District Group Commander of the Police, Inspector Donna Mitchell shared her journey at Rotary last Thursday. Donna has always wanted to teach and mentor others, and saw a career in the Police force as a way of realizing that dream. She started her police journey at the Ringwood Police station and moved from there to work on trains and "stare at people" as part of the Transit program. After being promoted to senior constable, she saw an opportunity to move her education dream forward and set up a training program at the Ringwood station. After that program's success, she personally went to the Glen Waverley Police Academy and informed them that the Academy needed her! They agreed, and for nine years, she conducted many 20-week training programs for Police cadets in that institution. From there, she worked in and gathered valuable experience in the Police Monitoring Assessment Centre in Melbourne - the surveillance hub of all "the action" in the city. During the same period, she also embarked on a study career and completed two under-graduate degrees and a Masters of Education! With the Monitoring centre experience and her degrees under her belt, she applied for all of the 16 promotion positions that were currently available at the time - without telling her husband! Consequently, he was just a little surprized to learn that Donna had secured the Group Commander position in "the Goldfields" area - wherever that was. Donna obviously brings to this central Victorian police area a wealth of useful contacts, and she plans to use her knowledge and skills to make our district communities better places - which is why has has a particular sympathy with our club's "#SayNO" campaign. I know I speak for all in attendance last Thursday when I say we were very impressed by her presentation, and feel very fortunate that she is helping to look after our area.
 

PDG Anthony inducted Thomas Anketell and Candice Debraio at last Thursday's meeting, and instantly, the average age of our club dropped significantly! As introduced by PP Garry OAM, Thomas and Candice both work at Tru Foods and when Garry first met Thomas, he asked him straight out, "Would you like to join Rotary?" Thomas agreed that he was interested because he has a relative in Rotary, and he then informed Garry that he knew someone else who would also be interested - his wife, Candice! It is great to have both of them in the club, not just because they lower our average age, but because they have already shown themselves to be talented and enthusiastic contributors to the community. Thomas will join the Vocational and Foundation committees, and Candice will be part of the International and Membership teams.

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.

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..."

The Highlander Haven was at full capacity last Friday evening for our Sri Lankan Feast to raise funds for our Sri Lankan Village project. Those present enjoyed some great, authentic Sri Lankan food cooked by Chanaka and his family as well as a background talk by Rotarian David Tynan on the visit to Sri Lanka after the 2004 Tsunami by a team of doctors and others from Maryborough. Funds raised on the night will go towards the refurbishment of a community house partly constructed by the original Maryborough team. Thanks to all who assisted - see President Leigh's "Periodical" for details. More pix by clicking "Read more..."

Plaques recognizing the contributions of the Bendigo Bank and our club have been prepared for the raised garden beds now installed and operating at Raglan House. Last Wednesday, Past Presidents Thea and Meryl joined Peta and Nancy from the bank to display the plaques before they are fixed to the beds. The project had its beginnings after the 2015 Conference, and it is great to see it finally "put to bed".