Cash only at all gardens except for Boggy Creek and the BBQ at Glengowrie
Youth Exchange See Youth Exchange Menu |  |
No Meeting - Shire BBQ and RUOK meeting at Town Hall run by Shire and Local Health Organisations.
Its Spring!Its BBQ Season!
President Darryl has been King of the BBQ tongs, with a sausage sizzle to support Murrindindi Shire’s RUOK day and the film “Runt” on Thursday evening, followed by a sausage sizzle at the Railway Park Sunday morning to support the GV Suicide Awareness Walk.
Both events reminding each of us that our family, friends, neighbours and strangers always need a smile and a chat..
This Thursday will see the “tongs” team busy at the Paringa Cattle Sales and of course, the BBQ will be running red hot for 2 days at the Garden Expo.
Suicide Awareness Walk
Aunty Angela, of Taungurung people, opened the event and conducted a smoking ceremony.
GV Suicide Awareness Walk was an opportunity for many to come together to support and walk the rail trail out to the blue tree beside the Melba Highway. Sunshine was brilliant and many families with children of all ages, and many others with their loyal dogs enjoyed the walk and then a well earned sausage as a reward!
Many walked in solidarity wearing t shirts promoting suicide awareness
GV Suicide Awareness Walk was an opportunity for many to come together to support and walk the rail trail out to the blue tree beside the Melba Highway. Sunshine was brilliant and many families with children of all ages, and many others with their loyal dogs enjoyed the walk and then a well earned sausage as a reward!
Many walked in solidarity wearing t shirts promoting suicide awareness
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LETTER FROM FABIO:
We have received a letter from Fabio, keeping us up to date with life in Switzerland. Fabio returned home from his exchange mid 2024.
Dear friends at Rotary Club Yea
I hope you are all doing well! It has been a while since my exchange year in Yea, but I still think back very often to the many wonderful memories I made thanks to you.When I came back to Switzerland in summer last year, I settled in quite quickly and was straight back into school. Three months ago, I finished Year 11, which felt like an important milestone. In spring this year, Millie [Charles] came to visit me here in Switzerland – it was so special to show her my home country after she had shared hers with me. Over the summer holidays I also caught up with some exchange friends which brought back lots of good memories.
Now I have started my final year of school. I’m working on my graduation project about ADHD in the workplace, which has been really interesting and challenging. Soon we will go on our final class trip to Amsterdam, and after that I’ll spend a week diving in Egypt with my family. Afterwards, I will visit my girlfriend Chloe in Sweden, where she currently plays hockey. In winter, I am planning to work as a ski instructor again for a few weeks.
Looking a bit further ahead: after finishing school next summer, I will serve for 18 weeks in the Swiss military, where I already received my function. Afterwards, I plan to spend another season as a ski instructor before finally returning to Australia in spring 2027 – something I’m really looking forward to! After that, I want to begin my studies in law and economics at the University of St. Gallen.
Life feels busy but exciting, and I’m very grateful for all the opportunities ahead.
I would love to hear how things are going in Yea. Does the Rotary Club currently have exchange students? Are there any new projects or community events happening? How is the Footy Club doing this season, and has the town changed much since I was last there? It always makes me happy to hear news from Yea, as it stills feels a little like my second home.
Please pass on my warmest regards to everyone in the club and thank you again for everything you did for me during my exchange year – it continues to shape and inspire me.
Warm regards from Switzerland,
Fabio
RC of Yea Vocational visit to Alexandra Standard Printers - The visit was a fun and interesting night, and concluded with a meal at the Molesworth Hotel, thanks to James for opening up for us.
Thank you to Karen Morrison, who has been with the Standard for 16 years, for giving us a comprehensive tour of the office and an insight into how the local paper is produced each week. The Alexandra office, opened in 1868, produces the Alexandra Standard and Yea Chronicle weekly, along with commercial printing jobs. Advertising is a big part of keeping the wheels turning for the company. They employ 7 staff, including 3 journalists. The paper is composed digitally in Alexandra and printed in Wangaratta on Tuesday mornings. A run of 1,500 Chronicles is produced each week.
