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

Service Above Self

We meet Mondays at 6:30 PM
Numurkah Golf & Bowls Club

Tunnock Road
Numurkah, VIC 3636
Australia

District Site

Bulletins

Venue Map

L2P PROGRAM

Bill Winters and John Decker spoke to the club on the L2P Learner Driver Program

The L2P Learner Driver Mentor Program was an initiative of the Rotary Club of Sunbury in 2007 with a pilot program. Supported by Government in 2008.

The program provides an opportunity for young people, who face significant barriers, to obtain their drivers licence with the support of a mentor. Program helps a young person to develop their confidence and skills, and assist them in reaching the required 120 hours of supervised on-road experience. With a drivers licence, a young person will have a better chance to access education, training and job opportunities.

Program is community driven with support from agencies such as Berry Street.

John Decker has been a mentor for 8 years, finding it a worthy cause, giving opportunity to young people.

DG Visit and Lift the Lid

Visit of District Governor Brian Peters was celebrated with "Lift the Lid" mad hat day for Mental Health.

Paul Harris Fellowship - Stephen Mills.

District Governor Brian Peters presents a Paul Harris Fellowship to Stephen Mills.

Lift the Lid BBQ

Rotary Club of Numurkah BBQ for "Lift the Lid" on mental health.

Kitarna Smith guest speaker.

Kitarna Smith a year 10 student at Numurkah Secondary College participated in the 2019 Cultural Kimberley Exchange.

Exchange left a strong impression as part of her, learnt about Australian, its history and its past.

Flew to Broome, then visited a crocodile farm where the group of 9 learn about the history of the Kimberley's, and about crocodiles and their temperament and aggression. Next visited Mt. Anderson Station and the Lilianceane sacred site. Explored the caves with cave paintings. Visited Gee Gee Gorge and the Fitzroy River. Met with indigenous communities sharing their culture and food, told stories of the land and people.

Learnt a lot about regions and its people, which you do not learn at school. Trip was life-changing. Kitarna finished by thanking Rotary for making it possible.

1st Baulkamaugh Scout Group visit

Rotarian Jason, Scout Leader of the 1st Baulkamaugh Group welcomed Rotarians, and with assistance of scouts explained the activities and award system of Scouts section.

Cub Leader Judy Stedman with assistance of the cubs explained the activities and award scheme for the Cub section.

Group Leader Stuart Hodge gave a brief overview of the history of the 1st Baulkamaugh Scout Group.

A delicious roast meal, cooked in camp ovens, was served.

Linda Ryder Guest Speaker

"Need for Feed" was established by the Pakenham Lions Club in 2006 when founder Graham Cockerell donated and delivered one truck load of hay to farmers burnt out by fire. Only able to deliver 5 bales to each farmer Graham returned determined to help make a real difference.

Over the time "Need for Feed" has been a major supplier of emergency fodder and transport. In last 18months 5,000 requests for assistance with 5 runs including to Queensland floods. with 4 road trains, South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales.

Majority volunteers, with trucks coming from all states. Create depots, not individual drop-offs, with farmers collecting from depots. Used helicopters to deliver during Queensland floods.

Letting people know that someone cares.

Ian Murphy Memorial Debate

Second heat of Ian Murphy Memorial Debating Competition with two teams from St Mary's. one sponsored by Nathalia Rotary Club, the other sponsored by Numurkah Rotary Club.

Adjudicators John Watson, Squish Davis and Carolyn Drennan.

Topic of debate: "Worrying Serves No Useful Purpose".

Each speaker has 4 minutes with a warning bell at 3 minutes.

Speaking on behalf of the adjudicators, Squish Davis made the following comments. All speakers spoke well with excellent research, followed structure with good timing. Although made eye contact with audience suggested the speakers relax more and engage with audience rather than being entrenched in their speech.

The winner was the St. Mary's Negative Team.

GEOFF LIMMER GUEST SPEAKER

Geoff Limmer P.P. Box Hill Central Rotary Club spoke on "Operation Cleft".

Operation Cleft mission is to provide 1000 free cleft repair surgeries each year to underprivileged children in Bangladesh - enabling them to live normal and meaningful lives.

More than 5,000 children are born with a cleft lip and/or palate in Bangladesh each year.

Children born with a cleft have difficulty feeding, may suffer malnutrition, and are susceptible to ear, nose and throat infections. They are often ostracized and discouraged by the school system, leading to social isolation and depression.

