Our aim is to contribute to our local and international community and through those efforts make the world a better place.

The 5th Decade

1993-4

Our President was Peter Van Zealand
Vice President was Terry Flanagan
The Prime Minister was Paul Keating

Rotary International President was Robert R. Barth of Switzerland

President Peter told the Club he saw Rotary in Wauchope as a facility to channel locally raised funds back into the community. The first outing for the food van was to cater at Wauchope Railway Station for about 500 people who turned out to inspect the new XPT with its sleeping cars. Dtr. George Burn & his helpers were very busy, & returned a gross of $1,750. The catering van was to prove its worth many times. Among the many functions at which members & wives provided tasty snacks were two car rallies, the Annual Antique, Bottle & Collectables Show, The Wauchope Show, Australia Day & an APEX concert at the Showground. In September the Club joined with the other local Rotary Clubs at a meeting to hear an address by former RI President, Sir Clem Renouf AM. Sir Clem was in Port Macquarie on a visit associated with the Probus Clubs. The Club was again involved with Colonial Week activities by sponsoring the Grand Parade & the Colonial Ball. In October the Club were guests of the Wauchope District Memorial Hospital at a meeting intended to thank the Club for its many contributions over the years. As part of the “Paint Your Heart Out Australia” project, which was endorsed by RI President Robert Barth, Molly Armitage’s house in Cameron St, (the old C of E rectory) was selected to be repainted. The paint was supplied by Wattyl Paints free of charge, & members kept busy for months. The workers enjoyed 90-year-old Molly’s morning teas. Angela Wooster, Matt Cornish & Veronica Oldham were selected to attend the RYLA seminar at the University of New England. Our Lasiandra Princess candidate, Angela Dunn, was named runner-up after raising $3,600 through fashion parades, dinner dances & other social functions. As 1993 ended the Club heard that Mathew Bloomfield, our 1992 National Science Summer School candidate, 1992 Hastings junior Citizen of the Year & 1993 Rotary/Hastings Gazette Sports Star of the Year had been invited back to Canberra to help run the 1993 Summer School, & he’d also been selected to visit Russia as a guest of SOYUZ, the All Russian Youth Aerospace Society. In January, Dtr. George Burn organised a very successful Australia Day at the Jack Dwyer Reserve on the banks of The Hastings River. The interesting programme included great speakers, raft races, canoe races, pony rides, interspersed with displays of vintage boats, cars & bare foot water skiing. In the Club’s Youth programmes, Robert Walker attended RYAG camp at Coonabarabran, Wendy Downes attended the RYLA seminar at the University of New England & Daintree Peters attended the RYPEN camp at Lake Keepit. Our efforts to raise funds for the planned Rotary Lodge at the soon to be constructed Port Base Hospital slowed when the State Government changed the status of the hospital from public to private. However, the five Rotary Clubs persevered & even proposed options for a second stage, that is, another six units added to the initial six units of motel style accommodation. Break-ins & thefts at the rooms forced increased security. A smoothly run & successful District Assembly was held at the Wauchope RSL. A successful Pride of Workmanship night was organized & chaired by Frank Harrison, with Denise Poole, President of the Chamber of Commerce as guest speaker. Due to the superb efforts of President Peter Van Zealand & his helpers, a highly successful golf day was held in aid of Rotary Lodge. A clear profit of $4,045 was made, reflecting the hard work which had gone into the day. This amount was rounded out to $5,000 before it was contributed. The changeover was held at the Wauchope RSL, with PDG Kevin Schubert being the RI representative. Over $12,000 had been donated on the night & through the year including $5,000 to Rotary Lodge, $500 to the Salvation Army, $425 to the Australian Rotary Health Research Fund, $400 to the Hastings Pipe Band & $200 to the Port Macquarie Maritime Museum.

Elections in Western Australia see the ALP government of Carmen Lawrence voted out, & a Liberal government under Richard Court is voted in. The Australian Greens stand candidates for the first time at the federal elections. Coles-Myer announces a $4 billion expansion creating 100,000 new jobs over five years. The International Olympic Committee selects Sydney as the hosts for the 2000 Games. The Seven Network axes the drama series “A Country Practice” after 1058 episodes. Ray Martin presents his final episode of “Midday” & moves on to “A current Affair.” Shane Warne, with his first ball in Ashes cricket delivers “The Ball of the Century” to dismiss Mike Gatting. The Socceroos are defeated 1-0 by Argentina, thereby missing out on World Cup Qualification. The deaths occurred of Fred Hollows (ophthalmologist) & Sir Edward “Weary” Dunlop (surgeon & war hero) “Vintage Crop” wins the Melbourne Cup. “What is Love” by “Haddaway” is the top pop song.

The Hastings Mayor is Cr. L.R. Cooper.

1994-5

Our President was Terry Flanagan
Vice President was George Burn
The Prime Minister was Paul Keating