Thank you to Karen Morrison, who has been with the Standard for 16 years, for giving us a comprehensive tour of the office and an insight into how the local paper is produced each week. The Alexandra office, opened in 1868, produces the Alexandra Standard and Yea Chronicle weekly, along with commercial printing jobs. Advertising is a big part of keeping the wheels turning for the company. They employ 7 staff, including 3 journalists. The paper is composed digitally in Alexandra and printed in Wangaratta on Tuesday mornings. A run of 1,500 Chronicles is produced each week.
The Group
Karen Morrison explaining the old and the current printing methods.
Colour was added to the previous mono print in 2010. The back rooms contain many of the old printing presses and lead print blocks, now part of history.
Thank you, Karen, the week-ly Chronicle is such an important asset to our community!
Thanks Penny and Glenn for organising the visit.
Thank you, Karen, the week-ly Chronicle is such an important asset to our community!
Thanks Penny and Glenn for organising the visit.
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| The group listening | Penny |
Club Assembly
3 Minute Speaker - Glenda
Glenda spoke of her recent visit America and Canada, where she was able to catch up with both old school friends and RFE friends, but the highlight of the trip was to at-tend the Rotary Convention in Calgary. Staying with her RFE friends Lyn and Ed in Washington State on a self-contained 1000 acre farm, (we have met when they attended a club meeting here), Glenda travelled via British Columbia and the Rockies to Calgary, taking in the magnificent mountain scenery.
Calgary welcomed 16,000 from 140 countries to the convention, which was held at a sporting precinct. The House of Friendship was a highlighter and hearing of all the wonderful projects being done by clubs made her very proud to be a Rotarian.
It was Glenda’s third Rotary convention, and first international convention.
Glenda reminded us that registrations are open for 9790 District Conference, March 2026, to be held at the Pentridge Conference precinct in Coburg,
Yahoo—Thank you Glenda!
Glenda spoke of her recent visit America and Canada, where she was able to catch up with both old school friends and RFE friends, but the highlight of the trip was to at-tend the Rotary Convention in Calgary. Staying with her RFE friends Lyn and Ed in Washington State on a self-contained 1000 acre farm, (we have met when they attended a club meeting here), Glenda travelled via British Columbia and the Rockies to Calgary, taking in the magnificent mountain scenery.
Calgary welcomed 16,000 from 140 countries to the convention, which was held at a sporting precinct. The House of Friendship was a highlighter and hearing of all the wonderful projects being done by clubs made her very proud to be a Rotarian.
It was Glenda’s third Rotary convention, and first international convention.
Glenda reminded us that registrations are open for 9790 District Conference, March 2026, to be held at the Pentridge Conference precinct in Coburg,
Yahoo—Thank you Glenda!
Directors Reports
Community Service—Sam
Thanks to Julie and Glenn for compiling the calander with event dates.
Next BBQ is the Bendigo Bank Birthday celebrations, Friday 29th, 12—2 pm,
Thanks to Julie and Glenn for compiling the calander with event dates.
Next BBQ is the Bendigo Bank Birthday celebrations, Friday 29th, 12—2 pm,
Membership—Penny
Survey results to be compiled and available at the next Board meeting.
Survey results to be compiled and available at the next Board meeting.
Foundation—Penny
Far less instances of polio recorded in Afghanistan, with End Polio campaign rais-ing $450,000,000 (thanks to the wonderful 2/3 donation from the Gates Foundation)
Public Image—Glenda
Lots of work being done to ensure the Garden Expo and Open Gardens events are well advertised. Flyers being distributed in surrounding districts and social media exposure. Yea Chronicle have given fantastic coverage to Youth Exchange and the hospital project.
Lots of work being done to ensure the Garden Expo and Open Gardens events are well advertised. Flyers being distributed in surrounding districts and social media exposure. Yea Chronicle have given fantastic coverage to Youth Exchange and the hospital project.
Club Service—Glenn
Next week our vocational visit to Alexandra Standard Printers
Thursday 11th is RUOK awareness Film event at Shire Hall
Thursday 18th, guest speaker is Murrindindi Shire CEO, Livia Bonazzi
Always on the lookout for future guest speakers, let Glenn know of any suggestions.
