Club Information
Welcome to the Rotary Club of Numurkah website. Here you will be able to learn more about our dynamic Rotary Club.
Numurkah

Service Above Self

We meet In Person
Mondays at 6:30 PM
Numurkah Golf & Bowls Club
Tunnock Road
Numurkah, VIC 3636
Australia
District Site
Bulletins
Venue Map
Lily Harrison guest speaker
 

Lilly Harrison with Link, spoke to the club about assistant animals.

Assistance Dogs are trained to help their human who is living with a disability. They respond to needs that are specific to their human’s disability by using their advanced skills. This allows their human to engage in activities that may otherwise have been too difficult or challenging.

Dogs help with depression, anxiety, mental health, PTSD, physical disability.

These dogs carry over all the benefits of a loving pet and, with their added training, are able to provide this support both at home, and out in public spaces.

Public need to understand when a dog has a vest on, it is invisible and not to be distracted or patted.

Dogs can be any breed with the right temperament.

Lily undertook 40 hours training with Link which involved basic obedience, ability to cope with traffic and crowds then class training, learning how to interact with handler and their needs.

Legally a medical device but to handlers a member of the family.

 
 
Combined Services Dinner
 

Mark Nordbye, Royal Flying Doctor Service coordinator spoke to the Combined Services Dinner, hosted by the Numurkah Lions Club.

 The Royal Flying Doctor Service is one of the largest and most comprehensive aeromedical organisations globally, providing extensive primary health care and 24-hour emergency service to people who live, work, and travel across the 7.69 million square kilometers of Australia.

Patient transport service was launched in Numurkah in October, following launches in Heathcote then Rochester, and currently developing eight sites.

Mark Nordbye, Community Transport Coordinator, advised the service has 270 registered clients in Numurkah and has conducted 660 transports.

The service is free to clients over 65 years with a Pension or Health Card, transporting clients to medical appointments in a 100km radius. The service enables clients to keep their independence and remain in their homes for as long as they are able.

Staffed by volunteer drivers, the service started with 4 and now has 12 with two SUV cars and a bus.

Service expanding to Cobram.

 
 
 
Michelle "Squish" Davis guest seaker
 
As the scheduled guest speaker cancelled, Squish, as chair for the meeting stepped in and challenged the club with a Sporcle Countries of the World Map Quiz.
Map of the world with 197 countries screened with the challenge to members to name as many countries as possible in 15 minutes.
 Geoff Holmes then Kate Hodge acting as scribe on the computer program.
The members were able to name 88 countries in the nominated time.
An enjoyable last minute fill in program.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Grant Power guest speaker
 
 
Grant Power spoke to the Rotary Club about his military service.
On enlisting, introduced to a new lifestyle, after a while begin to flow into routine, then introduced to bush life.
Chose infantry and became a cargo specialist responsible for forwarding equipment and supplies.
First deployment, on HMAS Tobruk, to Samoa for 3-4 months to assist with recovery after a tsunami. Local people positive in the rebuild.
On return sent to PNG for recovery after a volcano erupted, providing humanitarian aid.
On return to Darwin sent to Ashmore Reef to locate boat people and transfer them to Christmas Island. 
Return trip of two weeks turned into four with engine failure.
Posted as an instructor, putting through nine platoons, before posted to HMAS Adelaide and Pearl Harbour. On return left the military.
Experiences overseas open your eyes to how lucky we are to live in Australia.
 
 
 
Darcy Brennan guest speaker
 

Darcy Brennan, a former Numurkah resident, spoke to the Club.

Family moved to Numurkah in 1940 when aged 2 years. Father died in 1946 and family moved to Melbourne for 12 months before returning to Numurkah. Family home retained in Numurkah till 2017.

Darcy a pharmacist had interests in pharmacies in Numurkah, Shepparton and Melbourne.

Joined the Rotary Club of Footscray in 1986, serving in many roles and revised history of the club.

The Club established the Rotary Club of Footscray Community Trust—in conjunction with the James Flood Trust, funds were derived from the sale of collector’s item, motoring publications, with the annual interest donated to local charities and formation of Western Region Aged Care. With the sale of the facility the foundation has $6M invested with annual donations of $240,000 being made.

Darcy expressed his desire to see a foundation established in Numurkah, with the Rotary Club undertaking a leading role in establishing, administering and seeking donations.

Numurkah has many outstanding attractions such as steam engine, farm machinery display, POW Plantation and local hospital. The foundation could contribute to further amenities and attractions.

 

 
Phil Seager Antartic trip
 
Guest Speaker – Phil Seager with a photo presentation of his recent trip to Antarctica with Fiona on a cruise Aurora Expeditions via South Georgia & the Falkland Islands. This was Phil’s 3rd trip to Antarctica as he has always been fascinated by the continent that is the same size as Australia or USA.
 
 
 
Visit to David Hodge.

The Rotary Club visited David Hodge's vintage tractor collection.

David thanked the owners of the vintage cars for bringing their cars for display.

David spoke on his father's dedication to the Rotary Club of Numurkah over 46 years. Graham's priorities were family, farming and Rotary. Maintaining 100% attendance, Rotary was a great part of his life.