Rotary International President was William H. Huntley of England

Incoming President Terry Flanagan expressed a desire to see an influx of new members. Community Services Director, George Burn was quick to form an entertainment committee with plans for two over 50’s concerts. Both concerts were well attended with over 300 at the first. Daintree Peters, a year 11 student at Wauchope High School was selected to attend the National Youth Science Forum in Auckland NZ. The Club’s entrant for the Lasiandra Princess/Charity Queen, Melinda Baker, was very active in fundraising, & was rewarded by being sashed as Wauchope’s Lasiandra Princess. For Colonial Week the Club again sponsored the Grand Parade & entered a float. The food van did good business, & a bottle of Jim Beam bourbon was a good money-spinner. George Burns’ daughter won the bourbon, so George donated it back! In November the Club joined with the Rotary Clubs of Port Macquarie, Kempsey West & Laurieton for a combined meeting at McInherney Park, Port Macquarie. The evening was particularly enjoyable with over 100 Rotarians taking part. A request for donations for the Farmhand Drought Relief Appeal raised $4,000. On 29th November, the 42nd anniversary of the Club’s Charter Presentation, the Club held its Pride of Workmanship Awards. Special guest was charter President, Daryl Pead & Thelma. Vocational director, Frank Harrison served as Master of Ceremonies, & the evening filled all expectations. Theresa Flood was chosen for the Australia/New Zealand Matched Twin Exchange Programme. Theresa was matched with Belinda Bretton from Plimmerton near Wellington. Belinda arrived in January & returned home four months later with Theresa. Kate Davis, a year 10 student at Wauchope High School, was chosen to represent the Club in the District’s South Africa Airways Public Speaking Competition. Kate won the zone & regional finals. In the finals, which were held at the District Conference in March, Kate was placed as runner-up. For the ninth time, the Club organized & ran the Australia Day festivities on the banks of The Hastings River. The Club made a profit of $567 from the food van. In January the Club catered for a rodeo, which returned a profit of $798, & a very successful golf day in aid of Melinda Baker, which raised $2,014. The ninth Sports Star Awards were held at Wauchope RSL with Warren Kimberley, a former Wauchope Rotarian, & now Senior Vice-President of the NSW Country Rugby League was guest of honour. The award went to Ryan McIntosh for water skiing. The Club joined with the other three Port Macquarie Clubs & Laurieton to celebrate Rotary’s 90th birthday at the Port Macquarie RSL club. A major highlight for the Wauchope Rotarians was the recognition of Ron Dures as a “Paul Harris Fellow.” In March the Club catered for the Antique Bottles & Collectables Show at Wauchope Showground. The official opening took place at the Country Club with DGN Rupert Richardson of the Rotary/Hastings Valley Fine Arts Association doing the honours. In March the District Conference was held in Tamworth, where Ron Dures’ efforts were rewarded with the Club being awarded “Best Club Membership Growth” for his seven new members introduced to the Club. Ruth Lindsay & Simon Cork were selected to attend a Rotary Youth Programme of Enrichment camp at Copeton Dam. Melinda Baker was selected for the YEP to spend 12 months in the USA. The MUNA was held at Coffs Harbour, with our delegates being Kate Davies, Fiona Jamieson & Brigid Thew. The changeover was held at the Wauchope RSL with an attendance of 91. Total disbursements were $12,681 which included $835 to the Science Summer School sponsorship, $510 to the Farmhand Appeal, $545 to the Lasiandra Festival Committee & $5,000 to the Rotary Lodge Appeal.

In January, major bushfires devastate the coastal region, with four people killed, & 300 homes lost. Student David Kang fires two blank shots at Prince Charles in Sydney. John Hewson is replaced by Alexander Downer as Leader of the Opposition. Telephone numbers in Australia begin transitioning to eight digits. “Wollemia Nobilis” a fossil tree is discovered by bushwalker David Noble only 150 km from Sydney. NSW MP John Newman is shot outside his home in Australia’s only political assassination since 1977. Sydney’s third runway opens. The Australian Government agrees to pay reparation to aborigines displaced during nuclear testing during the 1950’s & 60’s. “Muriel’s Wedding” & “Priscilla Queen of the Desert” are major box office hits at home & overseas. “Blue Heelers” premiers on channel seven. The death occurred of actor Leonard Teale at age 71. “All I Wanna Do” by Sheryl Crow is the top pop song. “Jeune” wins The Melbourne Cup.

The Hastings Mayor is Cr. L.R. Cooper

1995-6

Our President was George Burn
Vice President was Chris Pearce
The Prime Minister was Paul Keating

Rotary International President was Herbert G. Brown of Florida USA

In August the Club assisted with a concert held at Lions Park to mark the 50th anniversary of the end of World War 2. A week later a busload of Club members travelled to Kempsey to join 200 Rotarians & their partners at the local RSL Club to celebrate V.P Day. This was an excellent night of reminiscences & nostalgia. The night raised $1,000 which was donated to the Kokoda Hospital, a FAIM project. Fundraising began with the food van being utilised during Colonial Week, & then at The Hastings River Orchid Society Show at Wauchope Showground. Coralea Flanagan & Kristig Buchan were selected to attend a RYAG seminar at Coonabarabran. Wauchope High student, Stephen Cottrell was accepted to attend the Siemens Science School & with three other students, he was also accepted to attend the Pacific Power Science Summer School at the University of Newcastle. The Club sponsored all these students by paying half their fees. Marita Soriano from Buenos Aires arrived as a YEP student, & Melinda Baker left for Phoenix Arizona for 12 months. Rebecca Duffy was accepted for exchange in the Australia/New Zealand Matched Twins Exchange Programme with Sarah Bennet from Upper Hutt. Sarah arrived in January, & returned to NZ with Rebecca four months later for her four month stay. The tallowwood floor of the Youth Centre was so worn & stained after nearly forty years of use, that it was decided to punch in the nails & putty the flaws prior to sanding by a contractor. Ron Howard took on the role of taskmaster, with Rudi Schmierer being the hardest worker. Rudi was given the “honour” of driving the last nail, which according to Ron was the 10,000th. The floor was sanded at a cost of $1,500 & then given three coats of tung oil. On 16th March Ron Walesby officially opened Rotary Lodge. Ron, as a member of Port Macquarie Rotary Club, first proposed the project, & was the driving force behind its eventual construction. The plan was to construct six motel-style rooms with lounge, kitchen, laundry & store room, with second stage of a further six units to follow. The five Rotary Clubs in the Hastings/Camden Haven area each agreed to raise $30,000. As fundraising got under way, considerable interest was generated within community groups. Health Care Australia donated 2,000 sq. metres of its land in the grounds of the hospital, & the NSW. Dept of Health met the $30,000 capital gains tax payment. The cost of construction was $235,000, furnishings $35,000 & other expenses $8,000. Funds raised by the Rotary Clubs totalled $85,000; donations from three Police golf days came to $60,000, the Hastings Leukaemia & Cancer Club gave $43,000, Hastings House Charity donated $22.000 & the Hastings Home Hospice gave $10,000. Other groups & individuals gave substantial amounts. Contributions from the local Lions, Quota & Apex clubs was particularly welcome. The Rotary Lodge committee included two members of our club, Richard Marocco (secretary) & Ken Buckley. It was estimated that a further $150,000 would be required to complete stage two. The project won for the five clubs, & Coonamble Rotary Club, the District Community Service Award. An April book sale organized by Ron Howard to defray costs of renovations to the Youth Centre raised $900. In April, Julia Gilligan was selected to attend the RYLA seminar at the University of New England. On June 1st the Club transferred its meeting in order to join with the Rotarians of Port Macquarie West to celebrate their 25th Anniversary at changeover. That same weekend the club sponsored two teams to MUNA at Coffs Harbour, Stacey Rowe & Michelle Blanch (Sweden) & Simon Cork, Jackson Munro (Argentina) Counsellors were Peter Coulon & Peter Van Zealand. Our YEP nominee, Jackson Munro, was accepted for an exchange to Sapporo, Japan. The changeover was held at the Wauchope RSL with 100 Rotarians & guests in attendance. The Chairman for the night was Ron Dures, & the DG’s representative was PDG Kevin Schubert. Donations made during the night totalled $2,300.

