove the graffiti from buildings and public places. I visited Hornsby and Parramatta Councils and Eastwood Police to advise them what we proposed to do. I asked for financial contributions from the two Councils but my request fell on deaf ears.

Parramatta Council provided me with some small graffiti removal packs at no charge. I then contacted suppliers for paint, paint brushes, overalls and chemicals and these were provided at no charge. Brendon Lynch at Boronia Grove kindly loaned us his high pressure water machine. We set out to clean Epping Rotary Anti Graffiti team in action off the worst of the graffiti and The Northern District Times gave our graffiti project a front page story. The support we received from the residents of Epping for our initiative was quite overwhelming and at the time we received unsolicited donations in excess of $800.

When I advised DG Pam Pritchard of our new project, she was delighted and invited me to speak about graffiti removal at the 2007 District Conference at Mudgee.

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Several Clubs in our District invited me to give anti graffiti presentations to their members.

One Club, Turramurra, was most enthusiastic and I met on a number of occasions with Roger Norman from that Club to tell him how we were removing graffiti. Roger embraced the idea and developed it into a viable project for Rotary Clubs. Many Clubs both within and outside of our District are now involved with this project which is going from strength to strength.�

John Edwards In recognition of his contribution John was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation the by then Prime Minister and Member for Bennelong, John Howard.

In September 2011 Attorney General Greg Smith SC. announced the NSW Government would team up with Rotary Clubs and Dulux Paint to establish volunteer graffiti removal squads across the state "This is an opportunity for people who have felt powerless against the scourge of graffiti to unite and restore pride in their community," Mr Smith said. "With the support of Kuring-gai Council and local businesses, the Turramurra Rotary squad has cleaned more than 3,000 square metres of graffiti in their area, and this success story can be replicated in other parts of the state with a graffiti problem. The NSW Government is encouraging local councils and businesses to form similar partnerships with Rotary to combat graffiti." he added The Department of Attorney General and Justice has provided funding for Turramurra Rotary to help other Rotary Clubs in NSW establish volunteer graffiti removal squads in their area. Dulux Paint will support the expansion of the program.

In March 2012 Members of Epping Rotary again sprang into action to clean up graffiti on signage along the Terrys Creek walking track.

Youth Programs Providing opportunities for the youth of Epping to broaden their experience and learn more about themselves and the world has been a source of enjoyment and fulfillment for many members of the Club. It has also enabled Epping Rotary to partner with local schools, churches, Rotaract groups and businesses and lead the way in inspiring our young people.

Three youth projects supported by the club and coordinated by the District are:

RYLA The Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) is a project that aims to challenge the ideals of young people aged between 18 to 27 years. Young people who are leaders in their community are selected by their local Rotary Club to receive the award and attend a week long seminar, organised by the RYLA District Committee, aimed at further developing their personal and leadership skills.

During the week they are challenged, motivated, engaged and mentored. Some of the participants shared their thoughts:

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“It was exhausting but exhilarating. I slept for what seemed like a week when I got home afterwards.”

“You learn so much about yourself, your strengths, and weaknesses and how you relate to other people.”

“RYLA really is a life changing experience.

Epping Rotary has supported RYLA since 1970, sponsoring young people to attend in all but two years since then. In recent years the Club has secured sponsorship from local businesses that can see the benefit of encouraging their young high potential staff to attend the program. In return the companies provide additional funding to sponsor a young person from the local community.

RYPEN The Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment (RYPEN) is a District project that targets predominantly Year 9 or 10 students, who have not yet experienced leadership positions.

The program aims to deliver increased motivation and improved life skills, encourage better self-image and more self pride, better understanding of goal setting and the confidence to overcome failure and take control of their future.

Epping Rotary has worked with Epping Boys High School over a number of years to send suitable students to RYPEN where they attend a weekend long camp designed at developing their potential through a mixture of lecture style sessions and adventurebased learning.

NYSF The National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) is a program aimed at selecting the best Year 11 science students from across Australia to attend a two week course that immerses them in all aspects of science.

Epping Rotary has had a strong connection with the NYSF program in recent times, sponsoring students to attend NYSF through grant funding from North Epping Bendigo Bank.

The students are part of a group of over 400 such students considered to be the best science students in Australia and potentially major players in Australia's future. This is one of the biggest Rotary projects within Australia.

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Chapter 6 Rotary Today and the Future Epping Today Epping is 2012 is a vastly different place to Epping in the 1960’s. The town centre is still bisected by the railway line and Beecroft Road which is now six lanes wide, is crossed by a pedestrian overpass. The station has been expanded into a major transport hub serving thousands of commuters each day. The division of the town centre between Parramatta City Council and Hornsby Shire Council has meant that development has been irregular and uncoordinated. The traffic bottlenecks of the 1960s have become chronic.

The development of major regional shopping centres at Macquarie and Carlingford in the 1980s, lack of parking and changing shopping habits has stripped centres like Epping of the range of specialty retailers they once enjoyed. They have been replaced by fast food shops, restaurants, estate agents, cafes and vacant shops as the town centre awaits a redevelopment plan. On the fringes there is a collection of commercial offices. The retail heart of the suburb has been removed, and the diversity of the high street has been lost.

The population of Epping now stands at about 23,500 people, of whom 46% were born overseas. New residents have mainly come from China, Hong Kong, Korea, India and UK, often attracted to the area by the quality of the schools, proximity to transport and good quality and affordable housing. Almost three quarters of the residents own or are buying their homes.

The population is aging with a median age of 37 years and about one quarter of the population is over 55 years.

The Club Today Over the past 50 years the Rotary Club of Epping has seen many changes so what do we look like today and how might our club evolve?

The Club’s mission statement is “To improve the well being of the community and to foster international understanding through actions of Epping Club members embracing Rotary ideals.” In our 50th year we continue to be recognised as a club that represents the community that it serves through being connected both locally and globally.

The Rotary Club of Epping is governed by the Board of Directors who are responsible governance, the strategic vision, current year plans, fundraising, membership, publicity, and projects, and the structure and content of meetings.

The Meetings Meetings are Monday evening, 6:00 pm for 6:30 pm at the Boronia Grove Reception Centre and we pay $27 for the meal. We are greeted by one of our unsung heroes, attendance Chairman Neil Anderson, who has diligently performed the job for the past 30 years; we share fellowship, a drink and a cooked meal. The Sergeant calls the meeting to order, we recite the Rotary invocation, a toast is proposed, the President is introduced.

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About 50% of our members are in attendance. There are fine sessions as appropriate, guests are introduced, new members inducted and various reports are delivered. Most Mondays we have a guest speaker and we plan to conclude proceedings by 8:00 pm sharp. This is the model we have followed for the past 50 years, the structure is largely unchanged but what has gone is a lot of the formality.

The Members Since 1962 more than 300 members of the Epping community have been members of Epping Rotary Club. Some have stayed a matter of months, many less than 5 years but it is not uncommon for members to remain with the club for 20, 30 and even 40 years.

The club’s longest serving member PP Wal Cooper passed away in 2010 after 48 years of service. In the previous year PP Russell Walker, also a charter member passed away after recording 47 years service. Currently the longest serving members of the club are Bob Nash with 43 Years service, Neil Anderson with 32 years service and PP John Goddard who joined in 1981 and has 30 years service.

Unlike many District Rotary Clubs, Epping is actually refreshing itself with new members. Of the current membership of 37, more than 40% have been members for less than 5 years and 8 have been inducted since June 2011. While there has been an erosion of Rotary experience, the new members are bringing fresh ideas and are prepared to question how the club is meeting their needs. More than 95% of members are still working, a critical percentage if Rotary is to retain its status as a vocationally based community organisation, attracting business leaders. More than 25% of the club members are female. 75% of the members are in the 50-65 age group, still older than the median age for the area, but considerably younger than many of the other Rotary Clubs in the District. We live in an ethnically diverse community but that diversity is not reflected in the membership.

Regular attendance has always been a requirement of Rotary. In the 1960’s the Club regularly reported attendance at meetings well in excess of 90 per cent. Members who fell below the required levels of attendance were called before the Board of the Club to explain why their membership should not be cancelled. Over the years Rotary has relaxed its attendance requirements for members. Currently members are required to attend only 50% of the club meetings in a year, and members have an opportunity to “make up” meetings by attending other club meetings or club and District activities.

Currently Epping’s average attendance at meetings is Rotary has had a great affect of my 55%. life. It has improved my outlook on life both personally and professionally, enabled me to meet interesting people and contribute to the community in a meaningful way.” Stephen Wright

While we focus on the service that members give to the community we often overlook the benefits that Rotary membership can bring to the members. This can be as diverse providing leadership training, public speaking experience, the opportunity to work as a member of a multi skilled team, the fellowship and above all the opportunity to build communities and change lives.

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So what could the Rotary Club of Epping look like say in ten years time? John Fenessy current club Membership Director hypothesises

“By the year 2022 the club has focused on a new outlook on membership and a different approach to club structure without altering the core pieces of the organisation or losing what Rotarians hold dear.

The key features of the change have included the redesign of club and meeting structure, meeting times and locations, program structures, club member involvement committee formats and effective partnering with other organisations and local business groups.

Meetings are not held every week and locations vary, some are held as E Meetings – there has been a melding of the E Club structure that was sponsored by Epping Rotary back in 2011. The “I’m too busy” objection has been removed and success is measured more by the contributions individuals make - the current 100% attendance award as a measure has long been forgotten.

We have also accepted that we can’t be afraid of inviting members who may leave – we value members for the contribution they make in the time they can be with us, they come and go as life circumstances dictate, the club is also far more ethnically diverse.

Senior members meet regularly with the younger members who value them as mentors and they learn from each other.

The transition has been very successful because small steps were taken in a non threatening environment. Overall membership numbers continue to grow but the days of 30 + years continuous service will likely not be seen again. Members make a commitment to Rotary based on career and family commitments also geographic locations at a given time. The only constant is change! “ John Fenessy

Fellowship The term Fellowship is difficult to define. It implies warmth, affection, a sense of working together, loyalty, teamwork and social interaction. It is the enduring theme in the reminiscences of past members. They recall with affection building a guide hall, painting at Dalmar, rebuilding and refurbishing caravans, preparing for Flea Markets and Market Days and cooking BBQs. They remember Progressive Dinners, Family Picnics, attending District Conferences and in particular the men’s weekends away. All of these activities gave members and opportunity to bond, find common interests and build enduring friendships.

That is not to suggest that members today are any less social or friendly or don’t enjoy each other’s company. Projects like the Street Fair, the Seniors Cruise or Clean Up Australia Day give members the opportunity to meet and talk and interact. Social dinners are well attended.

Perhaps the changing family and work demands and the modern pace of life have meant fewer opportunities for Fellowship, but it does not make the experience any less important. In the end Fellowship is about shared experiences and developing a spirit and culture within the Club, which encourages members to have fun working together to achieve a common goal.

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The Projects Epping Rotary is first and foremost interested in supporting the local community. In the early years there was considerable community need for facilities that was not met by government or council.

The infrastructure that was needed to meet the needs of the emerging baby boomers in the 1960s like pools, sporting fields, halls, libraries and parks are in place. Changing demographics have meant that many of the scout and guide troops have closed or amalgamated, several bowling clubs have become unviable and closed. Schools and kindergartens are generally better funded and equipped. Many of the major institutions like the Poplars Community Hospital and the Dalmar Orphanges have closed and other facilities like Karonga Special School have been taken over by the Education Department.

