We made it safely to Kenya! Had a few local drinks and food, a swim and off to bed! Ready for Umoja the next morning!

Featured in the Numurkah Leader

CLUB CHANGEOVER

Our club's annual change over meeting was held last night at the Numurkah Golf & Bowls Club

Jeff Buzza was the jolly MC for the evening.

President Chris Hardham summarised her year at the helm and handed over the reins to incoming President Geoff Stewart.

Geoff's years' theme is ‘CREATE LASTING IMPACT’

JACK DUNCAN VOCATIONAL SERVICE AWARD

Presented to Abhi Sharma

Abhi and his wife Himani have put their business out there for the benefit of the community. Entering into the Numurkah only 12 months ago. As well as running a successful cafe they have embraced the various community activities that have happened around them.

Abhi initiated the free Father's Day BBQ outside his shop, partnering with Rotary, NAB and Meat on Melville.

He embraced the Say No to Domestic Violence event in November.

Abhi has supported various town events including Show Us Ya Wheels.

As a business community in Numurkah we are pleased to have Abhi and Himani involving themselves and supporting the things that make Numurkah what we are.

COL MCPHERSON COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD

Presented to Garry McNamara

Garry and his partner Rennie moved to Numurkah 6 years ago and become heavily involved in the Numurkah community after moving there. He became an active member of the Rotary Club of Numurkah initially where he has both spoken at meetings and participated in community events.  He “joined every community group in town”. 

His involvement connected with broader local projects such as community transport support for elderly residents through partnerships with local organisations including NCN Health.

President of the Numurkah RSL, including leading local Remembrance Day commemorations and encouraging volunteers to support the branch. He has represented the RSL at local commemorative events including: Anzac Day services, Remembrance Day ceremonies, School education visits about military history and National Service.

Garry also joined the Ukele Club where he uses his creative side to entertain. A well deserved recipient.

CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION

John Watson has retired from Rotary and along with his wife Linda were recognised for their service to the community over the years.

PAUL HARRIS FELLOW PRESENTATION

In a surprise for Rotarian Julie Andrew, she was awarded a Paul Harris Fellow for her commitment to the Numurkah Rotary Club.

GUEST SPEAKER - Rohan Sprunt

• Last one of the Sprunt clans (in my generation)
• Seventh child, born on the 7th day of the 7th month 1970
• Came to Numurkah for schooling from Nathalia
• Doug McKeown was a mentor
• Turned out to be an accountant as a trade
• Didn't learn about computers until yr 11
• Went to University in Bendigo, came home on weekends for football and the farm
• Worked behind the bar running glasses and doing ‘unqualified’ security work there
• Got a job at Darrly Twitt Motors - Mitsubishi
• Was a receptionist, salesman and accountant
• Living with Eva Golt - grandma
• Ended up doing the accounts for five franchises working toward Y2K
• Put in an Incentive Program to get reports early to make informed decisions
• Spent ten years with Darryl
• Finished in 2002, milking cows before work and Graeme was alone on the farm for mum
• Director of Genetics Australia and a Board Member of Jersey Australia
• Was a part of pulling together the states and creating Jersey Australia
• Last three years has been diagnosed with aggressive arthritis in hips and spine
• Found out my hip joints are the wrong shape which accounted for multiple hamstring injuries over the football career
• Found out he has the gene for early arthritis as does brother Graeme
• Farm was settled in 1874 by William Golt, fourth generation of farmers - Kaarimba
• Use to mark the trees with an axe so you could find your way home (heavily treed area)
• Last flood came from a direction never happened before
• Grazing, wheat, cattle and sheep originally
• Dad met mum at the old-time dance at Kaarimba
• Dairy cows were started in the 1960's, first Jersey registered in 1964
• Late 1970's dad got into showing cows
• Took a large team of milkers to Melbourne Show - a team of 25
• Rohan had photos of Melbourne Show in early 1980's
• If there was a show on, everyone went
• Brian Leslie went through all his data and found nearly two pages worth of accolades for the show cows
• There is no money in showing cows - after dad died, all the show cows got sold off to pay debts
• Oldest brother Peter found some of the old cows rearing calves on a NSW stock route and brought them home again
• When dad got sick, he told everyone he was sick (not what with) he passed away 7 months later
• No life insurance, debt on the farm
• Graeme was left at 18 yrs to run 1000-acre farm
• Last of the cows were then sold and the farm got leased out
• July 1984 Graeme and Rohan started milking cows again, leasing 400 acres off mum
• 1986 renovated the dairy to 12 bales
• Started looking at buying the farm off the family, and then bought everyone out
• July 2002 had recently gotten married, purchased another 80 acres off Peter
• In 2005 was in USA on holiday, Graeme rang and said about building a new dairy
• Got into the new dairy in May 2006
• 16 aside with rapid exit, readable tags, 130 cows
• Got 15% more milk
• New pivots onto farm to change from dryland to irrigation
• 2016 very wet year, purchased more cows and another block
• Milked up to 410 cows, believes are healthier if they can graze grass
• DPI worked out getting 15T/Ha of grass at their farm with lots of testing
• As of last week, we were named the second highest Jersey production farm
• The Jersey cow is 21% more efficient than a Holstein cow
• Went down the track of biodynamic fertiliser 15 yrs ago, which has improved soil health and increased dry matter per Ha
• We are the only farm in Australia that is a Master Breeder in Australia for Jersey and Holstein
• Genomic tested herd, which has proved itself
• Won a number of accolades in showing cows at IDW
• Recent sale had great results which IDW had built our profile
• Had four sales over their journey
• Rohan spoke about the great individual results of cows and bull semen sales
• Still have 350 young stock to join to a breeding program to come up for sale soon

