Gosford Rotary is the oldest Rotary Club on the Central Coast of NSW and for more than 75 years, the club has served the region, and contributed to local organisations
 
​It has instigated projects such as Pioneer Park at Point Frederick, Bradys Gully Park at North Gosford and the memorial steps and fountain near the Gosford waterfront. It also built and subsequently refurbished Rotary Lodge at Gosford Hospital.           It has refurbished picnic tables at the Gosford waterfront and provided new ones at Pioneer Park.
 
The Rotary Club of Gosford meets every Thursday at 6pm at the Gosford Golf Club. If you'd like to attend, please contact us.  You will be most welcome.
Postal Address PO Box472,Gosford,2250,NSW,Australia
 
 
Gosford Rotary raises $3500+ for the Gosford SES
It was a full Phillip House at Kariong that saw 17 tables of contestants raise funds, have fun and answer lots of trivial questions.        With multiple sponsors we had prizes ranging from full gas bottles to $300 of chicken products or even a bottle of French cognac.
    When the dust settles it looks as though we have raised about $3500+ for the Gosford SES, and more importantly had the chance to say thank you to their teams of volunteers for their commitment and time spent.
We ask a lot of our volunteers and Gosford Rotary is proud to have supported the SES and the RFS over the years.
Gosford Rotary gives $10,000 to the Smith Family
Most charities start with a wish to improve the lives of others.                 That's true of the Smith Family and it's certainly one of our objectives at Gosford Rotary.            Where the Smith Family is a little different is that it tries to improve the lives of children before they have taken a turn for the worse.            Their thinking is that if a child is happy going to school then the child will be a better student and end up with a better outcome.       It's called "Learning for Life".
       A better outcome from school means a better chance of a successful working life....it sounds simple doesn't it but when you are a little tacker from an under priveliged backround you are going to be sensitive about what you haven't got.
              Just a little sponsorship provides help with uniforms, excursions and school equipment and so many other things that encourage those same little tackers to feel part of the education system, not someone always on the outer.             
 
   Gosford Rotary absolutely agrees with this early intervention philosophy and that's why we donated $10,000 to the Smith Family.             The Smith Family supports more than 1000 students from 23 different schools on the Central Coast alone and we are proud to contribute to such a good cause.            " Learning for Life" is a program name that says it all.
 
      Again we thank the generous sponsors of our RAZZAMATAZZ event.        The good thing you did goes on !
 
 
RAZZAMATAZZ  2022
Once again RAZZAMATAZZ comes to the Central Coast.            A special day of magic and interactive audience performance that never disappoints hundreds of children.        With generous sponsorship from thousands of coast companies and individuals the show is provided for children and young families who would not normally be able to enjoy such a fun show.
      A HUGE thank you to all our sponsors.
Check out our photo album Razzamatazz 2022 for some amazing photos
Science and Engineering Challenge 2022
Star Scientific, The NSW Office of the Chief Scientist, The Combined Rotary Clubs of the Central Coast and St Edwards College have pooled their considerable resources to once again present the Science and Engineering Challenge.                   For the 21st time this event, which started right here on the Central Coast, will see more than 400 year 10 and 9 students strive to best construct working models given minimal resources.
Challenges range from a bionic hand to supplying electricity to the grid and from a moon buggy to a set of coded messages, all designed to stimulate their interest in STEM subjects before those all important choices to be made in year 11.
       With a proven record of success the S&E now travels right around the nation, every state and every territory, more than 22,000 students give it a go every year.
Funding comes from Star Scientific, the green hydrogen company right here on the coast, the Office of the Chief Scientist is a keen supporter while the combined Rotary clubs of the Central Coast provide the bulk of the volunteers.       St Edwards College, East Gosford  provides it's magnificent hall to house the Challenge and it is a major contribution to the Coast Community.
           Thank you to Star Scientific, the Chief Scientist , St Edwards College and of course to all those Rotary volunteers
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Afghanistan 1,2 and 3
Following his incredibly informative and topical presentation on the Ukraine Master Presenter Brett Torey presents every thing you want to know about Afghanistan..
        Over a 3 week presentation Brett will first discuss the history and geography of this amazing country, how it continues to make it's own way as it has done for centuries.
 
       In his second week Brett looks at Afghanistan at war between 1979 and 2001.      The tactics and strengths that enabled it to drive the USSR back over the Hundu Kush mountains,
no small task considering the size and power of the old USSR compared to todays much smaller, yet still powerful Russian military.
 