Higher OH&S and building standards and changing skill sets have made it more difficult for organisations to call on the services of volunteer groups like Rotary for their building projects. As such many of the hands on projects that occupied Rotarians in the early years have disappeared, and Epping Rotary, like the Epping community has had to evolve and adapt.

Now many of our community projects such as the Meadowbank Seniors Cruise, the Epping Street Fair, BowelScan and Pride of Workmanship Awards tend to focus on community interaction. We continue to provide financial support for local organisations like The Shack, Christian Community Aid, and Achieve Foundation.

We have continued to focus on youth related programs mainly directed at primary school and high schools students many of these programs we have initiated locally such as the Langston Awards, High School and Primary School Debates and Citizenship awards. We are also been involved in District Rotary projects like Youth Exchange and Rotary leadership programs such as the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), Rotary Program of Enrichment (RYPEN), Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA) and Summer Science Camps.

The Club has supported dozens of international projects over its 50 years. These are generally one off donations rather than long term commitments to a project or an area.

Projects have been as diverse as books for schools in PNG, water wells in India, fish farms in Thailand, schools in Tanzania, milch cows in India, clean water projects, and classrooms and toilet blocks in Cambodia. We have also purchased Rotary shelter boxes or organised collections to assist with international disaster relief. We have supported several RAWCS projects which have given members the opportunity for hands on involvement in projects in developing countries and our international friendship exchanges have allowed us to meet with Rotarians in other parts of the world while enjoying different cultural experiences. Nevertheless we are essentially a locally rather than internationally focused club.

Fundraising Fundraising has always been an important part of the club's activities. Some Rotary clubs are renowned for members reaching into their pockets to support worthy causes, but 88

Epping has generally taken the view that it is best to raise funds from the local community. From the earliest times sales from the catering caravan underpinned the club's charitable giving, supported by Warehouse Sales, Community Markets, Golf Days, Trivia Nights, and even bucket collections. More recently the Club has sought support from CDSE Funding, Bendigo Bank Community Grants and business sponsorships .

Since the year 2000 the Club has contributed more that $300,000 to the local and overseas community projects and charities.

There are two philosophies in fund raising - only give out what you can raise from your normal activities or find a worthy cause and raise what is necessary to support that cause.

The former view often results in a lot of small donations, generally concentrated around the end of the year when the amount of funds available is clear. The latter view requires greater commitment to a cause. Over the years the Club has followed both approaches.

However lack of funds in the budget is not an acceptable excuse if a cause is worthy of support.

Rotary is an instantly recognisable brand and Epping Rotary has the opportunity to identify community needs and act as a catalyst to bring together worthy causes and those organisations and businesses capable of providing support.

The Future As we outlined in the Preface, Paul Harris originally conceived an organisation of business and professional people coming together as friends for mutual benefit. That soon extended to an international fellowship united in the ideal of service. How do today’s Rotary Clubs measure up and what challenges are they likely to face?

PP Graham Stevens looks at the present and poses some questions for the future

A significant problem facing Rotary in general and Epping Club in particular is how will Rotary and the club serve the members and the local community into the future?

Community service and volunteering is no longer the preserve of the traditional service club.

Community needs are met by councils and government as well as a wide range of not for profit organisations and their supporters. Individuals can and do take on incredible tasks both in Australia and overseas. Informal networks and instantaneous communications allow interested people to work together without the need for a structure as formal as a Rotary club.

Individuals and groups work together to achieve particular ends or for specific causes. They become more singular in their interest and more focused on their results.

The Rotary brand is unique and gives its members a community profile that is disproportionate to their numbers on the ground. In 2012 there are 1,121 Rotary Clubs in Australia with 31,954 members, not even a good football crowd, but the brand gives Rotary members unprecedented access to all levels of government, recognition as a source of funding for worthy causes, and high public esteem if not public awareness. We need to continue to leverage off that recognition.

How can Rotary continue to attract business leaders, build friendships and build better communities? Some say that members are time poor, that work and family commitments make it difficult to attend regular weekly meetings. Are weekly meetings necessary? Are there other ways that Rotarians can interact to develop the fellowship, friendships and networks 89

that have characterised Rotary Clubs? Is the organisation still relevant to the local community it serves? How should we assess the community needs? What are the worthwhile projects in our community and how best can the skills and resources of the membership be utilised? How can the internationality of the Rotary brand be leveraged? While the occupy protester in developed countries would like to suggest they are the forgotten people , the reality is that the developed world is the lucky 1%, so do we as an organisation need to look more closely at the needs beyond our local community and beyond our borders? These are some of the questions that the club is likely to face. How we address them will have a profound effect on the future of the organisation.�

Graham Stevens Rotary International is a remarkable organisation, its global reach gives it international recognition and respect, empowers each Rotarian to look at the needs in his or her own community, and gives them the tools, the opportunity and the vehicle to help.

The Challenge facing us all is to continue to look for the community needs, embrace the challenges and enjoy the fellowship, and Rotary International and the Rotary Club of Epping in particular will continue to flourish into the future.

This history shows us some of what Epping Rotarians have achieved over the past 50 years. The future is now in our hands.

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Appendix 1 – Past Presidents

1962-3 Lloyd Gollan PHF

Lloyd was Charter President of the club and prior to that was a member of Ryde Rotary for 10 years. He served on almost all committees over the years and his name featured regularly on lists of those with hundred per cent attendance. His service to Rotary was recognised by the club with the award of Paul Harris Fellowship in 1978. Until his retirement Lloyd was senior partner of Gollan and Anderson Optometrists. He retired from Epping Rotary in 1987.

Lloyd records the highlight of his year as President as “inducting 27 members into the Rotary Club of Epping and the honour of being its Charter President” Cec was a charter member in 1962 and was President in 1963-64. He was Principal of Epping Public School and is credited with introducing Cuisenaire rods to the NSW Education Department. He held a range of Board positions and passed away while still a member of the Club in 1983. His highlight as President is recorded as “establishing and furnishing the Epping Senior Citizens club”.

1963-64 Cec Chambers

1964-65 Arthur Walker

1965-66 John Niccol

Arthur Walker was a member of the Rotary Club of Ryde Rotary for several years and resigned to participate in the formation of the Rotary Club of Epping and accordingly was a charter member.

He was Epping Rotary's 3rd President 1964-65 and secretary 1967-70.

During his year as President he inducted his son Ken as a member, and together with son Russ, also a charter member, this meant 3 members of our club from the same family. The major project for 64-65 was building the Epping Girl Guides hall. Epping Club received the first Paul Harris award from Rotary International for the most significant project in District 268. Arthur passed away in 1973.

John was a charter member of the club and President in 1965-66. For many years John was the proprietor of Niccol’s newsagency in Beecroft Road Epping.

He served on many club committees. He retired from the club in 1990.

John records the highlight of his year as President as “receiving the first Paul Harris Award from Rotary International for the Epping Guide Hall as the most significant project for 1964-65.

Bill joined our Club during the Rotary Year 1963-64 with the classification of Education-Administration and served the community for a period of six years. During that time was appointed Secretary 1964-65, Vice President, Club Service Director for 1965-66 and President 1966-67. He retired in 1970.

His highlight as President is recorded as “The Goodwill extended to the elderly and youth of the district.”

1966-67 Bill McPhillips

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1967-68 Horrie Mendham PHF

1968-69 Howard(Jum) Land

Horrie was the Musical Director of Epping club for many years. He was club President in 1967-68 having been inducted into the Club in 1965. He was Secretary of Quirindi Rotary Club from 1960 to 1962. He retired as Principal of Mount Prichard East Primary School in 1971. He retired from Epping Rotary in 1991 and was made an honorary member, a position he held until he his death in December 2000. He was recognised as a Paul Harris Fellow in 1992.

His highlight as President is recorded as “The clubs first participation in Youth Exchange and the success in having a nominee accepted for the Oregon USA GSE team”.

Jum, a builder, joined us during the Rotary year 1964-65, and served the club for twenty three years. During that time he occupied the position of Secretary for two years from 1965 to 1967, Vice President and Club Service Director 1967-68 and President for 1968-69. His Presidency marked the arrival of our first Youth Exchange student Marylin Stelfox from Canada. Jum was actively engaged in the building of the Epping Guide Hall.

His Highlight as President was recorded as “The commencement of the successful hosting of Youth Exchange Students by Epping Rotary”.

Bill moved in the financial world and managed the local Building Society. He was a charter member of the club and served as Charter Secretary, Secretary for 1963-64, Treasurer1967-68, Vice President, Club Service Director 1968-69 and President for 1969-70. After ten years of service with our club, Bill retired during 1972-73.

His highlight as President is recorded as “The fellowship engendered by our relationship with students from Papua - New Guinea.”

1969-70 Bill Jennings

1970-71 Eric Wade PHF

Eric joined the club in 1963 and was President in 1970-71. He spent 46 years in the meat industry and for 39 years operated a chain of retail butcher shops E.C Wade Pty Limited. He retired from the club in 1991.

His highlight as President is recorded as “hosting the members of the Rotary Club of Ikebukuro following the World conference and establishing the sister club relationship” He was recognised as a Paul Harris Fellow in 1990.

Les a Dentist, was a charter member, resigned in 1965-66 and reinducted in 1966-67. During his fourteen years of service with our club he occupied the positions of Vocational Service Director 1967-68, International Service Director 1968-69, Vice-President, Club Service Director 1970-71 and President 1971-72. He retired in 1980.

His highlight as President is recorded as “The enthusiasm of Rotarians in the participation in community projects and fellowship functions”.

1971-72 Les Booth

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1972-73 Wal Cooper PHF*

1973-74 Ron Turner PHF

Wal was a charter member of the club and President in 1972-73. He operated his own business in Epping for many years as a watchmaker and jeweller and was a Fellow of the Horological Guild of Australia since 1946. Wal was recognised as a Paul Harris fellow in 1993 and received a sapphire pin in 2003 on the occasion of the club’s 40th birthday. He was an innovator and initiator, being responsible for the clubs involvement with Seniors Picnics and establishing Carols in Forest Park and many other projects over the years. He was the club Song master and had a long involvement with Epping Men’s’ Probus Club. He passed away in 2010, Epping Rotary's longest serving charter member. His highlight as President is recorded as “the formation of the Rotary Club of Carlingford”.

Ron joined the club in 1967 and was President in 1973-74. Over his 27 years of membership he held most positions on the board. For 28 years Ron’s work centred on Turner's Pharmacy in Epping until he retired in 1982. He was President of the Pharmacist Guild for eight years. He was made a Paul Harris Fellow in 1986 and passed away in 1994.

His highlight as President is recorded as “the fellowship engendered with our Rotannes involved in preparing for the first flea market”.

Algy was inducted into Epping Rotary in 1968 having previously been a member of Corel and Singleton Rotary Clubs. He was President in 1974-75. For many years Algy operated a cake shop in Scotts Arcade at Epping. He was made a Paul Harris fellow in 1990. He retired from the club in 2004 and is currently an Honorary Member of the club.

His highlight as President is recorded as “The induction of Jim Clough MP as an Honorary Member on the floor of the NSW State Parliament”.

