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Artshow 2022

Important

Due to Covid restrictions we have had to make changes to our Opening Night Program.
There will be no food or drink served and the entry cost will be $5 not $20.
Masks must be worn and all visitors must show proof that they are double vaxed

Paintings are to be delivered to the Yea Shire Hall (rear entrance)

between 10 am and 4 pm on Wed. 19th

Opening Night 21st. Jan

Open Daily 10 am to 5 pm

Show closes 26th Jan.

All visitors to the art show must show proof of double vacination.

Masks must be worn.

Cycle Dindi 2022

2_12_21

GUEST SPEAKER - Ray Thomas Die Back and Mistletoe
Ray was a chemistry, maths and science teacher and then moved on to specialising in the environment with a focus on restoring habitat for endangered species especially the regional honey eater.
He showed us slides of Mistletoe and the damage it caused to trees and said that it was important to get it into balance, making it useful for wildlife. Be-cause Mistletoe sucks the juice out of trees, you can chop it off but you need to address the root cause.
Sheep, cattle and possums love Mistletoe, so you have to create the right habitat eg shrubs and hollows, for them.
Mistletoe spreads via the Mistletoe bird. It eats the fruit and then poos on to a branch where the seed sticks and starts to grow.
The Woodwhite butterfly eats Mistletoe and lays its eggs on the plant, then the grubs eat the Mistletoe. We need to attract more butterflies by planting the right understory. Sixty plus varieties of bird eat the Mistletoe, but they do their droppings on the ground where the Mistletoe dies. Again we need to create good habitat for Mistletoe eaters.
Ray showed us examples of Ironbark and Greybox trees in the process of Die Back. Often it’s because stock camps occur underneath them and the soil is fertilised with manure and urine with a concentration of 40 times the usual nitrate. This causes huge growth and attracts Christmas beetles which eat the growth and cause the damage.
There are other things which eat the trees eg caterpillars and sillen insects which cause an infestation.
Again, the answer is to improve the understory and plant shrubs close together. The birds, lizards, frogs and spiders are all attracted to this and will clean up 60% of the insects causing Die Back.
If you plant wattles in your understory, you introduce gooey sap which attracts the sugar gliders and hairy wasps who also eat the Christmas beetles.
Ray’s presentation raised lots of questions.
Terry Hubbard gave the vote of thanks.


Christmas Beetles	Ray's Presentation	Old Style Technology

No wonder Russell got the biggest pavlova tonight.

His granddaughter even delivered it with a hug.

Vale PP John Bett PHF

President Paul Kellett, members of the Rotary Club of Yea and the Yea Rotary family mourn the passing of their dedicated and valued member, John Bett. John joined the Club on 28 February 1997 as member number 48. He is the only member of the Club to have served twice as President, 2002/03 and 2016/17. John lived by the Rotary motto "Service Above Self" in all that he did in life. He was an esteemed member of the Club and the Yea community. Our thoughts and condolences go to his sons, Lloyd and Rohan, and their families.

Photo Library

16_9_21

PRIDE OF WORKMANSHIP AWARD PRESENTATION

Terry Hubbard read a testimonial given by workmates of Estter Ostrizkova and the fact that she was originally from Hungary. She commenced work at Flowerdale Estate in 2017.

Ester has gained several qualifications in health and wellbeing and encourages everyone to be the best version of themselves. She is keen to unite and encourage people to come to-gether in a healthy environment and has been a key volunteer in cleaning up roadsides in and around Flowerdale Estate.

Julie wrote

Ester sounds like a great community minded person whose contribution to Flowerdale Estate and the local community was greatly appreciated - she will definitely be missed as she is about to set up her own business in Torquay. Flowerdale Estate’s loss is another communi-ty’s gain!

President Paul congratulated Ester and also Peter and Maria Neville from Flowerdale Estate.

CLUB ASSEMBLY

President Paul welcomed all members and recorded an apology from Tony Jacobs.

SECRETARY’S REPORT—Ian Sichlau

Correspondence in—Elaine White seeking endorsement for a grant for the Showgrounds to help with fencing.

Rotary Club of Kinglake Ranges asking us to partner in a donation to Australian Rotary Health towards an Indigenous Health Program. Donations will be matched by the government. This will go to the Board.

