Welcome to the Rotary Club of Numurkah website. Here you will be able to learn more about our dynamic Rotary Club.
Service Above Self
We meet In Person
Mondays at 6:30 PM
Numurkah Golf & Bowls Club
Tunnock Road
Numurkah, VIC 3636
Australia
Numurkah, VIC 3636
Australia
Chris Matthews told the club about herself and Duncan McPherson purchasing Dubuque at auction in 2013, with Duncan working full time over four years restoring the inside rooms.
Originally built in 1887 by John Claude Trengrove and his wife Sara Jane.
John was born in Cornwall, being brought to Australia as an infant settling in Geelong. John served as an apprentice in a drapery business, sent to London, then he moved to America, where he met and married Sara Jane Barnett. The couple came to Australia after the great fire of Chicago, where they lost all their possessions.
In 1887 they moved to Numurkah and built what was to be their family residence, Lakeview, now known as Dubuque, and established the business Brown & Corke.
The house has 13ft ceilings, each room took two weeks to wash down the walls. Baltic pine ceilings with pressed metal ceiling, with a different pattern in each room. Noted to be the first house in Numurkah to have fly screens.
A lot of time, effort and love has gone into the restoration of Dubuque and it is with great pride she has been opened up to the greater community so that they can appreciate the house in all its glory.
Now open to the public as a "Bed and Breakfast", where bookings can be made for accommodation or small functions.
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Fizz Mayberry spoke to the club about his involvement with KidsFix Rally.
In 1998 participated in a Camp Quality Rally with a 1962 Pontiac wagon. Present Commodore last nine years. All donations go to the cause, with members of rally paying own expenses as well as car expenses. Originally Camp Quality had 5 on staff with 2 paid employees. After 15 rallies it had grown to 132 paid staff. Decided to do their own thing, starting a foundation dedicated to support sick and disadvantaged kids. First rally in 2013, from 2014 to 2020 raised over $750,000, with Board receiving requests for projects each year, with five selected.
Rally provides an instruction "Bible" with directions but no maps.
Last 2 years still fundraising as committed to projects, although no rally was able to be held.
Numurkah hospital has been the recipient with a children's playground and portable ultrasound equipment.
Other recipients have been Broken Hill Hospital, Gympie Hospital, Dental Outreach, Western Area Hospital NSW, Shoalhaven Hospital, Milton Ulladulla Hospital, Latrobe Regional Hospital, Dubbo Base Hospital, Bendigo Health.
Make many life-long friends, with participation the reward.
Utilising "Share Screen" on Zoom, Lou Hamon embarked on a voyage of discovery as he demonstrated to members the ClubRunner Rotary Club of Numurkah website, explaining its features and resources.
Marissa Daly, Communication Officer with NCN Health was guest speaker via Zoom.
Grew up in Kilmore at Assumption College where her parents were boarding masters, had access to school facilities.
Spent weekends with friends at Berrigan, where her parents later bought and renovated an old church in 1990, moving to Berrigan in 1995.
Gained an arts degree at Monash University, then headed off to France for 2 years as an au pair.
Returning to Australia working as a journalist with Southern Riverina News in Finley. Role of newspaper important and the role of a journalist has its responsibilities.
Moved to Mackay in Queensland, where she loved the weather, working as a communications officer in a agency for remote nursing.
February last year returned and joined NCN Health as communications officer.
Purpose is to bring the three campuses together, aligning communications, pamphlets, websites etc. The task to bring three together as one.
Positive of COVID pandemic is it has brought staff together facing the challenges of the pandemic.
Role is to develop a strategic strategy of forming relationships with communities, although difficult with social distancing at the moment.
Clare Keenan, CEO Moira Shire, spoke to the club on the "Rise of ISIS in the Middle East".
Employed by Accuweather in the United States met with 4 Dubai business men in Las Vegas seeking agents to expand business in the Middle East.
In 2012 went to Qatar, working from the Libya TV offices. At that time hard line Islamic parties commenced creating uprising and revolution, with many ex-pats planning to leave. With temperatures rising to 50 degrees Ramadan commenced with alcoholic parties, as alcohol not consumed during Ramadan. Ramadan a time for family and feasting.
Friends deported, texts censored so after 12 months returned home to Barcelona.
Enticed back to Jordan to work for Arab 24 Media, the largest anti-ISIS propaganda media outlet with 200 men in the war zones.
