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Harold's Advice to a Young Person Just Starting Out

1. Have a mentor. Try and find someone who has been in the game for a while to help you get to know the ropes and how to best work in the company.
2. When ideas are required, don't be too shy and think, "I've just started, so I'll just listen." A lot of ground-breaking discoveries have been made by people outside their area of expertise. So offer your suggestions because you might just have a novel way of looking at things or doing things that solves a problem.
3. Be on time. It's sign of respect for other people - when you're on time, you respect their time.
4. Stay alert. Especially in repetitive jobs because if you don't stay alert, you could make costly errors and cause damage. To help stay alert, keep asking yourself, "What am I doing here?" "Is there a better way of doing this without sacrificing quality?"
5. Enjoy your job. But remember that there are very few jobs where it is interesting all the time. There will be times when the job is challenging, or when it will be repetitive and even boring. Just wade through these stages until you get to the more interesting bits, and try to enjoy every aspect of your job.

John Williamson's advice for a Young Person About to Start Work on a Farm

For a young person about to work on a farm...
1. Be punctual, and if you are going to be a "no show", communicate this as soon as possible.
2. Be observant, particularly with regards to livestock. Are they happy, or marching up and down the fence suggesting they might be thirsty. Keep an eye on the troughs. Do they have enough feed? Are the fences OK, or has a limb fallen on a fence which could lead to livestock getting out? Learn the paddock names and the Road names so you know where you are in an emergency.
3. For a young person likely to inherit the farm, make sure you are on top of the finances and financial management. Know what the structure is, what is the will, what is the succession plan? Spend your capital wisely, conserve it as much as possible, and where possible use contractors.

It is Fellowships Month

June is designated as Fellowships Month on the Rotary Calendar, and our last meeting , members heard a short overview of Fellowships from PDG Geoff. Rotary Fellowships are groups of any interested individuals who connect to explore shared interests in such things as Recreational Activities, Hobbies, Sports, Vocations or Rotary History & Culture. Click "Read more..." for more information.

We Meet at the Guides Hall

As part of an annual custom that has been continuing for fifteen years, more than 20 members and prospective members met at the Maryborough Girl Guides Hall last Thursday. During the evening members heard from a long serving Guide leader, Christine Greenwood who talked about her continuing support of the Guides through the Trefoil organization. (Trefoil members are former Girl Guides, Guiders and Local Association/Support Group members, who though no longer active, want to keep the camaraderie going.)

Chris started up the Ranger Guide unit in the 1990’s after a number of years when it had been closed. She mentored five Queens Guides during her time as Ranger leader.

Chris said her husband Greg was a great support to her as she steered the Ranger Guides into the wider world. Hiking to Tarli Karng uphill from Licola; bus trip to Queensland, hiking in Tasmania are some of the highlights she spoke about.

Our hard-working chefs for the evening, Guide leaders Vanessa Parker and Lyn Curry. Provided us with an excellent 3 course meal which was enjoyed by all

PP Brian and Alison Thomas Pay Us a Visit

It was great to catch up at our last meeting with long serving past member, Brian Thomas and his wife, Alison, who visited us from their new location in South Australia. Brian and Alison shared a little of what they've been doing in South Australia and it was interesting to hear of Brian's involvement with his South Australian Rotary Club. We presented Brian and Alison with a copy of our new club History book since Brian had previously been our club historian, and we congratulated him on his recent 90th Birthday whilst still being an active Rotarian!

Austin Taylor's 3 Pieces of Advice

1. Treat people like you would like to be treated yourself - treat them with respect, learn from the people you respect, listen to them and hear what they say. But as you listen, filter out whether they are genuine or whether they've got their own hidden agendas. Ask yourself, "Has this person got something I really need to pay attention to, or do they simply want me to follow their idea of how things should be?"

2. Don't take everything as you see it - look at things carefully, especially if they seem a little "off". Austin shared a sad story of a client who lost their home because their son had been "tickling the till" without their knowledge - they just couldn't see it because they didn't check things carefully.

3. When you start a job, don't get caught up in the politics of the place - especially comments and behaviours that might be sexist or misogynistic. Treat all other colleagues, male or female, with the same level of respect. Then you will be able to enjoy everybody's company, and enjoy your job.

