President Kelly is looking at an overnight Rotary retreat weekend Saturday 11th/Sunday 12th January at a venue within a couple of hours of Melbourne and instead of the Burnt Chop the following Tuesday. Questionnaire circulated & responses required as soon as possible to allow
for booking
In closing, Kelly mentioned Lost Woods Market. We have a stand and are looking at what we should showcase. We can't sell food. Looking at a raffle, Promotion of Kids Fun Run and membership drive. Ideas welcome and items for raffle needed.
Chairperson – Roy Bowyer stood in for Peter Brock.
Behind the Badge - Ali Bowyer
I was born in a small town called Windsor in the Blue Mountains in NSW. I am the youngest of five & I experienced a happy childhood. We lived in a small village called Bilpin, it was well known as the Apple Orchard district. The school I attended had one teacher with about 20 kids. The distance between our neighbours was too far to go and play, but then we were all too busy helping in the family orchard whether it be picking fruit or packing for market.
I learnt to drive on dad’s tractor, and I remember him placing two 44-gallon drums apart just enough for me to drive through, to date I haven’t had a traffic fine of any kind.
My senior years at school was spent in a town called Richmond, some 30kms distance from home. We travelled by bus which would take 1.5 hours picking up kids along the way. You wonder why I mentioned Richmond, fast forward 50 years or so, when we moved down to Emerald people would ask who my AFL team was, I had a strong connection with Richmond hence choosing them, maybe I should have barracked for the Swans as they are doing well.
I loved athletics & I represented the school in long jump where my record was held for many years. I also played hockey. It was around this time that I joined a marching team. Dad would drive me to Richmond on a Saturday, I practiced while dad played his beloved bowls.
I left school in 4th year, there were only 5 years of secondary schooling. There was the intermediate and leaving certificate & a lot of kids left after 3 years, so going onto university was considered only for the very elite, & besides the nearest university was in Sydney so that was out of the question for us.
In those days, we could pick up the Sydney Morning Herald where there were pages of jobs advertised. I walked into a job at Farmer & Co (now Myers) where they taught me to operate a comptometer, it was like an accounts billing machine, and we had to balance at the end of the day which wasn’t always easy.
During this time, my sister and I rented a house in Wentworthville, but we still had to go back to Bilpin on a rickety old steam train called the Pansy, to help on the property of a weekend so I really did not have much of a social life, I guess this is how it was back then as most of the kids did the same, we didn’t ask questions and we did as we were told. After retiring, Mum & Dad moved from Bilpin to Springwood, still in the Blue Mountains. This allowed me to move back home and commute to Sydney.
I had the urge to travel so decided to find another job that paid more, at that time Australia had changed over to metric, so now with a new job it seemed that I was getting more money so was able to save more although still took a couple of years to save enough to travel.
I arrived in UK in 1968 worked in London and travelled around Europe on a Contiki tour, this was a fabulous experience. I Had made friends with one of the girls who was English that I worked with & she wanted to come to Australia, so we made a booking on SS Canberra, a six-week journey sailing through the Panama Canal up the west coast of the US to Vancouver then across the Pacific to Sydney. It was on this trip that I met Roy who happened to be an electrical officer. I didn’t see a lot of him, he wasn’t part of our group. On arrival back in Sydney 4 of us got a flat in a suburb on Sydney Harbour it was always lovely to travel to work on the ferry.
About 4-5 months after returning home we had a knock on the door & low and behold it was non other than Roy which was the start of our friendship. He then used our flat as his local restaurant which progressed through to our marriage in Springwood. Like many couples at that time, we were penniless so could not afford to buy a house in where we were renting, so we moved up to Springwood and built our first home. When we had our first baby, Jason, we had to organise a local babysitter whilst both Roy and I commuted 1.5 hours to Sydney every day. It was becoming too difficult getting up, getting Jason ready and dropping him off to the babysitter, so we agreed that I would become a home mum. Two years later, our daughter Julie arrived.
