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Welcome to our Club!
President Darryl
Welcomed all and noted that the scheduled guest speaker was an apology.
Business
DG Emma Davis has advised that $20,000 fire recovery funds have been received (RAWCS) and will be distributed via 40 $500 vouchers to fire impacted residents. Opportunity to promote Rotary’s role in securing and distributing the funds.
Strath Creek luncheon to hand over of Uniting Church equipment and tools to the Upper Goulburn Landcare group for bushfire recovery was very successful. Thank you to Jill and Hennie who assisted Darryl to cater for 60 guests.
Raffle to be conducted at the Club’s 40th birthday celebrations. Members asked to pass on contribution of hamper gourmet goods to Glenda
Nominations for the David Long Community Award and Paul Harris recognition to be received by Secretary Glenda by May 15th. Forms available from the Secretary.
Football/Netball gate roster circulated—again!
Ripple Effect notice boards are in the window at Nutrien Harcourt premises and are already drawing strong interest.
Ian Tobin will organise RC of Yea signage to be placed on the newly acquired supply trailer– thank you Ian.
Anzac Day BBQ planning well in hand. Thank you to Sam Wright for his assistance in cleaning and preparing BBQ equipment. Darryl will provide a wreath.
Secretary Glenda Woods:
86 acceptances already for 40th birthday celebration Members who haven't yet
responded or paid, please do so asap.
Garden Expo flyer details have been forwarded to the printer in Kilmore Reports for inclusion in the 2026 Annual Report to be received by the Secretary by mid May.
Rotarians are invited to attend the Mouth Map launch—a partnership between the District Memorial Hospital and Yea Rotary— on Friday the 1st of May 11.30-12.00pm at the Yea Saleyards.
Three M
inuter: Peter Tull Peter spoke of a recent trip with Kerry to Texas on the NSW/Queensland border where they visited the Texas Rabbit Works, a refurbished and renovated museum highlighting the importance of the feral rabbit industry both in Texas and in Australia. Between 1930 and 1960 the Texas Rabbit Works were a major employer in the district, processing 600 rabbits a day and sustaining local families. The processing works turned the district’s rabbit problem into an opportunity! When the Tull property was first acquired by the family in 1962 it was infested with rabbits. Peter spent many hours after school ferreting and spotlighting rabbits – selling the rabbits to teachers at the High School and to the middle pub in Yea. It was quite a lucrative hobby for a young lad!
inuter: Peter Tull Peter spoke of a recent trip with Kerry to Texas on the NSW/Queensland border where they visited the Texas Rabbit Works, a refurbished and renovated museum highlighting the importance of the feral rabbit industry both in Texas and in Australia. Between 1930 and 1960 the Texas Rabbit Works were a major employer in the district, processing 600 rabbits a day and sustaining local families. The processing works turned the district’s rabbit problem into an opportunity! When the Tull property was first acquired by the family in 1962 it was infested with rabbits. Peter spent many hours after school ferreting and spotlighting rabbits – selling the rabbits to teachers at the High School and to the middle pub in Yea. It was quite a lucrative hobby for a young lad!Dickie Dashwood was presented with a replacement copy of his Rotary Club of Yea Certificate of Appreciation which he had received from Julie when she was President back in 2011. Dickie is still going strong, but the original certificate had faded over the years!
Our caterers,Kerry Tull and daughter Nicole and
grandchildren Lucas and Charlize for a beautiful meal.
Guest Speaker - Neil Beer
Neil was a Charter Member of the Rotary Club of Yea, PP and PFH, and is actively contributes to many local organisations, including CFA.
Along with cattle farming with his wife Jan since 1974, Neil has been involved in the motor car industry over the same peri-od. Neil reflected the current fuel crisis, and the evolution of Electric Vehicles. 1973 and 1976 saw fuel crisis, with rationing by odds and evens number plates, which also caused panic buying to down-size to smaller cars, just as now there is a rush to purchase electric vehicles. With Neil’s knowledge of the car industry, he suggested that swapping in this climate for an EV the cost of changeover is not substantiated.
