Stories

Syeds Party 19/07/26

Thanks To Henry and Janet for opening their house to the Rotary Mob. I've added a thank you note from a particapant in the Mock Interviews And a email recieved by Henry some weeks ago that I forgot to add to a Bulletin.

 

Minutes of meeting 13/07/26

Minutes of meeting 06/07/26

Minutes of meeting 29/06/26

Minutes of meeting 22/06/26

Minutes of meeting 15/06/26

 

Lachlan opened the meeting and welcomed guests called President Lisa to the podium, Lesa also welcomed guests  she then handed back to Lachlan.

Lachlan and Zach reported  on behalf of the International Golfing Fellowship of Rotarians Committee. We are now live. The website has been finalised and a huge thank you to Zach for getting that around the right way for us. We've had numerous issues getting a payment gateway coordinated  so that when our golfers book, we can take their cash up front. So this afternoon at about 5 PM an email went out to about 197 people that are on our database. And hopefully we'll be able to fully subscribe the 120 playing spots. The web address is also linked on our own website as well. Feel free to sign up and join in the golfing if you wish, If anyone happens to mosey through the website and find any errors, spelling specifically, please feel free to just email me.

Steve organised the barbecue roster for Saturday morning.  Noel & Alan Ollis the morning Syed, Alan Hart & Lachlan late morning. 

President Lisa  it's my great pleasure to bring up Dale and Jeff to talk about the Blaze Aid,

 We've been pretty busy over the last 5 months since the ninth of January particularly because I live at Skipton and we were fortunate that we weren't burnt out. It came within 150 metres from our house.  I was at Robe, and I made a speedy exit back to Horsham, and they said, how'd you get in? All the roads were closed.I said, well, I drove, they can't find out how I got in, but I got in. So the last 5 months, I'd been fortunate with my experiences, both a farmer and a fencing contractor, to be a little bit of help to the community. We've had a tractor donated for 6 months, a brand new $38,000 post driver, and on average about 40 people volunteering, which we've been able to finance all their meals so far. They haven't had to dip into their kitty, it's been wonderful. So they've made a difference.They've pulled down nearly 500 kilometres of fencing and put up just over 350 kilometres of fencing, which is a great thing. The other day, something that really tickled my fancy was, a group came back in, 4 of them and  handed in their sheet, it had 0 on it. Jen, the lady that's in charge of the camp said, what happened? Well, we sat around a barbeque and a hot drum and we talked all day that was probably the best day that they could have ever put in for that farmer.So it's made a difference.

Rotary and  the Beaufort Club have been phenomenal with what they've been able to achieve. and it's been a real credit to them.

But that's not the real reason why I'm here. Kevin Stuart, about 9 years ago, I got a tap on the shoulder and asked if I'd take on his chair at defying the drift. And about 6 months later, the secretary said, I think I've got to get another person to do it. So I tapped Kevin on the shoulder  after his granddaughter had done the program, would you join us? And he didn't realise just how much work he had to do. But on behalf of defying the drift, we really want to  thank you so much for what you've done for us and the lives that you'll help change.

Kevin felt a bit blown away at the moment. I've got to say that my involvement with  defying the drift has been one of the best things that I've ever done in Rotary. Over 90% of those students have turned into farmers the average age of our farmers has been 68 so we need new farmers. But not only that,  the people we work with have been sensational, with defying the drift. Everybody's been cooperative. Longerenong College have been great.

And now, I've just got to do a little bit of bragging, which I've told you this before about my granddaughter. Ending up when she came to me, when she was in year 10, and said, Oh, Grandpa, I want to do agriculture.And my immediate reaction was, City Girl, never worked on a farm. Um, no, shut up, don't bomb. So, last year, as I told you, she graduated from Longie College and then she got gold medals for agronomy, and overall. So, I can only say just for that, it's been worth every minute of it. So, thank you to Dale and all the committee and everything.It's been fantastic.

 

Jeff  spoke of his appreciation of all the efforts you've made on behalf of all members of the committee and probably the whole district, really, because it does go over the district.

And there's been probably, if you had that together, there's been 15 years now this year, 30, probably 25 students a year.A lot of students have gone through that course, and Kevin would probably have processed nearly most of them.

 

Andrew Jones spoke on the impact the Clutterbuck family had on Rotary and their commitment to youth Andrew then introduced Damion.

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Minutes of meeting 25/05/26

 

Lachlan opened the meeting and called President Lisa to the podium, Lesa spoke of the heavy downpour of rain she was caught in with driving in Melbourne, She also informed us of her son being seconded to another firm she then handed back to Lachlan.

 

 

Steve organised the barbecue roster for Saturday morning.  Noel & Alan Ollis the morning Syed, Henry & Steve late morning. 

 

Lachlan open the teams meeting with Daryl Pobjoy and Gerard Sell Gerard spoke on the recent visit to the Darwin Rotary club golf day. It was a chaotic start. The Darwin Club were identified by their shirts. There was 120 people at the barbecue 68 golfers and partners. Monday was an early start and as we know Rotarians don’t arrive on time and they didn’t head off till 830. The lunch was great.

OnTuesday the golfing day was a smoother start. Wednesday was a rest day and they went to Tiwi Island which is really interesting.

Thursday was golf again. Gerard caught up with the organiser and the biggest challenge was the website and payment system.  Zach has done a fabulous job on our website. They had lunch and then presentation night which is 7 to 730 start and a two course meal finished about nine.

They had 100 packs supplied by Geelong tourism with all handed out and as the accommodation appears booked out on line Gerard told any participants to get in early and call 13^th Beach and book for next year and five larges have already been booked out for that weekend. They’ll be back August late September.

