A remarkably sprightly bunch of members turned up at the Maryborough Hub on Australia Day to hand out muffins to attendees and try out the club's brand-new smaller marquee. Members and marquee all performed beautifully! Thanks to all members who helped out, and the muffins were great, Garry and Julie! More pics...-
#29 Discussion around the Monthly Theme
Feb 02, 2023
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM -
#30 The Legal Responsibilities of Rotarians TBC
Mill HouseFeb 09, 2023
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
A remarkably sprightly bunch of members turned up at the Maryborough Hub on Australia Day to hand out muffins to attendees and try out the club's brand-new smaller marquee. Members and marquee all performed beautifully! Thanks to all members who helped out, and the muffins were great, Garry and Julie! More pics...
There was much discussion after January 19th club meeting as members considered the Service committee plans put in place for the second half of this Rotary year. There was also discussion about the new catering system to be trialed by the club. One member from each dining table will need to collect food from the chef and assist its distribution to those at the table. At the end of each meal, the table members are responsible for cleaning the table and returning items to the kitchen area. This trial is part of a new catering agreement being negotiated with our hosts, the Mill House. Pictured are recent members, Grace, Lowan and Adrian talking with PP Meryl about the changes.
Older members will remember the Fellowship Roster system pre-covid. Three members are rostered on each week to assist with the administration of the club meeting. Each week, one of those members will be removed from the list and the next one on the club's alphabetical list will be added to complete the Fellowship team. Two of the members will collect meeting fees from members and welcome them to the meeting, the other member will manage sales at the bar. At the end of the meeting, all three will be responsible for cleaning up - i.e., putting away the club lecturn trolley, the public address system, the club calendar, and returning unsold drinks to the refrigerator. If a member is not able to fulfill their rostered spot, it is their resposibility to swap their time with another member. Those on duty will be included in each week's bulletin. Since the Administration committee is responsible for the roster, they will start the process. Geoff, Murray and John Williamson will start next week - from then on, the roster will move through club members alphabetically by surname.
Around twenty Rotarians and friends visited and toured the Maryborough Advertiser premises last Thursday to hear a fascinating account of how the local paper publishing process occurs from our own Rotarian, Riley Upton (pictured). One surprising fact we learned was that often, the paper is actually printed in Morwell, and then transported to Maryborough overnight. After the tour, participants adjourned to the Bangkok Thai Restaurant for a delicious meal together.
Around 20 Rotarians and partners enjoyed a meal at the Bull and Mouth Hotel on New Year's Eve and then adjourned to the home of Meryl and Geoff to see out 2022 and welcome 2023. A few couples danced, a number watched the muso's, everyone had a good chat and three talented Rotarians got up and performed a couple of songs (pictured). You can even watch a video of their performances if you click on the following YouTube link: https://youtu.be/pCdnbqmyowo 
Twenty Rotarians and partners enjoyed a great night of dining and chat at the home of President Garry and Julie Higgins on January 5th. The get together was the first Maryborough Rotary club meeting for 2023. All present agreed that Garry and Julie's brand new barby worked a treat! Thanks to both of you for your hospitality! See "Read more..." for more pix.
January is Rotary Vocational Service month and as this new image from Rotarian Debbie Vance says, this month focusses on the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations, high ethical standards in business and the dignifying of each Rotarian's occupation as an opportunity to serve society. As part of this focus, next week we will visit the workplace of Rotarian Riley Upton, so gather at the Maryborough Advertiser office carpark by 6pm next Thursday. A meal will follow at a venue yet to be confirmed. Look out for the details via text or email.
A jolly crowd of around 40 gathered at the Railway Cafe and Tracks Bar last Thursday to celebrate the Christmas season and the first half of our 2022-23 Rotary year. Members and guests enjoyed good food, great company and a Christmas "Pass the Parcel" from our Fun Co-ordinator, Trace, (Thanks Trace!) and a "Sing the Next Line of This Christmas Carol" game from PDG Geoff. The club will take a two week break from weekly meetings and will resume again on the first Thursday in January for a social event at the home of President Garry and Julie.
A pleasingly large crowd attended the opening and dedication of the Maryborough Aeromedical Transfer Station at the Maryborough Airport on Friday, December 9th. Major donors, including Maryborough Rotary Club were thanked on the day and President Garry responded on behalf of the club saying that when the issue was raised with members, there was no hesitation in the club committing $10,000 of its funds to the venture. Local Paramedics informed those in attendance that the Transfer Station will be a fantastic asset to the community, although we all hope we never have to use it. See "Read more..". for more pics.
