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

Service Above Self
Numurkah Golf & Bowls Club
Numurkah, VIC 3636
Australia
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District Site
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Bulletins
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Venue Map
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Bridgette and Bronte students from St Mary of the Angels participated in the Sandhurst Diocese Alternate Schoolies Trip, a once in a lifetime experience.
Arrived in Cebu in the Philippines and met by University of San Carlos students who acted as guides.
First day were tourists as they toured and shown the sights.
The following day community work began with a visit to a dump site, where locals scavenged through waste for a living.
Next day visited a housing community where up to 400 families housed in a small one room houses for shelter. Families engaged in crafts.
This was followed by a visit to a cemetery where families lived seeking shelter among the tombstones.
Another day was spent visiting sick orphans.
Also accompanied Brother Paul who at night visits the street workers providing food, medicine and counselling.
During the trip the students were encouraged to see the beauty as well as the poverty.
The $14,000 raised by the students, which included a donation from the Rotary Club of Numurkah, was divided between communities visited.
Both Bridgette and Bronte said they will never forget this lifechanging experience.
Carl Walters from CMA was guest speaker and tour guide at a walk through Kinnaird Wetland.
Kinnairds Wetland is part of a larger natural wetland covering an area of nearly 100 hectares of natural and constructed wetland designed to provide major regional benefits for land in the Muckatah Surface Water Management Scheme beginning in Yarrawonga.
In 1992 GMW proposal had 187 objections, consultation with community resulted in change to the design to improve water quality and flows, and included replacement of 10 weirs on the Broken Creek. Approval was gained and project has won environmental awards.
The natural and constructed areas of the wetland act as a retarding basin which aids in filtering sediment and minimises the rate of flows entering the Broken Creek which eventually flows into the Murray River at Barmah.
The diverse area provide habitat for a variety of wildlife including birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and fish.
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Offering $10,000 in Prize Money the exhibition is one of the best art exhibitions in Regional Victoria.


Linda and Peter reported on the "Pals Panthers" participation in the Tri-State Games in Adelaide.
Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia compete in games with 35-40 teams and over 300 athletes.
Pals Panthers came 2nd in athletics, 2nd in swimming and 3rd overall.
Thanks was expressed to the Rotary Club for providing sponsorship.Jade Connolly currently studying for a degree in Veterinary Science attended the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), a 7 day experienced based conference for young adults aged 18-30 to further develop character and leadership skills, empowering young people to lead.
RYLA aims to:
· Demonstrate Rotary's respect and concern for youth;
· Provide an effective training experience for selected youth and potential leaders;
· Encourage leadership of youth by youth;
· Recognise publicly young people who are rendering service to their communities.
Every RYLA program covers the following core topics:[1]
· Fundamentals of leadership
· Ethics of positive leadership
· Importance of communication skills in effective leadership
· Problem-solving and conflict management
· Rotary's purpose and service to the community
· Building self-confidence and self-esteem
· Elements of community and global citizenship
Leaders are persons who guides or directs not dictates. Learnt to be part of the solution not part of the problem in teamwork.
Discovered self by portraying positive emotions,. Must believe in yourself.
Jade concluded by screening a short video of the conference.
John had a sheltered but awkward life growing up on a dairy farm in Albury. Always making and inventing things. With the creation of the Albury Wodonga Development, the river flats were purchased and family moved to Mulwala.
Developed irrigation equipment inventing a stop that works with automation. With the drought irrigation became more efficient, with less time needed for better crops. Save 1/3 water by watering faster.
Today Australia has the most efficient surface irrigation in the world. Cotton industry now has 3 times yield with GM cotton. To survive on world markets have to get smarter.
Padman Stops the biggest pre-cast industry in Australia.
John now works on research and development with son Shaun running the business. Challenge is to take something complex and make it simple.
After the suicide of a worker John became involved with mental health promising to help prevent suicide.
Bridgette, Elisha and Bronte participating in St Mary Secondary College "Alternate Schoolies" from 28th November to 16th December.
Will travel to the Philippines at act as volunteers in needy centres.
Each student had to raise a minimum of $500 to be spent on the needy in the Philippines.
Thanks to Rotary for their support.
Darren Smith lived in Numurkah most of his life attending Numurkah Primary School and Numurkah High School.
Apprentice at Newport Railway Workshop for 2 1/2 years, returning to Numurkah to complete trade. Moved to Emerald Qld. then back to Numurkah.
In 1991 started up a tyre shop, business grew nd employed local people, Joined the Tyre Power Group, an independent co-op where the business is run by the owner.
In 2015 decided to sell business and moved to Calandra with wife Elizabeth working at the Cairns hospital as unit manager for 2 1/2 years with himself working for a Chinese tyre company,
Decided to return to Numurkah. Old business came up for sale, taking-over in October.
Dan from G.V. Water welcomed Rotary to the treatment plant.
10 years ago the old plant had reached capacity and water quality was not always the best.
Options were to build new plant in town, which was not recommended due to lack of space and nearby houses. Second option was to build on a new site out of town with GM Water channel being source of water.
New site provides 300 mega litres of storage. Old plant delivered 6 mega litres per day new plant 10 mega litres a day.
Cost of plant was $12M.
G.V. Water services 54 towns from Marysville to Cobram.
Possibility of plant supplying water to Nathalia if their old plant has to be decommissioned.
Kate Reghazani & Andrea Holmes discussed their new business of Rush food & travel.
Andrea advised that they hope to open soon, perhaps within the next 3 weeks. They are both local girls who grew up in Katunga, love netball, football clubs, Hawks & being involved on local committees. Andrea was educated locally & moved to Melbourne for a career in finance until she returned to start a family. She went into business with her Husband & brother in law by buying the Telegraph 2005 where Kate started working for them. Andrea & her Husband juggled family & business & subsequently purchased the local Newsagency in 2009. Following the closing of The Common Thread, Andrea & Kate came together to brain storm to consider a business niche for Numurkah. They hope to create a relaxed atmosphere, where customers can enjoy a great coffee, purchase a gift & plan a holiday.
Kate’s aspect of Rush has been there for sometime. Kate first worked at Regent Café & then Dairy Delights where food was taken to another level. She then became second cook at the Telegraph & then worked the bar. She then travelled to America as a summer camp counsellor in Tuxedo in North Carolina where she worked for the next 5 summers & subsequently became an assistant Director. In 2010 she travelled around the world to the United Kingdom, Europa & South America. In 2014 Kate joined Escape Centre in Shepparton where she attained a Cert III in travel. She quickly became a Team Leader but was keen to travel again to America to work in the summer camps.
Now opportunity has arisen for them to commence their new business for travel advice. Opening a business has taken longer than they expected, but they look forward to commencing soon & provide a business that will be open 7 days a week.
Sergeant Tim Gleeson from Numurkah Police Station talked to the club about the Head to Head Walk from Gippsland and Mildura to Wangaratta to raise money and awareness of Mental Health Issues amongst retired police members. They are hoping to raise $500,000. PP John Watson announced that the Board had approved a donation of $250 to the project and Jeff Buzza was presenting the cheque to Sergeant Gleeson the next day.

