Stories

Jeremy Tyndall guest speaker

Guest Speaker

Jeremy Tyndall

Grew up in Waaia racing motorbikes, playing footy
When 16 yrs old had a crash and run over by another rider and broke his back
Laid back character has made the most of his situation
lucky enough to be doing rehab in Melbourne and had to learn to live again and get use to being in a wheelchair
a basketball player visited the rehab centre and encouraged him to play basketball
Over time it became enjoyable and an outlet whilst in rehab
Outside of the city there was no disability sports
Down the track he was contacted that wheelchair basketball was started in Shepparton
The coach put Jeremy's name forward for the under 23 yr Victorian team
The national league wheelchair association - tried out and made the team
Was invited to join the Australian team - flew around the world playing basketball
Moved to Melbourne to study and train for the Australian squad
The training was brutal - but it was a good professional environment
There were blocks of ten days of training at the AIS
The team got a bronze medal in Toronto
Was invited to train with the Rollers - the seniors team
Was then invited to join the team in 2019 - paid position
Jeremy was approached by a French team and lived in France for 8 months - played a season
It was really good for his development
During Covid professional athletes were given exemptions to train
In 2021 training at AIS and was picked to be in the team to play in Tokyo in the Olympics
Mum and dad were 'pretty happy'!
One of the most incredible experiences of Jeremy's life - to represent Australia was awesome
Came 5th at the Olympics
You've got to live life as normal and not let anything get you down
Currently teaching at St Joseph's and planning to move back to Melbourne and start playing basketball again
Coaching 2nd's footy at Waaia

Glenice Holmes guest speaker

Guest Speaker

Glenice Holmes (McNeill)

Grew up in Shepparton
Have made it to 90 yrs old!
Dad came from Scotland at 12yrs old in 1910
Advertising in Glasgow to come to Victoria GV to Dairy Farm, were upset when they arrived as all the dairy farms were given to Australians.
They took on an orchard block and grew pears
Dad got a job with Clydesdales Coaches building shop at 14 yrs of age
In 1930 after he was married, (mum came from the Hunter Valley). they bought land in High St Shepparton and a grain store
Built a house for the family upstairs of the business
Shops were mostly family owned and families all lived above the businesses
Business was building carts and horse drawn vehicles. The business then moved onto building car spokes and side curtains
Dad had a big sewing machine and Glenys job was to hold up the large machine steady
There was a farrier within the business as well
It was a fun upbringing
Went to Presbyterian Sunday School in the morning and the Salvos at night for the bands and music
Free tickets to the circus as they used their power and water
In 1939 the war was starting, and the RAAF had the recruit camp near the Showgrounds and they used to watch the soldiers walk out to training
Glenice can drive around Shepparton today and remember where everyone use to live and work
Girls had few career options as back in those days - secretary or nurse
Worked at 3SR radio station
The Star Theatre held Saturday night dances and one particular night in 1954 Glenice noticed this handsome fellow named Douglas Holmes from Numurkah
Got married in 1955 and Doug's mother told him to take Glenice down the street to introduce her to the shop keepers (Brown & Cork in the back door, Eric Lee's butcher shop, Bitcon's, Mr Gunther's the Chemist, Retallick's, Hamon's Pharmacy, Kilpatrick McClelland, Young Husband's)
Glenice and Doug had 5 children in Penzance House
Mark and Carolyn McNamara bought Glenice and Doug's home and then she moved across the road (begrudgingly)
She has seen 7 floods come through Numurkah
The Historical Society has been a big part of her life - 60 yrs celebration this year of the Society
Knew a lot of the members and were all friendly
One day Charles Newman approached the Moira Shire, National Bank and a benefactor and arranged the current facility in 1992
Have run 2 musical nights, to help paint
Been President and Secretary many times
Glenice is a Life Member (the only one)
Still enjoying the meetings and want to keep going

Gary Phillips guest speaker

Gary Phillips spoke to the club on the craftmenship in making a Windsor Chair.
What is a Windsor Chair?
History - also known as a 'stick' chair from Welsh and Irish descent
First noted as a garden chair
The name Windsor is derived from the market town of Windsor in London where they were sent to be sent out
Many different patterns both modern and traditional
Gary went to Molong to a Windsor Chair making workshop for ten days
Very physically demanding work
Traditional workmanship skills utilised - no modern machinery
Gary played an informative video demonstrating the different techniques utilised to form the chairs
He also demonstrated the tools required for each part of the process (froe, pole lathe, auger, carving axe)
Utilise sight lines to get the angles of the chair legs (splay & rake)
Gary hand made all the tool handles as they do not ship them from UK with the tool heads

Rob Smith guest speaker

Guest Speaker

Rob Smith

Born in Midlands area UK
Dad was born in Egypt and family lived a 'pioneering life'
Mum was born in Yorkshire
Parents met at University and never graduated as they left and married
1981 moved to Hong Kong with dad's new position
Spent three years 'partying' and making the most of the experience
Returned to the UK and was a 'shock', started travelling again with mates
Ended up in Israel in a Kibbutz and worked for 8 months
Left and headed to a farmers property to help with vegetables and watering
Travelled back to Greece with some more money in pockets
Kept travelling to Munich as a dishwasher
Got back to UK before University as a mature aged student
First teaching position for 7 years year 3-4
Married Terrico a nurse
Had 4 kids
Looked at moving to Slovenia but decided on Australia
Moved to Victoria with three-year visa
Started teaching in 2010 in Numurkah
Got citizenship in 2017
Family fully involved in local sporting clubs
Positive move but things still tough - parents ageing and unable to visit back home regularly
Don't regret the move
Future is to keep working at the Numurkah Primary School and organising sports days

Bryce McNair guest speaker

Bruce McNair guest speaker.
Being a Rotarian is special.
Ability to build networks, excellent reputation and leverage for projects with
arian is special Global Grants
Mosquitos are the #1 killer in the world
3.2 billion people over 97 countries are affected
The annual death rate is 405,000
Of these 67% are children < 5yrs
Malaria is a preventable disease
Government initiatives focus on prophylaxis medications for soldiers and travellers, diagnostic tests and vaccinations
Rotarians Againist Malaria (RAM) focus on long lasting insecticide treated nets, indoor residual spraying, space spraying and sugar baits
RAM is looking for contributions to project by purchasing nets, donating BBQ proceeds etc

The av cost per net is >$10

Maynard Carlisle guest speaker.

Maynard Carlisle spoke to the Rotary Club on his time with the National Survey, travelling every state and PNG over 5 years.

With HQ in Melbourne, groups of up to 10 with a qualified surveyor plus technical assistants and field assistants would set out with equipment, swags and food for up to a year, mapping Australia.

Some mapping and surveying not done since Captain Cook.

Maynard showed a slide presentation illustrating the extreme conditions from desert in the outback to mountains and jungle in PNG with pictures of working parties in these conditions.

Jeff Blackley guest speaker.

Jeff Blackley from the Numurkah Historical Society spoke to the Rotary Club on the 150th Anniversary of the gazetting of Numurkah and Wunghnu as towns.

The Historical Society facilitated two public meetings last year and set-up a planning committee to celebrate the 150th Anniversary. A further public meeting was held this year to report progress.

People in area before town gazetted, Bangerang clan of the first nations people and squatters, part of the Ulupna Strathmerton West Run.

After gold rush government unlocked the land with the 1869 Land Act. Land broken up and could be selected, being leased for 2-3 years and improvements made before land could be purchased.

Start of closer settlement with towns growing to provide supplies and in 1875 Colonial Government officially gazetted Numurkah and Wunghnu townships.

Six years later railway came through with Numurkah the terminus resulting in the establishment of nine hotels.

Historical Society facilitating planning with a distinct logo created from ideas suggested by school students.

Main weekends of celebrations.

Saturday 8th: Heritage Day at showgrounds featuring a parade of horses and wagons, Cobb & Co Coach and heritage crafts and trades, folk band, wood chop and video presentation.

Sunday 9th: Picnic Lunch Rotary Park, dig up time capsule. Afternoon open sessions at schools, Historical Society, combined church service.

Easter: Catch-up, similar to a back-to.

Throughout the year, town's major events incorporate 150th celebrations.

Legacy projects include footbridge over creek, hospital memorial wall, Historical Society signs down main street and mural on water tower.

Seeking Rotary involvement:

Man power on the Saturday and Sunday.
Dig up time-capsule.
BBQ on Sunday at picnic lunch.
Collect items and re-bury time-capsule.
Painting of train and tractors.
Possibility on engraved bricks.
Art Show to include prize for historical photo and painting.

Bill Masters guest speaker.

Bill Masters guest speaker at Rotary meeting spoke on his life.

Born in 1968, lived in Koonoomoo, Yarroweyah, Katunga and for last 30 years Numurkah.

Attended Katunga Primary, Numurkah High School and Assumption College in Kilmore.

Employed by Kraft for 20 1/2 years, with shift of production of Philadelphia Cheese made redundant, with full entitlements.

Always interested in sound and video, started filming weddings, deb balls, horses to go to auction.

Enjoyed working from home and being part of the life of his boys growing up.

During COVID pandemic with caps on attendance at funerals, streaming of funerals became the norm. The popularity of streaming funerals has been on-going since the pandemic.

During pandemic employed by Cardwells as a host on bus trips, moving on to driving school buses.

Now driving school buses for Holmes.

Doing what he loves, video and school buses.

In keeping with the fun and variety introduced by President Julie Andrew throughout the year, the annual Changeover Meeting was no exception.
Themed as a flight to Hawaii, on-board entertainment was provided by the Numurkah Ukelele Club, with a Hawaiian inspired meal.
Outgoing President Julie Andrew in her report said she was filled with a sense of pride and gratitude. Together, we have made meaningful impact in our community and beyond.
District Governor Neta Kirby presented Faye Holmes with a Paul Harris Fellowship in recognition of her service to the annual 4WD Trip.
Club Community Service Director, Geoff Holmes announced the Rotary Community Service Award was being awarded to Leanne Rawson who has been involved in many facets of our local community. Leanne is a teacher at St Joseph’s Primary School and, as her profession denotes, it would be nigh on impossible not to be an integral part of the community development.
After taking a position at St Joseph’s Leanne returned to the sport arena, playing A grade netball, touch football and soccer. In 2021 Leanne started a Park Run, which continues to be run weekly,
Vocational Service Director, Jeff Buzza presented the Vocational Service Award to Ian Tilley for his excellent work as a teacher at Numurkah Secondary College, where he is responsible for our next generation of trades people.
Ian began his career as a machinist, Ian moved progressively into more and more time at Numurkah Secondary College, gaining his Dip.Ed., and has been full time for a number of years.
In conclusion Jeff said, “If I had to describe Ian in a few words, they would be, firm, calm, fair and skilled, excellent qualities for a teacher”.
District Governor, Neta Kirby then inducted incoming President, Linda Boyd.
Linda in her address spoke on the Rotary International theme for 2024-25, ‘The Magic of Rotary”
The magic could be the over 1.4 million Rotarian in the world, perhaps the near eradication of Polio in the world, or supporting the eradication of malaria. Maybe it’s the myriads of international projects which work tirelessly to aid countries and individuals in dire need.
What makes Rotary Magic – quite simply - Rotary members. Linda said "I would like our club to be vibrant and fun, a club for Numurkah Township to view with pride. We will be listening to local people in our community, we will learn what please them, as well as what is lacking and what is required. We will continue to evolve, think outside the box, because any idea is better than no idea! We have a dynamic club, a great work ethic, and we are a team".
Linda then introduced her Board. Photographed left to right, Chris Sutton Secretary, Chris Hardham President Elect, Stephen Mills Treasurer, Geoff Holmes Community Service, Jennifer Rodger International, Jeff Buzza Vocational Service, Julie Andrew Public Relations, Terry Brennan Seargent. Missing Kate Hodge Membership and Michael Tymensen Youth/New Generations.

Revd. Gunnar Rippon guest speaker

Revd. Gunnar Rippon was guest speaker, locum priest in residence Anglican Parish of Numurkah-Nathalia.

Gunnar explained the name Gunnar was not a nickname but a Swedish name from his father's side.

Born in 1943 in N.E. England, eldest of three boys. Educated locally, becoming a builder's laborer after finishing school. Joined the London Metropolitan Police Force and served for 2 years before returning to Northumberland to be married in 1965. Studied to be a mining surveyor. In 1968 flew to Australia. Taken around Australia in mining industry, Pine Creek, Cairns, Tasmania, and Western Australia.

Served a 3 year contract in Zambia. After serving in mining industry from 1968 to 1997 was retrenched.

Called to be a priest, priested on 3rd June 2001 in Bunbury. Priestly life took him from W.A. to S.A., QLD, Southern Victoria then Shepparton.

Serving in the Diocese of Wangaratta, assistant priest in Shepparton, locum priest, including Numurkah in 2018, them Beechworth before coming back to Numurkah for three years.

Many highlights including abseiling as a bonding exercise, gave a great adrenaline rush.

In Zambia copper mines working 6,000 feet underground, air so hot had to be refrigerated.

Policeman in London highlight was attending boxing match between Cassius Clay and Henry Cooper in Wembly Stadium.

Another highlight was crossing the Nullarbor towing a caravan and breaking down three times, each time stranded in Kalgoorlie, instead of trip taking days the trip took 2 1/2 weeks,

As a priest, privileged to be priested in Bunbury, then becoming Dean of the cathedral before moving to S.A. then caravaning around Australia as a locum priest.

Enjoy living in Numurkah.

Community Bus launch 1st June.

The community bus, a joint project of the Rotary Club of Numurkah and NCN Health, supported by the community was on display.

Community Bus Launch

Community Bus Launch

Heather Kelly guest speaker

Heather Kelly spoke to the Rotary Club beginning by saying will not talk about herself but the influence of Numurkah community and individuals on her life.

Arrived in 1972 from Gippsland to a better climate. Husband Shaun joined the cricket club then football club finding sporting clubs hospitality was a great way to meet people.

Through the Katunga South Primary School met families in the district.

Believe the Soldier Settlement Scheme influenced the development and community spirit of Numurkah.

Gained retail experience working for Marj for Fashion and Barbara's fashion shops.

In 1977 worked for Numurkah Leader doing accounts and wrapping papers. When a journalist retired decided to try out for the job.

Regretting not having passed matriculation enrolled in night school at Numurkah High School. Undertook a crash course in English and politics where Betty Moore opened the joy of study and also studied economics by correspondence.

Under editor Lorna Morris, learnt the true definition of deadline stress. Learnt work ethic and the ability to work long hours, if necessary, from Lorna who did everything by example.

Although a male dominated workplace the Leader was a wonderful place to work. Reporting on council meetings leaned how a good solid community works.

In 1979 began a 12-year business partnership in Rag Denn with Pamela Cowan, Pamela the accountant and herself the retail experience. Solidarity of Numurkah gave customers.

Wanting to improve their place of work, joined the Chamber of Commerce to lobby and work with council, learning event management.

After Pam retired continued business for 20 years.

Retirement lasted two weeks beginning to work at McPherson's then Leader, taking on sales and advertising.

Watched Rotary and Lions and as Secretary of Men's Shed and saw the contribution given to the community.

Heather concluded by challenging Rotary to find someone to come up with advice on volunteerism. Where to from here? How do we engage younger local people? How to get a system to attract, as every voluntary group needs to know.

Lift The Lid Walk

The inaugural Lift the Lid Walk for mental health was very successful, supported by individuals, families and dogs.

Jan Stevens guest speaker

Jan Stevens captivated members of the Rotary Club whilst telling her life journey.

Gandparents, Dougal and Bertie Elliott came to Numurkah in 1948 as licensees of the Shamrock Hotel. Mother and father were dairy farming on Gunbower Island, with mother choosing to come back to Numurkah to be with her parents when Jan was born.