A cleft repair operation gifts the child a smile, restores their dignity, improves their health, and provides the child with a brighter future and an opportunity to achieve their full potential.

A.G. CHRIS SUTTON GUEST SPEAKER

A.G. Chris Sutton gave a PowerPoint presentation on "Our Rotary"

First club formed in Chicago in 1905, the name Rotary from rotating meetings, the logo represents civilisation movement and service in action.

Structure in 3 parts 1. Our Club, 2. R.I. 3. Rotary Foundation.

1,000 clubs in Australia,

Rotaract 18-30 age group, 10,904 clubs with 200,792 members in 184 countries.

Interact 12-18 years in High Schools 20,372 clubs with 458,556 members in 159 countries.

Inner Wheel - women with connections to Rotary.

Probus active retirees to come together in a club

R.I. Support clubs worldwide.

Avenues of Service: Club Service, Vocational Service, Community Service, International Service and Youth Service.

Paul Quinnane Guest Speaker

Paul Quinnane was guest speaker at a special dinner meeting at PALS. Paul joined PALS 18 months ago after working in munitions. Born in Barooga second child born with Downs Syndrome, thus interest in PALS.

Tr1-State Games in Adelaide, 30 to 40 teams of eight competing in a variety of sports and activities.

2020 - 2021 games to be hosted in Moira and Berrigan Shires with events in Yarrawonga, Barooga and Cobram.

NDIS

Local transition
Most PALS clients now funded by the NDIS
Typically people have more funding.
Increase in 1 to 1 support and small group activities
Greater focus on education and work opportunities

PALS Recruiting Disability support workers and volunteers.

Tinja Nakki Guest Speaker

Tinja Nakki spoke to the club about her homeland Finland.

Finland in Northern Europe has a population of 5.5 million, with Helsinki as its capital, euro is the currency and the country has a president.

Seasons: Winter at beginning of year, long and cold -30 degrees. Spring March to April, Summer short 2 months June-August +20 degrees. Autumn beautiful.

Sports include Ice Hockey (National sport), Soccer, and Finnish games.

Education system 6 year old Preschool, 7 years to 16 years School, followed by Upper Secondary - General or Vocational 3 years, then University.

Food: Rice Bread, fish, fruit pies, reindeer and mash potatoes.

Language: Finnish & Swedish.

Interesting facts: 187,000 lakes, ranked number three as the happiest country in the world, average consumption of coffee per person per year 12k, more saunas than cars,

Family consists of mother, father and older sister.

Inspiration to become an exchange student was love of travel, opportunity to come to the other side of the world.

Interests include different languages, dancing, singing and piano.

Bruce McIntyre Guest Speaker

Bruce McIntyre, District Chair of Youth Exchange spoke to the club on the essentials for success with Youth Exchange for our club. Looking around the room the club had the ingredients for success..

1. Rotary Club involved.

2. President Lorraine on District Youth Exchange Committee.

3. Kate Hodge as a counsellor.

4. Youth Exchange Student.

5. Host Family.

District 9790 home of Rotary Youth Exchange beginning in 1958.

2020 District have 18 outbound students.

Dale Atkins Guest Speaker

Dale Atkins Rotary Club of Eltham spoke to the club on Aquabox.

Aquabox is a project of the Rotary Club of Eltham to provide timely provision of clean water and basic humanitarian aid to disaster areas.

It began in 1990 with the Rotary Club of Wirksworth, U.K.. in 2001 became a project of the Rotary Club of Eltham.

Two Aquabox models, "Family" has the capacity to produce 2,000 litres of drinkable water. Comes with 2 filters, water purifying tablets, taps, strainer, blankets, mosquito nets.

"Aquabox 30" has the capacity to produce 30,000 litres of drinkable water, the equivalent of a petrol tanker of water. Prefilled with 30 filters, 30 packs of water purification tablets.

Factory in Eltham where boxes are packed by volunteers, then stored or shipped overseas.

2.000 boxes shipped last year to Cambodia, Manila, Nepal, South India.

Boxes are now pre-positioned in Philippines and Fiji.

Way forward is to pursue further pre-positioning options, increase funding, review of Aquabox models and continue the life-saving work of Aquabox into the future.

Nicole Wells Guest Speaker

Nicole Wells president of Numurkah Community House spoke to the club.