John Howard becomes leader of the opposition, & leader of the Liberal Party. Bob Carr leads Labour to victory in NSW. Qantas is privatised. David Eastman is convicted of the murder of the AFP Assistant Commissioner, Colin Winchester, & is sentenced to life. A gas explosion at Kogarah railway station kills two. The film “Babe” premiers. “Today Tonight” debuts on the Seven Network, “Hey Hey it’s Saturday” returns. Pay TV arrives in Australia, with Foxtel & Optus Vision launching in the metropolitan areas, & Austar & Galaxy in regional areas. In rugby league, the “Super League” war begins. After 10 years the last Australian Grand Prix is held on the streets of Adelaide. The deaths occurred of Harold Larwood (cricketer) Fred Daly (politician) Dame Patti Menzies (Prime Minister’s wife) Andrew Olle (ABC journalist) The trial of O.J. Simpson begins, & he’s later acquitted. Nerve gas attack in Tokyo subway kills 8 & injures thousands. Oklahoma bombing takes place, army veteran Timothy McVeigh later found guilty & ex ecuted. Rwanda massacre takes place with 2,000 dead. Warring parties agree on cease-fire in Bosnia. Israeli Prime Minister, Yitzhak Rabin is murdered by fanatics. “Cotton Eye Joe” by the Rednecks is the top pop song. “Doriemus” wins The Melbourne Cup.
The Hastings Mayor was Cr. L.R. Cooper.

1996-7

Our President was Chris Pearce
Vice President was Keith Dark
The Prime Minister was Paul Keating

Rotary International President was Luis Vicente Giay of Argentina

The Club’s YEP student from Buenos Aires, Marita Soriano, celebrated her 18th birthday. Host parents Peter & Olga Laurantus organized for about 10 other YEP students within 200km of Wauchope to spend the Saturday night at their home, followed by a barbeque luncheon catered for by George & Lyn Burn at McInherny Park, Port Macquarie. A highlight of the day was a cruise on the Hastings River aboard a Chinese Junk. On 16th July an historic event took place in our Club with the induction of Diana Reynolds as the first female member under the classification of Primary Education. Lisa Van Zealand was accepted for the Matched Student Exchange Programme with New Zealand. Lisa was matched with Emily Baynes of Auckland who arrived in January for four months before returning to NZ with Lisa who stayed four months. In August, mock interviews were held at Wauchope High School run by Club members. This activity was a great success with praise going to the school for its preparation, & to PP Neville Parsons for his organization. In October the entire roof of the Rotary Youth Centre was replaced by Hastings Council, who bore the full cost of $8,000. Dylan Chambers, a Wauchope High School year 9 student was accepted to attend a Siemens Science Summer School at the University of New England. At the Colonial Week Grand Parade the Club won first prize for a float in the service clubs section. The award ceremony for all winners of the various awards was held at the Rotary rooms at a normal meeting. An excellent Christmas meeting was held at the Wauchope RSL, with Peter Van Zealand as “Santa.” Once again the Club was responsible for the Australia Day celebrations which were held in Bain Park. Addresses were given by Kate McLennon who spoke on the history of Wauchope, David Oriel who praised the town’s community spirit, & Ron Barassi who was the official Australia Day Ambassador. On 7th February, a combined meeting of local Rotary Clubs was held at Port Macquarie RSL Club to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the death of the founder of Rotary, Paul Harris. The function was well organized with attendance of 175 Rotarians & guests. A major highlight was the recognition of PP Bill Russell as a “Paul Harris Fellow.” The Sports Star/Team Awards were held at the Wauchope RSL; with Peter Van Zealand as MC. Guest of honour was Margaret McIntyre who was the official physiotherapist of the Australian Women’s Hockey Team, who took out the Gold Medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. The Sports Star Award went to all rounder Michael Witchard, our youngest awardee to date. The Team Award went to the Wauchope High School’s Boys Open Volley Ball Team. In March a five member GSE team from District 2400 Sweden arrived, & were hosted for three nights. PP Richard Marocco took the team on a tour of Wauchope & districts, & on their return the Hastings Mayor, Cr. Frank Harrison, accorded them a civic reception. The Club became involved again in the Rotary Youth Programme of Enrichment (RYPEN) by sponsoring Ian Mobbs & Brielle Fuhrmann, students at Wauchope High School, to a camp at Lake Keepit.
In April, a group of Rotarians from Turkey accompanied by members of their family, arrived in Wauchope. They were travelling under the aegis of our District’s International Friendship Exchange Committee. International Director Peter Coulon & some other members took them for a tour of Timber Town & provided a barbeque lunch. Possibly the Club’s best Pride of Workmanship Awards Presentations were held. Organization was in the capable hands of PP Neville Parsons & his committee. Thirteen awards were presented at the meeting, which was attended by about 100 Rotarians, partners, sponsors & friends of the awardees. The Club sponsored two teams to the MUNA run by Coffs Harbour South Rotary Club. Mirelle Divine & Jonathan Jonas represented Egypt, while Kirsty Olesen & Samantha Newham represented Cuba. In mid June, Margaret Marocco organized a progressive dinner, with hosts being the Buckley’s, the Laurantus’ & the Coulons’. It was a thoroughly enjoyable outing, with transport provided by Parsons’ busses. The changeover was held at the Wauchope RSL Club, with Lindy Hunt as chair. The large attendance from the Rotary Clubs of Port Macquarie West & Laurieton were most welcome. PDG Bob Young, fresh back from a FAIM project in the Solomon Islands, represented the District Governor. PDG Kevin Schubert & DGE Neville Clarke were also present. Donations during the year totalled $1,500 including $390 to the Heart Foundation, $160 to Camp Quality & $520 to various youth activities & projects.

