PP John Bett PHF Tribute Evening
John Bett tributes: Remembering John as a friend, neighbour and Rotarian:
Friend Meryl Diprose spoke of John’s early years. Meryl’s family (nee Tull) and the Bett family shared a love of horses over many years. A characteristic trait of John dur-ing his formative years was that he always put his hand up to help out. He was very active along with Beth and Graeme Broadbent in establishing the Yea Pony Club and the running of the Yea Agricultural and Pastoral Show.Meryl remembered John as al-ways giving 100% to everything that he took on.Gary Fitzgerald reflected that John was a fantastic neighbour who was always there to assist. With John’s passing he lost a good friend, neighbour and Rotarian
Jake Van Dorssen and Graeme Broadbent spoke of John’s love of tent pegging, start-ing up the Alexandra and Yea TP team which eventually rose through the ranks to win at the Royal Melb Show- including one year when John was adjudged the Champion Tent Pegger.
Les Hall, Gary F., and Peter Tull encouraged John to accompany them to Raglan in Queensland for a beef expo. Les shared some of the happy memories from that trip in 2018. Les paid tribute to past Rotarians David Evans, David Long, Ruth Konig and John who all made significant contributions to the Yea community and Rotary.
Dick D was a very proud President when John was inducted into the Club.
Rohan, on behalf of himself and brother Lloyd thanked the Club and all those who spoke so fittingly of John. Rohan noted that John very much modelled himself on his father and grandfather, particularly their drive and willingness. Rotary was a platform for John to give back to the community.
John Sinclair concluded by remarking that the Sinclairs and the Betts became close friends and neighbours. John was twice President and a man never forgotten in Rotary.
A lovely photo tribute of John compiled by Ian Lynch from photos taken by Ken and Glenda was also shown.
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Meryl Diprose | Lloyd and Rohan Bett | Graeme Broadbent and Keith Diprose |
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| Lloyd Bett and Clare Sinclair | John and Marj angeover 2018at Ch | John and Jean Bett 2009 |
GUEST SPEAKER—Jacquie Gilbee Goulburn Valley Suicide Awareness Group.
Jacquie opened by thanking our club for generous sponsorship given for the inaugural Suicide Awareness Walk in 2021, Her son Russell took his life in 2017 and this gave Jacquie the reasons she needed to organise the walk. She told us that when you lose someone to suicide you suffer sole destroying grief and she is still getting counselling.. In fact, she said the new normal comes 3 years after someone dies of natural causes, but it takes 6-7 years if they die by suicide. Jacquie went on a similar walk at Mt Macedon and experienced acceptance, shock at how many were walking, feeling better by being there. She went on 2 other walks then attended the Winter Solstice in Albury and used all of these experiences to do research for the Yea walk. They had to consider things like how long to make the walk, food, showbags, logos, marketing etc but she wanted to create a happy event where lost ones could be remembered.
Jacquie has spoken at the Royal Commission into Mental Health and continues to do research. The walk supports those left behind and increases awareness.
Jacquie opened by thanking our club for generous sponsorship given for the inaugural Suicide Awareness Walk in 2021, Her son Russell took his life in 2017 and this gave Jacquie the reasons she needed to organise the walk. She told us that when you lose someone to suicide you suffer sole destroying grief and she is still getting counselling.. In fact, she said the new normal comes 3 years after someone dies of natural causes, but it takes 6-7 years if they die by suicide. Jacquie went on a similar walk at Mt Macedon and experienced acceptance, shock at how many were walking, feeling better by being there. She went on 2 other walks then attended the Winter Solstice in Albury and used all of these experiences to do research for the Yea walk. They had to consider things like how long to make the walk, food, showbags, logos, marketing etc but she wanted to create a happy event where lost ones could be remembered.Jacquie has spoken at the Royal Commission into Mental Health and continues to do research. The walk supports those left behind and increases awareness.
Statistics show that 9 Australians take their lives per day.
- 75% of these are male
- Age group predominantly 15-44 years old
- 65000 known attempts are made by people wanting to take their lives per year.
- Higher incidence of suicide in the country.
- Of these 85 years old plus make up the highest group.
Our sponsorship helped buy a 50 metre banner which brought joy to all those seeing it.
Jacquie particularly wanted to thank Ken Foletta for the 62 photos he took, all of which showed great happiness.
The walk will take place on the 2nd Sunday in September from now on.
There were lots of questions from the floor as well as the sharing of stories.
The walk will take place on the 2nd Sunday in September from now on.
There were lots of questions from the floor as well as the sharing of stories.
3 MINUTER—Sue Carpenter
In her role as Mayor, Sue had recently visited a Ukrainian camp established at Buxton in the 60s. It is run by 2nd and 3rd generation Ukrainians and was attended by approximately 80 women and young refugees. Sue gained some insight into their daily lives. They mostly have mobile phones so are able to keep in touch with loved ones in Ukraine. The phones have the air raid warning signals still installed and they are able to hear it as it happens at home and this causes trauma.
In Buxton, these refugees, on a temporary visa stay on a bush block and the kids get the chance to play (mostly soccer), sit around bonfires and generally relax.
In her role as Mayor, Sue had recently visited a Ukrainian camp established at Buxton in the 60s. It is run by 2nd and 3rd generation Ukrainians and was attended by approximately 80 women and young refugees. Sue gained some insight into their daily lives. They mostly have mobile phones so are able to keep in touch with loved ones in Ukraine. The phones have the air raid warning signals still installed and they are able to hear it as it happens at home and this causes trauma.