Nicole introduced herself as a "bit of a gypsy" attending 11 different schools and living in 35 different houses meeting and making some beautiful friends. Found people need connection to enhance their self-worth.

Community house at 13 Murray Avenue has a garden in the back-yard where anyone can come in, plant or pick and make it their own.

Out front of house is a free pantry with food for vulnerable people and providing sustainability by reducing waste.

House itself is functional but not inviting needs to be comfortable and homely.

Work planned is the creation of a sand pit for kids and updating the kitchen and convert a storeroom into a walk in pantry.

Food share is available, and the Community House uses Facebook to publicise its activities

Julie Andrew Guest Speaker

Julie provided a powerpoint presentation on the history of the Umoja Orphanage in Kenya which is a RAWC project. Julie first went as a volunteer in 2015 with Kate Hodge. Cathy Booth was holidaying in Kenya when she developed the idea of building an orphanage. Julie attended again in 2017 with Steve Mills & Kate Mills to do various jobs including erecting 15 acres of barbed wire around the boundary. It is Cathy’s intention that the project will eventually be self sufficient. They assisted with running a health clinic & assisting at a feeding station which is run by a Hindu family which feeds up to 5000 children weekly. These children often walk up to 15-20km to get the food, when they attended there was only enough food for 4000. Each child received a hot meal & received a bag to take home which contained a bottle of soft drink, banana, big bun & some maise flour & some lollies for the week. Corruption was ripe in Kenya, it is not easy doing business & the Government wants a cut out of all aid work that comes into Kenya. Another tour with volunteers is going over this September. The second house is nearly finished with 12 children currently in the first house. Cathy’s biggest vision is that it is a children’s home until they can go back to their own families if possible, or learn skills rather than being an orphanage. The Government Children’s Department determine which children are placed at the home. An Australian mining company is mining titanium near by & they have made the furniture for the home & have helped with the permaculture courses. The Manager, Patrick, was previously a safari driver & in safari season they hire out their trucks etc for $100 to raise additional funds. All the children are sponsored, cost is $100/month $1200/year.

Another container is nearly ready to be shipped over which is hopefully expected to leave in mid August which holds numerous goods including a tractor, clothing etc.

Barb Sinclair Guest Speaker

Barbara Sinclair – Secretary & Treasurer of Numurkah Film Society. Officially began in 2016 & first movie screening in October 16 to coincide with the Foodbowl Festival. Movies screened every month. 127 members & 16 screenings in first year, 141 memberships in 2017, they sourced movie seats from Melbourne for free & they obtained a grant from Shire & were then able to source a new screen from America & with fundraising they have also sourced a new projector. In 2019 membership was down & participants in attending movies were also down they were facing some hard decisions earlier this year. Another grant has been provided by Shire of Moira & other venues for funding for community events. Some extra special events are planned for later on this year. Membership is important to keeping the Society viable. It costs $4,500/year to run the Society. Membership is $25 for a single or $50 for a family for the year. Equipment is available for use by other community groups.

Social Night at Telegraph Hotel

Squish led a night of games and fun at a social night at the Telegraph Hotel.

Lyn Cooper Guest Speaker

Lyn Cooper. Moira Shire Team Leader, Community & Recreational Development.

Lyn spoke on the Moira Shire Aquatic Facilities Strategy 2018-2027, a 9 year strategy to save our pools.

Stage 1 (years 1-3) focus on operational improvement to increase attendance.

Stage 2 (years 4-6) focus on review of service.

Stage 3 (Years 7-9) undertaking capital investment to meet current and future needs of this community.

Attendances declining, cost per visit Numurkah $14.10, Cobram $11.36, Nathalia $11.79, Strathmerton $31, Yarrawonga $5.

Numurkah pool rated: Community Involvement 30%, Fit for Purpose 40%. Total rating 47.1, needs to be 60+

Last year saw a 23% increase in attendance with 2,746 school students and 282 end of year pool party.

Challenges: Changes to the way we spend leisure in summer, increase in backyard pools, sun safe.

Need to know what will attract people to pool by talking to community groups, community members, schools and swim club.

Time to start the conversation.

Club Changeover 2019

Rotary Club of Numurkah Changeover Meeting. President Stephen Mills gave the Presidential Report and DG Malcolm Kerr inducted Lorraine Greenwood at President.
Community Service Award presented to Duncan McPherson, Vocational Service Award presented to Paul Arnel.