David then spoke of his tractor collection, detailing there history of the Lanz Bulldog tractor. The Lanz Bulldog was a series of tractors manufactured by Heinrich Lanz AG in Mannheim, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. Production started in 1921 with the Lanz HL, and various versions of the Bulldog were produced up to 1960, one of them being the Lanz Bulldog D 9506. John Deere purchased Lanz in 1956 and started using the name "John Deere Lanz" for the Lanz product line. A few years after the Bulldog was discontinued the Lanz name fell into disuse. The Lanz Bulldog was one of the most popular German tractors, with over 220,000 of them produced in its long production life. The name "Bulldog" is widely used in Germany as a synonym for tractors even today, especially in Bavaria.

David spoke on the history of the other tractors in his collection, a 1938 John Deere, Jim Powel's Ferguson and a 1936 Bulldog among them.

 
 
 
 
 
 
Bec I'anson guest speaker
 
Bec I'Anson, counsellor with NCN Health spoke to the club.
Whilst undertaking a business administration course at RMIT, undertook a placement at the Heidelberg Magistrates Court, after three months offered a traineeship as Deputy Registrar involving the scheduling of the hearings and running the court.
Loved interaction with people, and the variety of people and issues.
Moved to Regional Victoria in Shepparton, as growing up in the country, wanted the country lifestyle for her young family.
Position involved supporting victims of violent crimes, ensuring rights and interests of victims was respected and protected.
Unfortunately, job involved long days and lots of time travelling.
Moved to Moira Shire as a youth worker, supporting youngsters in schools.
Has been with NCN Health for 10 years as a counsellor in the Community Health Centre, supporting clients with many issues, and filling a service gap, providing next step after doctor's consultation to help and achieve good health outcomes.
As a counsellor, listen more than talk, becoming a health and lifestyle coach.
In 2012 set up own business, which is developing and growing.
 
 
4WD Trip 2023
Good Hope Flat on the Buckland River was a well chosen destination for the Rotary Club of Numurkah’s annual high country trip this weekend. Great food, spectacular scenery and good company meant that this worthwhile fundraiser was another success for our club. Well done to all those that made it happen and to all those that supported it.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Faye Holmes guest speaker.
 
Faye Holmes guest speaker to Rotary meeting.
Looking back on her teaching career, Faye said she was proud of achievement in bringing to children, and parents, food, health and wellbeing.
Programmed meal preparation, budget, planning of meals through programs devised by herself such as, "Healthy Cooking" and "Mimi Master Chef" involving children in food.
Many children do not know how to use kitchen utensils and are not a participant in meal preparation at home.
Trained children to overcome lack of basic skills and introduced variety in food and meals, not exposed to at home.
Parents seem to not understand that children will take on board new skills.
Children disengaged in families, losing connection to basic skills.
Ideally teach how to get back to engaging children and families in a healthy life.
 
 
 
43rd Annual Art & Craft Exhibition
The Rotary Club of Numurkah 43rd Annual Art & Craft exhibition was held in the Numurkah Town Hall from Friday 10th to Monday 13th March, attracting excellent exhibits, appreciated by a large public attendance.
Rotary Club President Rex Shield welcomed everyone at the official opening Friday night, thanking them for their attendance. Rex also thanked the exhibitors for such a wide and diverse collection of art and craft including photography on display.
Rex thanked the organising committee led by Chris Sutton and acknowledged the contribution of Lou Hamon who served as chairman of the committee for 27 years, ensuring the longevity and high standard of the exhibition.
The exhibition was officially opened by Rotary District Governor David McPherson who congratulated the Rotary club for such an outstanding exhibition.
Art judge, Ross Paterson, before announcing and commenting on the art entries congratulated the Rotary Club on the longevity of the exhibition, which he considered to be the best art show in regional Victoria with its wide selection of work in a wide variety of styles and medium. Ross then announced the winners in each section.
Jeff Buzza from Home Hardware and Timber, the major sponsor, spoke on behalf of the sponsors saying once again he marvelled at the skill of the artists and their willingness to put themselves out there to face our criticism.
Best in Show was awarded to “Still Life with Fruit” by Glen Hoyle from Langwarrin. Ross said, “The artist has utilised tonal values and colour to achieve the necessary illusion of well arranged fruit and transparent plastic wrapping”.
Runner Up was “Garden Memories” by Do Noble from Doveton. “A well-designed work, exemplary in its use of colour gradation to attain a poetic feeling”.
Best Oil was “Summer Colour, Harcourt” by Geoff Paynter from Bendigo. “A painting of excellent mood, light, and skilful colour mixing to attain the essential feeling of summer”.
Best Watercolour was “Morning Light, Prague” by Glen Hoyle from Langwarrin. “This painting is a stand-out, with its excellent design and the very clean, lucid washes of varying tone and intensity – all used to obtain a work of mood and feeling.”
Best Pastel was “Eye On the Job” by Marianne Scarvelis from Murchison. “A work of action and very appropriate colour on a grey-toned paper base, utilising tone and colour with some skill to fulfill the work”.
Best Acrylic was “The Red Tea Pot” by Maryann Jenkins, Echuca. “A lovely decorative painting with great use of colour and composition”
Kevin Davis Regional Artist Encouragement Award was “Still Life” by Norma Bailey-Ramsay, Tocumwal. “A lovely, aesthetic painting arrangement of still life form”.
Moira Art & Culture Inc. Encouragement Award was “The Lonely Dog” by Geoff Lugg, Numurkah. “Geoff uses his own unique way of interpreting to his paintings, and his use of strong edges, contrast of tone and texture, all combine to enhance”.
Highly Commended:
Peter Moulton, Mulwala, “Summer Storm”.
Bev Williams, Numurkah “The Colours of Autumn”.
Jeanette Graham, Strathmerton “A Road to Somewhere”.
 