The Islamic State, or ISIS, is a militant organization that emerged as an offshoot of al Qaeda in 2014. It quickly took control of large parts of Iraq and Syria, raising its black flag in victory and declaring the creation of a caliphate and imposing strict Islamic rule.
Clare was moved to Aqada for safety, then Istanbul then moved to Australia.
Clare told her fascinating story of her experience working in the Middle East, with detail and humour, engrossing a captive audience.
Wayne Limbrick commenced by updating the club on Umoja Orphanage, Kenya. Completion of second house held up with COVID. House will accommodate 12-14 children, bringing the total of children at Umoja to 25-26. Children are safe and well. Wayne & Pam had planned to visit this year, but more likely next year, when painters will be required to finish the second house.
Wayne then spoke about being a Moira Shire Councilor.
Always interested in the community, serving on various community organisation committees, in 1990's served as a councilor on Nathalia Shire.
Considered time was right to stand for Moira Shire, and was elected number three of the nine councilors.
Having been involved with local tourism for 25 year, serving as Western Moira chair, was frustrated with consultation by Moira Shire.
Wayne's main concerns were water security, changing land use, impact of waste management. Easy to sit back and complain, but felt need to be pro-active. Campaigning during COVID required a different approach.
Challenge in first 6 months, a baptism of fire, spending 3-4 days a week, research, reading, meetings.
Major Shire projects in hand include Multi Sports Complex Yarrawonga, Yarrawonga Library, Numurkah Flood Mitigation Plan, which with the appointment of a project manager is now proceeding. A $25M project which will take some time.
Tourism Advisory important to local communities, need to lobby Government on water management, need to be more responsible with waste and resource management. As contamination is high, introduction of 4 bin system to get glass out of other bins.
Aim in 4 year term is to improve consultation process, it is a two way process. Council should be respected.
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Wendy Raleigh from Orange Door was guest speaker. Wendy grew-up in Undera then spent 30 years in Queensland, 26 years policing.
2015 Royal Commission into Family Violence made 227 recommendations, which have been accepted by Government.
Findings were that agencies were struggling to support women and children, with victims not knowing where to go for services, and perpetrators were not kept in view. Victims often having to re-tell, and relive their traumatic experience over and over again to different agencies.
2016 Road Map to Recovery aim was to keep families together.
Orange Door aim is to provide safe consistent approach with one visible entry point with a wholistic, integrated approach.
28th April opened doors in Shepparton, serving 5 LGA, Moira, Mitchell, Strathbogie, Shepparton and Murrindindi, at 210 Corio Street Shepparton.
Staff of 65 building to 80.
Out Posting of staff planned to child care health service, and other services.
In Reach: Agencies will use building to assist clients, such as legal aid, financial services, mental health services.
Six agencies set up in Orange Door working together to provide a service no longer fragmented.
Screening/Triage Team work out predominant factor which could be housing, health, finance.
Assessment Teams plan referrals and case management.
Practice Leaders provide insight and overview.
60% referrals from police, remaining referrals from professionals.
Unique service with six work-forces coming together in the one space.
2015 Royal Commission into Family Violence made 227 recommendations, which have been accepted by Government.
Findings were that agencies were struggling to support women and children, with victims not knowing where to go for services, and perpetrators were not kept in view. Victims often having to re-tell, and relive their traumatic experience over and over again to different agencies.
2016 Road Map to Recovery aim was to keep families together.
Orange Door aim is to provide safe consistent approach with one visible entry point with a wholistic, integrated approach.
28th April opened doors in Shepparton, serving 5 LGA, Moira, Mitchell, Strathbogie, Shepparton and Murrindindi, at 210 Corio Street Shepparton.
Staff of 65 building to 80.
Out Posting of staff planned to child care health service, and other services.
In Reach: Agencies will use building to assist clients, such as legal aid, financial services, mental health services.
Six agencies set up in Orange Door working together to provide a service no longer fragmented.
Screening/Triage Team work out predominant factor which could be housing, health, finance.
Assessment Teams plan referrals and case management.
Practice Leaders provide insight and overview.
60% referrals from police, remaining referrals from professionals.
Unique service with six work-forces coming together in the one space.
Guest Speaker Nick Raleigh spoke to the club on Go Farm, an Australian owned agriculture investor and developer.
Purpose is to improve Australian agriculture, create wealth for investors, generate a positive impact for properties, communities and industries.
