Rotary Club of Bega

13/06/2026

A new Bega Rotary President has started her role with our Changeover dinner held on Thursday. Outgoing President Charlie Blomfield handed over to Colleen Rietschel for 2026-27. Colleen outlined her priorities for the coming year with a special emphasis on youth. The new Board was introduced and a new member was inducted as well. Mayor Russel Fitzpatrick addressed the members but formalities were kept to a minimum so that there was plenty of time for fellowship amongst the 39 members and guests attending.

13/05/2026

Another successful Rotary Youth Driver Awareness program, or RYDA, was held near Bega last week. The program, held over three days each year at Frogs Hollow near Bega, is supported by Bega Rotary and led by club member Eric Johnston, who has been organising the program for 20 years. The program has been running in Australia for 25 years.

Hundreds of secondary students from schools in the Bega Valley and Cooma-Monaro took part in the workshops that aim to empower young people to make good choices on the roads. Police, crash survivors, Fire and Rescue, and others gave talked about what it takes to be a safe driver. Practical on-road demonstrations showing how far a car travels after sudden braking often surprised the students.

01/05/2026

With much sadness we inform you that Paul Windle passed away earlier this week.
Paul would have turned 100yrs on 6 June.
Paul attended Bega Rotary's charter meeting in 1954 and joined Rotary later that year. He was then an active member from 1954 to 2024, then an Honorary member until his passing.
Paul was awarded an OAM for his service to the community through organisations including Rotary International, the Bega District Hospital Board and the Bega-Littleton Sister City program.
He was a Paul Harris Award recipient and participated in Rotary projects in Nepal and other countries. He had a tremendous wit and never missed the opportunity to have a good laugh. Paul will also be remembered for his "wild" driving on his 3-wheel scooter and later on his 4-wheel scooter (more stable) - heading down the main street for coffee and catch up with friends and acquaintances.
Paul is survived by Peter, James and daughter Helen.

21/03/2026

ANU Med Students - It was a busy week for Bega Rotary, helping to welcome and host medical students who are at various stages of their studies with the Australian National University. Rotary’s involvement comes from a desire to promote positive rural experiences for our future doctors in the hope they will spread the word and in the long-term help reduce our rural doctor shortage.
On Tuesday ten second year medical students were invited into a private home in Tathra for drinks and nibbles (including oysters of course!) then dinner at the Tathra Hotel.
These students are in a graduate program - having at least one other undergraduate degree and several already have a PhD in another discipline.
On Wednesday a fabulous and fun Bush Dance was held at the Kameruka Hall for about 40 students as well as medicos and other professionals new to the area - about 100 attendees in total – and Rotary provided a BBQ.
And on Thursday Rotary members encouraged a regular stream of locals to have a blood pressure screening in Bega Market Place to provide experience for 25 students.
We really hope the short term students have enjoyed their time and that the long-term students continue to have a rewarding experience in the Bega Valley.

18/03/2026

Vale Kerry McKee
It was with deep sadness we inform that Kerry McKee passed away on 13 March 2026.
Kerry's husband John (JD) is the longest active member of Bega Rotary, having joined 56 years ago. Kerry has always been a strong supporter of John over the years, often initiating projects and being heavily involved in Rotary club activities.
Kerry was a recipient of the Rotary Paul Harris recognition award and provided advice to Phil McDonald and Charlie Blomfield during their times as Presidents.
Kerry was actively involved in the Tathra community through the Chamber of Commerce, George Bass surf boat event and the fishing club and was a long-time active member of the Sapphire Coast Racing Club.
Kerry is survived by JD and sons Rick & John.
The funeral will be at Clavering Park, Wolumla 10am on Thursday 26 March
This will be followed by private graveside service. The Wake will follow at Tathra Surf Club.

09/03/2026

The Rotary Men’s Health Education Rural Van or 'MHERV' was at Bega Show this year, thanks to Bega Rotary. 86 people were tested over Saturday & Sunday and several gentlemen were encouraged to see a GP asap for more follow-up. We were fortunate to have six ANU Medical students assisting Nurse Kath over the 2 days. The free health checkups include blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels and while it’s focused on men, women are welcomed too.

26/02/2026

Bring your used phones in to the MHERV van too at the Bega Show and Rotary will send them on for refurbishment and distribution to Women’s Shelters and similar organisations through the DV Safe Phone program.
DV Safe Phone are working toward a future where domestic violence victims are empowered to live safe, connected lives through sustainable technology solutions. Since 2020 they have collected, repaired and distributed free mobile phones to domestic violence (DV) victims through their nationwide network of more than 500 agencies partners. Bega Rotary is proud to be supporting the DV Safe Phone program.

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25/02/2026

“Saving local lives” through free, 10-minute health checks, is the objective of the Rotary Men’s Health Education Rural Van (MHERV) and this year it will be at the Bega Show, thanks to the Rotary Club of Bega.
The free health checkups include blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels and while it’s focussed on men, women are welcomed too.
The service is offered in a relaxed, confidential and informal setting. A Registered Nurse conducts the tests and discusses any health concerns seated in the privacy of the van.
These health screenings have saved many lives and improved health outcomes for many men and women throughout NSW.
Bega Show, Sat 28 Feb & Sun 1 March 9.30 - 4.15.

08/02/2026

Our most recent Club Breakfast Meeting was well attended by 24 members and guests at the Bega Cheese Heritage Centre. Guests included the current ANU Medical student Rotary Peace scholars, Oscar & Lauren.
Our speaker was Bec Parkes, Director of Lantern Heritage which is a local company conducting work in Aboriginal and historical archaeology, geoarchaeology, landscape archaeology, artefact analysis and cultural heritage management across Australia as well as in the Bega Valley. As you can imagine Bec’s talk was very interesting and informative. We’re so fortunate at our meetings to be able to get to know people like Bec who are contributing in such interesting and valuable ways to our community.

02/02/2026

ANU medical students, including two Rotary Scholarship students, Oscar Power and Lauren Moloney, were welcomed at a morning tea last week. The students are on a long-term rural placement to the Bega Valley and the Rotary Club of Bega always takes an active role to help ensure they have a positive experience in their rural placement.
Bega Rotary President Charlie Blomfield and Incoming President Colleen Rietschel, as well as other members, attended the morning tea which was hosted by Rachel Patterson and John Watkin from the Bega Chamber’s Welcome Experience.