Photographic Award was “The Bike” by Dennis Rickard, Numurkah. “A beautiful, produced work of art, quite simple in concept, yet well balanced and unified by the textured stone wall.”
Runner Up Photography Award “After the Harvest - Numurkah” by Gavin Parkinson. “The photographer’s patience and excellent timing to capture “this instance in time” is quite remarkable.”
Claire Reid, Craft Judge commented on the wide variety of craft forms in announcing the winners.
Best Craft Entry was David Saxton “Singer Sewing Machine Tractor”. “Using repurposed found objects to create a tractor with moving parts, was amazing”.
Quilt Award Margaret Andrew with “Rajah Arrived”. “Margaret has reimagined with Australian colouring a quilt created in 1849 by convict women”.
General Craft was awarded to Lorna Colmer, Nathalia “Shire Horse”. “A needle felted shire horse beautifully felted over a frame and use of varied fleece”.
Knitting and Crochet Award was Fiona Carruthers, Numurkah “Between the lines Diamonds”. “Stranded cotton crochet in a diamond pattern. Movement and colour change as the item is draped is stunning”.
Ceramic and Pottery Award Wendy Lee, Brigalong, “Small Vase”. “Beautifully balanced glaze in a duck egg blue glaze.”
Chris Sutton, chair of the Art & Craft Committee of the Rotary Club of Numurkah said “The club was incredibly pleased with the standard of work on display, the support of local sponsors, and the attendance numbers during the weekend.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cate Eddy guest speaker

Cate Eddy, Principal of Numurkah Secondary College spoke to the club as guest speaker. Brough up in a stable, loving family on an Invergordon orchard. As a child enjoyed summer, swimming and bike riding.

Educated Invergordon Primary School and Numurkah Secondary College, encouraged to enter university. Settled in Melbourne and graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Science. Having great memories of school, teaching came to mind at the end of the course.

Married and travelled around Australia, working on farms. Returned to University and graduated with a Diploma of Education, returning to district and teaching at St. Mary's, with heart in public education taught at Wanganui for 27 years. Netball a big part of her life.

In 2013 with unpredictability of orchard business, pulled out the trees, and enlarged the farm.

Loved helping people, particularly the young, assisting with family problem or physical or mental illness, and building relationships.

Moved to Numurkah Secondary College as Assistant Principal, and after one year appointed Principal.

Changes at school have seen the development of greater opportunities in choice. Goal is to make NSC the school of choice for local families. Options for students include traineeships, or Bendigo or Melbourne University. The trade area important part of program.

Recruited well, with nine teachers commencing this year.

Proud to be a former High School student and proud to be back as Principal.

 
 
 
Visit to Routley Orchard
Rotary met at Routley Orchard where Ivan and son Andrew took members on a tour of the orchard, before returning to the Golf Club for a BBQ dinner.

Situated on five farms of a total of 430 acres, 22,500 plum and nectarine trees have been planted, with proposed expansion to 550 acres with apples and cherries.

 
 
 
Geoff Holmes - Community Service
 
P.P. GEOFF HOLMES - incoming community services director raised the prospect for ideas for projects next year, seeking to share the load and responsibility with new ideas from club members and public. Each table was asked to discuss and write down ideas.
Suggestions already received included:
  • Solar bollards along walking track.
  • Revamp structure at Kinnaird Wetlands.
  • R.V. Campsite signage of towns amenities.
  • Board walks at Kinnaird Wetlands.
 
 
Certificate of Appreciation
Rotarian Kate Hodge presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Karen and Adrian Ford for opening their garden during the Open Garden Weekend organised by Rotary.
 
 
 
Shelagh Curmi guest speaker
 
 
Shelagh Curmi, Regional Manager, Goulburn Broken, Trust for Nature spoke to the club on its visit to Kinnaird's Wetland.
Trust for Nature works in partnership with voluntary private landowners to permanently protect their land through Conservation Covenants. These agreements, attached to the Title of the land, ensure the native plants and wildlife upon it have the opportunity to flourish with protection forever. Even if the property is later sold, the covenant remains attached to the title.
After a Conservation Covenant has been agreed, the regional teams are available to provide stewardship support to landowners. They can offer advice, land management skills and information on matters like species identification and government incentives.
216 properties covering 9,000 hectares in Goulburn Broken Region have conservation covenants
 
 
 
 
Read more...
Australia Day 2023
Rotary Club of Numurkah was nominated for three awards, at the Numurkah Australia Day Ceremony, as well as providing the BBQ Breakfast..
 
