Club Assembly
3 Minute Speaker- David Anderson, reporting on the Global Support Seminar he attended in Chicago, a chilly –2.5 deg C, with snow on the ground! This was conducted by Rotary Coordinators, who look after Clubs and Members, for incoming Rotary Public Image Coordinators and Rotary Foundation Coordinators for their 3 year term of office. 38 members attended. This seminar highlighted for David the value of friendships made with fellow Rotarians.
3 Minute Speaker- David Anderson, reporting on the Global Support Seminar he attended in Chicago, a chilly –2.5 deg C, with snow on the ground! This was conducted by Rotary Coordinators, who look after Clubs and Members, for incoming Rotary Public Image Coordinators and Rotary Foundation Coordinators for their 3 year term of office. 38 members attended. This seminar highlighted for David the value of friendships made with fellow Rotarians.
Chairperson Penny conducted Club Assembly, calling for Directors reports.
Club Service—Gary Cocks
To assist with parking at the Yea Races last Sunday we only had 4 members on site, plus Kayla (who did a fantastic job). To do the job properly we need 10 members. If this is not possible, we need to rethink our commitment to the Race Club for 2025 season.
Community Service—Les Hall/Terry Hubbard
We have a roster circulating tonight for Yea Football/Netball Club gate. This is a 9 week commitment by our club, to support the YFNC, who in turn assist YRC with manpower to set up and dismantle and store the frames for our Art Show.
Thanks to Darry, Glenn and Al Tait for their assistance with the Handsaker wedding breakfast at the Butter Factory last Sunday.
RSL Hall—a footpath is planned from the western carpark to front door. This should be a 1 day event in the last week of March. Will involve levelling and placement of pavers.
International—Tippy
It is exciting that an English Corner is being developed at the Chaing Rai Pra-chanukyaw 62 school. This is a boarding school for disadvantaged and orphaned stu-dents. Books, games and furniture are being purchased and it won’t be long before it is a fully operational corner!
A Thai night is being planned for 16th May, which will be an evening of fashion, food, fun and fundraising!
Youth and Vocations— Gary Cocks (in the absence of Lily)
On the 17th March, Come, brother of previous exchange student, Louis from France, will be visiting, staying with Gary and Fabio.
President Elect—Penny
Board Positions 2024/25
President elect 25/26—Darryl; Secretary—Glenda; Treasurer—Gary; Club Service—Glenn M; Community Service—Les; Rotary Foundation—Tony; International—Tippy; Youth & Vocation—Lily.
Club Service—Gary Cocks
To assist with parking at the Yea Races last Sunday we only had 4 members on site, plus Kayla (who did a fantastic job). To do the job properly we need 10 members. If this is not possible, we need to rethink our commitment to the Race Club for 2025 season.
Community Service—Les Hall/Terry Hubbard
We have a roster circulating tonight for Yea Football/Netball Club gate. This is a 9 week commitment by our club, to support the YFNC, who in turn assist YRC with manpower to set up and dismantle and store the frames for our Art Show.
Thanks to Darry, Glenn and Al Tait for their assistance with the Handsaker wedding breakfast at the Butter Factory last Sunday.
RSL Hall—a footpath is planned from the western carpark to front door. This should be a 1 day event in the last week of March. Will involve levelling and placement of pavers.
International—Tippy
It is exciting that an English Corner is being developed at the Chaing Rai Pra-chanukyaw 62 school. This is a boarding school for disadvantaged and orphaned stu-dents. Books, games and furniture are being purchased and it won’t be long before it is a fully operational corner!
A Thai night is being planned for 16th May, which will be an evening of fashion, food, fun and fundraising!
Youth and Vocations— Gary Cocks (in the absence of Lily)
On the 17th March, Come, brother of previous exchange student, Louis from France, will be visiting, staying with Gary and Fabio.
President Elect—Penny
Board Positions 2024/25
President elect 25/26—Darryl; Secretary—Glenda; Treasurer—Gary; Club Service—Glenn M; Community Service—Les; Rotary Foundation—Tony; International—Tippy; Youth & Vocation—Lily.
General Business:
Julie—Cycle Dindi
Thanks to all who have helped with raffle sales. Please encourage cyclists to register for ride. Kayla and Fabio are looking for sponsorship for their 50km ride.
Glenda
Starting the process for publication of Annual Report. If directors and event organisers could write your articles and submit early it would be appreciated!
Julie—Cycle Dindi
Thanks to all who have helped with raffle sales. Please encourage cyclists to register for ride. Kayla and Fabio are looking for sponsorship for their 50km ride.
Glenda
Starting the process for publication of Annual Report. If directors and event organisers could write your articles and submit early it would be appreciated!
Penny thanked our caterers tonight, Yea Primary School, for the delicious meal, and we all commented on the young waiters, who were all proudly wearing their new Yr. 6 T-shirts!
GUEST SPEAKER Erin Papadopolous -Yea Podiatary Clinic.
Erin (nee Scott) introduced herself, having grown up in Yea from the age of 2 and completing primary and secondary schooling here. She is now the mother of 3 very active teenage children and resides on Junction Hill. She completed her 4 year degree and moved to Warrnambool, working at the Base Hospital, then back to Melbourne working with Eastern Health at Box Hill and Maroondah hospitals, mov-ing back to Yea in 2008, using her experience to establish the Clinic. Erin has also completed a Grad. Dip. in Horticulture.