1974-75 Algy Morris PHF

1975-76 Alan Emery

1976-77 Ian Dence PHF

Alan was principal mechanical engineer for the Department of Main Roads, New South Wales responsible for department earthmoving and motor vehicle fleet. He was inducted into Epping Rotary in 1970 and was President in 1975-76. He was active in fostering the club's relationship with the Rotary Club of Tokyo Ikebukuro and held many leadership positions in the club and at District level, Including District Advisor on Vocational Service. He retired from Epping Rotary in 1987.

His highlight as President is recorded as “the initiation of project mobile canteen and its dedication to community service”.

Ian joined Epping Rotary in 1970 and was active in many aspects of the club. He was made a Paul Harris fellow in 1982 and was President in 1976-77. Most of Ian’s working life he was involved with transport and he was a member of the Northern District Radio Taxicab's Cooperative.

He retired from the club in 1988.

His highlight as President is recorded as “The fellowship enjoyed by Rotary families at Fitzroy falls and the lead up to the first flea market”

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1977-78 Ray Hosking PHF

1978-79 Max Breckenridge PHF

1979-80 Fred Arthur PHF

1980-81 Ken Walker

Ray saw Rotary on the world stage as a Member of a Group Study Exchange Team to Texas USA before becoming a Rotarian in 1972. This undoubtedly influenced his commitment to Community service over the following 30 years. Prior to his retirement Ray was Director of Communications for Wesley Central Mission. He was President in 1977-78 and became a Paul Harris Fellow in 1992. He retired from the club in 2003. His highlight as President is recorded as “a year of dedication, determination, teamwork, tenacity, fellowship and fun underwriting major projects for the benefit of humankind.”

Max operated a men’s wear shop in Epping and was inducted as a member of our club in January 1968. During his twenty nine years of Service Above Self, he served as Treasurer 1969-70, Vocational Service Director for the years 1970-71, 1974-75, Club Service Director 1977-78 and President 1978-79. In 1996 he was recognised as a Paul Harris Fellow. He organised members’ weekends away at his holiday home at Pearl Beach NSW, providing great enjoyment to many Rotarians.

His highlight as President is recorded as “The formation of our first Probus Club also the formation of the 75th Anniversary Committee which ultimately led to the Ryde Hospital Project.”

Fred joined Epping Rotary in 1975 and served on many committees.

He was President in 1979-80. Fred spent his career in the building industry and was a Past President and Life Member of the Epping YMCA. He was recognised as a Paul Harris Fellow in 1994 and retired from Epping Rotary in 2000. He remained an honorary member of the club until his death in 2006.

His highlight as President is recorded as “Gaining support from other clubs in the District for the Coronary Care Ward scheme at Ryde Hospital”.

Ken joined Epping Rotary in 1964 and is elder son of charter member Arthur Walker, the third President of Epping Rotary. Ken worked as electrical contractor for many years and prior to his retirement was in charge of maintenance at Poplars Community Hospital. He retired from the club in 1987.

His highlight as President is recorded as “The honour of being presented with the District Governor’s Shield at the Canberra Conference on behalf of the members and our ladies”.

Bob was inducted into the club in 1969 and for many years was Secretary and Treasurer of the club. He was also the club vexillologist.

He was President in 1981-82 and prior to his retirement he was senior partner of solicitors Colin Biggers and Paisley. Bob was recognised as a Paul Harris Fellow in 1995. He retired from the club in 2000 and is currently an Honorary Member of the club.

1981-82 Bob Paisley PHF

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1982-83 Ken Dobinson PHF

1983-84 Alan Thomas PHF

His highlight as President is recorded as “International goodwill evidenced by our support of programs in Fiji, India and Malaysia as well a significant donation ($6,000) to the Microsearch Foundation”.

Ken originally joined Bourke Rotary and was inducted into Epping Rotary in 1970 where he held most Board positions. Ken was Deputy Engineer-in-Chief of the Department of Main Roads. He was President in 1982-83 and was recognised as a Paul Harris Fellow in 1983.

His highlight as President is recorded as “The fellowship engendered by the Club’s involvement with the Camp Breakaway Project”.

Alan joined Epping Rotary in 1979 and was President in 1983-84. Over the years he held most Board positions and represented the Club at District level on a number of committees including Group Study Exchange and Youth Exchange and was District International Service Director. Alan is an architect. He was recognised as Paul Harris Fellow in 1984. He retired from the club in 2005.

His highlight as President is recorded as “Organising and hosting the RYLA week in January 1984, a difficult and complex undertaking with a wide ranging and long term impact on the community”.

Keith joined the club in 1969 and was President in 1984-85. He was awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship in 1984 and resigned in 1987.

His highlight as President was “Chartering our second Probus Club to cater for the needs of our senior citizens.

1984-85 Keith Chinchen PHF

1985-86 Russ Walker PHF*

Russ was the third member of the Walker family to serve as President of Epping Rotary Club, following on the tradition of his father Arthur and older brother Ken. Russell was a Charter Member of the club and an active and tireless worker for the club. In particular he and his wife Dianne managed the club catering van from its original construction in 1976 until its sale in 2009. Russ was President in 1985-86 and had the distinction of achieving Epping Rotary’s highest membership of 72 members. He was recognised as a Paul Harris Fellow in 1986 and a received a Sapphire Pin in 1997 He passed away in 2009 after a distinguished 47 year career with Epping Rotary.

Russ’ highlight as President is recorded as “The satisfaction of inducting eleven new members into the club and introducing them to the world fellowship of Rotary and presenting a first aid caravan to St John Ambulance”

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Doug joined the club in 1982, having been a member of Tamworth Rotary club from 1975 to 1979. He is the son of Jack Rae who was a foundation member of the club and Past President of the Rotary Club of Ryde in 1951-52. Doug was an engineer with the Department of Main Roads and President in 1986-87. He retired from the club in 1996 to move to Bathurst.

His highlight as President is recorded as “the completion of a cabin at Camp Breakaway and the fellowship it engendered, and presenting the first JW Langston Award made by the club” 1986-87 Doug Rae

1987-88 Paul Clune PHF

1988-89 John Goddard PHF

Paul joined Epping Rotary in 1984 and was President in 1987-88. Prior to his retirement he was Finance Director of Essex Laboratories, a worldwide pharmaceutical company. He has been chairman of the Granville College TAFE Council, Epping Boys High School Council and National President of the Company Directors Association. He has been a tireless worker and stalwart of the club. He has served as Chairman of several District Committees. Paul was recognised as a Paul Harris Fellow in 1995 and retired in 2010. He is currently an Honorary Member of the club.

His highlight as President is recorded as “Fundraising to support Rotary’s Polio Plus, polio eradication program and the fellowship particularly surrounding the Bicentennial Celebrations”.

John joined the club end 1981 and he is still an active member with over 30 years of continuous membership. His classification is Merchant Banking and he has been associated with the security industry for more than 60 years. He has been active in the local community and is currently a director of Bendigo Bank North Epping. John is one of only two members who have been President on more than one occasion. He was President in 1988-89 and again in 2003-4. He was made a Paul Harris Fellow in 1997.

His highlight as President is recorded as “putting the words ‘dedication and enthusiasm’ into action in 1988-89”.

(See also Current Members) Ron Hinton was a member of the club from 1971 to 1977 and rejoined in 1982. He was President in 1989-90 and retired in 1996.

The highlight of his year as President was “fitting out and presenting a mobile policing caravan to Eastwood police”.

1989-90 Ron Hinton

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1990-91 Cees Thurmer

Cees was a consulting engineer. He joined the Club in 1985 and was President in 1990-91. He was actively involved at District level with Group Study Exchange and Ambassadorial Scholarships. He was also active with the Dutch community in Australia. Cees was recognised as a Paul Harris Fellow in 2001 and retired from the club in 2002.

Cees records the highlight of his year as President as “Hosting the visit from Tokyo Ikebukuro Club and involvement with the Microsearch concert at the Opera House”.

Athol joined Epping Rotary in 1983 and held most board positions. He was President in 1991-92. Prior to retirement Athol was Technical Superintendent at Australian Paper Manufacturers Ltd. He was appointed a Paul Harris Fellow in 1998 and retired from the club in 2003.

His highlight as President was “commencement of the Sunday Markets at Eastwood Public School and donation of building materials to Camp Breakaway”.

1991-92 Athol McCoy PHF

1992-93 PDG Tony Castley PHF**

Tony joined the Rotary Club of Epping in 1987, held most Board positions and was President in 1992-93, and subsequently group representative and held a number of District Adviser positions.

He is very successful businessman who developed a very sizable international business that exports haberdashery, sewing and craft items to most countries in the world.

Tony has always enjoyed the internationality of Rotary. He has been on six RAWCS trips to places as diverse and Nepal and Vanuatu. He has led many international friendship visits including the 1993 club visit to Epping’s sister club the Rotary Club of Ikebukuro Japan which in led to a joint cleft palate project in the Philippines. He also led the Siberia Rail tour to China and Russia in 2004. He established the triDistrict China Australia Friendship Exchange program and has led several Rotary friendship Tours to China.

The Club awarded him a Paul Harris Fellow in 1997 and he has multiple sapphire pins and is a member of the Paul Harris Fellowship.

He established the SewAid International Foundation that provides sewing machines and training to help women in third world countries to earn money to support their families.

Tony was District Governor in 2008-9 and retired from Epping Rotary in 2011 to become the Charter President of the Rotary E–club of Greater Sydney.

Tony is married to Sandra and they have 3 married sons. Sandra was awarded a PHF in 2005 and she spends a lot of time supporting Tony but is also heavily involved with Inner Wheel, and is a Past District Chairman.

Tony’s highlight as President was "Addressing the Ikebukuro Club during our visit to Tokyo honouring the relationship of goodwill between our clubs."

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1993-94 Kerry Brownsey

1994-95 John Hayes

1995-96 Graham Simons PHF

1996-97 David Stewart PHF

Kerry worked in management at Dalmar Children’s Homes and was inducted into the club during the Rotary year 1988-89 with the classification of Family Care. During his seven years of service with our club, he served as Community Service Director 1991-92, Club Service Director 1992-93 and President for1993-94.

He inducted Helen Shaw, the first female member of the club. Helen was the Matron of the now defunct Poplars Hospital.

The highlight of his year as President is recorded as “The rewarding experience of service above self, following the commitment of our community caravan to the bush fire emergency and the dedication of our members, families and friends involved.

"John conducted a Contract Cleaning and Supplies business and was inducted into the club during the Rotary year of 1988-89 with the classification of Contract Cleaning. He served as a member for fourteen years and during that time served as Vocational Service Director for the years 1990 to1992, Club Service Director 1993-94 and President for 1994-95. He initiated the first Strategic Plan for the Club.

The highlights of his year as President are recorded as “The donation of $10,000 at the culmination of the Bush Fire Appeal, commissioning a painting for a new design of RIM Cover, and initiating a strategic plan for the Club”.

Graham, a Chartered Accountant, was inducted into the club in June 1988 and served our club and community for twenty three years thereafter. During that time he gave outstanding service as Treasurer, 1990 to1992, International Service Director 1992-93, Youth Service Director 1993-94, Club Service Director 1994-95 and President 199596.Graham was recognised as a Paul Harris Fellow in 2000.

Graham was also Club Auditor for a number of years.

Graham records the highlights of his year as President as “Being the organising club for the 1996-97 District Assembly at Bathurst and hosting a visit of 18 members from our Japanese Sister Club, TokyoIkebukuro”.

He retired from the club in 2011.