Past District Governor Bernie Bott presented PP Jacque Phillips and the Numurkah Rotary Club with an International Presidential Citation for 17/18 Rotary year. PDG Bernie Bott announced that as the President for that year we had met 26/27 goals set for the year.
Paul Arnel, Principal St Joseph's Primary School and President of Numurkah Football Netball Club was guest speaker.
President of Numurkah Football Netball Club for six years with wife Jodie and five children involved in the club.
The club has 500 members and participants fielding 18 teams, providing opportunity for families to engage at a level of their choice
Football teams AusKick, Under 10, Under 12, 4th, 3rds, Reserve and Seniors.
Family orientated, perception of a boys club and grog shop wrong as club serves the community. With 11 netball teams and 7 football teams the club is female dominated. days of boys club has changed.
Club has a turnover of $300,000 to $400,000 with club striving to improve facilities with spin off a benefit to community. Plans to build a new netball facility, install new lighting and a car park.
Relationship good with community is good with club providing monetary and physical support to families in need.
Murray League looking to move into two divisions.
Culture and environment of club is to serve the community.

Secured Susan Alberti to be guest speaker at Business Breakfast Wednesday 3rd April.
Philanthropist, businesswoman and women's football league pioneer Susan Alberti has been crowned Victorian of the Year. The well-known Melburnian, who has helped raise millions for charity through her medical research foundation. It comes after Ms Alberti won 2017 Melburnian of the Year. The prominent philanthropist is known for her charity work, in particular raising funds for diabetes research, and for her work in helping to develop the women's football league. Her passion for medical research developed after her daughter Danielle was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in the 1980s and later died from complications associated with the disease. Ms Alberti is the former vice-president of the Western Bulldogs Football Club, which she has barracked for since she was a child. Her work to nurture and financially support the AFLW competition has been a focus for decades. In 1997 she received an AM (Member of the Order of Australia) for her contribution towards the cause of diabetes research, and was a finalist in the Australian of the Year Award in 1997 and in 2009. She was awarded an AO (Officer of the Order of Australia) in 2007, and the Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) Award in 201
Gerrard Daniel founded Nu Genes in 1989 with two partners, with the aim to respond to peoples needs offering herd testing, artificial insemination, de-horning, milk testing DNA testing.
Now has 51 employees and 40 vehicles and branches in Gippsland in Maffra and Western District in Terang.
In 1974 Australia had 7,926 dairy farms, in 1986 14,986, 2000 7,926 and today 6,000.
Need to change with the times with the introduction of huge corporate dairy farms, and employ staff willing to travel. Servicing farms from Forbes to S.A. and all over Victoria.
Has made mistakes along the way, if you think everything is going to go your way - you are dreaming.
Meet challenges by responding in a realistic way.
Past not so bad, future exciting.
James Miller spoke to the club prior to travelling to Canada to compete. Competing at school, zone, region and state levels with success James was invited to compete in Vancouver.
James returned to the club to speak on his visit to Vancouver to compete in school athletic competitions.
Flew from Sydney to Vancouver on a 14 hour flight with fellow competitors then to Kelowna Campus of the University of British Columbia. Competition was amazing coming 3rd in long jump, 6th in 100 metres, 4th in javelin.
Returned to Vancouver touring city and Mt. Whistler then competitions at week-end. 5th in high jump, 5th in long jump and 5th in javelin. Training day with excellent coaches.
Visited Universal Studios and Disneyland.
Since returning has competed in School Zone Athletics achieving firsts in long jump, 100 metres, high jump and relay. Was awarded the Age Champion Award.
Russell and Bruce Harris spoke to the club about the Numurkah Fishing Club's proposal for the construction of a jetty in the lake for fishing.
Seeking support from Rotary for the project.
Plans have been drawn up by the Shire with need to dredge part of the lake and to bring in a pylon driver. The jetty will be constructed of Murray pine and be an all ability jetty designed for wheel chair access.
Approaching all service clubs and community groups for support, as jetty for everyone, not just the fishing club. 11,000 fingerlings released into lake so is well stocked, just needs access.