Erin themed her presentation “Feet … So What!”, noting that they are usually the last limb we worry about, and introduced us to the very intricate, complex and deli-cate limb made up of many tiny bones, joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments. With many fascinating facts she confirmed for us that feet are awesome, being the hardest working limbs we rely on.
Many problems arise from poor shoe choice and Erin gave some pointers to ideal footwear which would help avoid feet stress in the future, along with tips for healthy feet. She emphasised the importance of visiting a podiatrist should any feet discomfort develop.
So … Love our Feet!
A lively question and answer session followed Erin’s interesting presentation.
3 Minute Speaker - Darryl King
Darryl had the chance encounter of meeting with 2 backpackers trudging along Murrindindi Road on Wednesday, which was an extremely hot, uncomfortable day. They were a retired couple from Toowoomba, Qld, who had flown to Melbourne, equipped themselves with basic camping gear, and were undertaking an epic adventure of walking back to Toowoomba. After the husband overcame Guillain Barre Syndrome, which Darryl has much empathy for, the couple decided it was time to tick things off on their bucket list! This one is a mammoth un-dertaking. Plans are to follow the rail trail to Mansfield, then on the Bright, Albury and then inland north to Toowoomba. Darryl found them a great camping spot on the Yea River for the night and helped them settle, ensuring they had enough supplies and were comfortable.
Well done Darryl!
Twinnies Darryl and John … is this a new Rotary uniform? | Terry Hubbard |
Caterer tonight was Kerry Tull, who stepped up with little notice to produce a lovely meal for us tonight. Thanks Kerry
GUEST SPEAKER Nakiah Kerr - returning exchange student
Before Nakiah took the microphone, mum, Cheyenne asked to speak!
Cheyenne wished to convey her thanks to Rotary for all the support during the exchange and spoke of her own personal growth in Nakiah's absence—now returning to study and forging her own pathway! Cheyenne described the joy of welcoming home her young adult who has returned as a very independent person.
Before Nakiah took the microphone, mum, Cheyenne asked to speak!
Cheyenne wished to convey her thanks to Rotary for all the support during the exchange and spoke of her own personal growth in Nakiah's absence—now returning to study and forging her own pathway! Cheyenne described the joy of welcoming home her young adult who has returned as a very independent person.
Nakiah
Proudly displaying a blazer laden with badges and memorabilia, Nakiah spoke of an experience of a lifetime! Hosted by the Rotary Club of Hornbaek, on the northern coastline of Denmark, Nakiah attended school, studying 1 semester of Yr 10 and 1 semester of Year 11. This required travel 30 minutes travel each way from her host family. There were 3 host families which were very welcoming and had many Danish experiences with them. Nahiak mastered the language and is now a fluent Danish speaker! A highlight of the exchange was the Euro Tour, which was an 18 day bus tour visiting 7 European countries along with other exchange friends. It has been 12 months of personal growth and returning as a very independent and well adjusted young adult. The exchange has been a dream, and going back to school in Yea has been hard, and adjusting back to thinking in English is another challenge!
David A commented that DG Jakob Volther of 1470, who was a guest at Yea in June after the conference, was delighted to meet Nakiah and spoke of her as being a great ambassador for Youth Exchange and Yea RC.
Vote of thanks, and a big welcome home, from Sue C.
Proudly displaying a blazer laden with badges and memorabilia, Nakiah spoke of an experience of a lifetime! Hosted by the Rotary Club of Hornbaek, on the northern coastline of Denmark, Nakiah attended school, studying 1 semester of Yr 10 and 1 semester of Year 11. This required travel 30 minutes travel each way from her host family. There were 3 host families which were very welcoming and had many Danish experiences with them. Nahiak mastered the language and is now a fluent Danish speaker! A highlight of the exchange was the Euro Tour, which was an 18 day bus tour visiting 7 European countries along with other exchange friends. It has been 12 months of personal growth and returning as a very independent and well adjusted young adult. The exchange has been a dream, and going back to school in Yea has been hard, and adjusting back to thinking in English is another challenge!
David A commented that DG Jakob Volther of 1470, who was a guest at Yea in June after the conference, was delighted to meet Nakiah and spoke of her as being a great ambassador for Youth Exchange and Yea RC.
Vote of thanks, and a big welcome home, from Sue C.
3 Minute Speaker - Bob Hentchel
Bob spoke of growing up in Ivanhoe, and many of us
Bob spoke of growing up in Ivanhoe, and many of us
Bob spoke of growing up in Ivanhoe, and many of us could reminisce with his memories of life in the 50’s! Highlights were no sewerage, with the horse and cart “pan man” arriving to change over the lavatory pan, carrying the full pan on his flat hat!, the milkie, with his horse and cart, dropping off milk in glass pint bottles and taking the emp-ties in return, the baker, again, horse and cart, dropping off bread and the iceman with the blocks of ice for the refrigerator. The 1956 Olympics and the Scout Jamboree made it a memorable year. His family did not have TV, so would ride 5km to watch TV at a relatives house. Bob saved money from his paper round and built a kayak, which provided adventures on the Yarra River.
3 Minuter Bob | Sue, Nakiah and Cheyenne | Chairperson Lilly |
Thanks to our caterers tonight, Yea Swimming Club, led by Liz Bastion. Lovely meal, despite the worries of the power being out for 28 hours the day before! Thank you |
GUEST SPEAKER Andrew Paxton - Murrindindi Shire Council
Andrew is manager of Community Development and responsible for things like planning, building health, disaster recovery funding and economic development and tourism.
