Guest Speakers 2018-2019
Throughout the year we invite many people from the community, and beyond, to speak about topics that are of interest to the members. Below are some of the speakers that we have had during the Rotary year 2018 - 2019.
If you wish to see who are the upcoming speakers then have a look in the calendar where you will find our Wednesday meetings and who the guest speaker will be. Click on the item and more detail will be revealed. If you are not a member of Rotary but would like to attend a meeting then please contact either our Secretary or our President (details on the home page of the website).
Karen Bishop - Riverland West Landcare
8th May 2019
In 2003 it was identified that the issues including the smell of rotten egg gas which was creating health issues, the salt going back into the river from the lagoon and midges impacting on students at the school required action. After a community meeting, the formation of a steering committee and the involvement of officers from the SAMDB Authority collecting data a management plan was established.
A grant was obtained to build a structure to regulate water entering and leaving the lagoon and to purchase environmental water. In 2005 a pump was installed to pick up some of the ground water entering the lagoon which was pumped to Stockyard Plains. Current monitoring of the water (pH, salinity, turbidity and dissolved oxygen), birds and fish and frogs and the use of photo points has shown a marked improvement in the environment. The structure has also helped remove a lot of the carp in the lagoon. The lagoon is now put through a series of wetting and drying cycles which has improved vegetation, the floor of the lagoon and water quality. Watering of seedlings between the river and the lagoon has also been successful.
The Olive Grove Farm
17th April 2019
We visited the Olive Grove Farm owned and managed by Roger Hefford and Megan McKenzie on Benlow Rd. Roger addressed the meeting explaining how the property and sales section of the farm was set up. He grew up iApril n a family that was involved in horticulture in the Adelaide Hills and his father and grandfather grew vegetables and apples. He has owned the property in Waikerie since 1989 and originally used it to produce fruit and vegetables for his shop in the Barossa Valley. In 2015 he planted 22 000 trees (mainly olives) which increased the number to 28 000. The majority of the trees are a high-density variety which they harvest with a grape harvester. The olives are then sent away for processing and a sample of the oil is then sent off for chemical testing and hopefully is classified as virgin olive oil. To be classified as virgin olive oil the olives have to be processed within 24 hours of being harvested and contain the correct amount of essential chemicals.In the shop they sell the oil and other items such as dukkha, balsamic vinegars, soaps made from the oil, cheeses and tapenade. They also have displays, gift baskets and sell products produced by other people such as dried fruits, nuts, jewellery and cheese knives (made by Will Kroehn.) They sell their products at local markets and display at the Royal Adelaide Show where they have won several awards.
We were able to taste a lot of their produce which was terrific.
David Beaton - CEO Loxton Waikerie Council
13th March 2019
David spoke about briefly about his career before taking on the role as CEO of the Council. He had worked in many country towns including Browns Well, Peter Borough, Naracoorte, Charles Sturt Council, Wellington in NSW and the Berri Barmera Council before being appointed as the CEO at the Loxton Waikerie Council. He mentioned that being the youngest member of a family of 8 children taught him to try to accommodate everyone so there are no winners and losers.
He is at present working on a mission plan and preparing a four year budget for the council. There has been an amazing amount of money coming into the area with the declaration of drought. A considerable amount has been allocated to the “Cliff Top” walk, car park for the silo art and a linkage to the water park. They are trying to get funds from the Murray Darling Basin economic fund because Waikerie does not appear to be eligible.
He also talked about the Waikerie Delivers meeting at which the River Front Master Plan was discussed. He mentioned some of the suggestions including moving the oval a bit to provide more room. He stressed that he wishes to work together with groups including the Rotary club to start the budget process.
He then discussed the Peake Tce project for which $2million has been allocated including putting power underground and redesigning the roundabout. Car Park access for IGA and development of individual Tourist information outlets were also mentioned.
A very informative talk and the club expressed interest in working closely with council on its projects.
John Harvey
28th February 2019
John provided the Club with information about the Angel Flight organisation. He emphasised that Angel Flight was different from the Flying Doctor in that it is a transfer service providing transport for disadvantaged people who need medical attention at a distant location. He showed a couple of videos which showed an advertisement for the program and information on what they do.
