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Welcome to our Club!
Winter Meeting Timetable for July and August
JULY | 2 | NO MEETING |
JULY | 9 | REGULAR MEETING, YEA GOLF CLUB |
JULY | 16 | NO MEETING |
JULY | 23 | REGULAR MEETING, YEA GOLF CLUB |
JULY | 30 | 5th THURSDAY, NO MEETING |
AUGUST | 3 | DG VISIT, SEYMOUR BOWLS CLUB |
AUGUST | 13 | NO MEETING |
AUGUST | 20 | REGULAR MEETING, YEA GOLF CLUB |
AUGUST | 27 | NO MEETING |
SEPTEMBER | 3 | RETURN TO REGULAR WEEKLY MEETINGS |
Thank You to The Sinclair Family
The focus of the evening was to make a presentation to the Sinclair family on behalf of Yea and Alexandra Rotary to thank them all for their huge contribution to the success of Cycle Dindi. Cyclists were given unique opportunities to visit working farms at Nutfield and Cremona and experience genuine rural hospitality. A PowerPoint accompanied the presentation.
Thank you, John, Clare and extended family, for your wonderful generosity over a decade.
The focus of the evening was to make a presentation to the Sinclair family on behalf of Yea and Alexandra Rotary to thank them all for their huge contribution to the success of Cycle Dindi. Cyclists were given unique opportunities to visit working farms at Nutfield and Cremona and experience genuine rural hospitality. A PowerPoint accompanied the presentation.
Thank you, John, Clare and extended family, for your wonderful generosity over a decade.
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3 minuter - Penny Paxman
Six months since Longwood fires and many mental health issues now arising. Penny indicated that the Club (in partnership with KR Rotary) will conduct a ‘Train in Mental Health First Aid’ program, in Yea on Oct. 10th & 11th. Program funded by District 9790. Penny also has available copies of a small booklet (Riding the Ripples) she authored after the 2009 bushfires– a very useful guide book to assist those experiencing mental health issues
post traumatic events.
Six months since Longwood fires and many mental health issues now arising. Penny indicated that the Club (in partnership with KR Rotary) will conduct a ‘Train in Mental Health First Aid’ program, in Yea on Oct. 10th & 11th. Program funded by District 9790. Penny also has available copies of a small booklet (Riding the Ripples) she authored after the 2009 bushfires– a very useful guide book to assist those experiencing mental health issues
post traumatic events.
 | Late breaking news!!!!! Recognition at D9790 Change Over Dinner 12th July Gary Fitgerald — 40 years of Rotary service Darryl King — PHF for contributions to bushfire recovery David Anderson — citation for meritorious Service to the Rotary Foundation. Congratulations |
Pres. Ann welcomed the Sinclair family (John & Clare, Lily & Lachie, Miffi, Jimmy & Bridgette), Alexandra Rotarians Melinda Jackson, Ian Gibb and John Cannon along with a special welcome to Les Hall
- Thank you to Glenda, Darryl and team for well organised Change Over
- Rodney Ridd still receiving care in hospital
- Exchange student Cucky was farewelled at Tullamarine and has arrived home safely
- With Tony, Ann has been in regular meetings with Y&DMH regarding Mobil Health van partnership
Secretary’s report:
- Congratulations to Rotarians and community members recognised with PHFs at C/O
- Messages expressing thanks have been received following C/O
- Bernadette Murphy (children’s book illustrator) thanked Club for recent donation
- Glenda is representing Club on a Shire Community Events working party which meets
- bimonthly via zoom. Members collaborating around events.
- RSVPs for DG’s cluster meeting at Seymour (August 3rd) due by July 26th.
Other Business:
Penny and Darryl working together to plan a family community event for the End Polio Relay visit to Yea on August 9th—BBQ, Health Van on site, entertainment, games for children etc.
· All paper work for fire recovery funds ($45,000), used for vouchers has now been signed off.
· New arrangement with Hospital will see the Health Van operate out at the Saleyards and also reach out to the local community hubs. The van will offer Skin checks, mental health support and Mouth Mapping. ‘Health on the Move’.