David, a High School Deputy Principal, joined Rotary in November 1986 and during his twenty three years of Service with our club was appointed International Service Director 1991-92, Youth Service Director1992-93, Club Service Director 1995-96, President 1996-97, Treasurer 1999 to 2002,Secretary 2007 to 2009. In 2001 he was recognised as a Paul Harris Fellow. David retired in 2009 after 22 years 5 months.

The highlight of his year as President is recorded as “The support of all club members in all aspects of Rotary. A comprehensive Community Service Program culminating in the Club’s extensive involvement in activities for the opening of the M2 Motorway.”

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1997-98 PDG Monica Saville PHF**

1998-99 Ken Beacom

1999-00 Ian Mackay PHF

2000-01 John Payne PHF

Monica was invited to join the Rotary Club of Epping by a long time friend and fellow educator, John Payne. On 20 September 1993 she was inducted as the third woman to join the club.

She took over as Community Service Director in 1994-95 on the death of John Guise, was Director of Club Service in 1996-97, Club President in 1997-98 and District Governor in 2007-8.

In her 19 years of Rotary membership, Monica has also had wide experience at senior levels in District 9680 and in roles for Rotary International.

She is a Gold Companion of Australian Rotary Health and has multiple Paul Harris Fellow recognitions. Monica and Geoff are Major Donors to the Rotary Foundation. (see also Current Members) Ken joined the club in 1983 and participated in all aspects of the club's activities; he was President in 1988/99. Prior to his retirement he was Financial Controller for Juventus Cosmetics. He retired from the club in 2002.

The highlights of his year as President included raising over $21,000 of which $6,000helped build Jacaranda Lodge, Cancer Support Centre at the Adventist Hospital, record support at fellowship functions, our visit to Cowra Rotary Club, celebrating annual Ikebukuro dinner at the Ponto-Cho restaurant at Neutral Bay and the 3801 trip to the Tamworth Conference.”.

Ian, a bookseller, was inducted in June 1991 and was a member of the Board on nine occasions between 1991 and 2003. He resigned in December 2003 to move to Medowie and joined the Rotary Club of Williamtown where he is still an active member.

Highlights of Ian’s Presidential Year in 1999-00 included the Golf day at Pennant Hills Golf Club which raised $22,500; publication of a Recipe Book which is still being used by many Rotary cooks and the Taste of South Africa friendship tour. Overall "A great year of dedication, enthusiasm and fellowship as we involved ourselves in Rotary activities in the four Avenues of Service”.

John joined the club in 1984. Prior to his retirement he was Principal of Eastwood Public School having had a distinguished teaching career. In his younger days he was a professional entertainer and crack marksman. He was Secretary of the club for many years and Song master and his alter ego Flash Jack was never short of a poem for any occasion. He was President in 2000-01, coinciding with the Sydney Olympics. He was awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship in 2003. He retired from the club in 2009, relocating to Queensland. The highlight of his year as President was “an outstanding Charity Golf Day that allowed the Club to donate over $20,000 to Careflight.”

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2001-02 Graham Stevens PHF**

Graham was nominated for membership by Tony Castley and joined Epping Rotary in June 1991 and served on the Board as Vocational Services, Youth, Community and Club Services Directors as well as serving as President in 2000-01 and 2009-10. His classification was Corporate Taxation His enduring achievement as President in 2000-01 was to initiate and facilitate the construction of the Terrys Creek Walk which involved the Club acting as a catalyst to bring together two local councils, Work for the Dole, and the local community. This project won the District Community Service Shield for 2001-2 (see also President 2009-10 and Current Members) Ava joined in July 1994, was Youth Service Director in 1996-97, Club Service Director in 2001-2 and President 2002-03. She resigned from the club in 2003-04.

Highlight of her Presidential year was ”The official opening of Stage 2 of the Terrys Creek Walking Track and the International hook up and warm conversation with Monza Ovest Rotary Club President Guido Nori during our Annual Sister Club Celebratory Dinner”.

2002-03 Ava Emdin

2003-04 John Goddard PHF

2004-05 Ross Hinton

2005-06 John Corney PHF

Inducted in 1981, John is the first member to have served as President of Epping Rotary on two occasions.

John comments of his Presidential year 2003-04”It is not an easy task to be President for the second time. I will always remember the enthusiastic support of the members, which allowed me to enable the Club to proceed, despite being fettered by lack of funds. It was a great pleasure at the end of my year to hand over a financially fit and well club to the new board. (see also President 1988-89 and Current Members ) Ross Hinton a builder joined in 1996-97, the year after his father PP Ron Hinton retired from the club. He was President in 2004-05.and resigned in February 2008.

Highlights of his Year were “receiving the District Youth Service Award from the District Governor, the success of the YES program, raising $3,500 for the Indonesian Tsunami Appeal and the outstanding organisation of the Bowelscan program. These reflected real achievement and contribution by the club members, during a year of opportunity and challenge”.

John, an accountant, joined in December 1992 after a distinguished career in Eastwood Apex Club. He was International Service Director in 1996-97 and 1997-98 and was club Youth Service Director for several years. He was president in 2005-6.

John is a great supporter of Youth Exchange and was on the District Youth Exchange Committee for several years including 3 years as its Chairman In 2008-09 he served as the District Youth Chairman. He and wife Vivienne have hosted many overseas Exchange students and their three children have participated in the program.

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2006-07 John Edwards PHF*

2007-08 Peter Slattery PHF

2008-09 Peter Tugwell PHF

John was awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship in 2011. (see also Current Members) John owned a Real Estate Agency in Epping He was inducted into the Rotary Club of Epping in July 1995. In 16 years as a member of Epping Rotary he served as Sergeant for two years, Community Service Director and Youth Service Director for 2 years when in 2005-06 our Club won the District Youth Service Award. In 2006-07 he served as President and was responsible for introducing the Graffiti Removal program With his interest in photography he served as Club photographer from 2002 until his resignation in 2011 to join the Rotary Club of Turramurra.

In 2007-08 he was Aide to then DG Monica Saville and a member of the Conference committee. He was made a Paul Harris Fellow at the District Changeover in June 2008 and in 2009 received a Sapphire Pin from Epping Club. In 2009-10 he served as District Community Chair and in 2010-11 served as an Assistant Governor, responsible for 6 Rotary Clubs in The Hills Zone.

Peter is an industrial relations manager in the building industry. He joined in 1999 and served on the Board on several occasions becoming President in 2007-08. He records the best achievement in that year was “to make DG Monica’s District Conference, staged at Bathurst NSW, such a resounding success. This was undertaken in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Carlingford and under the leadership of “Maestro” PP Graham Stevens.”

Peter joined Epping Rotary Club during the 1993-94 Rotary year under the classification of Electrical Engineering. When he joined he was working for a consulting practice at Drummoyne. At the end of 1996 he started his own consulting engineering business from home office.

His work involves the design of electrical lighting and power for commercial buildings.

Peter has filled the positions of Vocational Service Director 1996-97, Community Service Director 2001-02) and became Secretary in 2003-04 for a period of 4 years. He was also editor of the weekly newsletter RIM. In 2008-2009 Peter was President of the Club, when our Rotary Theme for the year was "Make Dreams Real".

He records the highlights of his year as “The Adoption of the new Club Leadership Plan and leading the Club through the associated transitional period of change, watching our Japanese Youth Exchange student grow in maturity and develop close friendships with members and the privilege of overseeing another year in the history of the Rotary club of Epping”.

In 2010 he was recognised by the Club as a Paul Harris Fellow. (see also Current Members)

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2009-10 Graham Stevens PHF**

2010-11 Ian Bittner

2011-12 Chris O’Brien

2012-13 Bruce Jacob President Elect

Graham is one of only two members in 50 years who have served as President on more than one occasion, the first time being in 2001-02.

He has been involved in most aspects of the clubs activities over the past 20 years. At District level he was Assistant Governor in 2003-04 responsible for 15 clubs in the Inner and Outer Hills Zones, District Community Service Adviser 2005-06, District Conference Chairman 2007-08 and Aide to District Governor Tony Castley in 2008-09 He is a Paul Harris Fellow with 2 Sapphire pins The highlight of his 2009-10 year as President was “enjoying the wide array of projects and activities that the club was able to undertake during the year, the willingness of members to lead projects, and the purchase of seven Shelter boxes from funds raised at Carols in Boronia Park and from generous donations by a number of club members” (see also Current Members) Ian first joined Rotary with the Rotary Club of Alice Springs in December 2005 and joined the Rotary Club of Epping in October 2008.

His classification is Pathology.

Ian has managed large and small pathology laboratories in several states of Australia as well as overseas in Malaysia and Singapore.

Originally from Adelaide in South Australia, he has also worked in Melbourne Victoria, the Northern Territory, overseas and now here in Sydney.

Rotary Service includes President Elect, Alice Springs 2008-2009, Secretary, Epping 2009-2010, and President Epping 2010-2011. (see also Current Members) Chris works in IT services. He joined the club in 1992-93 and has served on the Board as Community, Youth, Club Service and International Director; President Elect in 2010-11, and President in 2011-12.

He has served on the Board as Community, Youth, Club Service and International Director and last year was President Elect.

He and his wife Sue have had a great interest in Rotary Youth exchange, their two children were exchange students and they have hosted seven inbound students.

This year he has the privilege of leading the club in its 50th Anniversary year. (see also Current Members) Bruce, a teacher at Epping Boys High since 1989 joined Epping Rotary in 2010 He is currently the Club Public Relations Director and President Elect and will lead the Club in 2012-13 (see also Current Members)

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Appendix 2 – Membership Today Current Members

Neil Anderson PHF

Alan Baker

PP Ian Bittner

Tim Bradnick

Neil joined Epping Rotary in January 1980, sponsored by his business partner of 20 years and Charter President, Lloyd Gollan.

His Classification is Optometry and he has practiced in Epping since 1967, and two of his four sons work in the practice. Neil is married to Gillian.

Neil has been the club’s Attendance Chairman since 1983, a record 29 years. He was RYLA Chairman in 1981 and has served on many committees over the years.

He was awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship in 1998 and is the club’s second longest serving member.

Alan Joined Epping Rotary in December 2010. He has spent most of his career in the Pharmaceutical industry working for only three companies - Wellcome, Boots and Roche. His last few years at Roche were spent in the Asia area looking after their Cold Chain Logistics operation. He now works on a contract basis in executive recruitment.He is married to Louise and together they have five grown up children.

Ian first joined the Rotary Club of Alice Springs in December 2005 and joined the Rotary Club of Epping in October 2008. His classification is Pathology, having managed large and small pathology laboratories in several states of Australia as well as overseas in Malaysia and Singapore.

His Rotary Service includes President Elect (Alice Springs) 200809, Secretary 2009-10, President 2010-11.

Apart from his year as President of the Epping Rotary Club, Ian lists the highlight of his time in Rotary as being involved with the Henley-on-Todd dry river regatta in Alice Springs. This event brought three Rotary Clubs together with a common fundraising goal.

He has two adult and independent children. His outside interests include good food and wine, visiting National Parks, bushwalking, music and fishing.

Tim was born and raised in Melbourne. He now lives in Epping and is married to Yvonne and they have a daughter who is currently studying at Sydney University. Currently Tim is the Site Manager of a large manufacturing plant in Western Sydney that provides much of the NSW market fibreboard packaging.

Tim has a degree in Human and Physical resources and then went on to earn a Masters (Honors).