Angel Flight is not funded by the Government and relies on donations from groups for administration and other costs such as fuel and landing fees. Pilots donate their time and the planes that are used and are responsible for maintenance of planes. Doctors recommend patients to Angel Flight who they think would benefit from the service.
In the light of a couple of accidents in recent years there has been a tightening of regulations for pilots and planes which has led to less pilots that can provide the service. The organisation is currently working through this issue in order to have more pilots and their planes accredited.
Kelley Rosenthal
13th February 2019
Kelley gave an interesting talk about the role of Red Cross in the Riverland.She outlined a bit of her history. She grew up in the Riverland and has worked at Roxby downs and the Berri Barmera Council before working in the Transport Service Centre offered by Red Cross.
Historically the Red Cross services were set up to support soldiers returning from world war one in 1914 in Australia. She then outlined the services supplied by the transport section.
There are now offices in several country areas for the most vulnerable people including the Riverland which was set up in 2017. They have 28 volunteers working in the areas of transport, relief and recovery and administration. The transport section is funded by both state and federal governments and in a three month period they can do up to 11000 trips which equates to a lot of kilometres.
The Red Cross in Riverland have a medical bus and provide a transport service for people over 65. This includes transport for medical issues but also to help people with mobility problems access services such as shopping, banking, attendance to social events and attendance to events such as the knitting club. Their office is situated in Berri near Cheap as Chips and information about their services can be obtained from there or phone 1800 334 882.
Kelley provided brochures about their services.
Robyn Cain
30th January 2019
Robyn gave us an insight into her background. She worked in BankSA and rose through the ranks, eventually taking up a Branch Manager position in Adelaide for a period of time. For a couple of years there were only two female branch managers in the entire state, of which she was one. Robyn left the bank to help in the family business, Cain Electrical, before going back to the bank.She now has her own business, advising businesses on many aspects of their running (eg BAS).
Robyn came into the South Australia's Family and Business (FaB) Support Program during the Millennium drought which is when the scheme started.
The scheme was revived in October last year when we knew the drought was here to stay. Tim Whetstone, our local Member of State Parliament, was instrumental in revamping the program. The aim of the program is to listen to the farmers and their problems, find out their most pressing issues and point them in the right direction to obtain help.
"South Australia's Family and Business Support Program is here to help farmers, farming families and regional businesses in drought affected communities. Each mentor is experienced in discussing and addressing the difficult issues that come about as a result of drought and other adverse events. ... This program is provided at no cost, as part of the State Government's Drought Response Program." Drought Support Brochure 2019
Karen Richardson thanked Robyn for giving her time and knowledge to us.
If you are in need of this service then Robyn's details are:
- Ph: 0411 633 085
- Email: robyncain16@gmail.com
Jenny Mills (Assistant Governor-Group 2 2018/19)
3rd October 2018
3rd October 2018
In 2008 the infection rate in some communities was 67% but by 2009 it had been reduced to 21%. The plan is to work with the individual disadvantaged communities and concentrate on personal hygiene, using antibiotics to treat the disease, cleaning up the environment people live in, to give access to clean water, and education. They hope to develop sustainable practices in each community.
Some practical things clubs could do is to contribute to providing mirrors, wash cloths and washing machines.
Brenton Kroehn
28th September 2018
28th September 2018
Brenton gave a fantastic talk about farming in the mallee – one of the harshest environments for cropping in Australia.
The property was first cleared in 1920 by his grandfather and his poll merino stud was developed in 1975. He runs 2600 sheep on his 4500 hectare property and crops 3000 hectares. He talked about his life changing experience with a GSE trip to France and his development as a person gaining confidence through the years. He spent his early years studying at Roseworthy College and then his time as a shearer before taking over the property. He has developed into a pretty good shearer and has done several demonstrations for schools and at field days.
His community involvement has been impressive, providing several services to local schools and the kindy, providing work experience opportunities and placing a float in the local pageant. In recent years his ram sales have added value to the business and with wool and grain prices so high he believes he can ride out the current dry period due to this diversification.
He then spoke about the amazing advances in technology for farmers including no-till farming, improved spray technology, the benefits of autosteer technology, advances in agronomy services, the size of equipment and the benefits of mobile phone technology to access information.