He illustrated a few facts eg combined annual income for the shire is
$23.7 million and our spend $18.4 million. We will be hit by the need for huge asset renewal in 2031 and beyond and there’s a very big difference across Victoria as to the rates paid and the government grants received.
Our road safety record is not good. Accidents to 2019 were the highest in Victoria and in the last financial year 314 requests were received to seal roads including potholes. The cost per square metre is $165. The shire is allowed to build roads back to original standards prior to floods, but if a pothole was there, they are only required to fill it. This does not apply to places like the Yea Wetlands which are considered non-essential.
This is an ageing population and Murrindindi‘s over 65 soars above the rest of Victoria. One way to do this is to make education available in our shire so that our youth don’t leave and get caught up in the city life.
Flood recovery funds can be used to build roads back to original standards, so if a pothole existed before, it can only be filled in.
Andrew is manager of Community Development and responsible for things like planning, building health, disaster recovery funding and economic development and tourism.
He illustrated a few facts eg combined annual income for the shire is
$23.7 million and our spend $18.4 million. We will be hit by the need for huge asset renewal in 2031 and beyond and there’s a very big difference across Victoria as to the rates paid and the government grants received.
Our road safety record is not good. Accidents to 2019 were the highest in Victoria and in the last financial year 314 requests were received to seal roads including potholes. The cost per square metre is $165. The shire is allowed to build roads back to original standards prior to floods, but if a pothole was there, they are only required to fill it. This does not apply to places like the Yea Wetlands which are considered non-essential.
This is an ageing population and Murrindindi‘s over 65 soars above the rest of Victoria. One way to do this is to make education available in our shire so that our youth don’t leave and get caught up in the city life.
Flood recovery funds can be used to build roads back to original standards, so if a pothole existed before, it can only be filled in.
3 MINUTER Julie Lynch - Julie spoke about Cycle Dindi which started in 2016 with 50 participants, saw the introduction of a couple of innovations like Devon-shire tea at Nutfield and grew to 160 people last year. The entry price has gone up this year and a raffle has been introduced. Our sponsored riders will be Kayla and Fabio.
GUEST
GUEST
Guest Speakers Penny and Kelly - Antarctic Visits
Within 5 weeks of each other, we had 2 YRC members undertake a wonderful and memorable cruise experience to the Antarctic. Penny and Kelly gave an informed and humorous account of their journeys! Flying from Melbourne with several stops, to the port city of Ushuaia, southern Argentine, to commence the cruising journey into the deep southern waters via a crossing of the rough Drake Passage.
Penny and Marvin travelled in November/December, experiencing weather temperatures of –2 to –10 degrees, and Kelly, travelling in January with Greg and her mother Joy, reported temperatures of 1 to 5 degrees Celsius. Amazing the difference 4 weeks makes!
The thrill of seeing their first iceberg, many species of penguins (some very close up), breaching hump-back whales, and being able to cross from ship to shore via zodiacs, visiting historic whaling stations and immersing in the history of our heroic explorers, were just part of the fascinating voyage.
Penny and Marvin generously donated some memorabilia from their cruise to auction, raising funds for Rota-ry. A print on canvas, in a spirited auction, raised $40 with David Anderson the winner bidder. Marvin donated his warm red safety jacket, with John Sinclair outbidding members, raising a grand sum of $200 Thanks Penny and Marvin, and big thankyou to Darryl for donning his auctioneer's hat!
Penny and Marvin travelled in November/December, experiencing weather temperatures of –2 to –10 degrees, and Kelly, travelling in January with Greg and her mother Joy, reported temperatures of 1 to 5 degrees Celsius. Amazing the difference 4 weeks makes!
The thrill of seeing their first iceberg, many species of penguins (some very close up), breaching hump-back whales, and being able to cross from ship to shore via zodiacs, visiting historic whaling stations and immersing in the history of our heroic explorers, were just part of the fascinating voyage.
Penny and Marvin generously donated some memorabilia from their cruise to auction, raising funds for Rota-ry. A print on canvas, in a spirited auction, raised $40 with David Anderson the winner bidder. Marvin donated his warm red safety jacket, with John Sinclair outbidding members, raising a grand sum of $200 Thanks Penny and Marvin, and big thankyou to Darryl for donning his auctioneer's hat!
3 minute speaker Fabio - our exchange student. The school term has resumed after the Christmas break and Fabio has commenced Unit 3 VCE. Amanda, Gary and family, current hosts, ensured that their guest was kept busy — water skiing at Lake Eildon and a fabulous tour of the Great Ocean Road, stopping at all the surfing and tourist sights along the way. During his first exchange student weekend at Dookie, Fabio learnt of Paying It Forward volunteer pro-gram, offering assistance with maintenance, education and first aid to Pacific Island nations and other countries in need. Fabio expressed interest in volunteering straight away and will be one of 4 ex-change students travelling to Vanuata to make a difference.
Yea Rotary Club has offered sponsorship of $1,000 towards Fabio’s travel costs for the program.
Yea Rotary Club has offered sponsorship of $1,000 towards Fabio’s travel costs for the program.
Guest Speaker - Anthony de Catella Women's Health
Anthony is the Research & Business Manager of the Monash HER Centre (Health Education and Research Centre), a mental health unit for women run in conjunction with Monash University, Alfred Hospital and Cabrini Hospital, Anthony has a nursing/psychiatry background, with 30 years of clinical research in psychiatry, specialising in women's mental health.