 

Alan Fry spoken why Belgium was invaded in the first world war. Alan’s grandparents were from Belgium and they were 16 when they fled. (Sorry Alan I misplaced the notes I took so I've cut and pasted from Wikipedia)

 

Belgium’s history evolved from a fragmented patchwork of medieval principalities and foreign-ruled territories into an independent, industrialized nation. For centuries, it was controlled by successive empires Spanish, Austrian, and French before briefly merging with the Netherlands. Belgium officially became an independent kingdom following a revolution in 1830. [1, 2, 3, 4]

A timeline of key eras in the history of Belgium includes:

• Early Inhabitants & Roman Rule: Originally inhabited by Celtic and Germanic tribes collectively known as the Belgae, the region was conquered by Julius Caesar in the 1st century BC and became a key Roman province. [1]
• The Middle Ages & Burgundian Era: During the Middle Ages, the territory was divided into wealthy feudal states like Flanders, Brabant, and the Prince-Bishopric of Liège. In the 14th and 15th centuries, the region became an economic powerhouse renowned for textile production under the Dukes of Burgundy. [1, 2, 3]
• Spanish & Austrian Habsburg Rule: Following dynastic shifts, the Low Countries were absorbed by the Habsburg empire. During the Protestant Reformation, the northern provinces (the modern Netherlands) broke away as a Protestant republic, while the southern provinces (Belgium) remained Catholic under Spanish and later Austrian control. [1, 2]
• French Control & The United Netherlands: The region was annexed by France during the French Revolution in 1795. Following the defeat of Napoleon at Waterloo in 1815, European powers united Belgium with the Netherlands. [1, 2, 3]
• Independence (1830): Driven by cultural, religious, and economic disparities between the Catholic south and the Protestant north, the Belgian Revolution erupted in 1830. Independence was recognized in 1831, and Leopold I was crowned the first King of the Belgians. [1, 2]
• Industrialization & Colonization: In the 19th century, Belgium became the first country in continental Europe to fully industrialize, led by the coal-rich southern region of Wallonia. In 1885, King Leopold II acquired the Congo, which he ruled as his personal property. His brutal exploitation and forced labor policies led to international outrage, resulting in the Belgian parliament taking over administration of the colony in 1908. [1, 2, 3, 4]
• The World Wars: Belgium’s strategic location made it a primary battlefield during both World War I and World War II, suffering heavily under prolonged German occupation. [1, 2]
• Modern Federalism & European Integration: In the post-1945 era, Belgium transitioned into a prosperous modern economy and became a cornerstone of European unification. Since 1970, deep linguistic and cultural divisions between Dutch-speaking Flanders in the north, French-speaking Wallonia in the south, and bilingual Brussels led the country to restructure from a centralized state into a complex federal system. [1, 2]

 

The history of Belgium in World War I traces Belgium's role between the German invasion in 1914, through the continued military resistance and occupation of the territory by German forces to the armistice in 1918, as well as the role it played in the international war

Main articles: German invasion of Belgium (1914) and Battle of the Frontiers

When World War I began, the Imperial German Army invaded neutral Belgium and Luxembourg as part of the Schlieffen Plan, in an attempt to capture Paris quickly by catching the French off guard through an invasion via neutral countries. It was this action that technically caused the British to enter the war, as they were still bound by the 1839 agreement to protect Belgium in the event of war. On 2 August 1914, the German government requested that German armies be given free passage through Belgian territory.

This was refused by the Belgian government on 3 August.^[1] King Albert I addressed his Parliament on 4 August, saying "Never since 1830 has a graver hour sounded for Belgium. The strength of our right and the need of Europe for our autonomous existence make us still hope that the dreaded events will not occur."^[2] The same day, German troops started the invasion of Belgium,^[3] crossing the frontier at dawn. Liège was attacked on 4 August and fell on 7 August.^[2]

It is widely claimed that the Belgian Army’s resistance during the early days of the war, with the army – around a tenth the size of the German Army – holding up the German offensive for nearly a month, gave the French and British forces time to prepare for the Marne counteroffensive later in 1914.^[4] In fact, the German advance on Paris was almost exactly on schedule.^[5]

The German invaders treated any resistance—such as demolition of bridges and rail lines—as illegal and subversive, shooting the offenders and burning buildings in retaliation^[6] (see also Sack of Dinant).

Flanders was the main base of the British Army and it saw some of the greatest loss of life on both sides of the Western Front.^[7]

German occupation 1914–18

Main article: German occupation of Belgium during World War I

See also: Belgian government at Sainte-Adresse

 

The Germans governed the occupied areas of Belgium (over 95% of the country) while a small area around Ypres remained under Belgian control. An occupation authority, known as the General Government, was given control over the majority of the territory although the two provinces of East and West Flanders were given separate status as a war zone under the direct control of the German army. Elsewhere martial law prevailed. For the majority of the occupation, the German military governor was Moritz von Bissing (1914–17). Beneath the governor was a network of regional and local German  and each locality was under the ultimate control of a German officer.^[8]

Many civilians fled the war zones to safer parts of Belgium. Many refugees from all over the country went to the Netherlands (which was neutral) and about 300,000 to France. Over 200,000 went to Britain, where they resettled in London and found war jobs. The British and French governments set up the War Refugees Committee (WRC) and the Secours National, to provide relief and support; there were an additional 1,500 local WRC committees in Britain. The high visibility of the refugees underscored the role of Belgium in the minds of the French and British.^[9][10] In the spring of 1915, German authorities started construction on the Wire of Death, a lethal electric fence along the Belgian-Dutch border which would claim the lives of between 2,000 and 3,000 Belgian refugees trying to escape the occupied country.^[11]

On the advice of the Belgian government in exile, civil servants remained in their posts for the duration of the conflict, carrying out the day-to-day functions of government. All political activity was suspended and Parliament shut down. While farmers and coal miners kept up their routines, many larger businesses largely shut down, as did the universities. The Germans helped set up the first solely Dutch-speaking university in Ghent. The Germans sent in managers to operate factories that were underperforming. Lack of effort was a form of passive resistance; Kossmann says that for many Belgians the war years were "a long and extremely dull vacation."^[12] Belgian workers were conscripted into forced labour projects; by 1918, the Germans had deported 120,000 Belgian workers to Germany.^[13]

The Rape of Belgium

Main article: Rape of Belgium

The German Army was outraged at how Belgium had frustrated the Schlieffen Plan to capture Paris. From top to bottom, there was a firm belief that the Belgians had unleashed illegal saboteurs (called "francs-tireurs") and that civilians had tortured and maltreated German soldiers. The response was a series of multiple large-scale attacks on civilians and the destruction of historic buildings and cultural centers. The German army executed between 5,500 and 6,500^[14] French and Belgian civilians between August and November 1914, usually in near-random, large-scale shootings of civilians ordered by junior German officers. Individuals suspected of partisan activities were summarily shot. Historians researching German Army records have discovered 101 "major" incidents—where ten or more civilians were killed—with a total of 4,421 executed. Historians have also discovered 383 "minor" incidents that led to the deaths of another 1,100 Belgians. Almost all were claimed by Germany to be responses to guerrilla attacks.^[15] In addition some high-profile Belgian figures, including politician Adolphe Max and historian Henri Pirenne, were imprisoned in Germany as hostages.