Baulkamaugh Scouts attend Jamboree

Eight scouts and leader Jason Andrew attended the 2019 Murraylands Jamboree at Tailem Bend S.A.

The scouts Rohan, Coby, Gemma, Charlotte, Pim, Jake, Brayden and Tameyh with leader Jason Andrew presented a power point presentation on their experiences at the Jamboree.

Six patrols of six scouts with 4 adult leaders in each troop. 12,000 scouts attended from Australia and International Countries. The site was dusty and rocky.

Activities included The Cube, Bang, Splat, Trade Mall, Shooting, Mud Pit and Market Day with evening performances with fireworks at beginning and end of Jamboree.

Post Jamboree met up with fellow troop members from Melbourne.

Jason was assigned to busing as each day 4,000 scouts left site for day activities.

The scouts thanked the Rotary Club for their support in enabling them to attend this outstanding event in their Scouting Life.

Certificate of Appreciation

President Stephen presented Julia Arho a Certificate of Appreciation to the Bendigo Bank for their support in renovating the Community Kiosk.

Meritorious Service Award

MERITORIOUS SERVICE:

Allen Canobie presented award to Lou Hamon. Lou joined Rotary same year in 1987.

Well respected, stable, conservative with a sense of humor Lou has an appreciation of the arts. Leader in Scouting for 45 years,, many years ago produced Apex Bulletin, now producing the weekly Rotary Bulletin. He has brought the club from dark ages with Club Runner and electronic communication thus enhancing the club. Another great passion has been the Numurkah Singers producing 30 shows and has been chair of Art Show for over 20 years. Lou has played a leading part in his church and is a board member of Moira Arts & Culture Inc. Lou received the Order of Australia Medal and the club is proud of his service to the club.

Lindy Crowther & Linda Ball Guest Speakers

1 in 2 Australians struggle with mental health, yet half to not seek help.

80% loneliness is increasing, 2/3 felt lonely, 1/2 did not feel need seek help.

Every day 6 suicides plus 30 attempts at suicide.

"Grow" established in 1957 as "Recovery" is a caring abd supportive, community based organisation which has developed a unique program for improving and maintaining mental wellbeing.

Value of peer support to reduce social isolation. Offers hope, collective wisdom, leadership development, affordable and accessible.

4 essential features: 1. 12 step program, 2. Group Method, 3. Caring and sharing community, 4. Organisational structure.

No cost, anonymous with a two hour weekly meeting with 3-15 members per group.

Linda spoke on her experience. Several breakdowns, but proud to have got through it, difficult life but found people understanding and caring in "Grow".

Umoja Orphanage Dinner

Cathy Booth, Founder of Umoja Orphanage Kenya, will be in Nathalia on July, 28th and we are arranging a dinner for supporters and those interested in our project, to hear from Cathy, about the project and where it is up to and what is planned for the future. Tickets at $30- are now available on Trybooking following the link below. Tables of 10 are also available if you want to organise a group.
Our Container will have just left Australia for Kenya and it will be a chance for Cathy to thank our supporters who have given so generously toward the Container contents. Ticket price includes a 2 course Roast and sweets Dinner, catered by Nathalia Football and Netball Club and drinks available at bar prices.
Profits from the night will go toward the transport of the Container from the port and to pay for the tractor.

Trybooking link:

www.trybooking.com/509291

Geoff Austin Guest Speaker

Geoff Austin flew as a Captain with Virgin Australia

Attended flying school single engine course then twin engine and instrument training. Experience as a charter pilot flying 2,000 hours before airlines consider you. Other sources of pilots Air Force or Cadets.

To keep license tested over 2 day every 6 months with 4 hours in simulator each day. Cover engine failure, engine fire.

Flew 737 on domestic routes short or medium haul. International have up to 16 hours flight, 737 6 hours maximum. Flight of one and a half hours will have fuel for 2 hours Fuel is refined kerosene.

Lithium batteries a big threat as a fire in cargo hold will require an emergency landing. Cabin depressurisation have 15 seconds of useful consciousness.

Typical routes two way. Holding points over Heathcote and Berrigan.

Captain responsible for departure procedures, landing procedures and arrival procedures.