 
 
 
 
 
Phil Seager guest speaker
 

Chair & Guest Speaker - Phil Seager. Recently travelled to the Elvis Festival in Parkes which attracts thousands of visitors. Toured “The Dish” facility & shared a physics trick he learnt. Phil displayed photos of their recent trip with friends to the south island of New Zealand. After flying to Queenstown they travelled via bus & a helicopter to get them to Lake Manapouri to board a 30 meter boat which catered for 32 passengers for a week. Captain James Cook surveyed the area back in 1772 on the “Resolution” which was 34 meters long & catered for 72 sailors. The captain, cook & numerous crew members had to be replaced during the trip due to Covid. Gumboots were required to trek through the mud as the area receives between 3 – 8 meters of rain. Phil & Fiona finished off the trip with another week in NZ before returning home.

 
 
Louise Hall Guest Speaker
 
Guest Speaker – Louise Hall. In 2019 her daughter Charlotte was diagnosed with Lebrunes Syndrome which is a genetic disorder that was first discovered in 1995. Charlotte was only 9 at the time. They were living in Townsville but decided to relocate back home to Numurkah for family support. Lebrunes Syndrome is a bit like Parkinsons, & Charlotte has tremors on her left side. The disease often causes cysts to develop & blow up which need to be surgically removed. Trial treatment is currently being undertaken with Zebra fish in the UK. There is limited funding for treatment as the condition is so rare. A family trip to the Gold Coast is scheduled in March thanks to Make A Wish. Charlotte is about to commence secondary school with SMOTA & they have been putting down flat ground in places for her plus grab rails & a support worker to assist her where necessary. Charlotte is living her life, having fun & her favourite thing is talking to people so if anyone spots Louise & Charlotte down the street, please stop to say hello.
 
 
 
New Year BBQ with Lions Club
 
The first meeting of the year, the annual get together with the Numurkah Lions Club.
A hot evening but it was well attended with approximately 70 Lions, Rotarians & Partners enjoying a 2-course meal at the Bowls Club.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Donation to St Vinnies Christmas Appeal
On behalf of the Rotary Club of Numurkah treasurer Stephen Mills presented $800 raised at the Club's Christmas Break Up to St Vinnies Christmas Appeal.
Donations of gifts from St Joseph's Primary School, Church of Christ, Uniting Church and St John's Catholic Church will enable St Vinnies to distribute gifts to local families and children plus a voucher so that they can but something special.
In accepting the donation from Rotary Annette Cope expressed appreciation to Rotary.
Pictured Rotary treasurer Stephen Mills, Annette Cope St Vinnies and Fr. Jochin Joy.
 
 
 

 

Open Garden Certificates of Appreciation.
Rotarian Kate Hodge presented Certificates of Appreciation to the gardeners who opened up their gardens for the Open Garden Weekend.
Sue Church and Colin Steel, Linda and John Watson. David Roberts and Adrian Ford were apologies.
 
 
 
 
Christmas Break Up 2022
The Rotary Club of Numurkah held their Christ Break Up meeting at the home of Judy McDonald and Rex Shields.
Donations collected amounting to $595 to be donated to St Vinnies Christmas Appeal.
 
 
 
 
Les Lawrence Shield
The annual bowls competition between the Rotary Club of Numurkah and Rotary Club of Nathalia returned after a hiatus due to COVID.
Hosted by Numurkah, the Rotary Club of Nathalia took home the Les Lawrence Shield.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Donny Sofra and Craig Brown guest speakers          
Donny and Craig spoke to the club about the inundation of Kaarimba and district, following the Loch Gary debacle.
Early 1900's levee constructed along Goulburn River to protect lower river plains, with the construction of Loch Gary to regulate the flows down the river.
When flood levels reach 10.6m at Shepparton, practice is to pull bars within 24 hours at Loch Gary. This should have taken place early Sunday but through lack of communication, delayed till late afternoon, by which time it was unsafe to pull the bars.
Could have been avoided, with water breaking through the levee and flooding crops and houses.
After levee failed, sandbagging by the small community commenced, the number of volunteers increased rapidly with the Waaia Football Club members and others joining.
On Monday evacuation order issued for Kaarimba. Volunteers increased to over 100, filling 17,000 bags in 4 days. Bags also sent to Barmah, Picola and Nathalia.
The Rotary Club of Numurkah took on the task of feeding the volunteers, which was gratefully accepted.
 
 
 
Historical Society visit.

On behalf of the Numurkah Historical society Jeff Blackley welcomed members of the Rotary Club of Numurkah and Historical Society members. Planned to be an outdoor meeting but held indoor due to the weather.

The Historical Society has undergone many changes over the last 4 - 5 years.

The Society is proud of its work in updating displays with the addition of a tool shed, police cells, witness box, railway display, laundry, bathroom, upstairs costume display, dairy shed.