The German position was that widespread sabotage and guerrilla activities by Belgian civilians were wholly illegal and deserved immediate harsh collective punishment. Recent research that systematically studied German Army sources has demonstrated that they in fact encountered no irregular forces in Belgium during the first two and a half months of the invasion. The Germans were responding instead to a phantom fear they had delusionally created themselves.^[16]

REMINDER

 

Belmont High School is holding their annual mock interviews for 2026 on Wednesday June 3. For the past few years we have had representatives from a number of clubs help out on the day. A team of interviewers interview the year 9 students over the course of the day for a position of the students choice from a selection of job advertisements. The interviews form part of the curriculum, the students prepare a CV, covering letter and address a series of interview questions the interviewer asks. Students and staff very much value the event. The interviews are run at the school, the day running from about 8.30am to 3.00pm. 

If members are interested in helping out could they please let me know via email to. peter.mck888@gmail.com

I will forward further information as the date draws closer.

Minutes of meeting 18/05/26

Minutes of meeting 11/05/26

Minutes of meeting 047/05/26

Minutes of meeting 27/04/26

Minutes of meeting 20/04/26

  Lachlan opened the meeting, Then introduced President Lisa who informed us that she attended a  Probus meeting and a mother came up and asked her for driving lessons for her son who was autistic and suffered anxiety they lived in Hong Kong. Lisa was pleased to have made a connection.

Henry informed us we have taken $600 on card and $400 in cash at the BBQ last Saturday. No BBQ on Anzac Day 

Lachlan has been in contact with Barry and Jenny, Barry is still an apology for the meetings but alls well in their household.

Andrew spoke on recieving a thank you email from Geelong Youth Engagement thanking us for our continued support.

Andrew then spoke of his time on the board of APCO Foundation. Apco was started by Ron Anderson 60 years ago and his children started the foundation. They have raised $600,000 and given away $500,000. They are the only charity that gives to individuals and support a range of charities. He has been the only male on the board.

The Race for a Reason fund raising event gives suppliers a opportunity to support the Foundation which now has deductable gift receipiant status.

Please read their Snapshot Newsletter (https://www.apcofoundation.com.au/monthly-snapshot).

Andrew handed back to Lisa who closed the meeting after we all sang happy birthday to Brendan.

Minutes of meeting 13/04/26

  Lachlan opened the meeting, introduced our guest speaker Ross McConaghy and Terry

Then introduced President Lisa who informed us that at the group Presidents meeting the Lara Rotary Club will be closing on the 1st of May, Geelong Central a combination of Geelong East and Bayside are going well.

Lisa told us of the need to be present when driving a car as she has adaptive cruise control in her car and she was in another car that did not have that feature and using its cruise control was getting close to the rear of another car and realized she had to brake as the car wasn't.

Lisa also informed us of attending a disability football match in Williamstown with Craig and had a enjoyable time.

Steve thanked Henry for organising the new canopy for the marque and for the lead weights supplied by Graeme wood as on Saturday it was blowing a gale. Steve also thanked Alan Hart for splitting the shift on short notice as grandchildren duties poped up.

Alan Fry spoke on Mamas Market run by Ukranian Womens Assosiation is on again on the 9th of May at 57 Pakington St Geelong West and could we support them again this year as they are helping children education in the Ukraine.

(https://www.geelongaustralia.com.au/events/calendar/item/8de7df958a74171.aspx)

 Lachlan spoke on the District Conference held at Horsham he said it was well attended with about 415 people at the conference and 450 at the dinner. He had a job confirming who had payed due to mising paperwork, but all was well. On a privite note the company he works for has been aquired by Blaze Acumen so relocating into the City.

Daryl Pobjoy and Gerard Sell spoke on the planning that had been done for the IGFR 49th annual Golf Day they played a marketing video that will be presented at the Darwin Golf Day. There are 120 spaces and anyone can play. !3th Beach Golf Club will run  the night but help will be needed from the club members each day, the dinner will be a make up dinner for members, The Distric Governor will try to attend. (See more information)

Graeme then introduced Ross McConaghy who chose a title Joining Rotary was not an accident.

Ross spoke of his earliest memories of Rotary was in the 1950 he woiuld have been 7 or 8 his dad was a Rotarian in Hamilton, he remembers going along to working bees with his dad.

Ross's  daughters had called him to say they had some books of granddads on Rotary. They were Rotary 50 Years of Service, a manual issued to the Rotary President and a A5 notebook in his farthers hand documenting his year as President in 1953-54.

In 1947 Ross's father moved from Geelong to Hamilton after buying the butchershop there. He joined Rotary in 1950 the Club had 56 members, the Hamilton Club was in Distric 33 which went from the WA, SA border to the Murrey.

Some of the questions his farther had asked the members of the Club are,

What does Rotary mean to us? Do we pratice what it teaches? If we were not Rotarians what would we be doing? Do we realy put service above self?

Is the 4 way test practicle in a modern world?

They had a debate on these questions. Fellowship is the basis of Rotary, interclub visits developes fellowship. Each member to be on the lokout for projects to benefit the community.

They would have 3 vocational service talks, senior students from the school would come as guest speakers.

The family moved back to Geelong in 1963, Ross's father was a charter member of the Belmont Club. Ross had joined Geelong JC and after  leaving that Club at 37 he joined Belmont Rotary with his father, Ross was the program director in 86-87 and because of the contacts from JC he had significant speakers to the Club.

Lisa closed the meeting thanking Ross for his presentation.

Minutes of meeting 30/03/26

President Lisa opened the meeting, she informed us that Lachlan was an apology and asked for members reports.

 Alan Ollis spoke on the Melanie Jewson Foundation fund raiser on the 26 April 2.30-5.00 pm at Theo's Kitchen. https://mjf.org.au/product/stories-from-vanuatu/

Graeme Wood kindly buys members on the BBQ a coffee each Saturday morning from Lavish Specialty Coffee, they donate $40 each month to our fund raising effort.

Andrew Jones informed us that Carolyn would co-sponser a participant in Geelong Youth Engagement program to Kokoda with us. The cost for this with another participant is $12,000.

Daryl Pobjoy attended the district conference to promote the fellowship of golfing golf day, he had a wonderful time and had good interest.