Continual research is providing effective new approaches to mental health, including schizophrenia, depression, anxiety disorder, personality disorders, menopause depression, trauma related disorders, premenstrual disorders, family violence and eating disorders. The HER Centre provides education to both professional clinicians and the public, along with direct patient consultation and clinical trials. Funding is a constant and consuming pursuit.
This is about our daughters, mothers, wives, partners, sisters, nieces, female friends and colleagues. There are alarming statistics showing the extent of women's mental health:
Continual research is providing effective new approaches to mental health, including schizophrenia, depression, anxiety disorder, personality disorders, menopause depression, trauma related disorders, premenstrual disorders, family violence and eating disorders. The HER Centre provides education to both professional clinicians and the public, along with direct patient consultation and clinical trials. Funding is a constant and consuming pursuit.
This is about our daughters, mothers, wives, partners, sisters, nieces, female friends and colleagues. There are alarming statistics showing the extent of women's mental health:
Women have twice as much depression as men and four times the rate of anxiety disorders
1 in 4 females and 46.4% of females aged 16-24 had a mental health disorder in 2021.
1 in 10 women experience intimate partner violence during the pandemic.
Suicide is the leading cause of maternal death during pregnancy.
Menopausal women are 2nd highest suicide group.
The annual cost of mental illness in women is staggering. Depression/anxiety costs $32 billion per year due to direct lost productivity; Menopause costs women more than $112 bil-lion in lost earnings and superannuation every year. Add in lost earnings, loss of effective parenting, divorce, loss of care of elderly and many other factors. A stimulating question session proved the interest in Anthony’s excellent and most relevant presentation.
Chairperson tonight - Will de Castella had the pleasure of introducing our guest speaker, Anthony de Castella. Anthony is Wills younger brother — the youngest of 7 siblings.
Three Minute Speaker — David Anderson
David gave a humorous, factual and entertaining 3 minute talk of his driving experience in Thailand!
With a population of 71 million and 10.5 mill. of those in Bangkok, there are 20.3 mill. registered vehicles. 87% of households have motorcycles. There is major congestion and many obstacles on the road, and although vehicles are right hand drive, to a visitor there appears to be no road rules! As well as wandering stock and roaming dogs, the grossly overloading of “tubs” (utes) and trucks and the distraction of mobile phones all add to the mayhem!
David gave a humorous, factual and entertaining 3 minute talk of his driving experience in Thailand!
With a population of 71 million and 10.5 mill. of those in Bangkok, there are 20.3 mill. registered vehicles. 87% of households have motorcycles. There is major congestion and many obstacles on the road, and although vehicles are right hand drive, to a visitor there appears to be no road rules! As well as wandering stock and roaming dogs, the grossly overloading of “tubs” (utes) and trucks and the distraction of mobile phones all add to the mayhem!
Start of the Calendar Year Annual Picnic
President Tony welcomed members to the first Rotary gathering for 2024 and gave a big thankyou to David and Tippy for hosting us at Glenside for our “annual picnic”. All members who were able to attend enjoyed a relaxed and friendly evening in the beautiful garden rather than on the, unfortunately, waterlogged river flats.
Sadly, we received news that Honorary Rotarian, Norm Berndt passed away Thursday morning, at the wonderful age of 95 years.
Our sincere condolences to his family.
Our sincere condolences to his family.
Dec. 14th. Community Christmas Carols at the Railway Station.
Dec. 21st. Christmas Break Up at Golf Club House
28th Dec. and 4th. Jan. No Meetings - Christmas Break.
School Bursary Presentations
Youth & Vocational Services Director, Lily Cox, together with mentor Sue Carpenter, welcomed our award winners and their parents/guardians to our meeting, and thanked the schools for supporting the bursary by nominating the worthy recipients! $500 is awarded to each school, to be used for school supplies and expenses.
Sacred Heart Primary School nominated Max Drew as their bursary recipient. Max will be in Yr 3 2024 and is a student who has a great imagination. Max was supported by his teacher, Stacey Elliot, who thanked Rotary for their continued support for the youth of Yea. Max’s proud parents, Claire and Keith, also attended. Max gave a very big thankyou to Rotary for his award. | |
Flowerdale Primary School. Principal Dave Jovanovski introduced Jarrah Patten as their award winner. Jarrah has just completed Yr 6 and is off to secondary school next year where the funds will support uniform, text books and other expenses. Jarrah is a student who constantly follows the school values in his behaviour and manners and always helpful and shows kindness to all other students. Jarrah was supported by his father, Trent, and proudly thanked Rotary for supporting the funds to support his education. | |
Yea Primary School were unable to attend this evening due to their Yr 6 graduation ceremony, but have held an assembly this week at school, attended by Sue and Julie, where Tyson Garlick, a grade 6 student, was awarded the bursary. This will greatly assist him as his journey continues onto secondary education. | |
Yea High School Year 9 Advisor/teacher Jessica Hill commented that the community plays an important part of the educational journey for students and we are thankful for the continued support of Yea Rotary Club to the students at Yea High School. This year 2 students in Year 9 were nominated to share the bursary, each receiving $250 towards school expenses. mother Patricia, and told us of the personal, academic and social growth Noah has made this year, which included spending 9 weeks at a School Leadership camp which lead to an amazing journey in his personal growth. Second recipient was Bella Philpott, supported by her grandmother Helen Kellis, who has made significant choices to embrace opportunities to develop and ready herself to undertake senior school VCE subjects in Year 10 in 2024. Bella thanked Rotary for the award and commented that she was very proud to be given the opportunity to support her journey into senior school.Noah thanked Rotary for being in his life and appreciates the chance of this award which will support school expenses in Year 10. |
President Tony opened the meeting:
• Tonight is our Annual General Meeting
• Thanks to those who volunteered to assist at the Yea Show.