Tim is looking forward as a Rotarian to contributing to the community and world in its drive to advance peace and goodwill through health, education, and the alleviation of poverty.

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Mark Buckingham

Mark Joined Epping Rotary in 2011. He was born in the UK in the early sixties and left school at fifteen to start an apprenticeship as a butcher and worked in various jobs until touching his first computer in 1979.

A love affair with information technology was spawned that took Mark to jobs around the UK, Germany, USA and then Australia. He met his wife Margo whilst they both worked for the NSW Government. Mark left public service in 1984, moving to BHP and then out into the world of consulting. They have five children.

Mark owns a business called Chill IT in Epping. He is also active in the Epping Chamber of Commerce.�

Anne joined Epping Rotary in 2005. Her classification is Community Service Management. She is CEO of Achieve Australia. She has served on the club Board in several positions.

Anne Bryce

Tim Cale

Michael Cuthbertson

PP John Corney PHF

Tim was inducted into Epping Rotary in 2011. His classification is Real Estate.

Tim and his wife Sue both grew up in the country where they ran a stock and station business in Narromine for 10 years before moving to Epping in 2000 to purchase the Bruce Lyon Real Estate business.

They have three boys who are all very keen sportsmen. Rugby is the focus in winter and cricket during the summer. They have enjoyed becoming part of the Epping community, being involved in Epping Heights Public School, Epping District Cricket Club Juniors and Beecroft Rugby.

Michael first joined Terrigal Rotary Club in 2008. Eventually the daily commute to Sydney became too much and Michael moved to Epping where soon after he joined Epping Rotary Club. He was club Secretary 2010 - 2012.

Michael is currently a Training Manager for Fire & Rescue NSW based in Alexandria. Prior to that Training Consultant for NSW Corrective Services, High School Teacher in NSW Department of Education and TAFE Teacher.

In his spare time Michael enjoys bush walking, photography and fishing.

John joined Epping Rotary in December 1992. He had been a member of Eastwood Apex Club for a number of years and joined Rotary at the invitation of Graham Stevens with whom he had shared many years in Apex. He was also motivated to join Rotary by the example of his father PDG Athol Corney who had died in January of 1992.

His classification has been Small Business Accounting.

John was President in 2005-6, and has served on the Club’s Board on many occasions, mostly in the International and Youth

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Wal Dover PHF

Peter Dudley

Margie Dudley

John Fenessy

portfolios. His most notable contribution to Rotary outside our Club has been the seven years on the District Youth Exchange Committee, three of those as Chairman. In 2008/9 he served as District Youth Chairman. He received Paul Harris Recognition in 2005.

John is married to Vivienne and they have three children and three grandchildren.

Wal joined Epping Rotary in 1992 and has been involved in the Clubs activities over the past 20 years. His classification is Building working as a health and building surveyor and an accredited building certifier. He has served on the Board as Treasurer and for the past 10 years has been the Conference Coordinator, booking accommodation and coordinating the members’ attendance at District Conferences.

He received a Paul Harris Fellowship in 2011 He is married to Dawn and they have 2 children and 5 grandchildren.

Pete was born in South Africa and his wife Margie in Sydney.

They met in a campsite in Barcelona in July 1971. Peter joined the club with Margie in 2010.

Pete worked for IBM in South Africa and in Sydney until 1992.

Thereafter he sold computers/financial software until Y2K (2000) and still dabbles in application development that helps sales people be more effective. In 2003, he decided on a “sea change” so started The Fresh Indoor Air Company, selling and installing air purifiers which led to becoming involved in the wellness industry which is now the main focus for him and Margie.

Pete was involved with Round Table, South Africa’s equivalent to APEX, until turning 40. He played a lot of sport; rugby, cricket at provincial level, golf, field hockey. He coached cricket at the Epping YMCA for 5 years.

Pete and Margie Dudley are the only husband and wife members in Epping. They have lived in Epping for 20 years and joined Epping Rotary in 2010 with the aim giving something to the local community For the past 20 years Margie has been working for PJ Russell, a small accounting firm in Epping. She is a good swimmer and still enjoys going to the gym.

They have two children and two grandchildren.

John joined Rotary 22nd June 2009, sponsored by Peter Tugwell.

He has been the Club’s Membership Director for the past 2 years.

His classification is Executive Recruitment and managing his own executive recruitment business John is married to Eszter a Medical Practitioner in Epping and they have two boys.

His key accomplishments in Rotary has been to effectively promote membership and raise the profile of membership, link

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John Fry

Craig Gallagher

PP John Goddard PHF

events to membership and effectively communicate with community minded individuals. John’s efforts resulted in seven new members 2010-11 and also seven new members to date in 2011-12.

Interests include performance in community theatre, assisting with production of plays and a modest wine collection.

John joined Epping Rotary in 2006. His classification is Property Management, having been involved in strata management for 26 years and real estate for 15 years. Currently licensee for an Epping real estate agency and until 2011 part owner and licensee for a strata management business.

He has been Club Treasurer for the past 4 years, and is a great supporter of the club.

Originally from Wales, John is married to Sue and they have a son. He has worked in Epping for 18 years and lived in Epping for 7 years. His interests are regular exercise, golf the theatre and travelling.

Craig joined Epping Rotary in 2004. His classification is legal services, formerly running his own legal practice in Eastwood and Epping for approximately 25 years and is now a Partner at Hunt & Hunt Lawyers at their North Ryde office.

He has been on the Club Board on several occasions. As International Director he arranged the purchase of a bus for an orphanage in Siberia. He has organised the club’s involvement in Clean Up Australia for the past 3 years and arranged Pride of Workmanship awards for 3 years.

Craig was Deputy Chairman of the Sydney Olympic Park Sports Trust for a period of 17 years. Has been a member of Parramatta Stadium Trust for 13 years, Chairman of the Finance and Audit Committee for 6 years and Chairman of the Trust for the last 6 years. He has recently been appointed Chairman of the Council for Western NSW venues and a Director of Venues NSW. He is currently a Director of Bendigo Bank North Epping and a Director of the Centre for Disability Studies.

Craig is married to Diana and they have 2 sons.

When approached by Ken Dobinson to join him at a Rotary meeting John was immediately impressed by the calibre of the members and the projects they were carrying out, so he decided to become a Rotarian and was inducted on 2nd November 1981.

His classification is Merchant Banking. He is a member with over 30 years of continuous service. John been a member of the Vocational Service, International Service and Community Service committees on numerous occasions and President in 1988-89 and again led the Club as President in 2003-04.

He is married to Margaret

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John was made a Paul Harris Fellow in 1997. He is also a Director of Bendigo Bank, North Epping.

Liz joined Epping Rotary in 2010. Her classification is Primary Education.

Liz Grey

PE Bruce Jacob

June Heinrich AM

Virender Kamboj

Justin Kang

Bruce Joined Epping Rotary in 2010. His classification is Education. He was Educated at Tamworth High and The Armidale School (TAS), went to University of New England (UNE) and graduated with a BA and Dip Ed. He began teaching in 1973 at Bega, then Narrabri and Wee Waa. In 1989 Bruce moved to Epping Boys where he met his partner Louise and her son who now works for the global consultancy company, McKinseys. In 1998 his daughter was born.

His father was a very proud Rotarian with Carlingford Club, and was the catalyst for his joining Rotary. Bruce records it as one of the best decisions of his life. Currently Bruce is Club Public Relations Director and President Elect 2012-13.

Presently Bruce enjoys part-time teaching where he is fortunate enough to engage in two of his passions, Economics and Rugby at EBHS. June is currently the CEO of Macquarie Community College, a community organisation which provides adult education in Northern and North Western Sydney. Prior to this June was the CEO of Baptist Community Services for 16 years.

June joined Epping Rotary in December 2011. In 1992-93 she was a member at Ryde North Rotary. June and her husband Bill are involved in a range of family and community activities and enjoys being involved and helping to make a difference.

Virender joined Epping Rotary on 25th June 2007. His classification is Pharmaceutical Services. He is currently working as Pharmacist Manager at Frenchs Forest Night Pharmacy and previously worked as Pharmacist in charge at My Chemist Epping.

He is married to Poonam Kamboj and has two children He has been living in Epping for last 5 years. And his interests are travelling and DIY projects.

Justin joined Epping Rotary in 2009. His classification is Legal Services.

He has lived in Epping for almost 20 years and works as a solicitor in a Sydney commercial firm. Although Justin would not describe himself as a natural athlete, his sons have introduced him to the world of elite sport, including a stint at managing the local soccer team. Justin plays tennis socially and

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is also in training for a 200km bike ride to support a cure for cancer in August 2012.

Jessica joined Rotary in 2011. Her classification is Pharmaceutical Research. She is Technical Director for a pharmaceutical company, managing the registration activities, ensuring that products are fit for their intended purpose.

Jessica is married with two adult children.

Jessica Keast

Sudath Karunaratne PHF

Her interests are travelling, bushwalking, and reading.

Sudath was inducted into the Rotary Club of Epping in May 1988 in Paul Clune’s Presidential year. He practices as a local Dentist in Epping and holds this classification at our club.

Married to Sajotha, with two adult children, Sudath has been an active member of our club, serving as the International Director on two occasions when he was able to organise, contribute, and dispatch a number of containers to overseas destinations through Donations in Kind, or directly through our club.

For a number of years Sudath and his family have contributed to Austerity Night. He received a Paul Harris Award in 1998.

He enjoys sport, especially Cricket and is actively involved with the Sri Lankan community and family affairs.

Taj joined Epping Rotary in 2011. His classification is Retail. He and his wife run the North Epping Supermarket.

Taj Mawas

Bob Nash PHF

Bob joined Epping Rotary on 11th of November 1968 on the night of District Governor John Moon’s visit. His classification is Plumbing Services trading as Nash brothers first with his brother until December 1999 and then until his retirement in December 2004. He is married to Wilma and has a son and daughter.

As Community Service Director he enjoyed the challenge of purchasing two buses for Karonga Special School at Epping and enjoyed his involvement with the Rotary catering caravan the flea markets and fashion parades. As Fellowship director and vice chairman of the Fellowship committee he organised various men’s weekends away including Bendalong, Green Patch Jervis Bay, Sofala and Hill End in caravans on Jim Hawkins farm at Ginghi, sailing weekends in members yachts, fellowship outings and picnics, wine tastings and Woolshed dance, dinners at the Burning Long restaurant, many barbecues and evening cruises at Christmas time.

His interests include holidays and travel, caravanning, bush working and maintaining his home.

Bob is Epping Rotary’s current longest serving member.

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Chris O’Brien President 2011-12

Betty Ockerlander

Ken Owler

On a flight to Melbourne in 1993 Chris sat next to the editor of the RDU magazine. In conversation he found himself saying that “I was thinking I really ought to give back more to the community”. He received a phone call three days later, shortly after became a member of Epping Rotary. His classification is Information Technology.

Over the years he has served on the Board as Community, Youth, Club Service and International Director; last year as President Elect, and in 2011-12, with the honour of President.

He is married to Sue and they have two children who have both participated in Youth Exchange. Youth Exchange has played a significant part in the O’Brien family lives – seven students and seven countries!

Interests include travel, bushwalking and sport of almost any variety.

Betty has supported Epping Rotary since 2008 and finally became a member in 2010. Her classification is Real Estate.

She is an active member and loves contributing to the community by giving financial support to many of the schools and local charity events each year. She joined Rotary to be able to help with other worthwhile causes that are bigger than what she can handle through her business or at a personal level.