Henry received a letter from Kasey Drayton thanking us for the Clubs involvement in her life.

Steve organised volunteers for the BBQ Saturday morning Noel and Alan Ollis, late shift Syed, Henry and Lisa.

Dinner followed  with a quize questions from the Weekly Times organised by Alan Hart, then the wine raffle.

Lisa closed the meeting.

Minutes of meeting 23/03/26

Lachlan opened the meeting,  he started with the invocation and welcomed our guest Geoff Rose then announced President Lisa.

 Lisa spoke on the Rotary Conference next week and how successful the fund raiser BBQ for Breakthrough T1D was, the event raised $30,000 for research into type 1 diabetes.

Perfect planning by Lachlan and no sausagess left over and we have been rebooked for next year.

Steve organised volunteers for the BBQ Saturday morning Henry and Alan Ollis, late shift Syed, Alan Fry and Steve.

Alan Hart announced Syed has a Perminant Visa at last and can now start applying for citizenship after one year.

Kevin Stuart spoke on Defy the Drift and the benefit of the program and how it helped his granddaughter Amelia who did the program in year 10 and has now graduated from Longerenong College with a certificate 4 in agriculture, certificate 4 in wool classing, diploma  of applied agronomy and advanced  diploma of agribusiness management. She then received gold medals as the rising star of agronomy and multidiscipline academic  excellence award. 

Dinner followed 

Andrew introduced our guest speaker Geoff Rose.

Geoff Rose is an Adjunct Professor at  the Monash University Institute of Transport Studies having recently retired  from his full time role after a 30 year academic career. Geoff holds an undergraduate degree in civil engineering from Queensland Institute of Technology as well as a Masters and PhD from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. His Masters degree was made possible thanks to a Rotary Foundation Postgraduate Fellowship which proved to be a life changing opportunity. Geoff has worked in the Federal Departments of Transport and Aviation, held academic positions at Melbourne and Monash Universities and was a partner in a consulting practice. His professional interests focus on transport planning with a particular emphasis on bicycles, e-bikes and e-scooters. 

While on sabatical at Portland State University researching ebikes he studied people’s behaviour and why the e-bikes were popular. Australia used to have its own standard which was aligned with the Europeans standard in 2012, the European standard is about a power assist vehicle with a power limit of 250 watts.

Australia has been flooded with e-bikes and scooters, pedestrians have been killed by irresponsible behaviour by riders, importers get around the legislation by stating the bikes can be ridden on private land.

Queensland has a minimum age of 16 and regulates vehicle and e-bike speeds. NSW and WA have seize and crush laws. The challenge is continued policing of the policies. 

There are a lot of health benefits from using e-bikes and scooters. New Zealand has a no fault injury policy having an insurance scheme .

Lisa closed the meeting.

Minutes of meeting 02/03/26

Lachlan opened the meeting,  he started with the invocation and welcomed our guest Martin Rowan from the Bay Leaf Kitchen then annouced  President Lisa was running late.

Steve organised volunteers for the BBQ saturday.

Dinner followed 

Steve introduced Martin who has spoken to the Club 2 yrs ago

Martin spoke on building relationships with the clients who recieve food in the form of prepared meals or vegetables and fruit. Martins approach is to care about the clients get them talking about their situation and try to get them to see a solution out of their problems.

Most clients are referred by Barwon Health. Martin then spoke of two clients and shared their stories. The Bay Leaf Kitchen services 150 familys per week with 40 volunteers half of whom where clients.

Martin spoke on the problem that the clients have no money and unroadworthy cars, he organised a mechanic to look at one eldely ladys car, it it was found that the brake line had a crack and the suspension was shot.

The overheads are funded by the Anthony Costa Foundation and donations buys the food, they recieve help from Glen Harvey in collecting the fruit and veg from the markets.

Lisa closed the meeting.

Minutes of meeting 21/02/26

Lachlan opened the meeting,  he started with the invocation and introduced  President Lisa

Lisa attended the Scout Hall opening, she said they had a shed to die for, she met a lot of people from her scouting days and had a enjoyable time.

At the Presidents meeting it was brought up that the tablet blister packs are recyclable and collection points at chemists.

Lachlan informed us the takings from last Saturday BBQ was $950 less expences.

Barry and Jenny Hawkins are home, Barry can now hear things and is looking forward to coming to a meeting.

Henry has ordered a new canopy cover for the BBQ  canopy frame.

Dinner followed with a quotis game after.

Lisa closed the meeting.

Minutes of meeting 16/02/26

Lachlan opened the meeting,  he started with the invocation and introduced  President Lisa

Lisa who informed that all was quite with Rotary. She read the email from Oberon High Awards Recipient Elaina Laurie. (see read more section)

Lachlan informed us of the multi distric summet held in Horsham 27 - 29 March (https://www.rotaryimpactsummit.org/)

Jennifer Jones will be there who is Rotary International President Representitive. Cost is $200 per person, book now.General discussion on the Grovedale Waurn Ponds Rotary Club followed.

Lachlan welcomed Joan and Craige.

Lachlan spoke of a customer at the Dragon Boat event who was an art student and was drawing people at the event and did a drawing of the Rotarians at the BBQ.

Question from the floor asking how much was raised at the Dragon Boat BBQ, $500 on card $200 cash.

Discussion followed on the wall painting that hung at Oberon High School Library it is so big no one has a wall big enough to hang it.

Dinner followed with a Bingo Game after.

Lisa closed the meeting.

Minutes of meeting 09/02/26

Lachlan opened the meeting,  he started with the invocation and introduced  President Lisa who informed us of the joys of moving house.

Lachlan informed us of Geelong Youth Engagement  Trivia Night Fund Raiser at Lara RSL $30 per ticket. (see read more section)

Linda and Steven Finlay have joined the Ocean Grove Rotary Club.

Lachlan will try to organise a combined meeting with the Geelong clubs to provide a report on Foundation.

Alan Hart spoke on the program and is planning some social nights at the Little Chef and TastyPho 165. If anyone has a speaker please come forward as it is a difficult job to keep coming up with speakers.

Alan then spoke on his shirt with a USA Cobden Police Badge and the trip to the US visiting Cobden USA (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cobden,_Illinois) and Cobden Ontario (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cobden,_Ontario)

Kim Lin has invited us to the Scouts grand opening of there hall on the 22 of February. (see read more section)

Henry has a crew for the  Dragon Boats  BBQ  at the Barwon River Rowing Club 15/02/2026. Morning-  Alan, Noel & Lisa. Mid Morning- Steve, Zac and Craige.

Dinner followed with the  raffle being drawn.                                     

Minutes of meeting 02/02/26

Lachlan opened the meeting,  he started with the invocation,   President Lisa is a apology as she is moving house.

Lachlan informed us of Jenny Hawkins in hospital with an infection and Barry was a little unstable on his legs to be coming to the meetings.

Exciting Saturday BBQ shift with the new efpos machines not working, after calls to Tyro Lachlan managed to get one working, have to replace the second one.

Lachlan will again be volunteering as District Treasurer due to no other person willing to take on the duties.

Alan Hart attended the Corangamite Shire Australia Day Awards 2026, Gary and Marion Kimber of Cobden Rotary Club recieved the Shires Citizen of the Year, along with Dale McIntyre also receiving a award for the Skipton Club. (https://www.corangamite.vic.gov.au/Council/News-and-Media/Latest-News/Australia-Day-Award-winners-named)

Henry has a crew for the  Dragon Boats  BBQ  at the Barwon River Rowing Club 15/02/2026. Morning-  Alan, Noel & Lisa. Mid Morning- Steve, Zac and Craige.

Gerard reported on the IGFR Golf day 2027 all is under control, with 13th Beach handling the advertising and production of a marketing vidio. If we get 85 players we will gross 18K. Daryl spoke on the tours of the region for the non playing partners with the highlight on the Wednesday night with the Piano Bar heading to 13th Beach.

Alan Ollis informed us he had a meeting with Geelong Mums, now called Our Village late last year asking if they needed any money,  they informed him that they had a fundraiser in December with a benefactor willing to match what they raised dollar for dollar, so Alan asked Zac to donate $500 on behalf of the Club which became $1000. (https://www.ourvillage.org.au/)

Dinner followed with Alan's quize on the first fleet, folowed by the  raffle being drawn.                                     

Minutes of meeting 19/01/26

Lachlan opened the meeting,  he started with the invocation  he then introduced  President Lisa. 

Lisa handed to Henry who informed us of the emails and requests he has received.

First was the Dragon Boats requesting us to run our BBQ again this time at the Barwon River Rowing Club, general discussion followed and we elected to attend.

Second a email from Atlantis Rotary Club regarding twinning with us, I've included the entire email.

I hope this email finds you well. My name is  Danny Pietersen , and I am a member of the Rotary Club of  Atlantis  in  South Africa. Our club is passionate about community service, international understanding, and making a positive impact. 

I am writing to explore the possibility of establishing a relationship between our clubs. We believe that by joining forces, we can create even greater change in our communities and beyond. Here are a few ideas on how we can collaborate: 

Joint Service Projects: Let’s identify areas where our clubs’ expertise and resources can complement each other. Whether it’s a local project or an international initiative, working together can amplify our impact. 

Exchange Programs: We could organize exchange programs for members, allowing us to learn from each other’s experiences and cultures.  

Twin Club Relationship: A twin club partnership would allow us to foster long-term connections. We can share best practices, celebrate milestones together, and collaborate on meaningful projects. 

Please let me know if you’re open to exploring this partnership further. I believe that together, we can make a significant difference. I look forward to hearing from you. 

Thank you for considering this proposal, and I hope we can build a strong and lasting relationship between our Rotary clubs. 

Yours in Rotary service 

Danny Pietersen 

President  

Rotary Club of  Atlantis   

Third was Emergency relief via the Community Care Centre Ballarat   President lisa has already circulated the information on this.   

Fourth was the Highton Rotary club is involved in vegetating Nature Strips 

Alan Hart then spoke on needing help to get guest speakers as his cupboard was empty. Next meeting a quiz.

Lachlan reported on Distric news with Paul Barott as Distric Secretary, Community Support Centre Ballerat receiving funds for fire victims. Dale McIntyre trying  to set up Blaze Aid arounnd Skipton.

Alan Ollis suggested donating money to Feed me Geelong      

Dinner followed raffle was drawn .                                     

Minutes of meeting 08/12/25

Lachlan opened the meeting,  he started with the invocation  and welcomed guests Ben and Mark Woodhead speaking on Pedal for Prostrate, he then introduced  President Lisa. 

Lisa handed straight back to Lachlan who thanked the club on behalf of his sister Sarah's charity Pass The Snacks for all the food donations that members had given. she had wonderfull support from Apco Foundation and Christian College.

Andrew Jones reportedd on the GYE breakfast he attended, Marley was there along with Belmont High Principal Josh who encoragess a great culture at the school. Geelong West Club received a 10 yr recognition.

The Sunday BBQ went well Noel did the cooking and Zac worked the crowd with membership marketing.

Mark and Ben then addressed the club and spoke about their fund raising passion Pedal 4 Prostrate, Mark mentioned that he has been on the Kokoda Track with Andy Britton.

The ride was formed in 2014 by police from Ballarat and Geelong who decide to ride from Adelaid to Geelong to raise  money for Prostrate Cancer Foundation, to date $260,000 has been raised.

Prostrate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men in Australia, nearly 29000 each year of that 4000 will die from this cancer in 2025.

Men with a family history  over the age of 40 or over 50 are most at risk. Prostrate cancer survival is high if detected early, around 96%.

The rides thus far 2014 Adelaide to Geelong

2015 Tour de Highlands (the toughest so far over 1000k and 12000 m elevation)

2016 Wagga Wagga to Geelong

2017 7 Peaks in & days

2018 Tour de Bright

2019 Geelong to Adelaide

2020 Canberra to Ballarat

2021 Echuca to Geelong

2022 Tour de Bright

2023 Tour of Tasmania

2024 Tour of Adelaide

2025 Ballarat to Geelong via Halls Gap

The support crews are sensational and support from De Grandi Cycle Works each year is fantastic. https://www.facebook.com/pedalforprostate/

 Lisa then closed the meeting.

Minutes of meeting 01/12/25

Lachlan opened the meeting,  he started with the invocation  and welcomed guests Carolyn DeGois, Andy Briton and Marley, he then introduced President Lisa. 

Lisa informed informed us of a email from Grovedale Waurn Ponds Rotary Club regarding whether to fold or merge with the Belmont Club as we have not been formally approached, general discussion followed on membership.

Zac informed us we have paid for the climbing mats for the Scout Group. He attended the Christian College Presentation night, very impressed with the choir and orchestra.