This year the Society has collaborated with other organisations such as Rotary and RSL with the Soldier Settlers Memorial, Numurkah Secondary College year 8 and 9 local history elective with tours and visits, a Society bus tour and walking tour of historical points of interest, with a brochure produced, and Show Us Your Wheels with displays and cobber cars.

The museum has been visited by school groups, S.A. historical group, reunion groups from High School. Cemetry walks are well attended, and people researching family history.

In 2025 Numurkah and Wunghnu celebrate their 150 year celebration on gazetting as towns. The Society is keen to mark the occasion and will soon call a public meeting of organisations and groups to gauge interest and form a committee to plan the event.

The Historical Society is planning to undertake the placement of plaques on historical sites.

 
 
 
 
 
Rotary 43rd Annual Art & Craft Exhibition
 
ROTARY CLUB OF NUMURKAH 43rd ANNUAL ART & CRAFT EXHIBITION
Entry forms for the Rotary Club of Numurkah 43rd Annual Arts & Craft Exhibition are now available.
Offering $10,000 in prize money the exhibition will be staged in the Numurkah Town Hall from Friday 10th March to Monday 13th March 2023.
Entry forms are being posted to last year's exhibitors and are available from the Numurkah Visitor Information Centre and Numurkah Library and Numurkah Home Hardware.
Forms can also be found on the club's Facebook page and Website.
 
Sally Rose & Trudi Pratt guest speakers
Sally Rose, Deputy Municipal Recovery Manager with Greater Shepparton Council, and Trudi Pratt Emergency Management Co-ordinator with Greater Shepparton City Council, and Moira Shire, spoke to the club about the response, relief and recovery undertaken with the floods in Shepparton and Moira.
Incident Contril Centre (ICC) set up for such events and disasters as the emergency management control point. Staffed 24 hours by all agencies with people skilled in the event, responding to intel. Council's role is to support the agency, not respond until requested. Unless requested to assist council is not funded.
Next process is the establishment of MICC (Municipal Incident Control Centre), taking instruction from ICC to get systems in place to follow requests from ICC.
Flood different to previous floods, with overland flooding joining river flooding. Emergency Centres were set up in Shepparton and Tatura (either side of the Goulburn River), with up to 400 people housed. Staffed by council, St John's Ambulance, Salvation Army and Service Clubs, providing needs and services to those displaced. Moira Shire has 31 relief centres.
Learning from what we know, what we have done, and what we need to do to facilitate recovery.
Moira minor to moderate flooding, a Murray River event.
 
 
 
 
Clive Deetles guest speaker
 
Clive Deetles, site manager of GrainCorp was guest speaker.
Clive, a chemical engineer, has been with GrainCorp for 2 years. Born in Zambia, resided and worked in U.K., U.S., and Singapore, working 10 years with Nuplex/Allnex a resin manufacturer, 10 years with Monsanto and 11 years with Unilever.
GrainCorp was founded in 1917 and has $8M in sales and 2,380 employees, biggest division in Grain on east coast. Numurkah factory in Oilseeds division.
Resource local canola seeds producing oil, refined then blended, with canola meal used for cattle feed.
1979 began crushing operation in Numurkah, in 2012 acquired Riverland, in 2015 $30M expansion of capacity and in 2018 expanded seed crushing capacity.
  • GrainCorp has added 2 million tons of new equipment.
  • GrainCorp together with CSIRO and V2food established a $4.4M plant-based protein research.
  • Auscol collects cooking oils and convert to renewable oil.
  • GrainCorp and Loam Bio, collaboration on soil carbon.
  • From Surf to Turf funding boost for fertilisers.
  • Injected $30M into AgTech.
Committed to net zero carbon emission by 2050.
Community Foundation has granted $30,000 to local Numurkah organisations.
FY22 result in great safety, good production values with energy use down 6%.
Forward focus is sustainability, innovation and optimising logistics.
 
 
Garry McNamara Guest Speaker.
 

Rotarian Garry McNamara was guest speaker, filling in at the last minute when scheduled guest speaker was unable to attend due to floods.

Garry previously spoke to the club about his army service, this time speaking about being a jockey.

Prior to army, wanted to be a jockey, left school early for a job at Deloraine Racecourse stables. First job was cleaning the boxes. Apprenticed as a jockey, then called up for National Service.

Returning to Ulverstone stables, riding and breaking horses in. After marriage moved to Ballarat, then a stud farm learning about breeding horses.

Moved to Brisbane and joined the army.

 
 
Fr Jophin Joy guest speaker
 

Fr. Jophin Joy parish priest in the Numurkah and Nathalia Catholic Parishes was guest speaker.

Fr. Jophin grew up in a middle-class farming family in India, farming 5 acres mixed crops, relying on physical labour due to hills.

At the age of 15 years began orientation at a seminary. Three years orientation, then three years Bachelor of Theology. Believed that he could help others by joining priesthood. After ordination first posting was to a Pilgrim Centre then 2011-15 assistant priest and from 2015-20 a parish priest.

