The Changeover - Sunday 28th June
On Sunday 23rd June, Emerald & District Rotary inducted our new President - Gayle Barrot - to lead the club and board throughout the year. This event took place at Marybrook Manor.
As a proud and happy Rotary group, we would like to say a very big thank you to (now Past President) Peter Brock for leading the club this past year.
District 9815 Changeover
District Governor
Congratulations to our very own District Governor
Emma Clark
People Who Sparkle 
Welcome to our new weekly feature, People Who Sparkle, where we go beyond the badge to share the stories of the people who make our club so special. This week, we are sitting down with Ken Miller to learn about his favourite Rotary memories and the life lessons he has gathered along the way.
People Who Sparkle
Name: Ken Miller
Years of Service: 21 or 22?
Profession: Marketing Manager and Equine Nutritionist
Q1: What first inspired you to join our club?
A: Gayle Barrot! Gayle was valuing my property for me and we got to chatting. I mentioned that we were very involved in the Foster Care system and she asked me to speak to the club. I never did speak to the club but I visited the public bar a couple of times on a Tuesday night to check out the Rotary meeting and then eventually joined. They couldn’t sing the National Anthem then either!
Q2: What is a personal Rotary highlight?
A: I have many. Firstly, I remember how supportive the club was of me and the two kids I still had at home when my wife died. They were brilliant and really wrapped their arms around us and gave us a lot of support. Some are still members and they know who they are. Secondly, how fabulous the club was when I was DG, and then being the Chairperson of the Kids Fun Run a number of times (4 or 5).
Q3: What is the best thing about being a member of this club?
A: The people you meet along the way.
Q4: What is a life philosophy or mantra that you live by?
A: Get up early and get things done!
Q5: If you could have any super power what would you choose and why?
A: I had 28 foster kids that I was involved with for significant periods of time. Some of them had experienced awful atrocities in their lives before they came to us. So I would want the Power to make the world safe for children and everybody else.
Q6: What was your very first job?
A: I worked in the State Savings Bank of Victoria. My second job was as the youngest Postmaster in Victoria, working in the telephone exchange and post office at Cann River.
Q7: Who living or dead, would you most like to sit down with for a conversation?
A: Sheikh Mohammed. Ask Ken to tell you the story about the camel with the bent leg!
Q8: What is the biggest lesson life has taught you?
A: You need to have a good work ethic and treat people the way you would like to be treated.
Environment & Sustainability
Tree planting and nursery open day
The Cardinia Environmental Coalition (CEC) are hosting a tree planting event to celebrate National Tree Day on Sunday July 29 at Deep Creek Reserve, plus the nursery will also be open.
The CEC have 500 plants and volunteers would love your help to get them in the ground to improve the habitat at deep Creek Reserve. The tree planting will be followed by a BBQ lunch.
Nursery open time: 9am-12pm
Tree planting
Time: 10.00m- 1.30pm (preferably by 11am)
Location: Deep Creek Reserve, 62 Cameron Way, Pakenham 3810.
Meet at the CEC nursery gate.
Please register via Planet Ark website to attend tree planting event
Submit dietary requirements for BBQ catering
National Tree Day is a community day where Australians get together to plant trees and look after the environment. You can find more information on the Planet Ark website | National Tree Day
Thank you to the following members who have already volunteered: Chris, Gayle, Kirsty, Wayne, Graeme and Kerith possibly.
Note the tree planting starts at 10 am. You can register yourselves or if you would like me to register you, let me know. It is easy to register, just click on the link.
It will be good to have representation of our Club at the tree planting in Pakenham, and if anybody else would like to join us, please text or email me, thank you.
Vicki.
Environment & Sustainability.