Next week our vocational visit to Alexandra Standard Printers
Thursday 11th is RUOK awareness Film event at Shire Hall
Thursday 18th, guest speaker is Murrindindi Shire CEO, Livia Bonazzi
Always on the lookout for future guest speakers, let Glenn know of any suggestions.
Tony—Garden Expo
59 of the 60 sites have been committed to vendors, and payments coming in. Speak-ers are organised and our First Aid position has been filled!
Tony—Hospital Project
Funding has been granted and the joint venture project will go ahead! This will b32e a jointly owned permanent building at the Yea Sale Yards, along with software to sup-port the health programs.
From the Floor—
Sue—Youth Exchange
Sue commented that it is sad that RC of Yea will not be participating in Youth Exchange in 2026, as it is wonderful PR and could assist membership growth from host families. We need to keep promoting it to attract new host families. -
President Darryl
RCs of Mansfield, Alexandra and Yea were successful to receive a grant to support drought relief for farming families. RC of Alexandra will administer the grant, with Yea receiving $2,500 by way of Foodworks Vouchers for food only. We will consult with the Community House and others to ensure the vouchers go to those in need. Maximum voucher can be $250 though actual value still to be determined.
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President Darryl and Community Services Director, Sam, serving up a sizzling BBQ for the Bendigo Bank birthday celebrations. | Thank you to Deb Baynes, and Loretta, for catering tonight! |
Guest Speaker - Cindy McLeish, MLA, Local member for Eildon, Shadow Minister for Crime Prevention since January 2025, Shadow Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence since December 2022,
Shadow Minister for Women since December 2022.
Cindy grew up in a third generation farming family in Yea, her great grandfather arriving in the district in the 1840s. She attended preschool, primary and secondary schools here, before heading off to Melbourne University, where she enjoyed politics, to do her Batchelor of Education. After teaching science at Mt Scopius College, Cindy studied Psychology and used this skill by working in Management and Leadership, under-taking organisational management for big corporates, particularly West Australian mining companies, as well as managements roles for sporting associations.
It was her involvement in the North South Pipeline—Plug the Pipeline campaign, that led her to politics, Cindy and her husband moved back to the farm in Glenburn, and she was elected as the member of the Legislative Assembly for the electorate of Eildon in 2010. Cindy commented that there are great things happing in the electorate and she works hard to attend as many events as possible. Her electorate office is in Yarra Glen, where she is entitled to 2.5 staff to assist.
Cindy spoke of the trials of being female in the earlier years of Australian politics, the days of Enid Lyons, where the challenges of it being a male dominated workplace meant there were no facilities for women and women had to improvise to survive!
Vote of thanks—Tony Jacobs
It was her involvement in the North South Pipeline—Plug the Pipeline campaign, that led her to politics, Cindy and her husband moved back to the farm in Glenburn, and she was elected as the member of the Legislative Assembly for the electorate of Eildon in 2010. Cindy commented that there are great things happing in the electorate and she works hard to attend as many events as possible. Her electorate office is in Yarra Glen, where she is entitled to 2.5 staff to assist.
Cindy spoke of the trials of being female in the earlier years of Australian politics, the days of Enid Lyons, where the challenges of it being a male dominated workplace meant there were no facilities for women and women had to improvise to survive!
Vote of thanks—Tony Jacobs
David & Tippy who are currently in Thailand joined the meeting via Zoom. They have been busy catching up with family and friends, but have also found time to attend several Rotary meetings!
Exchange Student Julie
Julie is on a short term exchange (3 months) and is being reciprocally hosted by Nakaiah Kerr and her mother Cheyenne. Nakaiah was hosted by Julies’ family last year for a short term exchange. 
Julie is from Taiwan and is hosted by the Taipei Everwall Rotary Club for her short term exchange. Taiwan is in East Asia, and she speaks the Mandarin Chinese language, with English as her second language. She resides in Taipei, a major city.
Julie lives with mum, dad, 2 siblings and 3 precious cats.
She is a big fan of baseball, plays the guitar (is a member of the music club at school), loves to draw and plays sports.
She enjoys the culture and festivities of Taiwan, especially New Year and the receiving of red envelopes, night markets, the many Temples and the great variety of food that is available.
Julie is enjoying her exchange and is loving Australia, having visited the Great Barrier Reef with other exchange students, and is looking forward to a visit to the Healesville Sanctuary!
