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
Guest Speaker – Graeme Hendy. Katamatite Lions Club has a small club of only 15 members who decided to form a sub committee to run a rodeo. They needed 1500 to attend to cover costs. McPhee’s ran the rodeo & they did the set up & organised 120 competitors. They hoped for 2500 to attend but ended up with 4500 which caused some traffic chaos & EFTPOS machines went down from overuse. Part of the profits provided funding of between $10,000 - $12,000 back into the local community through grants. They will run the event again on 06/01/24 with a cap of 4000 attending & all tickets will be online.
Lions Club also took on the Silo Art project in 2018 with the aim to raise $50,000. The silo has now been painted & the Shire had an official opening last week. Follow on effects from visitors stopping to view the Silo & then supporting the café/op shop & donation tins.


 

 
 
 
 
1st Baulkamaugh Scouts presentation to the Rotary Club.
Scout Leader Jason Andrew thanked the Rotary Club for their support and introduced a power point 
presentation, where each of the 19 scouts spoke on a different activity undertaken by the scouts, illustrated on the screen.
Activities included rafting, camping, billy carts, rocker cover races, bridges over the creek, cardboard box ovens, survivor camp, dairy farm visit, visit to gelato messina, Father's Day BBQ and campfire, burning villages, water safety, canoeing, VicJam at Elmore.
Congratulations to all the scouts on their presentation. Congratulations to the leaders for the amazing range of activities.
 
President Julie presented a cheque for $1000 to the 1st Baulkamaugh Scouts, the proceeds from a clearing sale BBQ at Yabba, which was assisted by the scout families.
 
 
 
 
 

Sarah Peters a vet nurse at Numurkah Vet Clinc spoke to the Rotary Club.

Lived in Tocumwal since 2017, with two boys, a 3-year-old and a 1-year-old, and many pets. Worked at Numurkah Vet Clinic as a nurse since 2020.

Left school early and worked at a Trail-riding Centre where she fell in love with horses. Undertook training at Box Hill Tafe Institute in hospitality and horse breeding.

After 10 years commenced working back in the industry at the Jerilderie Vet Clinic as a vet nurse, then offered work at Numurkah Vet Clinic.

Privilege to get up each morning and know what you are doing is making a difference.

Numurkah Vet Clinic employs six vets and 5 nurses and 4 other staff offering high quality service at a reasonable price.

Staff love the pets as much as they love their own children.

 
 

 
 
Guest Speaker – Sonke Tremper – Giz a Break.
A registered charity for short term experiences for youth clients. Sonke’s previously worked in health care & then set up this charity 4 years ago. They will provide 24 camps over the next 12 months. Programs include 4WD & hiking over 4 – 7 days. 4 casual staff plus a youth worker/social worker about to come on board. They have provided this experience to more than 150 students with 99% of the students showing improvements afterwards. The organisation provides extensive training for staff for 4 wheel driving, wilderness, mental health etc. They could do with the donation of small defibrillators for the 4WD vehicles which are $400/each.
 
 
Click on link to You Tube video.
 
 

 
 
Guest Speaker – Reginna Vasi Team Leader Vdea works & Ethan Rowley. Both grew up in the area & are very happy working for Wdea Works which is a non profit organisation which was originally established in Warrnambool 30 plus years ago. West District Employment Access which specialises in disability employment service, school leaver support program plus plan management. 21 staff in Shepparton office which also services an outreach program traveling all over the district. The School Leaver Support (SLS) established in 2020 through NDIS supports school leavers up to 2 years as a link into open employment. Reginna is the Team Leader & Ethan assist with students participating in group development, training in social networks & community access & business links. Currently have 12 participants to 6 employees. Quarterly reports required to NDIS. Reginna regularly attends 16 schools in the area to identify students they can assist plus through contacts, support workers & occupational therapists.
 

 
 
Jamie and Gareth spoke to the Rotary Club on The Olde Creamery, which is a farm stay by day, oasis by night. House is a Soldier Settlement house, set on a 3-acre hobby farm with a home that is now stylish with a modern yet rustic feel.
The Olde Creamery is situated at 1333 Rendall's Road Numurkah.
With a passion for food, creativity and gardening which work together to create the oasis that The Olde Creamery is.
Home of their Gourmet Pantry range dahlias and seeds. Products available at Ritchies IGA and Farmer Markets.
The Olde Creamery has its own array of animals, including Wispa & Skye, border collies, Kylie the cat, Dani the parrot, Ramsay the goat plus livestock.
 