    Finally in the 3rd week Brett will analyse Afghanistan at war since 2001, when it has resisted the USA and so many of it's allies.       Truly an astonishing country, but now maybe it faces its
greatest challenge from within.
 
     Brett Torey has entertained us with so many informative power point presentations and Gosford Rotary can hardly wait for this blockbuster.      You and maybe your club or friends are 
very welcome to join us for 1, 2 or all 3 power point presntations.       Just contact this web site to coordinate seating and catering, if required.
 
 
Read more...
Ukraine - the big picture
What is it about the Ukraine that has so motivated Russian President Putin that he has declared war and invaded his neighbouring country.
        Is it greed for it's assets?        Is it fear of having a NATO affiliate on his doorstep?       Is it a wish to assert Russia as an even more powerful world player?
 
       Could it be that he has simply been in power so long that megalomania has taken root?       
 
On March 31 Gosford Rotarian Brett Torey offers his analysis in what is certain to be another well researched and presented topic.
 
   Don't miss out.     Visitors welcome.     Contact this web site for catering if you would like to attend.
Angel Flight Cleared for Approach
Angel Flight provides free transport for medical and humanitarian purposes.           It uses sophisticated aircraft and volunteer pilots.        How does it manage such a wonderful service at no cost to the end user?           Come along and find out when one of their pilots is our guest speaker on Feb 17, 2022.
          All welcome, contact us for catering purposes, RSVP Feb10
 
Star Scientific and Rotary
Star Scientific and Rotary joined forces to present the 2021 Science and Engineering Challenge.                Held for the 20th time in 21 years it was a great success and this time with a significant change.
            Back in 2000 it was held for the first time, with only Gosford Rotary providing funds and volunteers and the Uni of Newcastle developing the challenges.
Now it has grown to every state and territory.          Over 22000 students participated in 2019, before Covid struck our country and the world.
           This year we reduced our event to just 1 day, we enjoyed volunteers from 7 different Central Coast rotary clubs, 5 independent volunteers and in a first we had staff members from 2 different Australian companies.
Star Scientific provided 4 staff members and contributed financially to the costs while Atlassian, an Australian multinational success story also provided 3 staff members.            This sort of company involvement in community events is a new development in our experience and is very much appreciated.
           Of course it would be most unfair to not acknowledge our regular grant received now for many years from the NSW Office of the Chief Scientist and Engineer and of course St Edwards College which not only provided their hall free of charge but also provided morning tea and lunch to our volunteers.
            Students were very engaged from the beginning with teamwork, inventiveness and persistance evident throughout, causing volunteers to uniformly comment on their excellent behaviour and what a pleasure it was to be part of such an event.                 We are confident this will translate to increased enrolment in STEM subjects in years 11 and 12.
            This year's winner was Gosford High School, narrowly from St Edwards College but with all schools enjoying high points in the 8 different challenges.
Prizes were presented by Liesl Tesch, the State Member for Gosford.           Liesl spoke to students on the future opportunities in STEM careers and emphasized to the girls how these disciplines are completely free of gender bias.
             It is hoped in 2022 to return to a 2 day event.
 
Razzamatazz 2021
2021 Childrens Festival...............Razzamatazz
This will be the 21st consecutive childrens festival and the Rotary Club of Gosford gives a huge THANK YOU to to all of the Central Coast businesses that have supported the event over all these years.
           Over $500,000 has been raised to provide support for many local causes like Lifeline, a car for the Shirley Shuttle, a car to provide driver training for local disadvantaged young persons and many more.
This year the funds will go to the Kariong Scout Camp to pay for property works at the site.         These include a new pump shed, fresh water tank,food preparation area and to replace rotting floor boards in the main hall.        This will allow many scouting groups to continue to use the site in a beneficial and safe manner for many more years.
           Already the Razzamatazz show has been live streamed for many local children and families to watch...........but.........in breaking news
          RAZZAMATAZZA IS BREAKING THE COVID SHACKLES AND GOING LIVE ON AUGUST 15
once again at Niagara Park, with real live entertainers and magicians for the fun and enjoyment of the many children and their families with tickets provided free of charge by the Rotary Club of Gosford
Read more...
Supporting the youth of the Central Coast
                    In just a couple of activities in support of the younger persons on our coast we have cancelled our meeting of May 20 in favour of supporting the "Youth In Performing Art".            The whole club will go to the Laycock St Theatre for a concert put on by the very well organised YIPA movement.                   The Central Coast has produced and is now home to many of the stars of Australian music and stage and we continue to support them whenever possible.
 