Many happy holidays were spent in the Shamrock with grandparents and their friends.

Jan recalled at that time Numurkah had very deep gutters which had to be swept everyday. Fascinated by the guttersweeper, Nan bought Jan a little broom and she would proudly sweep the gutter with Mr. Bob Beswick,

The shopkeepers all got to know Jan and she was well cared for wherever she went.

Eventually Jan and her mum came back to live with the grandparents in the hotel. A separated women bring a child to live in a hotel was not accepted by some at that time.

Jan told of some of her experiences living n the hotel.

Schooldays were wonderful, Numurkah Primary then Numurkah High School. Jan organises a reunion every 5 years.

In 1966 offered a job in the ANZ Bank, marrying in 1969, had to resign as married women were not permitted to work in the bank.

Offered a job at Heard Brother, with Gerald and Graeme Heard, John Weppner, Beryl Ingram and Karen Brown, they were happy days.

In 1975 things on the dairy farm took a downturn and applied for a job at the Yarroweyah Road House much to the horror of her mother.

In 1976 offered a job at Numurkah Primary School, walking out the door 30 years later. Going from Band-Aid lady, answering phones, and writing 3 cheques a month to managing a $2.5 million budget. Jan loved every minute of those 30 years, saying that if you love what you are doing, you'll never work a day in your life.

Happily married for 55 years, with 2 children and five grandchildren.

Now retired play golf, read and volunteer driver for Royal Flying Doctor community transport, the most fulfilling thing in her life.

Jan said she considers herself blessed to claim Numurkah as my home.

Jacque Phillip guest speaker

Jacque Phillips, Chief Operations Office of Murray Primary Health Network fittingly spoke to the club on mental health with the Rotary Club's inaugural "Lift the Lid Walk" for mental health this weekend.

The Murray Primary Health Network stretches from Mildura to Corryong and includes Bendigo.

The service is 75% funded by the Commonwealth Government with 45% of funding spent on mental health and 45% on primary health. Focus to keep clients in communities with local services. Moira has 8 services Shepparton has 10 services.

Aim to provide best care suited to individual needs.

Can step up or down services, not one size fits all.

Supports disadvantaged close to home where possible.

Primary Care based on therapy, clinical care and coordination. Moves between well population, at risk, mild, moderate and severe/complex mental illness.

Royal Commission into Mental Health gave 69 recommendations. Recommendation #4 recommended a staged approach with establishment of a board in each region with an interim regional body to advise department.

Services provided include emergency response to bushfire, flood, pandemic, health, Head to Health, Residential Care, Talk it Out, Suicide Prevention, Phycological therapy support.

Primary Mental Health - Murray PHN focus on:

low intensity mental health service
Local service for children and young people
Psychological therapies for vulnerable group
Services for people with severe and complex mental health
Regional approach to suicide prevention
Local mental health services for First Nations community.

"Head to Health" paving conversation, can be face to face. Contact 1800 595 212

Phycological Support with important focus on recovery. 58 22 8610

Headspace, focus on youth mental health. 5823 5800

Doctors in Secondary schools staffed by G.P.s and Registered Nurses to provide primary care.

Support Services:

Ambulance: 000

Lifeline: 3 11 14

Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636

Suicide call back service 1300 659 467

Graeme Sutton guest speaker

Graeme Sutton spoke to the club about his achievements. Born in 1960, grew up on the Naring family farm, attending school in Numurkah. Left school at 16 to work on farm with father. Trucking came into his life driving farm machinery for neighbours to gain extra money.

Obtained license at 18 and granted a truck license at an early age.

In 1982 at 21 years bought first truck, with good season carted wheat, in off season helping on farm. Slowly more trucking less farming, leading in 1982-83 trucking not farming.

In 1984 bought first interstate truck. Worked for Doug Trease for 4-5 years, before branching out on own. Every Saturday night leaving for Brisbane, Monday in Brisbane, back to Melbourne Tuesday, Brisbane Thursday then back to Melbourne.

In 1985 oil-seed factory opened becoming their preferred carrier.

In 1987, bored with trucking drove Deluxe Coaches for three years with cousin looking after trucking business.

In 1989 returned home to trucking and grew fleet to 3-4 trucks. Contracts grew and in 1998 established a depot next to tip.

In 2005 slowly but surely grew to 14 trucks. In 2016 with a shortage of drivers back to eight trucks.

In 2009 son Mitchel left school to become a truck mechanic in Shepparton for 4 years then returned to buy/drive trucks.

In 2018 began coaching Mitchell to take over business.

In 2023 inducted into the Transport Hall of Fame in Alice Springs. After 45 years behind the wheel now works for Graeme Thompson Motors Shepparton.

Mitchel built up customer base due to reputation, now with 21 trucks and 60 trailers.

Jeff Buzza guest speaker.

Introduction of fill in guest speaker as Police called out & unable to attend. Jeff Buzza who addressed the dawn service on Anzac Day to re-read his speech.
Guest Speaker – Jeff Buzza with his service beret. Described his military service of 12 years commenced as a compulsory army cadet in high school which he loved. Instead of going to schoolies at end of Year 12 he went to Puckapunyal in the infantry unit to train soldiers & undertook weapons training with rifles & various weapons. Was promoted to Lance Corporal Buzza & had command of 10 men. Training based on last war tactics of Vietnam & the next war for Australia was in the dessert of Middle East. Personal highlights leading Anzac march with 100,000 cheering at War Memorial & meeting Wearing Dunlop. 6 weeks ago completed Oxfam trail with army mates, none of them would have completed the trail without the support of each other. His military career was a fantastic time & he has no mates like those mates.

Fun & Games

President Julie introduced a fun night of bingo with Bingo master Judy McDonald.

All members joined in the fun with winners, Andrew Watson, Allen Canobie and Marie Austin.

Dinner was a buffet finger food offering.

Nathan Shannon guest speaker.

Nathan Shannon spoke to the club about J & M Shannon Pastoral.

J&M Shannon Pastoral Company, a 4th generation family owned & operated dairy farm in the Goulburn Valley, milking over 1000 cows in a recently commissioned free stall barn.

Nahan son of Bryan and Lindy always had a passion for farming and dairy.

Educated at St Joseph's, Numurkah Secondary College, G.V. Grammar and Melbourne University studying agricultural science. Spent 7 years with the Department of Agriculture before returning to the farm.

In 2012 returned to farm to experience floods. This was followed by a dry season with high water prices.

2016 a wet season with cows contained and hand fed. 2017 toured US to investigate different systems to achieve goals.

75% of dairy farms in the world have confined under-cover protection from elements with cows being more efficient.

Past eight years there have been three major changes.

Cost and availability of water.

Land values doubled.

Premium for milk increased.

Choice was to relocate or be more efficient with resources on hand.

Further trip to USA and engaged a barn designer. Aim to minimize cows exposure to extreme elements, increasing operation capacity by utilising free stall practices.

Moved to first barn in September, now building a second.

Reflecting whether it was worth it, some days he questions it, other days wondering how they did it. Milking 1500 cows is sure to have its challenges but Nathan is looking forward to it.

Annual 4WD Trip

Annual 4WD Trip to Good Hope Plain, Buckland River.

Paul Lloyd guest speaker.

Paul Lloyd , Rotary Club of Southern Mitchell was guest speaker to the club on LEMUR relief project for Madagascar.

This Southern Mitchell Rotary international project is designed to support 1,100 Primary School children and their teachers at St. Vincent de Notre Dame de l'Androy (St. Vincent's) Primary School in Ambovombe, Androy Madagascar.

The area has suffered 6 years of successive drought in addition to the Covid-19 pandemic which is forcing families in rural communities to resort to desperate measures to survive.

Donations will be used to provide food, clean drinking water, medicine and school equipment to help parents keep their children fed and to stay at school.

Target is$36,000 to enable sourcing of stationary items, currently waiting for new quotes to source new books, school bags, pencil cases, source new kitchen equipment.

Donations of $27,283 received.

Mark Warpole guest speaker

Mark Warpole, awarded "The Best Dairy Farm of the Year" spoke to the club about his dairy farm.

Parents bought a farm in 1978 with dream of eventually milking 200 cows. In 1987 built a rotary dairy and milked 230 cows. In 2012 Mark and Kate visited the USA inspecting dairies and gathering ideas, returning and taking over three farms. Returned to the USA in 2019 inspecting farms and methods.

In 2021 built new dairy and in 2022 started construction of two barns, each housing 1,000 cows in free stall system.

Milking 2,000 cows three times a day, commencing at 2.30am, second milking at 11am and final milking 7pm.

Family work on the farm which employs 38.

Plans for a third barn to increase to 3,000 cows.

44th Art & Craft Exhibition

The 44^th Annual Art & Craft Exhibition of the Numurkah Rotary Club was staged in the Numurkah Town Hall from Friday 8^th March to Monday 11^th March.

The art exhibition displayed a variety of styles and techniques of excellent standard and was appreciated by the public during the weekend.

Rotary Club President Julie Andrew welcomed all in attendance at the official opening Friday night, to an event that promises to be a celebration of creativity, community and collaboration. Julie added that art has the remarkable ability to transcend boundaries, evoke emotions, and spark meaningful conversations.

The exhibition was officially opened by Phillipa Schapper, chair GRAIN Store Nathalia. Phillipa said artists do not work in isolation, they depend on exhibitions like this to display and sell their work.

Art judge, Thel Cardwell congratulated Rotary on staging the exhibition, and announced the winners in each section.

Best in Show was awarded to Kasey Sealy for her painting “Macquarie River”. Thel commented “The river leads the eye through to the middle distance and beyond. Good tonal balance with overall harmony and balance”.

Runner Up was awarded to “Garden Reflections by Do Noble. Thel commented “A great use of colour, tonal values good and lovely colour harmony”.

Best Watercolour Ross Paterson’s “Tree and Sheep Mansfield”. “A great use of watercolour depicting the Australian landscape”.

Best Oil was awarded to “Gothic Arch, Barcelona” by Glen Hoyle. Thel commented “Lovely oil painting, depicting light and shade beautifully”.

Best Pastel “Shady Glade” by Lynda Robinson. “A simple subject with lots of impact”.

Kevin Davis Regional Artist Encouragement Award awarded to Maryann Jenkins for “Three on a log”.

CAN Hub Encouragement “Award Waiting to Work” by Jeanette Graham.

Leigh Teitz was the photographic judge and announced the following awards.

Framed Photographic Award, Shirley Colwell with “Wallaby”. Leigh commented “The author has nailed the technical aspects here and produced a tack sharp image with plenty of detail”.

Framed Photographic Award – Runner-up, went to “Morning Glory” by Joan Barker. “An engaging composition with framing elements either side”.

Digital Art Photographic Award, “Suspended #2” by Dennis Rickard. “Love the simplicity, a great example of less is more” commented Leigh.

Themed Photographic Award – A Touch of Red, Shirley Colwell with “Recap Robin”. “Very nice capture of this little bird with good feather detail, pleasing diffused light and unobtrusive background”.

Claire Reid the craft judged commented on the high standard and wide variety of craft forms in announcing the winner.

Best Craft Entry Gary Phillips with “Windsor Chair”.

Best Knitting and Crochet Justine Georges with “Looming Berries”.

Best Quilt Award Anne Boase with “Nature’s Beauty”.

Best Woodwork, Metalwork and Pottery was awarded to Gary Phillips with Windsor Chair.

Highly Commended was Heather Campbell with “Silk Thread Embroidery Bag”.

Chris Sutton, chair of the Art & Craft Committee of the Rotary Club of Numurkah said, “The club was incredibly please with the standard of work on display, the support of local sponsors and the public attendance during the weekend”.

44th Annual Art & Craft Exhibition.

Pictured Chris Sutton, chair Art & Craft Committee, art judge Thel Cardwell and president Julie Andrew with "Best in Show".

Stephen Holmes guest speaker

Stephen Homes was the guest speaker at the Rotary meeting.

Stephen grew up in Numurkah, leaving school early and worked for Kel Sidebottom, Gerry Green, abattoirs, drove trucks, leaning work ethic at each, then the Telegraph Hotel where he discovered he was born for hospitality. Changed from a worker to a businessman.

In 1986 bought the buses, still single, thought Numurkah was too small for him at 30.

In 1990 purchased a Yarrawonga Hotel and went to Airlie Beach working in a 160-room resort, starting as barman ending up running the resort. For 4 years worked hard and purchased a restaurant, selling after 6-7 years,

In 2000 purchased a restaurant in Brisbane. Purchased another restaurant which did not go well, getting ahead of himself at the time.

An amazing business life with many ups and downs, spending 25% of time in Numurkah, 25% in Brisbane, 25% on trucks and 25% on holidays.

Loves Numurkah and suggested a project of large signs on highway to attract tourists.

44th Annual Art & Craft Exhibition

Bev Bell guest speaker

Bev Bell spoke to the club about the Narioka Clydesdale Stud run by the Mahncke family in Picola.

Bev has served as secretary of the Victorian Branch of the Commonwealth Clydesdale Horse Society for 10 years.

The Goulburn Murray area has a rich history of quality Clydesdale horses with teams used in developing the irrigation system network of channels and the Waranga Basin.

Great grandfather had two teams delivering bricks to building sites in Melbourne. Grandfather had a market garden and served on the Federal Clydesdale Council and also served as a judge.

Father is a gifted showman, sharing skills to younger generation. Served on state committee and judged and is an Honorary Member.

Mother also horsewomen was the first women to lead the parade at the Royal Melbourne Show.

At its peak Narioka had 50 Clydesdales, now a more manageable twenty.

Royal Melbourne Show is the biggest clydesdale show with the horses judged the first day then parading each day.

Commonwealth Clydesdale Horse Society has 236 financial members and sponsors events and run their own events.

Bev concluded by saying she considers herself fortunate to work with these animals and it is magical to be close up and personal.

44th Art & Craft Exhibition

The door is slightly ajar for late entries for the art, craft and photographic sections of the Rotary Club of Numurkah Annual Art Exhibition so get your dancing shoes on and get them in ASAP!

Club contemplates the new year.

President Elect Linda Boyd reported on President Elect Training attended. Theme for the next Rotary year is "The Magic of Rotary".

With so many avenues of service, Rotary can make a difference.

District Assembly for President Elects and incoming board on March 24th at Benalla.

Linda then asked the club to contemplate the year ahead listing activities month by month.

Family Fun Day

Steve Arnold guest speaker

Speaking with passion, Steve Arnold explained to the visiting Rotary members and guests the role the farm played in producing ingredients for Messina Ice-Cream.

Steve had a background as a chef, food sales, real estate before investing in gelato shops and becoming a farmer.

Saw property for sale in Realstate.com, and purchased.

Philosophy is to produce the best product, and anything you do is driven by that, including all aspects of the farm.

Setting out to be a market maker with a competitive edge.

Beside dairy, chickens lay 1,100 eggs a week in a chicken caravan and a mint farm in greenhouses on the property.

Extract from Messina website:

"Erindale Farm is home to 450+ beautiful jersey cows which supply all the milk for our gelato, plus we bottle it for you to buy in stores. We also follow sustainable farming practises to keep our cows as happy as possible and to produce the highest quality milk:

We only milk our cows once a day meaning they produce milk which is even higher in fat content. Perfect for gelato making!
Calves are left with mothers while they are milked and kept side by side in the paddocks until they are weaned.
We don't feed our cows any grain — they only eat fresh grass and pastures in the fields.
When we extract our fresh milk at the dairy farm, it's immediately chilled to four degrees, meaning there is no chance for bacteria growth. It's pasteurised straight away and sent to Sydney via chilled transport for gelato processing within the next 48 hours".

John Shrimpton guest speaker.