Discussion followed on the cost of the pressure washing of the path at Aldi and the Club decided to wash it ourselves.

Lisa passed back to Lachlan who thanked the club members for supporting Pass the Snacks. 

He spoke on the  District AGM where the District Secretary resigned. An interesting meeting.

Steve along with Henry organized the staffing of the BBQ Peter McKenzie and Lachlan Miles morning shift and Steve with Alan Ollis for the afternoon.

Noel and Henry to run the Sunday BBQ at Alexander Thomson Uniting Kindergarten.

Andrew Jones spoke to the club regarding John and David Clutterbuck and their commitment to Rotary and Youth Exchange Program. Andrew asked Carolyn for a few words, she reiterated the Clutterbuck family helped young adults with a leg up in life. Andrew then introduced Andy and Marley who then spoke to us of her experiances walking the Kokoda Track.

Andy spoke to GYE and Eva who could not make it to the meeting of how she spoke to the Grovedale College Assembly about her experiences on the trip. How on the track she wanted to go home on the first day but after 3 days excepted she was there and had to dig deep to find the strength to keep walking, it was hard in the rain and the mud. Since being home Eva had been talking to schools and had gained so much confidence and self assurance.

Andy told us how he keeps in contact with all the participants and he had 4 boys in the office telling him how well the are doing, one lad in particular who was quite shy has managed to complete an aged care worker training and is loving it, his life is in order.

Marley told us her story of the track, leaving at 4.00 am to catch the bus, flying to Papua New Guinea sleep deprived arriving in a 3rd world country, (Though the Hlton was nice.)

Started walking it started to rain, they had no system or teamwork in setting up the tents and packing up the camp  getting ready for the walk, the second day she felt the shock of being stuck there, the third day was the longest she struggled mentally and couldn't have made it without the training, your head is saying I want to be dry I want to go back to the hotel but at the end of the day you say I've done it.

Along the way so many people changed and found the strength within themselves, it was a once in a lifetime experience to crawl up the hills. The reward each day was getting your shoes off and drying out in front of a fire. She earned a nickname of Con short for hypochondriac as every cut or incident “Will it Kill me?”

Looking back down the track each day and feeling the sense of achievement is enormous. One of the best feelings ever.

The trip was filled with mainly positive experiences, she had a 10 yr old porter who helped her along the difficult parts along with a 7 yr old who tagged along playing with his stick.

At the villages the people are amazing, they dug potatoes with them, cut down trees, attended church, their culture was their life. The villages are so basic Marley felt greater appreciation for the life she has in Australia. The walk made her feel more mentally and physically accomplishedher confidence has gone up with Andy's moral support she spoke to the Belmont School Assembly, who are now going to run their own program.

Alan Hart reminded us of the Xmas Lunch 14 December bring a gift to the value of $10 for a Chris Kringle, if you want sweets please let him know.

Next week talk on Prostrate cancer. 

 Lisa then closed the meeting.

Minutes of meeting 24/11/25

Lachlan opened the meeting,  he started with the invocation  and introduced President Lisa. 

Lisa informed us of Highton Rotary 50th  birthday celebrations December 11 at the Grovedale Hotel 6.30 - 8.00. She was unable to attend the recent Presidents meeting as she was working and Zoom was not set up for the meeting.

Lisa passed back to Lachlan who asked those that are supporting Pass the Snacks to have goods by the 1st of December,  he will send a email to confirm.

He spoke on the upcoming District AGM which will be online.

Lachlan spoke on the recent visit to Bellarine North Rotary Club, he and Zach arrived with the guest speaker and had to wait for some club members to arrive. The other club members arrived they enjoyed 12" pizzas. the club is the same size as Belmont.

Zac then spoke on the Rotary Clubs of Pasco Vale, Moreland and Strathmore Basic Car Maintenance Program. (https://www.facebook.com/groups/453471311454789/search/?q=car%20maintenance)

The program  enables you to understand your engine, check and top up fluids, change and maintain tyres, practise safe driving and car care. The program started as a not for profit then got to large the Rotary clubs picked it up to help run it. All the paperwork required to run the course is available and is easy to run. The clubs have gained 14 new members from particapents in the course.

Alan Ollis spoke on the Bert Fagg Awards night and reminded us that the awards has an impact on the recipients as they were so gratfull to recive the recognition.

Steve along with Henry organized the staffing of the BBQ Noel and Alan morning shift and Steve with Henry for the afternoon.

Alan Hart reminded us of the Xmas Lunch 14 December bring a gift to the value of $10 for a Chris Kringle, if you want sweets please let him know.

Next week are the walker from the Kokoda Track. 

 Lisa then closed the meeting.

Minutes of meeting 10/11/25

Lachlan opened the meeting, he introduced guests Marion Lunnie, guest speakers Valia Bazalicki and Nardia, he then started with the invocation  and introduced President Lisa. 

Lisa passed back to Lachlan who asked those that are supporting Pass the Snacks to have goods by the 1st of December, UHT milk and muesli bars are the best.

Steve Hardiman Organized the staffing of the BBQ Zac and Lachlan morning shift and Alan Hart with Henry for the afternoon.

Henry Fitzell  ran the AGM he informed us Andrew Jones is a apology for the meeting. The minutes were circulated along with the treasurers report, minutes of the last meeting were voted on and questions followed on the payments to Geelong Youth Engagement.

Valia then spoke to us about the Ukrainian Womens Association (https://www.ukrainianwomenvic.com) It began in Corowa in 1948, the Geelong branch in 1950. Valia spoke on rebuilding war torn Ukraine, the association has sent washing machines laptop and the like to help in resettling people. In September Nardia spent 3 weeks in Ukraine she entered via Poland and felt immediately unsafe when crossing the border. Millions have left Ukraine. Lviv is the cultural capital,  Irpin saw the first advances by the Russian army were she saw bombed schools, she visited a clinic for sight damaged soldiers, kitchens that sent 20000 meals per month to the front, its a drone war they use 2000 drones per day.

The Cost of the War

Children know the type of rockets each type of plane carries from the sound of the plane and how much time they have to get to shelter. Each day at 10.00 am Ukraine stops to remember the dead.

The City of Goodness supports women and children subject to war or violence, there is a Butterfly House for children who cannot be rehabilitated, all children are held, touched, loved, there is a animal shelter were humans and animals heal each other. Nardia shared the story of a young boy Ivanko who neededd a hip operation to help him walk which was done probono by a medical team from Turkiya.

