President: Carmel Cristofaro
District Governor: Rob Uhl
Editor: Laurie Lewin
Rotary Club of Leeton Bulletin
Volume: 85          Edition: 36         Date: 06 March 2025
Stories
Kristen Johns - AWU
In The Chair: President Carmel
 
Members: 11
Guests:  Kristen Johns, Marina Cook, Avleen Singh, Aaron Snaidero
 
 
Avleen
           
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Kirsten Johns – AWU Organiser.
 
 
Kirsten trained as a mechanical and flight engineer and has worked in many places – for QANTAS, in the Pilbara and she was lured to Wagga by REX after they had a propeller failure.  She then went to work at the Ardlethan tin mine re-establishment, and she has a house in Ardlethan.  She was then lured to the AWU as an organizer.  Her territory is huge – covering a lot of Western NSW.
 
She represents all AWU members in her region but also liaises with Union representatives that cover members of other unions.  Contrary to popular beliefs, her main focus is not about strikes and wages, but she covers many areas including worker rights, WHS, superannuation and harassment.  The AWU is the only union representing agriculture workers.
 
She has a big issue with the operation of the PALM scheme and 403 Visa schemes. She sees much rorting of the system – particularly for Visa applications and by Labour Hire Companies.
 
She was particularly focused on anti-slavery and works closely with the Anti-Slavery Commission.  She particularly pointed out that slavery and exploitation are particularly rife in her area.
 
She relies on the community to let her know of any problems.
 
Despite the large areas and many problems, she does have good days and some wins in helping workers avoid exploitation.
 
Kirsten was thanked on behalf of the club by Carmel
 
 
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The Brain Teaser
 
Who is bigger: Mr. Bigger, Mrs. Bigger, or their baby?
 
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Director’s Roundup
 
 
  • President Carmel:
    • Thank you to all who turned up to help at the Market day.  Pity the crowd didn’t also turn up.
    • Carmel enjoyed the Roxy Gala night Many from Rotary were there either as guests or Volunteers.
    • Look for the email about the Cowra trip.  Carmel has spoken to the President of Cowra – Meet and greet Thai on Friday night.  Past President Bob who has had a long association with the Japanese Gardens will join us for breakfast on Sunday morning. Individuals need to book the Motel and for the castle visit.
  • Secretary Brian
    • The sheet for attendance at the Citrus Australia breakfast was passed around.
    • David Lang needs volunteers of the RYDA barbecue – 11, 12 and 13 March.
    • PETS is on 29th March.
    • Board meeting on 12th March.
    • Invitation to the Griffith Club 80th.
 
 
  • A:
    • The baby because he is a little bigger.
 
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Sergeants Session – Barry
 
 
 
Barry wasted no time in savaging many of the Rotarians.  Those in his sights included Carmel, Len, Brian and those errants who failed to attend last week or at the Market Day.
 
Kerry dobbed himself in as a drugs hoarder.
 
A good session despite his late notice.
 
The raffle was won by Bill.
 
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Aaron Snaidero – Southern Cross Assumption Villa
 
 
Aaron is the Activities Officer at the Villa and he promoted the need for Volunteers.  He is particularly keen to source volunteers to help with men’s programs.  He believes that his role is to help the residents live their life to the full and would like helpers to be available to support him in this endeavour.
 
Aaron also talked about the establishment of a coffee shop at the Villa to encourage members of the public to mix with the Residents while enjoying light refreshments.  The Vilal is running a raffle at the moment to support the shop’s establishment.
 
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Happy Birthday, Brian
 
It was a cause for celebration when we celebrated Brian’s 80th birthday with a cake provided by Annette.  The cake was delicious – probably not matched by the singing.  Bring on more birthdays if they result in delicious cake!
 
 
 
 
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The Twins
 
A woman has twins and gives them up for adoption.
One of them goes to a family in Egypt and is named Amal. The other goes to a family in Spain. They name him Juan. 
Years later, Juan sends a picture of himself to his birth mother. Upon receiving the picture, she tells her husband that she wishes she also had a picture of Amal.
He responds, "They're twins! If you've seen Juan, you've seen Amal."
 
 
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Read more...

Notices

Upcoming Events
RYDA
Yanco Ag. Institute
Mar 11, 2025 11:30 am –
Mar 13, 2025 2:00 pm
 
Board Meeting
Carmel's
Mar 12, 2025
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
 
Dinner Meeting - Thomas Podbury
Historic Hydro
Mar 13, 2025
6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
 
Catering Citrus Australia Breakfast
Morris Farm
Mar 20, 2025
6:00 am – 12:30 pm
 
No Dinner Meeting
Mar 20, 2025
6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
 
Cowra Trip
Mar 21, 2025 – Mar 23, 2025
 
Guest: Salla Sigvart, Finnish Exchange Student
Historic Hydro Motel
Apr 17, 2025
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
 
View entire list
Meeting Responsibilities
Sergeant - 13 March
Raadgever, Andrew
 
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Member Birthdays
Jennifer Newton OAM
March 2
 
Brian Munro
March 8
 
Geoff Beecher
March 12
 
Bill Aliendi
March 16
 
Matthew Rhodes
March 16
 
Robert Parsons
March 30
 
Greg Brown
April 15
 
Grahme Fitzsimon
April 18
 
Anthony Morton
April 27
 
Spouse Birthdays
Jackie Kruger
March 8
 
Ruth Parsons
April 17
 
Anniversaries
Geoff Beecher
Mary-Anne Lattimore
March 30
 
Join Date
Neil Ditton
March 6, 1975
50 years
 
Salim Choudhury
March 17, 2022
3 years
 
Geoff Beecher
March 24, 2011
14 years
 
Barry Patten
April 1, 1982
43 years
 
Jennifer Newton OAM
April 3, 2007
18 years
 
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ATTENDANCE AND APOLOGY BOOKINGS

The Rotary Club of Leeton meets each Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at the Historic Hydro, Chelmsford Place, Leeton.
Apologies must be given before 11:00 am on the day of the meeting to:
Brian Munro
Ph:0428 696 780
Members please note that the Club will charge you for your meal if you do not put in an apology.