President Ann expressed the appreciation of The Club to the Sinclair family for their enormous contribution to Cycle Dindi and closed the meeting at 8.35pm.
Penny and Darryl working together to plan a family community event for the End Polio Relay visit to Yea on August 9th—BBQ, Health Van on site, entertainment, games for children etc.
· All paper work for fire recovery funds ($45,000), used for vouchers has now been signed off.
· New arrangement with Hospital will see the Health Van operate out at the Saleyards and also reach out to the local community hubs. The van will offer Skin checks, mental health support and Mouth Mapping. ‘Health on the Move’.
President Ann expressed the appreciation of The Club to the Sinclair family for their enormous contribution to Cycle Dindi and closed the meeting at 8.35pm.
Catering Thank you to our caterers Nicole and Emily for a lovely meal.
Change Over 25th June Country Club Hotel Yea
It was a full house at the Country Club Hotel function room on Thursday when almost 80 people came together to not only enjoy fun and fellowship but more importantly celebrate and congratulate President Darryl King in leading the Club through a challenging year; and welcome incoming President Ann Drysdale Darryl reviewed his year, thanking all members and friends of the Club who so ably assisted him as the Club pivoted to respond after the devastating Longwood.
Exchange student Cucky was farewelled and presented with a gift of a koala as a memento of her time in Australia. Darryl also acknowledged the wonderful support provided by Kristie, Eoghan and family who hosted Cucky for the entirety of her exchange.Seven Paul Harris Fellows were presented; congratulations to Kristie Luckman, Leisa Carney, Ian Marshman, Tony Jacobs, Ian Lynch, Penny Paxman and Terry Hubbard who were recognised for their club and community service.
Darryl was presented with the David Long Community Service Award in recognition of not only his tireless Rotary work but also his leadership and contributions to numerous local community organisations. A truly deserving recipient– for once Darryl was speechless!
At the conclusion of the evening Darryl inducted Ann as the 2026-2027 President who then introduced her Board.
Ann thanked Darryl and declared that she would ensure that the Club continues to support those impacted by the fires and to work with the local community as the need arises. Together as a club we will ‘Create lasting impact’
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| Darryl with his David Long Community Service Award | President Ann 2026-2027 |
Fun Night - Pie Night
President Darryl:
• Welcome to Pie Night, a social night which will conclude with a fun quiz.
• Great to see Clare and Kyla here tonight, also our exchange student Cucky
• Attended Murrindindi Shire Citizenship Ceremony today, where 26 were proudly welcomed as new Australian citizens.
• Welcome to Pie Night, a social night which will conclude with a fun quiz.
• Great to see Clare and Kyla here tonight, also our exchange student Cucky
• Attended Murrindindi Shire Citizenship Ceremony today, where 26 were proudly welcomed as new Australian citizens.
Secretary Glenda:
• We have 77 attending our Changeover next Thursday—see your there!
• 4 from Yea attended the Rotary Club of Alexandra changeover last night, where Penny inducted Debbie Skinner as President 2026-27
• District Changeover—Sunday 12 July, 11.30 am, in Wangaratta.
• The Annual Report will be distributed by email, a PDF file, with limited hard copies available.
• Please share any Garden Expo posts on your social media.
Glenda and Darryl conducted a fun quiz, where we all competed for chocolate prizes. Questions were based around “getting to know you”. A lot of fun and plenty of laughs!
Thank you to our top table team!
• We have 77 attending our Changeover next Thursday—see your there!
• 4 from Yea attended the Rotary Club of Alexandra changeover last night, where Penny inducted Debbie Skinner as President 2026-27
• District Changeover—Sunday 12 July, 11.30 am, in Wangaratta.
• The Annual Report will be distributed by email, a PDF file, with limited hard copies available.
• Please share any Garden Expo posts on your social media.
Glenda and Darryl conducted a fun quiz, where we all competed for chocolate prizes. Questions were based around “getting to know you”. A lot of fun and plenty of laughs!
Thank you to our top table team!
