Welcome -President Kelly McAllister
- Welcome to the first meeting of 2025
- Welcome to our guests – Sue Gregory and Sue Colic
- Birthdays Greg Adams and John Henderson – Happy Birthday to them both
Apologies were read by PP PHF Lorna Shaw
Reflection on Presidency
- Gone quickly
- Honoured to lead such a dedicated group
- Thank you’s to:
- Rowan for doing such a great job as Srgt in Arms
- Toni-Anne – for her organisational skills and warmth – she has been a valuable asset
- Shalini – Treasurer – thank you for making tough decisions and we appreciate her diligence
- Ian Ash – thank you for organising the program for the year so far – we have had great speakers
- Thank you to Bunning’s crew in the hot weather on Bunnings Day
- Youth attended presentation evenings at the schools – thank you
- Thank you to Mel and family for a wonderful beach day we appreciate your generosity and warmth
- Sad news - Amber and Adam have tendered their resignation due to work commitments we would like to thank them for their contribution to the club
- All American Friday 16 Feb
- Pride of Workmanship March 18 March
PP PHF Marcus Adams – On his Adventurous Trek to the Annapura Base Camp
- Annapurna Base Camp -is4130 metres high
- Namaste – I bow to you
- Nepalese are polite and want to help you especially those trekking
- Inspiration
- Shane Closter – 60thbirthday with Anthony Hall (outdoor treks) was looking to go to Nepal.
- Ripper
- Alfred Gregory – was a photographer – pictures Alfred took at home. Greg was an inspiration and friend who was on the Hilary expedition
- Himalayan Mountains
- Trial in November was looking good and checked up Nicolas and Marcus can go
- Trial started 18 December – 2 hrs the matter had settled so could go!
- Went with Nicolas – no training
Marcus had an incredible trekking experience in the Annapurna region of Nepal! Annapurna Base Camp is 4130 metres high. He loved the Nepalese who are so friendly often saying Namaste (I bow to you). His inspiration for the trip was 4 fold:
- Shane Closter – 60thbirthday with Anthony Hall (outdoor treks) was looking to go to Nepal.
- Ripper
- Alfred Gregory – was a photographer – pictures Alfred took at home. Greg was an inspiration and friend who was on the Hilary expedition
- Himalayan Mountains
Marcus had a trial starting on 18 December that looked to be going to take up the whole of the rest of December but it settled in 2 hours so he was able to go on the trip with his son, Nicolas and friends. The group were accompanied by 2 guides and 3 porters.
- Arrival: Landed in Kathmandu and travelled to Pokhara, situated at 800 meters above sea level.
- Activities in Pokhara: Visited the Lord Shiva Temple and climbed to The Pagoda.
- Trekking Itinerary:
- Day 1: Trekking 12 km with an ascent of 1200 meters to Ulleri.
- Continued to Ghorepani, appreciating the stunning scenery and requiring altitude sickness medication.
- Visited Poon Hill for views.
- Day 4: Reached Tadapani at 2630 meters, humorously referred to as "Nepal flats."
- Next, trekked to Chonrong (2165 meters), involving ups and downs.
- Continued to Himalaya (2890 meters), MBC, and finally ABC (Annapurna Base Camp).
- Annapurna: Noted the mountain’s challenging nature with a 23% fatality rate.
- Return Journey: Days 7 and 8 involved trekking 23 km and 28 km, respectively, and concluded at the hot springs.
- Reflection: Described the experience as one of the best and an unforgettable bonding time with his son, averaging 30,000 steps a day.
Inspiration: Attended Ian Ballantyne's conference, which highlighted seizing opportunities as they appear, this in a book the Ripper recommended to him.
It indeed sounds like a transformative experience filled with adventure and personal growth! If you have any questions or want to discuss specific aspects further, feel free to ask.
Kerith Cummins – 3 Capes Walk – Tasmania
- Undertook the 3 Capes Walk over Christmas with Life’s an Adventure
- Sea cliffs and caves are the attraction along the route and looked stunning in the photographs
- Cape Raoul – Day 1 – stunning seascapes and dolorite cliffs
- Tasman Coastal Trail – Day 2 – trek walk through Tasman National Park – 19km and 9 hrs walking – oldest person on the walk – Eagles Lookout for lunch.Bivouac Bay on the way. Ended at Fortesque Bay
- Fortesque Bay to Cape Huay and back – Day 3 – morning walk + helicopter excursion.3 Capes trail monument.
PHF Pres Elect Peter Brock provided the response.
PP PHF John Shaw Australian Himalayan Foundation
Sue Gregory is our guest this evening to receive the $1000 cheque on behalf of the Australian Himalayan Foundation.
Foundation has been in operation for 22 yrs and was established by climbers to support people in the Himalayan area to improve the lives of people. AHF is an off shoot of British version which did a lot for the Sherpa people.
Their mission is
To improve the quality of life of the people most in need in remote areas of the Himalaya
by partnering with local NGOs.
When the Australians climbed Everest for the first time they wanted to assist as well. AHF concentrates lower down the valley as the higher Sherpas received funds from the mountaineers.
The club donation has assisted education in the area and is much appreciated by Sue Gregory and the Foundation.
For information on the work of the Australian Himalayan Foundation click
HERE
(Sue mentioned that Nemaste means ‘I bow to the god in you’).
PP PHF Sangeeta Bajaj – Kids Fun Run with Puffing Billy - $41,000 raised
- Certificates: The layout of the certificates was well-received.
- Market: The market was a success, with fantastic contributions from stall holders.
- Entertainment: The presence of the Bubble Man added an enjoyable aspect to the event.
- Staff Contributions:
- Puffing Billy staff contributed effectively.
- Monash staff played a helpful role.
- Community Support: Acknowledgment of all Rotarians and volunteers who made the event possible.
Sponsors were hard to secure in difficult economic times and the rain on the day wasnt a help - but we all kept smiling!
BBQ on 26 December – it was hot and thank you to everyone who attended. $1000 raised.
District Conference
- Gayle has list of those attending – Early Bird is finished
- Hotel details in Sparkle soon!
Toni-Anne Griffiths
- Windermere – storm damage in Feb last year and needs assistance.Need volunteers to cut trees up and take them away.Helpers required – date tbc.
- 2XL – help in the kitchen required 6 week term on a Thursday.
PP PHF Ian Ash
All American – Sunday 16 February – $10pp
- Mr Excited is engaging people
- Rowan has managed all the stall holder requests – one type of food 20 – 25 stalls hopefully
- Roy will be speaking on 28/1 on tasks
- Thank you Marcus dealing with the traffic controller
- Andrew been brilliant in support
- Kris has done a good job on PR
Pride of Workmanship – Tuesday 18 March - $75pp
- Thank you to the whole committee for all they are doing
- 90 people on day
- Raffle and auction items required
- Liberal Party Leader – Brad Batten will be speaking
Both the above events can still take sponsors
Pride of Workmanship advertisement in the Ranges Trader
Wrap Up – Pres. Kelly
- Thank you to Marcus and Kerith for their talks this evening
- Gloria having a knee replacement on Thursday – a good luck hospital survival kit was presented to Gloria
- Thank you to Mel and Dan for the wonderful Beach Day - the club presented Mel with a small gift
Lets go out and spread Love Kindness and Service in the Community!!!
