1. travel
2. tourist destinations
3. australia and new zealand

20 February 2015
From District Secretary Annette Mackay email: [email protected]
Please Circulate this information as widely in your club as is possible.
The archive of this communication is available on the District website www.rotary9650.org.au
Important Dates
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District 9650 Public Speaking Semi Finals Walcha – 21 February 2015
Port Macquarie Sunrise – Azaming Mystery Tour – 22nd February 2015
Cluster 5 Celebration Dinner – Armidale February 25th 2015
Combined Macksville/ Nambucca Heads / Bellingen dinner 6.30 for 7pm Island Golf Club
Polio Plus Movie Night February 2015
 Tamworth 26th February 2015 Forum 6 Cinema
 Sawtell 26th February 2015 Birch Carroll and Coyle Coffs Harbour Tickets $20
 Laurieton 26th February 2015 Laurieton Plaza Theatre
 Great Lakes clubs 26th February 2015 Tuncurry Cinemas
 Taree/ Wingham clubs 26th February 2015 Fays Twin Cinemas
 Narrabri club -26th February 2015
Hat Night Dinner Taree on Manning club Saturday 28th February 2015
New England Tech Fest Armidale - 4th- 6th March 2015
District Conference Inverell 13-15th March 2015
RYLA - Yarrahapinni 21st-28th March 2015
Rotary Club of Uralla Art Show – 21st – 29th March 2015 Flyer attached to Illuminator email
RYAG Sheep - Walcha 25th- 29th March 2015 ENTRIES CLOSING 27 FEBRUARY 2015
Coffs Coast Science and Engineering Challenge – 31 March 2015
MUNA – Inverell 16-17th May 2015 (please note correct date, apologies from the Editor!!)
PETS – Tamworth 18th-19th April 2015
Trivia Night Rotary Club of Port Macquarie – 2 May 2015 6pm for 7pm Pt Macq Panthers
District Assembly – Port Macquarie 3rd May 2015
District Assembly – Gunnedah 24th May 2015
Rotary International Convention Sao Paulo Brazil - 6th-9th June 2015
District Changeover – Inverell Saturday 27 June 2015
Hat Day – all clubs – on or about Friday 9 October 2015
D G Jottings
The past 2 weeks has been a busy time with Sue and I visiting clubs across the district with more planned in the next
couple of weeks as well. It was really good to visit the Warialda club as well as Coffs Harbour Sth and Coffs Harbour
20 February 2015
From District Secretary Annette Mackay email: [email protected]
Please Circulate this information as widely in your club as is possible.
The archive of this communication is available on the District website www.rotary9650.org.au
Daybreak and presidents from Bellingen and Taree clubs as we travelled through. Our night with Coffs harbour Sth
was a social night playing Kettles, an adapted form of ten pin bowling which was a lot of fun . Thanks to the
members of the Coffs harbour Sth club for a fun evening.
Warialda President Phil Leddingham receiving a membership award
Coffs harbour South members enjoying a social evening
Last weekend was the first of the training events for DGE Maurie’s year at Taree with the District Leaders Training.
There were quite a few new participants at this training and it was well attended, with a great weekend of training
and social events. Congratulations to Maurie and Brian Beesley (trainer) who prepared an inspired and educational
weekend
DISTRICT CONFERENCE
Our District Conference is approaching fast being only 3 weeks away and registrations are streaming in from clubs
20 February 2015
From District Secretary Annette Mackay email: [email protected]
Please Circulate this information as widely in your club as is possible.
The archive of this communication is available on the District website www.rotary9650.org.au
across the district. Thank you to the club members that have registered to date and booked their accommodation
for this great occasion. It is fantastic with over 320 people already booked in with our max of 450 candidates a
reality.
INVERELL CONFERENCE 13th March to 15th March Inverell Town Hall
Most people to date have registered on line however you can download a form, fill it out and send it in for
registration purposes. Don’t miss out, book now to avoid disappointment.
We hope to see you there for a very social and hospitable weekend with great speakers and a lot of fun. Come along
and meet your old friends and those you didn’t know, especially if you have not attended District conference
before. And Max Walker as MC and speaker will keep you on your toes.
DISTRICT AWARDS
This is the time that clubs should be telling us how well they have done this year in all activities across the District.
