Guest Speaker, Lisa Lorimer-Derham, Psychologist with Alexandra District Health.
Lisa and her family have been in the district for the past 12 years, and she enjoys her family, mountain biking and ultimate frisbee.Lisa missed the Lift the Lid evening but is an advocate for the work Rotary supports.
Mental Health affects individuals, family and communities, and it is well documented that since Covid, stress levels have continued.
- 45% of the population will experience a mental illness
- 17% will experience anxiety
- 75% mood depression
- 31% addiction.
- 1:7 teenagers suffer a mental health dis-order, causing shutdown and avoidance.
Mental Health is a state of wellbeing and here are many forms of Mental Health—family genetics, community, political and society all contribute to the individual makeup. For the individual factors such as sleep, playfulness, reflective time, focus time, social connections and physical activity are important for balanced mental health.
Lisa reminded up that as Rotarians we are in a position to create positive outcomes for families and individuals in the community—supporting Peace, Housing, Food, Job Security, Eco System and Social Justice. Lisa answered many questions from Rotarians, leading to a further interesting session. Vote of Thanks from Julie Lynch.
3 Minute speaker—Les Hall
Les, raconteur of his bush history, entertained us again, reminiscing of growing up in the Ovens Val-ley and surrounding hills. It seems Les was rather accident prone, which put an untimely end to his AFL career with North Melbourne, he also played local cricket. Les began his working life as a butch-er in the family business and was smitten when a young lady, Wendy, commenced work at the local bank! Wendy is an accomplished horse rider and show jumper. Whilst Les was conscripted into the Army, his accident record ensured he was not accepted!
Wendy said Yes, they married, took up work at Glendaloch and have made Yea and the Glenburn their home ever since!
Les, raconteur of his bush history, entertained us again, reminiscing of growing up in the Ovens Val-ley and surrounding hills. It seems Les was rather accident prone, which put an untimely end to his AFL career with North Melbourne, he also played local cricket. Les began his working life as a butch-er in the family business and was smitten when a young lady, Wendy, commenced work at the local bank! Wendy is an accomplished horse rider and show jumper. Whilst Les was conscripted into the Army, his accident record ensured he was not accepted!
Wendy said Yes, they married, took up work at Glendaloch and have made Yea and the Glenburn their home ever since!
Many thanks to our caterers, Sacred Heart Primary School, led by Emma, Emily
and Sarah and a band of enthusiastic little helpers! Thank You for another delicious meal.
Guest Speaker Haruo (Haru) Tanaka, our inbound exchange student tonight, celebrating our Rotary Youth Exchange Program.
Haruo (Haru) Tanaka, is from Ishikawa Prefecture, Island of Honshu, Japan. Haru arrived in July and is currently with her first host family, the Dredges. (Anthony, Tomi, Josh, Oliver, Benji and Heidi).
Haru gave a delightfully enthusiastic insight into her exchange so far, immersing herself in country life and loving all opportunities offered to her to experience Australian culture.
The geographical comparison of Japan and Australia showed Australia as being 20 times bigger than Japan, though the population of Japan is 5 times greater than Australia! Kanazawa is on the west coast of Honshu, approximately on opposite coast from Tokyo. It’s autumn in the northern hemisphere and it snows in winter!
Haru lives with her father, mother and two cats, and as a family they enjoy fishing, camping and hiking. She listed her hobbies as food (particularly sweets), sports, friends, shopping, karaoke, and in particular, Yasokoi, a traditional dance which she enjoys doing together with her mother.
She lists her favourite Australian things so are as TimTams, Pavlova, Koalas, Wombats, Possums, Kangaroos and is trying Vegemite! Other highlights have been an AFL football game in at the MCG, Healesville Sanctuary, the Chocolaterie at Yarra Glen and a visit to Marysville.
Another highlight was in October the 2024 inbound students joined up to do the Tropical Trek, a 7 day visit to the Great Barrier Reef, travelling to Airlie Beach and enjoying the opportunity to snorkel, swim and explore the coral reefs.