He then described the problems they have had this year with wind, little rain, cold, a late start to the season and several other issues. He worked through his decision to grain feed his sheep through the summer due to the state of his paddocks and the crops grown this year. This then led to him touching on mental health issues for farmers and how he has changed priorities placing his family at the top of the list.
An excellent presentation which gave us a great insight into farming in the mallee.
Mark McLean
15th August 2018
His animals are housed on straw in areas where they can move around. Only the farrowing sows are in farrowing pens to stop them from rolling on the piglets.
All fresh Pork is produced in Australia. 300 producers produce 90% of our Pork while the rest would come from small holdings (ie: Organic or Free Range). Marks’ pork is bred to have minimal fat for the consumer. 80% of Australia's small goods (processed pork like ham, bacon, prosciutto and salami) are imported. If you pick up a pack of bacon and it says 21% Australian content you can bet it is just the packaging. $300 000 is generated into the economy from just 100 pigs.
When there is a glut of pigs prices go down. This is caused by farmers overstocking when times are good and having to de-stock when times are bad. Currently farmers are losing approximately $70 a head. They are currently paying out 60% on feed, 13% on wages and 7% on health.
Pork is one of the healthiest meats you can eat.
HOW TO COOK A PORK STEAK
- Take a 2 cm thick pork steak.
- Preheat the pan
- Cook the pork for 6 mins without turning, turn for 2 mins and then turn for another 2 mins.
Liz Frankel
8th August 2018
Liz showed photos of a few silos that have been done in Victoria and South Australia (eg. Brim, Patchwollock, Tumby Bay).
The committee applied for a grant for the silos and to their surprise and amazement they received $150000. There is a lot of work going on behind the scenes and they have Dion Lebrum to help and provide advice. Dion has been involved in a number of the silo art projects around Australia. There will be two artists and the silos will be the first one's to be painted on both sides. This will provide a view from not only the road but also the river. There will be a 'walk around' and carpark provided. If there are sufficient funds then the silos will have lighting as well. A professional film maker will take time a lapsed film of the artists painting the mural. There have been offers of sponsorship from local businesses in regards to paint, accommodation for the artists and other sundries.
Businesses in towns that currently have silo murals have stated that their turn-over has increased by at least 20%.
Gordon Thompson
1st Aug 2018
He initially told us a little about himself. He came from the Adelaide Hills and had visited Waikerie during the 1970’s. He moved to NZ for 10 years . Getting tired of his career path he decided to join the local government and worked in the Lachlan Shire in NSW (Condobolin) and Queensland before coming to Waikerie.
Gordon foresees that Waikerie is in for a good time as there are several good projects in the wind. One of the ideas for the new Visitor Information Centre (VIC) was to use the old Bond Store adjacent to the riverfront. However it is currently occupied by the Lions Club and they declined the offer from the Council to build a complex near the Mens' Shed and then move from the old Bond Store.
So it is back to the drawing board and the decision of what to do with the old Bonds Store.
Gordon said if the Club have any issues please let the Council know. Ring or go in and make an appointment. Grant submissions should already be in as the budget timeline is the 1st of June. This year we have Council elections and this makes the budget timeline different.
The Tourism Minister met in Renmark to discuss Destination Riverland and how we can improve our visitor rate. 80% of our visitors are from the Riverland and the remainder are are mostly from wider SA. If we have any events then contact the Riverland Events Calender re uploading onto the site. In 2018 information booklets were made more regional and we now have hard copies of maps and things to do in our area available at the VIC and other outlets. The question to be asked is "Once people are here how can we attract them to stay longer?".
Gordon thanked our Club for its involvement in the Community.
Chris Mibus
25th July 2018
Chris Mibus of the Youth Hub addressed the meeting and thanked Rotary for the donations of the stove, microwave, range hood, dishwasher, fridge and several other electrical goods. He also thanked Roger Davies for organising and bringing the Work for the Dole team for the building work.