Whilst Roy studied 4 years of business management, we started a security design and installation business, I supported the business by assembling electronic satellite sirens in a 10 x 10 shed set in our garden. This was successful enough for us to procure bigger business premises in Penrith and employ 30 mums like me that worked between school hours. This worked very well for many years.
It was now that I started to play Netball at the same courts as Julie our daughter. The club was short of coaches and umpires, so I sat for the umpire’s exam which allowed me to umpire and coach. One year my team decided we should play interstate, so we booked to go to the Gold Coast to play in a competition, somehow we never played a game, but visited lots of shops and cafes. After that it became a thing that we would go away together, but we never again took our sports gear. I’ve literally just returned from Adelaide after one of those trips with old friends.
We bought a pizza shop in Springwood where both Jason and I worked, I did the buying and prep work through the day, while Jason did the evening retail shift. Roy continued manufacturing in his new business. We had this shop for about three years until Jason wanted to spread his wings.
I have been very fortunate to travel with Roy throughout my life for business and pleasure reasons, visiting many countries
I’ve always been a keen sewer, making clothes for the kids etc, but it has been the patchwork that’s a big part of my life. I’ve been taught by well known Aussie tutors and succeeded in coming 4th in a state competition in NSW. I can’t tell you the number of quilts I’ve made, giving several to charity and bassinette size quilts for sick newborn babies in the ICU for Nepean Hospital back in NSW.
Jumping forward to 2019, well after retiring, both our children were now living here in Victoria, we thought it time that we make the move to also join them. As Julie lived here in Emerald, we knew a little about this place from visits and thought it similar to Springwood. The past 5 years have been happily spent here in Emerald meeting such friendly people as yourselves.
A toast to the elderly by John Ritchie - Elisabeth Drake
My parents both held honors degrees from Melbourne University and were fluent in French and German though they were both Australian. I was born in East Melbourne, but as we were renters we had to move frequently.
I attended Saint Aloysius College. In year 11, I contracted polio. Although I was not paralyzed, I needed to take half a year off and consequently repeated year 11. I went on to study an arts and teaching degree at Melbourne University, majoring in French and English, and became a secondary school teacher. I moved to France for two years, where I taught English, studied, and organized bus trips around France. I made lasting friendships there.
Upon returning to Australia, I began working as a French teacher in Bairnsdale and eventually taught at about five different schools, settling in Belgrave South. I worked as a welfare coordinator, a role I cherished, and then later volunteered on the Shire Council of Sherbrooke for two terms until it was disbanded. I found this work very rewarding. Throughout my life, I had a membership with the Melbourne Theatre Company and ballet, and I enjoyed bushwalking with U3A. My Catholic faith has always been important to me.
I have always had cats and dogs. A few years ago, my neighbor found a dog on the internet in need of a home in Tamworth. I had the dog shipped to me and not knowing her name, because she came from Tamworth, I named her Tammy. I’m so lucky that Tammy can live with me at Emerald Glades. Whilst she is a senior dog, she still keeps me active as I continue with my walks around Emerald. If you see me, come and say hello.
Proposed Club Walk: Tasmania - Melinda Moulday
- "3 Capes Walk" over 4 days in Tasmania in October or early December 2025.
- Approx $2500 + flights+ 1 extra day accommodation at start of trip.
- Additional options available for side trips.
- 10-18kms per day, max 18 people.
- Start from near Port Arthur. Accommodation - lodges with meals provided, difficulty level 5/10.
- Let Melinda know as soon as possible if you would like to take part.
Fit for Purpose Survey
Toni-Anne circulated a survey for "Fit for Purpose" workshop that Kris Ash is attending 12th-13th October. Completion is required ASAP. CLICK HERE to access survey.
Jolly Walkers
Due to the rescheduling of Puffing Billy’s Great Train Race and the closure of Emerald Lake Park following storm damage, members of the Jolly Walkers opted for a walk ex The Hub to Emersleigh Winery on Stewart Rd, Emerald on Sunday 8th September. 13 members/partners actually went to the Winery however the cars parked at Strategic points saw only 4 people actually walk back.