Linda reminded us of the Bellarine North Rotary Club held on Monday 17th, RSVP by 14th November as we are meeting on the Wednesday for the Bert Fagg Awards. Lisa then closed the meeting.

Minutes of meeting 03/11/25

Lachlan opened the meeting expaning his encounter with a bee while bike riding, he then started with the invocation  and introduced President Lisa.

Lisa reminded us of the AGM 10 November. She informed us of recieving the forwarded email from Henry re the car maintenance course run by Pascovale Rotary Club information night held at Bellarine North Rotary Club held on mMonday 17th RSVP by 14th November as we are meeting on the Wednesday some members may be able to attend. Lachlan Miles said he would as he was not going to the Wednesday meeting.

Alan Hart Informed us of the meeting program comming up to the end of the year. (see further news). He also asked that all members to write a testimonial letter for Syed to help him get a permanent visa.

Dinner followed

Lisa closed the meeting after dinner.

Minutes of meeting 27/10/25

Lachlan opened the meeting with the invocation he announced Zac was an apology and introduced President Lisa.

Lisa reminded us of the AGM 10 November. She informed us of recieving news letters from the Rotary Club of Greater Geelong who are organising a Fun and Fundraising Golf Day and the

Wenderee Breakfast Club. (https://www.wendoureebreakfast.org.au/news), Geelong Community Foundation Tony McManis was retiring.

Gerards Sell found some memorabilia a St John of God program and a Banner from Dicovery Coast Club

Lachlan reported RAWCS Drought Relief Funds is looking for $1000 per club administered out of Hamilton.

He also reported that Marion was home from hospital but will no longer be cooking. She is feeling low at the moment. Thoughts on giving her a service award.

Joan Watson announced her retirement from Rotary she is finding to difficult to attend meetings.

Lachlan then gave the club a talk on his trip to Tonga, he though it would be elevated but no it is a coral atol and the tallest thing it the palm trees, it is veryy rural and known as the Friendly Islands, he stayed at the Seaview Lodge (https://www.seaview-lodge.com/).

China has provided funding for infrastructure for Tonga along with Japan. Tonga is a Kingdom with king Tuou VI as monarc (estimated to be worth 100  million). Lachlan then shared slides of the natural beauty of the island. He shared a photo of the RV Investigater a CSIRO vessel that was there to understand volcano eruptions. (https://www.csiro.au/en/news/all/news/2025/august/voyage-to-investigate-tongas-eruption).

The tourista are mainly American, Australian and Russians. The motor vehicle fleet is a pollution problem as it is to expensive to dispose of them. Taro and tourism drive the economy.

Graeme Wood then spoke on his Christians Coach trip to Kangaroo Island he was the only male of the 9 passengers, traveled through Camperdown, Portfairy, Mt Gambier and Handorf.  He enjoyed the lanscape of the Island with vegetation recovering from the bush fire.

The worst thing that happened was getting out of bed with a cramp and when getting back missed the bed, fell and broke a rib.

Graeme handed back to Lisa who then closed the meeting.

Minutes of meeting 13/10/25

Lachlan opened the meeting with the invocation he welcomed the Grovedale Waurn Ponds Rotary  Club and introduced President Lisa

Lisa spoke to the visiters and members, reminding us of our comitment to the BBQ fund raiser has helped to support young people walk the Kokoda Track with Geelong Youth Engagement,

The Bert Fagg Awards young aprentices from G Force and The Gordon are selected for and encouragement award each year.

We equipped the Belmont High School with tools for a junior Mens Shed for students that are strugglinge with the standard curriculum and can learn through movement.

The Belmont Scouts and Venturers attend a BBQ once per month. 

Defy the Drift has just finished a program for young people to identify and explore agriculture and agribusiness career opertunities.

Donations to Feed the Bellarine, Life Line, Pass the Snacks, Ukranian Refugees.

President Linda challenged the Grovedale Waurn Ponds Club to a Bowls match.

President Bill Trengrove Grovedale Waurn Ponds spoke to us of their clubs activities, they have 23 mebers, the major fund raiser is a Bunnings Sausage Sizzle, their major project is Foundation 61, House of Hope for women. (https://foundation61.org.au/). 

Every year they help in the Science and Engineering Challenge is a nationwide STEM program founded by the University of Newcastle and run in partnership with Rotary Clubs and Deakin University where teams of year 9 & 10 students compete in activities involving the principles of science, engineering, and technology (STEM).

Students participate in an exhilarating day competing against other schools in fun and engaging hands-on activities including:

• designing an earthquake-proof tower
• building a bridge
• providing electricity to a city
• and mastering the art of indigenous fish traps.

Geelong hosted the state finals and sent a team to Darwin.

The Club donates to Grovedale High, Oberon High, St Johns Lutheran Schools.

Alan Hart informed us of the upcoming program highlights are Bert Fagg Awards Wed 19th November no meeting that Monday.

24th November particapents from the Kokoda Trail will talk to the club.

14 December Xmas Breakup at the Mt Moriac Hotel. Kris Kringle present of $10

Kevin Stuart reported on the Bert Fagg Awards two students have been selected.

Henry Fitzell told us of Graeme Wood taking a fall while on holidays.

Daryl Pobjoy reported on the Golf Day planned for 2027 and the events planned for that weekend.

Lachlan Miles gave a District update, this is his 3rd year as district treasurer and needs to be replaced, he attempted to take on a assistante but that did not work, Rotary has changed with the pilot a Australian newzealand office did not work, Ben from Colac has taken on the International Chair, Distric Governer Christine will come to a Club if invited and has resouces to help clubs. Across the distric membership has grown by 17.

Alan then drew the raffle and handed it back to Lisa who informed us her son has completed his apprenticeship in Engineering Fabricater, she then closed the meeting.

Minutes of meeting 06/10/25

Lachlan opened the meeting with the invocation he welcomed back Gerard Sell and Daryl Pobjoyand indroduced President Lisa

Lisa informed us Geelong Central was having a flag raising ceremony at the town hall forcourt on the 13th October for their 100th year centenary and are having a lunchion at Davidsons Restaurant, she is unable to attend and asked for volunteers.

Zach reminded us that our subs are due.

Gerard spoke on the International Golf Day and was having a meeting with the club on Wednesday. 