Chris described how the concept of a Youth Hub went from idea to reality. As a member of the Uniting Church he suggested the empty premises be used for the youth as he believed there was a need for somewhere safe for the youth of Waikerie to "hang out". Chris accidentally met up with Peter Ackland, CEO of the Loxton Waikerie Council, at a meeting and started discussing the idea with him. Peter suggested ideas for the centre and recommended he apply for a grant. During the next few months of speaking to many local organisations, hard work and advertising, Chris managed to formulate a plan and begin its implementation. He received donations of tables, chairs, pool table, etc and started the transformation of a vacant building into something that the youth might appreciate. Eventually the centre was opened and Chris sat and waited. No one turned up for a couple of hours and then eventually one person came in. From this small beginning it has slowly grown. Three years on and now at least twenty five of the local youth frequent the venue every Friday evening. At the last count there are more than seventy two different youth who have signed into the venue. From small things, big things grow!
Chris explained the “Hub” is not a child minding centre for youth but is a safe environment where kids can "hang out", have a meal, and talk without being judged or victimized. In this world kids find it difficult to open up whereas here they have someone who will listen to them, and someone in whom they can trust.
The centre provides many activities to engage the youth. They do craft, have community members teach them various skills (eg. health and beauty, sewing), and many other under-takings. At one stage the Rotary Club invited them to the Opportunity Shop where the youth chose several garments. This demonstrated to them the idea of recycling clothes. They also took the opportunity to use some of the items within their craft creations. The centre is always on the lookout for donations of things the kids can use, whether it be craft supplies, sewing machines, a woodwork teacher to assist the boys, or any other item.
The centre has found that most of its clientele are of upper primary school age and lower secondary. However, as the centre moves forward they are finding that older kids want to stay on. One of their goals is that some of these youth will become mentors for the newcomers.
Chris outlined there is still a lot more to do in bringing the physical environment of the centre up to a "nice" standard as there is still a lot painting to be completed, a new air conditioner is required, and there are many other items in need of repair. This is a slow procedure but in time it will be done. The Rotary Club has offered its support to this enterprise.
At the conclusion of Chris' talk Richard Hall presented him with a donation of $400 - this being the collection from the members who attended on the night.
Brad Steinert
11th July 2018
Brad gave an overview of the progress at the Waikerie Golf Club. He talked about the renovations that took place when his Mother (Julie) bought the club and the development of accommodation with the new “Villas” He showed the plans for future development with more villas and a caravan park to cater for grey nomads touring.He also outlined his progress into a career as an architect and some of the work he has done as a project manager on building sites.
Jacob McKenzie
4th July 2018
Jacob spoke about his path into medicine. He came from Mount Gambier and after taking a gap year working in a winery he began study at Adelaide Uni in Physics and Space Science. He then took on a post graduate course in medicine at Flinders University. He spoke about the extremely challenging six hour exams and interviews he had to go through to achieve his medical qualifications. He also described the trial program to attract rural doctors that took place in the Riverland and the positive response he has received from the local community. His final results were outstanding - he was the highest ranked student in Australia.Jacob acknowledged the fantastic support he received from Dr Ken and Allan Miller. We are extremely lucky to have such a qualified doctor working in our community.
Stuart McKay
9th May 2018
Stuart is the Proprietor of McKay's Auto & Ag Centre, which is also our local RAA Service Centre and approved RAA mechanical repairer.
Stuart originally hails from Cowra in NSW - both his Father and Grandfather were involved in the mechanical trade.
After marrying Linda, they found their home in Orange was far too cold and ended up in Adelaide working for the RAA for 6 years.
He really wanted a rural setting to bring up his young family and so decided to move to Waikerie, where he has been for just over 20 years.
He purchased the business he now runs and soon after, the RAA approached him. The area his RAA dealership covers is huge - it covers the region from Overland Corner to Swan Reach, to Truro and to Burra. RAA training is very tough, and more so these days with increased HSE regulations. Considerable amounts of time are taken simply in training in these areas.
- Approximately 2000 call outs per year;
- Approximately 200 accidents are attended each year;
- 40 - 50 impounds are made each year.
- A lot of relocations are also made.
Their business has also diversified in looking after other modes of transport such as gophers and push bikes.
After agonising about buying his first tow truck, he now has 4 of them. They are now all dual cabs as that offers customers a far safer journey back to the depot with their vehicle, instead of having to wait for alternative transport such as a taxi.
