

Service Above Self
Numurkah, VIC 3636
Australia







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.

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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.
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- 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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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.

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. |
- 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.
- Install solar pump.
- Re-fence compound.
- Final paint of new house.
- Repaint existing house.
- More training on tractor.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- A Triple Zero call (000) triggers an alert to be sent to a GoodSAM Responder.
- The responder is told the location of the patient and the nearest available defibrillator (AED).
- 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.
- 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, 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.
- 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.
- 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.

– Stacey & Michael operate Deadly Art which displays & sells indigenous artefacts, didgeridoos & art works from local artists including their own. They first opened in March in Meiklejohn Street but have recently moved to Melville Street.
Stacey spoke of her Pop, Cecil Clayton who served in the Australian Army as a Soldier & was a Rat of Tobruk. After he returned from war 9 of his 13 children were taken.
Michael demonstrated an Emu Caller to imitate the mating calls from emus, a whacking stick, digging stick & a Yorta/Yorta walking stick which can be become a weapon. The indigenous motto is “what you take from the land you must use” – no wastage.
An invitation was extended to Michael & Tracey to join next year’s Art Show to display their works.
Michael attempted the digeridoo.
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Terry Brennan spoke to the club on his background as an A Grade Automotive Engineer. From 1924 to 1998 the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce trained and certified A Grade Automobile Engineers.
Terry, an apprentice with Rod Hurren, undertook the course with requirement, must be over 21 years, minimum of 7 years experience 2 year night school then sit for exam, which required a 70% pass rate.
In general, the candidate is expected to have a knowledge of the construction, operation, diagnosis, maintenance and repair of the various automotive systems and components. The syllabus included, Fitting and Machining, Welding, Electric Arc, Precision Tools and Trade Calculations, Engine Reconditioning, Transmissions, Final Drives, Electrical, Carburetors, Tuning, Adjusting & Diagnosis.
Examination is practical and theory written paper. with a 4 hour and another 8 hour theory exam.
Numurkah had a strong showing of A Grade Engineers, including among others, Doug Grenness, Doug Allchin, Frank Coonerty, Arnold Hern, Russell Blake, Don Chandler, Don Wilson and Adrian Doody. Numurkah had 44 mechanics when Terry started his apprenticeship.
Dr. Jennifer Coller, Cardiology lead G.V. Health, attended Melbourne University in 1997, with elective in fifth year served in Madras, India and Samoa. Returned for internship at RMH, then a year in UK. Returning for cariology training with PhD in Heart Failure at St Vincent's, then G.V. last seven years and in 2021 Cardiology Lead.
Cardiology Disease causes 1 in 4 deaths at a great cost to the Australian economy.
Patient story of a 62 year old women with Heart Failure.
- complex medical history, heart disease, arterial fibrillation and heart failure.
- managed by multiple specialists with multiple presentations to E.D.
- educated around heart failure.
- fluid retention.
- clear action plan devised.
- advanced care planning.
- no recent hospitalisations.
Outpatient consultation at G.V. Health consultation suites with establishment of two outreach clinics, consultations 1000/year. Specialties: heart failure, AF/arrhythmias, interventions, congenital heart disorder. Connected Cardiology with monthly outreach clinics focus on heart failure and echocardiography fortnightly.
Rapid Access Atrial Fibrillation Clinics with aim to early review of E.D. presentations. Cardiac Ambassadors Project with aim co-ordination of care. Heart Failure Collaborative with aim to reduce heart failure re-admissions.
300,000 in Australia with Heart Failure 1.5% of population. Symptoms - breathlessness, fatigue, waking up in night with very short breath, feeling breathless when lying down, swollen ankles.
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John Watson guest speaker spoke on Incitec Pivot and his involvement.
Pivot was formed in 1919 as a phosphate co-operative producing superphosphate with farmers only as shareholders, farmers initially purchasing shares at $10.
In 1997, corporate raider Doug Shears began buying shares to gain control of the company, with a move to demutualize the company. At that time, the company had 45,000 farmer shareholders and was the biggest co-op in Australia. Having 3 to 4 directors on his side, he ran candidates for the board to gain control.
John Watson and Allan McCallum ran a campaign opposing David Spears candidates, gaining 75% of votes cast. Chair and Deputy Chair controlled AGM and declared John & Allan lost on a technicality. Taking the case to the Victorian Supreme Court, John & Allan won. Following board meeting John was elected chairman.
New directors were recruited, but management was still a problem. Down the track, the CEO made a financial blunder, with banks moving to declare the company insolvent. Working through this in 2003 Pivot merged with Incitec.
In 2006 Southern Cross Fertilisers was purchased and in 2008 Incitec Pivot purchased Dyno-Nobel explosives business, becoming listed in the top 24 companies on the ASX.
In 2011 John retired. Of note, Incitec Pivot is the only manufacturer of urea in Australia, with Ad Blue now produced for the trucking industry.
Fr Joe Taylor as a young priest volunteered to serve in Papua New Guinea. PNG close to Australia, was a Dutch Colony and German Colony, with Australia administrating from World War II for 60 years before PNG established its sovereignty in 1975.
Based in Southern Highlands, 2,700m high in rugged country. RAAF used area for high level landing and take-off training.
Population of 5M with 780 different languages with Pidgin the predominant language. Parliament is in three languages, Pidgin, English and Huli.
Job was to set up schools, whilst in PNG he set up four primary schools. Within PNG education is becoming more important with assistance of four Nuns literacy, nutrition and health are emphasised.
In the six years in PNG, Fr. Joe learnt about himself, what is important and what is not important.
Beautiful country, with population rapidly growing and western clothing being adopted.
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Claire Birch, Community Engagement Officer from Indigo Power, spoke to the club on community energy in our region.
Power hubs are organised and run by volunteers with the aim of 100% renewable energy. Groups formed to carry out a variety of projects in type and size.
Benefit to communities include enabling equal access to the benefit of renewable energy, whilst combating and improving economies in regional towns. Projects provide a lasting legacy for future generations and provide management in times of emergency and disaster.
Community Power Hubs collaborate and support community engagement for communities to organise and implement renewable energy projects that benefit communities.
Projects underway in the North East include EV chargers and community storage batteries


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