Committee Reports
Membership & Marketing – Shalini Penny for Kris Ash
- Kris is representing the Club in Zone 8 workshop, including 84 clubs over 17 districts. The focus is over 4 elements, including:
- 1. What is the Club offering to members and Community.
- 2. How is the Club promoting/telling its story.
- 3. Recruitment - how the club maintains member engagement and satisfaction. Ahead of the workshop Kris has to forward the results from the club survey.
- Social Media & Sparkle - Amber doing a great job updating web and newsletter.
- Thanks to Emma for updating member info.
- Newsletters - Information is being provided for publication monthly
- Kids Fun Run
- Registration sites open,
- Save the Day gone to Schools,
- PR meeting with Monash & Puffing Billy being arranged.
- Toni-Anne & Kris looking at Beanies for members
Environment – Ken Miller
- District grant application completed for Nesting boxes project. Supported by Foundation. Cost $4500 50/50 between them. Rotary signage will be displayed on boxes.
- Lorna Shaw is compiling a detailed list of recyclable goods and relevant drop off/collection points.
- Met with Jenny from Landcare. Full details to come but they would like us to join Shire of Cardinia & Landcare in partnership of a project to clean up and establish an avenue of small native trees (read an endangered species of Wattle) along Peppi’s walking track. This is a long-term project with the first section located behind Emerald Primary School. This walking track is very popular and of course there will be Rotary Club of Emerald & District recognition on the site. A written plan, time line and project expectation will be available for our October Board Meeting. (NB: Been made it clear that we are not doing the weeding).
- Met with Shiela from Friends of Emerald Lake Park. There is an opportunity for our Club to be involved in Placing signage at the foot of each tree in Emerald Lake Park. Some of the trees have signage but many do not. The signs will have the botanical name, common name, country of origin and the logos of the FELP and the Rotary Club of Emerald & District. As the Park is under the authority of the Cardinia Shire we will work under their guidelines.
- Along with Community Service Chair Tina & Shalini attended a workshop on August 24th. There were representatives from all sectors of the first responders, SES, CFA, Police & Ambulance and also from St.Marks Church, Service Clubs and other local organisations. The guest speaker was excellent with a presentation explaining the importance of planning for major emergency’s such as fire and major storms.
- Shalini has requested a copy of this presentation as this subject affects all members and would like it to be presented at a future date.
- There will be a number of meetings in coming months to put the plan into place. A questionnaire has been circulated to the Board.
- Ways we could assist are: Financial support, practical - clearing up, Support SES, co-ordination with local groups - manning info tables at The Hub, Emotional support, transport, supplying refreshment for Responders. Other suggests would be welcome to Ken.
International – Catherine Elfick
A letter has been received from Ester at Tender Foot School Kenya who said thank you for our continued support. The school is going through a rough time currently. The school is safe but the surrounds aren't. More funds would be welcomed.
International is sponsoring 3 children this year @ $295 each. If any new members would like to support a child please talk to either Greg Adams or Lorna Shaw.
Fundraising – Sangeeta
- Saturday 14th September - Cake decorating & bubbles. 39 tickets sold. 11 left to sell.
- Thursday 26th December - BBQ at Bunnings Pakenham. Volunteers required.
Community – Tina McInerney
- Supporting Community via Pharmacy, Gembrook and Emerald petrol stations & Lifeview hampers & Easter gifts
- Spending $1,500 to provide Toys for Jitterbugs Playgroup in Gembrook. 9.30-11 on Thursdays. Jitterbugs Playgroups are available for all Community members with young children 0-5 years old to attend. Our aim, through the playgroup, is to connect families ad reduce the level of isolation that can often be experienced by young mums staying at home with children. We work to build connections between families and support young families while identifying families who may fall into ‘at risk’ categories and looking for ways that we can support them and refer them onto appropriate services.
