29 April 2024
Our club managed to be in three places last weekend, April 19-21. We were in Altona, Warracknabeal and on-line with Bangalore, India. A group of four helped pack gift bundles for mothers and babies at the Altona site of The Highlands Foundation. The container is half full, and they hope to send it in September. There is another Packing Day scheduled for Saturday 22 June.
Eighteen of us made a return trip to RC Warracknabeal to celebrate their Rotary 90th year. We visited Peter Martin’s Farm for an update on harvesting and their Sheep Project. We donated $520 toward three breeding ewes. We also visited Glenwillan, a Federation homestead built in 1912.
In the evening we enjoyed the Paddock to Plate dinner that included various local produce, from beef and lamb through to vegetables, herbs and local wines. It was a real feat to dish up 132 plates of food and deliver to about 13 tables in a shearing shed. We were treated to a string trio, who played quietly during dinner, including a medley of Aussie folk songs, and reflective Irish tunes. The shearing demonstration featured a current champion who can shear 350 sheep in one day, and 12-year old Charlie, who sets a cracking pace shearing 132 sheep in one day. With shearer numbers on the decline his future is secure.
On the same weekend our sister club, RC Bangalore hosted an International Brunch on 20 April, and we were represented by Ray Subramanian and Max Manks, who spoke about the Sabu Project in Indonesia. Clubs from throughout the world joined online at different stages of the day – a wonderful initiative of RC Banglore to connect Rotarians across the world.
As we draw closer to the merger with 9820, incoming DG Colin Byron has invited all Rotarians to attend sessions in the “Avenue of Service” series (previously District Assembly). To register click here.
Finally, at the President’s Meeting Friday 26 April we were reminded that donations to The Rotary Foundation and Centurian Fund should be made before 15 June.
Our Farmers’ Market on Saturday raised $1,100 (including Tim’s hot selling jigsaws) and there was a “buzz” this time with people commenting “good to see you back.” We are hoping with increased advertising under Raj Subramanian’s supervision the market will grow quickly. Thanks to the volunteers who were rostered on.
Denise Grocke
President
