It was almost a full house on Tuesday night; we missed those members away on vacation or sick. Darrelyn Boucher the Principal of Cockatoo Primary School along with teachers Kath, Tristan, Angelina, Sam and Eleanor from Cockatoo Primary and the Ramingining School were present along with 10 students from the school in Arnhem Land. Darrelyn was our guest speaker and told of the cultural exchange between the two schools which has been taking place for over 30 years. This is a wonderful program that our club has supported for many years by providing funds to assist the children with the cost of travel. This type of program promotes understanding and friendship between us and our First Nations people. It was wonderful to see the trust and camaraderie that has been fostered between the two schools and their communities.
This week is the Primary School Speech Contest at Menzies Creek Primary School. Gloria, Lyn, Kerith, Vicki and Sue have put in much effort and organisation to ensure that this is a great night. I think this is one of many highlights in the Youth program, it’s wonderful to watch the young people confidently, if not somewhat nervously, give their speeches. If you are down to attend, please remember to bring along an item for the supper (no nuts), and wear your Rotary gear.
We are approaching, (read have approached!) a very busy time of the year, it’s hard to believe that it’s a month until Rotary Kids Fun Run with Puffing Billy. Prior to this is the Melbourne Cup social event at Emerald Lake and showbag packing night at Gembrook station on the 27th November.
Sangeeta had planned to hold the Halloween Bingo night on October 31st, unfortunately the number of attendees wasn't sufficient for the event to be viable. Thanks, Sangeeta, for your efforts, I think it’s just a busy time for all. We are fortunate to have had some very successful fundraising events in the recent past that Sangeeta has been pivotal in.
President Peter returns from his time away this week, it will be great to have him back at the helm.
Look forward to seeing you at the Speech Contest.
Yours in Rotary
Gayle PE on behalf of President Peter
Rotary Snippet - World Polio Day
One Day. One Focus: Ending Polio
World Polio Day is a time for Rotary members, public health advocates, and all who want a world free from polio to come together, recognize our progress in the fight to end polio, and talk about the actions we need to take in order to end polio for good.
In order to confirm numbers for meetings at the pub, please ensure that you communicate the following to PP PHF Lorna:
notify if NOT attending by 12 noon on the MONDAY before the meeting
and notify if bringing guests or visitor
notify at any time about future absences and holidays.
Thank You!
Last Week's Rotary Meeting 21st October
Welcome & Opening:
Meeting started with a Rotary Invocation and toast to Australia and Rotary International.
Acting President Gayle Barrot welcomed, Darrelyn Boucher Principal of the Cockatoo Primary School
Techers Kath, Tristen, Angelina, Sam & Elenor from the Cockatoo PS and Ramingining School along with 10 students from the school in Arnhem Land.
Acknowledgement to County was made by Tristan
Apologies read out by Lorna Shaw
Guest Speaker - Darrelyn Boucher & The Students & Techers from Arnhem Land
Darrellyn and Angelina describe a longstanding school exchange between Cockatoo Primary School (Victoria) and Ramingining School (NT):
The program began in 1993, with annual reciprocal visits between the two schools.
The purpose is to build cultural understanding, exchange knowledge, and strengthen community ties.
Nine students and three teachers from each school are selected each year to participate, based on attendance, leadership, and cultural engagement.
Students and teachers from Ramingining share how they teach culture in classrooms, involving both “Balinda” (non-Indigenous) and Yolngu (Indigenous) teachers.
Activities include learning about language, ceremony, and art, and creating possumskin ball projects tied to Wurundjeri traditions.
Angelina notes the importance of students returning year after year, showing deep friendship and respect between the two communities.
Audience Questions & Stories
Several audience members ask questions and share stories:
One asks about student numbers at Ramingining: around 250 students during the wet season, fewer during the dry.
A retired bus driver shares heartfelt memories of driving students from Ramingining to Melbourne decades ago — describing their excitement seeing trams, zoos, and city life for the first time.