John Shrimpton and Peter Bilston from the Numurkah CFA spoke to the club about the Good Friday Royal Children's Hospital Appeal.

Royal Children Hospital established in 1870 due to infant mortality. In 1962 moved to Parkville and in 2011 new purpose built hospital built opposite the Parkville site.

In 1931 Sporting Globe newspaper held a sporting carnival to raise funds for the hospital. In 1942 the Good Friday appeal started with radio 3DB holding a full day appeal. In 1957 Channel 7 took over the appeal.

Numurkah CFA in early 70's started a collection on Good Friday raising $1067. In 2023 $21,000 was collected for the RCH appeal.

This year introducing EFPOS and an online virtual tin.

A Family Fun Day will be held on 23rd March with amusements, music, face painting, NCN Health and scouts participating. Aim is to raise $25,000.

The Royal Children's Hospital is a significant provider of children's health with every second person having a connection with the Royal Children's Hospital.

Cathy Palmer guest speaker

Background in music industry management, then with partner attracted to dairy industry. Became aware of the ugly truth of dairy where 5 days old calves were being slaughtered.

While the world was going crazy for free ranged eggs, grass fed beef and crate fee pork, had a passion for an alternative.

Set out on a journey for calves to stay with their mums.

Starting with a herd of 18, the calves came into the dairy with their mums as they were being milked.

Established a production dairy in Numurkah, supplying selected outlets. Cheese proven to be a money-maker.

Involved in the community as president of Love Our Lifestyle.

The Numurkah Baala Creek Festival proved a tremendous success, this year moved to March 16 and hopefully better weather. Festival will be seeking community support.

How Now Dairy

Lift the Lid Walk

NCN Health are proud to be sponsoring the Rotary Club of Numurkah Lift The Lid walk on Sunday May 19.

The Lift The Lid walk has been running since 2017 raising awareness of the 1 in 5 aussies who suffer from Mental Health concerns. 2024 sees the first year it will make it's way to our region.

Tickets are on sale now through the Lift The Lid walk website https://www.liftthelidwalk.com.au/numurkah

All proceeds go to Mental Health Research through the Rotary Health Foundation.

Join us and the Rotary Club of Numurkah on May 19 - bring the family, grab some friends and make a day of it.

Community Bus hits the road

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗕𝘂𝘀 𝗛𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗼𝗮𝗱!

The NCN Health Community Bus has arrived and is a hit with residents, staff and volunteers. The 11-seater all-abilities access bus accommodates wheelchair access, offers handrails and a modified step entry.

It will be used by residents of Numurkah Pioneer Memorial Lodge and Karinya Nursing Home to participate in community activities and events. The bus will also be made available for community groups in Numurkah who support isolated and aged people.

The new wheels are thanks to Rotary Club of Numurkah who led the fundraiser in partnership with Bendigo Bank and NCN Health. Launched in 2022, the fundraiser was such an enormous success, enough money was raised to purchase a second bus which has not yet arrived.

Rotary Club of Numurkah will host a launch event in the coming months to celebrate all sponsors who donated to the fundraiser to make this bus a reality. In the meantime Thank You!

Pictured are Rotary Club of Numurkah checking out the new bus.

Jeff Buzza guest speaker.

Guest Speakers – Jeff Buzza. 35 years ago Gayle, himself & 3 year old Chris spent 3 months, on horseback after reading the National Trial Guide. This was before mobile phones, digital cameras, solar panels, satellite phones etc. The trail runs from Cooktown to Healesville & covers 5330 km following the Great Dividing Range. At the time Jeff had a high pressure job & decided it was time to spend the time with family. 2 horses were for riding & 1 was a packhorse. Each of them had a saddle bad for personal belongings. The horse carried a tent, 2 mattresses, 3 sleeping bags, cooking gear, outdoor shower, water canteens. Fantastic experience making them realise you don’t need all the luxuries in life & they were able to experience the kindness of others they encountered.

Combined meeting with Lions Club

The Rotary Club and Lions Club held their combined dinner meeting at the Bowls Club.

Representing the Numurkah Historical Society, Jeff Blackley, spoke on planning the 150th anniversary of the gazetting of Numurkah and Wunghnu on 8th February 2025.

Planning is underway following a community meeting seeking program ideas.

The Historical Society is seeking assistance from service clubs, organisations, schools, churches, sporting clubs in arranging a program of events over the year.

Commencing with a celebration at Rotary Park on the actual date including opening the time capsule, which has been buried for 25 years and replacing with another today's capsule. Entertainment and a BBQ, and video display are planned.

Easter will see a planned back to school, combined church service and a steam train visit.

Historical walks, tours will be organised.

The Historical Society can not do this on its own and is seeking input and assistance from community groups.

The year will not only reflect on the past history but will also look to the future.

President Julie's Christmas Message

PRESIDENT JULIE'S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE.

As we gather together in the spirit of joy and goodwill, I am reminded of the core values that define Rotary - service above self, fellowship, and the commitment to making a positive impact in our communities.

Christmas is a time of reflection, gratitude and giving. It is a season that brings us closer to out loved ones and encourages us to extend a helping had to those in need. In the true spirit of Rotary, let us take a moment to appreciate the power of collective action and the difference we an make when we come together with a shared purpose.

As Rotarians, we are united by a common goal - to create positive, lasting change. During this festive season, let us renew our dedication to service and kindness. Whether it's through charitable projects, acts of kindness, or simply spreading love and joy, let us be the embodiment of the Rotary spirit.

May this Christmas be a time of unity, compassion, and hope. Let us continue to work together, inspired by the Rotary motto of "Service Above Self", and make a meaningful impact in the lives of those less fortunate.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas filled with warmth, laughter, and the joy of making a difference. Thank you for your dedication to Rotary and the communities we serve.

Let's look forward to spending time with our own family and loved ones and also taking some time for ourselves.

Christmas 2023

Rotary Club of Numurkah Christmas meeting at the home of Linda and John Watson.

Evening commenced with a garden tour led by Linda Watson.

Followed by fellowship and a dinner with main course ham, pork and chicken with salads, followed by dessert of pavlova, cheesecake, apple crumble and ice-cream.

John Watson & Michael Tymensen guest speakers

John Watson and Michael Tymensen spoke to the club about the establishment of a charitable foundation, registered as a not for profit charity with Australian Charity and Not for Profit Commission (ACNC) and ATO.

To be an incorporated entity, structured as a company or trust in accordance with articles.

Requirement to audit statements and forward to ACNC and ATO every year

Significant liabilities and responsibilities on directors.

Require legal advice in establishing foundation.

As a registered charity can take donations with the donor able to gain tax exemption, Funds distributed in activities according to adopted articles.

44th Art Show Entry Forms

ROTARY CLUB OF NUMURKAH 44th ANNUAL ART & CRAFT EXHIBITION

Entry forms for the Rotary Club of Numurkah 44th 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 8th March to Monday 11th March 2024.

Entry forms are being posted to last year's exhibitors and are available from the Numurkah Visitor Information Centre, Numurkah Library and Numurkah Home Hardware.

Forms can also be found on the club's Facebook page and Website below. under Entry Forms.

John Head guest speaker

John Head a podiatrist from Shepparton actively involved in SAM and STAG, spoke to the club. John has written several books and plays, and spoke on his play "Journey to Dookie"

Presented as a play at Dookie Hall in 2016 to a sell-out audience and as "Dookie the Musical" in 2018 at Westside Theatre, again to a sell-out audience.

Play about war, honoring the 16 men from Dookie who lost their lives in WWI.

John highlighted the details of several soldiers. William Blair a stock agent actively involved in the community died in 1917. John Henry Taylor migrated to Australia in 1913, enlisted in 1914, died in 1917.

John visited the graves of 14 in Belgium. Yres destroyed during the war, but since rebuilt has 54,900 names on the Menin Gates memorial, of which 6,000 were Australian.

AIF discipline was poorer than other dominion countries, desertion rates in 1918 British 1 in 1000, Canadians, New Zealand and South African 1 in 16 and Australia 1 in 9.

Indiscipline behind the lines compensated by excellent battle service.

John now serving on the Calder Woodburn Memorial Avenue committee. The avenue was a memorial to an Arcadian farmer who died aged 24. The Memorial is the longest eucalypt memorial avenue, spanning 20 km with over 2,400 native trees commemorating the names of 99 names of local servicemen who lost their lives in WWII.

Michael Tymensen guest speaker

Stepping in as guest speaker, Michael Tymensen spoke to the club on his family's participation in the Oxfam Trail walker.

Oxfam Trail walker began in 1981 as a military training exercise for the elite Queen's Gurkha Signals Regiment in Hong Kong.

It has since grown into one of the world's leading team endurance challenges with over 250,000 people taking part and more than $210 million raised in support of Oxfam's work.

In 2007 Michael together with his father, at 62, and two brothers entered the 100km walk, where you had 48 hours to complete the walk.

The walk started in Jells Park in Ferntree Gully and made its way through the Dandenong's and finished at Wesburn Park, near Warburton.

Walking as a team with check points evert 10 km's they had a support crew who provided meals, the team raised $8,000.

In the heat of the day, with the temperature reaching 35 degrees, Michael's father suffered heat exhaustion, but drinking plenty of fluids recovered.

Half way through the walk, Michael's two brothers started to develop blisters. His older brother decided to rip the skin off, and when he did it, passed out cold for a few minutes, then came good and was fine for the rest of the walk.

They finished the walk just on daylight at about 6 am, the walk taking just under 24 hours.

Michael said it was a great experience and to complete the walk with family made it even more special.

Marie & Geoff Austin & Garry McNamara guest speakers

Guest Speakers – Geoff & Marie Austin & Garry McNamara. Left on 02/04/23 & returned 03/11/23 – 7 months travelling 20,500 km. Crossed the Nullabor & headed up the coast to Darin, to Mt Isa, Atherton & then inland to Brisbane, Lennox Heads & then Garry headed home & Geoff & Marie stayed on for a while longer with family.

Geoff spoke about the Gloucester tree in Pemberton WA. 200 ft tall tree with a staircase made of spiral pegs climbing 120 steps which he completed.

Garry spoke about Exmouth WA which he expected to be like Port Hedland but found to be completely different. The Information Centre contained a 3 story fully stocked aquarium plus there was living museum where you could experience a cyclone. The town was established in 1967 by the Americans.

Geoff – Broome WA – beautiful sunsets, camels on cable beach & then headed across the Kimberley & were able to use the temporary crossing erected to cross the Fitzroy River which had been taken out by the floods. A 2 year project for the new bridge to be completed.

Marie – Mt Isa has an underground hospital which was constructed during the war fully equipped with beds/costs & medicine which is now open to the public. The big mine is 5 km long, 1 km wide & mines copper, lead & zinc. A replica mine has been built by miners & is available for tourists to experience.

Melbourne Cup Eve meeting.

PRESIDENT JULIE ANDREW welcomed members and guests to the Melbourne Cup Eve meeting of fun, feasting and fellowship, in the beautiful garden setting of Sue Church and Megsy Steel.

A treasure hunt enabled guests to explore the gardens, with a draw for The Melbourne Cup Seep, and prizes for the best dressed.

Mick Hogan guest speaker

Mick Hogan was guest speaker at the Rotary Club meeting. Mick grew up in Waaia, attending St Mary's in Nathalia. Left school aged 15 years and commenced an apprenticeship at Konigs in Shepparton. During his mechanical apprenticeship completed year 10.

Returned to family dairy farm but was more interested in machinery side. Branched out into hay contracting but was impacted by the drought. Took up laser driving, started earth moving, considering it better then milking. Bought an excavation business in Waaia, later moving the business to Numurkah.

Worked with Goulburn Murray Water on their water efficiency program. Business grew working on G.M. Water $2.2billion future flow connection program, replacing wheels with meters making outlets more efficient.

Strategies include everything from channel maintenance, channel lining, lasered channels, polypipe systems through to a fully automated pipe and riser system using patented Hogan Pressure Seal Riser system.

Business now has 40 employees from initial 4. Transitioning forward with developers, with focus to keep work force employed.

Visit to Dan Buzza Furniture

The Rotary Club held a vocational visit to Dan Buzza Furniture. Commencing with a BBQ, Dan Buzza, after the meal, spoke to the members and showed them around the workshop.

Dan served his apprenticeship in Shepparton, opening his own business in a loft at the back of the hardware store. Eventually moving to premises with Diverse Builders in Meiklejohn Street, before expanding and purchasing the entire building.

Uses computer generated 3D software to discuss plans with clients, begore producing a workshop plan. Business has an apprentice and another tradesman.

Dan explained he loves working in wood, and the business has grown reaching Finley to the north and Nagambie to the south.

Julie & Charlotte Andrew guest speakers.

Cathy Booth, a Rotarian from Bundaberg on holidays in Kenya touched by the dire situation of abandoned and orphaned babies and children due to AIDS and poverty.

Established Umoja (togetherness) Orphanage, which became a RAWCS Project in 2011.

Expectations of visiting was:

To see firsthand and experience working and passing on skills.
Experience a third world country, not as a tourist.
Meet and work with other volunteers with same motivation.

Worked on-site for 10 days. Currently building a second home with 12 children in first home.

Group consisted of:

Jim, a retired executive director of DPI NSW.
Tony, a retired medical supplies consultant.
Julie, nurse and farmer.
Charlotte, student.

Work Needed to be done included:

Hydroponic collection system for recycling.
Painting workers house.
New curtains for worker's house.
Health Clinic.
Chook shed repaired.
Build new table and shelving for new house.
Paint external doors of first house

Numerous animals on site, included 4 milking cows, 3 guard dogs, many cats. Staff had limited knowledge of husbandry skills. Plan to be self-sustainable with garden and livestock.

What we got out of the visit:

Friendship with locals.
Meeting volunteers.
See how locals live.
Feeling a part of the project.
Learnt to be flexible, tolerant and patient.

Charlotte said she did not expect the locals to be so friendly and happy. Roads were hectic. Changed her perspective, realising how lucky we are with education provided. Locals grateful for what they have.

Hoping to return.

Reverse Scatter Night

After a successful "scatter night" where members of the Numurkah Rotary visited several Rotary clubs in the area, a reverse scatter night was help when representatives from several clubs in the area visited the Numurkah club meeting. Each club spoke on their club and its activities and enjoyed a night of fellowship.

RICHARD SPEEDY: Rotary Club of Mooroopna. Club of 25 members, will be celebrating 60th anniversary next year. Projects include the Car Raffle which raises funds for Foodshare and other community projects, Back to 80's Fundraiser 21st October to raise funds for a Cambodian clean water and toilet project, and a sculptural community tree project.

CHRIS MOTTON: Rotary Club of Kyabram. Club has 14 members with a focus on youth, providing funding for scouts and school scholarships. Participating in the Mooroopna Car Raffle.

JAN MARSHALL: Central Murray Sunrise Club (Yarrawonga). Club formed two years ago, breakfast meeting 7am to 8.30am, the format attracting younger members. Run market to support projects, wheelchairs for kids, Albury Cancer Centre, drive for blood bank, RSL Home and water purification project in Indonesia.

WAYNE LIMBRICK: Shepparton Central Rotary Club. Lunch time meeting with a core of business people. Club cause focused with annual Golf Day with funds to post graduate courses at G.V. Health, a G.V. Hospice Breakfast Dinner, In conjunction with Gowrie Street Primary School create life experiences mentored by Rotarians as well as books to prep students.

JOHN CRAWFORD: Cobram Rotary Club. The club has a membership of 23 meeting four times a month, two dinner meetings in a hotel and two morning meetings at cafe on Thompson's Beach. Club 70th Anniversary next year. Seeking major fundraiser, swap meet in the past. Organised a recent get together with SES, CFA and RFDS. After a swot awareness 5 years ago, dropped back to two formal meetings, and less formal. Donate scholarships to schools and organise a highway clean up.