Make a point of putting in an application for District Awards in whatever area is relevant to you. We have quite a
few applications already, so tell us of your great achievements and be recognised.
Call for District Award Applications
So your club has worked hard to achieve excellence ? You deserve to be recognized! In just 4 weeks, applications
close for District Awards. Our awards are in the following areas• Club Attendance
• Conference Attendance
• The Rotary Foundation
• International Service
• Community Service
• Vocational Excellence ( individual)
• Vocational Service
• Service to Youth
• Membership Increase
• Best Club Bulletin
• Best Conference Display
• Public Relations – General
• Best Club Website and Social Media
• Significant Achievement
• Rotary Foundation
Detailed description of all the awards and a nomination form can also be downloaded from the District
9650 website .
ROTARYS 110th BIRTHDAY
The next major event on the calendar is the 110th anniversary of the formation of Rotary this Monday 23rd
February. Many clusters and Clubs are having a special promo day showcasing rotary and its programs and
having a day out enjoying the interclub social activities. We hope to have a great day with visiting clubs
and guests pending the cyclonic weather this weekend.
20 February 2015
From District Secretary Annette Mackay email: [email protected]
Please Circulate this information as widely in your club as is possible.
The archive of this communication is available on the District website www.rotary9650.org.au
Don’t forget to invite local dignitaries and the media, paper editors to this event to further showcase the
event, and send in photos of your day for the Illuminator and also our website.
It is also terrific to see so many clubs and clusters pulling together to fill cinemas for the release of
the ”Second best Marigold Hotel”. Many of the clubs have presold the tickets and looking to have a great
night and make a significant amount of funding for Polio Plus with the 2 to 1 dollar subsidy by Bill Gates.
YOUTH PROGRAMS
District Youth and Vocational programs highlighted in the Upcoming dates are RYLA and MUNA.
Both of these programs need the support and assistance of all the clubs across the District. The
coordinators and committees for these events would dearly like clubs to approach individuals who would
benefit from RYLA and have applications submitted for this life changing program. Please get behind RYLA
and ensure that we have representation from across the district as we did at last years successful event.
Also MUNA being held on 16th and 17th May needs club assistance. Please approach your local High
Schools and speak to the head teacher to ensure the school is well aware of this event in May so they can
program it in and organise students to attend. Greg
District Conference is fast approaching!
20 February 2015
From District Secretary Annette Mackay email: [email protected]
Please Circulate this information as widely in your club as is possible.
The archive of this communication is available on the District website www.rotary9650.org.au
Probus travel insurance now available to Rotary members
Dear Rotarians,
Please find attached a promotional flyer launching the Probus Travel Insurance Plans – Plan A & Plan B.
Please feel free to announce through your District Newsletter and club meetings to your colleagues in Rotary.
We would also appreciate inclusion on the District website; perhaps on the platform you have for Probus.
Please feel free to contact our office if you would like some printed flyers for use in your district.
The Probus Travel Insurance offers exclusive cover by providing two plans;
Probus Travel Insurance Plan A is for maximum trip duration of 120 days. Plan A provides coverage for most preexisting conditions and has a set access fee which depends on your age, where you are going and how long you are
travelling for. Plan A requires a fit to travel report from your doctor to be submitted with your application*.
Probus Travel Insurance Plan B is for a maximum trip duration of 180 days. Plan B provides coverage for some preexisting conditions and has unlimited medical coverage in some areas*. Plan B does not require a fit to travel
report. As Plan B does not have a set access fee, please contact our office for a quote.
Members of Rotary clubs can activate Probus Travel Insurance up to 270 days in advance of their travel date*.
