The Rotary Club of West Pennant Hills and Cherrybrook is running its Trees of Joy campaign again this year, aiming to deliver more than 1,000 Christmas gifts. Shoppers choose a gift from a bauble bearing a person's story and wish, then return it to a drop-off point. The club works with more than 10 local charities to reach children and adults who may otherwise go without. Trees are at four shopping centres in Cherrybrook, Westleigh, Pennant Hills and Thornleigh from 2 November until 10 December. Rotary asks people to return gifts early to ease distribution.
More than 120 cars and bikes will be on display at the Coffs Motor Show at Park Beach Plaza carpark on Sunday 25 October. Organised by Coffs City Rotary, the event raises money for the group's local projects. Organisers describe it as their biggest yet, with some vehicles travelling from Sydney and Brisbane. A hand-crafted replica Batmobile and a special appearance from Batman are among the highlights. The show is undercover, opens at 10am, and charges $5 wristband entry, with children under 10 free.
The Rotary Club of Laurieton has donated $1000 to Shelterbox Australia and $1000 to the Rotary Club of Dhulikhel after floods and landslides devastated Nepal. Club president Caroline Hall said shelter items such as family tents, tarpaulins and water filters help people survive and rebuild. The club raises funds through twice-yearly book sales, and coordinator Philip Town said donated quality books are being sought for the next sale in January.
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Four authors will speak at the inaugural Murrumburrah-Harden Writers' Festival on Saturday 28 November at the historic Barnes Store in Murrumburrah. Organised by the Rotary Club of Murrumburrah-Harden, the event features crime writer Chris Hammer, fantasy writer Juliet Lautenbach, journalist Gabrielle Chan and memoirist Macy Henderson. Each author will take part in a casual conversation of about an hour, followed by audience questions. Tickets cost $50, plus booking fees, and about a third had sold, with places limited to 60 people.
The Rotary Club of Gosford's Charity Vintage Fair at Point Clare raised $3,000. The two-day event was held over the October long weekend at the Scout hall.
A Rotary men's health van is returning to the Coffs Coast with free checks at four stops. It will visit Woolgoolga's Surf Club car park on 26 and 27 October, Sawtell on First Avenue on 28 and 29 October, and Coffs Harbour's Bunnings on Cooks Drive on 30 and 31 October. Dorrigo follows on 2 November. A registered nurse runs the mini consulting room, testing blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol. The program targets men, though everyone is welcome. Local Rotary clubs fund the tours through community barbecues. The van opens daily from 9.30am to 4.15pm.