Murray Henderson's 3 Pieces of Advice

1. Some advice from a farmer who had to sell some prized sheep even though the market wasn’t at a stage when he would get the best price – “You’ll never go broke by taking a profit.”
2. Advice from another farmer, “One hour in the morning is worth two later in the day.” If you start early, get up before everyone else, you’ll always be that little bit in front, you’ll never be chasing your tail, you’ll do things safer and better with a whole lot less stress.
3. Have a good work ethic, be proud of what you do even if it seems to be the most mundane job in the world, do everything to the best of your ability and take pride in it.

Noel Jenning's 5 Pieces of Advice

1. Advice from a Bank Manager to Noel when he was just starting out…”When you’ve got a whole lot of jobs ahead of you, always do the worst one first and it will make you feel good for the rest of the day.”
2. Turn up on time, look smart, look interested and remember the names of those who can assist you, especially the first person you are assigned to work with.
3. You catch more bees with honey – be “nice” and take everything from there.
4. Never judge people; always look at them with an open mind and remember the old scruffy guy who came in to buy a Mercedes and no one in the car dealership would talk to him – so he went down the road and bought a Mercedes from the rival dealer and parked it in front of the first dealer’s shop.
5. Be ethical – if something doesn’t seem right, put it to the “pub test”, or if you’re a Rotarian, the “Four Way Test”.

Latest Rotary Council on Legislation Decisions

The Council on Legislation is Rotary’s governing body that amends its constitutional documents. Every three years the Council on Legislation meets to debate and vote on proposed enactments. Each district sends one representative to the Council on Legislation, and any club and district may propose enactments. To see a report on this year's Council, click "Read more..."

3 More Sets of 3 Vocational Tips

Members enjoyed three sets of Vocational Advice tips last Thursday from 3 different Rotarians: PP Martin Mackay, current President Garry Higgins OAM, and Rotarian Shane Dellevedova.

PP Martin Mackay...

1. Always make sure that you prepare well for any presentation or activity that you are assigned, and ensure that you know what you are talking about - so prepare well!

2. If you are asked to do something, always say "Yes" even before you think about whether you can actually do it. The people who asked you to do the job will have considered whether you are capable or not, and there are always people around you to whom you may go for guidance.

3. Take the time to reflect on any task you have been assigned - don't jump in head first until you have got your head around what is required of you and what is expected by the people you are talking to.

See "Read more..." for talks by Garry and Shane.

Dr Lowen Clarke on His Literacy Program

Last Thursday evening, our members were treated to a fascinating talk on literacy research by Dr. Lowen Clarke who currently works at Maryborough's Mill House. For well over a decade, Lowen has been developing a special literacy program to assist young, and even not so young children who have suffered trauma in their lives. See "Read more..." for details.

We Try Out the Mill House

Over twenty Rotarians gathered at Maryborough's "Mill House" Community House last Thursday to enjoy the venue's fine hospitality and try our the facilities as a possible future home. Next week's meeting will be in the same location and after that, negotiations will continue.

3 Pieces of Advice - Alison Teese OAM

Three pieces of advice for someone getting involved in an industry for which they had no experience - based on Alison's experiences of getting into the B&B accommodation business:

1. People do not worry about things being "old" as long as they are clean

2. The key to get people coming back to your business is to get very good bed linen and towels.

3. Get connected to a professional support group specializing in your industry and feed off their wisdom and support.

3 Pieces of Advice - Geoff James

P - Pursue “what is good for all concerned” - in all your work places.
A - Apply the habits of a professional to all work situations. (See "Read more...")
T - Take opportunities for effective leadership.
H - Hone your negotiation skills.
S - Share your vocational story with others

Updated Roster for 3 Pieces of Vocational Advice

Rebecca Buchanan on Pre-school Education

On Thursday, April 7, club members were treated to a powerful presentation by Rebecca Buchanan, the Director of Kindergartens in the Central Highland Shire. Rebecca shared with members the desperately needed strategies being planned and used by local Kindergartens and Pre-school centres to improve the literacy, learning and living skills of pre-schoolers, as well as the parenting skills of some parents. See "Read more..." for Rebecca's talk.

Maryborough Rotary on Goldfields FM

In early April, two programs connected to Maryborough Rotary Club were aired on local radio station, Goldfields FM 99.1. The first was the second program in the series, "Rotary Rhythms" which highlights the musical as well as volunteer interests of local Rotarians, and eventually, members of other Service clubs. In this program, Chris Frahn interviewed PDG Geoff James. The other interview was with President Garry and PDG Geoff about our recent "7 Decades of Service" Dinner and the launch of our new History book. Both programs are available for download on our club website.