The Liberal/National coalition defeats Labour at the polls. Martin Bryant ex ecutes the Port Arthur massacre, with 35 killed & 21 wounded. He is sentenced to 35 consecutive life sentences plus 1,035 years without parole. Floods in southern Queensland & northern New South Wales kills five people & causes A$55 million in farm losses. Two Blackhawk helicopter collide near Townsville killing 18. US President Bill Clinton visits Australia & addresses both Houses of Parliament. Australian television celebrates 40 years in Australia. Sri Lanka wins the Cricket World Cup defeating Australia in the final. China agrees to a world ban on atomic testing. Prince Charles & Princess Diana agree to divorce. Mid air collision in India kills 342 people. Madeleine Albright is named as the first female US Secretary of State. Kofi Annan is named UN Secretary-General. “Saintly” wins The Melbourne Cup. “Grease Magamix” by Olivia Newton John & John Travolta is the top pop song.

The Hastings Mayor was Cr. F. Harrison.

1997-8

Our President was Keith Dark
Vice President was Peter Coulon
The Prime Minister was John Howard

Rotary International President was Glen W. Kinross of Brisbane Australia.

At the first board meeting the annual fees were increased to $140 but the dinner fee was left at $12. Consideration was given to upgrading the toilets in the Senior Citizens Centre next door using some of the $5,075.87 in the building fund. At the first Club Assembly a proposal by secretary Neville Parsons to establish a lookout on Bago Mountain as a Centenary project was met with unanimous support. In June, Andrew Parker was selected to attend the National Youth Science Forum in Canberra, & Stephen Cottrell was to attend the National Engineering Summer School in Brisbane. In August our YEP student, Virginie Grimm from Strasbourg France arrived for a 12 month stay. In September the Club was advised that our four nominees from year 9 at Wauchope High School to attend the Siemens Science Experience were accepted. The Club continued its involvement with Colonial Week, & with Lions & Apex conducted the Beechwood Billy Cart Derby, raising $600 for Beechwood Public School & $2,000 for the Wauchope Hospital for an endoscopic camera. Dtr. Ken Buckley spared no effort, or anyone else, in giving support. Prior to Christmas, Ken again energetically promoted the sale of raffle tickets for a wheelbarrow full of festive cheer. The sum of $800 was raised. The Christmas meeting was held at the Parsons’ with a great roll up of Rotarians, family & children. Then in January, the first meeting was held at Broken Bago Vineyard with George & Lyn Burn catering. The following week an equally enjoyable night was held at the home of Rudi & Trish Schmierer. Andy Neal organized the Australia Day Celebrations with assistance from Peter Van Zealand & Keith Dark. A surprise visit by legendary singer, Jimmy Little, was a highlight. Among the special guests were Jenny Brockie, the official Australia Day Ambassador, Mayor Frank Harrison, & the Wauchope High School Captains, Shelley Mulherin & William Hindes. The official part of the programme concluded with the re-dedication & re-opening of the gates to Bain Park by Keith Bain, grandson of Duncan Bain who gave Bain Park to the public. On Saturday 7th February the Club was involved with the catering of a barbeque at Rainbow Beach Bonny Hills for the NSW Country Branches Surf Lifesaving Championships. The Club donated its $600 share of the money raised to the Bonny Hills Surf Club. Andy Neal was the diving force behind the 12th Sports Star & Sports Team Awards Presentations. Attendance was 300, with DG Neville Clark & partner Pat as guests of honour. The Sports Star award went to Michael Witchard for the 2nd time, & the Wauchope Ladies Lawn Bowls Triples Team won the Team Award. On 12th March the Club transferred it’s meeting to join with the other Hastings Rotary Clubs at a fundraising dinner to support Camp Quality. Guests of honour were the Governor of NSW, His Excellency the Honourable Gordon Samuels AM, & Mrs. Samuels. Over $1,200 was raised. In April, Ron Howard organized a book sale, which realised a profit of $900. Dallas Scott was selected to attend the RYLA seminar at Armidale, & the following month was an awardee at the Club’s Pride of Workmanship Awards Presentation. On the 9th May the Club supported the Charter Presentation Night of the Rotary Club of Port Macquarie Sunrise. This was an exceptionally well organized, well-attended & enjoyable night, which was held at the West Port Bowling Club. Special guests were Sir Clem Renouf, a PP of RI, & Lady Renouf. Ron Craggs, a GSE awardee was inducted as President with thirty Charter Members. In May the seventh Pride of Workmanship Awards Presentation was held at the Wauchope RSL Club. Attendance was 114 including seventeen awardees. Keynote speaker was Assistant Commissioner of Police, Peter Walsh. Once again the Club transferred its meeting to join the Rotary Club of Port Macquarie for their 50th Anniversary meeting on 23rd May. The event was held at the Port Macquarie RSL Club, with about 300 Rotarians, partners & community representatives in attendance. The incumbent President of Port Macquarie Rotary Club, Kerry Medway & his team, did a marvellous job. Among the highlights was a video of the Club’s many activities over the years, entertainment & the launching of the Club’s history. The Club was again involved with MUNA, with Lindy Hunt taking two teams to Inverell in June. Mirelle Devine & Samantha Newham represented Sri Lanka, while Reuben Field & Sarah Beam represented Canada. The changeover was held on 23 June at the Wauchope RSL Club with Noel Brennan as chairman. Attendance was about 80 including PDG Dennis Rees representing RI. Major donations exceeded $2,000 including $600 to the Wauchope Bonny Hills Surf Life Saving Club, $500 to the Rotary Health Research Fund, $500 to Camp Quality & smaller amounts to other organizations. Sponsorship & registration fees for young people to attend the various camps & seminars, which were in the vicinity of $1,000 was paid by the Club. Special guests for the evening were Ian & Anne Gregory who were recipients of a gift in appreciation of their loyalty & service as our caterers over the past twenty years.

