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.
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
The club will support their picnic day and BBQ
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.
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.
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.
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
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| Ian Sichlau | Gary Cocks | Sue Carpenter |
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| Bobby Dewar | Ken Foletta |
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.
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| 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
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| President Paul and PP David Anderson | Presisdent Paul outlining his vision | President Paul and Family |
