Chairman for the event was Brian who opened up the morning by noting this as the tenth breakfast is the series. He noted that this one was sponsored by the Leeton Shire Council (along with Leeton Rotary) and noted that it was particularly fitting that ex-Mayor Peter Woods was one of the speakers at this event.  Peter is the fourth Maor or ex-Mayor to take part in these breakfasts.

Brian noted how pleasing it was that this was, once again, a sold-out event.

Brian then introduced Court Sayer-Roberts from Enterprise Plus as the leader of the event. Court noted that the theme for today was “Taking Action Creates Opportunity”. He then introduced the first guests – Jodie Millar, and the Woods boys – Peter and sons Chris and Brett. He noted that he would lead the discussion by asking questions of the participants.

Jodie hails from Griffith and was a swimmer till the age of 17 (including representing the State at one stage). She left Griffith to go to Uni and joined the Police Force. She married and had three children but, after 16 years of an abusive marriage, she finally got a divorce.  Unfortunately, this led to her losing access to her children. She moved back to Griffith to be with her parents but suffered extreme anxiety and depression.  Finally, her mother gave her a gym and pool membership, and Jodie started to swim again. This led to her taking part in the Starlight Foundation Super Swim in February 2000 in which she attracted sponsorship to swim 150km in the month.  This has led to her recently swimming the English Channel, but, more particularly, to her re-finding a purpose and reclaiming her life. She now has a partner and has found satisfaction in her life.  Next year she will .take  part in her 7th Starlight February swims. Jodie presented a compelling story with such inner joy that was so inspiring.

Peter Woods came to Leeton in 1964 when he saw an ad for a job as a plumber at the Murrumbidgee County Council. There he acknowledged the welcome and professionalism of Peter Errey and Bruce Rodely. After 3 years at the MCC he started his own plumbing business (but noted that many years later he returned as Chairman of the MCC Board). Sons Chris and Brett both became plumbers and joined the family business but this involved much working away from home. Brett brought a rice farm to be able to be closer to family.  Peter noted that there was going to be a demand for gravel in the region and they purchased a quarry.  This was a real struggle as they knew nothing of the business.  After many years of struggle, they expanded the business (partly because they needed access to better gravel). The Woods boys spoke about some of the challenges, the importance of family, and the importance of people in a very entertaining and uplifting session.

Tanya Lewis then talked about the new rules surrounding at-home aged care.  The system will be more accessible and better organized. She noted that it is important to register before the need arises as there will be some delays in getting care. She also noted that the is a provision of means tested co-payment in the new system.  How to get started? The My Aged Care website and contact by phone, website or through family and or community worker.

In closing the morning, Brian thanked Court, Mary Errey (a big supporter of the 10 events), Rotary, Australia Post, Leeton Shire and the Hydro for their support.

The community also thank Brian who originally hatched the plan; applied for the grants; and drove all of these successful and important community events.