Yachtsman Tony Bullimore is found alive after five days adrift in the Southern Ocean. Melbourne’s Pentridge Prison is closed. The Thredbo landslide occurs killing 17 people. Stuart Diver is the sole survivor. The film “The Castle” premiers. TCN-9 conducts the first trials of digital television. The Australian Super League competition commences. The Melbourne Storm rugby league team is founded. In December the Super League war is declared over with the ARL & Super League agreeing to form the NRL. The deaths occurred of Harry Holgate (premier of Tasmania) Brian May (composer) Jock Sturrock (Olympic yachtsman) Sir Garfield Barwick (chief justice of the high court) Lance Barnard (federal politician) Lady Ann Kerr (wife of Sir John Kerr) Peter Jackson (RL footballer) Michael Hutchence (singer) US President Clinton begins 2nd term. Hong Kong is returned to Chinese rule. Khmer Rouge holds trial of former leader Pol Pot. Princess Diana aged 36 dies in Paris car crash. Mother Teresa dies aged 87. “Might & Power” wins The Melbourne Cup. “Barbie Girl” by “Aqua” is the top pop song.
The Hastings Mayor was Cr. Frank Harrison.

1998-9

Our President was Peter Coulon
Vice President was Peter Laurantus
The Prime Minister was John Howard

Rotary International President was James L. Lacy from Tennessee

The first Club meeting decided on a number of activities for the year, among them were replacement Rotary signs leading into town, provision of reverse cycle air conditioning for the Club’s rooms, a planned lookout on Bago Mountain as a centenary project & increasing of membership. The club also carried a motion that a $1 levy be imposed on all members attending each normal meeting to pay for the printing of a history of the Club in our Jubilee year. Maxine Gabriel, the Club’s nominee to attend the Honeywell School of Engineering at the University of NSW was successful in her nomination. Virginie Grimm, the YEP student from France, was very subdued & tearful as she was farewelled by the Club & all her host families prior to her return home. Two Fujitsu air conditioning units were installed at a cost of $5,765. The Club’s three candidates for the Siemens Science Experience Exchange seminar, Damien Cork, Jamie Parsons & Kali Chambers were all selected. In April, the Matched Students from New Zealand Arrived. They were; Mitch Nolan from Timaru to be hosted by the Flood family, Lisa Woodley from Wanganui to be hosted by the Barnes family & Anna McDonald to be hosted by the Burns’ family. On September 5th & 6th, PP Keith Dark secured the Club’s services to man the gates, & provide the only food outlet for the Mid-North Coast Machinery Restoration Club. George Burn & President Peter Coulon worked very hard to make the event successful, with great support from the Club members & our NZ exchange-elect students. September saw two Wauchope High School students, David Andrighetto & Jacqueline Elford, selected to attend a RYPEN seminar at Valla Beach. In October, our club combined with the other service clubs to run the annual Beechwood Billycart Derby. Thanks to George Burns’ organizational skills, the sum of $2,350 was donated to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Hastings Support Group. On the 23rd October, the Club & the community were shocked & saddened by the death of our Charter President, Daryl Elliot Pead. The size of the congregation gave testimony to the high regard in which the Club & community at large held him. Daryl was 87 years old. On 27th October we were joined by Rotarians from Port Macquarie West Club to hear an address by Sergeant Geoffrey Little of the NSW Police Force. He was well known throughout NSW & the world as the “smiling policeman” As well as holding honorary rank in several overseas police forces, he was an active Rotarian, & a “Special Ambassador” of the Rotary Peace City project. During the evening George Burn was recognised as a “Paul Harris Fellow” by DG Ray Lambert. On the first Tuesday in November, the Club combined withy Lions & Apex to hold a reverse Calcutta sweep on The Melbourne Cup. As the planned venue at the RSL Club was unavailable, the meeting took place at the Rotary Rooms. Lacking a caterer, various Rotarians cooked, served the meal & cleaned up. Chief chefs were Frank Harrison & George Burn, with Noel Brennan as supervisor, adviser, sommelier & scullery hand. On the 4th Tuesday in November the Club held a Past Presidents & Partners night at the Country Club. This was an outstanding success with 19 past Presidents present including Claude Griffith, our 10th President. A highlight was the recognition of PP Neville Parsons as a “Paul Harris Fellow” by IPP Keith Dark. The following Tuesday the Club members gathered at the Beechwood Hotel where many enjoyed a pint or three of Guinness accompanied by a meal of oysters, steak & sweets. Ex-Club member & Mine hosts, Mal Butler & wife Rosemary were kind enough & thoughtful to loan out the pubs’ “boozer bus.” The festive nature of the meetings continued with the Club’s first being held at Long Flat for a “pub night” The second meeting was a family night at the Broken Bago Vineyard, & the third, a house warming at George & Lyn Burns’ new home in Beechwood. The fourth meeting fell on Australia Day, & members assembled for breakfast at the Village Green Coffee Shop before running the 13th Australia Day Celebrations. The celebrations were capably chaired by Andrew Stoner with addresses by Mayor Wayne Richards, Australia Day Ambassador Katie Mitchell, & Wauchope School Captains Robyn Monkley & Russell McWilliam. In February, the Club, along with the Lions Club, entered into a contract to roster a member each Sunday to man the Comboyne tip. A fee of about $160 a day went to each Club’s account. At the District Conference in March, Pam Dures, partner of PP Ron Dures, was recognised with a “Jean Harris Award” This is a high honour given to non-Rotarian women whose work or volunteer efforts have made a significant contribution to the development & progress of women by addressing one or more issues in the areas of education, economics or personal development. These efforts must produce recognizable improvement for women, & be current & on going. Only one woman per District may be nominated. The Club welcomed a GSE team from District 1910, Austria, Hungary, Slovenia & Croatia. Also present was Anastasia Wakon, a nurse from Lae, Papua New Guinea, whose one-month stay in the Hastings area, working at Port Base Hospital, was funded by Rotary Clubs in the area. In May the Club became involved for the first time with Short Term Youth Exchange. International Services Director, Diane Reynolds, arranged an exchange for two young Wauchope ladies. Bronwyn Hill was matched with Meredith Albitz from Douglasville & Melinda Betts with Michelle Gumia from Pittsburgh. Our Changeover was held at the Wauchope RSL club. Special guests included PDG Neville Clarke & wife Pat & representatives from Wauchope Lions, Apex & the Wauchope Masonic Lodge. All nearby Rotary Clubs were represented, & attendance was around 106. Outgoing President Peter Coulon announced that the Club had received a Presidential Citation, & a special award was presented to Bill Martin for his considerable services during the year, which was signed by the RI President. Stuart Weir was recognised as a “Paul Harris Fellow” Total donations from the Project Account exceeded $8,300, & over $26,000 passed through the Administration Account.

