PE Peter Brock covered off the President’s role & Chairperson whilst President Kelly attended an event at Menzies Creek Primary School
- Peter announced that the President Nominee will be Gayle Barrot for 2026/2027 – it is 20 years since she last held this role. This was a very popular choice with members present.
- Prospective member Sue Colic attended her 2nd Meeting.
PP PHF DGN Emma Clark – Behind the Badge
Emma is the eldest of 3 girls. 1 sister is an Engineer and the other works in Road safety. She was born in Sandringham Hospital and soon afterwards she moved with her parents Lyn & Tony to Gembrook to on 13 acres of bush land. Both her parents have been teachers and over the years worked with/alongside Emma. Her schooling commenced at Gembrook PS, moving onto Pakenham High Tech for years 7-10 and finished schooling at St Margaret’s Private school.
Following school Emma considered careers in Journalism or Medicine however missed out securing a spot at Uni by 10 points, Instead did a science course and obtained a degree after 4 years and followed up with a Diploma of Education in Chemistry & Phycology. Sent her CV to 20 nearby schools and secured a job at Upper Yarra Secondary college where she taught science for 6 years. Following this she applied for leadership roles and filled in as Assistant Priciple.
Emma & James married in 2005 having met through Roteract. When Patrick came along Emma took 3 months off work and had family child minding to help out. Whilst at Eumemmerring received training in Mental health and 1st Aid.
Emerald PS offered her a role as Assistant Principle. This was closer to home and Patrick attended however had it’s down side. He however obtained a scholarship to Billanook College and sings, shoots, lifts weights and is looking forward to the next stage of his education. It is now 6 years since Emma became Principle and has taken on other Educational roles since then.
Emma is passionate about Rotary and the need for change to ensure that it survives. She loves being involved and part of the Community.
Peter provided the response and said that we are blessed to have her as part of the Club
Toast to the Elderly – PP PHF John Richie
Vicky Anderson
I was born in Malta, the middle child in a family with two brothers and four sisters. When I was eight, in 1953, my father, who served in the British Royal Navy, was transferred to Australia. I wasn't sad about the move, as I had my siblings with me. We lived in New Zealand for a time before settling in Sydney, where my dad had a brother.
I left school at 15 and started working as a machinist, making T-shirts and polo shirts for Adidas in Moorabbin. I moved back to New Zealand and I met my husband, Richard, in Auckland, and we married when I was 18. We lived in Dunedin and Auckland, and Richard also served in the Navy. Eventually, we returned to Australia, where I cleaned houses while we lived in Keysborough.
In our later years, wanting a larger property, we moved to Bairnsdale for our retirement. We traveled around Europe, taking a memorable bus tour, and one of my favorite places was Sweden. Throughout my life, I returned to Malta five or six times with Richard, who also loved the island. Despite being born there, I don’t speak Maltese.
Now as I reside at Emerald Glades, I enjoy the company, visits from my family and getting involved in as much as I can do such as bingo, flower arranging, gardening and spending time outside in the sun.
Peter discussed the 4 way test & wore his 4 way test shirt. In 1932 Rotarian Herbert Taylor from Chicago came up with the test. In the late 40’s the rights were given to Rotary to adopt it for use by Clubs.
- Is it the Truth?
- Is it fair to all concerned?
- Will it build good will
- Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
Committee Reports
Fundraising – PP PHF Sangeeta Bajaj
- Friday 13/12 – BBQ at Carols by candlelight – reminder to attend
- Boxing Day 26/12 – Bunnings Packenham BBQ 9am-4pm. Hope to make $5000. Min of 3 people to work at any time. Must wear fully enclosed shoes, clean aprons and wear gloves
Vocational – PP PHF PN Gayle Barrot
- 25/2 Emerald Museum visit. Dinner at Flavour Bomb 1st talk, & tea & biscuits at Museum – cost $10
- 18/3 Pride of Workmanship Awards at Emerald Lakeside. If you know of any nominees please let Gayle know
Roles for 2025/2026 year. Peter distributed lists of roles – any preferences to be given to Peter. Also Peter is keen to undertake Service jobs next year so any ideas let him know.