All Maryborough Rotary members and their partners are invited to our get together's on New Year's Eve, but we need to know numbers this week and by the latest, next Thursday night at our Christmas party. We plan to have dinner at a local Restuarant - to be confirmed - from 6pm to 8pm and then have a night of fun and dancing from 8 to 12.30am. Please let Meryl or Geoff know if you're coming to firstly, the dinner, and /or if you're coming to Meryl and Geoff's for the party. We need both sets of numbers. Call Geoff on 0407 684 619.
On December 8th, members witnessed a very powerful message from local Salvation Army Captain, Ron Stobie. Ron thanked members for the boxes of food provided over recent weeks and then went on to paint a concerning picture of the current needs of the poor and the declining number of volunteers to do something about the problem in our Central Goldfields area. See "Read more..." for more information and pictures.
On December 1st, members were treated to a fascinating talk about the history of the Bristol Hill Tower by local historian and Councillor, Geoff Lovett. Geoff reported that he was delighted when he heard that our club was interested in seeing the tower area restored to its former glory, and he encouraged members to follow up their interest with a commitment to seeing the job through as an important Rotary project. See "Read more..."
Members are reminded to reply to Secretary Anthony by TODAY (Monday 5th) or TOMORROW (Tuesday 6th) at the latest if you plan to attend our Rotary Christmas party on Thursday, December 15th at the Railway Station.
Members are reminded that this coming week will be your last chance to bring items for our Salvation army boxes, and Cpt. Ron Scobie will be attending to collect them. Bring along items such as cans of spaghetti, corn, peas, carrots, fruit salad, tuna, soup, or ham; jars of pasta sauce or simmer sauce; packets of pasta, custard, instant mashed potato, 2-minute noodles, jelly, gravy, rice, or biscuits; boxes of fruit mince pies, cereal, or Christmas bon-bons or any Christmas treats. Maryborough Rotary Members and partners are invited to join us for New Year's Eve at Meryl and Geoff's place on December 31st. We plan to optionally eat at a local eating place beforehand (place to be confirmed) and then gather for a night of fun and dancing until 2023. BYO Drinks and a plate of nibbles to share. Please let Meryl or Geoff know if you plan to attend by our Rotary Christmas party night on Dec. 15th.
Thanks to PP Meryl and PP Alison, we now have at the Mill House during meeting times a number of Christmas Boxes from the Salvation Army, and members are invited to bring along non-perishable food and household goods and place them in the boxes to be delivered to those in our community who are struggling this Christmas. Suitable items include cans of spaghetti, corn, peas, carrots, fruit salad, tuna, soup, or ham; jars of pasta sauce or simmer sauce; packets of pasta, custard, instant mashed potato, 2-minute noodles, jelly, gravy, rice, or biscuits; boxes of fruit mince pies, cereal, or Christmas bon-bons or any Christmas treats. Please bring along a few items to each of the next couple of meetings.
Eight Rotarians and members of local and district organizations accompanied "Ellie", the elephant in the room, in a walk to Phillips Gardens last Friday for the official launch of the 16 days of Activism event. After the launch, Ellie was moved to the foyer of the Library centre. More pictures in "Read more..."
At the November 24th meeting, Rotarian Dr. Lowen Clarke reported on the conference that he and Rotarian Adrian recently attended on the effects of Trauma on individuals. At the event, Lowan was honoured with a crystal plaque for his written work on Trauma and Dissociation. (See Read more... for photo). Congratulations Dr. Lowan! Lowan also reminded members of the 16 Days of Activism event (pictured) and of his and Adrian's success in having their garden featured in the latest edition of Gardening Australia. (See Read more...for a photo)
At Thursday's meeting, Secretary PDG Anthony displayed a banner he recently received acknowledging our club's generous donation to the Gippsland Fire Appeal. Thank you again to all those members who contributed to this effort in various ways.
The club's new marquee was set up for the first time, last Thursday morning in readiness for the Energy Breakthrough. The picture shows members gathering around the tent during our Thursday night meeting. For more Photo's see "Read More"
On November 10th, members heard a talk via video from Gillian Thomas, President of the Australian Polio Survivors Organization. Gillian provided a detailed outline of her Polio journey from contraction of the disease as a young child, to becoming President of the Australian Polio support group up to her recent crippling battle with the onset of long-term symptoms of Polio. Along the way she provided a clear description of the different types of Polio vaccine, how Polio attacks the body, and what can be done to support current survivors. 
At our last meeting, Foundation committee member PP Meryl provided members with an update on the latest Polio figures before we heard from Polio sufferer, Gillian Thomas. As of November 10th, there 29 Wild Polio Cases in the world compared to 6 at the same time last year:
2 in Afghanistan
20 in Pakistan
7 in Mozambique, Africa.