“Thank you Yea Rotary and hosts Cheyenne and Nakaiah for welcoming me”.
Julie is on a short term exchange (3 months) and is being reciprocally hosted by Nakaiah Kerr and her mother Cheyenne. Nakaiah was hosted by Julies’ family last year for a short term exchange. 
Julie is from Taiwan and is hosted by the Taipei Everwall Rotary Club for her short term exchange. Taiwan is in East Asia, and she speaks the Mandarin Chinese language, with English as her second language. She resides in Taipei, a major city.
Julie lives with mum, dad, 2 siblings and 3 precious cats.
She is a big fan of baseball, plays the guitar (is a member of the music club at school), loves to draw and plays sports.
She enjoys the culture and festivities of Taiwan, especially New Year and the receiving of red envelopes, night markets, the many Temples and the great variety of food that is available.
Julie is enjoying her exchange and is loving Australia, having visited the Great Barrier Reef with other exchange students, and is looking forward to a visit to the Healesville Sanctuary!
“Thank you Yea Rotary and hosts Cheyenne and Nakaiah for welcoming me”.
Thank you to Flowerdale Community House for catering tonight!
Great to have you on our catering team
Great to have you on our catering team
Guest Speak—David Webb Ware.
David is a 3rd generation farmer in the district, with his grandfather settling in Webb Wares Lane, Glen-burn.
David spoke of the current drought conditions effecting much of southern Australia, and of the stress and expenses incurred by famers as they strive to maintain stock during the ongoing dry conditions. David feels this is the worst drought he has faced as a farmer, without the autumn break to support calving and lambing and continuing into spring and summer the ground is too dry and dams too low.
David promotes the use of science to assist with feeding and animal management, changing from hay to grain feed and has fenced off his farm dams, introducing reticulated watering points, so that dams are kept clean and healthy. Pasture damage has been extensive and resowing will be required to reestablish feed.
Farmers will need to work towards drought proofing for the future, with hay storage and grain handing facilities updated. Proactive assistance from Federal Government, ie. tax incentives, would help farmers to facilitate this.
David is concerned with animal welfare and encourages the public to contract the RSPCA should you have concerns for stock in poor condition. 
Vote of Thanks—Gary Fitzgerald
David is a 3rd generation farmer in the district, with his grandfather settling in Webb Wares Lane, Glen-burn.David spoke of the current drought conditions effecting much of southern Australia, and of the stress and expenses incurred by famers as they strive to maintain stock during the ongoing dry conditions. David feels this is the worst drought he has faced as a farmer, without the autumn break to support calving and lambing and continuing into spring and summer the ground is too dry and dams too low.
David promotes the use of science to assist with feeding and animal management, changing from hay to grain feed and has fenced off his farm dams, introducing reticulated watering points, so that dams are kept clean and healthy. Pasture damage has been extensive and resowing will be required to reestablish feed.
Farmers will need to work towards drought proofing for the future, with hay storage and grain handing facilities updated. Proactive assistance from Federal Government, ie. tax incentives, would help farmers to facilitate this.
David is concerned with animal welfare and encourages the public to contract the RSPCA should you have concerns for stock in poor condition. 
Vote of Thanks—Gary Fitzgerald
3 Minute Speaker— Exchange Student Cucky
Cucky (Josefa) our exchange student from Chile, spoke of her weekend in Beechworth, which was a gathering of Districts 9790 and 9800 inbound and outbound students.
It was a great opportunity to meet other exchange students and to plan the activities for the next 12 months—a trip to the Great Barrier Reef and a Central Australia/Uluru experience to look forward to.
She really enjoyed the opportunity to chat in her native Spanish language with some of the other in-bounds!
Cucky is currently enrolled in Year 11 at Yea High School. She has previously played competitive volleyball, so is looking forward to school competitions.
Her family in Chile are currently hosting a Belgian student, and previously hosted a student from Albu-ry, who she is looking forward to catching up with.
Cucky (Josefa) our exchange student from Chile, spoke of her weekend in Beechworth, which was a gathering of Districts 9790 and 9800 inbound and outbound students.
It was a great opportunity to meet other exchange students and to plan the activities for the next 12 months—a trip to the Great Barrier Reef and a Central Australia/Uluru experience to look forward to.