Heart Attacks occur when blood vessels are blocked. Symptoms include chest pain. discomfort in arms, back, jaw, neck, shortness of breath.
Call 000 if in doubt, do not leave to following day as time frame is short with death of heart muscle cells occurring causing permanent damage.
When calling 000 a series of questions will be asked.
Administering aspirin helps break up the blood clot. When paramedics arrive an ECG and blood test will be taken. MICA has other thrombolytic drugs available to break up the blood clot. Transportation to hospital will be arranged .
Strokes can be caused by clots in the brain - Ischemia, where loss of blood will cause cells to die.
Haemorrhagic stroke is bleeding in the brain causing pressure.
Symptoms are unsteady gait, slurring of words, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness.
Code 1 to Shepparton or helicopter from Bendigo to transfer to Melbourne.
Thanks to Karen & Sam for an excellent presentation and answering the many questions from members.
Neville is passionate about indigenous involvement in community.
Goulburn Murray Catchment Authority charter to include aboriginal participation.
Model of inclusion of aboriginal people in society with economics bringing about a common ground, not benevolence, but inclusion for social change.
Murray River corridor an opportunity to be inclusive and diversify as other Catchment Management Authorities form a tri-state alliance collaborating to do it better in managing resources and allowing people to develop to their best potential, not relying just on welfare.
Education, health and economics parity so the aboriginal people can look after themselves and not depend on other and be empowered to help others.
Doing it the same way for so long, with nothing changed.
Neville enlisting private sector involvement to bring about business disciplines.
Commenced a musical career after school, touring Asia with an orchestra as a percussionist.
On return commenced a cadetship with Coles and in 2000 joined father with IGA for 18 months.
Moved onto Woolworths for 5 years in various management positions. Then became a rep on the road with Coca Cola for a year. Met Adele and committed himself to father's business for 5 years, still with business after 14 years.
Extensions needed as over trading in area. Took 10 years with Shire to obtain permit, final paper-work on-going.
Proud of achievement, most up-to-date store under the IGA Banner.
Wayne then conducted a tour of the supermarket.
Ross Abberfield Goulburn Murray Valley Regional Fruit fly Coordinator stated fruit fly was a massive issue in the Goulburn Valley being a threat to horticulture where 50% of Australian apples, 70% of pears and 100% of canning pears are grown.
Community involvement through Councils, growers and community groups have responded well.
Ross spoke on his experiences as a member of the Rotary Vocational Training Team visiting Canada and touring farms and processing and research facilities.
East Coast of USA and Canada was an historical area with generational roots with large scale horticulture. Visited the Great Lakes, and Amish farms, and exchange team members who visited Australia last year.
Cornell University research into fruit fly, new styles of horticulture developing new varieties.
Diversified farms with big acreage leading the way in robotics, packing sheds automated with new generation equipment.
Trip enabled partnerships and relationships to be developed with industry representatives with view for exchange of information and tours, building a network across three nations.


D.G. Malcolm reported he has met with Board and was impressed how the club was working for the community.
"Be The Inspiration"
Who, What, Where and Why?
Who - Inspire non-Rotarians, inspire community. Most importantly inspire yourself to influence others.
What - Rotary Values: Service, Diversity, Integrity, Fellowship.
How - Show others we love what we do, service above self.
Keep Rotary Meetings fun.
Show by example Rotary is the service club to join.
Jill Kerr spoke on her chosen Partner's Program for the year.
"Rural Aid" Financial and emotional support to the rural community to assist mental health.
IMMEDIATE PAST DISTRICT GOVERNOR BERNIE BOTT:
Bernie thanked the club for allowing AG Chris Sutton to serve on the District team.
Bernie made a presentation to Chris thanking and congratulating her for her service to the District.
Appointed in January 2018 to Numurkah District Health Service as a Community Development Worker Dairy Industry Support.
Aim is to build resilience in dairy industry.
Talked to community members and the dairy community. Dairy farmers indicating the need to catch up with one another.
Awareness Raising:
