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Youth Exchange
Information on exchange and applying for an exchange
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Guest Speaker, Haylee Fyfe. Haylee (our RYLA attendee in 2024)
Having just completed her VCE exams and awaiting results which would determine her career path, Haylee nervously boarded the RYLA bus for a week of fun, friendship, personal challenges and the opportunity to build leadership skills. From the very start of the bus journey the fun began with games to break down the barriers and get to meet and feel very comfortable with the other participants. Throughout the week the leaders did a great job with games, activities and problem solving challenges to involve everyone. Haylee enjoyed the opportunity to overcome doubts and nerves to achieve and gain positives from all challenges and the opportunity to change perspectives on life by joining in and trusting other participants. She overcame her nerves to join in, challenged herself and gained confidence to have a go!Haylee is currently doing her diploma of nursing at TAFE and wishes to go on to university to become a Registered Nurse. She completed a 2 week work placement at Barrabill Aged Care Home, Seymour, and is looking forward to her next practical placements.
Vote of Thanks — David Anderson
3 Minute Speaker
With our 3 minute speaker an apology tonight, Chauirperson David took the opportunity to update us on RI End Polio Now campaign.
David and Tippy joined, for part, the annual Rotary Foundation “Ride the Rails” in Sydney, where participants undertake to travel every route of the Sydney rail network, commencing at Cronulla at 4.32am and finishing at Tullawong at 10.30 pm, and raising $115,000 along the way. This is matched 2:1 by the Gates Foundation. A fabulous effort. Two cases of polio were reported in PNG two weeks ago—very close to home.
With our 3 minute speaker an apology tonight, Chauirperson David took the opportunity to update us on RI End Polio Now campaign.
David and Tippy joined, for part, the annual Rotary Foundation “Ride the Rails” in Sydney, where participants undertake to travel every route of the Sydney rail network, commencing at Cronulla at 4.32am and finishing at Tullawong at 10.30 pm, and raising $115,000 along the way. This is matched 2:1 by the Gates Foundation. A fabulous effort. Two cases of polio were reported in PNG two weeks ago—very close to home.
By Laws —Tony Jacobs introduced the Amendments to the Constitution, which Rotary International has requested that each club adopt to replace their current Constitution. A copy of the updated Constitution has been circulated. Tony highlighted the changes which affect RC of Yea Constitution. Members present at the meeting, by show of hands, unanimously approved the adoption of the By Laws.
RYLA 2025 - Julie
It was disappointing to learn today, due to low attendance, that RYLA 2025 has been cancelled. Nakaiah was our candidate this year.
We have been asked to consider redirecting the funds to a program to support past attendees into leadership—RYLA Elevate. Board to consider.
RYLA 2025 - Julie
It was disappointing to learn today, due to low attendance, that RYLA 2025 has been cancelled. Nakaiah was our candidate this year.
We have been asked to consider redirecting the funds to a program to support past attendees into leadership—RYLA Elevate. Board to consider.
Thanks to Deb, Diane and Loretta for another fabulous meal!
Vocational Visit to Koala Cherries
This week we visited the Koala Cherries at Yarck, as a vocational visit. We were warmly welcomed by Vicki Kennedy, HR Manager, who spoke of the history and ever evolving production of the p
acking shed at Yarck, and Simon Rouget took us into the orchard at Yarck to show the different plantings and harvest expectations.
The cherry orchard was established in 1944 by Reginald Rouget at Wandin in the Yarra Valley, and in 1988 the family moved to Yarck, seeking a drier climate to grow their cherries and establish the processing and distribution side of the business. Now the 3rd generation of Rougets are training the 4th generation the art of nurturing the cherry orchard.
The cherries are grown in 3 regions — Cobram, Strathbogie and Yarck, where the cherries are tree ripened. The trees take 5 years to establish and are viable for 25 years. Weather plays a huge part in a perfect harvest, with rain, hail and frosts at the crucial time being the enemy.
Koala Cherries has a permanent staff of 70, and during the intense 10-12 weeks of picking, packing and distribution the workforce swells to 1200 which include many international backpackers, grey nomads and locals.