INDUCTION TO BROKEN CREEK CONNECT

• Jamie & Gareth Adams joint owners of the Olde Creamery at Waaia
• Proposed by Camille Montgomery
• Welcome :)

GUEST SPEAKER - Patrick Kempton Finance Department of Moira Shire Council  

• Chartered Accountant for 50 years.
• Patrick’s Story
• Born 3 dec. 1946 born in Portland.   Attended Primary School in Portland, Secondary at Monivae college Hamilton, and St Patrick’s College Ballarat, finished Year 12 there.
• As an 18-year attended Corpus Christi College, Werribee a catholic Seminar, thinking He was called to be a celibate priest, but left after a couple of years.  Had an interest in Commerce.
• Started working in his father’s friend’s accounting office, learning about bookkeeping.
• Studied accounting by correspondence with Hemmingway Robertson & discovered he loved accounting. Correspondence wasn’t given him the necessary qualifications to be a chartered accountant so went to full time Study in Warrnambool at what is now Deakin University.
• Completed Diploma of Business Accounting 1971   
• Shortage of accountants at the time.  Next move was to work with PWC in Melbourne for 4 years.
• At that time, Tuesday 3^rd May met Maria, at Stella Maris Club in Little Collins Street, on her return from teaching in Sydney.
• 1978 a special year.    Married Maria in May, bought house in Mitcham & moved to Hamilton (Maria’s). Started with City of Hamilton as accountant & built new home.   He and Maria have 4 children 2 boy/2 girls
• Libby, Matthew, Paul & & Allisha   
• Needed to studied local government accounting & law, the water act and administrative law. Then advanced to deputy town Clerk
• 1994   moved to Glenelg Region Water Authorities   as Acting General Manager     1999 wrote a water report critical of the fee structure for customers which led to his termination.  Then unemployed for a period of time.
• In 1999 Encouraged to stand as candidate for state government as an Independent for the then seat of Portland. didn’t win thankfully
• Short term work then for Moyne Shire Council in Port Fairy, and with Moira Shire.  Also was appointed as a member of the Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority.
• Gained full time employment in 2003 with Moira shire as Manager of Financial Services, sold their Hamilton home and purchased a home
• Lived away for Maria for 12 months while she finished her employment contract with the Ballarat Diocese.
• Thankful for the generosity of   Bernie & Jenny Curtis for accommodating him when he was first working for Moira Shire part time.
• Retired in February 2013 after 10 years with Moira Shire
• Since retirement has completed a Graduate Diploma in Theological Study .  He and Maria also enjoyed a few trips overseas.
• Currently involved with St Joseph’s Catholic Parish Financial Committee, Numurkah Wunghnu  Cemetry Trust, volunteer at St Vincent DePaul, and NCN Internal Project Control Group of the Pioneer Lodge redevelopment.
• Maria   Patrick’s wife passed away on 12 Dec 2025 .
• Grief is individual put what seems to be common is the need for support.
• Interested in setting up support group if there is interest.