Africa had been declared was declared Polio free about 20 years ago, and it technically still is, but these cases were genetically derived from cases in Pakistan. These cases are concerning when we consider that there was a 22 year old male in New York who contracted Polio in a community that had a low Polio vaccination rate and polio has also been identified in the sewerage systems in London and in Jerusalem as well. According to the Regional Polio expert, Dr Murray Versoe, the reason is increased travel since the Covid lockdowns.
District 9780 Governor, Kathy Rivett visited our club meeting on November 3rd and inspired members to move into our Rotary future as "imagineers". Following the challenge from Rotary Interenational President Jennifer Jones to "Imagine Rotary" as this year's Rotary theme, Kathy believes that if we use our imaginations, we can go a long way towards solving the current problems facing our organization as we move forward. Click "Read more..." for more details.
Whilst visiting the club on November 3rd, District Governor Kathy Rivett inducted our newest member of the club, Grace La Vella. Grace was proposed by President Garry, will have the classification of "Local Government - Councillor", and PP Thea Allan will be her mentor. A warm welcome to Maryborough Rotary Club, Grace!
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On October 27th, members confirmed nominations for every position except one due to take office on July 1st 2023 for the 23-24 Rotary year.President - PDG Geoff James
Past President - PP Garry Higgins OAM
President Elect - Rebecca Lowrie
President Nominee - Still To Be Appointed
Secretary - PP Thea Allan
Treasurer - Rot. John Williamson (Continuing)
Director of Administration - PDG Anthony Ohlsen
Director of Foundation - Esther Waters
Director of Fundraising - PP Brian Reed (Continuing)
Director of Membership - Tracey Smith (Continuing)
Director of Public Image - Max Berry
Director of Special Projects - Harold Breitinger (Continuing)
Director of Community - Leigh Williamson (Continuing)
Director if International - Louise Hanby D'Wynn (Continuing)
Director of Vocational Service - PP Meryl James (Continuing)
Director of Youth - Martin Mackay (Continuing)
Members enjoyed a fascinating talk on October 27th from author and Rail Trail promoter, Janice Simpson. Janice spoke to the club on Zoom last year about her work promoting the Maryborough to Castlemaine Rail Trail project, but this time she shared her adventures of some amazing bicycle journeys around Europe. A friend introduced Janice to bike riding after participating in the Great Victorian Bike Ride in 2004. Janice duly took herself off to a bike shop in Carlton and bought herself a "lovely, navy-blue speed machine" and that's when the adventures began. See "Read more..."
On September 29, Rotarian Dr Lowan Clarke outlined details of the Maryborough Rotary Literacy Project and the work that he and Rotarian Adrian Masterman-Smith have been working on for a number of years. The full text and images from Lowan's presentation can be seen by clicking "Read more...".
Service Committees met last Thursday and planned their service activities and projects for the coming year. Pictured is the new Director of International Service, Louise Hanby D'Wynn sharing the committee's plans with members. Other Directors, PP Leigh Williamson (Community), PP Martin Mackay (Youth) and PP Meryl James (Vocational) also presented reports which will be published in the near future. See "Read more..." for more pictures.
On Thursday, August 11th, over twenty members and guests gathered at the Mill House for our club's first face to face meeting for three weeks due to Covid concerns. We were also joined by three members online via Zoom. The topic of the night was an engaging presentation by new member, Bec Lowery, who shared her vocational story - so far. Click "Read more..." for more details and photos.
Bec Lowery's Three Pieces of Advice are ...1. Always say "Yes" and give it a go - you never know what you'll be able to achieve. You might think you're out of your depth, but jump in anyway and you'll grow as an individual.
2. Enjoy the people around you at work because they become your second family - when you're at work, you're with your colleagues as much as with your own family. They're all different, all at different levels, and you can all get the best out of each other if you treat each other as if they were family members you care about.
3. When you have a problem, and you have to go for help, come with a solution or an idea that might help - it is so important that you think for yourself and try to solve your own problems, but also vital to check to see if your idea is OK, and whether wiser people think you're on the right track.
The Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) is a Rotary inspired training and education program conducted by independent groups of Rotarian leaders in many Rotary Districts around the world. Our District 9780 has had an active RLI team for many years, and this year, starting this month, they are offering the first of a series of 3 sets of sessions (Levels 1 & 2 online, & Level 3 face to face) to district Rotarians - especially new Rotarians and those about to take on positions of leadership. See "Read more ..." for our club's special opportunity, dates, times and locations.
President Garry Higgins OAM, PDG Anthony Ohlsen, and PDG Geoff James all shared their "Rotary Moments" with members at our first meeting during Rotary's Membership and Development month of August last Thursday. A "Rotary Moment" is regarded as the time when a Rotary member feels sufficiently committed to the mission of Rotary to call themselves a "Rotarian". Click "Read more" for more details.
Click on the image below to access the Strategic Plan
Motto: Service Above Self
Maryborough, VIC 3465
Australia