The cherries are handpicked, taken straight to the packing shed where they are cooled, graded for size and individually inspected to cull any blemish, including photographed 35 times, ensuring only the finest quality is package for distribution. It's an amazing mechanical process. The cherries are packaged and on the shelves at the supermarkets the next day.
acking shed at Yarck, and Simon Rouget took us into the orchard at Yarck to show the different plantings and harvest expectations.The cherry orchard was established in 1944 by Reginald Rouget at Wandin in the Yarra Valley, and in 1988 the family moved to Yarck, seeking a drier climate to grow their cherries and establish the processing and distribution side of the business. Now the 3rd generation of Rougets are training the 4th generation the art of nurturing the cherry orchard.
The cherries are grown in 3 regions — Cobram, Strathbogie and Yarck, where the cherries are tree ripened. The trees take 5 years to establish and are viable for 25 years. Weather plays a huge part in a perfect harvest, with rain, hail and frosts at the crucial time being the enemy.
Koala Cherries has a permanent staff of 70, and during the intense 10-12 weeks of picking, packing and distribution the workforce swells to 1200 which include many international backpackers, grey nomads and locals.
The cherries are handpicked, taken straight to the packing shed where they are cooled, graded for size and individually inspected to cull any blemish, including photographed 35 times, ensuring only the finest quality is package for distribution. It's an amazing mechanical process. The cherries are packaged and on the shelves at the supermarkets the next day.
A big thank you to Koala Cherries for accommodating our visit and providing a comprehensive overview of the industry which many of us have witnessed grow from their first plantings to a major exporter and huge positive economical impact to Murrindindi Shire. To keep the wheels turning during the off season (9 months) they use their sheds and equipment to process, package and distribute fruit and vege-tables which are imported into Australia.
Our visit to Yarck culminated with a visit to the Yarck Hotel, where we all enjoyed a social catch up over a meal.
Our visit to Yarck culminated with a visit to the Yarck Hotel, where we all enjoyed a social catch up over a meal.
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Guest Speaker - PP Penny Paxman
To highlight Polio Week, PP Penny spoke of the Polio Eradication Program in India. Penny was planning to travel to India to work as a volunteer, assisting with the distribution of vaccine with the program, but had to cancel due to family reasons. Penny had a short video highlighting the volunteer support work.Currently there are 20 wild cases of polio in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
We will have our End Polio BBQ tomorrow and looking forward to the support of Yea HS students to assist.
3 minute speaker — Chris Kellett.
Chris gave us an insight into her nursing career, where her first job after her honeymoon was in the ICU ward at Box Hill, which led on to a 56 year career in ICU nursing. After a 2 year break to work as a midwife, Chris returned to IC nursing and in 1986 undertook further studies in IC at the Alfred Hospital, where she continued her nursing, working in new pioneering procedures with burns, neurology, respiratory, renal, cardiac, assisting with the first heart transplant operation, ECMO life support, brain pressure monitoring and research. In 1988 Chris was appointed charge nurse of the ICU at the Alfred and in 1991 was appointed an educator in IC.
A truly wonderful career Chris!
Chris gave us an insight into her nursing career, where her first job after her honeymoon was in the ICU ward at Box Hill, which led on to a 56 year career in ICU nursing. After a 2 year break to work as a midwife, Chris returned to IC nursing and in 1986 undertook further studies in IC at the Alfred Hospital, where she continued her nursing, working in new pioneering procedures with burns, neurology, respiratory, renal, cardiac, assisting with the first heart transplant operation, ECMO life support, brain pressure monitoring and research. In 1988 Chris was appointed charge nurse of the ICU at the Alfred and in 1991 was appointed an educator in IC.
A truly wonderful career Chris!
Tonight, we were hoping to connect via zoom with exchange student Julie, who has returned home to Taiwan after her 3 month exchange where she was hosted by Nakaiah and Cheyenne. Unfortunately we were not able to connect due to Julie having an unplanned commitment.