RON SAMPSON: Tocumwal Rotary Club. Club of 11 members, major fund raiser is a local op shop opened three half days a week. Raised $80,000 last year. Looking to man gates at local football club games next year expecting to raise $3,500. With grants have made improvements to a creek walk with seats and picnic tables. Planning to support "Say No to Domestic Violence" campaign.

ANTHONY OLIVER: Nathalia Rotary Club chartered by Numurkah Rotary in 1963, has a membership of 8. Annual Show & Shine raises $5,500 each year, participating in Mooroopna car raffle. Maintains and manages Heart to Heart respite home in Barmah. Organises an annual school debate, with view to expand to include more schools in area. Provide school scholarships.

STEPHEN MILLS: Numurkah Rotary Club has a membership of 34. Recent major project was to raise funds to purchase a community bus, aim to raise $95,000. With community support enough was raised for two buses. Rotary donated $41,000 to the campaign. This year a campaign to have 24/7 defibrillators available to the public with Rotary purchasing and installing two, resulted in other organisations joining in, to now have 9 available 24/7. Harry Ferguson tractor project with Numurkah Secondary College to rebuild a tractor with Rotary providing mentors. Unveiled a Soldier Settler Memorial, provide laundry vouchers for those in need, breakfast club at Numurkah Primary School. Major fundraiser annual Art Show. Club has great community support.

During the evening LORRAINE GREENWOOD drew attention to several Rotary projects.

Shine on Recognition Award. A multi-district program to recognise and celebrate community work of volunteers who give their time despite living with disabilities.

Rotary Youth Leadership Award - RYLA, An intensive program that brings young adults together from ages 18-30 to further develop character and leadership skills and learn about Rotary.

Rotary Community Service Awards recognising outstanding service to the community across 13 agencies, paid or voluntary.

Tocumwal Chocolate School

Wendy Alford spoke to the Rotary club about the Tocumwal Chocolate School.

Moved to Tocumwal from Melbourne, whilst building home, rented in Numurkah, just prior to COVID.

Established Tocumwal Chocolate School where participants explore and discuss the types of chocolate and the origins of the beans, temper chocolate and mould chocolate and explore simple decoration techniques.

The classes lasting 5 hours with lunch included, are attracting interest from tourists.

Cocoa beans are grown in Central and South America, Philippines, West Indies and West Africa.

The egg shaped cocoa pods, measuring between 15 and 30 centimeters, each contain 30 to 40 beans about 1 cm in length. Once cut from the tree, left to ripen before opening. The beans are heaped onto the ground and fermented, which can take 2 to 9 days. Before being shipped the beans are dried then placed in sacks. The beans are then cleaned by sieving, dedusted, destoned then roasted.

The beans are then crushed to release the kernels, which are ground, resulting in a mixture, this is then treated using different processing techniques producing a pure cocoa powder.

To make milk chocolate, milk powder is added, while white chocolate consists of only cocoa butter and sugar. The mixture is passed through a press to produce a smooth and creamy texture.

District Governor Neta Kirby official visit

Rotary District Governor Neta speaking at a combined meeting of the Numurkah and Nathalia Rotary Clubs commencing by introducing herself, a member of Tatura Rotary Club, living in Tatura since 1997. Four adult children and 8 grandchildren.

Aunty in aboriginal community.

Work full time as a counsellor/therapist with children.

Two partner projects suggested by her four children, as her partner.

Family history with daughter giving birth to premature twins, rushed to Royal Melbourne Hospital where one did not survive.

Daughter discovered "Life's Little Treasures Foundation". Australia's foremost charity dedicated to providing support, friendship and information, specifically tailored for families of premature or sick babies.

Family assistance program provides parents with food and fuel vouchers to ease some of the financial pressures so that they can concentrate on spending their time bonding and caring for their baby.

Now a RAWCS project with aim of raising $50,000. Each club asked to donate to foundation.

"Say No to Domestic Violence" a second project with function or walk in early December to raise awareness in community and not be silent.

Yes, to respectful relationships.

Neta concluded by saying Rotary International is worldwide, we are all RI, without us RI would not exist. We have skills, compassion, engaged in community - we are Rotary International.

Graeme Hendy guest speaker

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.

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 guest speaker

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.

Sonke Tremper guest speaker

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.

https://youtu.be/Rx1cOJvAN3s

Regina Vasi & Ethan Rowlay guest speakers

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 & Gareth guest speaker.

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 guest speaker.

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 guest speaker

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 guest speaker.

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 AM guest speaker.

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.

Club Assembly

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.

Steven Neffs guest speaker

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

Changeover 2023

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.

Defibrillator training.

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.

AED Training

Jeff Buzza guest speaker

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.

Golf Club present a cheque to Rotary

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 guest speaker.

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.

Lily Harrison guest speaker

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.

Combined Services Dinner

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.

Michelle "Squish" Davis guest seaker

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 guest speaker

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 guest speaker

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.

Phil Seager Antartic trip

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 3^rd trip to Antarctica as he has always been fascinated by the continent that is the same size as Australia or USA.

Induction of Colin Steel and Sue Church

Induction of Colin (Megsy) Steel & Sue Church as active members of our Club. Dinner Badges were presented by nominating Member, Kate Hodge.

Visit to David Hodge.

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 9506. John 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.

4WD Trip 2023

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.

Bec I'anson guest speaker

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.

Renee McDermott's induction.

President Rex Shields inducting Renee McDermott as a member of the Rotary Club.

Faye Holmes guest speaker.

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.

43rd Annual Art & Craft Exhibition

The Rotary Club of Numurkah 43^rd Annual Art & Craft exhibition was held in the Numurkah Town Hall from Friday 10th to Monday 13^th 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 guest speaker

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.

43rd Art & Craft Exhibition

Visit to Routley Orchard

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.

Geoff Holmes - Community Service

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.

Certificate of Appreciation

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 guest speaker

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

Wilma Crowther Induction

President Rex Shields inducted Wilma Crowther into the Rotary Club of Numurkah.

Australia Day 2023

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

Phil Seager guest speaker

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.

Louise Hall Guest Speaker

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.

New Year BBQ with Lions Club

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.

Donation to St Vinnies Christmas Appeal

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.

Open Garden Certificates of Appreciation.

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.

Christmas Break Up 2022

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.

Les Lawrence Shield

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 Sofra and Craig Brown guest speakers

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.

Open Garden Program

Historical Society visit.

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 43rd Annual Art & Craft Exhibition

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.

Sally Rose & Trudi Pratt guest speakers

Sally Rose, Deputy Municipal Recovery Manager with Greater Shepparton Council, and Trudi Pratt Emergency Management Co-ordinator with Greater Shepparton City Council, and Moira Shire, spoke to the club about the response, relief and recovery undertaken with the floods in Shepparton and Moira.

Incident Contril Centre (ICC) set up for such events and disasters as the emergency management control point. Staffed 24 hours by all agencies with people skilled in the event, responding to intel. Council's role is to support the agency, not respond until requested. Unless requested to assist council is not funded.

Next process is the establishment of MICC (Municipal Incident Control Centre), taking instruction from ICC to get systems in place to follow requests from ICC.

Flood different to previous floods, with overland flooding joining river flooding. Emergency Centres were set up in Shepparton and Tatura (either side of the Goulburn River), with up to 400 people housed. Staffed by council, St John's Ambulance, Salvation Army and Service Clubs, providing needs and services to those displaced. Moira Shire has 31 relief centres.

Learning from what we know, what we have done, and what we need to do to facilitate recovery.

Moira minor to moderate flooding, a Murray River event.

Clive Deetles guest speaker

Clive Deetles, site manager of GrainCorp was guest speaker.

Clive, a chemical engineer, has been with GrainCorp for 2 years. Born in Zambia, resided and worked in U.K., U.S., and Singapore, working 10 years with Nuplex/Allnex a resin manufacturer, 10 years with Monsanto and 11 years with Unilever.

GrainCorp was founded in 1917 and has $8M in sales and 2,380 employees, biggest division in Grain on east coast. Numurkah factory in Oilseeds division.

Resource local canola seeds producing oil, refined then blended, with canola meal used for cattle feed.

1979 began crushing operation in Numurkah, in 2012 acquired Riverland, in 2015 $30M expansion of capacity and in 2018 expanded seed crushing capacity.

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.

Committed to net zero carbon emission by 2050.

Community Foundation has granted $30,000 to local Numurkah organisations.

FY22 result in great safety, good production values with energy use down 6%.

Forward focus is sustainability, innovation and optimising logistics.

Garry McNamara Guest Speaker.

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 guest speaker

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.

Json Stevenson guest speaker.

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 guest speaker

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.

John Rhodes guest speaker.

John Rhodes from the CFA spoke to the club on CFA Property Advice Service.

John has been a CFA member for 40 years, following the footsteps of his father, with son and wife also in the CFA.

CFA provide property advice visit service, whether it be street corner meetings, property site visits, bushfire planning workshops, developing a fire safe plan, community fire guard risks and stay and defend workshops.

New fire danger rating system adopted telling likelihood of CFA stopping a fire.

Moderate: Most fires can be contained. Plan and prepare.

High: Fires can be dangerous. Be ready to act.

Extreme: Fires will spread quickly and be extremely dangerous. Take action to protect life and property.

Catastrophic: If a fire starts and takes hold, lives are likely to be lost.

CFA recommend preparing an "Emergency Kit" containing photo ID, passport, photos, will, jewelry, insurance papers, medical prescriptions, USB stick containing important files, medicines and first aid kit, battery powered radio and torch, mobile phone with charger.

Prepare property for bush fires by reducing risks. Your guide to survival, have a leave early plan, property assessment of risks.

Omen Nolovu guest speaker.

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.

Paul & Robyn Lindsay guest speakers

After they married they started with cropping & sheep farming on 2000 acres. In 1999 bought another farm which had a dairy which they farmed with other family members until 2006 & they dissolved the partnership between themselves & bid on farms & assets they wanted. They restarted with 280 dairy cows with 1000 acres plus they leased 500 acres for cropping until 2010 when Paul suffered bowel disease. Over the next 12 months whilst Paul was undergoing treatment Robyn, plus a worker & one of their sons ran the business. In 2011 they were nominated & won Red Sky Dairy Business of the Year for 2010. From 2011 – 2017 they went on to buy another property each year ending up with 5300 acres milking 700 cows. They took on their first visa holder in 2017 to cover staff shortages. Now have 9 visa holders all from Phillipines with Ag Science degrees. Housing is provided by them & eventually most want to bring their families out but there is no guarantee that after 4 years on 482 visas that the visa holders will qualify for residency status. Sam Birrell, local MP to look into the issue.

Mark Peterson guest speaker

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.

Vocational Service Award

Deb Fowler awarded the Rotary Club of Numurkah "Jack Duncan Vocational Service award" by Chris Hardham, Vocational Service Director.

Deb Fowler guest speaker

Deb Fowler on previous occasions had spoken to the club on the her work with Bohollow Wildlife Shelter and The Numurkah Community Learning Centre, choosing this time to speak to the club on her role as a community visitor with the Office of Public Advocate.

The Public Advocate is an independent statutory officer, with considerable legislative power to promote and safeguard the rights and interests of people with disability.

Like the Ombudsman, the Public Advocate has significant powers to investigate allegations of abuse of vulnerable Victorians, reporting directly to Parliament.

The Public Advocate was established under the Guardianship and Administration Act 1986 and continues under the Guardianship and Administration Act 2019.

The Public Advocate is supported by around 100 staff and more than 650 volunteers.

OPA's vision is for a just and inclusive society that respects and promotes the dignity and human rights of all people.

OPA's purpose is to promote and protect the rights and interests of people with disability, and work to eliminate abuse, neglect and exploitation.

In all activities and relationships, OPA strives to demonstrate:

Respect: treat everyone equally and with dignity and justice, accept each person's individuality, acknowledge diversity and promote self-determination

Compassion: accept people as they are and understand, acknowledge and have empathy for their circumstances

Inclusiveness: strive to empower all people to contribute and participate

Ethical behaviour: act at all times in a principled and informed manner, treat people fairly, accept accountability and uphold justice

Independence: be free-thinking, unbiased and impartial, and challenge the status quo.

As a community visitor, visits group homes and residential facilities, listens, observes and reports.

Wayne Limbrick guest speaker.

Wayne Limbrick, a passionate and dedicated supporter of Umoja Orphanage in Kenya spoke to the club on his involvement, and gave a 2022 update on the orphanage, using a PowerPoint presentation.

Umoja Orphanage, Kenya, is located south of Mombasa on east coast of Kenya, founded in 2011 and it is a RAWCS project. Wayne and partner Pam have been involved since 2012.

As a member of a volunteer group erected fencing around the farm compound. In 2015 returned and re-wired the fence replacing the rusted wire.

In 2019 returned with grand-daughter, which was a life changing experience for her, whilst there, Wayne was busy teaching locals how to use tools correctly.

2022 update:

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.

Next Step:

Install solar pump.
Re-fence compound.
Final paint of new house.
Repaint existing house.
More training on tractor.

Wayne and Pam planning to return in October.

"Together we can make a difference".

Dominique Cosgriff guest speaker

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.

R.I. Regionalisation Project

A.G. Lorraine Greenwood made a presentation on the Regionalisation pilot scheme, in itself a work in progress, to the combined meeting of Numurkah and Nathalia Rotary Clubs.

Rotary International is considering a project to address membership, public image, communication, leadership and fundraising challenges to help define a more sustainable future for Rotary.

With a membership decline of 24%, to realise our future, change is required.

Must face challenges of: ageing, attracting and retaining members, public lack of understanding and complex structure.

The project seeks to develop and test a streamlined governance approach to:

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.

The overarching aim of the project is to provide better and more direct support to Rotary clubs through a less layered and more developed contemporary approach.

Principles of Regionalisation structure:

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.

Clubs and Districts to vote on are we interested in taking part in designing Rotary for the future.

Craig Beamish guest speaker

Craig Beamish, Ambulance Victoria Team Manager at Numurkah spoke to the club about community AED.

AED's save lives of patients with cardiac arrest. CPR and defibrillators important, as longer wait the brain cells start to die off.

Cardiac arrest is often unexpected. For every minute a patient doesn’t get CPR/defibrillation, their chances of survival fall by 10%.

External defibrillators designed for community members to use with minimal training. Internal computer analysis rhythm and instructs actions to be taken.

Currently 16-18 defibrillators registered in Numurkah with only one accessible 24 hours at the Senior Citizen Club.

GoodSAM is a free global smartphone app that alerts responders to someone nearby in cardiac arrest. GoodSAM is linked to the Triple Zero (000) communications centre, so as soon as an ambulance is dispatched, a GoodSAM alert will notify responders.

How does it work?

How to help a stranger in cardiac arrest? It’s easier than you think.

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 guest speaker.

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.

D.G. Visit

District Governor David McPherson in making his official visit to the club, spoke on his goals for the year.

Rotary Strategic Plan is to increase impact, expand our reach and enhance participants engagement, and development of equality and inclusion.

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.

Different Kinds of Rotary clubs:

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.

Club culture number one reason members leave, care and comfort in club is important.

Rotary born 117 years ago with need to be evolutionary and at times revolutionary.

Partners Project: Wheelchairs for Kids.

David concluded by screening a video presentation by R.I. President Jennifer Jones.

Stacey & Michael - Deadly Art

– 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.

Changeover meeting 2022

A successful Rotary Club Changeover Meeting was attended by 57 members, guests and partners, with District Governor Elect Netta Kirby.

President Gary Phillips delivering the President's Report.