In Buxton, these refugees, on a temporary visa stay on a bush block and the kids get the chance to play (mostly soccer), sit around bonfires and generally relax.
GUEST SPEAKER - Rebecca Grant - Sprout Wellness, Yea.Rebecca is 4th generation, Yea born and attended Yea Secondary College where Glenda taught her. She went to university and gained qualifications as a Naturopath then added to these as her business grew and she needed more tools.
Rebecca told us that her aim was to help people get well and stay well. She’s happy to integrate with GPs and specialists to meet the individual needs of each client which differ greatly and need different treatment.
One of Rebecca’s main fields of interest is sleep therapy for adults as sleep affects everything you do. She also described the 6 principles of Naturopathy. Her talk raised lots of questions. Kristie gave the vote of thanks.
Rebecca told us that her aim was to help people get well and stay well. She’s happy to integrate with GPs and specialists to meet the individual needs of each client which differ greatly and need different treatment.
One of Rebecca’s main fields of interest is sleep therapy for adults as sleep affects everything you do. She also described the 6 principles of Naturopathy. Her talk raised lots of questions. Kristie gave the vote of thanks.
3 MINUTER—Charles Rattray.
Charles told us of the siege of Glenrowan in 1880 which involved his great grandfather and great grandmother the Stanistreets. There were 3 children including one who was to become John Sinclair’s mother. Then there was another link to Rotarian Les Hall. Interesting to see how history unfolds.
Charles told us of the siege of Glenrowan in 1880 which involved his great grandfather and great grandmother the Stanistreets. There were 3 children including one who was to become John Sinclair’s mother. Then there was another link to Rotarian Les Hall. Interesting to see how history unfolds.
It is with much sadness that our club learned of the passing of respected member Richard Forde on the 21st. Our sincere condolences, thoughts, prayers and support are extended to Janet and their family at this sad and difficult time. Richard had been a member of the Club since 2010 and prior to that was a valued member of the RC of Warrandyte/Donvale.
RIP Richard. A life well lived
A Social evening focusing on the Induction of 2 New Members
Induction of Lily and Lachie
John Sinclair proposed both Lily and Lachie as members - great pleasure to speak of both. Young people like Lily and Lachie are the future of the club. Lily is the daughter of Miffi and Michael and John’s eldest granddaughter. Growing up she has always displayed the traits of honesty, diligence and integrity. Lily has recently graduated in Arts/Law from ANU in Canberra and is currently employed with Mal Ryan and Glen Lawyers in Mansfield.
After her induction Lily thanked everyone, especially her ‘Pop’ John. She is very grateful and excited to become a member of the Club.
John then introduced Lachlan, the son of Jacqueline and Jim. John spoke of Lachie’s qualities high ethical standards, quiet, capable and determined. Lachie is a Science graduate with an interest in brewing and this weekend he will commence training as an Ambulance Community Officer.
After his induction Lachie thanked everyone – he and Lily are looking forward to reaching out to the community and their tenure in Rotary.
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A very proud John Sinclair pins the Rotary Pin on his granddaughter Lily | Lily with grandmother Clare, mother Miffy and Grandfather John Sinclair. |
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| John Sinclair pins the Rotary Pin on Lachie | Lachlan with Lily, Miffy and his mother Jacqueline |
Lachie entertained us with a rousing rendition of some Scottish tunes on the bagpipes greeted with great acclaim.
Introducing our Exchange Student Nakaiah Kerr
and her mother Cheyenne Kerr
The caterers Sacred Heart PS parents and students were thanked for the lovely meal they provided under rather trying conditions in the kitchen.
GUEST SPEAKER—Joshua Kelly Yea Machinery
Josh and his wife Nicole started Yea Machinery just over a year ago. They moved to Yea because he loved the outdoors, mowing lawns, growing vegies etc. They have a dream to build a self sufficient property.
Josh started working life in sawmills. He had a passion for machinery and tractors and joined Yarra Glen Machinery.
Why did they choose Yea for their business? There were access roads in and out of Yea and there was a need for service and a shop in the area to meet the needs of the community.
They opened just as the pandemic started and their current challenge is a severe lack of supply.
Lots of questions were raised from the floor.
Peter Tull proposed a vote of thanks.
Josh and his wife Nicole started Yea Machinery just over a year ago. They moved to Yea because he loved the outdoors, mowing lawns, growing vegies etc. They have a dream to build a self sufficient property.Josh started working life in sawmills. He had a passion for machinery and tractors and joined Yarra Glen Machinery.
Why did they choose Yea for their business? There were access roads in and out of Yea and there was a need for service and a shop in the area to meet the needs of the community.
They opened just as the pandemic started and their current challenge is a severe lack of supply.
Lots of questions were raised from the floor.
Peter Tull proposed a vote of thanks.
3 MINUTER—Bob Hentschel. History of Lawn Bowling in Yea.
Bob spoke about the formation and history of the club from its conception on 29/3/1897. He told us that it cost 18 pounds to fence the land near the post office. The land transfer to Council occurred in 2 weeks. A tender to construct the greens came in at just over 23 pounds. The exterior of the new club opened in 1996 was designed by Rotarian Ian Sichlau.
Bob spoke about the formation and history of the club from its conception on 29/3/1897. He told us that it cost 18 pounds to fence the land near the post office. The land transfer to Council occurred in 2 weeks. A tender to construct the greens came in at just over 23 pounds. The exterior of the new club opened in 1996 was designed by Rotarian Ian Sichlau.