Nadene Donnelly Certificate of Appreciation

President Stephen Mills presented Nadene Donnelly with a Certificate of Appreciation for assistance to the club in producing and printing flyers, tickets etc. for Business Breakfast.

Grant Duffy guest speaker

Grant Duffy was the guest speaker at the Combined Services Dinner hosted by Lions.

Angel Flight is a charity which coordinates non-emergency flights to assist country people to access specialist medical treatment that would otherwise be unavailable to them because of vast distance and high travel costs. All flights are free and may involve travel to medical facilities anywhere in Australia.

Angel Flight, launched as an Australian charity in April 2003, is the initiative of Bill Bristow AM a successful businessman, experienced pilot and very proud winner of the Australian of the Year Award – Queensland 2005.

A third of population live in rural areas where distance and cost of medical treatment is stressful.

46,000 missions in a year with a staff of 3,000 volunteer pilots and 4,000 volunteer Earth Angels.

85% of funding goes to service with no Government funding, service relies on charitable donations.

Patients are referred by doctors or nurses. Assumed patients come from the "back of Bourke" but service available free of charge to anyone outside of capital cities.

Grant has been a volunteer pilot with Angel Flights for six years.

Cherie Laumen guest speaker.

Cherie spoke about a community agency known as Healesville Interchurch Community Care Inc. (HICCI). HICCI commenced in 1989 when the churches in Healesville felt challenged to address the needs of people in the community struggling to cope with the everyday demands of living, or who, faced with a sudden crisis in their lives.

Started with a small food cupboard in a back room of one of the churches, now operates from a purpose build building..

Committee of Management drawn from the seven churches with five part time professional staff running the three programs with 120 volunteers, last year providing 9.074 services.

Grants received from government, plus support from individuals, service clubs and clients.

Emergency Relief Program provide food hampers and provide practical assistance. Also provides assistance with clothing, education costs and medicine.

Transport & Social Support program assists clients to access services and social activities in the community.

Community Meal program provides a weekly two course dinner which promotes social inclusion in the community.

Cherie concluded by stating she feels blessed to work in her own community doing a job she loves and working with a great team.

Thang Danh Guest Speaker

Guest Speaker – Thang Danh. Hometown Mekong Territory in Vietnam. House surrounded by rice fields, his family including 4 siblings grow bananas, coconut & casaba. Parents work in rice fields hard to make a living. During university undertook some army activities, soccer & dancing. Spent 1 year being a research assistant in laboratory growing embryo rice & developed an interest in growing straw mushrooms. After graduation he undertook an internship in Hezava, Israel working in a tomato shade house & then travelled to Tel Aviv, Dead Sea & Jerusalem. He then returned to Vietnam to start growing mushrooms but unfortunately he burnt the sporn for the mushroom bag so he travelled to Saigon to learn English & then onto Minnesota, USA & where he experienced snow for the first time. Then back to Vietnam as a mushroom technician when a friend introduced him to employment in Australia for Flavourwave & he was accepted & has been here for 6 months where he is a crop care worker required to clip 400 plants per hour. He enjoys the work & is able to make enough to send money back to his family.

Graham Cocks Guest Speaker

Guest Speaker – Graham Cocks (Bright Rotary Club)

Congratulations to Numurkah for taking on Bowel Cancer Awareness for month of May. Screening tests detect any traces of blood you can’t see. If you see blood, go to your Doctor. Program started in 1981 in Lismore Rotary Club, Graham is the district co-ordinator. 31 clubs in the district are involved, 49 townships & suburbs consist of mostly country clubs. He became a district program in 2008/2009 prior to that only 3 clubs were involved in the district, 14 the next year, now up to 31. Rotary scheme 50% of sales are within age of 50-75 price range which is generally covered by Govt scheme. He suggests scans be done every 12 months rather than every 2 years. 41% return rate on Govt scheme – the aim is to reach 60%. 90% chance of bowel cancer can be cured if detected early. Program is encouraged to utilise pharmacies to sell the scans. Sally Rose to be the club co-ordinator. Club provides the kits to the pharmacy, club collects $1 for each scan sold. Kits only have a 2 year lifespan – check useby dates, sell the older ones first. Kits can be purchased for $18.00 via internet, but in May we are selling for $15.00 each. 4,000 die each year from bowel scan, second to lung cancer. Awareness month is May, price through pharmacy $35-$40. Samples to be put in an envelope & mailed off for testing. Results of testing to be provided to clubs when completed. Suggest an ad to go into local paper to advertise we have these scans available. Reminder letters sent to all participants each year to remind them to test.