As an event within the Epping Street Fair, Betty created a PushUp competition which is promoted each year before the Fair. For every push up done on the day, Betty donates an amount to Rotary and the numbers and dollars have grown continuously over the last 4 years.

When not working or helping others, Betty enjoys keeping fit by going to the gym regularly, doing weights, swimming, cycling, kayaking, hiking and camping with her husband Oliver. She also enjoys spending time with their two grown children, their families and her 2 beautiful granddaughters.

Ken joined Rotary on 14 February, 1994, classification General Law Practice. The next Rotary year he was Sergeant, a job he held 3 times, and was Club Services Director in 2006-7. For several years Ken has set the questions for the Club's trivia nights.

Ken commenced studying law in July 1975 was admitted as a Solicitor on 19 December 1979 and remained in practice until 31 August 2001. His first job was with the Public Trustee, then with Burns Philp Trustee Company. He worked at Law & Milne, Solicitors and in 1984 started working for L G Scott & Co (Epping) acquiring the practice in May 1987.

His interests are trivia, current affairs and reading.

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Heather Pinto

Estelle Rogers

John Royer

PDGMonica Saville PHF**

Heather joined Epping Rotary in 2008. Her classification is Community Services. She is the CEO of Christian Community Aid. Heather has served on the Board on several occasions including Club Administration and Rotary Foundation.

She is married to Reg and they have two children Estelle joined in 2011 and works for herself and is currently with OfficeBuzz Pty Ltd – involved in bookkeeping, account preparation, payroll and admin services for a wide range of clients.

She was a volunteer with Aids Council - home nursing to allow those affected with HIV and aids related illnesses to die with dignity in their own homes She lives in Rydalmere with her mother who has lived with her since being widowed in Feb 2006, and a dog.

John became a member of the Rotary Club of Epping on 17th April 2003 with the classification of Data Processing Management. John retired from the data processing management field in 2005 and is now working as a Data Analyst with the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

John is married to Rosemary and has two daughters.

John held the position of Foundation Director during 2010-11 and has been Sergeant-At-Arms for 2008-09, 2009-10 and currently for the 2011-12 year.

He travelled to Vanuatu in 2004 with Rotary as part of the RAWCS team to build an eye hospital at Port Vila. During this time he learned many new building and plumbing skills.

John's interests include walking, an occasional game of golf, travelling, reading, cooking and gardening.

Monica joined the Rotary Club of Epping on 20 September 1993 she was inducted as the third woman to join the club.

Initially Monica has held a number of Board positions including Director of Community Service, Director of Club Service in 1996-97 and Club President in 1997-98.

In her 19 years of Rotary membership, Monica Saville has also had wide experience at senior levels in District 9680 administration and beyond the District for Rotary International.

At District level her responsibilities have included District Governor in 2007-8, District Adviser in Club, Community and Youth Service, Assistant Governor, District Trainer, Committee member and District Chairman of Australian Rotary Health, Chairman of the Rotary Foundation Scholarships Committee, Chairman and member of the DG’s Nominating Committee, Chairman and member of the District Administration

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Committee and the selection panel for GSE team leader and team members. She is a Day Manager of Rotary’s Youth Driver Awareness program. For 4 years Monica conducted a weekly Rotary radio program which was broadcast on 5 metropolitan community radio stations.

In 2009 the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International appointed Monica for a 3 year period as an Assistant Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinator with responsibilities for the 3 Sydney Districts and Tasmania. For 2012-15 the Trustees of the Rotary Foundation have appointed her Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinator for Zone 7B and part of Zone 8.

Monica is also Services Director on the Host Organising Committee for the Rotary International Convention to be held in Sydney in 2014. Monica is also the District 9680 representative on the 2013 Council on Legislation.

Monica has been a keynote speaker at District Conferences, District meetings, clubs and institutes across Australia and in New Zealand.

Monica and her husband, Geoff, have travelled extensively throughout the world with Rotary groups participating in humanitarian and educational Rotary activities and attending Rotary International Conventions. In 2010 they participated in a National Polio Immunisation Day in India.

Monica has been recognised for her commitment to Rotary service and ideals with a District Community Service award.

She is a Gold Companion of Australian Rotary Health and has multiple Paul Harris Fellow recognitions. Monica and Geoff are Major Donors to the Rotary Foundation.

Monica is a former School Principal and Senior Executive Officer of the State Department of Education. She has an Honours degree in Science and a Master of Arts degree in Education.

Monica enjoys bush walking, theatre, music and travelling.

Ian was a member of the Rotary Club of Taipei from 2001 to August 2003, and joined Epping Rotary in Jan 2010.

Ian Stephenson

He is a Human Resource and Marketing Consultant working in both Australia and Asia specifically Taiwan. Ian is married to Wendy Wang.

He was Chair of English Speech Contest in Taiwan and CleanUp Taiwan coordinating international involvement in this special day. At Epping he has assisted with the Pride of Workmanship Awards in 2010.

His interests are Chinese and English history, stamps, rugby, and golf.

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Graham joined Epping Rotary in June 1991 after many years as a member of Eastwood Apex Club. He served on the Board as Director of Vocational Services, Youth, Community and Club Service, as well as serving as President in 2000-01 and 2009-10.

PP Graham Stevens PHF**

At District level Graham has been an Assistant Governor, Community Service Adviser, District Conference Chairman, Aide to District Governor Tony Castley and Chairman of the District RYDA committee. He received a Paul Harris Fellowship in 2003 and subsequently two sapphire pins.

Graham is married to Carol and they have two married children, who were both Rotary Youth Exchange students.

He has been the initiator of many of the clubs community programs, and a participant with Carol in a number of the clubs international goodwill visits. Graham led the first Epping RAWCS team to Vanuatu in 2004.

Graham was for many years the Head of Taxation for major multinational companies Digital Equipment Corp and BOC Limited.

His interests are golf, travel, walking and cycling.

Peter joined Epping Rotary Club during the 1993-94 Rotary year under the classification of Electrical Engineering.

PP Peter Tugwell PHF

When he joined the Club he was working for a consulting practice at Drummoyne. At the end of 1996 Peter started his own consulting engineering business and has operated it from a home office since that time. The work involves the design of electrical lighting and power for commercial buildings.

Married to Elizabeth they have three children He has filled the positions of Vocational Service Director 1996-97, Community Service Director 2001-02 and became Secretary in 2003-04 for a period of 4 years. He has also been editor of the weekly newsletter RIM. In 2008-2009 as President of the Club, the Rotary Theme for the year was "Make Dreams Real". In 2010 Peter was recognised by the Club as a Paul Harris Fellow.

Peter was President of Epping District Cricket Club Juniors for a number of years and enjoyed involvement in coaching and managing cricket teams.

He enjoys keeping relatively fit through walking and swimming, and has developed an enjoyment of drawing and sketching over the last few years.

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Pam Waugh

Pam joined in December 2011, she is a Rehabilitation Counsellor, a Nurse and a Remedial Massage Therapist and works with people who have chronic physical or mental illness or injury, and people who are socially marginalised or excluded because of their age, biological difference or ethnicity.

She was awarded the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) by The University of Sydney for her research in chronic workplace stressors, and best practice in rehabilitation.

She also completed her Bachelor of Health Sciences (Rehabilitation Counselling) Honours degree in 1997. In addition to being registered with The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia, within The Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency, Pamela is also a full member of The Australian Society of Rehabilitation Counsellors (MASORC).

Pamela is also experienced in Raj Yoga and Laughter Yoga techniques.

Stephen joined Rotary in 2007. His classification is Financial Planning and is a self employed financial planner operating out at Epping. He lives and works in Epping and is married Karen.

They have two children.

Stephen Wright

Stephen has served as a Board member for 4 years. He was the Public Relations Director for 3 years and during this time actively promoted Rotary Activities through the press and had many articles published in the local paper. He has also organised the annual Pride of Workmanship Awards for 4 years running Currently Vocational Services Director and organises guest speakers in relation to vocational related areas.

His personal interest includes running, reading and philosophy

Honorary Members

PP Paul Clune PHF Member and Honorary Member 1984 ongoing

Paul joined Epping Rotary in 1984 and was President in 1987-88, having served on the Board on numerous occasions. He was Chairman of the District Committee for Operation Hope for three years, and a member of the District Apprenticeship Committee.

He has been an enthusiastic member and stalwart of the Club retiring in 2010. He was recognised as a Paul Harris Fellow in 1995 and appointed an Honorary member of the Club in 2011.

Paul and his wife Joan, also a PHF recipient, have been tireless workers for the Club who can be relied on to add value to all service activities and Rotary functions. Paul’s talents are as diverse as cooking sausages in the catering caravan, clearing bushland in Terrys Creek, supervising young drivers at the RYDA program, selling raffle tickets, or initiating fund-raising.

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PP Algy Morris PHF Member and Honorary Member 1968 ongoing

PP Bob Paisley PHF Member and Honorary Member 1970 ongoing

All of these are achieved while maintaining appropriate sartorial standards.

He is one of those refreshing individuals prepared to challenge the status quo and express an opinion. When he prefaces his remarks with the phrase “not wanting to appear picayune” you know to prepare for some incisive observation in the interest of the Club.

Paul and Stan Ledger have together been the custodians of the Club history and Paul has recorded the activity for each year and has been a monumental contributor to this volume, both in the sections he has written and the contributions from past members he has been able to solicit.

See also Past Presidents Algy joined Epping Rotary in 1968 and was Club President in 1974-75 for many years he operated a cake shop in Scotts Arcade at Epping. He was made a Paul Harris fellow in 1990. He retired from the club in 2004 and was appointed an Honorary Member.

For many years Algy was regarded as the epitome of a club Sergeant, with his disarming manner and rapier wit. His Sergeant’s Sessions always gave great humour and warmth to each meeting when he was presiding It was not easy to escape his gaze and not be caught in his net. Much laughter ensued when he was on board. All, in an air of good fellowship. Algy ensured that our meetings were enjoyable occasions and we gladly paid each fine he levied. No hesitation. Algy was and is an amazing and unique Rotarian!

He has been a great supporter of the Club over many years and despite a number of personal setbacks particularly, the passing of his beloved daughters Jenny and Elizabeth and so soon afterwards his lovely wife Del, he has continued to support the ferry cruise with his scones and the Street Fair with books.

The giant-sized cake he made and sent to our Sister Club Ikebukuro Sunshine Tokyo for a celebratory occasion is well remembered .It caused quite a stir at Customs in Japan. It was so unusual, yet, so special!

He is an active member of Probus.

See also Past Presidents PP Bob Paisley PHF, a lawyer and well known in the Epping Community, was inducted as a member during April 1970, with the Classification General Law Practice.

During recent years he has been a resident at Chesalon, Beecroft and although not well has a very sharp mind.

He has very fond memories of his forty two years of membership which includes, Treasurer for four years 1971-72 to 1974-75, Secretary for two years 1976-77 and 1977-78, Club Service Director 1980-81 and President 1981-82.

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During his long years of Service above Self to our club and his community, was also our legal adviser from time to time.

In 1995 he was recognised as a Paul Harris Fellow.

Bob resigned in January 2000 and was re-inducted as an Honorary member during April 2000 and has continued on in that capacity.

He generously supported the John William Langston Epping Memorial Scholarship Award for a number of years. This award is an annual competition conducted by our club between local Primary Schools to determine the most outstanding student for the year.