Correspondence out—Daryl Callander—condolences on the death of his daughter, Lisa.

TREASURER’S REPORT—Russell Hogg not available

PUBLIC IMAGE—Glenda Woods. Will add Pride of Workmanship to website etc and send to papers

VOCATIONAL SERVICE—Julie Lynch. Pleased to see Ester recognised.

COMMUNITY SERVICE—Di Welsh.

Remembrance Day—meeting pending. Help will be needed on the day

Pioneer Reserve— at the hole digging stage and will need a working bee to concrete and place sculp tures

RACV Sustainability Day - deferred. New date to be announced.

Coffee Vouchers - Opportunity to give some light relief to many people struggling at the moment.

Glenda and Di are working on it.

Need to finalise amount to be donated by Rotary. This was discussed tonight and the end result was that $1000 would be donat-ed.

Distribution via Community House and St. Lukes

Carol Hogg to be consulted re past vouchers.

SPECIAL FUNDRAISERS

Open Gardens Go ahead at this stage with marketing to regional towns as 60% visitors are Regional. 10 gardens to open at this stage.

President Paul read a report from Tony Jacobs which he had received.

Suicide Awareness Walk—Has been postponed once and may be postponed again.

Art Show Marj Hamilton reported that it will go ahead.

Hall is booked

Artists have been contacted

Julian Brewer has agreed to help with hanging pictures and

donate a painting

Fellowship Night September 30—all wear hats to ZOOM meeting

9_9_21

GUEST SPEAKERS Carlie Underhill and Natalie Fulford from Yea Community House.
Sue introduced Carlie and Nat who thanked Rotary for their recent donation to their Food Pantry.
With this and the previous lockdown, there has been no Jobkeeper and people are really struggling.
The Community house received funding for 25 staff hours per week from the State Government and funds need to be raised for their other expenses.
In that 25 hours, they are expected to run 50 hours of programming per week and a recent tally shows that they are actually doing 90. This includes exercise, art and craft, gardening and accredited courses as well as their recycling program,
They are responsible for their little free library—the Tardis which seems to be mostly popular with men, the Food Pantry for non perishables, the community garden and the food table located in the library lobby.
Other organisations assist them with donations eg St Lukes' Anglican Church, CWA, schools and private individuals.
Currently, they are working on the Old Primary School (Pioneer Reserve) and working to make spaces more user friendly. They have a grant to install solar power.
Earlier this year they restarted the Yea Table Tennis Club, which is in recess due to Covid at the moment.
Carlie and Nat told us that the majority of people are 40+ years. Red tape limits what they can do for under 16s as they are not qualified to fun programs for them
As a result of questions, we learned that the Community House linked up with the Salvation Army to provide food parcels, but many people do not want to supply the information required to receive them.
There is also homelessness in Yea and St Luke’s has helped provide emergency relief.
People occasionally abuse the Food Pantry, but the incidence is low.
When asked what else Rotary could do to help, Carlie and Nat asked us to stay connected and spread infor-mation about what they do. They agreed to let us know if they need help in the future, rather than finding themselves in a situation where they had no funds left .
The Community House is open Monday to Thursday from 8.30 to 2.30.
Sue gave a vote of thanks and congratulated the girls on all that they do for the community

2_9_21

MEETING NOTES
Tony Jacobs chaired the meeting.
Secretary Ian will circulate a fundraising idea for ROMAC which involves Tyrrell’s wines.
Gary Cocks raised the issue of funds being needed by Yea Community House to provide food for those in need and discussion led to the Secretary sending emails to Board members recommending they make a $1000 emergency donation.
Penny raised the issue of some members not being able to use email and whether they should receive a printed copy. She also asked members to let her know which members would be involved. Printing would be done via the Standard.
Bob asked that members contact him if they came across a family in dire straights and he would cook and pack a basket of food for them.

Family of Rotary
Members are encouraged to touch base by phone, text, email or snail mail to all our members but especially those who may be more isolated at present.

Ian asked when work was likely to take place at the Pioneer Reserve. Ian and Terry to discuss
Gary Cocks informed members that he and Tony had been having coffee while seated in the plantation and they had been moved on by police.

