MONTH IN REVIEW: AUGUST 2025 (and a little bit of September)
New Member: Alex Skorokhod
On Tuesday 2nd September our club was excited to welcome our newest member, Alex! Alex brings a wealth of professional expertise in varied fields (especially technology) and life experience, having grown up in the former Soviet Union and lived in numerous countries around Europe. He ended up in Australia almost by accident, with a mouse click on Australia instead of Austria leading to the interview that brought him down under. Committed to doing good, we appreciate Alex's commitment and truly welcome him to our club!
MUNA Update: Innaburra High School Students
Also on Tuesday 2nd September, the club was lucky enough to hear from our sponsored MUNA Delegates from Innaburra High School. As delegates for the United Arab Emirates, they took on issues such as nuclear non-proliferation and emerging right wing extremism. They gave an excellent talk on how the experience fostered new thinking around issues such as anti-immigration and anti-semitism, and really showed our club the value of investing in this fantastic program.
Mystery Guest Speaker - 26 August 2025 Our mystery speaker was none other than… John de Bello Campos, author of Powerful People - Outrageous Lies, a deep dive into the conspiracy that surrounds the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. In this informative talk it was clear that many questions are still out there about this enduring mystery and possible conspiracy.
Book Sale Saturday 5 September 2025 A very successful day, with many Rotarians Robbert Fox, John Ives, Graham Thom, Bob Richards, Warwick Parnell, Verity Pearce, David Morton and Alan Heighway all turning up to assist. Sales amounted to $506.22. Well done everyone!
IGA Barbecue Saturday 30 August 2025
After a slower start, a really successful barbecue was held that raised over $380! Great work Steve Hooper and the IGA Barbecue team!
Update on Microfinancing in Zimbabwe: Godfrey Matanda reported that this project is now underway, with our donations supporting local community businesses. The horticultural project purchased solar panels, a submersible pump and other equipment which has been implemented. Both recipients are incredibly grateful.
Schoolmates Update: 5 schoolkids are now going on their school camp as a direct result of recent donations! Recent changes to the program have had a positive impact, with schools working with parents to supplement our donations with parental contributions and other strategies, which will contribute to the program's longevity.
Welcome back Bob!
As a final part of recapping August, we'd like to welcome back Bob Richards, a cornerstone member of the club, from his trip abroad! With a few unexpected complications that occurred along the way, it's great to see Bob diving back into Rotary head first.
RYPEN: 22-24 August 2025
Over the weekend of 22-24th Aug, the 5 High School students we sponsored, Madeleine, Lana, Cadel, Nate and Bronson, attended the camp held at Teen Ranch, Cobbitty. On what was supposed to be a very wet weekend, the rain miraculously stopped and all planned activities were able to go ahead! We were impressed with the facilities at the Teen Ranch, with the program being a successful one and greatly enjoyed by all.
The first Rotary Club of Sutherland Car Boot Sale is scheduled for 9 November 2025. This is a new endeavour for the club, so all support available is requested! So far we have:
Project Leader: Pres. Bruce Kremmer
Council liaison: Pres. Bruce Kremmer / Warwick Parnell
Event Operations Manager: John Ives / Bob Stevens (Deputy)
Media / marketing: Jonathon White
Website Update: David McJannet
BBQ Operations: Steve Hooper
Assistance on the Day: Nick Watney, Ian Kolln, Belinda, Ohm Karki, John Barker, Robbert Fox
Positions to be Filled: Signage: Unfilled Bookings Manager:Unfilled General Assistance on the Day: Extra spaces available
If you're interested in participating, please reach out to President Bruce Kremmer.
Priority! Bunnings Membership Drive:
Our club has been lucky enough to receive two dates to advertise ourselves to the Community at Bunnings. Please reach out to Alan Heighway (0417 772 221) if you are able to participate in this initiative to bring more members to our club.
Saturday 13 September 2025:
10:00am - 12:00pm: Alan Heighway, 1 position vacant
Our guest speakre Jo Ryan will take us inside the world of 2SSR 99.7FM, the Sutherland Shire’s volunteer-run community radio station. Jo, a long-time local business owner and past President of the Sutherland Shire Business Chamber, hosts Enterprise with Jo Ryan, a program dedicated to news for and about the businesses and not-for-profits that shape our community. In her talk, Jo will reflect on her journey and the vital role community organisations play in keeping the Sutherland Shire’s voice strong and vibrant.
Rotary Club of Caringbah: Mental Health Forum 16 October 2025
Rod Rutledge, the President of the Rotary Club of Caringbah is leading a Mental Health Forum in partnership with NSW Health, Headspace and other Rotary participants.
Held on 16 October 2025, this event will include a panel of guest speakers that will focus on reducing stigma and misconception, as well as a convention space with stalls, all at the Pavilion Performing Arts Centre at Sutherland (formerly the Sutherland Entertainment Centre). President Rutledge is requesting support from other Rotary clubs for this important initiative, including those who can assist with staffing public outreach stalls at Westfield and Sutherland Hospital in the leadup to the event. Further information will be forthcoming, but please keep it in mind.
IGA Family Day Barbecue 29 November 2025
A barbecue will be running at the IGA Taren Point on 29 November 2025. This will be a big day, so please let Steve Hooper know if you're available to assist.
UPCOMING EVENTS AND MEETINGS:
9 SEPTEMBER 2025 (TUE): TRIVIA NIGHT AT THE PRINCE HOTEL, KIRRAWEE
13 SEPTEMBER 2025 (SAT): BUNNINGS MEMBERSHIP DRIVE