She really enjoyed the opportunity to chat in her native Spanish language with some of the other in-bounds!
Cucky is currently enrolled in Year 11 at Yea High School. She has previously played competitive volleyball, so is looking forward to school competitions.
Her family in Chile are currently hosting a Belgian student, and previously hosted a student from Albu-ry, who she is looking forward to catching up with.
Thank you to Sa-cred Heart Primary School for catering tonight.
Another delicious meal from Emma and her team.
Student helpers did a great job with table service, with the help from little Ferg!
Another delicious meal from Emma and her team.
Student helpers did a great job with table service, with the help from little Ferg!
Guest Speaker - Andrew Paxton, Murrindindi Shire (Director of Community & Development; Planning, Building & Health; and Tourism.)
Andrew gave a comprehensive over-view of various reviews and planning developments being undertaken by our Shire to ensure it remains progressive, relevant and competitive to ensure growth and development to support future growth. Review of Council Plan
Forestry Transition
Residential Development Guide-lines
Consultation of future of Asset Management
Collaboration with Health Networks.
Full details of these reviews and planning developments can be found on the Murrindindi Shire web page. Vote of Thanks—Jill Heath.
Three Minute speaker - Glenn Milliken.
Glenn has recently returned from an outback trip in South Australia, visiting Marree and taking the opportunity of a sightseeing flight over Kati Thanda—Lake Eyre, Australia’s largest Salt Lake, 15.2 metres below sea level and its lowest point. Floodwaters from the north are flowing into the lake, with the Diamantina River, Cooper Creek and Georgina Rivers feeding into the lake. It’s a wonderful sight to see water flowing in, and particularly the prolific bird life that is attracted to it. Glenn also flew over the Marree Man, a modern geoglyph discovered in 1998, depicting an aboriginal hunting man, approximately 4 kilometres long and a circumference of 28 kilometres. Lots of theories as to its creation are still circulating. Glenn highly recommends a visit to the old bakery at Farina, an abandoned railway town south of Maree
Glenn has recently returned from an outback trip in South Australia, visiting Marree and taking the opportunity of a sightseeing flight over Kati Thanda—Lake Eyre, Australia’s largest Salt Lake, 15.2 metres below sea level and its lowest point. Floodwaters from the north are flowing into the lake, with the Diamantina River, Cooper Creek and Georgina Rivers feeding into the lake. It’s a wonderful sight to see water flowing in, and particularly the prolific bird life that is attracted to it. Glenn also flew over the Marree Man, a modern geoglyph discovered in 1998, depicting an aboriginal hunting man, approximately 4 kilometres long and a circumference of 28 kilometres. Lots of theories as to its creation are still circulating. Glenn highly recommends a visit to the old bakery at Farina, an abandoned railway town south of Maree
Exchange Student Cucky (Josefa) presented the club with a banner from her 
sponsoring club in Santo Domingo, Chile.Cucky will travel to Beechworth this weekend to meet other district exchange students
Presentations
President Darryl presented two Paul Harris Fellowships awards, to Tippy Anderson and Glenda Woods, who were both absent on Changeover night.
Congratulations to Tippy and Glenda
Congratulations to Tippy and Glenda
Thanks to Yea Primary School for another delicious meal.
Once again, student leaders did a great job serving the meals.
Once again, student leaders did a great job serving the meals.
Fifth Thursday - Casual Meeting
Being the 5th Thursday of the month, we had a casual meeting, with a meal at the Royal Mail Hotel. Thanks to Alistair and staff for making us welcome.
President Darryl welcomed all, with a special welcome to our new exchange student, Josepha (Cucky) who arrived on Saturday from Chile. Cucky is staying with Kristie and Eoghan and family.
President Darryl welcomed all, with a special welcome to our new exchange student, Josepha (Cucky) who arrived on Saturday from Chile. Cucky is staying with Kristie and Eoghan and family.
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| Cucky, our newest exchange student from Chile. | |
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| Happy Birthday Jill |
Don Lawson, OAM
Our condolences to the Lawson family and friends
Our condolences to the Lawson family and friends
on the passing of Don on Friday 1 August.
