A warm welcome to all members for this Club Assembly. Lorna Shaw read out the apologies and Sangeeta announced the up-coming birthdays.
Anna, our newest member, was cordially welcomed by our esteemed President.
Chairperson's (President Elect, Kelly McAllister) Introduction
Sangeeta introduced our chairperson for the meeting, the lovely Kelly McAllister, who then went on to welcome us to this evening's Club Assembly meeting.
We have no external guests, but John Ritchie was introduced to deliver his "Toast to the Elderly".
A toast to the Elderly - Ruth Boyd
John Ritchie treated us to a lovely story about local Emerald Glades resident, Ruth Boyd. Below is the story of Ruth...
I grew up in Abbottsford, where I could gaze at the iconic vinegar skipping girl from my bedroom window. Life wasn't easy; my father succumbed to cancer when I was young, leaving me with four older sisters, all of whom have since passed away. Despite my mother's wishes for me to continue schooling after his death, I felt compelled to contribute to our household's finances. At just 12 and a half, I fibbed about my age to secure a job at Simpsons Glove Factory, unbeknownst to my mother, who believed I was still attending school.
I have 5 beautiful children and eventually after my husband and I split up I crossed paths with Clem. We shared a devoted companionship spanning 50 years, although we never officially married. My daughters affectionately referred to him as dad, and together, we found happiness in our home in Clematis. Tragically, Clem lost his battle with bowel cancer in the early 2000s, leaving me to reside in our cherished Clematis abode, where I led a somewhat solitary existence.
Only recently have I made the transition to Emerald Glades, leaving behind the memories of a lifetime to embrace a new chapter, albeit with a sense of reluctance and apprehension but have been settling in making new friends and have enjoyed having a laugh with staff. If you can’t find me amongst the people, you’ll soon find me wrapped up in a good book in my room. I love to read, I’d read the labels of shampoo bottles if I had nothing else to read. I also have a secret passion for Tom Jones. Not the old Tom Jones though, the young version. Though I wouldn’t really complain with any version of Tom Jones. Wink Wink
Behind the Badge - Lorna Shaw
This is my story in two parts, from where I lived until age 12 and then (as an Army family) where we lived from 1970 to 1996.
It all started in Monomeith, a town 3 miles from Koo Wee Rup were I grew up.
We lived at the Model Farm, established by my grandfather (Paddy Einsiedel), which was an agistment farm for racehorses. There were no other children/families close by, so I started school at the age of four and a half, never having experienced ‘playing’ with other children. It was a unique experience and so different from the normal!
As well as the house on the farm, there was a huge shed with a loft and secret storage rooms. Other special areas were: the butcher shop, paint shop, cow shed, pig sty, wash house, boot room, accommodation for workers, blacksmith shop, drays and carriages. However, the most unusual area was the two garages, where there were glass cases of stuffed birds, stag heads, foxes, crocodiles and snakes in bottles. These items were displayed amongst pictures of horses etc all around the walls.
We spent the next phase of our life as an Army Family - and that meant moving around...a lot.
These are the places where we lived from our marriage – to now! (though along the way we added 3 children).
We started in Balcombe (Army School of Signals) --> then Heidelberg --> followed by Ringwood --> Chadstone --> across to Perth --> then across the world to Blandford Forum, Dorset, UK --> then to Macleod (near the Watsonia Barracks) --> to Point Lonsdale (Army Staff College, Queenscliff) --> followed by Nerang, Qld (John was posted to Canungra) --> back to Macleod AGAIN in 1985 where we bought our own house on Strathallan Road. We remained there until 1996 when we moved to Clematis - and we have been here ever since.
After 28 years in Clematis – is it time for another move?
Committee Reports
Mental Health Forum - Gloria Hargraves
Gloria reminded us that everyone who intends to come along to the mental health forum must register (see https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1207541?), plus all Rotarians who attend must bring some food to share as we are doing the catering.