District Governor Elect Netta Kirby presenting a Paul Harris Sapphire recognition to Lou Hamon, with Chris Sutton.

Col McPherson Community Service Award presented to David Geddes by Duncan McPherson with Community Service Director Julie Andrew.

President Rex Shields with incoming board members.

Jennifer Rodger guest speaker.

Jennifer Rodger spoke to the club on her new vocation as a Marriage Celebrant.

To be a Marriage Celebrant must have completed a Certificate IV in Celebrancy and be registered with the Attorney General's Office. Became official on 17/05/2022.

Celebrants bound by a Code Of Conduct and performance review. There are approximately 10,000 authorised celebrants practicing in Australia, and in 2020 80% of all marriages were conducted by a celebrant.

The Marriage Act became legislation in 1961 and amended in 2017 to provide for marriage equality in Australia. The Marriage Act defines marriage as the union of 2 people to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life.

A marriage occurring in Australia may be solemnised on any day, at any time and at any place. with the marriage registered in the State or Territory where the marriage occurred within 14 days.

Celebrants have an important role not only because of the legal consequence of marriage, but also because of their central significance to the parties.

It is the responsibility of each party to a marriage to satisfy the celebrant that they are free to marry.

A Declaration of No Legal Impediment must be signed by the couple before the celebrant as to their conjugal status and belief and that there is no legal impediment to the marriage. This usually occurs at the wedding rehearsal.

The celebrant liaises with the couple to organise the ceremony and is usually responsible for providing the PA system, and if music is played the necessary copyright obligations.

A wedding ceremony must have both parties present, a celebrant and two witnesses and takes 20-30 minutes.

Jennifer then conducted a mock wedding ceremony with Rex Shields and Judy McDonald.

Art Show proceeds to Community Bus Appeal

Dorothy and Peter Heard guest speakers.

Dorothy and Peter Heard spoke to the club about the history of the Numurkah Town Band.

As far back as 1883 Numurkah had brass bands, but in 1903 musician John Tracey moved to Numurkah and was asked to form a band of young students which a debut as the Numurkah Town Band in 1904, playing at a dance in the Mechanics Institute.

Prior to TV, the band provided entertainment and amusement for the town, In 1908 a band rotunda was built for the band to perform concerts monthly. The rotunda has been moved and modified several times, since.

In 1909 the band made 106 appearances. During World War I the band played at the railway station for departing troops. 1939 band was in recess during World War II, reforming under George Paterson in 1949 with new grey uniforms.

Highlights of those years were the massed band competition with up to a dozen bands competing. The band has had many band masters including George Paterson after the war, Col McPherson, Arthur Smith and present leader Isobel Hodge, the longest serving as director of music with Michelle Davis as assistant.

Membership has fluctuated going down to 10, then 5 in 2007, presently 25. Spasmodic attendances and shortage of money have always been a problem, with Moira Shire, Rotary & Lions and business houses assisting, and regular Bunnings BBQs held, to raise funds to repair old or purchase new instruments.

Initially the band rehearsed in various shops and venues. In 1883 the Railway Hotel built a dinning room which was later purchased for $200 in 1977 and moved to current site. Unfortunately the hall became a target for vandalism. When the Shire amalgamated, Moira Shire took over ownership and increased security.

Peter has been a member for 60 years with lots of memories, with many highlights and some sombre days.

Numurkah Town Band exists to serve the community by providing entertainment and opportunity for locals to join and learn.

Davis Forman guest speaker.

David Forman guest speaker having grown up in Molyullah near Benalla with a love of rural communities. Home schooled and at age 16 commenced training as a diesel mechanic. Mechanics core of being, buying a Honda motorbike when 14 years old.

After a year farming joined Hauslers in Shepparton, wanting a change from mechanics to retail became salesman, spare parts for 6 years at Peter Hill Honda.

Eventually purchasing the business, a large undertaking with long hours but fulfilling a passion to own own business.

Business employs 10, with the last few years challenging, but able to continue trading as deemed an essential business.

Supply a problem, although on-line sales not a problem, as able to back-up and service what is sold.

Service what we sell, there for the long term.

Changed name of business to Peter Hill Power to enable business to sell other brands as well as Honda.

Fay Scadden guest speaker

Fay Scadden was guest speaker talking to the club on the Nathalia Boarding Kennels & Cattery.

Established in 2000 by Maddy Kiel, leased in September 2016 and purchased April 2017 by Fay, husband David and daughter Vanessa.

Main Services: Dog boarding (150), cat boarding (50), doggy day care and doggy day out and BYO. Dog training, grooming and boarding pocket pets - rabbits, birds, pigs, guinea pigs.

Sub Services: Taxi service for boarding customers with Shepparton pick-up 2 days a week and Echuca pick-up 2 days a week. Photographs and Play-n-vaccine.

Kennels are open plan socialization, with 12 staff, 2 full time, 3 part time, 3 casual and 2 newbies.

Terry Brennan guest speaker.

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 guest speaker

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.

4WD Trip 2022

The Rotary Club of Numurkah just held a very successful 15th annual Environment & Heritage trip into the High Country at Frys Flat, with a chilly Bluff Hut being our lunch stop destination on Saturday. Lots of work goes on behind the scenes to ensure all goes smoothly so well done to all involved.

John Watson guest speaker.

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.

Soldier Settler Memorial

The unveiling of the Murray Valley Soldier Settlement Scheme in Numurkah today was a huge success, with many children of the settlement returning back home. Three surviving widows had the honour of unveiling the memorial, with the assistance of the Baulkamaugh Scouts. Three years in the making, the effort was worth it, given the huge smiles from all those who made it. Well done to Stephen Mills and John Watson who got the project off the ground and all those who assisted along the way.

Fr Joe Taylor Guest speaker

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.

Claire Birch guest speaker.

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

42nd Annual Art & Craft Exhibition

The Rotary Club of Numurkah 42nd Annual Art & Craft Exhibition held in the Numurkah Town Hall over the weekend 11th to 14th March was an outstanding success with excellent attendance.

42nd Annual Art & Craft Exhibition

Margaret Crisp guest speaker.

Margaret Crisp spoke to the club on Bushfire Recovery following the devasting bushfires in Upper Murray in 2019/20.

Rotary and Lions proved to be flexible in getting into areas, with over 100 hay trucks, in a convoy, providing feed.

After feed, the next problem was fencing to contain the livestock. Team spent 4 1/2 weeks in area before Blaze Aid and Uniting Church fencers arrived.

Teams spent 18 months in Cudgewa recreational reserve where in the area, 308,242 hectares were burnt, 55 residences destroyed, over 200 buildings destroyed and over 18,000 head of cattle lost.

Over 10,000 volunteer hours spent fencing, book packs provided for school students, Albury Wodonga Health case management supported families in crisis. Bushfire Recovery Victoria, Red Cross, Salvation Army, Uniting Church are some of the organisations helping people move on.

It became apparent that Rotary needs a dedicated Recovery Committee, learning from impact of past disasters.

Nicole Wells guest speaker

Nicole Wells, Community Development Officer with NCN Health, spoke to the club about the Farm Community Connect Project.

Project managed by Deakin University with partnerships Moira and Strathbogie Shires.

Farm Community Connect Project supports farmers and farming families many who have lost connection and do not seek support, as well as supporting women and children.

Isolation and remoteness causing 56% Victorian farmers feeling they could cope.

Aim of project is to build resilience, develop social networks and foster a sense of belonging.

Intention is to deliver social events, family fun days and on farm workshops.

Rotary can support Farm Community Connect by volunteering support at activities and events, promote activities, catering at events and activities.

Community Bus Launch

Community Bus Fundraising Launch Saturday 26th February in Newman Square Numurkah.

Numurkah Community Bus Project

Geoff Austin guest speaker

Geoff Austin spoke to the club giving an overview of the aviation industry.

After 16 years with Virgin, Geoff has now been retired for 4 years.

Aviation Industry heavily regulated by CASA, Civil Aviation Safety Authority. All segments of the industry, flight crew, cabin crew, engineering and flight control must be qualified for their respective duties.

Flight crew undergo a license test every six months. Cabin crew trained to be competent in an emergencies, skilled in people management and trained in martial arts.

Planes are certified every day by licensed engineers.

One hour before take off, flight crew undertake flight planning, consider the weather, loads and decide how much fuel. They then undertake a physical inspection then in the flight deck do a 30 minute system check. The cabin crew inspect all equipment in the cabin before take off. Ground staff, luggage handlers, fuel handlers all attend to their duties to enable plane to take-off.

Community Bus Project Launch

Art & Craft Exhibition entries closing.

Entries to the 42nd Annual Art & Craft Exhibition closing this week.

Entry forms available at Community Learning Centre, Library, Home Hardware and at Art Show Raffle sellers at IGA.

Jacque Phillips guest speaker

Jacque Phillips, CEO of NCN Health spoke to the club on Aged Care Services.

NCN Health has four residential aged care facilities. Pioneer Lodge and Karinya in Numurkah, Irvine House in Cobram and Banawah in Nathalia.

Short term respite offered in residential aged care facilities as well as transitional care beds in hospitals for up to 18 weeks.

What is offered: Home Care Packages, Home Support, Planned Activities Groups, In home Respite and Career Support available as well as a Retirement Village - Gwandalan Court in Numurkah.

Residential aged care short stay respite up to 63 days per year offered.

Commonwealth Home Support offers support at home for those over 65 years with careers, housework, personal care, meals, transport, shopping, allied health and social support available..

Home Care Packages with four levels. Must be assessed by My Care, referrals will be made, free assessment with Aged Care Assessment Services.

Australian Government subsidised Aged Care Homes, residents contribute to cost if they can afford to do so. Financial assessment is only valid for 120 days.

Basic daily fee is $53.56 per day. Some accommodation costs paid in full by the Government with a means test based on your income and assets. Accommodation costs can be paid in lump sum, daily or combination of both.

You can apply for as many homes as you like, all providing, all care needs, doctor, transport and social activities.

You choose a Home Care Service Provider that is right for you. Government pays provider on four package levels, Basic, Low Care, Intermediate and High Care. You are expected to contribute up to three levels.

Trivia Night

Squish Davis conducted an entertaining Trivia Quiz, with results in 3rd Place: "Scratch Maker" and "Bikers Plus One" Tables, 2nd Place: "Yes" Table, 1st Place: "Distinction" Table.

Mark McNamara guest speaker

Mark McNamara got into photography by necessity in real estate. Enrolled in a Night Photography Class at TAFE to develop skills.

Focused on taking local photos over the last 18 months. Allows camera to source available light, either street light or moonlight, does not use flash.

Using a power point presentation Mark showed some of his "Numurkah in darkness" photos which he has posted on Facebook during COVID pandemic to be an uplifting distraction.

Numurkah Australia Day 2022

Numurkah Australia Day 2022 with Rotarian Squish Davis leading the town band and Lou Hamon master of ceremonies. Arts, Culture / Environment Project Award recipient Rotary Art Show, Event of the Year Rotary Love Your Sister Dinner. Katunga Football Netball Club Organisation of the Year and joint Citizens of the Year Deb Fowler and Jeff Stanyer.

Zoe Ludington Guest Speaker

Zoe Ludington, guest speaker, spoke to the club about herself and setting up a physiotherapy clinic, Spark Physio Co, in Numurkah.

Attended school in Numurkah and Nathalia, always interested in sport, and when suffering an injury considered physiotherapy as a career.

Enrolled at Charles Stuart University Albury, graduating after four years with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy with distinction.

Moved to Melbourne working at different clinics to gain experience, started Pilates classes, and was head physio with Whittlesea Soccer Club. Worked as a sports physio with Volley Ball Association.

Wed Nick Ludington 2 days prior to first COVID lockdown. During pandemic worked reduced hours.

Pursuing her dream, to open her own clinic, Zoe and Nick considered several towns after investigating services offered.

In July 2020 settled on Shepparton and Numurkah, working 2-3 days in Numurkah, and several days in Shepparton.

Originally a one man show, business grew in Numurkah and offered Pilates, now employ a receptionist, physiotherapist and a massage therapist.

Pilates has grown with Reformer Pilates, aiming to reduce musculoskeletal pain, improve posture and balance. Traditional Classes full body strengthening/stretching class. Tailored Classes individualised programs developed to meet the need of each client. Pre and post-natal classes also available.

Now have 100 Pilate clients a week, with 15 physio consultations a week.

Business sponsors tennis and football clubs.

Hopefully expand to neighboring towns.

Grateful for town support and hope to give back to the community.

Induction of Michael Tymensen

Induction of new member Michael Tymensen by President Gary Phillips, pictured with sponsor Kate Hodge and Michael Tymensen.

Ivan Routley Guest Speaker

Ivan Routley, using a pictorial presentation, spoke to the club highlighting the changes to orchards.

Stages are preparing the soil, planting with the assistance of machinery, protection of plantings with milk cartons, erection of trellis, training of plantings on trellis.

New irrigation pumps installed, powered by diesel generator awaiting power connection.

Self propelled platforms instead of ladders.

No longer supply cannery, all fruit now goes to fresh fruit market with higher returns.

Combined Meeting with Lions Club

PRESIDENT GARY PHILLIPS welcomed members and our guests, Lions Club members, to the annual combined first meeting of the New Year held in the Numurkah Bowls clubrooms due to heat.

Gary thanked Geoff Holmes for organising the meal with thanks to Geoff Holmes, Gary Phillips and Ivan Routley as chefs.

The meal and fellowship was enjoyed by all present.

Wishing all a Happy New Year.

Christmas Dinner Meeting

A relaxed evening on a beautiful night at the home of Rex Shields and Judy McDonald. After nibbles and drinks an entertaining floor show of "Celebrant in training", secretary Jennifer Rodger, presided over the renewing of vows on their 50th Wedding Anniversary, "played" by our hosts Rex and Judy.

A gourmet meal of ham, chicken, salmon and salads followed by pavlova, fruit salad and trifle dessert, was enjoyed by all.

Janine Connolly guest speaker.

Janine Connolly spoke to the club on her visit to India in 2020, the first time leaving Australia. After daughter Jade finished a two week surgical course in Ooty, India, Jade was joined by her mother Janine and brother Tim for an eleven day tour of India.

Spending time in Southern India, Sindita, Karnantaka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, then flew to Delhi in the north for three days visiting the "Golden Triangle" of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.

Travelled by car, boat, jeep safari and houseboat, visiting Agra Fort, Taj Mahal, Jaipur the pink city and Amber Fort, and Great Backwaters - 900km of waterway.

If travelling by car must have, good brakes, good horn and good luck, and watch out for the cows.

Rotary Club of Numurkah AGM

Presentation of Club Officers for 2022/2023 by President Elect Rex Shields.

President: Rex Shields.

Immediate Past President: Gary Phillips.

President Elect: Julie Andrew.

Secretary; Jennifer Rodger.

Treasurer: Stephen Mills.

Directors:

Youth: Michelle (Squish) Davis.

International: Kate Hodge.

Foundation: Geoff Austin.

Vocation: Chris Hardham.

Club Service; Gary Phillips.

Community: Julie Andrew.

Public Relations: Lou Hamon.

Michelle Squish Davis guest speaker

Michelle Squish Davis guest speaker Rotary meeting.

Squish advised club that she had completed her Masters of Music Therapy with Melbourne University. In 2022 will be teaching at Numurkah Primary School for two days each week and Verney Road Primary, Shepparton two days each week.

Squish then continued as guest speaker explaining that Music Therapy is a research base allied health profession in which music is used to actively support people to improve health, functioning and well-being.

It can help people of all ages to manage their physical and mental health and enhance their quality of life.

You don’t need to be musical to take part in or benefit from music therapy. Qualified music therapists plan and provide musical experiences for their clients. Each session is tailored to the needs and goals of the client.