 

 
Ken Faulkner from the Rotary Club of Mooroopna addressed the club on the Rotary Club of Mooroopna annual car raffle, encouraging the club to participate.
The car raffle has been going for 40 years, originally drawn at Mooroopna Madi Gra, started in main street, then moved to recreation reserve and name changed to New Years Eve Festival.
Tickets originally $2 with just the Rotary Club, with Mooroopna Lions and Kiwanis later participating, which has now been extended to other clubs.
After 2019, increased ticket prices to $5 with 60% going to organisations and 40% to Mooroopna Rotary
15 on selling organisations last year raising in total $123,000.
Cost nothing to other clubs except time, as  Mooroopna Rotary pay for prizes, tickets and supply poster.
 
 
 

 
 
David Woolley spoke to the club on his participation in the Hattah Desert Bike Ride.
Hattah 60km south of Mildura, North West Motorcycle Club established a motor-bike race in 1998 with 70 riders. In their 25th year some 800 riders.
The course is 37km long on loose sand with many tight corners.
In preparation watched the race last year as a spectator to prepare. Fitness and nutrition important adopted over 12 months gym and diet program, racing in 3 to 4 meetings prior to Hattah.
Bike preparation: a new Beta 610 fitted out.
Race entries in April for race in July.
Friday: Scrutineering day, where details are checked.
Saturday: Prologue Day. Race in pairs with finishing times determining starting position.
Sunday: Race Day. 37km long starting at 9am. Aim was to complete first lap safe and comfortable on bike. Track rapidly deteriorates with some 400 riders.
410 riders with 70 not finishing, taking 4 to 5 hours for the 8 laps with 25 finishing in lead lap.
Finished 326 out of 410, managing 4 laps.
 
 

 
 

Stacey Willaton, Principal of Numurkah Primary School spoke to the Numurkah Rotary Club.

Lives in Shepparton, husband a teacher, three boys, all into sports, eldest 18 years, youngest 10 years.

Born in Bendigo, father a builder, mother a teacher, lived in a caravan.

Building their third house with father assistance. Spending time with family, coffee with grandmother weekly, travelling and camping with family main interests.

In 2016 spent 6 months travelling Australia,

Studied at Monash University for a science degree, from 2000 - 2007 taught biology and maths at Northcote High School. In 2008 moved to Shepparton High School, then spent 12 years at Shepparton East Primary School, Acting Principal during COVID, teaching science and art. School grew from 117 students to 280.

In 2022 decided to branch out and applied for Principal position at Peranbin Primary College in Violet Town. The College has 4 campuses, Violet Town, Strathbogie, Baddagine and Swanpool.

Successfully applied for Principal at Numurkah Primary School, now in 11th day.

Goal is for Numurkah Primary School to be a safe and happy place for everyone, and an inviting place for students, teachers and parents.

Working to get to know each student and their families.


 
 
John Tanner appointed chair of the panel of administrators for Moira Shire, spoke to the Rotary Club. Appointed in March, John has a wealth of experience in local government.
 
The Commission of Enquiry Report was released in March, with councilors dismissed by the Minister.
The findings of the Commission of Enquiry found that the council was not operating properly with a decline in governance and best practices. Short cuts were being made and dealing with people varied with double standards becoming the norm, thus losing respect of the community.
 
The Panel of Administrators will perform all the functions, powers and duties of a Councillor as set out in the Local Government Act 2020 (the Act)including representing the interests of the Moira Shire community.
In addition, the Panel Chair must perform all the functions, powers and duties of the Mayor of the Moira Shire Council as set out in the Act.
Administrators appointed, John Tanner AM chair, Suzanna Sheed and Graham Emonson, all with local knowledge.
 
Re-set required to address communications within council and outside to communities.
Align and engage with health and education in community vital.
Acknowledge frustration of locals with the flood plan for Numurkah. Now up and running with Stage 1 to commence shortly.
Opportunity in the five year term to look at strategy of whole area, building community capacity, high standards of governance and transparency, and nurture future leaders.
Return of elected council in 5 years.
 

 
 
 
President Julie invited all Club members to participate in a Club Assembly, to help plan our year ahead, Creating Hope in Our World.   
President Julie divided members into five groups to discuss Community Service, Club Service, Youth, Membership, International.
Points raised by each group noted on white board.
 

 
 

Steve Neff a Shepparton boy, after education went to Melbourne for 5 years before returning to Shepparton. Steve has spent 18 years with Berry Street, Cutting Edge and 9 years with Rumbalara.

A "Lifeline" volunteer operating out of Bendigo and casual support for "Standby".

Lost son, at 18 years of age, to suicide, blaming himself, suffered depression and considered suicide.

Signs are not always visible, with change of behavior and withdrawn, vital signs.

Need to ask question RUOK, frequently.

Post suicide groups are available such as "Standby" which is dedicated to supporting people and communities across Australia bereaved or impacted by suicide.