• Open Garden results, to date, will be close to $10,000
• The shed has been completed, costing a little more than $24,000 Thanks to Bob H and Paul K for emptying the shed in Yea, cataloguing and storing items in project groups! There are still the heavy screens to be moved. Rodney, as Property Officer, will have a set of keys.
• Terry H has advised that he will be stepping down from Community Services, thanks to Les H for stepping into this position and joining Board.
• As of next week we will have a revised toast to King and Country, and I pro-pose to have a roster for members to share the opening segment.
• Ruth Konig Scholarship team have met, and again, 2 scholarships will be presented.
• Next week will be presentation of School Bursaries.
• Friday 8th December—Seniors Dinner
• Thursday 14th December—Carols in the Park
• Thursday 21st December—Christmas Dinner, Partners night.
• 2024—Picnic at Glenside (Andersons) Thursday 11th January
• 2024—Regular meeting, Yea Golf Club, Thursday 18th January
• 2024—Art Show Opening, Thursday 25th January
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Chairperson—David Anderson
Time: 7.48pm
Attendees and apologies noted.
Minutes of previous AGM, 24/11/22, moved as correct and carried
Presidents Annual Report, presented at Changeover, moved correct and carried
Financial Financial Statements, moved as correct and carried
Election of Office Bearers -
President Elect 2024 /25 Penny Paxman
President Elect 2025/26 Darryl King
Secretary 2025/25 Glenda Woods
Treasurer 2024/25 Gary Fitzgerald
2024/25 Board to be appointed by President Elect Penny Paxman
AGM closed 7.52 pm
• Tonight is our Annual General Meeting
• Thanks to those who volunteered to assist at the Yea Show.
• Open Garden results, to date, will be close to $10,000
• The shed has been completed, costing a little more than $24,000 Thanks to Bob H and Paul K for emptying the shed in Yea, cataloguing and storing items in project groups! There are still the heavy screens to be moved. Rodney, as Property Officer, will have a set of keys.
• Terry H has advised that he will be stepping down from Community Services, thanks to Les H for stepping into this position and joining Board.
• As of next week we will have a revised toast to King and Country, and I pro-pose to have a roster for members to share the opening segment.
• Ruth Konig Scholarship team have met, and again, 2 scholarships will be presented.
• Next week will be presentation of School Bursaries.
• Friday 8th December—Seniors Dinner
• Thursday 14th December—Carols in the Park
• Thursday 21st December—Christmas Dinner, Partners night.
• 2024—Picnic at Glenside (Andersons) Thursday 11th January
• 2024—Regular meeting, Yea Golf Club, Thursday 18th January
• 2024—Art Show Opening, Thursday 25th January
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Chairperson—David Anderson
Time: 7.48pm
Attendees and apologies noted.
Minutes of previous AGM, 24/11/22, moved as correct and carried
Presidents Annual Report, presented at Changeover, moved correct and carried
Financial Financial Statements, moved as correct and carried
Election of Office Bearers -
President Elect 2024 /25 Penny Paxman
President Elect 2025/26 Darryl King
Secretary 2025/25 Glenda Woods
Treasurer 2024/25 Gary Fitzgerald
2024/25 Board to be appointed by President Elect Penny Paxman
AGM closed 7.52 pm
Presentation by Tippy and David of their visit to the Daysprings school, South Africa, for the opening of the ablution block, funded through Rotary Global Grant, and the class-room block, funded through a generous bequest to Daysprings from Ruth Konig.
Daysprings is a boarding school for disadvantaged students, with a current enrolment of 97. It was originally opened to take in children left orphaned due to the HIV crisis.
A memorial garden has been created to honor Ruth and others involved in the building pro-gram.
A special acknowledgement to Cheryl Phillips of Rustenberg Kloof Rotary Club, South Africa, for her persistence to bring the project to completion.
Thank you to Ruth Konig for your foresight for such a project.
Daysprings is a boarding school for disadvantaged students, with a current enrolment of 97. It was originally opened to take in children left orphaned due to the HIV crisis.
A memorial garden has been created to honor Ruth and others involved in the building pro-gram.
A special acknowledgement to Cheryl Phillips of Rustenberg Kloof Rotary Club, South Africa, for her persistence to bring the project to completion.
Thank you to Ruth Konig for your foresight for such a project.
Tippy at Day Springs, South Africa
A Youth Night
Chairperson for this evening, Julie Lynch, welcomed our guests who were participating in our Youth Night.
Julie gave an overview of the Ruth Konig Scholarship, which was awarded to Declan and Olivia in 2022.
Ruth was passionate Rotarian and Teacher, who passed away in 2016. She provided funds to support the Day-springs School, South Africa (a school for disadvantaged youth) which was supported by a Rotary Global Grant of $120,000 to build an ablution block for the school. Ruth also left a bequest to Yea Rotary Club, which is being used as a scholarship to assist to improve educational prospects for tertiary level students. $2,000 per year for 3 years while studying. This has also been offset by a $2,000 district foundation grant.
Declan Fulford thanked Rotary for the opportunities given to him through the Ruth Konig Scholarship. He is currently studying a Batchelor of Science at Melbourne University, and hopes to major in either BioTechnology or Bio Medical field. The scholar-ship has helped offset rent, enabling Declan to live close to campus.