Aim to select, acquire and develop each asset.
In Victoria, the Murray above the choke, offers lower water risk, lower development costs and more headroom for development.
Strategy is to aggregate, re-configure, re-position and develop.
Development process entails, property, water, soil, people, to develop production and profitability.
Go Farm has one of southern Australia largest, most secure and low cost portfolios of irrigated land and water.
Proposed crops in Moira Shire include almonds, mandarins and broccoli.
Institutional investors and their managers are now awakening to the opportunities in the Murray Valley and Goulburn Valley, with pace of investment gathering momentum.
District Governor Nominee David McPherson presented a Paul Harris Award to Jacque Phillips.
Jacque joined the Numurkah Rotary Club in 2009 and served as President 2017.
Stephen Mills was presented with a Sapphire pin.
The Jack Duncan Vocational Service Award was presented to Debbie Oliver.
Debbie Oliver is in her fifth year as principal of Numurkah Primary School. As principal Debbie has implemented various initiatives around teaching and learning, student well-being, and generally fostering a desire to learn in all students.
The Col McPherson Community Service Award was presented to John Decker, pictured with Community Service Director Julie Andrew and Duncan McPherson.
John has dedicated the last 44 years as a member of the Numurkah SES unit, with a desire to help his local community, he has attended hundreds of incidents. John has been involved in the mentorship of the L to P driving program for 10 years.
District Governor Nominee David McPherson inducted Gary Phillips as President 2021-22, pictured with Past President Jennifer Rodger.
In her President's Report Jennifer Rodger summed up the year by saying "Our results this year have exceeded expectations and are reflective of a combined effort and couldn't have been achieved without the involvement of each and every member, and for that, you all have my eternal appreciation and gratitude".
In his incoming President's Address Gary said it was a humbling experience, and indeed a privilege and great responsibility.
His aim is to nurture club and re-engage with the community, exploring ways to serve our community together.
His aim is to nurture club and re-engage with the community, exploring ways to serve our community together.
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PRESIDENT JENNIFER RODGER welcomed members to an informal night of fellowship at the Numurkah Bowls Club.
Due to COVID restrictions the planned indoor bowls competition with the Nathalia Rotary Club was postponed to later in the year.
An informal, pizza night was held, followed by a combined board meeting of this year's board and next year's board to discuss disbursements for the year.
GUEST SPEAKER: Numurkah Ukulele Club.
KATE: Established 3 years ago bringing people together with a common interest. Group has 25 members and supports community with performances.
CHRIS: Good for health and wellbeing, relaxes, improves breathing and circulation.
ANNE: 57 performances in 2019, with COVID only 3 via Zoom in 2020. Have performed in Numurkah, Cobram, Nathalia, Strathmerton and Shepparton, mainly at aged care facilities.
The club entertained members with a medley of numbers.
President Jennifer and President Elect Gary using the white board listed what the club does and what the club could do.
Listed under "Would Like To Do" were:
Golf Day.
Environmental - clean up lake.
Welcome to Numurkah function.
Business information board at free camping sites.
Drive showcasing district to medical students.
Social Activities: visit zoo, BBQ's.
Vocational Site Visits.
With Shire hold public meeting on lake.
Jacque Phillips CEO NCN Health was guest speaker. NCN moving from COVID reactionary to vaccination. Hesitancy was real but demand increasing. NCN Cobram a vaccination centre able to do 200 per day. G.V. Health centre at McIntosh Centre at Shepparton Showgrounds. For over 50, two jabs, 12 weeks apart. Flu vaccine 2 weeks prior or after.
Under 50 preferred vaccine Pfizer with prioritized vaccination. Under 50 can consent for Astra Venica, an informed personal choice.
NCN Strategic Plan: 1.7% aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders. 18.3% born overseas. 12.1% language other than English. 47 median age with 25% 65+. Close knit community 74.8% . 7.4% diabetics. 32% obese, 22% smokers. 11.8% experiencing stress. 55% not physical exercise.
Over 3 campuses NCN Health has 116 aged care beds with 95 - 100% occupancy. 34 acute beds with 2 operating theatres.
In a nice gesture, Garry McNamara presented each member with a half penny coin, minted in the year of the members birth, which he had fashioned into a key ring. Pictured with Lorraine Greenwood. Thanks Garry.