Haru concluded her presentation by dressing in traditional dance costume and demonstrating the Yakosoi dancing. She used percussion sticks and a fan complete the performance.
Thankyou Haru, that was a enlightening presentation.
Haruo (Haru) Tanaka, is from Ishikawa Prefecture, Island of Honshu, Japan. Haru arrived in July and is currently with her first host family, the Dredges. (Anthony, Tomi, Josh, Oliver, Benji and Heidi).Haru gave a delightfully enthusiastic insight into her exchange so far, immersing herself in country life and loving all opportunities offered to her to experience Australian culture.
The geographical comparison of Japan and Australia showed Australia as being 20 times bigger than Japan, though the population of Japan is 5 times greater than Australia! Kanazawa is on the west coast of Honshu, approximately on opposite coast from Tokyo. It’s autumn in the northern hemisphere and it snows in winter!
Haru lives with her father, mother and two cats, and as a family they enjoy fishing, camping and hiking. She listed her hobbies as food (particularly sweets), sports, friends, shopping, karaoke, and in particular, Yasokoi, a traditional dance which she enjoys doing together with her mother.
She lists her favourite Australian things so are as TimTams, Pavlova, Koalas, Wombats, Possums, Kangaroos and is trying Vegemite! Other highlights have been an AFL football game in at the MCG, Healesville Sanctuary, the Chocolaterie at Yarra Glen and a visit to Marysville.
Another highlight was in October the 2024 inbound students joined up to do the Tropical Trek, a 7 day visit to the Great Barrier Reef, travelling to Airlie Beach and enjoying the opportunity to snorkel, swim and explore the coral reefs.
Haru concluded her presentation by dressing in traditional dance costume and demonstrating the Yakosoi dancing. She used percussion sticks and a fan complete the performance.
Thankyou Haru, that was a enlightening presentation.
Co-hosts the Rotary Club of Broadmeadows, who are co-hosting Haru’s exchange with Yea. Broadmeadows initially joined the exchange program but found they were unable to undertake the hosting, and a timely connection through Sue put Yea in a position to take on the hosting. Sandra, a Friend of Broadmeadows Rotary, who had the experience of doing an ex-change to Japan in 1987, spoke of the lifelong opportunities it has given her and she is an active advocate for the Exchange Program.
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| Haru in traditional dance dress | Broadmeadows Rotary Club members—Don, Joan, Darcy, Judith and Sandra with Haru. | Judith and Darcy presented Haru with their 60th Anniversary Book |
Outbound Exchange Student Andrew Foster
President Penny introduced 2025 outbound ex-change student, sponsored by Yea Rotary Club, Andrew Foster, who will depart in January for 12 months in Hanover, Germany. Andrew is a student at Yea High School, and last weekend was present-ed with his blazer, which he is very proud of. An-drew is very excited about his exchange and is looking forward to all the opportunities it offers, in particularly the chance to take part in the Euro bus tour which visits many European countries.
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| 2025 Outbound Student - Andrew Foster with mum and dad. | Andrew | Ongoing supporters and hosts of the exchange program - Amanda Hard with Nick and Milly. |
Thank you Yea Primary School — Grade 6 student leaders and parents,
led by Lyndal, for another fabulous meal.
Guest speaker, - Dorothy GilmorePresident of Hawthorn Rotary Club and Chairperson of SAFE Families Organisation. (Stopping Abuse in Families Every-where)
Dorothy, who has a background in behavioral science, spoke on the topic of Elder Abuse, a subject that often goes unrecognized and unreported in society today.In 2018 the Rotary SAFE Families Campaign was established to identify and address the issue of the many forms of abuse to women, men and children, no matter age or ethnicity. Abuse is a crime in Australia and needs to be identified and reported.