Julie gave an overview of the Ruth Konig Scholarship, which was awarded to Declan and Olivia in 2022.
Ruth was passionate Rotarian and Teacher, who passed away in 2016. She provided funds to support the Day-springs School, South Africa (a school for disadvantaged youth) which was supported by a Rotary Global Grant of $120,000 to build an ablution block for the school. Ruth also left a bequest to Yea Rotary Club, which is being used as a scholarship to assist to improve educational prospects for tertiary level students. $2,000 per year for 3 years while studying. This has also been offset by a $2,000 district foundation grant.
Declan Fulford thanked Rotary for the opportunities given to him through the Ruth Konig Scholarship. He is currently studying a Batchelor of Science at Melbourne University, and hopes to major in either BioTechnology or Bio Medical field. The scholar-ship has helped offset rent, enabling Declan to live close to campus.
Olivia Johnson told us of her Diploma of Nursing (RMIT Bundoora) and of her plans to undertake her Batchelor of Nursing in 2025 where she will then specialise in her chosen nursing stream. The scholar-ship has helped pay for accommodation during her professional placements, one in a metropolitan hospi-tal and one at Hamilton, along with helping to offset her university fees.
RYLA (Sue Carpenter) This year Yea Rotary Club sponsored Lachlan Kellet (Paul’s grandson) to attend the RYLA conference, and he has gained so much from the experience. Sue, Fabio and Paul attended the conference dinner on Tuesday night. It is a week long conference where attendees work through goal setting and public speaking among many activities and all come home saying it is a life changing experience.
Henry Creed, 2022 attendee, unfortunately was not able to attend this evening.
Exchange Student Fabio, from Switzerland, gave an overview of his life back home, with his hobbies being mountain bike riding, hockey, scouts (leader) and freestyle skiing. His family include father Marcus, mother Helena, 19 yr old brother, and his dog Isla, who is very special to him. School is very different, attending a large secondary school with 1700 students (compared to 200 on site at Yea) He has recently visited New Zealand with Kristie, Eoghan and family which was exciting, and has been on a trip to Airley Beach, Qld, with Rotary Exchange Students. He thanked the Rotary Club of Zug, Switzerland, for sponsoring his exchange.
Secretary Julie | Declan and Olivia | Fabio |
Club visit to Alexandra Rotary Club, 15 November 2023.
Sharen Robinson was Chair for the night and Maria Price was asked to propose a toast to an international Rotary Club – she chose Fort William.
President Geoff Proctor welcomed all visitors including the large contingent from Yea.
He talked about the Sunshine Fund tins found on the tables and how the funds were used.
Geoff also talked about the club’s Ukranian Program which was to provide food relief to Ukranian refugees. Now these refugees who are mainly women and children are getting more spread out and this is making food relief very difficult so the club proposes a Women’s Week program which will offer such assistance as a psychiatrist to these people who have not heard from their spouses and fathers for 2 years (among other things)
Lindsay Baker talked about visiting Norfolk Island and finding 17 Rotarians from Victoria there too. A banner was sent from Norfolk Island to the Alexandra Rotary Club.
Helen Gibb thanked all those who helped with the Alexandra Show.
She also mentioned a plea published in the Standard Newspaper for donations to Share the Dignity – a program which aims to provide basic toiletries for women in need. Donations to the Standard Office please till the end of the month.
RC of Yea President, Tony Jacobs thanked the RC of Alexandra for the invitation to attend the meeting and ran through some of the projects we have undertaken.
Rotary Exchange Student Fabio (from Switzerland) was asked to speak about his visit and he kept the room’s attention with anecdotes and photos of some of the ‘adventures’ he’s had and the people he has met in the past 4 months.
Maria Price, International Director introduced the Rotary Club of Karkiv Renaissance and the Centre for Children’s Life and Rehabilitation.
So far, 6447 children are without parents and 501 children have been killed. The Centre’s goal is to improve the life of Ukrainian children and the aim is to develop 10 centres where they are looked after with needs varying from basic food through to mental health.
There was a fine session. Then Fabio was asked to draw the raffle. Funnily enough he drew a prize for himself!
President Geoff then closed the meeting.
Fabio and Bob Flowers
Darryl and Pam | President Tony | Geoff and Penny |
GUEST SPEAKER - Rotarian Darryl King,
Darryl spoke of his grandfather, Arthur King, a brave man who paid the ultimate sacrifice as a prisoner of war on the island of Ambon. Arthur joined the army in 1940, leaving his wife at home with two young sons in Melbourne. His first billet with the 2/21 AIF was on the Goulburn banks at Trawool, where 750 eventually made their way to Darwin, to be transported by ship to Ambon. Dur-ing active conflict with the Japanese in 1942, 39 officers and 750 rank soldiers were taken as pris-oners of war, suffering terrible treatment. A group of 11 men risked their lives to leave, unlaw-fully, the compound each evening to forage and scrounge for food to bring back to the prisoners. On 21 November 1942, these 11 brave men were taken to the Japanese HQ where they were executed and buried in a mass grave. Ar-thurs’ widow was not notified of this outcome until 1945 when she received an offi-cial telegram. A war cemetery has since been developed and maintained to honor these brave men. Darryl has a collection of letters from Arthur to his wife, a letter from the King, and the official telegrams from the army.
3 minute speaker, Paul Kellet
Paul spoke of his career as an electrical engineer, particularly where he worked in the oil and petrochemical industry and had the op-opportunities to work in the South Pacific where he commissioned electrical control systems. Paul enjoyed the history and beauty of the is-lands.