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| Happy snaps of Rotarians and guests, including Clare and barman Michael, enjoying the social night. | ||
Guest Speaker, Jo Bailey from Kitchen Yea
Jo and her family have a farm in the Ghin Ghin area, and divide their time between Yea and Melbourne, where they are involved n the food industry.
The project has come about after consultation with Yea Hospital and Community House where it has been established there is a need to assist the socially isolated and those suffering from food insecurity in our community. Having purchased the former Yea Newsagents building, work has commenced to create a commercial kitchen, where a professional chef would be employed to cook with up to 10 people at a time, who would prepare a meal and dine together, along with preparing up to 90 extra meals which would be distributed to those who are in need. They would be depending on volunteers to assist with the meal distribution. Kitchen Yea has partnered with Alex Makes Meals, a not for profit group established during Covid lockdown in Melbourne, currently preparing 3,500 meals each week from the Darebin Community Centre.
The project is not for profit, relying on support from charity foundations, corporate charity grants and private family foundations, and tapping into “Fair Share” food distribution. It is planned to establish vegetables gardens at the rear of the building.
Jo is hoping to have Kitchen Yea operational by the end of the year,
Vote of thanks - Julie Lynch
Rotary Club of Yea will provide a letter of support for Kitchen Yea in their application for a grant from Ausnet to assist with the cost of installing 3 phase power and renewing wiring.
Jo and her family have a farm in the Ghin Ghin area, and divide their time between Yea and Melbourne, where they are involved n the food industry.The project has come about after consultation with Yea Hospital and Community House where it has been established there is a need to assist the socially isolated and those suffering from food insecurity in our community. Having purchased the former Yea Newsagents building, work has commenced to create a commercial kitchen, where a professional chef would be employed to cook with up to 10 people at a time, who would prepare a meal and dine together, along with preparing up to 90 extra meals which would be distributed to those who are in need. They would be depending on volunteers to assist with the meal distribution. Kitchen Yea has partnered with Alex Makes Meals, a not for profit group established during Covid lockdown in Melbourne, currently preparing 3,500 meals each week from the Darebin Community Centre.
The project is not for profit, relying on support from charity foundations, corporate charity grants and private family foundations, and tapping into “Fair Share” food distribution. It is planned to establish vegetables gardens at the rear of the building.
Jo is hoping to have Kitchen Yea operational by the end of the year,
Vote of thanks - Julie Lynch
Rotary Club of Yea will provide a letter of support for Kitchen Yea in their application for a grant from Ausnet to assist with the cost of installing 3 phase power and renewing wiring.
Time to say Goodbye Cucky (Josefa) - Our Exchange Student
All good things must come to an end, and it is time for Cucky (Josefa) to start packing her bags to return home to Chile after her wonderful 12 month exchange to Yea.
Cucky departs on 4th July, for a 14 hour flight back home.
She gave a presentation/overview of her 12 months, where she has had the chance to experience many fabulous destinations in Victoria, Queensland, Canberra
and North-ern Territory.
Cucky has been hosted by Kristie Luckman and Eoghan Dowling and family, where she has been warmly embraced by their extended family and enjoyed many holidays and outings with them, including exploring Ballarat, Philip Island, Gold Coast and Balnarring beach holiday. She visited Canberra with her outbound exchange student's family. Edo, from Albury, was hosted by her family in Chile.
Cucky is currently in Year 12 at Yea High School and will continue her studies in preparation for university when she returns home. She has enjoyed the interschool volleyball, and on Wednesdays has been attending the Yea Pottery Shed where many creative items have been made!
Within her group of inbound exchange students, Cucky has made many friends and will enjoy lifelong friendships. She went on the Tropical trip to Airley beach, where snorkeling on the Barrier Reef was a high-light, and also had a wonderful Central Australian safari, visiting Darwin and travelling to Uluru. Kings Canyon and sur-rounds.
Cucky has enjoyed the hospitality of Yea Rotary, and is going home with a blazer covered in badges, and many experiences have been learnt-
• Its okay to not always be okay
• Say yes to every opportunity offered
• Be brave and do things by yourself
• What is hard makes you stronger
• Australia is not that scary!