We Celebrate Seven Decades of Service

Last Thursday, 110 Rotarians and guests celebrated Maryborough Rotary Club's Platinum Anniversary with the "Seven Decades of Service Dinner" at the Maryborough Highland Society. The guest speaker for the night was long time supporter of our club, Past District Governor (PDG) Jessie Harman, the Rotary International Zone Director for the Australian and New Zealand regions. The evening also saw District 9780 Governor, John Clue, launch our club's brand new history book, "Service Above Self 1999-2022". Pictured is President Garry Higgins OAM, the club's longest serving member, Tom Davies (who joined in 1982-83), and Zone Director Jessie Harman cutting the 70th birthday cake. See "Read more..." for more details and pictures.

History Books Now Available For Sale

The club's new history book, "Service Above Self 1999-2022" has been officially launched at our 70th Anniversary Dinner on March 31st. We have already sold over over two thirds of the copies, so contact Treasurer John or PDG Geoff if you want to make sure you don't miss out on a copy. The book is designed around each of the Presidential years of the club from 1999 up until this year, 2022. Each year includes a summary of the service provided by club members in each of the Avenues of Service, as well as a full listing of the Board for the year. There are some interesting tables at the back of the book including a detailed list of every member who has been a member of the club (from 1952 - 2022). There are also at least two photographs on each page illustrating some aspect of our Rotary service. These books could all be gone soon, so don't miss out!

St Patrick's Day Fun

A select group of Rotarians and one guest celebrated St Patrick's Day in style on Thursday, March 17 at the Highland Society. Members sang some classic Irish songs, told some great Irish jokes, and heard some fascinating history about the Irish connections of the Williamson family and the history of their property at Carisbrook from both John and PP Leigh Williamson as well as PP Alison Teese. See "Read more..." for more photos and details.

Havilah CEO Designate - Craig Young

On Thursday, March 10, around twenty members enjoyed a presentation by the incoming CEO of Havilah, Craig Young. Craig provided members with a fascinating outline of his early life, an overview of his adult working life and previous appointments - including some highly engaging stories, and shared his previous Rotary experiences.

Report on the Tower /Peace Park Project

PP Robert "Malley" Rowe and Tracey Smith both provided an overview of the latest developments with the Tower Peace Park project. The Tower Committee met with local historian Geoff Lovett at the Bristol Hill reserve last Tuesday and learned some eye-opening facts. See "Read more..."

Malley Shares His Three Pieces of Advice

“Malley shared two sets of advice for a young person just starting out on their career.

The first set was:

These actual bits of advice were given to him by his first City Engineer on day one at his first job:

1. Don't let anyone know who you vote for

2. Don't let anyone know what religion you are and,

3. If you barrack for Collingwood, don't even bother unpacking your bags.”

After more reflection, Malley would look to share these couple of things with someone just starting out

1. You can get a job anywhere, but what makes a job enjoyable are the people you work with and the people you can help along the way . Take the time to develop friendships and relationships.

2. "Put your All” into it and whatever you do, always put your best foot forward by showing respect, integrity, compassion and be worthy of trust.

3. Each day, try to tick something off someone else’s list.

Meryl Reminds Us Of Rotary's Probus Project

Last week, PP Meryl was inducted as the incoming President of the Maryborough Ladies Probus Club by PP Thea who was standing in for President Garry. At our last meeting, Meryl explained how Probus is actually one of Rotary's most successful projects, and how our four Goldfields area Probus clubs have actually been some of the most beneficial community service projects undertaken by our Maryborough Rotary Club. Meryl is pictured with her incoming Probus Board and President Thea. See "Read more..." for more pics and details.

This Week - St Patrick's Day Meeting

Our club meeting this Thursday will be a special St Patrick's Day Celebration. We ask you to wear something green. We'll be singing some Irish songs, we'll have Leigh and John Williamson talking about their four leafed clover er, farm heritage, and we'll have a (clean) Irish Joke competition. It will be fun, to be sure, to be sure!