“Bob Reminisced about the wonderful experiences he has had serving in Rotary, especially, the professional approach and commitment of his colleagues, the great atmosphere of Fellowship that pervaded the club throughout the years, whether it was working at our flea markets (a record financial result during his year as President), making a donation to the Microsearch Foundation or contributing to Poplars Hospital, fellowship was there in abundance.

Memories of Christmas Functions he organised at his residence at Stanley Street are quite vivid. For many a year members enjoyed Christmas Faire, played some tennis, enjoyed the wonderful surrounds, the garden and engaged in many a conversation about palm trees. A must was a tour of the original house on the property.

Bob maintained an interest the development of International Goodwill, in particular, through supporting needs beyond our shores, especially, our club’s support for programs in Fiji, India and Malaysia. He also maintained a significant inventory of flags of other countries, which he always was glad to have on show at International functions of the club.

Rotary has certainly played a significant role in his busy and successful life.

Paul Clune

Greg Smith SC MP Member for Epping Honorary Member 2008 ongoing

See also Past Presidents Greg Smith SC was elected MP for Epping in 2007 and was appointed an Honorary member of Epping Rotary in 2008 After the 2011 NSW state elections, he was appointed Attorney General and Minister for Justice – having been opposition spokesman on those matters since 2007.

Greg graduated from Sydney University in 1973 and worked as criminal lawyer for federal and state agencies, before he was called to the Bar in 1987. Greg was appointed a NSW Crown Prosecutor in the same year. He was promoted to Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions in April in 2002 and was appointed a Senior Counsel in 2004. He has prosecuted hundreds of criminal trials and made frequent appearances in the High Court and other appellate courts.

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David Taylor Honorary Member 2005 ongoing

Diane Walker PHF Honorary Member 2010 ongoing

David was born and raised in the NSW Riverina town of Narrandera.

He joined his father’s agricultural products and farm machinery business on leaving school and that commenced a 47 year working career that included major companies such as BHP and Sunbeam Victa where he held senior sales and marketing executive positions. David visited many overseas countries during his working life and retired in 2003 as General Manager of Daken Pty Ltd. He has held the position of Board Chairman and President of The Epping Club since 2004. The club has some 15,000 plus members. Elected to the Club Board in 1997 he has also served as Vice President Finance and the Club Vice-President.

He is a Vice-President of the Epping RSL Sub Branch having seen service as a National Serviceman in the Army.

He was made an honorary member of the Epping Rotary Club in 2005 and has an active interest in the RYDA and Epping Street Fair programs.

Diane had been a tireless worker and supporter of the Club since its Charter. She is a keeper of its knowledge and experience. Her many talents have added immeasurably to the clubs activities and functions For all the years Rotannes was in existence she was an active participant.

See Walker Family

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Appendix 3 Epping Treasures

PP Wal Cooper PHF* Charter Member 1962-2010

Past President Wal Cooper was inducted into our club as a charter member on June 15 1962, and was the last remaining member of that elite group of local professional, business and tradesmen who formed the club.

Wal was an outstanding Rotarian who in his personal and Rotary life lived out the great Rotary motto of Service Above Self.

Whatever he undertook he carried out without fanfare yet with the utmost competency and in a generous spirit for which he was always noted. A can do man and an effective man in the truest sense of the word. Of course he was supported over many years by his beloved wife Elizabeth.

Wal was an initiator. In the club’s first year he organised books for children receiving attention at the Poplars Hospital. In 1966 he recognised that there was a community need to support the elderly and arranged a picnic for elderly people at Bobbin Head and this continued in various guises for many years.

He organised the first High School Debate between Epping Boys’ High School and Cheltenham Girls’ High School in 1971 and that has continued for the past 29 years.

He organised Carols in Forest Park and later at Channel 7 and when Carols were revived in Boronia Park, Wal was involved again.

He was a Director of the Club on 5 occasions taking on most of the areas of responsibility. In 1972-73 Wal was elected President of our Club. He said that the highlight of that year was “The wonderful fellowship and sense of achievement enjoyed through hands on projects and the formation of the Rotary Club of Carlingford.”

Wal also saw the need to more formally involve the wives of members in Rotary operations and decided to form a group for the ladies. So, the Rotannes group was formed.

Wal was recognised as a Paul Harris Fellow in 1993 and in June 2002, received a second Paul Harris Fellow Recognition.

For quite a number of years our club has entertained residents from Yallambi, Shalom, Dorothy Henderson Lodge and Willandra with a Rivercat Cruise along the Parramatta River. In 2001 this was renamed “Captain Wal’s Golden Oldies Cruise”.

In April 2003 he led a Rotary Group from our club to Japan to visit our Sister Club, the Ikebukuro Sunshine Club of Tokyo. Wal loved to organise and he loved to travel and when he was not at Rotary meetings he was organising tours for his Probus group.

PP Wal had great ability and effectiveness and possessed so many wonderful qualities. He led the singing in our club, which without him was very dull indeed. Whether he acted as waste Manager at the Epping Street fair, ensuring that the Cec Chambers Memorial debating trophy was polished and in good shape or opening his home for a Rotary social evening, he carried

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Stan Ledger PHF

it all out with efficiency, warmth and goodwill and that no trouble smile of his.

Wal passed away in June 2010.

See also Past Presidents Stan served his country overseas during World War II, with the Air Force in Radar operations, flying with the 24 Liberator Squadron as a Radar Operator/Air Gunner. Post war he rose to become General Manager of a leading Insurance Company. Stan was inducted into Epping Rotary in December 1971 and served Rotary and his community with distinction for thirty nine years to his retirement from Rotary in 2010.

His classification was Insurance and he was the insurance adviser and expert for the club during his service. In addition he was appointed Vocational Director for the Rotary year 1976-77, Secretary 1980-1982, Treasurer for the years 1982-1986 and 19881990. Stan was also the club’s historian; he maintained its archives and compiled the club’s history from its charter to the present, prepared year by year. It is now recorded on the club’s website and is a very useful club resource.

Stan was recognised as a Paul Harris Fellow in 1995 and recognised an Epping Treasure in 2010.

Sadly he lost his beloved Beverley in 2005. Beverley was a very active member of Rotannes and a strong supporter of the club.

She was recognised as a Paul Harris Fellow in 2002.

Stan is a much admired Rotarian, always committed to the motto of Service Above Self and lived out the Four Way Test. Indeed, an outstanding Rotarian!

“The most enjoyable period of my life, was the well nigh on forty years service I had, serving our community with so many outstanding and committed characters and individuals of our Club. It was also a privilege to serve as a Director, Secretary, Treasurer and Club Historian for a number of years during that time.

The wonderful fellowship and camaraderie, the contributions made by our Rotannes during the time we all worked at our great flea markets, was always an enjoyable experience for me, as were our progressive dinners, our hands on activities, sausage sizzles at Dalmar and other places, also, bucks weekends away, especially, those I had the privilege to organise at my holiday home at Budgewoi. These all played a significant role in my family life.

I was indeed honoured to be recognised as a Paul Harris Fellow, along with my beloved Beverley, who was also so recognised for her work during her years as a Rotanne and in other capacities.”

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PP Horrie Mendham Member and Honorary member 1965 to 2000

Horrie Mendham, Past President and Honorary Member, educationist and much admired School Principal, was inducted into our club in 1965.

Horrie served the Club and his Community with distinction. He was President for the Rotary year 1967-68, served as Club Service Director, Bulletin Chairman, Musical Director, Sergeant, and also as a member of the Rotary Information and Probus Committees.

It was during his year as President, the club entered the world of Rotary Youth Exchange, when we sponsored and sent overseas, our first Exchange Student Narelle Sonter, to Canada. This was the beginning of our long and successful involvement in this great program of contribution to the lives of young people.

As Bulletin Chairman he was outstanding in so many ways. Each week he ensured that the production of the club’s weekly bulletin RIM was carried out efficiently. He rostered members of his committee to record the comings and goings of members, details of the happenings at each meeting, especially a summary of the speaker’s presentation. This information was sent away for typing, printing in time for handing out to members at our registration desk the following Monday. RIM was a much sought after journal in each Rotary home. Horrie ensured that this system worked well so that members and families were kept up to date with club news.

It was his role as our Club’s Mr Music that endeared Horrie to the members. He was an enthusiastic pianist with a repertoire rooted in the halcyon days of music hall and each week Horrie would chose a song for the members to sing. The words were included in the bulletin and Horrie would play as members joined in a hearty rendition, some good quality, some not so!

Nevertheless, it was a much enjoyed segment of the evening, and it certainly helped to set the tone of the meeting. Although such singing, especially songs of yesteryear may seem strange to members of today, it was an approach that bound the club together in an atmosphere of great fellowship. The singing of Grace and The National Anthem with Horrie at the piano made all the difference!

Horrie made a significant contribution to the life and success of our club He was made an Honorary Member in 1991 and was recognised as Paul Harris Fellow in 1992. Sadly he passed away in December 2000.His wife, Linda, predeceased him, some years prior.

He was a very wise, well respected, talented and committed Rotarian who lived out the ideals and motto of Service above Self.

See also Past Presidents

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Mal Mitchell Member 1970 - 1996

PP Roy Sadler OAM PHF Member and Honorary Member 1978-2010

As a young lieutenant Mal Mitchell was an Infantry Platoon Commander in New Guinea in World War II. He was competent businessman conducting a successful business in sales promotion and displays and was inducted as a member of Epping Rotary in February 1970.

Mal served our community and the Club so very well in so many different ways, during his 26 years of Service above Self.

The formation and charter of the largest Rotaract club in the Southern Hemisphere, in October 1970, was a milestone for Mal and a proud moment for our Club.

It was Mal who started Our Annual Pride of Workmanship Award presentations to members of our community. These events have continued on most successfully to this day.

Past members will remember the wonderful Spring and Autumn Fashion Parades with Mal at the helm during the eighties. They were unique in so many ways. Members and friends of the club acted as models and local fashion houses provided the latest fashion apparel. Special, printed programs guided the evening along. Models paraded along a stage as they do at such garment promotions .As MC, Mal’s commentary was professional, intertwined here and there with his natural and sometimes unknowing humour. Needless to say to the enjoyment of all.

They were most pleasant successful occasions, filled with interest, laughter and warm fellowship.

He was an outstanding Program Chairman, not only in the selection of speakers, but his attention to detail in organising the attendance of a speaker, and his personal contact ensured a smooth visit for each one. Many remember the visits of Ambassadors and Consuls to the club, especially the Soviet Ambassador in 1989-1990, when Perestroika and Glasnost had taken hold and just before the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Functions at his home were always delightful occasions, he, together with Lois, a friendly and engaging wife were very welcoming and generous hosts.

Mal was recognised as a Paul Harris fellow in 1991. He passed away in December 1996 and Lois more recently.

Truly, a dedicated, accomplished and remarkable Rotarian.

Past President Roy Sadler was inducted as member of the Rotary Club of Epping 13th November 1978 after having served as President of the Rotary Club of Lidcombe. During the subsequent years he served the club and the wide world of Rotary with distinction, contributing so significantly to his local community and certainly to the world at large.

Early into his membership at Epping Rotary Roy and his wife Heather became involved with the youth of Epping and that was to be their passion in the ensuing years.