Cucky’s presentation concluded with video message from her mother, in Chile, thanking Rotary for helping Cucky fulfil her childhood dream!
Cucky thanked all at Yea Rotary for the wonderful experience, and concluded with “It’s not goodbye, it’s see you late
Cucky departs on 4th July, for a 14 hour flight back home.
She gave a presentation/overview of her 12 months, where she has had the chance to experience many fabulous destinations in Victoria, Queensland, Canberra
and North-ern Territory.Cucky has been hosted by Kristie Luckman and Eoghan Dowling and family, where she has been warmly embraced by their extended family and enjoyed many holidays and outings with them, including exploring Ballarat, Philip Island, Gold Coast and Balnarring beach holiday. She visited Canberra with her outbound exchange student's family. Edo, from Albury, was hosted by her family in Chile.
Cucky is currently in Year 12 at Yea High School and will continue her studies in preparation for university when she returns home. She has enjoyed the interschool volleyball, and on Wednesdays has been attending the Yea Pottery Shed where many creative items have been made!
Within her group of inbound exchange students, Cucky has made many friends and will enjoy lifelong friendships. She went on the Tropical trip to Airley beach, where snorkeling on the Barrier Reef was a high-light, and also had a wonderful Central Australian safari, visiting Darwin and travelling to Uluru. Kings Canyon and sur-rounds.
Cucky has enjoyed the hospitality of Yea Rotary, and is going home with a blazer covered in badges, and many experiences have been learnt-
• Its okay to not always be okay
• Say yes to every opportunity offered
• Be brave and do things by yourself
• What is hard makes you stronger
• Australia is not that scary!
Cucky’s presentation concluded with video message from her mother, in Chile, thanking Rotary for helping Cucky fulfil her childhood dream!
Cucky thanked all at Yea Rotary for the wonderful experience, and concluded with “It’s not goodbye, it’s see you late
Other Business - Chairperson Jill introduced guest Gary Jans, brother-in-law to Chris and Paul Kellett, and a member of Rotary Club of Monbulk, Gary thanked Yea for the warm welcome. He has been a member of Monbulk for 27 years, president twice and DG once. Monbulk, in the north east sector of the Dandenong Ranges, has 8 members, so is looking at alternative arrangements, perhaps a satellite club or merging with neighbouring club, Belgrave. They had a major project 5 years ago, assisting after the severe storm in the Dandenongs.
President Darryl:
• Welcome to our visitors, Jo Bailey, Craig Birchall, Gary Jans, Kyla and Cucky
• Sadly, we have received news that former member, Val Howard, has passed away. Funeral, Saturday 20th June, 11 am, St Lukes Anglican Church, Yea, followed by gathering at 1.30pm at Country Club Hotel, Yea (function room)
• Email from Colleen, Ruffy Hub, advising that amenities trailer has had plumb-ing installed and is a much appreciated facility.
• Email from Jeff Swain, Kinglake/Yea Branch RSL, advising of the pending closure of the Branch, hoping to be finalised by December 2026. Branch has been unable to form a committee to enable the club to function. Jeff has asked that Rotary support the ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day ceremonies.
• Welcome to our visitors, Jo Bailey, Craig Birchall, Gary Jans, Kyla and Cucky
• Sadly, we have received news that former member, Val Howard, has passed away. Funeral, Saturday 20th June, 11 am, St Lukes Anglican Church, Yea, followed by gathering at 1.30pm at Country Club Hotel, Yea (function room)
• Email from Colleen, Ruffy Hub, advising that amenities trailer has had plumb-ing installed and is a much appreciated facility.
• Email from Jeff Swain, Kinglake/Yea Branch RSL, advising of the pending closure of the Branch, hoping to be finalised by December 2026. Branch has been unable to form a committee to enable the club to function. Jeff has asked that Rotary support the ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day ceremonies.
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| Thanks to our caterers to-night, Sacred Heart Primary School, led by Emma and Emily and families, for another fabulous meal and \wonderful table service | Another Throw Back Thursday - Mock Interviews—Clare Sinclair and Jim Osborne conducting an interview with a Yea High School student. |
Service Above Self
Yea, VIC 3717
Australia