Paul spoke of his career as an electrical engineer, particularly where he worked in the oil and petrochemical industry and had the op-opportunities to work in the South Pacific where he commissioned electrical control systems. Paul enjoyed the history and beauty of the is-lands.
Flowerdale Primary school catered for the evening, thankyou!
“Getting to Know You” Our Members — John Sinclair the first speaker.
John gave an insight in to the life of John Sinclair! Born in 1940, both parents being medical practitioners, living in the northern suburbs of Melbourne, at-tending East Ivanhoe Primary School and then private college for secondary. John’s passion was for the family 500 acre farm in Molesworth, where he com-menced developing it to the Nutfield we know now. He met Clare 59 years ago, and together they are very proud of their 3 children and 7 grandchildren. Rotary is a feature of John’s life, being a member for 32 years, and he looks for-ward to many more years of fellowship and friendship of Yea Rotary Club.
Our second “Getting to Know You” speaker was none other than our Chairperson, and future grandson in law of John, Lachie!
Lachie told us of growing up in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne, second of 4 children. He attended the local primary school and then on to private secondary. A highlight of his secondary schooling was playing the bagpipes and being a member of the pipe band, where they were lucky to play tours overseas and around Australia. He attended Deakin University, studying science (Microbiology). He met Lily through their friendship groups in Year 10, and have been a couple since 1st year university, Studies took them to Canberra and Griffith, then moved to back to a farm in Molesworth, Whilst still working part time as a brewer in Alexandra, Lachie is also a member of the Elders Insurance team. Lachie and Lily announced their engagement earlier this year, and plan to marry 2024.
Lachie told us of growing up in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne, second of 4 children. He attended the local primary school and then on to private secondary. A highlight of his secondary schooling was playing the bagpipes and being a member of the pipe band, where they were lucky to play tours overseas and around Australia. He attended Deakin University, studying science (Microbiology). He met Lily through their friendship groups in Year 10, and have been a couple since 1st year university, Studies took them to Canberra and Griffith, then moved to back to a farm in Molesworth, Whilst still working part time as a brewer in Alexandra, Lachie is also a member of the Elders Insurance team. Lachie and Lily announced their engagement earlier this year, and plan to marry 2024.
Club Business:
David—Tippy and David will be away in South Africa, visiting Daysprings for the opening of the facilities initiated by Ruth Konig and funded by a global grant, where they will present to the community a framed photograph of Ruth.
This month's Rotary Downunder Magazine, being Foundation Month focus, has a story of Day-springs and Ruth. Check it out!
David—Tippy and David will be away in South Africa, visiting Daysprings for the opening of the facilities initiated by Ruth Konig and funded by a global grant, where they will present to the community a framed photograph of Ruth.
This month's Rotary Downunder Magazine, being Foundation Month focus, has a story of Day-springs and Ruth. Check it out!
Fabio gave a brief update on his exchange experience, saying he is enjoying Yea, finding it a friendly and open town. School is very different very social! He would like to take up swimming, perhaps training with Yea Water Tigers. He moves to his next home family, Amanda Hard/Gary Charles, after a wonderful introduction to exchange experiences with the Luckman/Dowling family.
Fabio Caterers for the meeting were Sacred Heart Primary School.Thank you for the lovely meal!
District Governor Neta Kirby
Neta presented President Tony with Certificate, congratulating Yea RC on being a Level 1 Club for support to Rotary Foundation.
Neta hales from Tatura, and is a member of Tatura RC and proudly steps up to the DG Role, ensuring she connects with clubs in District 9790. A parent of 4 adult children, grandmother to 8 grandchildren and working as a therapist, counselling children aged 2—18 who are experiencing domestic and family violence. Neta is a keen motor bike rider, riding a 3 wheeler ‘Spider’ as her wheels these days.
Neta has chosen a project close to her heart as her partners project, “Lifes Little Treasures Foundation”, supported by her children, after experiencing as a grand-mother, the emotional and physical toll on her family (daughter & son in law) upon the premature birth of twin sons. Leigh survived for 30 hours and Max is now a ro-bust 6 year old with a resulting hearing impairment. The Foundation supports fami-lies of premature and sick babies during this crucial time, with travel vouchers, premature baby packs, play groups and support for siblings, grandparents and ex-tended families. RAWCS has adopted it as a project and generous donations have already been received.
Neta also advocates for “No to Domestic Violence”, and encourages us to be kind and respectful, supporting the cause which is endorsed by Zone 8, and Districts in northern NSW.
The District conference will be held in Shepparton, 19,20 & 21 April 2024. The Conference Team is working hard putting the program together, including activities, guest speakers and dinner dance. Book early!
Vote of thanks to Neta from President Tony, and committing $1000 donation to her partners project, “Lifes Little Treasures Foundation”.
Our 3 minute speaker— Kristie Luckman.
Kristie, Eoghan, Noah, Kyla and Rotary Ex-change Student Fabio, spent an action packed 2 weeks in New Zealand, staying with Eoghans’ sister. Many exciting activities were found to do! Looked like lots of fun!.
Kristie, Eoghan, Noah, Kyla and Rotary Ex-change Student Fabio, spent an action packed 2 weeks in New Zealand, staying with Eoghans’ sister. Many exciting activities were found to do! Looked like lots of fun!.