Steve Hardiman asked for volunteers for the bbq on Saturday Daryl and Henry for the morning, Alan Ollis and Lachlan for the afternoon. 

Henry then gave us a run down on his trip to  Blighty and Gaul.

Henry spoke of his time visiting the country side with his tour guide Janet, they visited the Magpie Mine Derbishire  an old lead mine (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magpie_Mine). Stayed in cottages built from local rocks there is that much lead in them they blocked the mobile phone signal. he shared photos of curios items such as a Dew Pond,(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dew_pond).

They the traveled by Eurostar train to Rouen, and home of Notre Dame Cathederal as well as a catholic church named after Joan of Arc. (https://www.britannica.com/place/Rouen)

A visit to Monets Garden was well worth it buying tickets from a gallery jumped the queues. 

The high light was visiting family, they didn't need half of what they packed.

Next week speaker is  Grovedale Waurn Ponds President. Henry then drew the raffle and handed it back to Lisa who closed the meeting.

Minutes of meeting 29/09/25

Lachlan opened the meeting with the invocation and indroduced President Lisa

Lisa informed us Geelong Central was having a flag raising ceremony at the town hall forcourt on the 13th October for their 100th year centenary.

Highton Rotary has a guest speaker speaking on A.I all are welcome to attend their dinner meeting on the 9th of October

Alan Hart reported he ran into Linda Finlay who informed him they had sold their Heandy Main properety and had to be out in 3 weeks, moving to Rymans Ocean Grove and said to say Hi to everyone.

Andrew Jones reported the student we sponsored to walk the Kokoda trail is on their way home.

Kevin Stuart spoke on another successful Defy the Drift completed the farm visits went exceptionaly well.

He mowed some of the Peace Park and when he went back to finish he was pleasantly suprised to see Dave from the Council had completed it with his ride on mower. Best fathers day present ever.

Graeme Wood informed us that David Beretta from Geelong East had died on the 28th of Sptember. He also informed us for his 85th birthday he went for a 25k bike ride thought he'd go for a coffee walking into the shop reached up to take off his helment only to discover he hadn't been wearing it all that time.

Steve Hardiman asked for volunteers for the bbq on Saturday Noel and Lachlan for the morning, Zach and Henry for the afternoon. 

Alan then gave us a run down on his trip to the Land of the Long White Cloud South Island. The summery is this was his 7th visit still loves going did all the tourist things the highlight was the boat ride. Next week speaker is international traveler Henry Fitzell. He then drew the raffle and handed it back to Lisa who closed the meeting.

Minute of meeting 25/8/25

Lachlan opened the meeting and introduced president Lisa 

Lisa informed us she has sold her house Hooray.

Andrew Jones informed us that he was speaking to Barry Fagg re the Bert Fagg Awards and Andrew mentioned needing an electric mower to use on the Peace Park, Barry said they had Makita in stock and further added that he and his brother would pay half.

Lachlan spoke on the BBQ raised $1238 05

He thanked us for the donations to Pass The Snack Geelong, there is a packing day 13 September 10am at Geelong Foodshare 37 - 41 Morgan St North Geelong

Bbq roster

Steve and Alan Fry

Syed, Alan Hart, Shirley McDermott 11.00 till 1.00, Graeme Wood.

Alan Hart spoke on the Whisky Trail a story of illicit stills in and around Warrnambool, Timboon, and Cobden and the man who tracked them down

Notes of meeting 18 August

Lachlan Miles opened the meeting and introduced President Lisa

who informed us of the upcoming 100th anniversary for Rotary Geelong 18 October.

Sarge is organising the Xmas meeting and suggested The Mount Moriac Hotel Sunday 14 December and TastyPho165 restaurant in summer.

Sarge will talk in his whisky tour of Cobden, possibly bringing samples.

Andrew Jones spoke on the the Apco foundation giving day raised $250,000, 

Do we want to continue the Bert Fagg awards? We do, so he will organise it.

Graeme Wood informed the meeting that we are buying Kevin a battery mower for Peace Park.

Bbq this Saturday morning shift Alan and Steve afternoon shift Lachlan, Peter McKenzie and Syed. 

Lisa presented Brad Potter with a PHF for his commitment to the Youth Exchange Program.

Andrew Jones introduced our guest speaker David Birch who spoke on Feed Me Geelong,

Feed Me was established by Lana Purcell and head chef Ant in 2019. Using their own story of mental health and struggles in life they both found themselves together in an industry that is built on money and overwhelm.

 Hospitality and cheffing is an incredibly hard industry and most that pursue it as a career reach burnout, overwhelm and suffer greatly personally and mentally with life and family.

David has spent a career getting the best out of people, people development,

How do you rate yourself if you say 75%  your 25 % crap,

His daughter is an opera singer in Vienna

He was asked to join Feed Me Geelong; he was shocked by the scale of need. There is no financial help from the government.

They make nutritional food that people want to eat, 3.5 to 4 thousand households are helped each weekTorquay, Geelong, Ocean Grove, 50,000 kg food is saved from landfill each month, 500 volunteers make it happen.

Project kitchens does events and have to purchase food for this they lack base food like rice or pasta they go to wholesalers to buy food 1500 meals are delivered each week via plastic containers,  coolroom room packing food for people that can't make the mini mart they try to provide enough food for 3 or 4 days.

There is a cafe in Ocean Grove that has a pay it forward program

They run a dinner that people will pay what it's worth.

Partners are Apco, Anthony Costa Foundation, Give Where You Live.

Someone donated $20,000 they brought a new second hand van for deliveries they brought a second vehicle. Rent is an issue.

People can sign up to friends of feed me. They run an annual golf day where they have  auctions.

Growth in hunger means there is completion from all charities for food from grocery stores

Social issues there could be 100 people queuing, some people are abusing the system

Mental health issues with the clients and it's hard on the volunteers

Hard to get a regular supply of regular food, 500 volunteers work hard for the charity

It's difficult to run. It's a business and needs to run like a business. It's a huge challenge with occ health and safety. Volunteers can be demanding.

Anthony Costa foundation 1 million per year for 10 yrs to foundation 61

Our activities include international youth exchange, business awards, vocational awards, supporting youth leadership, running the Bowelscan screening program, giving students the opportunity to attend the National Youth Science Forum and helping people affected by natural disasters, both in Australia and internationally.

Some of the ways we raise funds are by running sausage sizzle BBQs, the annual trailer raffle and supporting many other community events and organisations.