In particular tonight, Dorothy raised awareness of Elder Abuse, which can take many forms, particularly Financial, Physical, Emotional/Psychological, Sexual, Social and Neglect. She shared information to help identify abuse, steps to be a supportive advocate, and listed many agencies available who can step in to help. Support is also available for caregivers who may find providing care stressful at times.
A film “Awareness of Abuse and Referral to Agencies” was shown, narrated by Mal Walden, highlighting situations which can happen behind closed doors, impacting the rights and lives of elderly.
Dorothy introduced us to the 3R’s -
Recognise signs of abuse
Raise concerns with victim (never the perpetrator)
Refer to support agencies
Police and Financial Institute (banks) have been trained to recognise and take steps to prevent abuse.
Vote of Thanks from Jill Heath, thanking Dorothy for insightful and relevant talk, where we can all be proactive to prevent and report abuse.
3 minute speaker—Sue Carpenter
Sue spoke of the wonderful opportunity she had to attend a Cocktail Party at Government House in Melbourne, where 840 guests were treated to beautiful food and champagne as guests of the Governor of Victoria. The invitation came from the Governor after a visit to Yea in 2023.
It was a big day for our country girl Sue, who tried out her myki card on public transport to make her way to and around the city!
Sue spoke of the wonderful opportunity she had to attend a Cocktail Party at Government House in Melbourne, where 840 guests were treated to beautiful food and champagne as guests of the Governor of Victoria. The invitation came from the Governor after a visit to Yea in 2023.
It was a big day for our country girl Sue, who tried out her myki card on public transport to make her way to and around the city!
Secretary Glenda -
It's not often we have the opportunity to celebrate forthcoming nuptials of members! Glenda presented a gift and card from the club to Lily (Lachie was an apology as was working) who are celebrating their wedding on the 16th November.
Congratulations from the club and wishing you a wonderful day and a great life together.
It's not often we have the opportunity to celebrate forthcoming nuptials of members! Glenda presented a gift and card from the club to Lily (Lachie was an apology as was working) who are celebrating their wedding on the 16th November.
Congratulations from the club and wishing you a wonderful day and a great life together.
Julie Lynch presented Nakaiah Kerr with a small gift, as Nakaiah is embracing further out-bound travels with a 12 week visit to Taiwan, to be hosted by Tapia Everwell Club. This visit will be reciprocated in July with the host student visit-ing.
Nakaiah thanked Yea RC for the “lifetime
Nakaiah thanked Yea RC for the “lifetime
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| Glenda and Lily | Nakaiah |
Scatter Meeting - Fifth Thursday
This week was an informal week, being the 5th Thursday of month, with members having the opportunity to attend meetings of neighbouring clubs.
Both Alexandra RC, with its 60’s theme night, and Kinglake Ranges RC, a vocation-al visit evening, hosted Yea members.
Julie and Glenda invited Haru to visit Kinglake Ranges with them, and of course, the night life on the drive home did not disappoint, with a great show of native wildlife to keep Haru awake!
Both Alexandra RC, with its 60’s theme night, and Kinglake Ranges RC, a vocation-al visit evening, hosted Yea members.
Julie and Glenda invited Haru to visit Kinglake Ranges with them, and of course, the night life on the drive home did not disappoint, with a great show of native wildlife to keep Haru awake!
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| Julie, Haru & Glenda, attending the Kinglake Ranges RC meeting. | Haru with Songbird Restaurant chef and owners Christian and Rachel. |
Guest Speaker to-night (via Zoom) is Gary Newton, PP RC Geelong East; District 9780 Polio-Plus Chair 2023-24; Vice President & Board member of Polio Plus.
Gary has been an on-air personality with 3KZ and 3GL and is an advocate for disability and global health issues, along with being an active Rotarian.
More importantly, Gary is a Polio Survivor, contracting polio in 1954 as an infant. There are 40,000 survivors living with polio in Australia. Gary contracted paralytic polio, which affected his right leg in particular and wears leg braces and, occasionally, a wheelchair for support. He has endured much pain and many attempts at corrective surgery and is grateful to live in Australia and not be reliant on an iron lung. Sadly he knows how it feels to be the brunt of childhood taunts of being disabled.