           But wait, there's more............on June 17 we organise the 20th Science and Engineering Challenge.       With the University of Newcastle we started this event 21 years ago, to stimulate students towards studies in STEM subjects.        Now its an Australia wide event and we combine with all the Central Coast Rotary Clubs to continue its success.       Thank you to all those participating clubs and watch this space for more details.
A Long List of Projects and Activities
This Rotary year is just steaming along with projects and activities........so much to do, so little time.
                 Coming up at the end of April is our on line Razzmatazz concert for people who might not usually go to a show as good as this.                  Thanks to our legion of supporters who every year pick up the bill and MAKE it POSSIBLE..
              The great news going forward is with Covid on the run we expect to return to areal live show sometime around August.        Watch this space for an update.
        The proceeds from last year's show were spent wisely when we purchased a new car for Coast Shelter.               This car will be used solely for the purpose of assisting young people to gain a drivers licence.            At last count more than 20 young persons have progressed to their P plates and with transport several have been able to find employment and a home.
       Bob Thomas, Past President said " Gosford Rotary understands that everyone on the Central Coast needs a licence.                  Young people need a licence for employment, education and freedom.      Having a licence can change your life".    And for a growing number of young people it has, thanks to those generous supporters.
 
 
 
Read more...
Vincent; A little bloke from the Solomon Is who needs our help..........whoops......that should read needed our help
Vincent is a remarkably happy little fellow but his start in life has been difficult to say the least.          Born in May, 2019 his stomach was initially outside his body and so was blocked from his oesophagus.....without medical assistance the future was bleak indeed.   In July 2019 his case was adopted by ROMAC....Rotary Oceanic Medical Aid for Children....and so began a long and bumpy road to recovery
A long flight from hot Honiara, via Brisbane, saw Vincent and his Mum Cosinta arrive in a chilly Canberra, with rotarians assisting through port transfers, providing cold weather clothing and a neonatal ambulance to the Canberra Hospital.
Seven moths later, ater untold medical procedures with assistance donated from surgeons, Ronald McDonald House, Canberra Hospital and untold personal commitment from Canberra based rotarians, Vincent is finally able to take begin the new experience of learning to eat.
Its an amazing story and Gosford Rotary is proud to have lent financial assistance to ROMAC.
Watch this space for updates to Vincent's progress.
 
UPDATE  April 10, 2020
All good news for Vincent--in the last 3 months Vincent has had a number of operations but all of a minor nature.             After the BIG one and a path was connected from his mouth to his tummy (now within his body) the great danger was his oesophagus might close over, blocking that vital path.           Each operation , called a dilatation test, has been successful.            Vincent just turned 11 months, weighs 7.3 kg and has started crawling and can stand.          In the midst of a global pandemic this is one story about which everyone can feel good.
Please see our photo albums to see Vincent
 
Another UPDATE April 27, 2020
Vincent's last dilatation examination, to check his little red lane remains clear, was all good.            He has his next dilatation on April 30, and he turns 1 whole year old on May 3..           He continues to put on weight and while eating foods with any bulk remains a problem, he is now not dependant on the drip feed tube to his tummy.                  We wish him well on April 30 and hope he can blow out his candle on May 3.            See our photo album for his latest picture, complete with his new teeth.
 
Yet another UPDATE May 18, 2020
 
          All good progress for Vincent.........and now he is a happy 1 year old.         See pictures in the photo album
 
THE FINAL AND HAPPIEST UPDATE October 25, 2020
         After his final successful medical procedure it was confirmed the Vincent's digestive tract was sufficiently robust to allow him to return to the Solomon Is.            It took a few weeks to coordinate flights....a difficult thing to do with National Covid protocols and reduced flight schedules..........but finally Vincent and his Mum Cosinta have returned home........after 15 months in Canberra.         All costs throughout have been met by home hosting rotarians and the medical fraternity at Canberra's hospital.
         It's a truly fantastic achievment and Gosford Rotary is proud to have played our small part.
To see pictures of the happy little bloke go to our photo album.
 