COMBINED SERVICES NIGHT

• The Lions Club of Numurkah hosted the annual dinner, President Neil Stuart welcomed members from RC Numurkah, SES, CFA and Scouts
• There was a good roll up of community volunteers on the night
• The night was made even more special with the surprise presentation made to Lion Roger Newman
• President Neil spoke about the history of Lions and the important award ‘Melvin Jones Fellow’
• An award presented to an outstanding Lion.
• Lindsay Mithchell presented Roger the badge and plaque in honour of his Community Service
• An Apexian
• Involvement in Public Speaking and debating
• Katunga Councillor
• Shire President
• Roger commended his father for his ‘community spirit’, he fondly remembered his dad chopping wood for the Legacy widows
• Roger thought he had been a Lion for about 35 yrs
• There have been 10 Lions from Numurkah presented the award with 5 current serving members holding the honour.

GUEST SPEAKER STEVE HOLMES

Mr Steve Holmes a well know local figure was the guest speaker for the evening.

Steve started his talk explaining the Holmes Family history

He then branched out into his colourful life, starting from him leaving school early (around 15)

Steve fondly remembered all his bosses from early life, keeping what they taught him all through life

They taught him work ethic, and whatever you give, you will get back

Commended Lou Hamon as his Scout Master - a real treasure!

Life philosophy - you only get out, what you put in

Steve said that it's not in the Holmes genes to retire, but keen for a bit more balance

Steve explained his extensive work/life experiences with great humour and candour

Final words were ‘towns don’t grow without service clubs and community involvement'

• 
• Doug & Melissa moved to Numurkah from Frankston South in June 2024
• Served in Special Air Service (SAS) in Perth
• Became a Commando Instructor after a back injury
• Doug described the Military terms and abbreviations used
• The British had the first SAS during WW2 in Egypt against the Germans
• Primarily formed for sabotage and quick action, ambush teams
• No maps built yet, using the stars to navigate
• The SAS motto is ‘Who Dares Wins’
• There were 11 SAS troops formed over the world
• The Australian SAS was raised in 1970
• Selected from any units in the ADF with a minimum of 18 months service
• Initial interview and fitness assessments
• 21-day selection course
• Ph1 - Duty of care and breakdown (fitness assessments and training)
• Ph2 - Endurance Navigation (day 1 x 60km, day 2 x 30km, 2.2km/h aim)
• Ph3 - Exercise lucky dip (24hr reconnaissance mission that lasted 4 days)
• No feedback, no reassurances, no corrections
• 10-20% pass rate
• Then a further 9 months of training in demolition, weapons, survival, photography, medics, patrol and signaler
• Went on to further specialised courses in driving, tactics, SCUBA diver etc

• Doug's Time
• Joined in October 1979
• In May 1983 joined SASR selection course
• Post in May 1984
• In May 1987 joined Counter Terrorism
• Posted to Malaysia in 1994
• Learned Indonesian and Timorise and worked as an interpreter
• in 1995 in Philippines with SEALS and Delta
• Langs in 1996 and 1998
• Mission was to rescue hostages not to kill terrorists
• Started as a Trooper and worked way up to Warrant Officer Class 2 (WO2)

SOCIAL BOWLING NIGHT

• Hazel Boscetti attended the night to support us

• Running for 38 years for Les Lawrence (Hazel's husband)

  Linda thanked all the cooks and those who supplied food and desserts

  A big thank you to Terry for organising the night and Kay for keeping us hydrated

  Pam Smith and team won the night (no cheating applied)