John Sedunary Shares A Very Special Community Project

John is currently the new chair of the "Committee for Maryborough" and he shared with our members a fascinating current project that the committee is exploring.
John asked members to imagine a situation where you opened up a serious discussion with your children where you seriously shared your story and history with them - your feelings, attitudes and the important decisions you made when you were their age. John asked members, "What do you think your children would learn from that situation?" (See "Read more...")

Service Committee Reports

Family Violence (Garry): Two current members have left the Family Violence committee due to other commitments, but we have been pleased to welcome Sharon Huggett and Tania Miles as new members. It was interesting to talk recently to ex-local policeman Paul Huggett who is currently working in the La Trobe Valley. Paul reported that there are around 450 cases of family violence a week in his area, whereas in the Central Goldfields, last year we had 360 cases over the 12 months - hopefully, our message is having an effect.

Tower Project (Trace and Malley): The Tower project committee met last Tuedsay and actually had more non-Rotarian members than Rotarians. In the meantime, Malley met with local historian Geoff Lovett who is very excited about the prospect of doing something about the Tower area.

Bike Ride Fundraiser (Brian): 67 people have already signed up for the ride and preparations seem to be going well.

John Caulfield Shares His 3 Pieces of Advice

PP John Caulfield gave his 3 pieces of advice for a young person just starting out on their career/ working life:
1. When you arrive, make sure you listen carefully and hear the expectations of your workplace - that wisdom will be invaluable.
2. Showcase your values e.g. respect for others, taking responsibility, showing initiative etc.
3. Seek out a mentor - look for a champion of the workplace to guide you.

Our Members At The Swap Meet

Last Friday and Saturday, six teams of volunteers from Maryborough Rotary prepared food for some of the thousands of participants at the 2022 Swap-meet in Ballarat. The Saturday Lunch Time shift is shown. Due to a lack of volunteers, some of our members stayed for double four-hour shifts, and PP Derrick and Karen Marsden amazingly stayed for the whole six shifts! See more pics by clicking "Read more...".

We Celebrate Rotary's 117th Birthday

Last Wednesday, February 23, at the Bull and Mouth Hotel, around 30 Rotarians and spouses enjoyed each other's company and good food whilst celebrating the 117th Birthday of Rotary International. Thanks to President Garry Higgins OAM and Parkview Bakery, we had a magnificent, decorated mud cake for sweets. See more pix by clicking "Read more..."

Reports From Governance Committees Last Thursday

Four of the five Governance Committees met at the Highland Society on Thursday, February 17th. Click "Read more..." to read brief reports from each of these committees.

Proposed International Projects

On Thursday February 17, chair of the club's "Overseas Aid Select" Service Sub-Committee, PP Meryl James provided a progress report on proposed International aid projects to be supported by our club this Rotary year.
The committee will recommend to the Board that, subject to available funds,...

1. $1000 be provided to the RAWCS Aid for Tonga Project as soon as possible

2. $1000 be used to purchase and deploy a Shelter Box in a place of need.

3. $550 be used to support the Rotary Club of Bendigo South Sponsored MEC Project listed on the RAWCS website to provide counselling and life changing surgery for children afflicted with Meningoecephalocoele at the Children's Surgical Centre Phnom Penh in Cambodia.

4. $1000 be provided to Disaster Aid Australia to go towards the provision of clean water using their "Sky Hydrants" in communities currently without access to clean water.

Members are invited to share any concerns about these proposals with chair, Meryl, otherwise Service Projects Director, Harold will take this list to the next Board meeting in March.

Service Committees Update

Guiding Principles | Rotary club, Rotary international, Rotarian

At our last meeting, club members heard progress reports from all current service committees in the five avenues of service:

COMMUNITY AVENUE OF SERVICE

Easter/ Community Fair (Chair Garry Higgins) – Postponed until November 2022

Tower/ Peace Park (Chair Trace Smith) 4 committees are in process. The “Park” may not end up at the tower, and the Tower may not necessarily be a Peace Park, but there will be community consultation to find out what people want and how whatever eventuates is sustainable and doesn’t require ongoing maintenance by Rotarians.

Family Violence Committee (Chair Garry Higgins) In the process of finishing off the new combined Web Site and the package of materials for other communities.

Community Clock: (Chair Anthony Ohlsen) Still a work in process.