Music Therapy improves mental health and well-being, reducing stress, improving memory, speech, communication, social skills, body movement, co-ordination and physical function.

Music Therapy is used in hospitals, schools, palliative care facilities, aged care homes, prisons and detention centres.

Squish had the members on their feet moving to the beat of a drum and providing words describing Rotary with which Squish composed and sang a song celebrating Rotary.

Abhinay Dolar guest speaker

Abhinay (Aby) Dolar newly appointed Director Clinical Services NCN Health Numurkah, was guest speaker.

Born in India, mother a nurse. Trained in India and spent 2 years as an industrial nurse. Emigrated to Australia working at Toowoomba where he undertook further studies for Bachelor of Nursing, then moved to McKay Base Hospital for 4 years, spending some time relieving staff in smaller hospitals under McKay Base.

Moved to Melbourne for business studies. MBA, working at Royal Melbourne Hospital. Returning to India to marry. Moved to Adelaide for 1 year, then to a management position at Ceduna for 2 years, managing aged care, ED and ward.

Offered management role in Coober Pedy, operating an Oodnadatta clinic. Moved to Ballarat for 4 years then Royal Melbourne Hospital as managing director of vaccination hub. Administering 2,500 vaccines a day.

From RMH moved to Numurkah after good reports.

42nd Annual Art & Craft Exhibition

ROTARY CLUB OF NUMURKAH 42nd ANNUAL ART & CRAFT EXHIBITION

Entry forms for the Rotary Club of Numurkah 42nd 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 11th March to Monday 14th March 2022.

Entry forms are being posted to last year's exhibitors and are available from the Numurkah Visitor Information Centre and Numurkah Library.

Forms can also be found on the club's Facebook page and Website.

The Exhibition will be subject to State COVID-19 restrictions and directives.

Paul Harris Fellowship presented to Lorraine Greenwood

AG Martin Wilmshurst presented Lorraine Greenwood with a Paul Harris Fellowship, recognizing Lorraine's contribution to Rotary Foundation promoting peace, goodwill and understanding.

Phil Seager guest speaker.

Returned Friday week after 4 months, 3,000km, 2,200 litres of fuel and 112 nights in van.

Set off early July for South Australia with aim to travel to Cape York. Lockdowns, border restrictions and entry permits restricted travels to Northern Territory. Showing photos of trip, headed up Stuart Highway to such places as Finke River National Park, Gibba Plains, Devils Marbles, Tennant Creek.

Camping is magic with beautiful sunsets and great scenery. Harsh environment with corrugated roads with communication by satellite phone from high places. Encounted hundreds of vans as onto Katherine Gorge with a canoe trip along the river, Mataranka hot springs, Butterfly Gorge, Roma Gorge, Ayers Rock.

Oldest living organism, stromatolite 3-4 billion years old, caught attention, as did petroglyphs rock carvings.

Bernie Cook & Kim Carter Guest Speakers

Bernie Cook grew up with beehives in the backyard of the family home. He took charge of his first hive at just 11 years of age. With over 40 years experience of caring for hives both in the backyard and on a commercial scale, he is the quintessential ‘bee whisperer’. Bernie is larger-than-life, empathic and full of stories. He is in his element when helping others experience the magical synergy between humans and bees.

Kim Carter became fascinated with bees when a neighbour’s swarm took up residence in her back yard 15 years ago. Kim has now been beekeeping for 5 years and is totally hooked. Kim is an artist and teacher who loves learning about these amazing creatures and sharing that knowledge with others.

Bernie and Kim have studied Permaculture Design and have incorporated bees as an intrinsic part of their garden system.

In January they established a company "The Art Of Bee-ing". Mission statement is"Bring bees and people together". The business creates mentoring and educating bee-keepers.

It is estimated that one third of all food consumed by humans has been pollinated by a bee. So protecting our pollinators by creating a bee-friendly garden is a move towards protecting our own food security.

Kim with her daughter has produced a colouring book, and the business is partnering with Numurkah Community Learning Centre with a range of products and training courses.

Bees are disappearing for several reasons. Colony collapse due to disorder and varroa mite, the increase use of pesticides, climate change, with bees temperature sensitive, and loss of habitat, particularly through bushfires.

Aim is to inspire people to welcome bees into their home by creating a bee friendly garden with plant diversity, plants with lots of colour, do not use pesticides, use of local native plants and provision of water.

Katrina Donaldson presented with certificate of appreciation.

On behalf of the Rotary Club, a Certificate of Appreciation was presented to Katrina Donaldson for her outstanding contribution to the success of the last two Art Shows as treasurer, wishing her well as she moves to Whyalla.

Chris Matthews Guest Speaker

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.

Fizz Mayberry Guest Speaker

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.

Lou Hamon guest speaker

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 guest speaker.

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 guest speaker.

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 guest speaker.

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.

Carl Walters guest speaker.

Carl Walters from Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority was guest speaker.

The Catchment Authority guides efforts to ensure land and water resources are protected and enhanced as well as improving the region’s social wellbeing, environmental quality and productive capacity in a sustainable manner.

The Broken Creek has had issues.

Catchment Authority responsible for delivery of irrigation water and quality of water in the Broken Creek water supply.

Broken Creek fed from channel system from Murray River with a flow rate of 400-500 ML/d daily.

Environmental water added from Goulburn and Murray Rivers. Water quality improving in Broken Creek with creek kept fresher with flows.

During winter reverts to natural state with low levels exposing mud flats, flows restored with irrigation.

Ongoing removal of barriers to fish passage. Mechanical clearing not allowed, by keeping water flow and quality improving, weeds kept under better control.

Zoom Meeting

Due to lockdown another virtual meeting via Zoom led by President Gary Phillips.

Wendy Raleigh Guest Speaker

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.

Nick Raleigh guest speaker

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.

Paul Harris Fellow presentation.

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.

Jack Duncan Vocational Service Award

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.

Col McPherson Community Service Award

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.

Induction of Gary Phillips

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.

Housetide Support Services

Kellie King and Daniel House were guest speakers from Housetide Support Services.

Kellie King introduced herself, living in Numurkah for 10 years with two children with disabilities. Struggled to access support services.

Daniel House, based in Albury with 15 years involvement in aged care, disability support, youth and homelessness. Starting in February 2019, now have seven respite houses and 12 vehicles.

Some of services offered:

In Home Self Care - Assistance in the home with showering, feeding, household duties and more.
Assistance In The Community - Assistance with trips to the shops, cinema or just getting pampered.
Appointments - Assistance with transport to and from appointments and attendance if required.
Short Term Accommodation - 24 hour overnight respite care. Either in home or out of home.
Holiday Assistance - 24 hour assistance from day trips to extended holidays.

Seven Respite Houses provide double beds, WIFI, Netflix, ducted heating and cooling and outdoor activities. Houses available for adults and kids on weekdays, weekends, short term. medium term and long term.

Informal pizza night.

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.

Numurkah Ukulele Club

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.

Club Assembly

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 guest speaker.

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.

Half Penny key rings presented by Garry McNamara

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 Guest Speaker

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.

Vocations Night

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

Love Your Sister featuring Samuel Johnson presented by the Rotary Club of Numurkah with snack box dinner prepared by Numurkah Secondary College students.

RYPEN

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.

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.

4WD Trip Tatong 2021

Love Your Sister

Lesley Hills guest speaker

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.

Love Your Sister

41st Annual Art & Craft Exhibition

DIVERSE CREATIVITY ON DISPLAY

The 41^st 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”.

The World's Longest Taxi Fare

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 Limper & Bruce McEwan

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 guest speaker.

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 guest speaker.

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.

Cemetery Walk

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.

Australia Day 2021

In lieu of a regular meeting Rotary Club members provided the BBQ at the Numurkah Australia Day Celebrations.

Photos courtesy Mark McNamara.

First meeting of 2021 at Golf Club

First meeting for 2021 at Numurkah Golf & Bowls Club.

Combined meting with Lions Club

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.

ROTARY CLUB OF NUMURKAH 41st ANNUAL ART & CRAFT EXHIBITION

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.

Christmas Break-Up

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.

Robyn Sprunt & Catherine Church guest speakers

Robyn Sprunt Manager Primary Health and Catherine Church Director of Clinical Services from NCN Health Numurkah on local experience with COVID-19.

Community Testing Clinic:

Daily testing of symptomatic clients. Over 1,000 tests since June.
Re-usable masks, 4,000 distributed to vulnerable community members.
Shepparton outbreak 14th October testing team supported Shepparton.

Communication is the key:

Clear and concise messaging.
CEO daily updates.
Department huddles.
Letters to clients.
Phone calls to clients.
Facebook information..
Information sessions at local pharmacies and pamphlets and information in stores,

Impact on Community:

Increase in anxiety, fear and worry.
Increase incident of mental health issues.
Increase in family violence.
Decrease in routine health screening.
Less theatre presentations.
Increase in social isolation.

Continued service and support:

All services have been maintained.
Alternate models of care - telehealth.

Group based activities:

All group based activities ceased.
Alternate models of care explored.
Clients more socially isolated.
Increase in mental health concerns.
Increase in support - counselling/psychology.

Supporting the community:

Food hampers.
Newspaper deliveries.
Blood test in the home.
Flu vaccination in community.
Linking clients with services.

Moving to COVID Normal:

Group based services return.
Increase in face to face service.
Visiting outreach services.

Aged Care:

Visitors return.
Outings recommenced.
Group activities recommenced.
Volunteer program recommence.

Mental health and wellbeing:

Caring for both residents and staff.
Balancing new normal.
Daily screening of residents.
Monthly COVID swabbing of staff.
Outbreak management plans in place.

Club AGM

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.

Back "home" in Bistro

Meetings back "home' in Waterwheel Bistro of Numurkah Golf and Bowls Club.

Sonia Strahan guest speaker

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.

Quiz with Terry Brennan

General knowledge quiz conducted by Terry Brennan,

Cathy Booth Guest Speaker.

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 guest speaker

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 guest speaker

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.

Silver Presidential Citation.

District Secretary Chris Sutton presented a Silver Presidential Citation to Past President Lorraine Greenwood acknowledging the achievements of the Rotary Club of Numurkah during Lorraine's year as President.

This week's meeting.

Rotary Club of Numurkah meeting 12th October was held in person at the Numurkah Golf & Bowls Club and also on Zoom.

Jenny Green Guest Speaker

Jenny Green lost her 26 year old daughter to suicide. Not wanting other families to suffer as she did the Rock It Foundation was formed.

The Rock It Foundation, helps those in need of immediate psychiatric treatment by paying for their psych appointments right away instead of being on the public systems waitlist potentially causing a lot more pain.

As her daughters passion was pole dancing a fundraising gala is organised.

This pole dancing extravaganza is in memory of Jacklyn Louise Williams, who on September 28th 2017 took her own life. Jacklyn was an extremely talented dancer and in honour of her, multiple dancers from all across Victoria came together to put on a show to raise funds for the Rock It Foundation.

The aim is to raise awareness of mental health and stop suicide.

Jenny asked members to make time to ask are you OK. Covid is making people go into their shells with no interaction. Step into their shoes for a day and be there for them.

Rotary meet at Golf Club

t’s been a long time between drinks for the members of the Rotary Club of Numurkah who are meeting outdoors at the Golf Club tonight.. With COVID-19 restrictions the Golf Club can accommodate 10 indoors or 50 outdoors. The staff at the Golf Club were excellent hosts.

Leah Farnham guest speaker.

Celebrating "Lift the Lid" Mad Hat day for mental health, Leah Farnham from Headspace in Shepparton was guest speaker.

Leah Farnham has an eight year involvement with Headspace Shepparton which works with 12 - 25 year olds providing early intervention.

1 in 5 youth experience a health issue: Anxiety 15-20%. Substance Misuse 10%, Depression 7%.

Impact of poor mental health: Poor school or work attendance, Social withdrawal or isolation. Adopting negative coping strategies.

Adolescence a period of great change. change in the way we think, change in relationships, change in the way we feel.

Normal for adolescents to argue for sake of arguing, jump to conclusions, be self-centred, constantly find fault in adults, be overly dramatic.

Signs of depression: unexplained or prolonged feelings of sadness, sadness or anger, mood swings, change in behaviour.

Headspace is youth friendly looking after physical health, mental health, alcohol and drug dependence, vocation and education.

Managed by G.V. Health, only address mild to moderate conditions, valuing youth and family involvement.

Josh West guest speaker

Josh West was born to parents addicted to drugs, adopted by foster parents at 6 months.

Suffering Asperger's Syndrome picked on at school. Met grand parents at 18 years

Commenced playing basketball at 19 years, had tried other sports but basketball became his passion, playing with Australian Paralympic Team, Australian Boomerangs. Team members are able bodied but with intellectual disabilities. Captain of the team has travelled the world, Japan, America, South America, Turkey and Italy.

Team is not sponsored, all paid from own pocket. Basketball has changed his life, giving him focus and meeting some wonderful friends.

Now coaching, plays several days a week and trains in Melbourne 5 - 7 times a year when allowed. Zoom training during COVID.

Success in life goes back to foster parents who gave him a second chance at life.

Geoff Holmes guest speaker.

As guest speaker Geoff Holmes conducted an entertaining quiz from recent articles featured in the Numurkah Leader.

Winners received prizes from Geoff's vegetable garden.

Alice Glachen guest speaker.

GUEST SPEAKER: ALICE GLACHEN:

Alice a member of the Rotary Club of Albury Hume, Director of Capital Fundraising Campaign for Albury Hilltop Accommodation Centre, part of Fight Cancer Campaign.

Hilltop providing motel style accommodation for regional cancer patients.

Background, grew up in a Rotary family, an exchange student then followed father as a Rotarian. Husband and herself owned Beacon Lighting in Albury and served as Mayor of Albury. Following sale of business joined Hilltop as Fundraising Director.

Planned December launch, then bushfires, then when smoke settles COVID, cancelling media events.

Need for accommodation for regional community, over $1M raised during the planning of Stage 1 which is now complete. Cost $5,122,129, budget $5,400.00.

Large rooms providing sanctuary and safety in comfortable quality rooms. A home away from home. Caters for all ages, space for children, library, community board room.

Over 56,000 room nights available, over 2,700 families assisted, occupancy now nearing capacity.

32 Local Government Areas in footprint with Moira #1 user.

Stage 2 in planning with additional 10 suites, library and quiet room, gymnasium. laundry, an additional admin. area.

Stage 2 Cost & Funding. Cost $3,808,000, Commonwealth Government $1,904,000, Cash on hand $1,134.796, with a shortfall of $769,204.

Preliminary planning for stage 3.

Trudi Pratt guest speaker

Trudi Pratt guest speaker.

Trudi Pratt Emergency Management with City of Greater Shepparton and Moira Shire, responsible for emergency planning and relief.

Background as a trained nurse and a soldier.

Covid pandemic not a typical emergency such as flood, fire and wind events. Covid an unseen enemy.

Moira Shire spread over a large area without vast congregation of people thus not compacted by Covid, with only one case, which was someone out of town.

Typical day, attend meetings and planning if an out break, Understanding legislation from two states.

Sate border shut down causes no end of problems with permits.

Preparing for a Class 1 or Class 2 Emergency involves planning evacuation and movement of people to ensure safety with closure of channels or roads and the setting up of relief centres.

Meeting with local organisations with need to listen and engage with local people.

Advance warning of installation and test of temporary levees at Nathalia for maintenance. SES volunteers trained in sand bagging.

D.G. Bruce Anderson visit.

D.G. Bruce ensured the club he will try and visit in person, prioritising those not visited in person.

