Heritage Walk

18 February 2015

Those coming to the popular Back to Woopi Weekend, happening on 7-8 March, will have the opportunity to buy a copy of the special anniversary edition of Neil Yeates’ iconic local history, “Woolgoolga: History of a Village”.  All 370 copies of the 2013 edition had sold out, but Woolgoolga Rotary is doing a new print run in time for the event, and the book will be available for $30 at both the 7 March dinner at Woolgoolga C.ex Bowling Club (note this venue change), and the breakfast BBQ at Woolgoolga Surf Club.  Out of towners can avoid the cost of postage & packing for the hefty volume – nearly 50% of the book cost.

This 2013 edition is more than simply a reprint of the third edition (which sold out in 1996 and was then as rare as hens’ teeth as families hung on to their treasured copies). It has 20 new pages, including 4 full-colour plates; 304 pages in all. The book is full of historical photographs, most of which can be seen nowhere else (even on the Woolgoolga Heritage Walk panels, which are also reproduced in the book). The new 20-page section presents the recent findings on four significant topics, along with photos and maps.

100% of the profits from sales of the new edition are being allocated by Rotary to valued community projects.  For more information, please contact David Fayle: 6654 7700 or df@bioaccent.com.au.

The late Neil Yeates wrote “Woolgoolga: the History of a Village” for residents, both longstanding and recent, as well as for students and visitors interested in learning about the history and culture of the place they are in.

The importance of this book should not be underestimated. It was a colossal achievement, and few can fully appreciate the meticulous research that went into it.

The new edition was launched to commemorate the opening of the Woolgoolga Heritage Walk, and to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the gazettal of Woolgoolga as a village, and the 25^th anniversary of the Rotary Club of Woolgoolga

Media contact for this article:  David Fayle   0401 022 951

MEDIA RELEASE 29 OCTOBER 2014

Last Sunday’s helicopter golf ball drop was a resounding success, raising over $4,000 for Woolgoolga Rotary’s programs for our local young people.

Almost 1,000 golf balls were dropped from the helicopter towards the target with great precision.  The closest five numbered balls won fantastic prizes.

First was Helena Aldridge, who is looking forward to taking five friends on the houseboat of the Clarence for a weekend, courtesy of G2Y Houseboats.  When Helena bought the ticket at her Coffs Harbour Quilting and Needlework group, she had said “Don’t bother selling any others; I’ll win.”  And she did – but, amazingly, it was not the first time:  years ago, she had said the same thing when buying tickets to win a Pro Hart painting, which she did!

Second closest was Gillian Sward, who won a night’s accommodation at Novotel Coffs Harbour Pacific Bay Resort, plus two flights with Precision Helicopters over Coffs Harbour.  Gill was delighted, and added that it was bit ironic that she won the flights, having a fear of heights!

Third closest to the pin was John Finlay who scored a weekend at Big 4 Emerald Beach Holiday Park in a deluxe spa villa.  John had played in the Ambrose earlier in the day.  Fourth prize winner Rex Buckley won a family pass to Dolphin Marine Magic, Coffs Harbour, while 5th prize, a Precision helicopter flight over Coffs Harbour, went to Jane Wiebenga.

The Ambrose tournament winners also won prizes generously donated by sponsors.  The overall winner was Rod Mackenzie and team.  Runner up was Glenda Kennedy and team, who were also nearest the pin on the 4^th and 7^th holes. . Nearest to pin at the 9th hole was Col Cafferky and team.  Further prizes were won in a raffle run on the day.

Rotary is very grateful to the Woolgoolga Returned Services Golf Club, Safety Beach and to the sponsors, including those providing all the Ambrose and raffle prizes:  Woodsey’s Bicycle Shop, Woolgoolga Health Club, C.ex, Woolgoolga Jewellers, Woolworths, Park Avenue, Big W, Park Beach Plaza, United Service Station, Woolgoolga, Terry Perfrement, Woolgoolga Returned Services Golf Club, Safety Beach, Allan Casey, Fishermans’ Co-Operative, Coffs Harbour, Woolgoolga Post Office, nab Woolgoolga, Amcal Pharmacy, Woopi Doo, Woolgoolga Quality Meat Mart, NRMA, Emerald Beach Pizza and Pasta, Rustic Mezedes, Buds Nursery. (Apologies to last 3 omitted from Advertiser article.).

As customers and clients, we love it when a staff member goes above and beyond to provide us excellent service.  Too often though, that personal pride in doing a job really well goes unrecognised, so it is with great pleasure that Woolgoolga Rotary has awarded three locals the prestigious “Pride in Work” Award.

Julie Potts [right] was recognised for her outstanding effort both in business and volunteer work. Her successful Australia Post mail contract business supports 7 workers, and for 16 years has delivered mail to hundreds of addresses no matter what, maintaining a gruelling work regime.  Her fundraising work over many years is exemplary, and in fact her ideas and initiatives have at times been copied. Beneficiaries include the Surf Life Saving Club, the Cancer Cause, various disaster appeals, and the Woolgoolga Public School.

Joyce Mifsud’s [left] wonderful rapport with her customers at Envy Hair & Beauty Centre is coupled with her skill and knowledge, and her adaptation to changes in technology and processes in the beauty industry. A trusted member of staff, Joyce is described as “an advertisement for her workplace and her occupation.”

Byron Henry’s devotion to both his workplaces, Madness Surfboards and the Woolgoolga Swimming Pool, is legendary. The award recognises his great qualities including customer relations, work ethic, innovativeness, “special energy”, trustworthiness and reliability, without a day off due to sickness in ten years.

The award evening at Woolgoolga Art Gallery included the launch of the associated Art of Work exhibition and announcement of prizewinners, and Paul Hunt gave the keynote address.  Thanks go to sponsors Rotary, Art Supply Emporium, Costa Exchange, Two Tails Wines and Woolgoolga Art Group.