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| Chairperson—Peter Tull | Exchange student Cucky and return outbound student Nakaiah. | Thanks to caterers Kerry Tull and Nicole for a lovely meal. |
Guest Speaker - Hannah Power, Dindi Microbakery
Hannah, who together with her husband Daniel, operate Dindi Dough Microbakery. Hannah grew up in Taggerty, loved cooking with her mother, and completed her certificate in Cooking and Patisserie at TAFE. When her mum passed away, Hannah immersed herself in baking bread, and this eventuated in the registering of her home kitchen (December 2024) enabling the microbakery to sell her sourdough breads commercially, As their business has grown, so has the size of their oven, mixer and fridge to ensure a perfect product is available to the community. Hannah sells her breads, sweet and savoury scrolls, fruit loaves, focaccias on Saturday and Sundays through Just Great Coffee (Yea), and at local markets, including Strath Creek Farmers Mar-ket. With Daniel working full time and Hannah working 3 days a week, and 2 children, homelife if busy. To meet market deadlines, final baking commences at 4.30 am, with many hours of preparation beforehand. Hannah is continually trialling flavours and products and hopes to include produce from their garden into the range.Vote of thanks—Tippy
3 Minute Speaker - Hennie Lanting (with only 3 minutes notice!)
Hennie and her partner Brian have returned to Victoria from Queensland, having moved there during Covid, initially living on the Gold Coast and then moving to a Recreational Village in Har
vey Bay. During their time on the Gold Coast Hennie joined Tweed Heads/Coolangatta Rotary Club, which was interesting trying to hold meetings with borders closed during Covid.
Hennie was originally from Dromana, and com-muted into the city for work every day, while still making time for SES, being an active member for 15 years. With both Hennie and Brian having families and grandchildren in Victoria, much research went into finding a perfect town close to Melbourne and close to families for their move back south and Yea came up trumps! Welcome!
Thanks Hennie for the impromptu 3 minuter.
Hennie and her partner Brian have returned to Victoria from Queensland, having moved there during Covid, initially living on the Gold Coast and then moving to a Recreational Village in Har
vey Bay. During their time on the Gold Coast Hennie joined Tweed Heads/Coolangatta Rotary Club, which was interesting trying to hold meetings with borders closed during Covid.Hennie was originally from Dromana, and com-muted into the city for work every day, while still making time for SES, being an active member for 15 years. With both Hennie and Brian having families and grandchildren in Victoria, much research went into finding a perfect town close to Melbourne and close to families for their move back south and Yea came up trumps! Welcome!
Thanks Hennie for the impromptu 3 minuter.
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| Good to see Charles and Catherine! | Thanks to the Yea Show Committee for serving another great meal (under great difficulties with gas running out!) |
Guest Speaker - Jacqie Gilbee, from Goulburn Valley Suicide Awareness Group. Jacqie spoke of the very successful Suicide Awareness Walk, which was held in September 
and supported by Rotary BBQ for the fifth year. The walk followed the rail trail to the east of Yea, passing the blue tree which can been seen as you travel along the Melba Highway. The tree is symbolic, raising awareness to mental health and suicide. The tree was painted in 2023, with paint donated by Dulux and appliances to reach the top supplied by Unlimited tree services. Guest speakers at the commencement of the walk included Warren Davies, “The Unbreakable Farmer”, Ron, the local hayman with a very moving story, and Murrindindi Mayor, Damien Gallagher. Aunty Angela conducted the welcome and smoking ceremony.
The GV Suicide Awareness Group has recently moved from group meetings to offer-ing support to individuals, with lived experience, network support and recommendations to professional help.
Jacqui’s message is to bring awareness of suicide to all social media and other pro-motional avenues such as radio, and to encourage the use of the word “suicide” in everyday conversations, promote Help-lines and support and to encourage that we are all “getting the good out of bad”.
Vote of Thank—Chris Kellett
and supported by Rotary BBQ for the fifth year. The walk followed the rail trail to the east of Yea, passing the blue tree which can been seen as you travel along the Melba Highway. The tree is symbolic, raising awareness to mental health and suicide. The tree was painted in 2023, with paint donated by Dulux and appliances to reach the top supplied by Unlimited tree services. Guest speakers at the commencement of the walk included Warren Davies, “The Unbreakable Farmer”, Ron, the local hayman with a very moving story, and Murrindindi Mayor, Damien Gallagher. Aunty Angela conducted the welcome and smoking ceremony.The GV Suicide Awareness Group has recently moved from group meetings to offer-ing support to individuals, with lived experience, network support and recommendations to professional help.
