At last Thursday's meeting, six attendees at the recent Defy the Drift program shared their experiences of the three day camp and their hopes for a possible future working on the land.

Chalottee Cain spoke of how the program inspired her to pursue the production of prime lamb. Lachlan Gablek shared his fascination with environmentally sound chicken farming and the production of green eggs (I can just imagine them with ham!). Ethan Fremantle is also into prime lamb production, although with a different emphasis from that of Charlotte. What Zac Grant got out of the program was some useful information on how to write a speech - such as the one he gave to our club! Jamie Beavis is interested in the mechanization of farms, and wants to work with his family in servicing heavy diesel machinery - he discovered it will involve three years of study. Keynan Lanfranchi said he learned to be more confident at the camp, and he wants to be a Canola farmer since it is one of the most valuable crops in Australia. Thanks to Youth Chair and DTD Committee member, Graeme Rogan for organizing a great night.
 

A party of twelve from Rotary attended last Friday's MATS Gala night where President Leigh and PP Meryl presented the MATS committee with a cheque for $10,000. Some other big donations were made on the night, so the project looks set to meet its target of $120,000.

As part of our "Best Connections" series, PP Rob (Malee) Rowe provided members and guests with an entertaining overview of no less than 14 "best" connections he has made in his career in various Central Victorian Shires - finishing up with a nod to John Kelly.

This event is on next Saturday, so get your tickets from Eileen's Frock Salon or Irene Lloyd.

Thursday's committees had a ghoulish twist when members donned Halloween gear and hats to celebrate Halloween as well as raising funds for Rotary Hat Day. A considerable amount in fines was collected and that will go to the very worthwhile cause of mental Health research. A big "Thank You" to Fun Co-ordinator Tracey who provided Halloween decorations for the night as well as ghoulish lollies for the table - the eye-balls were yum! The night was also the last night for October Chair Murray who topped off his great month with a seriously funny joke about an in-built fax machine! More Halloween pic by clicking "Read more..."

If you haven't already made you plans, prepare now to be at one of our club's highlight events for the year - the annual "Oaks Day Luncheon". Tickets are $35 at The Highland Society.

If any member is willing to represent Rotary at this event, please contact Kate Ashton.

Almost all of our regular attendees turned up at Brian Dowie park last Thursday to participate in a general spruce up of the area. Thanks to the rain holding off, great progress was made. After the work, members enjoyed a barby tea together and a meeting led by President Leigh in his high vis jacket. Both Leigh and Dowie park coordinator, John Williamson thanked members for their efforts.

Part of the crowd at our recent "Ride Like a Girl" Movie night (at the Paramount Cinemas) enjoying the magnificent fare provided by Jan Williamson - Thank you, Jan!

Last Thursday, due to the Havilah AGM, we met at Peppas and heard a fascinating talk from the President of the Sikh Council of Australia, Ajmer Singh Gill. Ajmer Singh provided us with an overview of his history and the beliefs of the Sikh Religion. Ajmer came to Australia in 1981, and settled in Western Australia, but has since moved around quite a bit. The Sikh council is concerned with both the well being of Sikh people in Australia, as well as general; humanitarian concerns such as issues of poverty, religious freedom and domestic violence. (The Sikh's tackle this with a program called "Domestic Bliss") The Sikh religion is the 5th largest in the world, and it is a fairly young religion with a focus on spirituality. They believe in one God for all religions - "If you don't see God in all, you don't see God at all". They emphasize that followers should share what they earn, remember God in all that they do, and honour the family. Ajmer Singh showed us the symbolic items that all Sikhs carry, including the sacred knife or "kirpan" for which Sikhs have official permission. After his talk, Ajmer Singh presented Chair, Peter Haywood with a book explaining the Sikh beliefs. See "Read more" for more pics.
 

Last Thursday, local CEO of Edlyn Foods, Windsor Main gave a brief overview of the upcoming KIndness Men's Retreat at Lockwood on October 19th. The intention is for men to be introduced to men’s health and well-being processes in a safe guided way. This gathering is for adult Men of any age and is being facilitated by Men who want to create a network of supportive, positive, masculine influences in their lives. Relax, have fun, take off the mask, and connect deeper with yourself and the men around you. Members interested in attending can contact Windsor or book on the website.