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February 2024 - Guest Speaker

Senior Constable Wes Dallas - Wollongong Crime Prevention Officer

 

 

The Guest Speaker at the February meeting was Senior Constable Wes Dallas, Wollongong Crime Prevention Officer with the NSW Police. Wes reminded us of precautions we can take to keep ourselves and our property safe. Locking doors was number one, followed by not leaving anything of value visible in your car.

Wes can be contacted via

Email: [email protected]

T: 4226 7805 - M: 0498 402 898

January 2024 - Guest Speaker

Louie Kelbert - Local Apiarist

 

 

Our first guest speaker of the year was Louie Kelbert, a local apiarist. Louie’s presentation about bees and honey was informative, entertaining and full of surprises. Bees are fascinating creatures with some extremely interesting behaviours. Louie brought along a range of produce which proved very popular with our members. If you missed out, or would like more, Louie can be contacted on 0414 972 065 and promises free delivery. He also has a stall at many local markets including Wollongong every Friday, Kiama Seaside Markets on the third Sunday of every month, and the Berry Markets on the first Sunday of every month.

December 2023 - Guest Speaker

Fred Back - Kiama Scenic Tours


The guest speaker at the December meeting was Fred Back from Kiama Scenic Tours, who entertained us with amusing anecdotes from his time behind the wheel. He also outlined some of the tours available, one of which, a pub crawl to hotels over 100 years old, whet the appetite of some of our members. Fred distributed brochures which provided more detail about the tours. Fred can be contacted on Mob 0429 472 593 or Free call 1800 611 735.

 

November 2023 - Guest Speaker

Susie Crick - Planet Childcare


The Guest Speaker for our November meeting was Susie Crick who owns and runs Planet Childcare in Coledale but is also involved in many other things including Surfrider Foundation Australia, of which she was the first female Chairperson, a Director of Oceanic Research, Surfing for the Disabled. Susie is passionate about reducing plastic contamination and improving the Environment both now and for the future. It was interesting to hear Susie’s perspective on plastic waste and recycling and how we can help reduce plastic waste as well as some of the myths on current plastic recycling/disposa practices. In general we have become too accepting of plastic packaging and we all need to rethink the way we shop and what we use

 

October 2023 - Guest Speaker

Steve McKenna - Services NSW


Steve McKenna, from Services NSW, gave a most informative presentation that was delivered in a charming Glaswegian accent. Steve’s role is Support Services Specialist from Service NSW and his presentation was on the Savings Finder Program. Steve is based at the Corrimal office of Service NSW and can be contacted via email with any follow up questions.

[email protected]

 

September 2023 - Guest Speaker

Sharryn Black - Home Instead Wollongong


The guest speaker at our September meeting was Sharryn Black, Community Engagement Coordinator with Home Instead Wollongong. Sharryn gave an overview of the history of the organisation and the services they can provide.

A selection of booklets and pamphlets was available on a range of different aspects of care options. Sharryn indicated that changes are afoot in Aged Care, which will almost certainly impact on the provision of services.

Sharryn can be contacted at Home Instead Wollongong, as follows

Tel: 4295 6829, Mob: 0490 053 832

E [email protected] 

 

 

August 2023 - Guest Speaker

Mark Matthews - ABC local radio presenter

 

 

At the August meeting we had a return visit from Mark Matthews, a natural entertainer and raconteur who shared beautiful music and amusing anecdotes. Mark can be heard on Saturday mornings presenting the breakfast program on ABC Illawarra. You can find out much more about him and his creative output on his website www.remarkablemusic.net

 

July 2023 - Guest Speaker

Shawn Tyler - Volunteers for the Simulated Patients Program

 

 

Our Guest Speaker for the July meeting was Shawn Tyler from the University of Wollongong Graduate School of Medicine.

Shawn gave a very interesting and entertaining presentation about how they use volunteers as part of the training they do with medical students. Shawn advised there is no set or minimum requirement and you can go when it suits you, it is only a 2 hour commitment on the days it is run.

There was a good response from a number of members who are interested in being involved, if you were not at the meeting and are interested in finding out about the program or becoming a volunteer you can contact Shawn on 4221 5627 or email [email protected]

 

June 2023 - Guest Speaker

Moira Reynolds and Brian Poppleton - Campbelltown Unit of the SES

 

 

Moira gave an entertaining account of her 20 years with the SES in a variety of roles and emergency situations. Brian provided some factual information, including the bestway to find more information about the SES, which is via the website ses.nsw.gov.au

If you need assistance, in the event of an emergency call 132 500.

 

May 2023 - Guest Speaker

Dan Meehan - Author and Historian

 

 

Our guest speaker in May was Dan Micheal Meehan, a delightfully relaxed raconteur, local author and historian. We can definitely add Dan to the “Repeat” list for a future visit. In the meantime, you can follow him on Facebook, or  his website danmichaelmeehan.com

 

April 2023 - Guest Speaker

Paige McGrouther with Knuckles - Assistance Dogs Australia

 

 

Paige McGrouther, Puppy Educator Supervisor, Assistance Dogs Australia and her friend Knuckles. 