A humorous anecdote describes students’ surprise that trams had no engines and that the “zoo” was much smaller than expected.
Closing Remarks
The speakers emphasize mutual respect, trust-building, and the privilege of cultural sharing.
The story of a yellow-tailed black cockatoo appearing during an assembly becomes a powerful symbol of connection and totemic significance.
The event closes with applause and warm thanks to the visiting delegation.
Special Birthday - Happy 50th Toni-Anne
Committee Updates
Youth Committee
Menzies CreekPrimary School Speech Contest - Tuesday 28th October @6.30pm
P.S. SPEECH CONTEST TUESDAY OCTOBER 28th 2025
LIST OF ATTENDEES, JOBS AND SUPPER ITEMS
NAME
ATTENDING
JOB CHOICE
SUPPER ITEM
(no nuts or nut products)
Marcus Adams
YES
MC
Lamingtons
Kris Ash
YES
Photographer
Sweet
Sangeeta Bajaj
YES
Looking after Guests
h
Gayle Barrot
YES
Supper
Sweet
Kirsty Bates
YES
Supper
Savoury
Lyn Beckwith
YES
Set-Up
Hedgehog Slice
Ali Bowyer
YES
Set-Up
Savoury
Roy Bowyer
YES
Timekeeper
Peter Brock
YES
Carol Cain
YES
Registration table
Muffins
Emma Clark
YES
Supper
Sue Colic
YES
Set-Up
Savoury
Linda Culell
YES
Set-Up
Cake
Kerith Cummins
YES
Looking after the children
Catherine Elfick
YES
Supper
Sweet
Rowan French
YES
Parking
Cake
Toni -Anne Griffin
YES
Supper
Graeme Heatley
YES
Guiding attendees to seats
Sweet
John Henderson
YES
Parking
Jess Kaur
YES
Looking after students
Russell Marnock
YES
Set-Up
Andrew Mc Allister
YES
Timekeeper
Cheese & Biscuits
Chris McLeod
YES
Giving out Programs/KFR Flyers
Wayne McLeod
YES
Set-Up
Hita Mistry
Sally Randall
YES
Giving out Programs/KFR Flyers
Savoury
John Shaw
YES
Parking
Cheeses
Lorna Shaw
YES
Judge
Shortbread biscuits
Anna St Clair
YES
Supper
Lemon Slice
Vicki Van Den Bergen
YES
Set-Up
Cake
Ian Wakefield
YES
Looking after guests
Susi Wilson
YES
Registration
Biscuits
Fundraising Committee
Rotary Halloween Bingo Night 31st October @ The Emerald Primary School Stadium @ 6.30pm
Cancelled
PUFFING BILLY KIDS FUN RUN
Our show bag Packing Night 27th of November at Gembrook. Set up on the Saturday 29th Nov. And the event. 30th November.
Social Committee
Next Social Outing Cup Day Tuesday 4th November - Emerald Lake Park 1-4pm See Flyer Below
The new Emerald Village Association Newsletter is out with an article,
For good food, good fellowship and the opportunity for service through Rotary we give thanks
Rotary Toast
To Australia and the people of Australia (toast) To Rotary International (toast)
4 Way Test
Of the things we think say and do
Is it the truth?
Is it fair to all concerned?
Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
CHOCLOTTO JACKPOT $111.00
Chocolate Winner
Tina McInerney
Duty Roster
Duty Roster - 28th October 2025
Menzies Creek PS Speech Contest
Duty Roster - 2nd November 2025
Social Event - Melbourne Cup
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Member Birthdays
Christine McLeod
October 3
Ian Wakefield
October 14
Toni-Anne Griffin
October 23
Wayne McLeod
October 24
Susan Colic
October 25
Melinda Moulday
October 31
Spouse Birthdays
Heather
October 9
Gagan Singh
October 17
Anniversaries
Shalini Penny
Dave Penny
October 20
Community Notices
Events
We are regularly asked to share information on other Rotary Club or community group events. Rather than list all of them in Sparkle, please check out them outHERE