Chairman Tony then went around each member and asked what they had been doing during Covid lock-down.
Terry announced that Janet had planted about 1000 shrubs and trees and he had guarded them.
Will told us that as a result of an email from Yering Station, the de Castella name had been discussed in detail and in particular, his father who ran a marathon after a heart attack.
Ian had just received an email from President Paul sending apologies for the meeting.
David and Tippy. David told of a video just posted on our Facebook page from Kelli Willsmore thanking the club for the foresight of installing seats for people to rest on while walking on the rail trail.
David also told of their visit to Bendigo and the Buddhist Stupa where they found themselves just before the last regional lockdown and how they went back to their hotel and quarantined for one night. He didn’t know how people had managed for 14 nights.
Di told us her puppy was bitten by a snake last week. Luckily they got him to a vet and he survived.
Bob told us that when he got home from his fishing trip, he discovered a mate had had a stroke so he’s been helping out. This has mostly been gardening.
Penny reminded members of a talk she gave about cleaning out her library and said she had just finished it when she was notified that she would be receiving a whole lot more from a deceased estate.
Gary said he’s learned not to tell VicRoads anything because he now has to have a medical every six months. He’s also learned that it’s essential to learn your doctor’s eye chart off by heart.
Rodney alerted us all that fines for doing anything to break Covid lockdown rules are now $5500
John told us they had a flood about a week ago but other than that they’ve been busy with stock on the farm and building a shed.
Tony’s wife visited last weekend. He’s been busy working around the house and getting the garden ready for the Yea Open Gardens weekend. He’s also training for the Blue Dragon 21km marathon walk which goes from Yea station to Cathkin.
David finished off by giving a shout out to President Paul for his initiative in ring round members to see how they are.

26_8_21

Meeting Cancelled - No Zoom Meeting

Meeting 19_8_21

ZOOM MEETING

PP Sue chaired the meeting of 16 members and introduced our guest speaker.
We welcomed David McPherson DGE D9790 from Deniliquin
Nina Lunde AG—from Kinglake Ranges
Livia Bonazzi CEO, Shire of Murrindindi
President Paul from somewhere near Townsville

GUEST SPEAKER: LIVIA BONAZZI, CEO SHIRE OF MURRINDINDI

Livia introduced a powerpoint presentation covering key areas of her talk, but first told us a little bit about her background.

CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES
We have been faced with floods, bushfires, storms, drought and Covid and have shown resilience as a community.
One of the things Livia liked about Murrindindi was that it is unique, in natural beauty, sense of community and the cluster of community groups which are very organised and help to make the community as a whole, resilient.
Our population is growing but jobs are declining. House prices are rising, in fact they have quadrupled since 2000. One of Council’s main challenges is planning for Land Use.

COMMUNITY VISION - SEE DETAILS HERE
https://theloop.murrindindi.vic.gov.au/future

DRAFT COUNCIL PLAN
This responds to challenges and the 5 key points of the Community Vision. You are invited to give feedback or make comments.

FINANCES AND BUDGET
There is a 10 year plan. During this time Council plans to live within its means, but re-lies on rates and grants.
For example the 2021 /22 budget is $50.6 million and $4.3 million will go on roads and paths.
Questions were taken from members.
PP Sue then gave the vote of thanks to Livia.

Meeting 12_8_21

Zoom Meeting - 20 people attended the Zoom meeting.

Tony informed the meeting that the Goulburn Valley Suicide Awareness Walk has been moved to November 21.

PP Sue informed the meeting that Will de Castella, chair of the Yea Garden Expo committee had informed her and the Board that this year’s Expo has been postponed to 2022.

GUEST SPEAKER
PP Sue introduced our guest speaker Bec Bowles.
Bec told us about the process of obtaining her General Firefighters Certificate which is now required by all firefighters as the emphasis is on safety.
Bec attended a meeting in Seymour where there was a presentation on becoming a fire-fighter and she was fitted with PPE—compulsory on any firetruck. There were sessions held at Homewood and there is now a very big manual which all trainees have to read.
An exercise was held at Homewood for a whole day and there was a final exam consist-ing of a written test and a practical test on the tuck.
In between all this there was a lot of training online.
There was no practise with water on flames, though those opportunities will be made available over time. Most of the trainees were over 45 years old and 30 were involved from region 12.
Lots of discussion followed and those already known as firefighters were able to con-tribute a lot of information
Bec also used the opportunity to invite us all to participate in the Mural being painted on the Library carpark wall. There will be a painting of shelves with books and you can purchase space with your name, your favourite book and its author. Prices start at $25.
This is a Yea Community House project and the artist is Mark Klein.
PP Sue, thanked Bec for coming and bringing us up to date on becoming a firefighter.