Garry McNamara acted as chairman and guest speaker.
Left school early and became an apprentice jockey, on becoming too big worked on race courses.
In 1972 called up for National Service, although wanting to drive large vehicles was taught how to cook.
On discharge worked in racing industry in Ballarat for 12 months, then Brisbane for 3 months before enlisting in Army.
Posted to Townsville promoted to Lance Corporal, posted to Portsea for 2 years. Completed a clerk administration course and posted to Army Reserve in Hobart for 2 years and promoted to Sergeant. Next post was Lithgow ammunition's depot. Promoted to Staff Sergeant and posted to Bendigo, promoted to Warrant Officer and posted to Broadmeadows, after 3 years posted to Port Moresby PNG for 2 years.
Promoted to Warrant Officer 2 and posted to Canberra, then Darwin for 2 years in Armored Regiment, finishing in Defence Public Service at Lavington for 4 years.
Chairman John Watson introduced three members who spoke on their vocation.
JUDY McDONALD:
Desired to take up nursing, but not to be, staying home to care for sister. Change of direction with secretarial work, then another change to computerised book-keeping. Husband died of cancer at 57 years. Met Rex Shields, which was interesting and moved to Numurkah. Still doing books for son's business.
Chairman John Watson introduced three members who spoke on their vocation.
CHRIS HARDHAM:
Grew up in Katunga on a dairy farm. Graduated from Bendigo Teachers College, first school Knox Park, brand new but no resources, Yarragon Park before heading off overseas for 12 months. Returned to teaching at Heatherdale, met Ross and moved to Selby. Spent 9 years away from teaching with family, returning to Kalista then 141/2 years at Wandin Yallock before returning home. Relief teaching at Numurkah Secondary College retiring at the end of last year.
MICHELLE (SQUISH) DAVID:
Grew up in Western Suburbs of Melbourne, completed Year 12 in 1999, graduated with a Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Education. In 2005 came to Numurkah as Drama and Music teacher at Numurkah Secondary College, living the first 12 months with Dorothy & Peter Heard. Took 12 months leave returning 3 days and NSC and 2 days Guthrie Street Primary School. Then commenced 5 days at Numurkah Primary School, at present 4 days with 1 day studying Masters of Music Therapy.
Stressed the importance in having children read and engage in conversation. Music Therapy is a tool in mental health, youth and aged care.
Love Your Sister featuring Samuel Johnson presented by the Rotary Club of Numurkah with snack box dinner prepared by Numurkah Secondary College students.
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Malcolm Watt chair RYPEN - Rotary Youth Program for Enrichment, first became interested in RYPEN a weekend program for young people in 1990.
Teenagers today benefit greatly from opportunities to develop "life skills" and motivation to help them cope with the challenges of a very competitive future.
Pressure is put on students to perform academically and their results are the benchmark of success. However other skills are needed for the next stage of a student's growth, be that further education or the workplace.
Pressure is put on students to perform academically and their results are the benchmark of success. However other skills are needed for the next stage of a student's growth, be that further education or the workplace.
During an intensive residential weekend, young people aged approximately 14 to 16 years will develop increased motivation, improved life skills, better self-image, pride in themselves and an understanding of setting and achieving goals. At the same time, participants are interacting with peers from different backgrounds, and different parts of our district, improving their teamwork skills and having fun!! All this done in an informal atmosphere, where questions and debates are encouraged.
Waranga Basin was the venue for the weekend camps from 1991 to 1995. Now in its 31st year, and 27th year at Lake Nihacoote.
This year 21 students from 12 clubs attended, with incredible feedback.
Chairman Allen read a letter from Nathan, one of two students sponsored by the Rotary Club of Numurkah.
Learnt so many new skills, try everything and teamwork. Rock climbing wall a challenge, made new friends, thoroughly enjoyed the camp, only dislike was leaving.
Lesley Hills, born in Yorkshire, nearly a "local" after 27 years in Deniliquin. In 1991 spent a year in Sydney, returning 18 months later to a dairy farm in Blighty.
Three years ago fell in love with yoga and trained as a Laughter Yoga Leader. Has sessions at two aged care facilities, a pre-school and a community group, youngest 3 years, oldest 103 years.
Multitude of health benefits from laughter exercises. 10 minutes of continuous laughter equivalent of 30 minutes on a rowing machine. Laughter for health and wellbeing improves mental and physical health, lowers stress levels, improves lung capacity and regulates blood pressure.