Rotary joined forces with the Global Polio Eradication program in 1988, along with partnership of the Gates Foundation.
In 2018 Gary had the opportunity to visit India, to support survivors and promote the program, and he continues to work towards raising awareness and fundraising for End Polio. Polio is currently endemic in only 2 countries, Pakistan (with 54 cases, up from 12 in 2023) and Afghanistan. The battle to eradicate polio in these countries is difficult due to nomadic lifestyles, misinformation, militant attacks on volunteers and conspiracies. Unfortunately, very recently, there has been a case re-ported of a one year old child in Gaza, which has been polio free for 25 years. We need to stay committed to the cause of eradication, as polio inflicts a lifetime of struggle and hardship for victims and families.
Rotary’s promise to the children of the world is that one day we will END POLIO.
Gary stayed online to answer many questions.
Gary has been an on-air personality with 3KZ and 3GL and is an advocate for disability and global health issues, along with being an active Rotarian.More importantly, Gary is a Polio Survivor, contracting polio in 1954 as an infant. There are 40,000 survivors living with polio in Australia. Gary contracted paralytic polio, which affected his right leg in particular and wears leg braces and, occasionally, a wheelchair for support. He has endured much pain and many attempts at corrective surgery and is grateful to live in Australia and not be reliant on an iron lung. Sadly he knows how it feels to be the brunt of childhood taunts of being disabled.
Rotary joined forces with the Global Polio Eradication program in 1988, along with partnership of the Gates Foundation.
In 2018 Gary had the opportunity to visit India, to support survivors and promote the program, and he continues to work towards raising awareness and fundraising for End Polio. Polio is currently endemic in only 2 countries, Pakistan (with 54 cases, up from 12 in 2023) and Afghanistan. The battle to eradicate polio in these countries is difficult due to nomadic lifestyles, misinformation, militant attacks on volunteers and conspiracies. Unfortunately, very recently, there has been a case re-ported of a one year old child in Gaza, which has been polio free for 25 years. We need to stay committed to the cause of eradication, as polio inflicts a lifetime of struggle and hardship for victims and families.
Rotary’s promise to the children of the world is that one day we will END POLIO.
Gary stayed online to answer many questions.
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David & Tippy worked hard to ensure the Zoom technology worked for our guest speaker. Thankyou | Thanks Deb and Dianne for an-other delicious meal! |
District Govenor Stephen O'Connell OAM Visit
This weeks meeting was our combined clubs District Governors meeting, held at the Country Club Hotel, Yea.
President Penny opened the meeting, welcoming members from all our neighbouring clubs and in-troducing Stephen O’Connell, OAM, District Governor, along with his wife Carol, PDG David Anderson, and RCL Sharon Fox.
We had a wonderful representation from Alexandra, Mansfield, Seymour, Southern Mitchell, Kinglake Ranges and Yea Rotary Clubs.
Stephen welcomed all guests, and one of his first jobs for the evening was to raise the awareness of End Polio Now by handing out Certificates of Acknowledgement to the Rotary Clubs of Alexandra, Kinglake Ranges, Southern Mitchell and Yea.
Elizabeth McCormick, Southern Mitchell Club, spoke of a recent interactive workshop she attended in Sydney “Fit for Purpose” featuring changes for clubs to embrace to ensure meetings are project fo-cused and relevant in this busy life we lead.
Stephen spoke of “9790 Teams”, creating a 3 year plan for District, and member engagement health check.
Carol spoke of her partners project, after much searching for the most appropriate project, she has chosen “Interplast”. A project providing much needed surgery opportunities for communities in the Asia Pacific re-gion. Carol encouraged donations, along with running a Lucky Number raffle this evening, raising $380.00 President Penny announced a $500 donation from Yea RC. Raffle winners were Paulette from Mansfield and our exchange student, Haru.