UPDATES FROM THE BOARD
TERRY—updated the meeting on the Pioneer Reserve Sculptures. The Board has agreed to the new design for installation in principle. It is proposed that a bobcat and operator be en-gaged by the Shire to create a display area and cover it with gravel and club members pour concrete and install the sculptures. In summary, the sculpture will go into place shortly with minimal cost to the club.

UPGRADE TO BBQ TRAILER. Designs are being done and Glenn is consultation with those who can advise the best way to go about required upgrades.

RACV SOLAR AND SUSTAINABILITY DAY—October 3
The club will support their picnic day and BBQ

Meetings 22_7_ 21, 29_7_21 and 5_8_21

Meetings on 22/7 and 29/7 were cancelled due to Lockdown and Covid Restrictions. On the 5/8 we had a Zoom fellowship meeting.

Meeting 15_7_21

Guest Speaker David Webb Ware - the location and eradication of European Wasp nests.

He emphasised the fact that these wasps are having a big im-pact on Australia and are becoming an increased threat.

They affect/injure bees and crops. David described in detail their lifecycle and the need to kill the queen wasps who emerge from dormancy in September.

Most nests are in the ground around creeks and rivers and be-cause farmers are fencing these off, there is plenty of cover for the wasps.

More and more nests are being found in the hill country.

Finding the wasps is best done at sunrise because wasps are up and at it before the other in-sects. You can see them feed, then follow them straight back to their nests. You need to mark the nests very clearly because they are best poisoned at night. Poisons to use are Bayer—go to Bunnings for best value.

It is important to set up remote traps too – start in September when the queens are about. Bait trap with Fipronil (which is available at the supermarket in the form of flea treatment for cats and dogs.) Add a couple of drops to a tiny tin of non oily pet food or liver.

Check out the Shire website for ideas to make a trap. https://www.murrindindi.vic.gov.au/Your-Property/Animals/Wasps-Bees-Locusts-and-Fruit-Fly?BestBetMatch=wasps|d13b95b2-5146-4b00-9e3e-a80c73739a64|4f05f368-ecaa-4a93-b749-7ad6c4867c1f|en-AU

David told us that on their farm he had found and destroyed 500 plus wasps over the past few years. He had noted that willow trees attracted them because the sap released a sweet sticky substance late in spring. He will be cutting down the willows this year. Gary Fitzpatrick gave the vote of thanks and presented David with a goody bag.

3 MINUTER—Penny Paxman

Penny talked about one of her COVID projects which is sorting her library of books, and some of the treasurers she had come across. She had brought along a few samples to share with members and ended by telling us about some of the latest books she had read.

Meeting 8_7_21

Guest Speaker: Michael Guerin - Facets of the Murrindindi/Woodbourne Valley

Since becoming a Murrindindi resident just prior to the 2009 bushfires, Michael has been intrigued by the historical facets of the Murrindindi/Woodbourne Valley.

With the aid of a power-point presentation and with his interpretation of history through the ‘Gee That’s Interesting’ methodology, Michael explored many interesting aspects of Murrindindi’s rich history, beginning with indigenous activity.
Michael touched on European settlement of the valley including Squatters, mining and the Selection Land Acts. One particular area of interest for Michael is the location of the old township of Higinbotham.
Michael has spoken with many locals, including Rotarian Peter Tull whose ancestors were publicans in the area.
Michael provided some ideas for project development in the Gold, Timber and Fossil fields, such as us-ing metal detectors to locate the township of Higinbotham, exploring the Balaclava mine, interviewing the Creed and Hauser pioneering families, using drones and further exploration of the Waterwheel and Knott Mill sites.
After questions from the audience Michael was thanked for his most interesting presentation ,by Peter Tull who remarked that ‘He is still learning about Murrindindi’.

President Paul’s Report on Tuesday’s Board meeting

• Productive membership meeting held prior to Board meeting

• Fun & Fellowship team lead by Marje planning activities for the 5th Thursday of the month.