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DIVERSE CREATIVITY ON DISPLAY
The 41st Annual Art & Craft Exhibition was officially opened by Rotary District Governor Bruce Anderson, who congratulated the Rotary Club of Numurkah for staging an excellent exhibition.
The art judge, Geoff Paynter, commented on the diversity, creativity and the technical abilities displayed by the artists.
Geoff announced the winners in each section he had selected with comments on the artwork.
Best in Show was awarded to Tim Redfern from Mulwala, “Jukaliatas”, “Large, impressive image with an interesting interchange of shape and line, based on natural forms”, were Geoff’s comments.
Runner Up was “Impression” by Sally Sidebottom from Tallygaroopna. Geoff commented “Spontaneous feel to this painting, strong contrasts with shape and colour”.
Best Watercolour awarded to Be Gosler with “Fun in the Sun”, “Creative interpretation, good use of watercolour medium”.
Best Oil was “Tranquil Autumn” by Do Noble from Doveton. Geoff’s comments “Reads well, good impression, with soft use of colour”.
Best Pastel awarded to Linda Finch from Donvale with “Waiting for a Friend”. “Great use of pastel - broad in application. Subject based, which carries well”.
Best Acrylic was “summer Waratahs” by Melanie Jamieson from Finley.
Best Pencil was awarded to “Leucadendron” by Louise Adams from Temora. “ A creative image with excellent execution”.
Best Regional Artist was Janet Tett from Yarrawonga with Mystic Mountains”. “Great overall in use of colour and creative interpretation”.
Moira Arts & Culture Inc. Encouragement Award was awarded to Victor Casha from Cobram with “Playing Hide & Seek”. “Technically well done with a sentimental attachment”.
Photographic Award was awarded to Dennis Rickard from Numurkah with “Patterns”. “Great contrast, with natural patterns.”
Claire Reid was the craft judge stating precise skill was very evident – the entries were judged on the skill of the craftsperson, not just their aesthetic qualities. Claire also noted contributors to the show continue to display ever improving skills.
The winners were:
Fibres.Threads and Beads Award was awarded to Margaret Blackburn from Burramine South with a mauve crochet beaded milk jug cover. “This piece is exquisitely delicate and precise”.
Quilt Award was awarded to Ann Fagan from Katunga. Tribute to William. The quilt is a tribute
To William a fabric and furnishings designer. Ann has used elements of his designs with close attention to detail in maintaining points and seam intersections.
Craft Award was awarded to Vita Janssens from Koonoomoo with “Violet China Painted Plate”. “A delicate combination of back and foreground elements as well as a subtle wash”.
Best Craft Entry was awarded to Ann Fagan for her quilt “Tribute to William”.
Chairman of the Art & Craft Committee of the Rotary Club of Numurkah said “the club was incredibly pleased with the standard of work on display and the attendance numbers during the weekend. A team effort from members ensured the exhibition was such a success under COVID requirements”.
Peter Heard spoke to the club on "The Worlds' Longest Taxi Fare" an account of his grandfathers brother Charlie Heard driving Miss Ada Beal and two companions to Darwin and back in 1930.
Charlie Heard was born in Rochester and at 18 served with AIF in France, settled in Geelong in 1928 and established a taxi business in 1930 with a Hudson tourer.
Accepting the fare, Charlie modified the car by fitting extra tanks for petrol and water, spare parts and coconut matting.
Departed June 30, ladies had shopping excursions at every stop. In Port August Charlie fitted extra springs, staying overnight at hotels, stations or set up camp. Charlie had organised petrol to be at designated spots during the trip, and used a compass to keep on course.
By the time they reached Alice Springs, people had heard, by bush telegraph, of the excursion, and came out to greet them.
Katherine to Darwin usually undertaken by rail, but Charlie decided to continue by car. Reached Darwin with hot baths and comfortable beds. After several days commenced return trip via Brisbane and Sydney.
On fifth day reached NT, Queensland border, then onto Brisbane and the east coast. Travelling along the Pacific Highway to Sydney Final leg through Gippsland to Melbourne and Geelong.
The Hudson weighed 3 tons, travelled 7,003 miles, used 505 gallons of petrol and only had one puncture over the trip lasting 3 months.
Out of proceeds Charlie purchased a garage, passing away in 1951.