"Standby" help with person-centered support and follow-up, contactable 24/7 to arrange face to face or telephone support, locally tailored community workshops, connect and coordinate local support that fit individual need.

Last year ran a Neffy's Walk in Shepparton with over 70 attended, with talks, music, emergency services and a candlelight vigil.

Aim to establish support group and a walk in Numurkah.

Neffy's Walk has a Facebook page.

Steven Neff can be contacted on 0400 314 858

Lifeline: 13 11 14

Beyond Blu: 1300 22 4636

Standby: 1300 727 247

 
President Rex Shields President's Report
 
 
District Govenor Neta Kirby presenting Paul Harris Fellowships to Kate Hodge & Mark McNamara.
 
 
Col McPherson Community Service Award presented to Rob Elliott.
 
 
Jack Duncan Vocational Service Award presented to Jason Stevenson.
 
 
Julie Andrew inducted by D.G. Neta Kirby.
 
 
2023-2024 Board.
 
 
Chris Sutton presented with Paul Harris Fellowship by District.

 
 
 
The defibrillator training session conducted by Ambulance Victoria officer, organised by the Rotary Club of Numurkah at the Golf Club was attended by 30 members of the public.
Craig Beamish, Team Leader, Chris Opie paramedic led the training assisted by paramedics Julia and Hayley.
The message to save lives if unconscious is  1. Call, 2 Push, 3 Shock. Call triple zero, Push on the chest hard and fast and Shock if a defibrillator is available.
Those attending were instructed as they learnt CPR on mannequins.
The importance of defibrillators availability was illustrated this week when used by a Numurkah business to save a life on Wednesday.
 
 

 

Jeff Buzza spoke to the club on accepting the Push-up Challenge.

The challenge started in 2017 by Nick Hudson and a bunch of mates to get into shape with the challenge of 100 push-ups a day.

In 2018 participants in challenge totaled 1,000.

In 2018 Nick underwent heart surgery and was hit with depression.

2019 saw 50,000 participants and in 2022 there were 153,000 participants who raised $10M

The Push-up Challenge runs from June 1 to 23 with participants required to complete 3,144 push-ups, varying from 84 to 219 a day. Able to catch up, but cannot bank for future.

Fund raising is optional with the choice between, Push for Better Foundation, Lifeline or Movember.

All participants have an App on their phone which sets daily targets, keeps track of daily totals, ability to see how members of your team are doing, learn about mental health, start push-up preparation, fundraising tips and a message for the day.

Jeff found Push-up Challenge through his participation in Movember, Participants can undertake challenge on their own or join a team.

The challenge is good fun, keeping you healthy and fundraising for a good cause.

Jeff accepting club challenge.

 
 

 
 
Kevin Morland on behalf of the Golf Club, presented a cheque for $1,000 to the Rotary Club.
Acting president Stephen Mills, thanked Kevin and the Golf Club for the donation, saying the money would be used by Rotary for the benefit of the community.
 

 

Kevin Morland was guest speaker to the Rotary Club. In deciding what to speak about, entered Talk to Rotary on AI Chat.

Generated two page speech, which Kevin read from speaking of  the impact of Rotary by collaboration, seeking opportunities, sharing vision and unlocking potential.

Kevin finished by saying AI exciting and unique but possibly dangerous.

Kevin, the newly appointed manager of the Numurkah Golf and Bowls Club, then spoke about himself. In 1998 invited by Grant Duffy, the manager of the golf club, to accept position as office manager.

In 1999 experienced a hold-up by two men with a gun, complied, then tied up. Left with anger, with the outcome of the Golf Club being more secure, and heightened his awareness of happenings in environment of club house.

Completed an Advance Diploma in Club Management and became involved with Club Managers Association.

COVID impacted the club in many ways, and still dealing with staff issues of overdue long service leave and absence due to COVID. In recruiting staff now trying to look broader with older recruits, as well as young.

Now steering the ship with challenging opportunities of a club with 1,000 members in a town of a population of 5,000.

 

 
 
 

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.

 

 
 

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.

 
 

 
 
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 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, 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.

 


 
 
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.
 
 

 

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 9506John 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, 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.
 

 
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 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.
 
 

 
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, 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.

 
 

 
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.

 
 

 
 
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.
 

 
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, 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
 
 
 

 
Rotary Club of Numurkah was nominated for three awards, at the Numurkah Australia Day Ceremony, as well as providing the BBQ Breakfast..
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

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.

 
 
 
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.
 
 

 
 
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.
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
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.
 
 

 

 

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.
 
 
 

 
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.
 
 
 

 
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 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.
 
 

 

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 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.
 
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