Read more...
Razzamatazz  2019
                             On April 17 Gosford Rotary will host its 19th consecutive Razzamatazz fundraiser.                 Last year an estimated 1000 young persons, many of whom came from families doing it tough, attended one of three variety shows.             Without exception they all really enjoyed a mixture of fun, magicians tricks and great audience participation.            We see no reason why they will not enjoy this years show just as much.
 
                              Gosford Rotary would like to take this opportunity to thank those many Central Coast businesses and individuals whose sponsorship makes this possible.
            The many beneficiaries of this fundraising in the past include Lifeline, Coast Shelter, the Shirley Shuttle and victims of domestic violence.
 
                              This year, in an exciting initiative, we are going to devote the majority of funds raised to breaking the cycle of  troubled young people making bad choices leading to a poor outcome.          We intend to donate a car in a highly regulated environment administered by Coast Shelter with the aim of providing those same young people with disciplined driver training.            It's not inexpensive to gain a driver's licence these days and for most of these young persons it would be unobtainable.             Without a driver's licence many employment opportunities do not exist and every day we see unlicenced or poorly trained drivers causing accidents.
 
                               We intend to start breaking that cycle!               If just one life is turned around it will be a great result.
 
 
Gosford Rotary goes to the movies
Gosford Rotary is going to the movies on Feb 21.            It's a fundraiser for the Rotary Club of Erina and we are very happy to lend our support.
            The movie is Stan and Ollie and it follows the partnership of one of the all time great comedy duos.            For just $25 you get the movie and a light supper.
All proceeds go to Erina's international projects in Tanzania and Afghanistan.
            Contact us for tickets.
 
The good and bad of legal documents-Stuart Tipple has seen the lot.
                Like all of life's experiences the more you see of them the more you know about them.
          There can be very few persons on the Central Coast with more experience in the field of estate planning, organising enduring guardianship and things of that nature than Stuart Tipple.
 
           For more than 40 years Stuart has been advising coasties how best to prepare their affairs for the future.            Its not too much of a stretch to say if Stuart doesn't know the best plan for you, no one does.
           A long time Central Coast resident Stuart has long been prominent in community events and has a well deserved reputation for the utmost integrity.........not something easily earned in today's rapidly changing world.
 
          Its certain Stuart will keep us well entertained with a few selected stories from his illustrious career.......will they be good....will they be bad?
 
          Come along and hear for yourself........all welcome, just contact us for catering arrangements.
Gosford Musical Society
Posted on Jan 10, 2019
Gosford Rotary has a long and enjoyable association with the Gosford Musical Society and on Jan 10, 2019 Darryl Davis will speak to our club about that association.
           Darryl is a long time stalwart of the GMS and has seen it grow from a very small beginning to the fabulous organisation it is today.
 
           There can be very few provincial cities in the nation blessed with such talent, and able to present shows of such quality so consistently.
 
          We look forward to Darryl's visit and to our continued association.                Visitors welcome as always.
Movies come to Gosford Rotary
                      Normally of course you"d have to go to a theatre to see the movies, but after our recent sponsorship of Gosfest, the movies are coming to us.
                      Gosfest was a short film festival organised and presented by the students of Gosford High School and as a result of our sponsorship those same students are bringing the best of the entries to us for a private viewing.
                      Not really private though because Gosford Rotary welcomes visitors at any time.          Just let us know you're coming for catering requirements.
Trivia night at the Breakers
            Gosford Rotary has cancelled its regular meeting in favour of a trivia night at the Breakers Country Club, raising funds for drought relief.
 
Gosford Rotary knows a lot of trivial stuff and we intend to prove it.               If you think you know lots of trivial stuff too contact this web site to join one of our winning combinations.
 
             Qu 1.            Is this the worst drought in NSW history?
              Qu 2.          Do you want to lend a hand and have a fun night at the same time?
 
 
The Science and Engineering Challenge 2018
                  For 2 full on days Gosford Rotary has combined with the University of Newcastle and nearly every other rotary club on the Central Coast to stage the Science and Engineering Challenge 2018.            More than 400 of the best year 9 and 10 students on the coast pitted their problem solving and innovative skills to construct solutions to engineering problems.                   And they had lots of fun at the same time !
           Problems ranging from connecting electricity grids to constructing bionic hands and from encoding fibre optic signals to building a Mars buggy chassis were no problem for our scientists and engineers of tomorrow.
 
           In a bid to encourage more enrolment in STEM subjects the University of Newcastle has combined with 11 of the 14 rotary clubs on the Central Coast to design and present an incredible variety of challenges, sometimes using  really simple components, and the results are there for all to see.
 