Sought to go to Australia for pastoral ministry but had to wait 2 years before borders opened. Arriving in Melbourne with a fellow priest, taken to Bendigo then moved at Shepparton as assistant priest. Now parish priest for Numurkah and Nathalia Parishes.

Every day a new experience with language and culture. Well supported by parishioners in his new role

Challenges, with the grace of God, he can face.

 
 
Json Stevenson guest speaker.
 

Jason Stevenson, proprietor of Stevenson Fabrications spoke to the club.

Grew up on a farm in Naring, wanting to be a stock agent, was advised by father to get a trade. Attended Numurkah High School technical wing, then apprentice for 8 years in Shepparton in vehicle manufacturing.

Rented a shed in McDonald Street opposite GrainCorp, and established business Stevenson Fabrications.

Employ a staff of 15, predominately working for big companies including GrainCorp with 2 employees doing maintenance work. Fresh Milk Holdings another big company with 13,000 cows in barns, and Numurkah Solar Farm with 23 staff on-site and managing 120 employees during construction.

Pressure on small business is recruiting full time staff, relying on Secondary College for engagement of apprentices. Within workshop have to be versatile with big and small jobs. Installed a $300,000 laser cutter, and now a folding machine.

Looking to expand to a block on the highway, as running out of room in McDonald Street.

 
 
Kushaal Kishore guest speaker
 

Kushaal Kishore spoke to the club about his life journey.

Boin In Fiji, raised in a small country town, after graduating at High School enrolled in University of Suva, interested in medical profession. In 2007 commenced 4-year pharmacy course. Undertaking elective in Townsville.

Undertook 7 years in retail in Fiji, able to provide point of difference to people with opportunity to interact.

In 2017 moved to work in Harvey Bay then Cobram to finish internship. Fiji degree recognised in Australia but required to do an internship and sit for a Pharmacy Board exam.

Having grown up in a small town, found Numurkah comforting with satisfaction from interacting with locals. Planning to stay as enjoying the country lifestyle and being part of the community. Kushaal considers it a privilege to serve the community.

 
 
John Rhodes guest speaker.
 
John Rhodes from the CFA spoke to the club on CFA Property Advice Service.
John has been a CFA member for 40 years, following the footsteps of his father, with son and wife also in the CFA.
CFA provide property advice visit service, whether it be street corner meetings, property site visits, bushfire planning workshops, developing a fire safe plan, community fire guard risks and stay and defend workshops.
New fire danger rating system adopted telling likelihood of CFA stopping a fire.
Moderate: Most fires can be contained. Plan and prepare.
High: Fires can be dangerous. Be ready to act.
Extreme: Fires will spread quickly and be extremely dangerous. Take action to protect life and property.
Catastrophic: If a fire starts and takes hold, lives are likely to be lost. 
CFA recommend preparing an "Emergency Kit" containing photo ID, passport, photos, will, jewelry, insurance papers, medical prescriptions, USB stick containing important files, medicines and first aid kit, battery powered radio and torch, mobile phone with charger.
Prepare property for bush fires by reducing risks. Your guide to survival, have a leave early plan, property assessment of risks.
 
 
 
 
 
Omen Nolovu guest speaker.

Omen Volovu, manager homelessness program of Salvation Army was guest speaker to the club.

Malaga House, in Nathalia, was formerly owned and run by the Aboriginal Advancement League but fell vacant when services were transferred to Rumbalara Shepperton.

Homelessness is a human structural challenge caused by domestic violence, finance, relationship breakdowns.

As house prices shot up, social housing reached used by date and not replaced.

Salvation Army acquired Malaga House in Nathalia to be used to shelter women 55 years and above as six out of ten homeless are women.

Women facing challenges from housing crisis, financial crisis, gender gap in wages, and marriage breakdown are offered one year accommodation.

During that time, they are taught life skills and linked to business, assisting in getting jobs. The women find who they are and who they might be.

Malago House has 12 self-contained bedrooms with two living areas. The bedrooms are complete but living areas require dining room sets, TV's.

Aim is to pick them up and walk with them.

 

 
Paul & Robyn Lindsay guest speakers
 
 After they married they started with cropping & sheep farming on 2000 acres. In 1999 bought another farm which had a dairy which they farmed with other family members until 2006 & they dissolved the partnership between themselves & bid on farms & assets they wanted. They restarted with 280 dairy cows with 1000 acres plus they leased 500 acres for cropping until 2010 when Paul suffered bowel disease. Over the next 12 months whilst Paul was undergoing treatment Robyn, plus a worker & one of their sons ran the business. In 2011 they were nominated & won Red Sky Dairy Business of the Year for 2010. From 2011 – 2017 they went on to buy another property each year ending up with 5300 acres milking 700 cows. They took on their first visa holder in 2017 to cover staff shortages. Now have 9 visa holders all from Phillipines with Ag Science degrees. Housing is provided by them & eventually most want to bring their families out but there is no guarantee that after 4 years on 482 visas that the visa holders will qualify for residency status. Sam Birrell, local MP to look into the issue.