During the 2025-26 period electric vehicles reflected 5% of vehicle sales in the Beer family business, but over the past 6 weeks, due to fuel crisis, the sale of electric/hybrid vehicles has jumped to 38%. China is producing most of the electric vehicles imported into Australia and distributing them quickly into dealerships,
There are still many issues to overcome such as charging points and increased tyre wear (due to vehicles being heavier because of the batteries), along with increased insurance
The uptake in heavy vehicles is restricted due to long charge times.
Vote of thanks—Gary Fitzgerald.
Neil was a Charter Member of the Rotary Club of Yea, PP and PFH, and is actively contributes to many local organisations, including CFA.Along with cattle farming with his wife Jan since 1974, Neil has been involved in the motor car industry over the same peri-od. Neil reflected the current fuel crisis, and the evolution of Electric Vehicles. 1973 and 1976 saw fuel crisis, with rationing by odds and evens number plates, which also caused panic buying to down-size to smaller cars, just as now there is a rush to purchase electric vehicles. With Neil’s knowledge of the car industry, he suggested that swapping in this climate for an EV the cost of changeover is not substantiated.
During the 2025-26 period electric vehicles reflected 5% of vehicle sales in the Beer family business, but over the past 6 weeks, due to fuel crisis, the sale of electric/hybrid vehicles has jumped to 38%. China is producing most of the electric vehicles imported into Australia and distributing them quickly into dealerships,
There are still many issues to overcome such as charging points and increased tyre wear (due to vehicles being heavier because of the batteries), along with increased insurance
The uptake in heavy vehicles is restricted due to long charge times.
Vote of thanks—Gary Fitzgerald.
3 Minute Speaker—Ian Lynch
Ian gave us a quick trip down memory lane, reminding us of how quickly we have come to rely on the technology of mobile phones, and how quickly they have developed to force us to rely on newer, bigger, better, sophistically advanced technology—at our expense!
Mobile phone technology commenced in 1973, with the Motorola “brick” weighing over 2 kg and re-leased commercially in 1983 for $4,000 US. Introduced into Australis in 1987 in a slightly slimmed down version, it had a battery life of 30 minutes talk time and took 10 hours to charge and could only be used for phone calls and had no data storage capacity. Phone technology evolved with phones becoming smaller and lighter. In the 1990’s 2G was re-leased; Early 2000’s 3G technology included cameras, music, colour screens, email access; in 2007 Apple iPhone introduced the “smart phone” with internet capabilities and touchscreens; the 2020’s ushered in 5G, with fast internet and AI and integration of wearable
Ian gave us a quick trip down memory lane, reminding us of how quickly we have come to rely on the technology of mobile phones, and how quickly they have developed to force us to rely on newer, bigger, better, sophistically advanced technology—at our expense!
Mobile phone technology commenced in 1973, with the Motorola “brick” weighing over 2 kg and re-leased commercially in 1983 for $4,000 US. Introduced into Australis in 1987 in a slightly slimmed down version, it had a battery life of 30 minutes talk time and took 10 hours to charge and could only be used for phone calls and had no data storage capacity. Phone technology evolved with phones becoming smaller and lighter. In the 1990’s 2G was re-leased; Early 2000’s 3G technology included cameras, music, colour screens, email access; in 2007 Apple iPhone introduced the “smart phone” with internet capabilities and touchscreens; the 2020’s ushered in 5G, with fast internet and AI and integration of wearable
Penny Paxman
Rotary Club of Seymour will host a combined clubs meeting on 3 August 2026, which will include a visit from District Governor. More details to follow. 
Monday 18 May, Rotary Club of Yea will supply dinner for the Yarck Hub, supporting fire affected families. It is planned to use the BBQ, with members required to as-sist with serving and providing desserts.
Rotary Club of Seymour will host a combined clubs meeting on 3 August 2026, which will include a visit from District Governor. More details to follow. 
Monday 18 May, Rotary Club of Yea will supply dinner for the Yarck Hub, supporting fire affected families. It is planned to use the BBQ, with members required to as-sist with serving and providing desserts.
