I worked in a medical centre with drug & alcohol services.
In meeting my partner, I was inspired to pursue nursing, especially palliative care.
I gave birth to my daughter Christina who gave me Purpose in life, helped the healing from depression and a renewed perspective on life.
I had an unexpected move into real estate.
Reframed it as: Not about houses → about people in life transitions
Mentors (Justin & Gail) played key roles in my growth
Wayne McLeod - Behind the Badge
I began with a love of design, training and working as an architect. Early on, I built a home in a stunning, rugged location—complete with sweeping views, towering trees, and dirt roads. It was the kind of place that felt both adventurous and grounding, a fitting backdrop for a life that would soon take many turns.
Like many careers, I didn’t follow a straight path. A company collapse forced a reset, pushing me into the world of IT consulting helping businesses solve problems and adapt—skills that would prove useful time and time again.
Meanwhile, at home, another venture was taking shape.
My wife built a production pottery business, and I quickly became part of the operation—hauling clay, firing kilns, and learning the rhythms of a creative enterprise. What started as a hands-on support role evolved into something bigger. Together we expanded into retail, opening a shop and later a café.
Naturally, I became the barista.
It was a pattern that would repeat throughout my life: step into the unknown, learn by doing, and somehow make it work.
The next chapter saw us relocate and eventually establish a cooking school. It was a venture built on passion, creativity, and shared effort. But when COVID disrupted everything, the business faced a new challenge. The cooking school moved online, and he took on a whole new set of roles—tech support, website manager, marketing assistant, and, perhaps most memorably, recipe tester. This last role came with its own challenges. Tasting dishes and offering feedback sounds simple enough—until you’re also responsible for cooking them, deciphering vague measurements, and explaining why something has “too much salt” without entirely knowing how it got there.
The things I loves—and the things I firmly rejects. Pineapple on pizza? Absolutely not. Indecision at traffic lights? Equally unacceptable. But say yes to fast cars, good food, travel, and trying something new—even if it doesn’t go entirely to plan.
Like the time he went gliding, only to discover that soaring silently through the air in a cloth-covered aircraft wasn’t quite as enjoyable as expected.
Or drifting cars with my son, discovering firsthand that what looks easy is anything but.
Or experimenting with unusual cooking techniques, sometimes with questionable results.
Toast to the Elderly - PP PHF John Ritchie
Moya Mateer,
Moya and her husband Bill moved to Hervey Bay in Queensland in their mature years after both having had a long working life in Victoria. Once there, both threw themselves into a life full of friends and interests. Moya joined groups such as Book Club and another called Funky Friends and finally, unexpectedly joined a small group doing Tai Chi on the seashore. When her Tai Chi teachers left the bay, Moya took on the leadership role so that the Tai Chi group could continue. In the years since then that group under Moya’s leadership and encouragement, has grown from 6 people to around 50 all meeting every weekday at 7am rain or shine, still on the beautiful beach front. The Tai Chi group supported many charities both locally and internationally. Moya has now moved down here to Emerald to be near her family, but her Tai Chi friends are resolved to keep their strong group going because they know that in spirit Moya is still always there.
John Shaw -Australian Rotary Health (ARH) - Fundraising Bike Ride
Australian Rotary Health (ARH) remains one of the most significant non-government funders of health research in Australia, supporting vital work in mental health, general health, Indigenous health education, and rural medical and nursing development. Established in the early 1980s from an early Rotary initiative focused on SIDS research, ARH has since invested more than $50 million into health research and training programs nationwide.
My recent six-day charity bike ride through regional Victoria, raising funds for ARH. Despite challenging conditions—including extreme heat reaching 35°C—the group rode nearly 600 km. I completed 531 km.
The ride combined endurance with camaraderie, featuring daily cycling, shared meals, and social traditions like “Club Chardonnay.” Participants ranged widely in age and ability, including riders in their 40s through 80s, an electric bike rider, and even a legally blind cyclist supported by a partner.
I have been participating in these rides since 2002 and have completed around 25 rides, contributing to millions raised for health research over the years.
The club recognized John's dedication with strong support from members presented him with a donation of $5oo.
Committee Reports:
Youth Service Report - Gloria Hargreaves
Rotary Young Driver Awareness (RYDA)
A couple of weeks ago, District 9815 Communications Chair David Button sent out an email which included a message from our DG Peter Behm. Peter showcased the benefits gained by young aspiring drivers participating in the Rotary Youth Drivers Awareness Program. He provided the link to a video that tells more and if you haven’t watched it, I really recommend you do.
RYDA is being staged at Emerald Secondary College on Friday May 1st for the Yr 11s. It will give important knowledge and skills that will be essential for students driving awareness and safety
6 volunteers are needed for the day, Lyn, Carol, Ali and I from the Youth Team have volunteered and I need another 2. It starts just before 9:00 and is usually finished about 2:00pm. Any takers?? Please let me know if you would like to be part of this very worthwhile Program
Breakfast Club
Thanks to Carol, Gayle and Chris for the Easter Breakfast Club which was enjoyed by a large number of kids and some staff. It was great to see the Principal James Barut joining in the fun
Very special thanks to Catherine the Easter Bunny who was the highlight of the morning. (Not sure if she knows she has a look alike relative in Barry Plant’s front office. An amazing resemblance!)
Jess the teacher rep to the BC sent Carol the following lovely message and I have permission to share it.
”A big thank you to the Rotary Team for bringing some Easter fun to the school on Wednesday morning. The students thoroughly enjoyed the activities and it was a fantastic way to celebrate the season together. We truly appreciate your time, generosity and ongoing support of our school community
Thank you, Rotary for all that you do”
Jess
PSSC
Is on its way
All 6 schools have confirmed their participation this year and that October 27 fits into their school calendar