Jacqui’s message is to bring awareness of suicide to all social media and other pro-motional avenues such as radio, and to encourage the use of the word “suicide” in everyday conversations, promote Help-lines and support and to encourage that we are all “getting the good out of bad”.
Vote of Thank—Chris Kellett
3 Minuter — Les Hall
Les spent the first 25 years of his life growing up in Porpunkah, roaming the bush, rivers and exploring mineshafts of the Buckland Valley and Mt Buffalo areas, and with the current spotlight on that area, Les has been reminded of the search and res-cues the locals carried out, using their superior local knowledge, for lost hikers who strayed and others who suffered misadventures.
Les spent the first 25 years of his life growing up in Porpunkah, roaming the bush, rivers and exploring mineshafts of the Buckland Valley and Mt Buffalo areas, and with the current spotlight on that area, Les has been reminded of the search and res-cues the locals carried out, using their superior local knowledge, for lost hikers who strayed and others who suffered misadventures.
President Darryl -Tonight is Lift The Lid, great to see every-one wearing a hat! Funds raised tonight through raffles and Auction will go to District Governors Project—Training for Men-tal Health Support in Clubs.
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President Darryl | Exchange Student Cucky —”Best Hat” | Thanks to the caterers for the night, Deb Baynes, Diane and Maree for a delicious meal. |
Guest Speaker - Elizabeth Sinclair, CEO, Yea & District Memorial Hospital.
Chairperson Chris Kellett introduced our guest speaker. Chris was very pleased to introduce her, as Elizabeth was under her leadership as a grad nurse at the Alfred Hospital (many years ago!)Thank you to RC of Yea for the support to give the sale yard program a permanent home. Together with the Elders Grant a portable building was ordered, this has now been expanded to a two room facility, plus veranda, thanks to generosity of Gerry Ryan and the Jayco Group. Rotary has also sup-ported the purchase of the mouth mapping software, which is 1 of only 4 in use in the world. This aids the early detecting of mouth cancer. The new facility should be in place and operational by the January cattle sales.
Yea Hospital has 10 acute beds, 25 aged care beds (high and low care) and community health programs to support the urgent needs of our community. We are an aging population, with 26.1% of Murrindindi Shire populations being over 65. Mental Health support is essential, with Murrindindi Shire having a higher than average suicide rate 20.3% compared to state average of 11.8 per 100,000 head of population, along with alcohol and drug related incidents, with Murrindindi having 61% more deaths than State average. Alarming figures. Respiratory Care and Asthma are also higher than state average.
To support these extra programs, not funded under the hospital funding, grants, partnerships and philanthropic funding has been sourced, allowing for the provision of these vital programs -
Cardiovascular health program; Farmer health program (at sale yards) Mental health clinician in schools; Primary mental health for Mitchell and Murrindindi Shires; Our Children our Community program for Murrindindi; Over the farm gate program; Indigenous mental health; Carer support program; Mobile health clinics; Health re-search; Lung function testing and respiratory clinic; Geriatric care; Cognitive, dementia and memory service.
We are so grateful for the care and support provided by the Y&DMH health team.
3 Minute Speaker Ian Lynch - Ian was a teacher at Yea High School, and of the 50 years he has been in Yea, there was a one year break—1997. Ian was awarded a Teaching Exchange Fellowship, with the op-portunity to teach Maths for 12 months in Fair-banks, Alaska. The exchange was a complete house swap for a teacher to come to Yea. Lots of challenges to move family for 12 months—ticket mix ups, passports out of date, car trouble …. Just to name a few! Arriving in winter meant serious snow falls, freezing temperatures and very short daylight hours in the day. It was a wonderful experience for the family and I to immerse ourselves into the Alaskan way of life for 12 months, and I know the Jarvis family who spent 12 months in Yea were rewarded with a rich experience.