RCL Sharon Fox thanked Penny and Glenda for organ-ising tonights meeting. She spoke of Domestic Vio-lence as being a potential project for clubs.
DG Stephen announced the District Conference, to be held in Albury, 11—13 April, 2025, with a theme of “Hitting The High Notes”, and being a musician, closed the meeting with a saxophone rendition. Wonderful!
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| DG Stephen | DG Stephen and Partner Carol | DG Stephen the Musician |
DG Stephen, Club Presidents and District Visitors
Lift the Lid Night
President Penny
Welcomed guests, Sharon Fox, Janet Forde and Clare Sinclair, along with Chris Kellett and Jill Heath.
Exciting evening tonight, as not only is it Lift the Lid night, raising awareness of Mental Health research (and its great to see so many wonderful hats), but we also have the pleasure of inducting 2 new members, Chris and Jill.
Unfortunately our guest speaker has had to postpone her visit due to family illness, but we are hoping to reschedule in November, so tonight will be fun night with prizes and a long 3 minuter from David A.
Penny invited our new members, together with their sponsors, to come forward for their membership inductions, and conducted the formalities.
The membership of Chris Kellett was proposed by her husband, member Paul, and Jill Heath was proposed by her friend and member, Tippy Anderson.
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| Tippy, Jill, President Penny, Chris and Paul |
Three minute Speaker David Anderson - the importance of 2 significant dates in October -
10 October—Lift the Lid Hat Day, Australian Rotary Health Annual Fundraising for research into Mental Health. Every day 1 in 5 suffers from mental health. We all need to work toward breaking down the stigma and encourage the willingness to talk. As a club we support Goulburn Valley Suicide Aware-ness Group, who hold an annual walk and BBQ on the rail trail. Australian Rotary Health is one of the largest funders of research into mental health and providing scholarships to enable researchers to continue their valua-ble work.
24 October—World Polio Day is an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to end polio and celebrate the successes over polio. As a club we donate time to raise awareness and advocate towards end polio nationally. Club and individual donations are needed to complete the eradication job. Funds are met with a 2:1 grant by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation up to $50 mil. David shared a short video of Bill Gates. Create awareness to end polio by writing to media and politicians, as well as sharing the campaign on social media.
10 October—Lift the Lid Hat Day, Australian Rotary Health Annual Fundraising for research into Mental Health. Every day 1 in 5 suffers from mental health. We all need to work toward breaking down the stigma and encourage the willingness to talk. As a club we support Goulburn Valley Suicide Aware-ness Group, who hold an annual walk and BBQ on the rail trail. Australian Rotary Health is one of the largest funders of research into mental health and providing scholarships to enable researchers to continue their valua-ble work.24 October—World Polio Day is an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to end polio and celebrate the successes over polio. As a club we donate time to raise awareness and advocate towards end polio nationally. Club and individual donations are needed to complete the eradication job. Funds are met with a 2:1 grant by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation up to $50 mil. David shared a short video of Bill Gates. Create awareness to end polio by writing to media and politicians, as well as sharing the campaign on social media.
Our Caterers
It was a family affair, thanks to Kerry Tull and Nicole for another delicious meal.
Think I even spied Peter helping with serving as well!!
Think I even spied Peter helping with serving as well!!
Guest Speaker—James Carlin, founder of Tooborac Brewery.
Tooborac Brewery. encompasses the Tooborac Hotel, Prince of Wales Hotel, Seymour, Country Club Hotel, Yea and soon to open, Molesworth Hotel.James originally trained in information technology before turning his hand to cheffing and, together with his wife, hotel management.
James spoke of the pros and cons of owning and managing hotels/hospitality venues, having purchased the Tooborac Hotel in 2002 and refurbishing the stables behind the building to create the brewery.