Floods in Katherine NT kill 3 people. Christopher Skases’ passport is cancelled & he’s ordered to leave Majorca. A gas leak aboard HMAS Westralia kills 4. The Linton bushfires in Victoria kill 5 volunteer fire fighters. The St. George Dragons & Illawarra Steelers merge into one RL club, The St. George Illawarra Dragons. Mark Taylor equals Don Bradman’s test record of 334 runs, but declares his innings. At the Commonwealth Games held in Kuala Lumpur, Australia win a record 199 medals, 80 of them Gold. The deaths occurred of Mum (Shirl) Smith (aboriginal activist) Marc Hunter (lead singer of “Dragon”) Tommy Smith (horse trainer) Ian Johnson (Australian test cricket captain) A US plane cuts ski cable, sending car plunging & killing 20. Serbs battle ethnic Albanians in Kosovo. Indonesian dictator Suharto steps down after 32 in office. Swissair jet crashes killing 229. Former Chilean dictator Pinochet arrested in London. More than 10,000 die in Central American hurricane. “Jezabeel” wins The Melbourne Cup. “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” by “Aerosmith” is the top pop song.

The Hastings Mayor was Cr. Frank Harrison.

1999-2000

Our President was Peter Laurantus
Vice President was Frank Harrison
The Prime Minister was John Howard

Rotary International President was Carlo Ravizza of Italy.

The year commenced with an increase in annual dues to $160 & a $1 increase in the dinner fees. The “Maul & Wedge” became the new venue for “pub night.” Early in the year Peter Van Zealand volunteered to oversee a group of year 11 students from Wauchope High School who were keen to participate in a project under the aegis of the Young Achievement Australia organization. Over many months, Peter met with the group at the Rotary Rooms, helping & advising them. The end result of all this exertion was recognition & a certificate for Peter & the group from YAA. In September the Club manned the gates & catered for the Rusty Iron Rally. Over 5,000 attended, & profit was $2,000. The Club nominated year 11 students, Michael Ellis & Jolene Maxwell for selection to the Honeywell Engineering Summer School in Sydney. Both were accepted. Our two nominees for the Australia/NZ Matched Exchange, Kylie Tait & Kylie Morgan were selected. However, Kylie Tait withdrew leaving Kylie Morgan who departed for Whangerie NZ in March to stay with her matched twin, Emma Jonkees. The Club nominated Kelly Laurantus, a year 11 student, for the District’s Public Speaking Competition. Kelly won the first round at Port Macquarie, and then in October she won the next round in Urunga. At the final round, which was held at the District Conference, Kelly emerged the winner. Her prize was a 6 weeks holiday in D9300 South Africa sponsored by Singapore Airlines. To Extend the Club’s social activities, President Peter organized a dinner dance at Timbertown. This was well supported by the local Rotary clubs, & yielded a $700 profit. The annual Combined Services Clubs’ Beechwood Bill Cart Derby raised $3,000 for the “Putting Wheels Under Kids” appeal to provide transport for disabled children. In October, Wauchope High School year 11 students Jonathon Elphick & Carolyne Noakes were accepted to attend a RYAG camp in Coonabarabran. On return they were enthusiastic guest speakers at the Club. On 31st October, our representative, Kerri Croft accepted two banners which recognised the Club as having given more to The Foundation than any other club, & being the top club per capita in contributions of US$105. At a Club forum in November it was decided to elect a fifth director for 2000-01 to hold the portfolio of New Generations taking over most youth activities. In late November secretary Ron Dures, on behalf of the Club initiated an effort in support of the “Toys for Timor” appeal. As a result over 1,000 were collected, boxed & dispatched to East Timor. Ron also ordered & sold a swag of Christmas cakes & puddings, while Ken Buckley organizes a Christmas raffle, which raised $500. In support of Rotary World Community Services (RAWCS) the Club sent a cheque for $400 to the Salvation Army School in Baroka, PNG to provide tool kits. The Christmas party was held at the home of George & Lyn Burn at their Beechwood home. It was a great night with family, friends, kids & of course, Santa. A special guest was Bernadette Chauke, the winner of South Africa’s D9300 public speaking competition. A very successful Australia Day was organizes by Frank Harrison. Speakers were Mrs. Robyn Moore (the voice of Blinky Bill) who was the official Australia Day ambassador, & the Wauchope High School captain, Sean Beams. Russell Churcher set the tone with his singing & music. Attendance was around 200. On 26th February, MC Ron Dures & organizers Noel Brennan, Andy Neal & Peter Daniels ensured a successful & enjoyable Sports Star & Sports Team Award night. The Sports Star Award went to Daniel Caraghin & the Sports Team award went to the Division 1 Ladies Golf Team. Guest of honour was Frank Harrison representing the Mayor. A Family Fun Day run by the Lasiandra Festival was held at The Big Bull with around 2,000 attending. Our catering profit on the day was around $600.Our delegates to MUNA at Macksville were Kate Jonas & Lynn Stahlhut representing Malaysia. Counsellors were Bill Russell & Rudi Schmierer. On Saturday June 10th an arsonist attempted to set fire to the Youth Centre. Fortunately the fire was spotted early & extinguished, but not before considerable damage had been done to one wall & electrical fittings. The changeover was held at the Wauchope RSL with about 80 attendees. Representing RI was DG-elect Denis Carter from Laurieton Club. Olga Laurantus & Pam Dures did a marvellous job with the table decorations. Outgoing President, Peter Laurantus, modestly stated in his report that it had been an eventful & interesting year with over $10,000 being donated to youth activities & local & international organizations. Member Bill Martin, who for many years had been an indefatigable worker for the Club, was recognised in his absence due to illness, as a “Paul Harris Fellow.” Sadly he passed away five days later.

A massive hailstorm hits Sydney. It is the second most costly natural disaster in our history with damage at $1.7 billion. 8 bodies are found in barrels in a bank vault in SA beginning the Snowtown murder case. The GST bill is passed in the Senate. A canyoning disaster in Saxetenbach claims 21 lives, 14 of who were Australians. The last episode of “Hey Hey it’s Saturday” goes to air. Stadium Australia is opened to the public for the first time. Tony Lockett becomes the greatest ever goal scorer in AFL/VFL history. Australia wins the Cricket World Cup. Australia also wins the Rugby World Cup. Australia wins the Netball World Championship. The deaths occurred of Don Dunstan (politician) Arthur Boyd (painter) Colin Hayes (horse trainer) Sir Peter Abeles (businessman) Harry Kadwell (footballer) Eric Reece (premier of Tasmania) “Rogan Josh” wins The Melbourne Cup. “All Star” by “Smash Mouth” is the top pop song.