Thanks to Deb Baynes and team for another delicious roast pork meal!
Guest Speaker - Livia Bonnazi, CEO Murrindindi Shire.
Livia spoke of her background before taking the position as CEO of Murri
ndindi Shire. Starting her professional career as an Architect, working both for herself and large companies, then moving into the corporate world, undertaking a degree in mechanical engineering, where she worked in the mining sector, involving a lot of travel. Livia furthered her interests by undertaking a Master of Business Administration. To accommodate her young family, she moved into the local government fields in Melbourne, then senior roles with Western Water Board. Taking up the role of CEO of Murrindindi Shire has allowed her to move into the area and immerse herself in the surrounds. There have been many challenges to navigate, and with a very low rate base (only 57% of income is generated by rates), there is the constant need to be applying for both state and federal grants to enable the shire to maintain the expected level of services. With such dispersed habitation within the shire, it requires duplication of services such as 
libraries, pools, halls. The average rate is $1,920 (lower than state average), and to break even an increase of 60% would be required, which is unsustainable!
ndindi Shire. Starting her professional career as an Architect, working both for herself and large companies, then moving into the corporate world, undertaking a degree in mechanical engineering, where she worked in the mining sector, involving a lot of travel. Livia furthered her interests by undertaking a Master of Business Administration. To accommodate her young family, she moved into the local government fields in Melbourne, then senior roles with Western Water Board. Taking up the role of CEO of Murrindindi Shire has allowed her to move into the area and immerse herself in the surrounds. There have been many challenges to navigate, and with a very low rate base (only 57% of income is generated by rates), there is the constant need to be applying for both state and federal grants to enable the shire to maintain the expected level of services. With such dispersed habitation within the shire, it requires duplication of services such as libraries, pools, halls. The average rate is $1,920 (lower than state average), and to break even an increase of 60% would be required, which is unsustainable!3 Minute Speaker. Jill Heath
Jill gave an insight into the life of Jill Heath! Growing up in Sydney and Newcastle before moving to Mt Waverley area where she finished secondary school then to go on to nursing at the Alfred Hospital, furthering her career by completing midwifery at Royal Women's Hospital. It was while working in private obstetrician rooms that she met her husband, Peter. Their interest in horseracing brought them to Yea, purchasing land in Limestone, where they were able to follow their equine dreams.
Jill gave an insight into the life of Jill Heath! Growing up in Sydney and Newcastle before moving to Mt Waverley area where she finished secondary school then to go on to nursing at the Alfred Hospital, furthering her career by completing midwifery at Royal Women's Hospital. It was while working in private obstetrician rooms that she met her husband, Peter. Their interest in horseracing brought them to Yea, purchasing land in Limestone, where they were able to follow their equine dreams.
President Darryl had the honour of presenting our Chilean inbound ex-change student, Cucky, with her dinner badge and a Rotary Club of Yea Shirt
While in Thailand recently, Tippy and David attended several Rotary Club meetings. Tonight, Tippy presented our club with a banner from the RC of Wiengkosai, District 3660
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Cucky and President Darryl | Tippy and President Darryl | ||
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Thank you to Sacred Heart Primary School, supported by Emma,Emily and students, for another delicious meal! |
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No Meeting - Shire BBQ and RUOK meeting at Town Hall run by Shire and Local Health Organisations.
Its Spring!Its BBQ Season!
President Darryl has been King of the BBQ tongs, with a sausage sizzle to support Murrindindi Shire’s RUOK day and the film “Runt” on Thursday evening, followed by a sausage sizzle at the Railway Park Sunday morning to support the GV Suicide Awareness Walk.
Both events reminding each of us that our family, friends, neighbours and strangers always need a smile and a chat..
This Thursday will see the “tongs” team busy at the Paringa Cattle Sales and of course, the BBQ will be running red hot for 2 days at the Garden Expo.
Suicide Awareness Walk
Aunty Angela, of Taungurung people, opened the event and conducted a smoking ceremony.