Working in hospitality is hard work, with a huge amount of time and effort going into team building to create a great team who all have the same values and vision to ensure a safe environment for all patrons while ensuring that customer experiences are about creating memories. The hotel industry faces huge challenges with penalty rates, inflation, negative on line reviews, and turnover of chefs. Currently looking to sponsor international chefs to fill positions. All venues are different, with an emphasis on family environment. The Country Club Hotel has a wonderful function room upstairs and has been beautifully restored after suffering from fire. The Molesworth Hotel will incorporate a general store and takeaway facility offering coffee to attract passing traffic, as well as an Axe Throwing Field to add to the
experience of visiting the hotel!Vote of thanks - Tony Jacobs
Three Minute Speaker: Gary Fitzgerald
Gary gave a overview of finance, to date, for Garden Ex-po. Whilst still waiting to receive some invoices to allow finalisation of the event, it shows that Vendor site payments and gate entry are down from 2023. A donation of $2,500 has been received. Currently we have a surplus of $17,374.00 with payments for Security, Skip Bins and Saleyards Hire still to be made.
Surplus for 2023 event was $16,051.00
Gary gave a overview of finance, to date, for Garden Ex-po. Whilst still waiting to receive some invoices to allow finalisation of the event, it shows that Vendor site payments and gate entry are down from 2023. A donation of $2,500 has been received. Currently we have a surplus of $17,374.00 with payments for Security, Skip Bins and Saleyards Hire still to be made.
Surplus for 2023 event was $16,051.00
Thanks to our caterers, Deb Baynes and crew for another delicious meal.
Club Assembly
President elect Darryl King invited directors to report back to membersTreasurer: Gary F.
Garden Expo looks financially positive, above 2023 takings. Gate takings were over $14,000. Sunday appeared busier than Saturday.
Community Services—Les
Yea Races commence the season on 19 October. Eoghan Dowling has a team organised for gate and parking duties.
Yea Show—Sat 26 November, will require members to help with the gate entry.
Cruise Night—12 October BBQ, need 5 helpers. Darryl to coordinate.
Youth Services—Lily (via Penny in her absence)
Schools have been approached re bursaries, waiting to hear back.
Discussions have been held with Yea HS regarding 2024 Ruth Konig Scholarship
Youth Exchange
Homestay meeting has been held with hosts.
1 applicant for 2024 RYLA was received.
Exchange student Haru reported that she had a visit to Healesville Sanctuary with Julie & Ian Lynch, where seeing Koalas close up was a highlight. Her host family, the Dredge’s, have many interesting animals in their care, including a wombat and kangaroo, with both Anthony and Tomi being our local vets.
Service—Tippy
Thankyou Penny for bag of stuffed toys which will go to the English Speaking cor-ners in the schools in Thailand. The recent typhoon has caused much damage and flooding in Thailand, with local groups working hard to cleanup.
Thankyou Penny for bag of stuffed toys which will go to the English Speaking cor-ners in the schools in Thailand. The recent typhoon has caused much damage and flooding in Thailand, with local groups working hard to cleanup.
Membership—Tony J
Recommendations to Board on Tuesday night will be reported back.
World Polio Day—Thursday 24 October. BBQ outside Foodworks, with YHS stu-dents to assist. Guest speaker at meeting with be via Zoom, Gary Newton, a polio survivor from the Geelong West RC.
Recommendations to Board on Tuesday night will be reported back.
World Polio Day—Thursday 24 October. BBQ outside Foodworks, with YHS stu-dents to assist. Guest speaker at meeting with be via Zoom, Gary Newton, a polio survivor from the Geelong West RC.
Garden Expo—Tony
Results look really positive and a great result for the event. Will need to review costs for 2025 due to increases in outgoings and also investigate childrens' activities, e.g. face painting.
Results look really positive and a great result for the event. Will need to review costs for 2025 due to increases in outgoings and also investigate childrens' activities, e.g. face painting.
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| Haru has been making the most of her school holidays, exploring the local district with Pen-ny, Julie & Ian. A visit to Healesville Sanctuary to see Koalas, catching a beautiful trout and visiting Marysville were all highlights | ||