 
 
Mark Peterson guest speaker
Mark Peterson spoke to the club on Bio-Dynamic Farming.
Undertook a farm apprenticeship after schooling in Nathalia. After a visit to a bio-dynamic farm where he was amazed at the quality of the farm and the animals started bio-dynamic farming in 1987.
In common with other forms of organic agriculture, biodynamic agriculture uses management practices that are intended to "restore, maintain and enhance ecological harmony". Central features include crop diversification, the avoidance of chemical soil treatments and off-farm inputs generally, decentralized production and distribution, and the consideration of celestial and terrestrial influences on biological organisms. 
In 2008 launched milk onto market, although more expensive, with most going to health food shops and a quarter to coffee shops.
In a newspaper blind taste test, bio-dynamic milk came out on top.
Bio-dynamic farming enhances the soil and soil structure with humus and organic levels raised.
Producing a sustainable product as the consumer wants a better tasting product.
Bio-dynamic farming under stringent standards with environmental best practices and welfare of animals at a high standard.
Horn Manure 500 is the original biodynamic soil spray and is made from fresh cow manure, buried in cow horns over winter. It is a powerful soil activator helping root development and growth of the plant as well as humus formation in the soil.
 
 
 
 
Vocational Service Award
 
Deb Fowler awarded the Rotary Club of Numurkah "Jack Duncan Vocational Service award" by Chris Hardham, Vocational Service Director.
 
 
Deb Fowler guest speaker
 
Deb Fowler on previous occasions had spoken to the club on the her work with Bohollow Wildlife Shelter and The Numurkah Community Learning Centre, choosing this time to speak to the club on her role as a community visitor with the Office of Public Advocate.
The Public Advocate is an independent statutory officer, with considerable legislative power to promote and safeguard the rights and interests of people with disability.
Like the Ombudsman, the Public Advocate has significant powers to investigate allegations of abuse of vulnerable Victorians, reporting directly to Parliament.
The Public Advocate was established under the Guardianship and Administration Act 1986 and continues under the Guardianship and Administration Act 2019.
The Public Advocate is supported by around 100 staff and more than 650 volunteers.
OPA's vision is for a just and inclusive society that respects and promotes the dignity and human rights of all people.
OPA's purpose is to promote and protect the rights and interests of people with disability, and work to eliminate abuse, neglect and exploitation.
In all activities and relationships, OPA strives to demonstrate:
Respect: treat everyone equally and with dignity and justice, accept each person's individuality, acknowledge diversity and promote self-determination
Compassion: accept people as they are and understand, acknowledge and have empathy for their circumstances
Inclusiveness: strive to empower all people to contribute and participate
Ethical behaviour: act at all times in a principled and informed manner, treat people fairly, accept accountability and uphold justice
Independence: be free-thinking, unbiased and impartial, and challenge the status quo.
As a community visitor, visits group homes and residential facilities, listens, observes and reports.
 
 
Wayne Limbrick guest speaker.
Wayne Limbrick, a passionate and dedicated supporter of Umoja Orphanage in Kenya spoke to the club on his involvement, and gave a 2022 update on the orphanage, using a PowerPoint presentation.
Umoja Orphanage, Kenya, is located south of Mombasa on east coast of Kenya, founded in 2011 and it is a RAWCS project. Wayne and partner Pam have been involved since 2012.
As a member of a volunteer group erected fencing around the farm compound. In 2015 returned and re-wired the fence replacing the rusted wire.
In 2019 returned with grand-daughter, which was a life changing experience for her, whilst there, Wayne was busy teaching locals how to use tools correctly.
2022 update:
  • Chicken shed completed.
  • Tank stand completed, which also provides two levels of accommodation.
  • Employing 7 full time employees plus casuals.
  • Food production for orphanage with excess for sale.
  • Second children's house practically completed.
  • New hydroponic greenhouse almost completed.
  • Second water tower being constructed for solar pump.
  • Workshop established in container.
  • Second house primed and one coat of paint.
Next Step:
  • Install solar pump.
  • Re-fence compound.
  • Final paint of new house.
  • Repaint existing house.
  • More training on tractor.
Wayne and Pam planning to return in October.
"Together we can make a difference".
 
 
Dominique Cosgriff guest speaker
 

Dominique Cosgriff, proprietor and editor "Numurkah Leader" spoke to the club.

A story of a single mum, triumphing over adversity. Attended Shepparton High School, moved to Melbourne, them travelled the world, married, then single mum to two children.

Son a cabinet maker, living at home, daughter in Melbourne, Masters in International Development. Being a single mum hard, but rewarding.

Completed a writing and editing course at TAFE, free-lanced at Shepparton News, other jobs included kitchen-hand, SPC tomato line. Applied unsuccessfully for a job as a journalist at Numurkah Leader, after three months re-interviewed and offered job.

Every day different, meeting lots of people. Ownership of Numurkah Leader offered with plan to purchase in 2020, then COVID hit, with pause in plans. Eventually taking over in March 2021, the beginning of a new chapter.

Right opportunity came at the right time. Accepted role because of local community spirit and terrific team at Leader.

Major hick-up when new CEO of Moira Shire unwilling to accept any article exposing anything about Shire not favorable.