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He was the Youth Service Director of our Club in 1986-87 and in 1991-92 he was appointed a member of a Rotary District Group Study Exchange Program Committee. In 1991 Roy was recognised as a Paul Harris Fellow for his contribution of Service to Youth and the wide world of Rotary In 1995-96 he helped set up an Epping Rotaract club, sponsored by our Rotary club.

Roy had a dream to get primary students involved in debating and, in 1998 Roy introduced his much loved Primary School debates to the Club. He was the, instigator, inspiration and driving force for the debates.

The encouragement of Youth in our community was indeed Roy’s focus and when he first encountered young people through a Rotary program he followed their progress. What young person about to sit for the HSC did not receive a letter of goodwill, advice and encouragement from Roy in that wonderful copperplate hand writing? So many young people moved ahead to success in life assured of his interest and words of wisdom. Those letters and notes, we hear, are treasured possessions. Even Rotary Presidents benefited from his counsel and kind words.

For years Roy, with Neil Anderson sat at the front desk of our club at meetings offering a firm hand and a warm welcome to each arrival, members and visitors alike. His attention to detail was outstanding and he has left a legacy of extensive notes on the Youth Exchange students and other activities with which he was associated. They were always clear and precise and always readily forthcoming.

In 2000 he was honoured by the Australian Government and presented with an Order of Australia, an OAM for Service to Youth through Rotary International. An honour and award he so richly deserved. Margaret Shaw the former Principal of Cheltenham Girls recorded how Roy worked with the school on so many Rotary youth programs and guided and supported the exchange students under his care.

In December 2006, at eighty eight years of age, following a long and distinguished service to his community, Roy retired from active service with our club. In June 2007, he was inducted as an honorary member of the Club Roy was called to Higher Service in May 2010 and will be remembered fondly by all who knew him. He was a person of great character, of the highest integrity, who quietly, yet, effectively achieved so much. He was truly a gentleman and a gentle man. The Rotary Motto of Service above Self was his personal motto also, as was the Four Way Test of Rotary. He was and is an outstanding role model for all to follow. We are so glad that we met him and enjoyed his fellowship along the way.

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Appendix 4 The Walker Family – a 50 year continuous link

PP Arthur Walker Charter Member 1962 to 1973

PP Ken Walker Club member 1964 to 1987

Arthur Walker was a member of Ryde Rotary club for many years and left to form their daughter club and became a charter member of Epping.

He was Epping Rotary's third President 1964/65 and Secretary 1967-70. During his year as President he inducted his son Ken as a member, which made along with son and charter member Russ, three members from the same family.

The major project for 1964-65 was building the Epping Girl Guides hall, valued $11,000 during which Arthur broke his wrist. The hall was dedicated to a charter member Rev. Bert Parker who had died tragically in road accident. The official opening was featured on the evening news, as TV personality Mavis Bramston made a guest appearance.

Epping club received the first Paul Harris award from Rotary International for the most significant project in District 268.

Arthur and his wife Dot joined one of the first Rotary goodwill tours to New Guinea in 1967.

Arthur encouraged involving the whole family in Rotary projects and outings. He lived and worked in the Epping district since his youth and was well known as Epping's local electrician.

He had a particular interest and love of the Poplars Hospital, as he had been their electrician since its inception. He served as a board member when it became a Community Hospital. His grandchildren all born there, thought it was called “Popa's Hospital”.

When Arthur died September 1973, Epping Rotary members donated and installed a drinking fountain in his memory in the front garden of 'The Poplars'.

See also Past Presidents Ken Walker joined Epping Rotary in 1964 and is elder son of charter member Arthur Walker, the third President of Epping Rotary. Ken worked as electrical contractor for many years and prior to his retirement was in charge or maintenance at Poplars community Hospital. He retired from the club in 1987. His highlight as President is recorded as” The honour of being presented with the District Governor’s shield at the Canberra conference on behalf of the members and our ladies”

See also Past Presidents

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PP Russell Walker PHF* Charter member and club member 1962-2009

Russ with his father Arthur was a Charter member of Epping Rotary in June 1962.

During Russ’s 47 years of Rotary Service his contribution was so widely spread, from Community Service Director in 1975-1976 to Club Service Director in 1984 -1985 and President during 1985 -1986 when our membership reached a total of 72 by that years end – the highest that it has ever been! The history of our club also records that Russ noted that the highlight of his year as President was “the satisfaction of inducting eleven new members and introducing them to the World Fellowship of Rotary and the presentation of a First Aid Van to St John Ambulance” Russell was an active and tireless worker for the club. In particular he and his wife Diane managed the club catering van from its original construction in 1976 until its sale in 2009.

His 100% attendances every year were amazing and this achievement has been admired by all.

For his Service to Rotary and the Community, in 1983 he was recognised as a Paul Harris Fellow. In 1997 he was presented with a Sapphire Pin to add to the recognition.

Russell passed away unexpectedly in May 2009 and in May 2010 Epping Rotary dedicate a plaque on the Epping Guide Hall as a lasting memorial to Russell and his contribution to Epping Rotary and the wider Epping Community. The citation reads “PP Russell Walker PHF Sapphire Pin 1940 to 2009.

Charter member of the Rotary Club of Epping Inc Erected by his friends in recognition of his significant contribution to the Epping Community as a member of the Rotary Club of Epping from 1962 to 2009”

Dot Walker PHF

See also Past Presidents Doris (Dot) Walker was the wife of Charter member Arthur Walker, and mother of Ken and Russell, and the matriarch of the Walker family. She had been a member of Ryde Inner Wheel for many of years. She became the first President of Epping Rotannes in 1972-3, a group for wives of Epping Rotarians formed to support the activities of the club and foster friendship between families. This enthusiastic group proved very successful for 33 years. Many a Rotanne will not forget the contribution she made over the years, or those amazing and wonderful scarves she produced and warmly distributed from time to time.

For her untiring service to Rotary and the community, in 1981 she was recognised as a Paul Harris Fellow. An award she so richly deserved.

Dot would have celebrated her 100th birthday on September 25 this year. Sadly she passed away in January 2012. She was an outstanding achiever and well respected lady and will be sadly missed by each one of us in the years ahead.

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Diane Walker PHF Honorary Member 2010 ongoing

The then Diane Trayor’s first experience with Epping Rotary was when Russell Walker asked her to accompany him to a Rotary meeting at Everglades reception centre, shortly before the Epping club was chartered in 1962.

Diane was heavily involved with the Rotannes group which added a dimension for fellowship between partners, and whose members providing willing support for any projects the club undertook.

Diane was a partner in all activities in running the Rotary Catering van, Russ’ pet project, built by members, during his year as Community Service Director. For 33 years Russ was responsible for bookings and towing, and Diane made sure it was clean and provisioned before each use, and was always there serving and cleaning up after its use.

Until recently she and Russ coordinated and catered for the members’ Christmas party held in the Presidents’ or others members’ houses. A wonderful meal eagerly anticipated.

Her floral bouquets were a high point at many Changeovers and inductions.

She was the originator and coordinator for the wonderful table decorations for the District Conference in 2008 Diane was recognised as a Paul Harris Fellow in 2000 and was made an Honorary Member of the Club in 2010 Diane continues to give generously of her experience and talent for any Rotary project she is involved with.

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Appendix 5 History in photos

Charter president Lloyd Gollan 1962

PE Arthur Walker and President Cec Chambers 1964

Meeting Exchange Student Huri Kojima 1971

Epping Railway Station 1971

President Wal Cooper (right) presents the keys to the Karonga Bus 1972

Christian Community Aid Bus

Chartering the Rotary Club of Carlingford 1972 President Eric Wade centre

Fellows weekend November 1973

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Completed Epping Rotary Caravan 1977

Commencing the Epping Rotary Caravan 1976

Rotannes Dot Walker, Lillian Gollin, Bev Ledger 1980 Australia Day at the Breckenridges 1979

Market Day 1980

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President Fred Arthur and the 1979-80 Board

Charter Member Doug Rae 1980

Ryde Hospital Coronary Care Unit 1984

Members 1985 Ron Turner, Ian Dence, Don Townsend, Alan Emery, Wal Cooper, Keith Chinchen, Mal Mitchell (front)

St John Caravan Presentation 1987

Ted Philpott and Arch De Pomeroy, Macquarie Market Day 1987

John Goddard, Ted Philpott, Paul Clune, Russ Walker, Macquarie Market Day 1987

Macquarie Market Day 1987

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Ken Beacon, John Hayes, Graham Simons, Dalmar Fete Oct 1989

Bob Paisley,the Soviet Ambassador and Ron Hinton 1989

Fellows weekend Budgewoi 1989 (Back) John Goddard, John Niccols, Peter Patrick, Stuart Beck, Wal Cooper (front) Bruce Edwards, Doug Rae

Lois and Mal Mitchell Christmas 1989

1989 Pride of Workmanship Awards

Athol McCoy , Ron Hinton and Cees Thurmer 1992

PHFs for Alan Thomas and Max Breckenridge 1996

Ray Hosking and John Hayes Monza Ovest Sister Club launch 1998

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David Stewart Christmas 1996 David Stewart and Exchange Student Lita Adriani 1996

Spanish Senioritas Wollongong Conference 1997

Epping Gondoliers Mudgee Conference 2006

Ikebukuro night 2002

Algy Morris demonstrates dining Teppanyaki style

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Work for Dole Coordinators Grant Wilson , Ray Burgess, Hornsby Mayor Steven Pringle, Coordinator Sonny Anderson at Terrys Creek Walk Opening March 2002

Terrys Creek Walk opened March 2002

Past Presidents at 40th Anniversary Dinner June 2002

Beverley Ledger and Joan Clune receive PHF Awards 2002

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Catherine Johnson and Anne Dally Vanuatu 2003 Ross Hinton, Graham Stevens,Catherine Johnson and Bruce Edwards Vanuatu 2003

Terrys Creek rest area upgrade 2004

Eastwood Falls on Terrys Creek

Ryde Mayor Terry Perram (centre) Terrys Creek September 2004

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Neil Anderson and Roy Sadler at the attendance desk Primary School Debate Finals 2006

Wal Cooper, Stan Ledger and Russell Walker “Captain Wal’s” Cruise Meadowbank 2008

Wal Dover,Peter Slattery and Greg Smith MP Meadowbank 2008

Wal Cooper leading the singing 2008

Pete Dudley, Ian Bittner, John Fry, Liz Grey, Michael Cuthbertson 2011 Cruise

Poonam Kamboj, Joan Stewart,Joan Clune,Carol Stevens, Di Walker, Margo Simons

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Rosemary Royer, Margaret Goddard, Di Walker, Sue O’Brien, Joan Clune Wives play a key role in the Meadowbank Cruises

Wal Cooper Terrys Creek Clean Up 2009

Bob Nash Terrys Creek Clean up 2009

Epping Rotarians Cleaning Up Terrys Creek 2009 Street Fair 2010 - Peter Slattery and Paul Clune

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Sandra and Tony Castley visit a school in Laos

Tony Castley at India National Polio Immunisation Day 2009

Peter Tugwell and Monica Saville with the 2008 Langston Awardee Sophie Inwood

Supporting The Shack in 2010 Graham Stevens, Jacki Pettit (The Shack) , Bob Nash

John Fry and Monica Saville Collecting for the Queensland Floods 2011

PDG Monica Saville, Ian Bittner President 2010-11, Liz Grey

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Cheltenham Girls High and Epping Boys High Debating Teams 2011

Japan Tsunami Trivia night 2011

Appendix 6 Epping Members 1962 to 2012

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