Don was a charter member of the Rotary Club of Yea (Member No . 14)
Don was a charter member of the Rotary Club of Yea (Member No . 14)
Guest Speakers - Annie Robertson, President, and Ron Litjens, Treasurer, Flowerdale Community House.
Originally the community house was the Jarrara building in Silver Creek Road. This was lost in the 2009 fires, and the current Flowerdale Community House was built on the site. It offers support for the Flowerdale community, where the average household income is 25% below the national average.Like most community buildings rebuilt after the fires with funds from many donations and trusts, the ongoing overhead costs associated are a financial drain on the community house, relying on the Op Shop profits, membership fees, grants and donations to sustain their pro-grams.
Foodbank/Food Share; free shower available 24/7; community library; use of computers and wi fi; printing and laminating; advocacy and referral services; bus service to Seymour 1 day per week; adult learning support, art, garden, community lunch, yoga, social clubs, table tennis; quilters group, LGBTQIA+ social group, kids club; play group for toddlers; youth group; school holiday programs; under 18’s social group are just a sample of support for the community. A coordinator and admin-istration support person are employed on part time basis.
Newest project has been to provide the community with a Post Office, as Hazeldene Store has recently closed. Unfortunately, to survive, some programs will need to cut and new income sources are constantly being investigated. Its such a valuable asset to the local Flowerdale community. Thanks Ron and Annie.
Vote of Thanks—Kristie Luckman.
3 Minute Speaker - Tony Jacobs
Tony introduced us to the advanced technology of AI and ChatGPT, programs that store bites of information which we use the internet for, Its very impressive technology, as Tony’s research topic was Rotary Club of Yea, ChatGPT was able to accurately produce information on our history and activities such as membership drives, Garden Expo, Art Show, student scholarships and other activities. Of course, Tony couldn't help himself and asked the cheeky question as to whether Collingwood would be premiers this year, with ChatGPT predicting Collingwood being in the Grand Final
Tony introduced us to the advanced technology of AI and ChatGPT, programs that store bites of information which we use the internet for, Its very impressive technology, as Tony’s research topic was Rotary Club of Yea, ChatGPT was able to accurately produce information on our history and activities such as membership drives, Garden Expo, Art Show, student scholarships and other activities. Of course, Tony couldn't help himself and asked the cheeky question as to whether Collingwood would be premiers this year, with ChatGPT predicting Collingwood being in the Grand Final
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Exchange Student Julie, who was met at the airport by Nakaiah and Penny | Thanks to our catering team tonight — Yea Hospital Auxiliary Committee — another delicious meal served to us | |
Guest Speakers - Matt Burke and Amanda Moore from the Alexandra Container Deposit Scheme
They run their business in conjunction with Burkes Ice Works. The container collection scheme offers cash (.10c per item) for drink cans and bottles. They offer an over the counter collection system, and Matt has been developing various items of machinery to help sort the containers, having built and developed the operational areas. The refund offered for each item is part of the government recycle initiative, with a levy placed on each item during production, which makes it a viable proposition for public and the depot to engage in recycling.Visy have the contract to collect from the depot and articles are taken to Shepparton for crushing and bundling.
Currently the Alexandra Container Deposit Scheme has 180 blue wheelie bins (including here at the Golf Club) for community groups, such as Rotary, to fill for collection with funds paid back to groups. The business is still evolving with!
Matt and Amanda are hoping the business will continue to grow and create employment opportunities for the local area.
The Alexandra Container Deposit Scheme is located at the old Alexandra Abattoirs, now Burkes Ice Works, and is open for deposits -
Tuesdays and Wednesdays 9 am to 3 pm.
Fridays and Saturdays 9 am to 1 pm.
Many interesting questions were asked, followed by a vote of thanks from Ian Tobin
3 Minute speaker - Marj Hamilton.
Marj took us through a journey of reflection on her volunteering of her time in Yea—school parents club, hospital auxiliary, bookshop, Homewood Fire Brigade, Apexian to name a few! Marj quotes statistics from Volunteering Australia, which confirms what we know—the difference made to a community by the generosity of many.
Volunteering is time willingly given without financial gain, and is particularly important for Emergency Services—Fire, Rescue, Ambulance etc.