Glenn Milliken– Open Gardens
Our open gardens program started in 2012, with 12 local gardens opened. In 2017 this was reduced to 10, in 2021 a further reduction to 8 and in 2025 we had 6 gardens open. It is increasingly becoming harder to find owners in our small community to open their gardens, particularly with the drought factor effecting gardens, along with additional expenses for extra upkeep and plantings that the owners bear.
Board has made the decision to hold open gardens every second year, so we are aiming to have 8 gardens open in 2027.
It has also been decided to include 2 spring gardens to open on the weekend of the Garden Expo, with an additional cost of $10 to view both gardens.
Thanks to Deb and Loretta for a lovely pork roast dinner!
Guest Speakers Dr Jenny Keast and Elizabeth Sinclair, CEO, Yea & District Memorial Hospital.
Dr Jen Keast, supported by Elizabeth Sinclair, took the opportunity to speak of the new, world first, oral cancer screening pro-gram, Mouth Mapping, which will be launched on the 1st May, 2026, 11.30 am at the sale yards.
This is an innovative digital health tool de-signed to improve access to oral cancer seeing for rural communities. This opportunity is made possible by the partnership with Rotary Club of Yea, Yea Hospital and the University of Melbourne.
Evaluation of the Mouth Mapping program will be done by La Trobe University.
MouthMap uses high quality medical photography to take detailed images of your mouth. These images are reviewed by specialist doctors, which report back to your local GP or Dentist.
Yea Rotary will assist with funds for the camera, chair, equipment and ongoing costs to deliver this project.
After the initial evaluation of the Yea program, the Mouth Mapping program will be launched internationally, namely London and Berlin.
The Saleyards Programs, which included mental health support, create opportunities for individuals to attend clinics without making appointments.
Vote of Thanks—Jill Heath
“Health on the Move, powered by Yea Hospital and Rotary Club of Yea!”
Dr Jen Keast, supported by Elizabeth Sinclair, took the opportunity to speak of the new, world first, oral cancer screening pro-gram, Mouth Mapping, which will be launched on the 1st May, 2026, 11.30 am at the sale yards.
This is an innovative digital health tool de-signed to improve access to oral cancer seeing for rural communities. This opportunity is made possible by the partnership with Rotary Club of Yea, Yea Hospital and the University of Melbourne.
Evaluation of the Mouth Mapping program will be done by La Trobe University.
MouthMap uses high quality medical photography to take detailed images of your mouth. These images are reviewed by specialist doctors, which report back to your local GP or Dentist.
Yea Rotary will assist with funds for the camera, chair, equipment and ongoing costs to deliver this project.
After the initial evaluation of the Yea program, the Mouth Mapping program will be launched internationally, namely London and Berlin.
The Saleyards Programs, which included mental health support, create opportunities for individuals to attend clinics without making appointments.
Vote of Thanks—Jill Heath
“Health on the Move, powered by Yea Hospital and Rotary Club of Yea!”
 |  |
| Dr Jenny Keast | Elizabeth Sinclair, |
Chairperson—Tony Jacobs
Prior to introducing our guest speakers tonight, Tony took the opportunity to explain that the proposed Rotary/Yea Hospital project to install a permanent facility at the saleyards for the Saleyards Health Program will not proceed due to complications with building permits and site installations.
The YDMH Saleyards Program will continue thanks to the availability of the Murrindindi Health Van which will be on site.
Prior to introducing our guest speakers tonight, Tony took the opportunity to explain that the proposed Rotary/Yea Hospital project to install a permanent facility at the saleyards for the Saleyards Health Program will not proceed due to complications with building permits and site installations.
The YDMH Saleyards Program will continue thanks to the availability of the Murrindindi Health Van which will be on site.
Club Assembly:
President Darryl -
The Rotary Clubs of Gippsland, who provided the amenities trailer now on site at the Highlands Hall, have held fundraisers and a sum of $3,000 is to be paid into our ‘fire Fund, along with the provision of a trade trailer full of chainsaws and fencing equipment, which will initially to to the UGLN for as long as needed.
A further $20,000 (40 x $500 vouchers) has been made available thanks to Emma and District.