            From a very small beginning right here in Gosford 18 years ago this is now a national event travelling to every state and territory.       More than 550,000 students have "done the challenge" and every year another 22000 add to that number.                   
 
                   Gosford Rotary is very proud to have started such an event and we are very grateful to the other rotary clubs on the coast without whose support we simply could not manage.                 We are also priveliged to be given free use of the mighty St Edwards College Hall with undertakings to continue to the foreseeable future.
                     More than 40% of enrolled university physics students in Newcastle report being motivated by "the challenge".
 
                       Please see the event photos on our photo album.
 
 
Razzamatazz 2018
                                          Razzamatazz 2018
Now in its 18th year this year's event brought joy to hundreds of special children and their families, giving them a much needed day out.               This year kids were treated to the RAZZAMATAZZ variety show, an entertaining mix of tricks, fun and magic, including a special appearance of iconic duo Marty and Emu.
              Made possible through the generosity of local businesses and individuals, a portion of the tickets sales has also gone to Zero to Hero, a local program that helps educate and empower our youth to cope and reach their full potential.
          David Boardman, treasurer and event organiser of the event said that this had been a standout year in another one of Gosford Rotary's standout annual events.
 
          "This is an initiative very close to our hearts.    We know how much these families go through and that  they are often time poor, sometimes their children don't get to go out a lot.          We host this event so they can enjoy a free day of fun for the whole family and bring a smile to their faces"  he said.
 
           "The support and generosity of locals and local businesses makes a huge difference to the lives of these children, while helping to raise funds for important initiative that support the commmunity."
 
              A record 1600 children and families enjoyed the fun and games  this year over the 3 shows held.
 
 
The Battle of Villers-Brettoneux
          The Battle of Villers-Bretonneux
On April 26 The Rotary Club of Gosford will commemorate the passing of 100 years since the Battle of Villers-Bretonneux.
          The evening will begin with a 2 course dinner before proceeding to the main event...........the history of this important battle.
This was to be the first time a major battle was led by an Australian, General John Monash.          It proved to be a turning point in what  had previously been an intractable struggle in a horrible war.             In what we plan to be a tasteful presentation there will be not only the history of the battle but also pictures of the devestation.
           It is well known that the French Nation has not forgotten Australia's contribution and we are greatly honoured the the French Consul General and the French Ambassador will be attending.    The Australian Government will be represented by MHR Lucy Wicks.
 
        While still available tickets can be purchased at only $30pp by contacting President Jim Katrikilis on 0414 777 748
 
The African story with a surprise ending
                         Feb 22
         Barry Henwood reviews a club project which ran for several years in Africa and which kept morphing from one endeavour to another and had an ending no-one could foresee.
Great Thunderstorms of NSW
               After a distinguished career in meteorology Dick Whitaker became the face of Sky News Weather..........for once giving the viewer a weather report from an actual meteorologist.
Now a resident of the Central Coast Dick is going to describe and show some of the most dramatic weather events seen in NSW.
              The power of nature through the eyes of an expert............an event not to be missed.
Join us on feb 15, visitors welcome.
We go to the movies
               Feb 1
      Gosford Rotary takes a night off and goes to the movies, in support of Erina Rotary's fund-raising movie night.
At the fabulous Avoca Beach Picture Theatre we see the first release of "The Phantom Thread".
           We have a good night out and support a great project at the same time.
Legacy  
                   December 14
          Rick Cranna has been a leading figure in managing the resources of Legacy for the past 50 years.            Its an extraordinary period of service and no-one could be better qualified to speak on Australia's most highly regarded charity.       
As members of this club know full well, raising funds for charities is not always easy...........unless its for Legacy.              Legacy has that impeccable record of good management and the entire community knows support for it is the right thing to do.
            We know its a good cause but how many of us know that Legacy distributes its funds not only to financial support but to quality of life enhancement, scholarships and many other worthy causes.
 
             Military service to our country is a debt which can never be repaid.........that's why Legacy is Australia's most highly regarded charity.         Come along and hear Rick talk about the various areas of Legacy support.
 
 
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Postal Address
The Postal Address of the Rotary Club of Gosford is
 
                                                          Rotary Club of Gosford 
                                                          PO Box472,
                                                          Gosford,        2250
                                                          NSW
                                                          Australia