 Assistance dogs are trained in 30 – 40 skills to assist people living with mental and physical disabilities. This programme is not government funded and so relies on donations and volunteers as there is no cost to the person who receives the trained dog. There are opportunities for volunteers to become involved either full time or part time.

March 2023 - Guest Speaker

Dean Towers - Elossa Fitness

 

Elossa Fitness located in Corrimal focusses on functional fitness and muscle strength to improve quality of life for 60+ age group. Health guidelines recommend a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity and two strength sessions weekly to improve the risk of falls.

February 2023 - Guest Speaker

Richie Cotton - Author and actor

 

Richie gave away a career as a butcher to become an actor and writer of children’s books and his books are available to buy online if anyone was not at the meeting.

December 2022 - Guest Speaker

Keiran Tapsell - retired civil lawyer and author

  

Keiran Tapsell – The Tale of Two Shipwrecks.

Keiran gave an interesting talk to the members on the Wreck of the Sydney Cove at Ninety Mile beach in Victoria in 1797 and the Wreck of the Barque Stefano in WA in 1875, the common thread being that survivors of these wrecks were assisted by the  Indigenous population. Five British and 12 Bengali seamen from the Sydney Cove swam ashore after their longboat was ripped apart in a storm. They set out to walk 700kms to Sydney — but only three of the men arrived. All seamen perished from the Stefano except for two 16yo boys. Another very enjoyable talk.

November 2022 - Guest Speaker

Mark Matthews - ABC local radio presenter

  

Mark is a well known local identity, musician and a presenter on ABC local radio amongst other things. Mark kept the meeting entertained with both his stories and some of the music he has composed. Mark is also loves history and has done research on his family tree that dates back to the First Fleet. It was interesting talking to Mark over lunch after the meeting, he has so many stories to tell and it turns out we both have descended from females who were transported to Australia on the Lady Juliana. Mark has offered to come back next year and to give a historical talk that he has done for other clubs, Iimagine it would be both interesting and entertaining.

October 2022 - Guest Speaker

Stuart Creal - UOW Science and Space Center

  

Stuart told us a bit about himself and his introduction and involvement in a similar project back in the UK, then spoke about the starting up of the first centre at Wollongong in the old migrant accommodation buildings. It was great to hear how they have progressed and have one of the best equipped centres in Australia and also about their plans for continued expansion in the future. It was also great to hear about the project scheduled to start next year that includes an aged living complex and research centre linked up with the UOW Graduate School of Medicine. Stuart has invited the Club to attend as a group or individually and see what the Centre currently has to offer, especially if you have never been before.

September 2022 - Guest Speaker

Trent Jansen - Electrify 2515

  

Trent Jansen gave a very interesting and informative talk on the proposed Electrifying 2515 Project. Trent who lives locally and works at UOW is part of a group brought together by Saul Griffith to instigate this project. It is a great innovative concept that has been well received in the 2515 area, the initial target was 500 households which was achieved in less than 48 hours and is now heading towards 2,000 expressions of interest.

August 2022 - Guest Speaker

Olivia Southall from Kells Lawyers Thirroul

  

Our Guest Speaker at The August meeting was Olivia Southall from Kells Lawyers who spoke to us about 'Powers of Attorney' and 'Enduring Guardians'. Olivia explained the importance of having these appointed and the importance of selecting the right person or persons for these roles and the responsibility of both roles. As Olivia explained, it is good to have these done because we do not know if and when the need may arise. Again I would just like to thank Olivia and Kells for making the time to come and speak to us.

July 2022 - Guest Speaker

Olivia Southall and Jessica Ryan from Kells Lawyers Thirroul

  

Our guest speaker for July meeting was Olivia Southall assisted by Jessica Ryan from Kells Lawyers Thirroul who spoke to the meeting about Wills and Estate Planning. It was good to see that most members at the meeting had at least a will in place although some may be out of date or not up to date with their current situation.

June 2022 - Guest Speaker

Keiran Tapsell - retired civil lawyer and author

  

Our Guest Speaker at the June meeting was Kieran Tapsell who gave a very interesting and eye opening talk on indigenous life in the Illawarra before and after white man settlement. I think it surprised quite a few members to hear of the massacres and treatment of aboriginal people that actually took place in this area. Kieran has led a very interesting life and is involved in Community and Bushcare work, I would like to get him back next year to speak to us about other topics.

May 2022 - Guest Speaker

Penny Hoswell from Wollongong City Council

  

Penny gave a very informative and interesting talk on all things composting. We should all be experts, now, in creating an energy rich compost from our food scraps,newspapers, grass, prunings, manures and weeds.

 

April 2022 - Guest Speaker

Tania Elston and Anna Scott - Remondis

  

Tania Elston and Anna Scott from Remondis Wollongong gave a very informative and interesting talk on our waste management bins. It was great to hear that so much is now being recycled, especially with the FOGO system. Tanya and Anna answered many questions and clarified some items that people were unsure of eg; pizza boxes and takeaway containers.