Secretary Glenda -
• Still have Christmas Cakes for sale, $20
• 40th Anniversary Dinner is coming up fast. Please rsvp and pay as soon as possible so that we know our numbers.
• Football Gate Roster is being circulated.
• Last meeting for Yea Races this season is 18th April. Eoghan is organising the roster.
Club Services—Glenn
Glenn has been working on the speakers program for the next month -
Community Services—Sam
• Roster for Yea Football/Netball Club Gate home & away games circulated.
• ANZAC day BBQ and chairs at cenotaph.
Treasurer—Gary
Finances up to 30 March circulated via email.
Having missed our Art Show and Cycle Dindi events, funds are low. Disbursements will be limited.
International—Jill
$5,000 has been made available to the Share Project from the Goroka Funds to assist with shipping a container of medical equipment to Goroka Hospital.
Tony—UGLN Fencing Program.
RAWCS has reached out to offer funds to support fire victims. RC of Yea and Up-per Goulburn Landcare Network will enter into an agreement to enable funds to be accessed to support a coordinator of the fencing program.
President Darryl -
The Rotary Clubs of Gippsland, who provided the amenities trailer now on site at the Highlands Hall, have held fundraisers and a sum of $3,000 is to be paid into our ‘fire Fund, along with the provision of a trade trailer full of chainsaws and fencing equipment, which will initially to to the UGLN for as long as needed.
A further $20,000 (40 x $500 vouchers) has been made available thanks to Emma and District.
Secretary Glenda -
• Still have Christmas Cakes for sale, $20
• 40th Anniversary Dinner is coming up fast. Please rsvp and pay as soon as possible so that we know our numbers.
• Football Gate Roster is being circulated.
• Last meeting for Yea Races this season is 18th April. Eoghan is organising the roster.
Club Services—Glenn
Glenn has been working on the speakers program for the next month -
Community Services—Sam
• Roster for Yea Football/Netball Club Gate home & away games circulated.
• ANZAC day BBQ and chairs at cenotaph.
Treasurer—Gary
Finances up to 30 March circulated via email.
Having missed our Art Show and Cycle Dindi events, funds are low. Disbursements will be limited.
International—Jill
$5,000 has been made available to the Share Project from the Goroka Funds to assist with shipping a container of medical equipment to Goroka Hospital.
Tony—UGLN Fencing Program.
RAWCS has reached out to offer funds to support fire victims. RC of Yea and Up-per Goulburn Landcare Network will enter into an agreement to enable funds to be accessed to support a coordinator of the fencing program.
David Anderson receives award
It is with great pleasure that the Rotary Club of Yea congratulates our very own PDG David Anderson on receiving an award in recognition of his long standing commitment and passion to the Rotary Foundation, Rotary’s Charity that is responsible for doing such good in the world.
This is the extract from District 9790 month-ly newsletter:
“The Rotary Foundation Citation for Meritorious Service recognises individual Rotarians who demonstrated outstanding service to our Foundation. Each year District 9790 nominates one member to honour their commitment, enthusiasm and passion for these ideals. On behalf of Rotary Foundation Trus-tees, District Governor Emma Davis awarded the award to our Regional Rotary Foundation Co-ordinator PDG David Anderson of Yea Rotary. We truly value and appreciate David’s enthusiastic service to the Foundation.
Congratulations on receiving this prestigious honour.”
We are all proud of you Ando! Keep up the great work that you do.
This is the extract from District 9790 month-ly newsletter:
“The Rotary Foundation Citation for Meritorious Service recognises individual Rotarians who demonstrated outstanding service to our Foundation. Each year District 9790 nominates one member to honour their commitment, enthusiasm and passion for these ideals. On behalf of Rotary Foundation Trus-tees, District Governor Emma Davis awarded the award to our Regional Rotary Foundation Co-ordinator PDG David Anderson of Yea Rotary. We truly value and appreciate David’s enthusiastic service to the Foundation.
Congratulations on receiving this prestigious honour.”
We are all proud of you Ando! Keep up the great work that you do.
Service Above Self
Yea, VIC 3717
Australia