For more information on either of these exclusive plans, please visit our website on www.probussouthpacific.org or
email: [email protected] or telephone from within Australia 1300 630 488 or from
within New Zealand 0800 14776 287
*Terms, conditions, limitations (including an overall Master Policy limit) and exclusions apply. Probus South Pacific
Limited (ACN 152 374 395) (Probus) does not hold an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL) and cannot
provide any recommendation or advice regarding Probus Travel Insurance. Probus Travel Insurance is issued by ACE
Insurance Ltd (ABN 23 001 642 020; AFSL 239687). This enclosed information provides general information only
without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. To decide if either of these plans is right for
you, please ensure that you consider the Probus Travel Insurance Master Policy available on the Probus website at
www.probussouthpacific.org Kind regards Probus South Pacific Limited (ACN 152 374 395) Direct: +61 2 9689
0200 Fax: +61 2 9633 4779 New Zealand 0800 14776 287 Australia 1300 630 488 Active RetireesTM - Tomorrow's
Vision for PROBUS
PROBUS is a Community Service Activity of Rotary clubs.
https://www.facebook.com/ProbusSouthPacific
20 February 2015
From District Secretary Annette Mackay email: [email protected]
Please Circulate this information as widely in your club as is possible.
The archive of this communication is available on the District website www.rotary9650.org.au
Hat Day 2015
Hat Day will be held on or about Friday, October 9. All money raised in this community event will go to Australian
Rotary Health for research into mental health issues. Suggestions include a morning tea, with participants to wear a
hat. Details from ARH board member from Port Macquarie club PDG Laurie Barber or District representative Glenda
Barber on 65838286.
RYLA testimonial
I went to RYLA now I’m a Rotarian”
To quote Oprah Winfrey – “I’ve come to believe that each of us have a personal calling that’s as unique as a
fingerprint – and that the best way to succeed is to discover what you love and then find a way to offer it to others
in a form of service, working hard and also allowing the energy of the universe to lead you”.
I believe RYLA helped me discover this.
This is my story…. I’m Annita Kennedy, youngest member of the Rotary Club of Narrabri. I attended RYLA as a
participant in 2012 at Lake Keepit, Thanks to my local club. From this I returned as a leader in 2013. Than, as leaders
leader / helper in 2014 at Yarrahapini.
I have since joined Rotary Club of Narrabri this year where my induction took place at the changeover meeting.
I believe RYLA is an opportunity of a life time and am grateful to have been able to continue to be involved and
assist in the organisation of RYLA after participating. RYLA was a life changing experience, although at the time of
RYLA I did not realise this, it was the months and years to follow, when I would be using a skill gained at RYLA I
would realise how much RYLA taught me.
The knowledge and friends gained at RYLA over the years has helped me become who I am today. RYLA put me out
of my comfort zone and made me vulnerable. This allowed others in and sharing stories not just anyone would here
for everyone in the RYLA group. It has given me the courage and strength to be the person I want to be instead of
what others want.
The unknown of RYLA meant I had no expectations for the week, which I believe allowed me to be amazed at the
actual experience. It has also taught me to remove expectations from allot of other life situations removing
disappointment.
I have enjoyed watching and helping others have this experience and to witness them grow throughout.
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards covers a diverse age bracket but allows like minded people to connect on a
personal level, as well as teaching many life long skills. It is a life changing experience all young adults should have
the opportunity to attend.
RSVP 28th February Yarrahapinni 21 -28 March 2015
www.rotary9650.org.au/RYLA RYLA – the future of Rotary
20 February 2015
From District Secretary Annette Mackay email: [email protected]
Please Circulate this information as widely in your club as is possible.
The archive of this communication is available on the District website www.rotary9650.org.au
YEPPER
The monthly reports of the District 9650 Youth Exchanges students both here and overseas are now
available on the District 9650 Youth Exchange web page. There are 57 pages of interesting and
exciting things that these students are doing. Log on to read their stories.
NYSF Student report
Post-Forum Report by Emily Mason
The Rotary National Science and Technology Forum is by far the best opportunity I have ever had in my life.
The experiences I was fortunate enough to have are ones that I will never forget. I didn’t know what to expect
when I came, all I knew I was spending two weeks of my holidays at nerd camp. I was hoping to learn about
different career paths, while also meeting many new friends. I was completely unaware how these two weeks
at nerd camp would be filled with some of the most wonderful and interesting experiences.
I really enjoyed how the camp was an exploration into many aspects of science and technology. This opened
my eyes up to many doors in not just science but the ever-growing technological and engineering career paths.
Because the program was so vast we had the opportunity to participate in so many activities which made the
program more engaging.
Week One lectures started on Tuesday with Psychology, where Dr Ora Emslie explained what psychology was
and how the anatomical components of the brain work to create a functioning human
being. We then went through mental health and underwent part of an IQ test. We then
finished the afternoon with Physics, where we discussed the difference between
theoretical and experimental physics. We then did a variety of practicals, looking at
polarisation and how it affects light, and a variety of electronic and biomedical devices.