Bernadette Steward Guest Speaker

Bernadette Steward as secretary of the Numurkah Wunghnu Cemetery Trust spoke on the Past the Present and the Future.

Numurkah gazetted in 1876 with cemetery gazetted in 1882 with 15 burials in first year. Previously buried in Wunghnu Cemetery.

Trust was formed with original trustees being representatives from each section. Present day Trust has 8 appointed voluntary trustees with chairman appointed for 5 years. The Trust employs a secretary and contractors such as grave diggers.

Trust undertaking improvements with Pavillio restored, thanks to Rotary and Lions, planning a new entrance, new fence and signage.

"Right of Interment" allows that person to decide who can be buried in plot and whether there is to be a head-stone.

Plots can be reserved in general section not in Lawn section.

Lawn Cemetery established in 1978 nearing capacity with land set aside for expansion.

Trust conducting "Cemetery Walks" giving information on pioneers and their stories.

Change in burials to Green Interments, without coffin and buried upright with no plaque on site. Diverse cultures also requesting different types of burials.

Trust is seeking grants and donations to carry our improvements and expansion.

2019 Business Breakfast featuring Susan Alberti

Business Breakfast

4WD 2019 TRIP

4WD Trip

INDUCTION OF KATRINA DONALDSON & JANE WILSON

President Stephen Mills inducted Katrina Donaldson and Jane Wilson into Rotry.

DGE BRIAN PETERS GUEST SPEAKER

Brian from the Rotary Club of Albury West spoke on Rotary Foundation.

The Rotary Foundation transforms gifts into projects that change loves both close to home and around the world.

Donations are invested for three years and the income earned pays for the Foundation's operating and administrative expenses. At the end of three years 100% of every dollar is available for Foundation programs.

$50 - 60,000 available for District Grants.

Examples include Cervical Cancer Vaccination in PNG where 28,000 girls aged 9-13 were vaccinated.

Polio Plus: Afghanistan and Pakistan are the only two polio endemic countries - mainly due to tribal customs.

To recognise the contributions made by individual Rotarians and Friends of Rotary, we have several recognition levels.

Centurion: members A$100 annually
Paul Harris Fellow US$1,000
Paul Harris Society Members US$1000 annually
Major Donor Level 1: $10,000, Level 2: $25,000 Level 3: $50,000 Level 4: $100,000 (USD)

Routley's Orchard

Ivan Routley spoke to members on-site at the Routley Orchard in Carrs Road.

Due to cannery reduction in canning fruit intake no longer sustainable so have switched to fresh fruits.

Planted 15 varieties of plums, trees on trellis enabling closer planting thus more profitable.

Marketed through a group, exporting to China. Established a commercial nursery.

Life span of trees 20 - 30 years becoming productive in their third leaf. Picking December to March picking for colour.

Rosemary Freeman Guest Speaker

Rosemary Freeman District representative on Australia Rotary Health was guest speaker.

Australian Rotary Health is governed by a Board of Directors from every District, administered from Paramatta HQ by volunteers.

Aim is to support healthier minds, bodies and communities through research, awareness and education.

Research projects include SIDS, Mental Health, Bowl Cancer, Ross River Fever.

In 1985 $45M granted to research and education programs unique to Australia.

Major program "Lift the Lid" with 1 in 5 Australians suffer a mental illness every year. $1.7M spent on Mental Health Research.

Small and large grants given to research projects, Mental Health of Young Australians, PTSD PhD Scholarship, Rural Medical Scholarships, Rural and Indigenous Nursing Scholarships, Indigenous Health Scholarships with $2.6M ranted in 2018.

Rosemary spoke at a special meting with The Ride to Conference riders ans support.

2019 Business Breakfast

Due to unforeseen circumstances the Rotary Club of Numurkah Business Breakfast has been rescheduled to FRIDAY 5th April.

39th Annual Arts & Craft Exhibition

Rotary Club of Numurkah 39^th Annual Art & Craft Exhibition

President of Numurkah Rotary Stephen Mills said at the official opening of the 39^th Annual Art & Craft Exhibition “We are consistently amazed at the quality of work on display at our shows, and this year the works are of exceptional standard”

The official opening on Friday 8^th March was well attended with entertainment from the Numurkah Ukulele Club providing a pleasant atmosphere with their enthusiastic and engaging performance.