Marj took us through a journey of reflection on her volunteering of her time in Yea—school parents club, hospital auxiliary, bookshop, Homewood Fire Brigade, Apexian to name a few! Marj quotes statistics from Volunteering Australia, which confirms what we know—the difference made to a community by the generosity of many.
Volunteering is time willingly given without financial gain, and is particularly important for Emergency Services—Fire, Rescue, Ambulance etc.
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| Chairman Les | Amanda, Matt and Ian Tobin | Thanks to Deb Baynes team, led by Diane and Loretta, who catered to-night—a lovely meal of soup and roast pork. |
Guest Speaker Ellie Gay who recapped her journey since she last addressed the Club, back in 2022.
Ellie documented her progress to becoming an independent driver, particularly focusing on mastering the transfer from her wheelchair to being seated behind the driver’s steering wheel
In mid 2023 she participated in a trial 12 month Virtual Reality Walking research program for spinal cord patients and is hoping to participate in future programs.
By late 2023 she finally became an independent driver, discontinuing with all her support workers and has now developed skills as a Train the Trainer and Peer Facilitator advocate, drawing on her lived experience to assist other women to develop their own independence.
Her goals are to further develop her interest and passion in the field of peer support, try hot air ballooning and enjoy travel and cruising. She is also exploring options through the NDIS to acquire an off road wheelchair which would allow her greater freedom and access to outdoor environments.
Ellie is currently loving her role as a part time receptionist at a health clinic in Seymour. Rotarian Jill Heath thanked Ellie for her inspiring and positive address.
3 Minuter: PP Penny Paxman:
PP Penny presented a Gold Award ‘Framework for Improvement’ certificate to President Darryl which she received from PDG Stephen O’Connell at the recent D9790 Change Over.
PP Penny helped develop the membership achievement framework, a tool for reporting back to District (focusing on aspects such as membership, community involvement, enhancing public relations and ways to spread the load etc.) and will continue in the role in 25/26 as a member of the D9790 Membership committee.
PP Penny presented a Gold Award ‘Framework for Improvement’ certificate to President Darryl which she received from PDG Stephen O’Connell at the recent D9790 Change Over.
PP Penny helped develop the membership achievement framework, a tool for reporting back to District (focusing on aspects such as membership, community involvement, enhancing public relations and ways to spread the load etc.) and will continue in the role in 25/26 as a member of the D9790 Membership committee.
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| Penny and President Darryl | The Yea Show Committee ladies were thanked for their catering of the dinner meal. |
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Big welcome to our new president Darryl!
Darryl welcomed our guests -
• Haru, our exchange student who departs next week after her 12 months ex-change.
• Judy Ellis From the RC of Broadmeadows
Darryl welcomed our guests -• Haru, our exchange student who departs next week after her 12 months ex-change.
• Judy Ellis From the RC of Broadmeadows
“Goodbye Haru”, Tonight we say “Hooroo to Haru”, as she concludes her 12 month exchange with us and heads hone, taking back a wealth of memories, new experiences and friends. Haru has been fabulous ambassador for Youth Exchange, always willing to participate and have a go, as well as sharing her culture with us. She was presented with a koala, with Rotary wheel, and a Yea Tshirt.
Guest Speaker - Haru. Our exchange student's final meeting
Haru prepared a comprehensive powerpoint presentation, “My Australian Life” with highlights of her exchange trips to Airlie Beach and Central Australia, along with fun activities with her host families and her favourite Aussie foods! Defi-nitely not vegemite, but plenty of pavlova, parmas, lamingtons and pizza of course!
Haru experienced the Australian Open, native animals, Phillip Island Penguin Parade, as well as Rotary Conference and exchange weekends.
She has made many friends, both Australian and International.
Haru experienced the Australian Open, native animals, Phillip Island Penguin Parade, as well as Rotary Conference and exchange weekends.
She has made many friends, both Australian and International.
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Judy Ellis, RC of Broadmeadows, our co-hosts. She has been very proud to watch Haru embrace her ex-change and participate in all that was offered. Judy thanked Yea for taking on the exchange to assist Broadmeadows | Haru with President Darryl and Rotarian Jill Heath, who has also mentored her at the Yea Pottery Club, a hobby that Haru re-ally enjoyed. |