Club Sponsorships: (Chair Martin Mackay) Sponsorships will occur towards the end of this Rotary year. They include the Four Way Test Scholarships (for local Secondary schools), assistance to Probus, and Assistance to the Garden Club)

Bowelscan: (Chair Murray Henderson) All ready to go in May

INTERNATIONAL AVENUE OF SERVICE

Overseas Project Select: (Chair Meryl James) Using the RAWCS Web site as a basis, but other projects will be considered. Committee meeting this week to select 2-3 projects from RAWCS (and others) which will be put to club members and donations will be made to the selected causes in the next month or so. Possibilities so far include Tonga, Shelterbox, Peace Fellows.

VOCATIONAL AVENUE OF SERVICE

Academy of Excellence: (Chair Robert Rowe) Posponed until next Rotary year.

Let’s Get Ethical: (Chair Geoff James) Already had one discussion; another one planned for April or May – maybe Easter morning?)

Three Pieces of Advice: (Chair Geoff James) We have already had talks by Terry, Thea and Toby. Updated Roster to be sent out this week.

Young Professionals Networking Group: (Chair Kate Ashton) In process of being planned.

YOUTH AVENUE OF SERVICE

LIFT Program: POSTPONED UNTIL NEXT ROTARY YEAR

Mock Interviews: POSTPONED UNTIL NEXT ROTARY YEAR

Say YES 2 Literacy: (Chair Garry Higgins & Alison Teese) Project in process

RYLA Support: (Derrick Marsden) Depends on Covid impact on RYLA

Defying the Drift: POSTPONED UNTIL NEXT ROTARY YEAR

Science Programs: POSTPONED UNTIL NEXT ROTARY YEAR

CLUB AVENUE OF SERVICE

Ink Spots: (Chair Meryl James) Ink Spots to return at meetings where we have access to a Data Projector.

Decision Time For Club Service Projects

All members were sent an updated club "Committee Plan" last Thursday which listed all the club's committees (Governance and Service) and the members who signed up for them last year. If you have deleted that email and list, you can still download the document on our website or by clicking this link: https://clubrunner.blob.core.windows.net/00000001951/en-au/files/homepage/maryborough-rotary-club-committee-plan-v9/Maryborough-Rotary-Club-Committee-Plan-V9.pdf
The Service committees planned for this year are listed in white on the black panel, and at this coming week's meeting (February 10), as a whole club, we need to decide which of these projects we're going to try and complete or run with in the next 4 to 5 months. Chairs of these committees will be asked to very briefly describe what progress has been made so far, whether you think it's realistic to try and complete these projects this Rotary year and what support you need to do that.

Where there is no chair yet, or no progress, we'll be asking if anyone feels passionate about the issue and wants to run with the project from now on.

Whilst the committees are listed under the 4 Avenues of Service, you will remember that we have no overall chairs for these Avenues, but separate chairs for each project.

The Deep Meaning of Peace for Rotarians

With this week’s invasion of Ukraine by Putin’s Russia It immediately brought to mind an article titled “The Deeper Meaning of Peace" for Rotarians written by PDG Geoff James that we published earlier this month and present again for you to read and reflect upon.

There are over 50 Rotary Clubs and 24 Rotaract Clubs in Ukraine. The image we have used was posted on our social media pages this past week and was originally created by the Rotary club of Morisset who generously allow other clubs to use their images and substitute their own signature (with acknowledgement) we appreciate their work and for allowing us to use their material.

Peace is usually translated as a state without disturbance, or an absence of war (Oxford Dictionary). Unfortunately, this rather passive definition doesn’t do justice to the rich layers of meaning that are embedded in that word, but thanks to the Judeo/ Christian tradition, we have available to us a far more dynamic and rich definition of peace that can inspire us all.

continue reading by clicking "Read more..."

#29 Amazing Visit to SONAC Factory

Fourteen Rotarians and friends were treated to an amazing site visit at the Maryborough SONAC Factory on Thursday January 27. Prior perceptions about the place were completely blown away by the informative talks and tour through the facilities. Click "Read more..." for details and a gallery of photographs.

Welcome to our Club

Motto: Service Above Self

We meet In Person & Online

Thursdays at 6:30 PM

Various Venues in Town

Check Our Webpage Each Week
Maryborough, VIC 3465
Australia

Our club currently meets in various venues around Maryborough or on line via "Zoom". Common venues are the Maryborough Highland Society or the Bull and Mouth Hotel. Check our calendar at the top of our webpage or call our Secretary.

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