An excellent roll-up of Rotarians and parters turned up at Circa21 to say farewell and thank you to Matt, Linda and family for their service to the Leeton Community and our Rotary Club.
Brian represented our club in thanking Matt and wishing the Rhodes family all the best in their new adventures. The full text of his words is as follows:
“Gathered here tonight Matt and Lynda and Family are your friends that you have made through Rotary a lot of what I have to say will be more directed to Matt, however, nothing that I say could not have been achieved without Lynda and so will need to blend her name into your own thoughts as you hear what I say!
We only have a couple of apologies – Aaron, Bill, Bruer & Graeme and also Jan.
As I have pondered on what to say tonight, I thought of the 2 systems that I use
Petty Poetry or Doggerel
Using the letters of name
Tonight, I plan to link the letters of your Matt’s name to characterise the fellow that I have got to know
Your Dad, Alan, was a teacher at St Francis College at the same that Jan was on the staff there. He and youy mum named you Matthew, however, in my books you are MATT
So here we go
M is for Man-Macho Man. A regular gym goer and part time bike rider one could expect the biceps, triceps and quadriceps of a Gym Junkie. Maybe your liking of the odd beer and red wine brings us back to your real nature – a very kind, decent and gentleman – in both senses of the word – gentle and a gentleman
Mixer Man – a ready mixer with one & all – male / female, Professional / tradie / pensioner and unemployed
Maker Man – Part of the original “PUSCH” that David Dean set up in the early days of this Century. A small group would meet at La Fresco or elsewhere for a post DD gym for coffee and decisions were made that were partially “set in concrete”. Over time Matt has become the lynch pin to the 10 am Friday Coffees that have eventually drifted to “The Peddlers Corner” – great stuff!
Mastery Member Man – if you want to know which AFL / NRL or other sporting team is on the rise or fall and what particular team member needs to be followed – Ask Matt – beyond all my levels of comprehension
Modest Mutual Family Man – over the years Matt to my knowledge has shared with Lynda in the upbringing of their delightful family.Lynda would often be doing weekend duties and Matt has been “Charles in Charge”. Many a parent will spend their time airing the attributes of their offspring ad nauseum – not so Matt and Lynda. We get quiet updates of their progress and Matt is ever ready to bring home coffee and / or snack for anyone studying at home and ever ready to trapse the Riverina for Henry’s sport
A is for ANZ – most of us have had Bosses. Like all bosses the ANZ probably and does have its faults, the fact that he has been such a long-term employee does say something for ANZ and its customers and staff. It also says Matt is a VERY loyal employee. When you hear him talking of clients in Dunkeld in the western districts of Victoria and north to the southern Highlands and even Manly in Sydney, you can tell that he has a great rapport with his clients!
Always there
There are plenty of times over the last 22 years that you will find Matt there. Such as
Mega swims cooking breakfast at 3 AM
Market days
Excursions on behalf of Odonata to Berembed Weir for collection of eDNA
Golf trips to the Murray River and Environs
Twilight Golf
Charity Golf Days
Footie trips to Melbourne & pubs in Carlton
Couples visits to Tumut, Corowa and I think Cowra
A Leader – Matt joined in 2003 so that is 22 ¼ years Interestingly that year Rotary inducted 5 members,
As a leader he was President for 2010 – 2011 with the accompanying President elect and PP positions – of course we have that recognition of a PHF in 2024
T Tough – for some we may remember Matt was caught up in a bit of a rough time (not of his own making) for the Club, however, he and others stuck it out and through his patience, held the club together.
I have always considered this period to be a learning period of my life and found that Matt set a great example to myself when I found myself at odds with the way lifer was heading especially in rotary – if Matt did it so can I
Treasurer – if you are a money type of person, guess what job comes around?
Matt has been Treasurer and very often Assistant Treasure to the Club
At District Conference for George Weston, he took on the huge and complex task and its spreadsheets to be the Conference Treasurer – nevertheless it was financially viable
Tiger for punishment – we must acknowledge the years of service that Matt has given to the Board of St Francis College
T True
To himself, his family including siblings and parents, his friends and to Rotary
During my recovery of a workplace accident that resulted in smashed up shoulder, Matt would “just pop in” to check up on me. I think it was only COVID that prevented a few more visits
Despite our age difference, I have never found it difficult to sit and chat or listen to this guy. We have been reminded recently that our newest member Aaron is only 30 – guess what Matt and later Anthony Morton were only 30 when they joined Rotary
To finish my story we can now change his name from MATT to MATE
We know that Lynda and Matt will be missed for lots of reasons, but particularly for just being there and being ready FOR A CHAT, BEER WINE OR COFFEE
This is the right decision to make for yourselves and your big kids
Au Revoir and good luck in Wagga”
President Jennifer then presented a card from the club.
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Brain Teaser
What does it mean?
Looks like water, but it's heat. Sits on sand, lays on concrete.
People have been known, to follow it everywhere.
But it gets them no place,
And all they can do is stare
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Director’s Reports
President Jennifer
We have been thanked for our support of the “Share the Dignity” program. Here they are all packed and ready for delivery.
Secretary Brian
The AGM is on December 4. The Hydro is not available and Jan and Brian have offered their back room for a Pizza and AGM.
Christmas party on 11th at the Hydro. $35 per head.
We have been invited to help with the SunRice Christmas Party on Friday 12 December. To help set-up; cook the BBQ, and to pack up. There was considerable discussion about the quote and Brian’s suggestion of $1700 was adopted. This has since been accepted.