GV Suicide Awareness Walk was an opportunity for many to come together to support and walk the rail trail out to the blue tree beside the Melba Highway. Sunshine was brilliant and many families with children of all ages, and many others with their loyal dogs enjoyed the walk and then a well earned sausage as a reward!
Many walked in solidarity wearing t shirts promoting suicide awareness
GV Suicide Awareness Walk was an opportunity for many to come together to support and walk the rail trail out to the blue tree beside the Melba Highway. Sunshine was brilliant and many families with children of all ages, and many others with their loyal dogs enjoyed the walk and then a well earned sausage as a reward!
Many walked in solidarity wearing t shirts promoting suicide awareness
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LETTER FROM FABIO:
We have received a letter from Fabio, keeping us up to date with life in Switzerland. Fabio returned home from his exchange mid 2024.
Dear friends at Rotary Club Yea
I hope you are all doing well! It has been a while since my exchange year in Yea, but I still think back very often to the many wonderful memories I made thanks to you.When I came back to Switzerland in summer last year, I settled in quite quickly and was straight back into school. Three months ago, I finished Year 11, which felt like an important milestone. In spring this year, Millie [Charles] came to visit me here in Switzerland – it was so special to show her my home country after she had shared hers with me. Over the summer holidays I also caught up with some exchange friends which brought back lots of good memories.
Now I have started my final year of school. I’m working on my graduation project about ADHD in the workplace, which has been really interesting and challenging. Soon we will go on our final class trip to Amsterdam, and after that I’ll spend a week diving in Egypt with my family. Afterwards, I will visit my girlfriend Chloe in Sweden, where she currently plays hockey. In winter, I am planning to work as a ski instructor again for a few weeks.
Looking a bit further ahead: after finishing school next summer, I will serve for 18 weeks in the Swiss military, where I already received my function. Afterwards, I plan to spend another season as a ski instructor before finally returning to Australia in spring 2027 – something I’m really looking forward to! After that, I want to begin my studies in law and economics at the University of St. Gallen.
Life feels busy but exciting, and I’m very grateful for all the opportunities ahead.
I would love to hear how things are going in Yea. Does the Rotary Club currently have exchange students? Are there any new projects or community events happening? How is the Footy Club doing this season, and has the town changed much since I was last there? It always makes me happy to hear news from Yea, as it stills feels a little like my second home.
Please pass on my warmest regards to everyone in the club and thank you again for everything you did for me during my exchange year – it continues to shape and inspire me.
Warm regards from Switzerland,
Fabio
RC of Yea Vocational visit to Alexandra Standard Printers - The visit was a fun and interesting night, and concluded with a meal at the Molesworth Hotel, thanks to James for opening up for us.
Thank you to Karen Morrison, who has been with the Standard for 16 years, for giving us a comprehensive tour of the office and an insight into how the local paper is produced each week. The Alexandra office, opened in 1868, produces the Alexandra Standard and Yea Chronicle weekly, along with commercial printing jobs. Advertising is a big part of keeping the wheels turning for the company. They employ 7 staff, including 3 journalists. The paper is composed digitally in Alexandra and printed in Wangaratta on Tuesday mornings. A run of 1,500 Chronicles is produced each week.
Thank you to Karen Morrison, who has been with the Standard for 16 years, for giving us a comprehensive tour of the office and an insight into how the local paper is produced each week. The Alexandra office, opened in 1868, produces the Alexandra Standard and Yea Chronicle weekly, along with commercial printing jobs. Advertising is a big part of keeping the wheels turning for the company. They employ 7 staff, including 3 journalists. The paper is composed digitally in Alexandra and printed in Wangaratta on Tuesday mornings. A run of 1,500 Chronicles is produced each week.
The Group
Karen Morrison explaining the old and the current printing methods.
Colour was added to the previous mono print in 2010. The back rooms contain many of the old printing presses and lead print blocks, now part of history.
Thank you, Karen, the week-ly Chronicle is such an important asset to our community!
Thanks Penny and Glenn for organising the visit.
Thank you, Karen, the week-ly Chronicle is such an important asset to our community!
Thanks Penny and Glenn for organising the visit.
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| The group listening | Penny |
Service Above Self
Yea, VIC 3717
Australia