Suzanne Sheed MP Member for Shepparton in officially opening the exhibition said “The value of art to the community cannot be understated. It can entertain us, it can challenge us, it can move us, it can inspire us. It is a record of who we are at a point in time, and – often – it is a signal of who we want to be”.

Art judge Ross Paterson congratulated the artists for entering paintings of such high standard as he announced the awards.

Best in Show was “Bridge over Namoi” by Kasey Sealy from Berowra Heights. Ross commented “Kasey has developed a skill in capably understanding the light, form and mood of the Australian landscape”.

Highly Commended: Walter Magilton “It’s Dry in the Gramps”, Do Noble “Marysville Garden”, Di King “All on a Summers Day”.

Runner Up was “Spanish Onions” by Gregory Smith. “Greg has a great ability to interpret form and light. Beautifully painted and presented”.

Best Watercolour: “Where to Now” by Ann Grogan from Pyramid Hill. “Ann has produced a vitally fresh watercolour.”

Highly Commended: George Deeble “Afternoon Walk”.

Best Oil: “A Bag of Fruit” by Glen Hoyle from Langwarrin. “Great understanding of the subject”.

High Commended: Cheryl Manders “The French Blue Jug”, Heather McKean “Dried Proteas”.

Best Pastel: “Kakadu Dreaming” by Nancy Thurlby from Glen Iris. “Notable is the beautiful gradation in the water reflections”.

Best Regional Artist: “Nasturtiums” by Christine Broersen from Shepparton. “A classical example of a painting which doesn’t require a story or narrative, just light”

Highly Commended: John Stevens “Sand Shoes”, Bev Williams “Torquata Gum Leaves”, Glenda Cornell “Rugged Beauty”.

Moira Art & Culture Inc. Encouragement Award: “Real Estate Building Numurkah” by Geoff Lugg. “A very descriptive version of an architectural study”.

Photographic Award: “Stalking” Dennis Rickard.

Highly Commended: “Dust Devil” Les Addison.

Craft Judge Claire Reid commented on the variety of entries making a great display.

Best Craft Entry: Valerie Pendlebury “Ayrshire Embroidery”.

Fibres, Threads and Beads Award: Valerie Pendlebury “Ayrshire Embroidery”. Highly Commended Fiona Caruthers “Jade Scarf” and Margaret Blackburn “Matinee Jacket & Bonnet”.

Framed Needlework Award: Joy Knight “Framed Needlework, Highly Commended Joy Knight “Footstool”.

Quilt Award: Anna Newham “Maple Star Quilt”. Highly Commended Helen Collins “Milly’s Garden Quilt”, Linda Ball “Machine Crazy Quilt”.

Craft Award: Dennis Hooker “Car Enthusiasts Lamp”.

Toys Award: Jenny Barnes “Croched Grey Koala”

Home Hardware Visit

Jeff and Gayle are proud of business and their achievement with the Home Hardware business.

Jeff is a CPA qualified accountant previously working for Kraft and SPC before becoming disenchanted with corporate life.

Bought the hardware business which was under-performing and under new management grew considerably.

Most complex business he has been in. Traded 8 yeas under Thrifty-Link banner then moved to Home Hardware group.

Home Hardware was a John Danks business before being bought by Woolworths who later sold to Mitre-10

Spent 5 years in old premises before purchasing present premises from Goulburn Murray.

Home Hardware a lose franchise allowing use of a number of suppliers with charge-back.

Jeff & Gayle's strategy has been to have the right stock giving good customer service.

Employee's are all trade people with various trade expertise.

Liam Trigg Guest Speaker

Liam grew up at Pakenham on a hobby farm, developing interest in animals. As a child watched nature documentaries on television.

Graduated with a science degree in animal science and became a part time zoo keeper at Gumbuya zoo and park. Experienced raising baby animals. After renovations at Gumbuya World became full time zoo keeper specialising in training, display and programs for school children.

Now working with Government department in Agricultural Science with focus on sheep and cattle.

Liam illustrated his enthusiastic and passionate presentation with a power point display.

Les Lawrence Shield

The annual bowling competition between the Numurkah and Nathalia Rotary Clubs was held for the Les Lawrence Shield, with Nathalia the winners.