We began Wednesday with a chemistry lecture, where we started with the
recrystallization of salicylic acid and then distilled ethanol from red wine to determine
the percentage of ethanol in red wine. We spent the afternoon in Robotics, where we
programmed a little car to complete a maze without human intervention. Thursday
began with Molecular Biology, where we extracted DNA from a banana and then
analysed the process by justifying each step. We then learnt about the centrifuge, where
separating solids and liquids was demonstrated through making cottage cheese. The
lecture finished by explaining how they clone DNA for forensic and medical purposes.
The afternoon was spent down at beautiful Long Bay, where we were taken around
the cliffs to see fault lines and rock formations, exploring how earthquakes and
landslides had affected the rock formations.
We finished off a full week with Food Science and Microbiology Part 1 on Friday
morning. We learnt about the enzymes which turn potatoes and apples brown, and
how to prevent them from acting. We then walked to another lab, where we started
microbiology. We started off by swabbing parts of our bodies and placing them on
agar plates to see what kind of bacteria we have on our bodies. We then were given a
food sample which half had food poisoning, the other half didn’t. We took samples
20 February 2015
From District Secretary Annette Mackay email: [email protected]
Please Circulate this information as widely in your club as is possible.
The archive of this communication is available on the District website www.rotary9650.org.au
and placed them on agar plates, to see what kind of bacteria would grow, to see if our sample had food
poisoning. We then spent the afternoon in biomedical engineering, where we were taught about artificial
implants, such as hearts. They explained how some are created and how they are continuing to develop the
technology to enhance their function. We then were shown a computer program which simulated a baby girl.
Week two started with Applied Mathematics, where we had a two part lecture. The first part was statistical
mathematics, where we did a variety of taste tests of different foods and compared the group results
mathematically. It was great to learn how statisticians derive their results from the general public. We then
were taken to astronomy, where we first discussed astrology and how it is
different to the publicised astrology. We learnt what our true star signs are, while
also watching how the Sun’s position has changed over time. That afternoon we
returned to Food Science and Microbiology Part 2, where we created our own
cottage cheese. We then went to Microbiology where we analysed our Agar
plates. Our sample of rice two was tested negative for food poisoning. We then
successfully identified a certain bacteria through a variety of tests. We started
Tuesday with a biology lecture, where we were given a tagged sample of Green
Fluorescent Protein and were asked to obtain the substance. We successfully did
this through a process of filtrations, where we obtained the protein. We then
loaded the proteins through Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis, which allowed us
to determine whether we obtained the correct substance. We then spent the
afternoon in Biomedical Science, where we completed a heart and lung dissection.
First we learnt about the function of the heart and the circulatory system. We explored the path that blood
takes when travelling around the human body.
Wednesday morning was spent at sport science. We spent the first half of the lecture creating and completing
a variety of agility tests designed for a particular sport. The second half of the session was spent analysing our
running. We took slow-motion videos of us running, which allowed us to measure the length of our strides,
time in the air and our overall running speed. That afternoon we had a free session, where we could go
wherever we wanted. We began Thursday with a lecture on CAD, which is Computer Aided Design. We
explored the development of 3D printing and the applications of this technology in the modern world. We
discussed why products either sell or fail. We then learnt how to design a phone case on special software. We
spent the afternoon in nutrition, where we discussed misconceptions about dietary requirements. We then
examined the nutritional information on a variety of foods, comparing which would be healthier to have.
We also had the fortune to have three technical options visits. These were businesses and organisations which
amazingly opened its doors to the forum, allowing us to explore and learn about what their role is in society
and how they do it. My first visit was to the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR). This was a
very interesting lecture, as we were taught about the amazing facility, what their role is and chemical
techniques used in the forensic examination of evidential samples. Later that week I visited the New Zealand
Police, where we spent the evening in the fingerprinting department. They taught us how they collect and
analyse fingerprints. This was very hands on, as we were able to take our own fingerprints and keep them. My
last technical options visit was to Heavy Engineering Research Association (HERA). They explained the
programs and research they undergo at the facility. They taught us how the use technology to measure the
amount of stress on a particular component of structures. They then
showed us how they have developed ways to create lightweight,
earthquake resistant walls.