Fabio, proudly showing his Yea RC polo shirt and cap | Kristie | Thank you to Yea Primary School for the delicious roast pork meal |
GUEST SPEAKERS - A team of health professionals from Yea & District Memorial Hospital
Chloe Thompson—Dietician, Shona Maljkovic—Cardiac Support Nurse, Hailey Docking—Health Promotion Officer
The team of health professionals from Yea & District Memorial Hospital gave a presentation directed at our health care, with prevention of health decline being the important message. Shona, the Cardiac Support Nurse, working in Yea and Alexandra, presented a compelling case for prevention of cardiac disease and hospitalisation. She spoke of what we can do to reduce our risk, signs to recognize heart attack and what to do should this happen to you. Cardiac support is available by making an appointment at the Hospital or referral by your GP.
Chloe, Dietician, presented us with suggestions for eating for a healthy heart, e.g. 5 vegetables/2 fruit serves per day, and spoke of foods to limit and suggested foods to supplement with.
Hailey, Health Promotion Officer, gave an overview of facilities that are available at the hospital, such as Diabetes support, psychologist, speech pathology, district nursing service and a walking group (10 am, Mondays, (eaving from the Community House).
Shona, Hailey and Chloe
3 minute speaker - Darryl King
Darryl spoke of his career journey to where he is today—Chef, Grounds Keeper (City of Knox) and now Gardener. Darryl came to Yea when he purchased acreage, which of course required the establishment of a garden, and has since downsized to a 6 acre plot, which also requires the ongoing development of a garden! He was forced to reevaluate his workload after suffering a debilitating illness and lengthy rehabilitation. Darryl is passionate about giving back to the community, and along with his Rotary duties, he is involved in the Murrindindi Hub.
Thank you to Yea & District Riding Club
for the delicious meal tonight.
Raffle
for the delicious meal tonight.
Raffle
VISIT BY RFE GROUP FROM SWEDEN
President Tony gave an overview of Yea Rotary Clubs initiatives e.g. Garden Expo, Open Gardens, Art Show, and English Speaking Corners.
The Swedish team representative, Erling, responded with a brief but comprehensive overview of life in Sweden, touching on - Geographical and Population; History, dating back to the Vikings; Economy and Industries; Society; Sustainability; Equality; Higher Education and Research; Innovation; Nobel Prize; Monarchy; Government; Climate; Workforce; Lifestyle.
The traditional exchange of banners took place, with 3 banners presented from the Swedish clubs and President Tony presenting the YRC banners in return.
The Swedish team representative, Erling, responded with a brief but comprehensive overview of life in Sweden, touching on - Geographical and Population; History, dating back to the Vikings; Economy and Industries; Society; Sustainability; Equality; Higher Education and Research; Innovation; Nobel Prize; Monarchy; Government; Climate; Workforce; Lifestyle.
The traditional exchange of banners took place, with 3 banners presented from the Swedish clubs and President Tony presenting the YRC banners in return.
Lachie and his father entertaining our guests. | Our caterers tonight were the Yea Community Cancer Charity. |
GUEST SPEAKERB Kerry McGahy, - Mental Health for Young People.
Kerry advocates that we all have a role to play to support mental health for young people, with suicide being the leading cause of death for youth.
Employed at Alexandra Secondary College as their Engagement & Wellbeing officer, Kerry is working with youth, supporting students to overcome their anxieties, disconnection, loneliness and feelings of not belonging, enabling them to join in and participate socially and in classtime. Covid and natural disasters have shaped our youth and left many gaps for young people, ie family structures, financial and adult mental health. Social media also has negative effects on youth.
Schools play a major role in counselling students, and the problems are recognised and resources are funded to assist. Families also need support by way of agencies and community groups ie. Sporting clubs. Kerry concluded with a reminder that mental health is not easy, and as a community groups, need to come together to sup-port connections.
Vote of thanks from Marj Hamilton
Chairperson for the meeting was Penny Paxman
Penny, a wonderful advocate for mental health awareness, prepared a fun program supporting Rota-rys’ Lift the Lid on Mental Health initiative, raising funds to support research into finding a way to pre-vent this type of illness.
Penny organised an auction of 3 hats, each with a secret prize, as well as a prize for the best “crazy hat”.
Penny, a wonderful advocate for mental health awareness, prepared a fun program supporting Rota-rys’ Lift the Lid on Mental Health initiative, raising funds to support research into finding a way to pre-vent this type of illness.
Penny organised an auction of 3 hats, each with a secret prize, as well as a prize for the best “crazy hat”.
David Anderson, our Auctioneer for the fundraiser, commented that one in five people are affected by mental health illness, and encouraged us all to be open and talk.
Bidding was hotly contested, quickly raising $365.00 to support mental health re-search.
• Marj Hamilton was the winning bidder for the Pink Hat—winning an Airfryer
• Bob Dewar outbid a strong contingent for the Blue Hat—wining a Goulburn Valley Nursery Voucher
• John Sinclair was the winning bidder for the Green Hat—which was the mystery prize (a lovely set of earrings and necklace)
Bidding was hotly contested, quickly raising $365.00 to support mental health re-search.
• Marj Hamilton was the winning bidder for the Pink Hat—winning an Airfryer
• Bob Dewar outbid a strong contingent for the Blue Hat—wining a Goulburn Valley Nursery Voucher
• John Sinclair was the winning bidder for the Green Hat—which was the mystery prize (a lovely set of earrings and necklace)
Thanks to caterers, Deb Baynes and team (Emma and Sharon) for the delicious roast beef and pudding meal!