All hell broke loose! Unique job running a small country newspaper, being independent, tenuous position when on own. Moira Shire pulled advertising, but readership rose up in support. A David and Goliath struggle, but community support unbelievable. Broke a rule for newspapers, in not to become the story. Struggle showed staunch community and staff  appreciation of free press.

Since then, one year on things going well. Still loving every minute.

 

 
R.I. Regionalisation Project
A.G. Lorraine Greenwood made a presentation on the  Regionalisation pilot scheme, in itself a work in progress, to the combined meeting of Numurkah and Nathalia Rotary Clubs.
Rotary International is considering a project to address membership, public image, communication, leadership and fundraising challenges to help define a more sustainable future for Rotary.
With a membership decline of 24%, to realise our future, change is required. 
Must face challenges of: ageing, attracting and retaining members, public lack of understanding and complex structure.
The project seeks to develop and test a streamlined governance approach to:
  • Allow clubs sharing geography, culture to organise on ways that suit them.
  • Eliminate duplication, to make more responsive and cost effective.
  • Best resources easily accessible to every club.
  • Improve communication to enhance club and member engagement.
  • Grow membership.
  • Attract more community, corporate and government sector support by communicating with one voice.
  • Foster more diverse perspectives in decision making.
  • Enhance leadership and personal development activities to better suit our modern world.
  • Reduce the burden of administration responsibilities placed upon leaders.
The overarching aim of the project is to provide better and more direct support to Rotary clubs through a less layered and more developed contemporary approach.
Principles of Regionalisation structure:
  • Democratically elect Region Council.
  • Area leader elected by 10-25 clubs
  • Any Rotarian can nominate themselves.
  • Representation important - geography, gender.
  • 2-4 year term.
  • Collect best resources to help support each club.
Clubs and Districts to vote on are we interested in taking part in designing Rotary for the future.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Craig Beamish guest speaker
 
Craig Beamish, Ambulance Victoria Team Manager at Numurkah spoke to the club about community AED.
AED's save lives of patients with cardiac arrest. CPR and defibrillators important, as longer wait the brain cells start to die off.
Cardiac arrest is often unexpected. For every minute a patient doesn’t get CPR/defibrillation, their chances of survival fall by 10%.
External defibrillators designed for community members to use with minimal training. Internal computer analysis rhythm and instructs actions to be taken.
Currently 16-18 defibrillators registered in Numurkah with only one accessible 24 hours at the Senior Citizen Club.
GoodSAM is a free global smartphone app that alerts responders to someone nearby in cardiac arrest. GoodSAM is linked to the Triple Zero (000) communications centre, so as soon as an ambulance is dispatched, a GoodSAM alert will notify responders.
How does it work?
How to help a stranger in cardiac arrest? It’s easier than you think.
  1. A Triple Zero call (000) triggers an alert to be sent to a GoodSAM Responder.
  2. The responder is told the location of the patient and the nearest available defibrillator (AED).
  3. At the same time, the closest available ambulance is simultaneously sent to the patient, and in some parts of Victoria, the fire brigade is also dispatched.
  4. Meanwhile, the GoodSAM Responder can provide CPR and, if possible, make use of the nearest available defibrillator. This gives the patient a greater chance of survival. 
 
 
Paul Arnel guest speaker.

 

Paul Arnel, principal St Joseph's Primary School, spoke to the club reflecting on the school community over the last two years.

Started on high anxiety, with school closed, called on all resources, issuing lap-tops. Youngest staff members showed prowess with technology and ability to stay connected.

Role of school shifted from academic to social and connectiveness for students and families.

Best possible staff managing own family life, managing students on-line and assisting their families.

Rotated staff through lockdowns, rotating students and families through school.

Families that had been struggling, struggled more through COVID. Tried different strategies to maintain links, providing food hampers, games and social contact, with focus on social aspect.

Frustration towards the end with families sick of home learning.

On return, students had to cope with masks, air-purifiers and cleaning.

A year and a half on, students found it difficult to fit in, extra staff engaged to assist students struggling.

Vigilant in practices, conservative, flexible and adaptive and always hopeful. 

 
 
D.G. Visit
 
District Governor David McPherson in making his official visit to the club, spoke on his goals for the year.
Rotary Strategic Plan is to increase impact, expand our reach and enhance participants engagement, and development of equality and inclusion.
  • Diversity - welcome people of all backgrounds, cultures, experiences and ideals.
  • Equity - ensure each person has access to resources, opportunities, network and support.
  • Inclusion - create a culture where each person knows they are valued and belong.
 Different Kinds of Rotary clubs:
  • Satellite - members with sponsor club choose their own structure.
  • Passport - members attend any club.
  • Corporate - members work for same employer.
  • Cause-based - members unite to address a particular cause.
Club culture number one reason members leave, care and comfort in club is important.
 
Rotary born 117 years ago with need to be evolutionary and at times revolutionary.
 
Partners Project: Wheelchairs for Kids.
 
David concluded by screening a video presentation by R.I. President Jennifer Jones.
 
 
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