Rotary Club of Canberra Burley Griffin News Notes 3rd November 2025
“Rotary Foundation” Month
From the Editor
I’m back! Many thanks to my Sublieutenant Stephen for taking the reins while I was away. And thanks to Ross for Chairing the meetings throughout October so efficiently. I plan to resume preparing the News Notes on Sunday night so please send me your contributions by Saturday night.
Last week’s meeting
On Thursday, 30th October our guest was Michael Organ a member of the friends of the NFSA (National Film and Sound Archives).
Michael has a background in media Archiving, having spent considerable time at the University of Wollongong in that field. The film industry in Australia dates back to the late 1800’s, with one of the earliest surviving films being the “Kelly Gang” made around 1906. Australia was an early leader in film production at this time. Due to no formal body actively archiving or preserving these early films, many have been lost. In 1935 there were moves to establish a body to start to archive/preserve the early media. In 1984 the NFSA was established and in 1985 the NFSA was opened. In 1999 due to political intervention the name was changed to Screen Sound Australia, not well received at the time. The friends of NFSA consists of 250 to 300 volunteers who support NFSA with presentations, volunteering and lobbying of the Government. Michael felt strongly that NFSA need to ensure people with experience in archive/preservation are represented on the board, an area that can be overtaken by “Professional Board members”, he felt they could do better in his opinion. It was an interesting talk and we should all get behind this great institution, and perhaps pop along one evening to see one of their regular movie screenings.
Ross
Michael explaining the work of the NFSA.
1906 "Kelly Gang" was our first movie - a classic!
Michael pointing out our films often have international success, such as "picnic at Hanging Rock" . This poster was an adaptation in Poland where it was very popular.
Candle Festival - success on 25 October!
A Big Thanks to Vanessa, Jess, Laura Cox, Corella and especially Vanessa and Collette, and Rotoractors Owen and Miles. We all worked flat out during the short Festival so I don’t think we could have made any more money. We have accurate figures about quantities sold so next year we will order what we need to sell.
Net Profit is $3201. Excellent result!
This result and the careful financial management by Treasurer Ross has enabled the Board to approve donations to be made at our Christmas Party:
ROMAC. $1000
Kids in Care $1000
Nusa Tengarra Ass $1000
A women's refuge and domestic violence project yet to be selected. $1000
More news to come!
Ed.
Radford College Twilight Fete: Club Membership Drive and Youth Programmes project 1st November
Thank you Monica for organizing a New Members and Youth Programmes Information Tent at the Radford College Twilight Fete on Saturday afternoon. Ross and Stephen plus Rotarians John Askew (Kids in Care), Tara Pullen, Canberra Sundowners RC, Lynne Duckman, Gail Freeman and others helped our cause in spreading the good word about Rotary projects, our Club’s benefits and the opportunities in Rotary. Here is Monica’s report:
“This is to thank you all for your contributions to the Rotary stall at the Radford Fete yesterday (Saturday).
Special thanks go to John Askew, who brought so much energy and enthusiasm to the event - not to mention Rotary merchandise. Despite my misgivings about having lollipops on hand, I have to admit they were a drawcard for the children - so, John was right!
While I brought home more of our brochures than I was anticipating, we will continue to liaise with the College on opportunities to bring Rotary and its youth programs to the attention of students and parents. This could involve collaborating with other Clubs, including Canberra Sundowners.
Thank you.
Monica Garrett”
Early in the afternoon we set up the stall and weathered the 30 degree heat!
Ed and John Askew who has presented to our Club before on the important Kids in Care project.
Later in the evening the hardworking crew and helpers from other Clubs are still smiling.
The Candle Festival - Canberra Nara Peace Park - 25th October 2025
At the Candle Festival the Chief Minister received a special award for cultural exchanges and world peace from the Emperor of Japan. In the presentation speeches our club was given special mention for having started and supported the Candle Festival for all these years. Makes you feel that it is worth all the hard work!
Member to propose Toast to Rotary, introduce and thank guest speaker, and write up for Bulletin:
6 November
Astrida
Emeritus Professor Jim Hone – In the footsteps of Alfred Russell Wallace.
Liz
13 November
Astrida
Con Boekel: My life with photography
Astrida
20 November
Astrida
AGM, and Elections
Club assembly
Bill
27 November
Astrida
Richard Pembury – Transmission risks with Blood Transfusions
Christmas Party - at President Warrick's and Vanessa's home - 11th December . Note it in your diary!
Oceans to Outback Fundraising walk: thank you!
Thank you to those Bulletin readers who donated to my Oceans to Outback fundraiser for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (including those who donated anonymously). I walked 92 km over the month (goal: 87 km) and raised $597 for this worthwhile cause. As at the end of October, the RFDS raised over $4.35 million through this fundraiser.