 

March 2022 - Guest Speaker

Tania Reay - Stroke Foundation

  

Stroke survivor, Tania Reay, talked about the StrokeSafe Program and the work of the Stroke Foundation.

 

February 2022 - Guest Speaker

Leanne Cummins and Alyce Mason - WIRES

  

The guest speakers were Alyce Mason and Leanne Cummins from WIRES (Australian Wildlife Rescue Organisation).

Alyce and Leanne spoke about the work done by WIRES and its volunteers. WIRES has been rescuing and caring for wildlife for 35 years and is the largest wildlife rescue organisation in Australia. WIRES has over 3000 volunteers, 28 branches and a dedicated Rescue Office that operates 24/7  hours, and 365 days a year assisting the community to help native animals in distress. 

 

December 2021 - Guest Speaker

Audrey Walsh - Illawarra Cancer Carers Inc.

  

Audrey Walsh gave a very informative presentation on all the services provided by the trained volunteers, who work in conjunction with the medical staff of the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District.

 

June 2021 - Guest Speaker

Doug Philpott - HARS (Historical Aviation Restoration Society)

  

Doug talked about the establishment in 1979 of HARS and the Aircraft museum at Albion Park airport, the various aircraft  kept at the museum which have been restored and the dedication of the volunteers who give their time to the restoration of the aircraft.

 

May 2021 - Guest Speaker

Brendan Dowd and Steven House - Resin Brewery, Bulli

  

Our guest speakers for May were Brendan Dowd and Steven House, owners of Resin Brewing in Bulli. Brendan and Steve's partnership resulted from originally meeting when surfing, then later  at Wollongong University and working together as environmental consultants. 

 

April 2021 - Guest Speaker

Murray Jones - Thirroul Village Committee (TVC)

  

Murray Jones, representing Thirroul Village Committee (TVC), gave a talk about the background of TVC, the projects in which it has been involved in the past and also currently.

 

March 2021 - Guest Speaker

Sharon Gissane - Northern Illawarra Neighbourhood Aid (NINA)

  

Sharon Gissane, Manager at Northern Illawarra Neighbour Aid (NINA)

Northern Illawarra Neighbour Aid (NINA) is a locally based community organisation that supports seniors to remain independent in their own home by providing social support activities, meals on wheels and transport support. 

 

February 2021 - Guest Speaker

Robert Pinchin - Dementia Advisory Service Illawarra

  

Our quest speaker Robert Pinccin from Dementia Advisory Servive Illawarra.

Gave a very informative talk and answered many member questions from the floor.

 

January 2021 - Guest Speaker

Jenny Briscoe-Hough - Tender Funerals

  

Jenny is the General Manager of, and driving force behind, Our Community Project and Tender Funerals.

Tender Funerals is a community-based funeral service offering a caring, compassionate and highly personalised approach to after death care, funeral/celebration arrangements and burial/ cremation options.

 

 

December 2020 - Guest Speaker

Wayne Malone - Club Thirroul

  

We were very fortunate to have Wayne Malone, from Club Thirroul, as our Guest Speaker, at the December meeting. Wayne gave a very insightful talk about Club Thirroul’s past, its past financial troubles and its future amalgamation with Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club. The amalgamation will result in future club upgrades, community engagement e.g. various sporting club grants and member benefits. The clubs future is looking bright.

March 2020 - Guest Speaker

Amy Wildmann - Wildmann Group

  

Amy has a degree from the University of Wollongong in Exercise Science. She has spent numerous years in the United Kingdom developing Exercise Rehabilitation programs for the National Health Service for Chronic disease and musculoskeletal conditions. Her specialty is the Prevention of falls and injuries in Older People.

Since returning to Australia she has continued to utilise these skills, establishing the wildMANN group who specialise in ‘Maintaining Independence and Improving Lifestyles’ for our older population. Their ultimate goal is to keep older people living safely and independently in their own home, now and all the years to come. A Falls Prevention Clinic and Postural Stability Program have been established to provide a thorough individualised examination of falls risk factors and establish a personalised pathway, in order to prevent a fall and associated injuries from occurring. Their services not only focus on the individual, but also the maintenance of the environment in which they live.

February 2020 - Guest Speaker

Genevieve Swart & Marcus Craft - 2515 Coast Magazine

  

Guest speakers Genevieve Swart and Marcus Craft gave a very interesting insight into the beginnings of the 2515 Coast News and their work as editors of the magazine. Both Gen and Marcus are journalists by profession. The magazine was initially started as a project of interest when Gen was at home raising her children. The magazine started with a 2508 edition for the Helensburgh - Stanwell Park area replacing the local News sheet of a few pages. The 2515 Coast News followed with both editions being distributed from Helensburgh down to Bulli. Both Gen and Marcus  now work on the production and editing of the magazine, with Marcus also doing work for the website www.carsguide.com.au

January 2020 - Guest Speaker

Serena Mace - Travel Trade

Serina will talk on various aspects of how her travel company could arrange and conduct various tours, locally and internationally on our behalf.