District Conference current plan is Wangaratta March 18-20. Options include a May date or Conference with District Handover if unable to proceed.
Baton Relay to celebrate 100 years of Rotary in Australia and New Zealand. If unable to proceed will pass on to AG to reach each club.
District project to celebrate 100 years of Rotary is an immunisation campaign in the Pacific Region.
Membership levels discussed with reasons for decline from 44 to 35, mental health, expecting too much, not educating members, business commitments, death and age. Bruce commented harder to keep everyone engaged and active in larger clubs.
District to revamp programs such as RLI with introduction of a Basic Introduction to Rotary, which would be less confronting to new members, with RLI for more experienced members.
Review of club; good emphasis on youth, community, website. Club in good shape,
Constitution and By-Laws are comprehensive, keep up to date.
Role of District is to help clubs to do what they do best.

Marilyn introduced the "Partners Project"

Partners Project - Rotarians Against Malaria.

Mascot "Aussie the Mozzie".

To mark 100 years of Rotary in Australia and New Zealand publish a booklet celebrating achievement of each club with short history and a current picture of club, with a project to mark R100 in community.

Virtual Tour of Werribee Open Range Zoo

Another innovative and entertaining meeting organised by President Jennifer.

A virtual tour of Werribee Open Range Zoo with our guide taking members on a drive through the park, describing the animals encountered.

Tour prompted much conversation from members regarding the animals later in the meeting.

Fancy Dress Night.

CHAIR: MICHELLE SQUISH DAVIS:

Squish began the night with a musical quiz, "Name the Tune". the tunes played on her melodica.

The members were then divided into "Break-out Rooms".

Room #1 Chris Hardham, Ross, Lou, Terry and John

Update on members activities including ladder accidents.

Room #2 Gary, Ivan, Jennifer and Kate.

Talked rubbish!

Room #3 Allen, Chris Sutton and Rex.

Poems and music. "Don't worry everything going to be alright". Kate quoted a poem by Tammy Muir and Chris sang a song with her ukulele .

Room #4 Sally, Lorraine and Stephen.

Lorraine quoted from "Tale of Two Cities" by Charles Dickens.

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way—in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only"

Link to Tammy Muir's poem as quoted by Kate.

https://facebook.com/tammy.muir.7545/videos/1199550400384672/?t=1

Club Assembly

The Club Assembly held via zoom on Monday 3rd August was an opportunity to talk about moving forward within the confines we are in.

Nicole Wells guest speaker.

Nicole Wells community Development Officer with NCN Health was guest speaker at zoom meeting.

Difficult to access farming community with current restrictions as support services unable to undertake face to face consultations.

Women are home schooling as well as farm duties, and farmers will not access support until too late. Nicole wishing to work with community groups to be more innovative and proactive.

Farmers first to lend a hand to neighbours, hope to build on this to help themselves.

Farmers are not doing well with depression, stress, high anxiety and transitioning to other fields as worn down.

Hope to build capacity to resilience with conversation to help themselves and family.

A case by case as go through intake to access financial and mental health then to link with relevant consultants.

Paul Quinane guest speaker.

At two months, son Ned tested positive to Down Syndrome. A scary time, but further tests showed no issues with heart.

Ned brought an enormous amount of joy to the family.

In 2014 decided to organise a bike ride to create awareness on World Down Syndrome Day 2st March.

Many offers of help from friends keen to ride, with a parents support car.

With 3 weeks notice organised ride from Cobram to Mulwala, Yarrawonga, Chiltern, Wangaratta, Benalla, Shepparton, Numurkah Cobram. BBQ at finish to celebrate. Encouraged to make it an annual event. Now riding the route in reverse in order to avoid strong head winds. Raised over $17,000 for Cobram Special School and Down Syndrome.

Established a Facebook page 321 Ride for Down Syndrome.

On a personal note after 23 years in munitions manufacture became Business Services Manager for PALS, supporting others with needs.

Bernadette Steward Guest Speaker.

Bernadette Steward secretary of the Numurkah Wunghnu Cemetery Trust gave an interesting talk on the history of Numurkah and the Numurkah Cemetery.

Wunghnu Cemetery established in 1879 and contains graves of Numurkah residents before the Numurkah Cemetery was established in 1883.

Entrance erected in 1909, and recently refurbished.

The Numurkah Lawn Cemetery was created in 1978, with enough ground for 3 years before expansion required.

Bernadette organises "Cemetery Walks" illustrating the history of the cemetery and its past residents.

Photos of Numurkah 1888 were shown.

Changeover Meeting 2020

CLUB CHANGEOVER MEETING 29th JUNE 2020

The Rotary Club of Numurkah Changeover Dinner for 2020, held at the Numurkah Golf Club was a changeover with a difference.
Due to COVID-19 limit restrictions only the previous board members and the incoming board members attended, with other club members joining the meeting by Zoom.

President Lorraine Greenwood delivered her President's Address Annual Report outlining the activities for the year.

Community Service Director Julie Andrew presented the Col McPherson Community Service Award to Adam Drust.

Vocational Service Director Sally Rose presented the Jack Duncan Vocational Service Award to Anna Corazza.

President Lorraine presented the President's Award to A.G. Chris Sutton.

Incoming President Jennifer Rodger was inducted at 2020-2021 President by A.G. Chris Sutton.

Incoming President Jennifer Rodger oulined her vision for the club.

President Jennifer introduced the 2020-2021 Board.

Tinja Nakki Farewell

Tinja Nakki Farewell.

The Rotary Club of Numurkah held a farewell for exchange student Tinja Nakki at the home of Kylie & Wayne Jackson. Tinja from Finland has spent the last 12 months with the Rotary Club as a Rotary Exchange Student.

Kate Hodge on behalf of the club spoke on the delight of having Tinja with us for the last 12 months and thanked the host families Renee, Bruce and Tenille for the first six months and Kylie Wade and Cody for the last six months.

Both families expressed the pleasure they had in welcoming Tinja into their homes and families.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions Tinja missed out on many events and experiences, but assured all she was returning home, not thinking of the experiences she missed, but the experiences she enjoyed.

Tinja's personality and charm delighted all she met, and was a wonderful ambassador of Finland and the Rotary Youth Exchange program.

The club wish Tinja all the best in her life's journey.

Members Dinner Parties

Suggested and organised by President Lorraine, the club held several dinner parties, hosted by club members with small numbers attending.

19 Rotarians attended plus 5 partners. The hosts were Terry and Pam, Judy and Rex, Phil and Fiona, and Lorraine.

An enjoyable evening was had by all members who participated, as the photos show.

Guest Speaker Leanne Rawson

Leanne Rawson spoke via Zoom on the concept of a Numurkah parkrun.

Event is for whole family, started in England in 2004 and Australia in 2011.

Leanne explained she was a single mother and a P.E. teacher at St Mary of the Angels.

Ex runner and Little Athletics coach

Investigated a Numurkah parkrun over 2 to 3 years.

Reasons for Numurkah, Love of Exercise, Location, Fitness, Social and Obesity issues.

Why? Create a healthier and happier activity, Inclusive fun, Different way to stay active, Free community led social focus, Prams children and dogs on leads allowed and wheelchair accessibility.

Held in a public open space.

Not a race, 5km event for walkers, joggers, runners and spectators.

Event would start on a Saturday at 8am finishing at 9am with option of post event coffee and catch up.

Start date TBC, June 22nd the earliest.

Would commence in Rose Gardens, across wooden bridge along walking track to steel bridge then to carpark, back to Kinnairds Road then return to Rose Gardens.

Registration online, once registered can do any event anywhere.

Cost of $7,500 to establish event, covers all expenses for establishing for lifetime of event and AED defibrillator.

Volunteers required, five from Rotary for first 2 months.

President Elect Jennifer Rodger Guest Speaker

President Elect Jennifer Rodger was guest speaker at the club's Zoom meeting. Using a Power point presentation Jennifer revealed the results of the online survey of members and her plans for the next Rotary Year,

There was a positive result to meetings and content, with improvement in planning, involvement and monitoring of members highlighted.

More social and fun activities with more local community service projects with closer communication were also highlighted in the responses

Jennifer then detailed her plans for activities next Rotary year.

Annette Cope Guest Speaker

Annette Cope was guest speaker to the Numurkah Rotary Club online Zoom meeting.

Annette Cope Treasurer of St Vincent de Paul Conference spoke to the club via Zoom.

St Vines is part of the Catholic Church assistance for people who need help with shop and conference available for those with specific needs. Shop staffed by volunteers.

Funds from shop support conference.

Conference meet with people in need using funds from shop and appeals. $100,000 assistance given annually to local needs. Food, clothing and fuel assistance provided with vouchers, do not give money.

Emergency assistance given for house fires, domestic violence. medical treatment, transport for medical appointments and funerals. All assistance confidential with cases documented.

COVID-19 assistance to solve needs with contacts available.

Most are genuine and help given to solve problem. Generally there to help with a hand-up not a hand-out.

Support required for shop with goods, (which have to be quarantined) or financial with money banked into local bank account.

Rotary Brochure

Dominique Cosgriff guest speaker

At the club's Zoom meeting Dominique spoke to the club about her role as journalist with the Numurkah Leader.

Gained diploma in professional writing and editing. born a writer, always told stories. Worked at Shepparton News writing and editing but with global financial crisis all work disappeared. Part time at Uniting Care as media rep for 4 years, then worked as a kitchen hand.

Applied for position at Numurkah Leader bur unsuccessful and worked on tomato line at SPC.

Numurkah Leader phoned for an interview - the rest is history!

Best job ever had, accepted into the community which was well suited. People best and worst part of anything. Quickly learnt communities are self-supporting, that keeps the town going.

With COVID-19 all sporting events cancelled which contributed 75% of paper content.

Do need occasional car chase or ambulance chase because that is news.

Numurkah Leader has never not published its weekly edition in 120 year.

Local paper is the only place you get local focus. Numurkah Leader here to sell the story of Numurkah.

Sports Profile and Cuppa stories hard responsibility but learning the common denominator is hard work.

Advertising keeps the doors open and government advertising on Covid-19 helps.

Believe in the power of free press.

Pride in our work.

Rotary online Zoom meeting

Rotary Club of Numurkah held their first online Zoom meeting with 22 participants.

Drought Relief Cosmetics

As part of the Drought Relief Project the Rotary Club of North Balwyn donated boxes of cosmetics for distribution by the Rotary Club of Numurkah.
President Lorraine wrote to Nth Balwyn Rotary.
Thank you so much for obtaining the hair products and organising to deliver them to us last Thursday. We are astounded by the amount you sent and know they will be greatly appreciated by the recipients. They were certainly well received by staff at each of the schools.
We had a very busy day on Friday, delivering all the boxes to a number of different places.
* We gave 10 boxes of each type to the secondary school; they are preparing packs to send to families and the hair shampoo, etc can be included in them.
* Eight boxes of each type went to the catholic primary school; they will be given to school families in need.
* We made up 80 gift bags, each containing a shampoo, conditioner and hairspray, for the primary school - they will add to them for Mother's Day if possible.
Otherwise they will give them out when the students return to school. We also gave the primary school eight boxes of each product for distribution.
* All the remaining boxes were given to the Community House. The products will be distributed to families in need through the House, the Learning Centre
and from the home of one of the coordinators.

Instagram

The Rotary Club of Numurkah has launched an Instagram account.

numurkahrotary.

Facebook Posts

The Rotary Club of Numurkah Facebook page contains weekly posts reporting on the guest speakers at regular weekly dinner meetings.

In these uncertain times, with meetings suspended, reports will be posted highlighting the club's proud history with "Flash-backs" drawing on the resources of the Photo Album column on our website homepage.

Changeover Meeting 2019, and Business Breakfast featuring Susan Alberti have been posted.

To come, Club's 60th Anniversary Meeting, 4WD Trips, combined meetings with Lions, vocational visits.

The wider community can read these and realise the club is still alive and active.

CANCELLATION OF WEEKLY MEETINGS

The Rotary Club of Numurkah has cancelled its weekly dinner meetings until further notice.

President Lorraine has asked for a scaled down version of the weekly bulletin to be published to keep members connected and informed during this period.

These bulletins will be emailed as usual, and can also be read under "Bulletins" in the panel above.

Bridget Goulding Guet Speaker

Bridget Goulding attended the Drought Relief public meeting and was asked by the North Balwyn Rotary Club to speak to the club giving a first hand account of the challenges facing farmers in Numurkah and district.

Bridget repeated her address for the benefit of the Numurkah Rotary members.

Born in Rotorua, met and married Tim and commenced farming in New Zealand. Inspected dairy farms in Gippsland before choosing irrigation district in north Baulkamaugh. Several good years before a cascade of disasters over two decades. Millennium drought where average rainfall of 16-18 inches was reduced to 3. Lack of Murray River flows forced to refine management. Modernisation of channels took place to rationalise water usage. With the unbundling of water from the land, on the advise of consultants half farmers sold permanent water to buy temporary water after drought.

14% of water owned by investors not connected to the land. Temporary water going to highest bidder with almond trees requiring much of the temporary water.

Last 2 years of drought man made problems including the Fonterra claw-back.

117 dairy farmers have ceased trade. Drop off of social interaction as all too busy.

2015-2016 season improved and built a new house. Industry in turmoil, but do not regret the move.

Involve in the community with CWA, UDV and delegations to ministers to get message across.

District producing a product of high standard, with demand growing and sustainability improving.

Drought Relief Program is a shot in the arm.

40th Annual Art & Crafdt Exhibition

Rotary Club of Numurkah 40th Annual Art & Craft exhibition

Rotary Club of Numurkah 40^th Annual Art & Craft Exhibition.

The Rotary Club of Numurkah 40^th Annual Art & Craft Exhibition attracted outstanding entries from around Australia.

At the well attended official opening on Friday Club president Lorraine Greenwood said to those present “you will be amazed and inspired by the outstanding array of exhibits”.

Rotary District Governor Brian Peters spoke on he work of Rotary, locally and internationally, mentioning the Polio Plus campaign to eradicate polio in the world.

Jeff Buzza, the major sponsor from Home Hardware said “Art is important. Looking at the entries some are pleasant, some are spectacular and some even confronting”. He believed each work revealed a little about the artist and maybe what they felt and if we might learn a bit more about how other people see the world and be better off for it. Summing up Jeff said maybe that is why art is important.

Art judge Ben Winspear praised the exhibition as being one of the best regional art shows.

Bed Winspear announced the winning entries, commenting on each art work.

Best in Show was awarded to Ross Paterson “Tumut River”. Ben said this painting has everything going for it, clean colours, accurate tones, a semi-panoramic composition coming together in a synergy that he found compelling.

Runner Up was awarded to Glenn Hoyle “Sunset in Tumut”. The beautiful harmony well composed work kept me coming back for a second and third look.

Best Watercolour was Linda Bryan “First Light”. The simplification and design were what initially drew me to this work stated Ben.

Best Oil “Forgotten Ledge” by Geoffrey Smith. Ben said this is one of my favourite subjects, dust, bottles, spiderwebs. Making the ordinary, extraordinary.

Best Pastel “Winter Sunrise” by Deborah Lynch. Painted not only with skill and a knowledge of the medium but also with plenty of feeling and sensitivity too.

Best Pencil was awarded to “Boots” by John Stevens. Ben said I’m always pleased when I see a well executed drawing like this, with very good tonal control, composition and a well developed technique.

Best Regional Artist was Judith Waite with “Galah’s”. This one I chose because of the artists unusual and clever composition of the galah’s flying across the canvas like musical notes. Lots of movement accurately portrayed.

Moira Arts & Culture Encouragement Award was awarded to Bev Williams with “Tradescantia & Tiny Blue Dragonfly”. A delightful little watercolour study of the nature world. Painted with care and intricated detail.

Photographic Award “Bridge in Smoke by Adrienne West. The photographer has pushed the medium and subject almost to abstraction. A work full of intrigue and mood.