• Resignation of Patty Sichlau. Thank you card circulated

• Suicide Prevention Walk (September 12th). Board recommended that $3,000 be set aside for Walk. Motion from Gary Fitzgerald that Board’s recommendation be ac-cepted. Unanimously passed.

• Glenn Milliken will call for a pool of 4-6 volunteers for Sergeant duties.

• Consideration of establishing a catering sub committee

• BBQ trailer to be upgraded

• Proposed Stitches & Steel project cancelled due to limited capacity to stage event.

• Decline catering request from Adult Riders’ Group as already committed on the same date.

• Club will organise Remembrance Day Service on Nov 11th.

• President’s door prize to be raffled each week. Please pay $2 with weekly dues (only one ticket per person can be purchased).

3 minuter: Julie Lynch - ‘Rotary Opens Opportunities’

Julie referenced the Club’s social outing to Noorilim (historic home and gardens near Nagambie) 5 years ago. A conversation that day between owner Brandon Menzies and visitor PP Lorraine Greenwood led to Noorilim’s olives being harvested and processed annually to support community groups and organisations with fund raising.

Meeting 1_7_21

CLUB ASSEMBLY - President Paul's First Meeting

President Paul called the meeting to order saying that he was faced with 3 crises in his first week. The first being that no caterers were available and since the pizzas and pasta had arrived we should start with that first. Thank you to Ann for organising tonight’s meal.

Paul then thanked Carol, Russell and Rodney as well as others who set up the hall etc for changeover night.

He announced that the next Club Assembly will be held on September 9 as he has decided to make them bimonthly.

Marj Hamilton has been appointed convenor of the Fun Nights which can take different forms including serious nights, ideas nights, information sharing etc.

3 MINUTER—SUE CARPENTER

Changes in my life since becoming a Shire Councillor. It was all because of Rotary and thank you to the club for giving her the confidence to become a Councillor. Council consists of a mixture of members from a range of backgrounds and mostly without political affiliations. The Shire is responsible for so many things and decision making is a slow process because it in-volves consultation, transparency and relying on Council officers for the correct information.

Thank you to those who voted for me. I’m thoroughly enjoying it.

PRESENTATION

Our Paul Harris Fellows were presented with a special medal on a sash which David Anderson tells us is one of a few left.

Sue Carpenter, Ian Sichlau, Gary Cocks , Bob Dewar and Ken Foletta all received one.

The club was given 6, so there is one left to be presented.

David also informed members of the order in which members should wear badges. The Rotary wheel badge always goes to the top, then the Paul Harris medal, then theme badges.

President Paul presenting medals to


Ian Sichlau	Gary Cocks	Sue Carpenter


Bobby Dewar	Ken Foletta

Changeover 24_6_21

CHANGEOVER 2021 - BEAUFORT MANOR, YEA

President Carol welcomed distinguished guests, members and guests then PDG David Anderson proposed the Toast to Rotary International. DG Bruce Anderson responded to the Toast.

President Carol then reviewed the year 2020-2021 which was most unusual due to Covid 19, but our club still managed to achieve a lot. You will find more information in the Annual Report. An electronic copy is available on request.

Tippy (real name Suppattra Wannasubchae) was inducted and welcomed as a member of our club. Welcome Tippy!

DG Buce Anderson

Some special awards were presented.

Glenda Woods was a very surprised and humble recipient of the David Long Community Service Award.
Ian Sichlau received recognition as a Paul Harris Fellow for his contribution as secretary, and to projects within our community which made use of his skills as an architect.
Sue Carpenter received recognition as a Paul Harris Fellow for her service to the club which started when her daughter wanted to become a Rotary Exchange Student, saw her become President of the club and continues in her role as our club’s Chair for the Rotary Foundation.


President Carol and our newest member Tippy	David Long award recipient Glenda Woods and Richard Long	PHF recipients Ian Sichlau and PP Sue Carpenter

Paul Kellett was then inducted as President for 2021-2022 and a very relieved Carol handed

Paul outlined his vision to bring the Club more into the Community and to focus on such things as Mental Health, Age and Disability, Partnerships with other clubs and Fellowship (among other things). He promises to clarify the goals for the upcoming year at future meetings