The Hastings Mayor was Cr. W. Richards.

2000-01

Our President was Frank Harrison
Vice President was George Burn
Prime Minister was John Howard

Rotary International President was Frank J. Devlyn of New Mexico

A major Christmas raffle proposed by George Burn was approved, as was a suggestion from Louise Hudson that a competition be run locally to design a new Club banner. A prize of $100, half of which was to be donated by Australia Post was offered. Treasurer Stuart announced that the annual fees & dinner fees would remain the same. In July, Jamie Parsons was selected to attend the Honeywell Engineering Summer School in Sydney. In September the Club catered at the Rusty Iron Rally & over two busy days, gross sales were $4,300 yielding a profit of $2,500. Two Wauchope High School students, Mark Friend & Esper Olesen were accepted to attend the Siemens Science Experience programme at universities in Sydney. In October the club was presented with a banner from ARHR for attaining contributions of $250 per member. In October Neville Parsons was advised of his selection as leader of a GSE team to visit D5440 Wyoming, Nebraska & Colorado in May 2001. Once again the Club joined with the other service clubs to run a reverse Calcutta for the Melbourne Cup. At this meeting donation of $3,000 was made to Diabetes Australia. A well attended family Christmas party was held at the home of Pam & Ron Dures. A guest speaker was James Fowkes, the winner of a public speaking competition run by the Rotary Club of Johannesburg. The Christmas raffle proposed by George Burn was a huge success, grossing $7,500, & netting $5,250. This sum was donated to the Surf Club, Beechwood Public School & other recipients. January was a month of barbeques until our meeting on Australia Day when the Club, with the support of Hastings Council & Woolworths, ran celebrations in Bain Park. Special visitor was Gillian Rolton, an Olympic equestrian who won a Gold medal at the Barcelona & Atlanta Games. She arrived on horseback with a mounted escort. Thanks to the organization of President Frank Harrison, the day was an outstanding success, & in the highest tradition of civic & Rotarian service. In February, Tom Willemsen was selected to attend the RYAG district camp at Coonabarabran. In mid-February the club visited the site of the partly completed Cowarra Dam near Wauchope. Covering 110 hectares at a proposed cost of $65 million, this ambitious project had its genesis in the 1990’s, with work commencing in 1990. The 15th Rotary/Hastings Gazette Sports Star & Sports Team of the Year Awards was held at the Wauchope RSL. Organization of the night was in the capable hands of Noel Brennan, Andy Neal & Peter Daniels. Special guest was Mayor Wayne Richards. The Sports Star Award went to Blake Lyon, an all rounder, who also received the Mayor’s Sports Person Encouragement Award of $250. The Sports Team Award went to the Wauchope Public School’s Senior Cricket Team. March was a busy month with Club members taking part in Clean Up Australia, the Bowel Scan programme, catering at the Lasiandra Festival’s alternative farming field day at the Showground & attending the District Conference in Port Macquarie. The Club officially farewelled Neville Parsons’ GSE team bound for D5440 in the USA. In mid April our Club & District were shocked to learn that our DG, Denis Carter, had suffered a massive stroke, & there was concern about his recovery. On 16th June, Brian Prince was installed as District Governor. Our changeover was held at the Wauchope RSL Club with about 70 in attendance. Special guests were Barry Hacker, our Assistant Governor, & Mark Vaile Minister for Trade. Outgoing President Frank produced a detailed report & in his address drew attention to the fact that $11,375 was distributed to various groups & charities, with the larger donations going to the Wauchope/Bonny Hills SLSC. & the Rotary Foundation. Peter Laurantus was recognised as a “Paul Harris Fellow” a well-merited acknowledgement of his considerable work for the Club & the community.

The Airport rail link opens in Sydney. The Childers backpackers fire kills 15 people. The Goods & Services Tax (GST) is introduced. Sydney Olympics are held & are a huge success. They are called “the best Olympic Games ever. Australia wins a record 58 medals. NSW suffers its worst flooding in 40 years with 240mm falling in one week. “Star Wars ll” begins photography at Fox Studios in Sydney. “Brew” wins The Melbourne Cup. The deaths occurred of Dame Roma Mitchell (Governor of SA) Bunny Brooke (Actor) Ron Casey (TV commentator) Vivien Bullwinkel (Army nurse) Mark Oliphant (Physicist) Bruce Gyngell (TV personality) Charles Perkins (Activist) “Who Let The Dogs Out” by “Baha Men” is the top pop song.

The Hastings Mayor was Cr. W. Richards.

2001-2002

Our President was George Burn
Vice President was Neville Parsons
The Prime Minister was John Howard

Rotary International President was Richard D. King of California.