Claire Reid the craft judge congratulated the entrants on the quality of their work.

Best Craft Entry was “A Country Journal” by Yvonne Visser.

Fibres, Threads or Beads Award was awarded to Shona Thomas with “Purple Lace Shawl”.

Framed Needlework Award was awarded to Jenny Barnes with “Noah”.

Quilt Award winner was Yvonne Visser with “A Country Journal” Second place was “Dragon Quilt by Patricia Grotaers.”

Craft Award was “Mosaic Tile” by Tonina Hore.

Australiana Award was “Koala” crochet

Chris Matthews and Duncan McPherson Guest Speahers

Chris Matthews and Duncan McPherson representing "Love Our Lifestyle" were guest speakers.

Love Our Lifestyle was created by combining the Numurkah Chamber of Commerce and Numurkah Tourism. Membership has been declining and last year re-launched LOL with new members and committee. Embracing business, community and tourism, aiming for growth in membership and promotion of shopping events, and community events.

Biggest achievement is the launch of LOL Cards which can be redeemed at local businesses.

Why Leave Town Promotion has different sponsorship levels for businesses, organisations and clubs ranging from $7,500 to $165, community groups from $80.

Benefits include design and advertising assistance for social media, regular social media posts.

40th Annual Art & Craft Exhibition

Les Lawrence Shield 2020

Annual bowls match between Numurkah Rotary and Nathalia Rotary held at Nathalia Bowls Club. Photo Hazel Boschetti (widow of Les Lawrence) with Lorraine Greenwood, president of the Rotary Club of Numurkah and Anthony Oliver president Rotary Club of Nathalia.

Samuel Johnson "love Your Sister"

Tickets selling fast for Samuel Johnson "Love Your Sister" dinner. There is only one table left for sale @ $45/ticket. Due to demand tickets are available for purchase @ $20/ticket for viewing from the balcony. This ticket price does not include dinner. Tickets can be purchased from the Numurkah Community Learning Centre. 99 Melville Street.

Chris Motton Guest Speaker

Chris Motton from the Rotary Club of Kyabram spoke of his Rotary & business experiences.

A member of a 2012 Group Study Exchange visit to Orlando Florida. 14 clubs visited with cultural and vocational activities. Rotary clubs mainly breakfast meetings being professional or social clubs. On return spoke to many clubs on experience and has revisited 5 times.

At the time a young family, growing business, unable to commit to meeting times.

Joined Rotary in 2016 and enjoy putting on Rotary hat in a small friendly club.

Business "Advance Computing" helps businesses and organisations achieve more using I.T.

I.T. workforce will need 81,000 jobs within 15 years. Jobs across 40 companies in three states.

Georgia Dixon guest speaker

Georgia Dixon sponsored by Rotary club to attend the Canberra Youth Science Forum then onto the London International Youth Science Forum.

The London International Youth Science Forum (LIYSF) is a two week residential student event held at Imperial College London & The Royal Geographical Society, with lecture demonstrations from leading scientists, visits to world class laboratories and universities combined with cultural interaction, with 500 students aged 16-21 years old from 70 countries including 36 Australians.

Sightseeing of London and Stonehenge and visits to factory where design and manufacture of A380 aircraft wings and also production line of BMW Mini cars.

Georgia thanked the club for their support.

Lung Function Spirometry Testing

Kathryn Watson a registered nurse with NCN Health heads the Moira Respiratory Project.

1 in 7 Australians over the age of 40 has Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

COPD is a progressive lung disease which is the third leading cause of preventable hospitalisations in Australia.

No cure, early diagnosis and management can slow disease.

A quick and easy lung function test performed using a machine called a spirometer measures the amount of air that you breathe in and out of your lungs.

Those who should be tested include smokers, worker in a job exposed to dust, gas or fumes, coughs several times most days, coughing up phlegm or mucus most days, out of breath.

Tests carried out at NCN Health campuses at Numurkah, Nathalia and Cobram and also Yarrawonga Health, with reports sent to doctor or specialist.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation available with one 1-2 hour session a week for 6-8 weeks has been shown to help people breathe easier and improve their quality of life and mood and help stay out of hospital.

Love Your Sister

Numurkah Drought Relief Program

Numurkah Drought Relief Program.
Working with the Rotary Club of Numurkah, the Rotary Clubs of North Balwyn and Balwyn have developed a project to support farmers in our local area.
The main objective are to:
1. Reinvigorate the local economy.
2, Provide metal wellbeing programs.
3. Inspire the region.
The key strategy of the program is for these Melbourne clubs to provide financial support to farming families in Numurkah and district.

Vouchers to be issued by Rural Finance Counsellors.

Vouchers to be redeemed at selected Numurkah businesses.
An information session was held on January 15th..

Combined meeting with Lions

Christmas 2019

The Rotary Club celebrated their Christmas Break Up at the home of Ross and Chris Hardham.

Numurkah Golf & Bowls Club Sponsorship

KEVIN MOYLAND from Numurkah Golf and Bowls Club presented a cheque for $2000 to President Lorraine Greenwood.

President Lorraine said the kind sponsorship would be used to offer Swimming Pool Family Passes to needy families selected in conjunction with the Primary Schools.

Numurkah Drought Relief Program

Geoff Kneale, Rotary Club of Balwyn North presented the concept of a drought relief program for the district.

Numurkah Drought Relief Program a proven model adapted 8 years ago from a Queensland program, successful in St Arnaud.

Rotary Club of Balwyn North has 68 members, Rotary Club of Balwyn 53 members. have combined on a successful drought program.

Based on a program in Queensland, work with local Rotary clubs.

Provide vouchers to local farmers, redeemable at selected local retailers.

Arrange well-being program of Comedy or Rock Legends.

Other support activities include child book-drive, school excursions, lady pamper packs, hand-made children's toys.

Rural Finance Councillors distribute the voucher.

Timeline:

Official engagement between club presidents.
Town Hall meeting February 2020
Commence voucher planning February.
Store signage
Distribute to RFC
Commence planning community events in February

Roll out in March.

Combined meeting with Rotary Club of Cobram at Cactus Country

Ashleigh Rodger Guest Speaker

Ashleigh Rodger completed last placement of medical degree with a six weeks placement in Samoa in Paediatrics.

Samoa has declared a state of emergency, closing schools, due to a measles epidemic.

Measles is a highly contagious, with fever, fatigue, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis and rash.

Serious complications occur in 30% of cases. 90% transmission rate, 9 out of 10 developing measles.

Hospital has limited resources allowing only 2 minutes per patient on ward round.

Audit summary of children admitted to the Paediatric Ward: 86% admitted dehydrated, 65% severe pneumonia, 50% croup. Most children under the age of 1 year with 700 confirmed measles cases. International assistance being sought.

Ashleigh graduates at Deakin University in 3 weeks with first rotation surgery.

Swimming Pool Working Bee & BBQ

The Rotary Club held a working bee and BBQ at the Numurkah Swimming Pool, organised by Julie Andrew with a Bendigo Bank grant the First Aid Room was cleaned out and upgraded.

Chefs Geoff Holmes and Gary Phillips provided a tasty meal.

Battery Drive

Faye Holmes Guest Speaker

Faye Holmes spoke to the club on her concern for some primary school children

Spent many years as Assistant Principal, now retired but now considers herself a "Fly in - Fly Out" with no responsibilities, but looking at things differently..

Although great things are happening in the world, Australia and Numurkah there have been many changes over the last 10 years. Children growing up before they should, seeing and doing things they should not in disengaged families. Children should be children but are growing up as adults dealing with family stress, agitation and neglect. Many have health issues, anger, lack of ego.

There is a need for family support. The Smith Family and St Vinnies, Lions and Rotary give support.

Many families do not have money for sporting clubs membership, sports uniforms, education trips or camps.

A child is not born bad, but are being brought up under horrific circumstances.

"Takes a village to raise a child".

Jeff Stanyer Guest Speaker

Jeff Stanyer was guest speaker at the combined Rotary Club, RSL Club meeting.

He joined the Navy in 1964 & served for 21 years. The well known Cerberus ship was launched in 1868. It was never used as a combat ship but as a guard ship & was finally towed to Black Rock where she remains today.

After Federation in 1901 the Commonwealth Navy Force came into existence & took over the Colonnial ships. In 1911 the Australian Navy came into being.

Jeff joined the Navy in 1964 doing an apprenticeship. His first sea posting was on a destroyer going to Vietnam. He served on a gun line, doing 2, 6 month rotations doing naval bombardment. Jeff recalled his memories of battle on the Hobart Ship & provided an extensive history of the Ships during the WWI, WWII, Malaysian, Korean & Vietnam wars.

L2P PROGRAM

Bill Winters and John Decker spoke to the club on the L2P Learner Driver Program

The L2P Learner Driver Mentor Program was an initiative of the Rotary Club of Sunbury in 2007 with a pilot program. Supported by Government in 2008.

The program provides an opportunity for young people, who face significant barriers, to obtain their drivers licence with the support of a mentor. Program helps a young person to develop their confidence and skills, and assist them in reaching the required 120 hours of supervised on-road experience. With a drivers licence, a young person will have a better chance to access education, training and job opportunities.

Program is community driven with support from agencies such as Berry Street.

John Decker has been a mentor for 8 years, finding it a worthy cause, giving opportunity to young people.

DG Visit and Lift the Lid

Visit of District Governor Brian Peters was celebrated with "Lift the Lid" mad hat day for Mental Health.

Paul Harris Fellowship - Stephen Mills.

District Governor Brian Peters presents a Paul Harris Fellowship to Stephen Mills.

Lift the Lid BBQ

Rotary Club of Numurkah BBQ for "Lift the Lid" on mental health.

Kitarna Smith guest speaker.

Kitarna Smith a year 10 student at Numurkah Secondary College participated in the 2019 Cultural Kimberley Exchange.

Exchange left a strong impression as part of her, learnt about Australian, its history and its past.

Flew to Broome, then visited a crocodile farm where the group of 9 learn about the history of the Kimberley's, and about crocodiles and their temperament and aggression. Next visited Mt. Anderson Station and the Lilianceane sacred site. Explored the caves with cave paintings. Visited Gee Gee Gorge and the Fitzroy River. Met with indigenous communities sharing their culture and food, told stories of the land and people.

Learnt a lot about regions and its people, which you do not learn at school. Trip was life-changing. Kitarna finished by thanking Rotary for making it possible.

1st Baulkamaugh Scout Group visit

Rotarian Jason, Scout Leader of the 1st Baulkamaugh Group welcomed Rotarians, and with assistance of scouts explained the activities and award system of Scouts section.

Cub Leader Judy Stedman with assistance of the cubs explained the activities and award scheme for the Cub section.

Group Leader Stuart Hodge gave a brief overview of the history of the 1st Baulkamaugh Scout Group.

A delicious roast meal, cooked in camp ovens, was served.

Linda Ryder Guest Speaker

"Need for Feed" was established by the Pakenham Lions Club in 2006 when founder Graham Cockerell donated and delivered one truck load of hay to farmers burnt out by fire. Only able to deliver 5 bales to each farmer Graham returned determined to help make a real difference.

Over the time "Need for Feed" has been a major supplier of emergency fodder and transport. In last 18months 5,000 requests for assistance with 5 runs including to Queensland floods. with 4 road trains, South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales.

Majority volunteers, with trucks coming from all states. Create depots, not individual drop-offs, with farmers collecting from depots. Used helicopters to deliver during Queensland floods.

Letting people know that someone cares.

Ian Murphy Memorial Debate

Second heat of Ian Murphy Memorial Debating Competition with two teams from St Mary's. one sponsored by Nathalia Rotary Club, the other sponsored by Numurkah Rotary Club.

Adjudicators John Watson, Squish Davis and Carolyn Drennan.

Topic of debate: "Worrying Serves No Useful Purpose".

Each speaker has 4 minutes with a warning bell at 3 minutes.

Speaking on behalf of the adjudicators, Squish Davis made the following comments. All speakers spoke well with excellent research, followed structure with good timing. Although made eye contact with audience suggested the speakers relax more and engage with audience rather than being entrenched in their speech.

The winner was the St. Mary's Negative Team.

GEOFF LIMMER GUEST SPEAKER

Geoff Limmer P.P. Box Hill Central Rotary Club spoke on "Operation Cleft".

Operation Cleft mission is to provide 1000 free cleft repair surgeries each year to underprivileged children in Bangladesh - enabling them to live normal and meaningful lives.

More than 5,000 children are born with a cleft lip and/or palate in Bangladesh each year.

Children born with a cleft have difficulty feeding, may suffer malnutrition, and are susceptible to ear, nose and throat infections. They are often ostracized and discouraged by the school system, leading to social isolation and depression.

A cleft repair operation gifts the child a smile, restores their dignity, improves their health, and provides the child with a brighter future and an opportunity to achieve their full potential.

A.G. CHRIS SUTTON GUEST SPEAKER

A.G. Chris Sutton gave a PowerPoint presentation on "Our Rotary"

First club formed in Chicago in 1905, the name Rotary from rotating meetings, the logo represents civilisation movement and service in action.

Structure in 3 parts 1. Our Club, 2. R.I. 3. Rotary Foundation.

1,000 clubs in Australia,

Rotaract 18-30 age group, 10,904 clubs with 200,792 members in 184 countries.

Interact 12-18 years in High Schools 20,372 clubs with 458,556 members in 159 countries.

Inner Wheel - women with connections to Rotary.

Probus active retirees to come together in a club

R.I. Support clubs worldwide.

Avenues of Service: Club Service, Vocational Service, Community Service, International Service and Youth Service.

Paul Quinnane Guest Speaker

Paul Quinnane was guest speaker at a special dinner meeting at PALS. Paul joined PALS 18 months ago after working in munitions. Born in Barooga second child born with Downs Syndrome, thus interest in PALS.

Tr1-State Games in Adelaide, 30 to 40 teams of eight competing in a variety of sports and activities.

2020 - 2021 games to be hosted in Moira and Berrigan Shires with events in Yarrawonga, Barooga and Cobram.

NDIS

Local transition
Most PALS clients now funded by the NDIS
Typically people have more funding.
Increase in 1 to 1 support and small group activities
Greater focus on education and work opportunities

PALS Recruiting Disability support workers and volunteers.

Bruce McIntyre Guest Speaker

Bruce McIntyre, District Chair of Youth Exchange spoke to the club on the essentials for success with Youth Exchange for our club. Looking around the room the club had the ingredients for success..

1. Rotary Club involved.

2. President Lorraine on District Youth Exchange Committee.

3. Kate Hodge as a counsellor.

4. Youth Exchange Student.

5. Host Family.

District 9790 home of Rotary Youth Exchange beginning in 1958.

2020 District have 18 outbound students.

Tinja Nakki Guest Speaker

Tinja Nakki spoke to the club about her homeland Finland.

Finland in Northern Europe has a population of 5.5 million, with Helsinki as its capital, euro is the currency and the country has a president.

Seasons: Winter at beginning of year, long and cold -30 degrees. Spring March to April, Summer short 2 months June-August +20 degrees. Autumn beautiful.

Sports include Ice Hockey (National sport), Soccer, and Finnish games.

Education system 6 year old Preschool, 7 years to 16 years School, followed by Upper Secondary - General or Vocational 3 years, then University.

Food: Rice Bread, fish, fruit pies, reindeer and mash potatoes.

Language: Finnish & Swedish.

Interesting facts: 187,000 lakes, ranked number three as the happiest country in the world, average consumption of coffee per person per year 12k, more saunas than cars,

Family consists of mother, father and older sister.

Inspiration to become an exchange student was love of travel, opportunity to come to the other side of the world.

Interests include different languages, dancing, singing and piano.