Barry Croke provided an insight into the history of agricultural education and the changing role of government in supporting the agricultural industry, with particular emphasis on Dookie Agricultural College.

Barry explained that during the 1960s, agriculture was recognised by government as an important industry that provided a broader public benefit. Significant government investment supported agricultural education, research and services, including work in areas such as wheat breeding and animal health.

By the 1970s and 1980s, government priorities began to change. Agricultural education became part of the broader College of Advanced Education system, and institutions such as Dookie faced increasing financial and structural pressures. Barry described how Dookie once operated as a thriving agricultural community, with farms, workshops, shops and around 52 houses, while providing students with extensive practical experience.

The 1980s brought considerable debate about the future of agricultural education, including pressure to consolidate tertiary education and move more agricultural education towards Melbourne. The speaker outlined the efforts made to maintain Dookie’s role and generate income through its farms, courses, conferences and industry services.

Barry spoke passionately about the loss of Dookie’s multifunctional role. In its earlier years, students spent considerable time living and working on the farms, gaining practical experience alongside their formal studies. Today, students from Melbourne may travel to Dookie for shorter practical experiences, while agricultural degrees have become more specialised.

Barry raised an important question about whether today’s agricultural students receive enough hands-on, practical experience during their university education.

Julie: 

Highlight was taking Jason and Charlotte this time for the experience. Going as a group has allowed them to get to know each other better. Working alongside each other through the day and relaxing in the afternoons/evening. Stayed in a beautiful resort on the beach, all inclusive with a pool. 

Seeing the progress has been fabulous, especially knowing the adversity with the government and policing that they are up against. 

While on the safari trip Kate, Julie and Charlotte got stuck with the kids in the bathroom while a herd of elephants (with a baby!) went past. 

Kate: 

Has previously been in 2015 and 2017. First time there were no children and was building structures. Next time there were children, this time (9 years on) getting to see the same kids as older children and how they had flourished was fantastic. Camaraderie between those who went was great. 

The kids at the orphanage have had a rough life and anything we can do for these can help. 

Alare is a gorgeous kid and is doing well in school. 

Sue:

No idea what to expect and was very nervous. Arrived and luggage went missing - 30kg of it was donations so was a bit worrying, although was sorted out. Was a little quiet after arriving at the Orphanage but soon got stuck into what needed to be done. 

Kids are beautiful. Hamesi, was found on the side of the road as a 5-year-old - won Sue's heart and was hard to say goodbye. 

Would go back in a heartbeat if asked, it's been a life changing experience.  

Megsy:

Was taken with the greeting from the children and the thankyou speech that they gave, they really appreciated everyone being there.

Very well run orphanage by Cathy and Patrick and it's amazing how they do it, although heartbreaking to see how the kids have come to be there. 

Adults took the kids out on safari and wasn't enough seats. Megsy and some others stayed back and were picked up by a tuk tuk, came across a big pothole and bottomed out while avoiding it then had to get out and push! 

Jeff: 

Gayle and jeff had been 2 years prior - more and more block houses (slightly more substantial) and an increase in tourism. Still particularly poor and conditions aren't great. 

Pipes with water are available but have to pay to connect so still lots of water carted back and forth in containers. 

Five of the group had been before, which meant that they were able to hit the ground running and achieved a lot more than previous visit. Jason put his scout's skills to use playing games and interacting with the kids. 

None of the kids had been on safari or had seen a train before - they loved the zebras. It was nice to see the kids getting to experience something they hadn't had the opportunity to before. 

$1,000 from the Club plus additional donations of $500 and $300 were used for upgrades to the Poultry Shed which will allow poultry to now be able to be turned over every 3 weeks. Another shed would allow a 2-week turnover. Irrigation system upgraded with further donations.  

Went on the back of a motorbike with the plumber, Cathy wasn't overly impressed. Will definitely be going back. 

What a great way to finish our Kenyan Voluntouring experience! Highly recommend Surprise Tours & Safaris Ltd. for your African experience!

Megan is a Numurkah local, right from her younger years in Numurkah, Megan was always passionate about health and wellbeing. Megan left Numurkah to become a Physiotherapist, working in Melbourne for the past 15 yeas with a passion for women's health and prevention.

Live Life Whole was founded by Megan Dickinson (B. Physiotherapy) and Sarah Roughead (B. Food Science & Nutrition) after seeing first-hand what happens when girls grow up without the health education they deserve.

They saw a generation of girls navigating anxiety, disordered eating and hormonal health without the knowledge to understand their own bodies.

So, together with a team of 14 qualified women’s health professionals, they built what should have always existed: a female-specific health curriculum and platform that empowers girls to become the expert on their own health.

Because female health literacy is preventative healthcare. Education is the first treatment. Giving girls the knowledge to understand their body and mind early, can prevent health challenges from becoming lifelong crises - changing the story for them and everyone around them.

Prevention starts in the classroom. 

8 in 10 girls seek health advice on TikTok. 

48% girls and young women aged 14-29 experience anxiety and/or depression.

1 in 8 young people aged 15-19 are living with an eating disorder.

6 in 10 young people have not been taught the practical management of menstrual health.

1in 3 girls drop out of sports due to body image concerns.

Live Life Whole has now reached more than 27,475 girls across Australia, with 94% reporting improved health knowledge and confidence and 82% making lasting positive behaviour changes.

Preventative health education is presented in the classroom and clubrooms.

At its core, Live Life Whole exists to help girls better understand their bodies, become informed, confident girls become healthier women.

Day Four: Children’s Safari Day! Umoja Orphanage Kenya. We took the kids on their first ever safari to Tsavo East park and it was a great hit! The kids had to get up at 3 am and they got home at 8:30pm! We made a list of all the animals we saw. A few talented animal spotters in Alare and Duncan! Some of the girls had a bit of extra excitement getting trapped in the toilets whilst a small family of elephants walked around the building within a few metres!

Day Three: Finishing off the new chicken shed with wire, fixing locks, finishing off the lighting repairs and mosquito netting. Small health clinic, Hamisi helping out Faye taking vegetables to market and Jeff playing on the tractor in preparation for the workers kitchen! Saying goodbye to Happiness and welcome to Tivian (3 yrs) who little Zumae (3yrs) took straight under her wing

Day one on the project involved welding in the tractor shed, replacing fly wire on the houses, painting the second house verandah, fixing electrical issues, sorting clothes and an afternoon of Scout games organised by Scout Leader Jason!

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'