GEOFF LIMNER & BRUCE MCEWAN from the Rotary Club of Box Hill Central spoke on "Operation Cleft" which provides free cleft lip and cleft palate repair surgery for underprivileged children in Bangladesh.
More than 5,000 children are born with cleft lip or cleft palate each year. Through the generous support of Rotary Clubs, over 12,000 cleft repair surgeries since inception of the program in 2005.
Geoff presented Paul Harris Fellowships to John Watson and Linda Watson for their generous support of the program.
Wilow Hoskin told of her "most amazing" year in Finland as a Rotary Exchange Student.
Using a power point and video presentation Wilow showed pictures of her 12 months in Finland.
Lived in a town of 8,000 with two host families.
Due to COVID could not undertake much travel, but visited Lapland in winter, ice-sating and skiing, -18 degrees. Visited again in summer, no snow but hiked.
Summer sun does not set, winter sun does not rise.
Schools are set up for 3 year levels. Attended a traditional high school dance, similar to our deb balls,
Favorite food: reindeer soup, blueberry pie, bread cheese & cloudberries, black pudding.
Jeff Blackley, president of the Numurkah Historical Society was guest speaker.
The Numurkah Historical Society has been part of the Numurkah Community since 1964.
The vision of the Historical Society is to be a vibrant welcoming organisation committee to preserve artefacts and records of the past for current and future generations.
Using a power point display Jeff showed artefacts and links to the past providing background stories.
- Aim: To collect, store and/or display and use for research.
- Society is a Public Records of Victoria Place of Deposits.
- Record interviews with older members of the community provide insight into our past.
- Window into History collate artefacts to share our history.
- Share specific research information with public.
At the moment: stocktaking, digitising of the collection, labelling of display items, regular change of displays with more permanent displays in other rooms, permanent record of our servicemen, opening up of the breezeway to the public, setting up a railway pergola, opening up a tool shed.
How you can help: visit, spread the word, donate items, join the Society, helping with displays or cataloguing.
History is about people, locations and artefacts etc, used to tell the story of people and how they lived and interacted.
Rotary members met at the Numurkah Cemetery for a Cemetery Walk led by Bernadette Steward, secretary of the Numurkah Wunghnu Cemetery Trust.
The evening commenced with a BBQ.
Numurkah Cemetery established in 1883 and has 8,000 graves. In 1978 Lawn Cemetery established, which is nearly full, but trend is towards cremation.
Community consultation to be held on future expansion and development.
Right of Interment Holder has say on use of plot and erection of memorial.
Role of Trust at funerals to ensure correct person is being buried. During COVID ensure capacity restrictions and recording of attendees.
Bernadette then led a walk through the cemetery with fascinating stories of the graves, particularly those relating to the early history of Numurkah, with one unannounced visitor.
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In lieu of a regular meeting Rotary Club members provided the BBQ at the Numurkah Australia Day Celebrations.
Photos courtesy Mark McNamara.
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Traditional first meeting of the year combined with Lions Club at Numurkah Bowls Club.
Lions Club president Keith Nicholl welcomed members, wishing all a happy new year.
A delicious meal was served by the Lions Club, in a relaxed evening of fellowship.
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Entry forms for the Rotary Club of Numurkah 41st 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 5th March to Monday 8th March.
Entry forms have been posted to last year's exhibitors and are available from the Numurkah Visitor Information Centre and Numurkah Library, and Cobram Visitor Information Centre.
Forms can also be found on the club's Facebook page and Website.
Exhibition subject to Sate COVID-19 restrictions and directives.
Glorious weather, excellent company and a delicious gourmet dinner prepared by Gary Phillips, Geoff Holmes an Fay Holmes with salads and desserts supplied by members, made for a fitting climax to a year like no other.
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The AGM of the Numurkah Rotary Club was chaired by Gary Phillips.
Election of office bearers for 2021-2022 by ballot.
- President: Gary Phillips
- Secretary: Jennifer Rodger
- Treasurer: Jeff Buzza.
Sonia Strahan Prostrate Cancer Specialist Nurse with G.V. Health as guest speaker.
Position funded by the "Biggest Blokes Lunch" a fundraiser for men's health which has grown from 90 to 700 attendees over the years.
After 15 years as a palliative care nurse Sonia in 2014 took on the role of Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse based in the Peter Copulus Cancer and Wellness Centre at G.V. Health.