- Aim to support Puffing Billy Toy Library. Costs a family $80pa to borrow toys. To seek Board approval to pay for 5 families. Staffing at centre required to help on Wednesdays & Saturdays.
- No Interest Loans (NIL) are also being supported.
Youth – Marcus Adams
- Thank you to members who assisted with MUNA.
- Assistance at the Primary School, on 29th October, will be required.
- Breakfast Club low in numbers and will review whether viable to continue supporting.
- Cockatoo PS interested in EarlyAct - investigating whether viable early next year.
- The Youth Committee providing $500 to support the creation of a design and building of a Yarning Circle at the CPS: CPS has a very high awareness of the importance of the local Indigenous contribution to the school & community. They have become participants in a Pilot Program that has “Learning About Your Own Backyard” as its title and because of their Ramingining connection, in Darrelyn’s words “they are ahead of the game”. The school is on Wurundjeri land and up until just recently it has been very difficult to communicate with the elders in any capacity. There has been a shift in thinking and Darrelyn wishes to engender a connection with the Wurundjeri people and to also encourage the indigenous students at the school to have pride in their heritage. Something that has been noticeably lacking. To build on this concept Darrelyn would like to install a ‘yarning circle’ in the school grounds where the indigenous students can meet. They would be able to identify it as their own place even though all school children will be invited to use it if they wish. The ‘Yarning Circle’ would be a place to chat and tell stories and not only broaden the indigenous knowledge of the pupils at the school but increase the bond between the indigenous students Darrelyn has been in contact with “Uncle Bob” an elder of the Wurundjeri people who is very keen on the idea and wishes to be invited to sit with the children and run its first meeting.
EarlyAct – Kerith Cummins
A Wheelathon is being held at Emerald Primary School on 19th September 9.00am - 2.00pm. This will provide students with an experience of what it would be like to require a wheel chair. The purpose is to raise funds for the purchasing of wheelchairs.
Russell Marnock suggested a matching scheme and he will donate the cost of a wheelchair @ $275 if someone else matches him. Members are encouraged to attend the school on 19th Sept.
Vocational – Gayle Barrot
- The Pride of Workmanship scheduled for 18th March at Discovery Centre.
- Mt Burnett visit to be in 2025.
- Looking at a social evening with dinner and a movie.
- Gayle has booked to attend Box Hill Central Grand Final breakfast on 25th September with Sam Doherty as speaker - anyone else interested?
Communications – Emma Clark
Options available to club have been listed in last issue of Sparkle. Apologies if bombarded. 22 members now on Slack, 32 on WhatsApp.
Will hold a Tech and Communication Support Workshop on Monday 23rd September at Emerald Primary School – from 3pm to 5pm, afternoon tea will be supplied.
- No need to be there for the whole 2 hours, will be flexible learning.
- Bring your laptops and phones please.
- Aim will be to go through any platforms you are unsure about, any apps you want added to your phone (even the Woolworths online ordering app if you like!), explore the various websites and what they are for, etc.
- No judgement! Some would say “the blind leading the blind!” - sometimes we learn best together.
- Any members who feel like they are somewhat tech savvy – please feel free to come along and help too!
Thank you letter - DG Partner, Leanne Byron
The Monash Children’s Cancer Centre provides a wide range of services to treat childhood and adolescent blood diseases and cancer. The oncology and haematology service is delivered in the Monash Children’s Hospital Cancer Centre. They provide preeminent care and treatment for infants, children and
adolescents with cancer and haematological conditions (diseases relating to blood).
The state of the art facilities include nine dedicated cancer inpatient beds and a comprehensive, multidisciplinary outpatient service with 12 day treatment beds. A large Ronald McDonald Family Room with amenities, the Starlight room and cinema are nearby and help make life that little bit easier for
families caring for a sick child. The Day Oncology Unit provides comprehensive ambulatory care.
Here patients and their families have medical oncology or haematology consultations, see the allied health and psychosocial team and receive their day treatment. The unit has facilities for general anaesthetic provision to allow minor procedures to be performed in a familiar environment.