At our first meeting back the Club welcomed Neville Parsons & his GSE team, who had returned from D5440 USA. Neville & his team entertained with the programme they took with them, & they also screened some magnificent shots of the scenery they saw through Wyoming, Nebraska & Colorado. Back in 1999-2000 there had been some discussion about further upgrading the facilities of the Youth Centre. Not much was achieved until Peter Laurantus & Richard Marocco became involved. Despite a lack of funds, endless frustrations & hours spent with Hastings Council officers, they eventually succeeded beyond all expectations. In early 2001 a disability ramp was constructed, & surrounding area beautified. A new toilet block was built with provision for the disabled, & the whole building was painted inside & out by a team assembled under the work for the dole scheme. In September, under the direction of John & Frances Wright, the Club’s co-Community Services Directors, we catered for the Rusty Iron Rally. Gross takings were $4,600, with a profit of $2,500. A box trailer loaded with items such as a lawnmower, brush cutter, & various kitchen items, was raffled. Tickets were sold at many other community gatherings outside Wauchope, including Comboyne & Port Macquarie. When drawn prior to Christmas the raffle yielded a profit of $10,000. Spurred on by this success, President George promptly organized another trailer raffle, which also raised $10,000. On Sunday, 20th of September, a memorial service was held at the appropriately named “Sister City Park” for the victims of a terrorist attack on the World Trade Centre in New York on September the 11th. Involved were members of the Wauchope Ministers’ Fraternal, & organized by Rotarian Wil Jamieson, Pastor of the Wauchope Baptist Church. A well attended & organized night was held at the Country Club for a Men’s Health Night. In November the Club was the proud recipient of a banner from the Rotary Foundation to acknowledge the Club finishing 2nd. in the District for per capita donations to that body in 2000-01. Following an appeal from Timbertown, the Club paid for repairs of two wheelchairs held for the convenience of visitors. Tony Morton suggested that the Club take over maintenance of their wheelchairs, & even purchase & donate another one. His suggestions were met with unanimous approval. On 1st. December, Andy Neal organized a past Presidents & Secretaries’ night, which was held at the Wauchope RSL. In attendance were 12 past Presidents, some of who served as secretary. Beginning with the seventh President David (Darby) Olsen, each gave a brief address on the highlights of their year. On Saturday, 15th of December, the Wauchope District Historical Society’s Museum was officially opened by the Hon. Mark Vaile MP; Minister for Trade, & Member for Lyne. The museum had previously been the Rawdon Island Catholic Church. The combined Lions, Apex & Rotary Clubs of Wauchope, undertook new foundations, care & storage of the museum’s contents while the shift took place. The building was then painted inside & out under the work for the dole scheme. The Club’s Christmas meeting was held at the home of President George & Lynne Burn. Ian Gregory catered with a magnificent buffet meal. The arrival of Santa & a vivacious helper attracted the usual throng of excited children who each received a gift. The Club was pleased to sponsor Glenn Burn to attend the RYLA course in Armidale. The Australia Day celebrations were again held in Bain Park. Frank Harrison organized the whole event & the day proceeded smoothly. Andrew Stoner MP, Mayor Cr. Wayne Richards, the Australia Day ambassador Dr. Clio Creswell & Wauchope High School Captain, Nicholas Blanch, gave the main addresses. Ron Coombes, a member of the Lions Club of Wauchope was presented with the inaugural Rotary Club of Wauchope Australia Day Award for his considerable contributions over a long period to the Wauchope community. At the Port Macquarie celebrations the Club received a Community Service Achievement Award. On Feb 16th the Club, in association with the Hastings Gazette, held the 16th Sports Star & Sports Team award presentation at the Wauchope RSL. The Chair for the night was Ron Dures & organized by Andy Neal, Peter Daniels & Noel Brennan, with Andrew Stoner MP as guest of honour. The Sports Star award went to Cameron Gulliford for athletics & the Team Award went to the Wauchope number 7 Pennants Bowls Team. In April Apagon Niyunuch, a nurse from Si Wilai Hospital, in Thailand, spent a month in the Hastings area, one week of which she spent at the home of Lyn & Tony Morton. The Hastings Rotary Clubs & Qantaslink sponsored her visit. Apagon is the seventh nurse to visit here under the Pacific Training Aid Programme that was started in Port Macquarie in the mid 1990’s. On 5th May the Club hosted the District Assembly for coastal clubs. In attendance were the DG Brian Prince, the DGE Rick Bowen-Thomas & about 160 Rotarians. The organization & success of this event was due to President George & Secretary Bob Gilligan, with assistance from the staff of the Wauchope RSL. On 21st May the Club held its eleventh Pride of Workmanship Award at the Wauchope Country Club. Keynote speaker & guest of honour was Ruth Newman of the Port Macquarie Daylight Rotary Club. Organization was in the capable hands of Neville Parsons & Tony Morton, & very capably chaired by Frank Harrison. Tony Morton’s involvement with students saw Wauchope High School’s Rachel Mathews & Chad Secombe being sponsored to attend a RYPEN camp at Tuncurry; Kate Jones & Lynne Stahlhut selected as delegates to MUNA in Armidale, & the selection of Lucinda Borham to attend RYAG camp in Coonabarabran. The Changeover on 25th June celebrated 50 years membership by the Club in Rotary International. It was a gala night held in the auditorium of the Wauchope RSL Club with 150 in attendance. All the Hastings & Camden Haven Rotary Clubs were represented, plus visitors from Apex, Probus & Lions clubs. It was pleasing to see the numbers of ex-Rotarians, partners & widows who attended. Special guests were the DG Brian Prince & Laurel, the Mayor Wayne Richards & Christine & Thelma Pead, widow of our Charter President, Daryl Pead. Two valued & deserving members, Frank Harrison & Rudi Schmierer were honoured & recognised as Paul Harris Fellows. Their contribution to the community & Rotary would be surpassed by very few. Donations of $14,700 were made including $3,900 to the Beechwood Cricket Club, $3,500 to The Rotary Foundation, $1,000 to the Ambulance Service, $1,000 to the Wauchope/Bonny Hills SLSC, $750 to each of the Wauchope Public School & Wauchope High School, plus another dozen donations ranging from $100 to $500.

From February onwards, the worst drought in 100 years affects most of Australia. Water restrictions are put in place in most areas, & farmers are devastated by crop losses. After 66 years of operations, a now bankrupt Ansett Australia ceases operations. HMS Nottingham runs aground off Norfolk Island. Indonesian terror group Jemaah Islamiyah is banned in Australia following the Bali bombings. The film “Rabbit Proof Fence” premiers. Steven Bradbury wins Australia’s first Winter Olympics Gold Medal when all his competitors crashed out in the semi-finals & again in the finals. Alisa Camplin wins Gold in the women’s aerial skiing. The Bulldogs are fined half a million dollars & have 37 competition points deducted, effectively being relegated from Minor Premiers to Wooden Spooners for 2002. Mark Skaife & Jim Richards win the Bathurst 1000 motor race. “Media Puzzle” wins The Melbourne Cup. The deaths occurred of Ruth Cracknell (actress) Alec Campbell (Australia’s last ANZAC) John Gorton (Australian Prime Minister) The Euro debuts as European currency. US reporter Daniel Pearl is kidnapped & ex ecuted in Pakistan. Queen Elizabeth marks 50 years as monarch. Chechen rebels take 765 hostages in a theatre, authorities release gas into the theatre killing 116 hostages. All terrorists are killed. “A Moment Like This” by Kelly Clarkson is the top pop song. Australia’s population stands at 19,640,979.

The Hastings Mayor was Cr. W. Richards.