Looking after men being diagnosed and treated for prostate cancer.
Men when diagnosed know little about the disease. The nurse ensures patients are well-informed about their diagnosis and treatment opportunities. Patients have a high level of anxiety and stress, a nurse is in an optimum position to support the men and their partners by providing information on treatment and become primary point of contact.
Estimated 220.000 living with prostate cancer with only 16,000 diagnosed. Early diagnosis essential as 3,000 dying each year.
Service provides coordinated approach to pre and post operative care locally whilst surgery in Melbourne. Have good working relationship with Melbourne hospitals.
With another nurse appointed, now cover every day of the week.
Implore men to have yearly check ups with their local G.P.
Cathy Booth, spoke on her founding of Umoja Orphanage in Kenya.
Started from nothing, in 2011 holidaying in Kenya was impacted by the poverty and the need for a children's home, returned three times before purchasing 15 acres of land after many meetings in Kenya.
134 volunteers, mostly Rotarians, backbone of project, raising money step by step.
Except for houses, everything built by volunteers. First structure was a caretaker's house in 2014 commenced building the first house, which was finished and ready to receive children in 2016. In 2018 commenced fundraising for second house, a family home, not a dormitory.
Orphanage is involved with community assisting in medical treatment and workshops in agriculture.
Proceeds from farm cattle and chickens and vegetable gardens providing funds for orphanage.
Children have been abandoned or sexually abused and chosen by Government Department to attend orphanage.
Last year drought followed by floods lost crops. COVID-19 Safari Business had no clients, sponsorship decreased.
Seeking contributions towards second home and sponsorship of children. Slowly the farm is recovering and able to sell harvest.
In Kenya every 15 seconds a child is orphaned, with 2 million orphans. Vulnerability of orphaned children to abuse.
Pride in staff.
"We are achieving the extraordinary".
Chairman John Watson with guest speaker Cathy Booth via Zoom frpm Queensland.
Colleen O'Hara spoke on The School of St Jude in Tanzania.
Gemma Sisia graduated with a Dip. Ed. in Armidale NSW and in 1995 flew to Uganda and on safari to Tanzania. Returning home Gemma opened a bank account to pay for the education of a student, then with donations from Rotary started a East Africa Fund.
In 2002, opened The School of St Jude with 3 students and a big dream to provide a free, high quality education to children living in poverty. Today St Jude's is a pioneering leader in charitable education within Africa, educating 1,800 students across three primary and secondary campuses, achieving among the top results in the region, and support hundreds of graduates through tertiary education.
In Tanzania 74% of children will not be enrolled in secondary education, an adult averages 5.8 years of schooling.
70% of the population live on les than $2 a day with over 12 million Tanzanians living in poverty. Education can lift an entire population out of poverty, creating stable and growing economies. For every year of education a child receives, their adult earnings can increase by an average of 10%.
80% 0f St Jude's graduates' families overcome extreme poverty.
St Jude's empower their students to transform their community, challenge the status quo and find solutions for the 12 million Tanzanians living in poverty.
Josh Brear currently working with Australian Border Force as an Inspector. Role to inspect border cargo and people providing security for Australia, acting as a "gatekeeper".
In 1990 joined the Air Force for ten years before joining maritime security, monitoring cargo, cargo vessels and crews entering Australia.
In 2015 ABF evolved from Custom service providing coast watch and maritime surveillance.
ABF functions 24/7 co-operating with other agencies such as Department of Defense and supporting law enforcement agencies under Home Affairs.
Duties include collection of excise for Commonwealth.
Government policy changes means adaptation of policy on the run, not without challenge.
Focus getting people and cargo in and out of the country, holding, detention or allow people to arrive.
Not without risk, with intelligence push risk out with a more considered approach.
COVID-19 has thrown up challenges.
In 1990 joined the Air Force for ten years before joining maritime security, monitoring cargo, cargo vessels and crews entering Australia.
In 2015 ABF evolved from Custom service providing coast watch and maritime surveillance.
ABF functions 24/7 co-operating with other agencies such as Department of Defense and supporting law enforcement agencies under Home Affairs.
Duties include collection of excise for Commonwealth.
Government policy changes means adaptation of policy on the run, not without challenge.
Focus getting people and cargo in and out of the country, holding, detention or allow people to arrive.
Not without risk, with intelligence push risk out with a more considered approach.
COVID-19 has thrown up challenges.