Deb Ball - Lyn Beckwith
An update on the Deb Ball (which was held Saturday 15th June): On the 1st Jan, they opened applications and received a total of 54 debs and partners. They have at least 371 attendees for the evening. There will be raffle on the evening where the first prize is a photography voucher plus a winery voucher. Marcus will be the MC on the night, and both Emma and Marcus will present the debs. The fabulously witty John Henderson has put together the blurb to be spoken as the Debs are presented to the local mayor.
Lyn gave a special thanks to the Rotary community for helping with all of the organisation, and this includes (but is not limited to): Toni-Anne, Peter, Rohan & Linda, Shalini, and John.
Youth - Marcus Adams
Marcus informed us all about the deb ball survey results (Survey targeted students from last year's Deb, this year's Deb, and potential next year participants). There was an overwhelming positive response to the ball - with students indicating it was the best event for them. The word 'debutant' had some comments from students, but none of them are really bothered by its former meaning.
Marcus also highlighted that the RC Emerald Youth Committee will sponsor ($1500) a student from the NE Arnhem Land community to participate in the Ramingining Indigenous Cultural Exchange Program to attend Cockatoo PS. A wonderful initiative.
Community - Melinda Moulday
Melinda notified members that a $500 donation was made last Sunday 9th June for Fight MND. Melinda mentioned that the event, held at the Paradise Valley Hotel, was such a fantastic day and a total of over $115k was raised.
Melinda also mentioned that the RC Emerald Community Committee is also financially supporting a local lady who is a victim survivor of domestic violence. The have already made a firewood donation, but need to source more.
Melinda also mentioned that the Donations in Kind stationery was delivered by Adam, who transported the goods to West Footscray. These items will be sent to developing nations.
Photos below of Emma's EPS students who helped pack the donations which were delivered to the Rotary factory in West Footscray on Thursday 6th June.
International - Tina McInerney
Tina told us about the Vanuatu Project - a project that received a '22-'23 financial year grant that involves three Rotary clubs (Maroondah, Oakley/Huntingdale/Clayton, and Emerald). Emerald are the 'Chair' of the project, which has a project budget of $17k and includes funds from 'Engineers Without Borders' who have built 4 toilets in specific villages.
They hope to have the project completed by August. Tina specifically wanted to thank Andrew McAllister, without whom, the project may never have progressed.
Tina also mentioned that the RC Emerald International Committee also donated to the following projects:
- $1000 To 'Rotarians Against Malaria'.
- $500 to 'Spend it Well' in Timor Leste, a project of interest for Russell Marnock, to give help to schools.
Additional Items
The McLeod Murphy Memorial Fund Scholarship
Scholarships will be presented on 25th June during our club meeting, to two deserving young students, Benjie McAllister and Jacob Barrot.
About the Scholarship: Dr McLeod Murphy was Emerald’s first Doctor. He practised in Emerald for 30-years prior to his death in 1981. The fund that was established in his memory to support and encourage local students in their quest for tertiary qualifications in medical or related fields.
The Fund is administered by: Rotary Club of Emerald & District Inc. The Scholarship is for $1000 per year for 2 years.
Out and about - Monash Health Foundation, Donor Appreciation Event:
Last Wednesday Kerith Cummins and Lynn Beckwith represented the Emerald and District Rotary Club at the Monash Health Foundation’s Donor Appreciation Event. The function was held at the Atheneum Theatre and during the evening we heard from several guest speakers, including the CEO of Monash Health, Eugine Yafele; the Director of the Monash Health Foundation, Ron Fairchild; founder of fundraiser ‘Bailey’s Day’, Patrick Tessier; and a young patient, Hunter and his mother.
Following the speeches we were treated to a wonderful candlelit performance by the Eclective Strings, who presented a program of popular music connected with the theme ‘Hope Grows With You’.
Meeting close was delivered by President Sangeeta.
