GUEST SPEAKER – Zanni Walstein Upper Goulburn Landcare Network
Zanni works with Upper Goulburn Landcare Network and spoke about the environmental program Murrindindi Kids Teaching Kids which commenced in 2013. The children from eight local schools investigate their chosen topics and in Spring, they gather in the Yea Wetlands to teach another school what they’ve learned. The students are involved in tests and activities and a whole program of events for the day which involves games and speakers. Zanni displayed photos of past events and books made of each event. This year’s event is 1st September at Yea Wetlands, Rotarians are welcome 10am to 2pm. Rotary lends marquees and other equipment. They could use more volunteers particularly with photography and helpers on the day. UGLN financially supports the program along with Bunnings, Foodworks and other businesses. Tony Jacobs gave the vote of thanks. President Ann: Thanked David and Tippy for hosting our first Foundation Event at their home. Attended the RC of Kinglake Ranges C/O night which was a packed event DG Visit to Seymour and the rezoning of our District which results in a new alignment affecting most of the State. Our club was asked to vote YES for this. Polio Baton was handed to RC Seymour and then to Yea which resulted in our Polio Awareness Day on 9/8 raising $360 (later increased to $410) . A huge thank you to Ken Maxfield who drove the baton to Alexandra in his beautiful vintage Jaguar (along with Big Ted) Hosting Philipine (Louis’ sister) for the weekend. Received an approach from K9 Assist to auspice a grant for a program to train dogs for Emergency Evacuation Procedures. Gary Fitzgerald to work with them Donation from Yea Bookshop of $2000 for bushfire recovery. Date for Seniors Christmas Dinner has been set for 4th December Date for Art Show will be 21/1/27 to 26/1/27. Visit by Peter Sindrey of RC Lakes Entrance and tour of our area with Darryl.
LOUIS THEVENET
Can you believe it is 6 years since Louis visited us in 2019/2020? He came to us from Samuir in the Loire Valley, France with a population of 30,000, mainly focused on wine, tourism and horses. Louis spoke of his year in Yea: Yea HS sometimes), making pizza, cow feeding and farm work with Gary Cocks. His friends had an average age of 65 and he spent more time with cows than humans. He was aged 15 at the commencement of his exchange in 2019.
2020-22 Attended Agricultural High School 22 ISTOM – Agricultural Development and Engineering especially in Africa and Asia
23 Zambia (Africa) learning about local farming on an Agricultural Internship.
24 25 Sri Lanka – Agricultural Internship - developing an understanding of passage from Field to Management while working with a spice company.
Currently – FOODBIOTIC – Saffron production – quality, certifications, sourcing, market He has one more year to complete the Degree of Engineering in Agronomy. Louis has written a book about the journey of Saffron from harvest to table, to be published in October.
Youth Exchange gave Louis more proficient English, which he required for his Diploma studies and also a better direction in his choice of career. It forced him to listen and adapt, giving him perspective and he found what he truly wanted to do while in Yea. Louis thanked those who hosted him while he was in Yea and all the Rotarians.
‘Rotary Youth Exchange truly changed my life’.
There were lots of questions. Chairman Sam thanked Louis for sharing his fabulous experiences
Thank you to our caterers, the Yea & District Adult Riding Club for a beautiful meal