20 February 2015
From District Secretary Annette Mackay email: [email protected]
Please Circulate this information as widely in your club as is possible.
The archive of this communication is available on the District website www.rotary9650.org.au
Throughout the forum we had a very intense volleyball competition. This competition was fierce, everyone
th
had amazing skills. Sadly, our orange family came 6 , but we enjoyed the competition so much. The
atmosphere from the cheering and support from everyone was amazing. It was fantastic to see everyone so
well dressed up supporting their colour groups.
This forum was a great opportunity to learn how to be independent. Firstly I was flying overseas by myself, so
I had to be extremely organised and prepared. We learnt the important difference between a washing
machine and a dryer, while also learning that washing won’t do itself. We also learnt that if you sleep in past
your alarm no one will be there to wake you. This is one of the aspects of forum I thoroughly enjoyed, how we
were treated like adults, where they trusted us to be responsible, but also gave us the opportunity to ask for
help when we needed it. This was perfectly displayed on the explore Auckland day, where we were allowed to
go anywhere in the city as long as we were back by 5 o’clock dinner. This enabled us to do what we wanted to
do, giving us the opportunity to see parts of the city that I would have never thought existed.
One thing I thoroughly enjoyed about forum was the amount of
free time we had of a night. This enabled us to bond closer
together, whether it was through intense mafia games or random
dance parties. Over the two weeks of forum I had the opportunity
to meet not only the most extremely intelligent people, but the
most hilarious and kind people. Everyone was so welcoming, the
supportive family-style environment was the best way to spend
forum. I am thankful every day for the chance to meet these
people. It was extremely hard to say goodbye to my forum family,
as we become so incredibly close, the friendships I had developed
over the two weeks are ones that I am hoping to keep for a long time.
We had the chance to have socialising time and tourist excursions over the forum. The first recreational
activity on Monday night was a trip to Sky Tower. We all piled into a glass-bottomed elevator which raced up
to the orbit on level 52. The views were absolutely beautiful, the sun was beginning to set and the view of the
city and mountains was picturesque. We then ventured up another 8 floors to the level 60 sky deck, which
gave an unobstructed 360º view of Auckland. Later on Saturday we were given a day off, which we were
allowed to explore Auckland. This was a day, where we ventured to La Cigale, which are the French Markets in
Parnell. The smell and atmosphere of these markets was absolutely amazing. There were so many talented
cooks, the range of fresh, organic produce was incredible. We caught a bus back to the harbour, where we sat
in front of the shipping container book swap and ate what we found at the markets. This beautiful, little city
escape was the perfect way to spend the day talking and continuing to getting to know everyone. We spent
the afternoon shopping, where the girls took me to places we don’t have here in Australia. We then danced
the night away at an amusing disco, the amount of talented dancers we had amongst the group created a
night of fabulous entertainment. On Sunday we spent the day at the beach, where
we had a sandcastle building competition. We came back from the beach to meet
some Rotarians for a barbeque. It was a lovely dinner, they were so interesting to
talk to with some of their stories really inspiring me.
Through attending forum I have reinforced that I will study Medicine once I finish
school. It has inspired me to work as hard as I can in my final year of school so I can
obtain that goal. The forum has opened my eyes up to the opportunities I have
once I finish studying Medicine. It showed me that I don’t just have to become a
20 February 2015
From District Secretary Annette Mackay email: [email protected]
Please Circulate this information as widely in your club as is possible.
The archive of this communication is available on the District website www.rotary9650.org.au
G.P, but that I can go into research or some very interesting specialties. I was also shown that I could go into
very interesting areas if I paired it with another degree, such as engineering. It had opened many doors and I
am incredibly thankful for having the opportunity.
Thank you very much for giving me this opportunity. This has inspired me to achieve in science, opening my
eyes to this being a possible goal. I am extremely fortunate and thankful for all the help I received in getting
me over to this program. Without this support and assistance this opportunity would never have been offered
to me and the experiences, friendships and future career options highlighted to me would not have occurred. I
am very motivated to complete my schooling to the very best of my abilities and I want to be able to be in a
position to contribute to the greater good.