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Welcome to our Club!
GUEST SPEAKER – Cr Paul Hildebrand - Paul is the Councillor for Koriella Ward – taking in towns including Glenburn, Molesworth, Highlands, Homewood and Ghin Ghin. Paul is also running the family farm – now 107 years old, 
raising mostly prime lamb. Paul is also very involved with the Glenburn Hall. He chose to become a councillor because he wanted to:
raising mostly prime lamb. Paul is also very involved with the Glenburn Hall. He chose to become a councillor because he wanted to: - care for the community
- create opportunities for generations coming after us and make this a great place to live and raise kids
- enable everyone to build a future
- be a voice for decisions now and in the next 4 years.
Paul’s passions are Agriculture – it forms the foundation of the local economy bringing in $365 million, offering 985 local jobs and supporting local households. It also creates new opportunities to create sustainable investment in technology and training.
He looks to the future where young people grow up and work here because the education they need is local and offers training opportunities and skills which enable young people to stay in the area. Paul acknowledged Rotary and the opportunity for Murrindindi Shire Council and Rotary to work together. He spoke about being part of the Yea Saleyards Committee which currently runs 19 sales per year and he’s keen to look at future development. It needs planning for the future eg ready for heavy transport, extra power and truck washes As for the future of Yea; Council is to tap into wider planning of the town and necessary infrastructure to support more families. Paul said he enjoyed the work, meeting people, and receiving support from fellow Councillors and is excited for the next 2 years. He took several questions from members and was then thanked by fellow Councillor Sue Carpenter
Caterers – Kerry Tull and family - the members
showed their appreciation for a delicious meal.
ROTARY FOUNDATION SNAPSHOTDID YOU KNOW?
Rotary Foundation District Grants enable Club to address immediate needs in their communities and abroad. A District may request up to 50% of its available annual District Designated Fund for spending on District Grants to Clubs. A District receives one block grant annually from which it manages and disperses these funds to support Club sponsored projects. Your contribution doing good in your local community.
Rotary Foundation District Grants enable Club to address immediate needs in their communities and abroad. A District may request up to 50% of its available annual District Designated Fund for spending on District Grants to Clubs. A District receives one block grant annually from which it manages and disperses these funds to support Club sponsored projects. Your contribution doing good in your local community.
Please note that the 2026 AGM will take place on Thursday 27th November
commencing at 7pm.
The agenda will take the form of previous AGMs:
commencing at 7pm.
The agenda will take the form of previous AGMs:
Attendance
Apologies
Minutes from the Previous (2025) AGM
Presentation of the previous President’s Annual Report 2025 – 2026.
Statements 2025 – 2026.Presentation of the Annual Financial
Notice of Motion from the Board
That the club’s Annual dues increase from $60 a quarter ($240 a year) to
$75 a quarter ($300 a year) and the increase becomes operational from the
second half of the Rotary year 2026/2027, ie January 2027.
Election of Office Bearers for 2027 – 2028
Secretary Glenda
That the club’s Annual dues increase from $60 a quarter ($240 a year) to
$75 a quarter ($300 a year) and the increase becomes operational from the
second half of the Rotary year 2026/2027, ie January 2027.
Election of Office Bearers for 2027 – 2028
Secretary Glenda
Guest Speaker: Rose McQueen: Insects and their Genetics. Rose is currently completing a Bachelor of Science majoring in genetics at La Trobe University. She hopes to 
pursue post graduate studies focusing on bees and eventually work in academia. She would like to be a ‘Science communicator’ sharing her love and passion for insects. From a very early age she has bee
n fascinated by insects. With the aid of a powerpoint Rose defined what an insect is; the different classes of insects; insects in culture; threats to insects and finally what we can do to protect insects. Insects belong to the class Insecta which is the phylum Artropoda. The five different classes of insects are: Coleoptera (Beetles), Lepidoptera (Butterflies and moths), Hymenoptera (Wasps, bees and ants), Diptera (Flies) and Hemiptera (True bugs). Rose detailed the characteristics of each class of insect. Rose concluded by listing ways citizen scientists can help in-sects, many of whom are increasingly threatened by habitat loss, use of insecticides and climate change.
pursue post graduate studies focusing on bees and eventually work in academia. She would like to be a ‘Science communicator’ sharing her love and passion for insects. From a very early age she has been fascinated by insects. With the aid of a powerpoint Rose defined what an insect is; the different classes of insects; insects in culture; threats to insects and finally what we can do to protect insects. Insects belong to the class Insecta which is the phylum Artropoda. The five different classes of insects are: Coleoptera (Beetles), Lepidoptera (Butterflies and moths), Hymenoptera (Wasps, bees and ants), Diptera (Flies) and Hemiptera (True bugs). Rose detailed the characteristics of each class of insect. Rose concluded by listing ways citizen scientists can help in-sects, many of whom are increasingly threatened by habitat loss, use of insecticides and climate change. In our gardens: Limit the use of pesticides ·
Avoid removing native plants ·
Establish pollinator gardens
In the world: ·Use iNaturalist, find an invertebrate to be passionate about and be curious and share that curiosity
After questions, Jill moved a vote of thanks to Rose for her informative and interesting presentation.
Photo -Rose with her stick & leaf insect pets
3 minuter - Chris Kellett Chris referred to historical primary sources — namely letters, to share some of the experiences of her grandfather Ewen McColl McDonald. Ewen was a prolific letter writer to his family during his war service 
during WW1 from 1916 – 1919, with his first letter written to his sister when he was training at Seymour. Ewen chronicled the voyage to the conflict in Europe, including when two members of his unit died off the coast of Africa, and were subsequently buried at sea. Ewen was the recipient of the Military Medal when under the cover of darkness, he and two others neutralized a heavily fortified German bunker with a grenade. Ewen described the horrific battleground conditions his unit endured, particularly when gas shells fell like hail. He also described happier times when peace was finally declared. Ewen’s letters were typed up by his sister’s family, for Ewen’s own children and nieces and nephews. Chris reflected on the importance of taking note of our own family histories.
during WW1 from 1916 – 1919, with his first letter written to his sister when he was training at Seymour. Ewen chronicled the voyage to the conflict in Europe, including when two members of his unit died off the coast of Africa, and were subsequently buried at sea. Ewen was the recipient of the Military Medal when under the cover of darkness, he and two others neutralized a heavily fortified German bunker with a grenade. Ewen described the horrific battleground conditions his unit endured, particularly when gas shells fell like hail. He also described happier times when peace was finally declared. Ewen’s letters were typed up by his sister’s family, for Ewen’s own children and nieces and nephews. Chris reflected on the importance of taking note of our own family histories.Secretary’s Report: Glenda Woods · Members, Subs now due. · 3x3m Rotary branded marquee ordered · 60 Rotary Christmas Cake ordered. · Community Chair Sam, along with Secretary Glenda attended a community evening at Seymour Bunnings. Details of regulations for planned BBQ on Nov 22nd explained and roster to be drawn up from 9am — 4pm. Bunnings also offers opportunities to promote events, sell raffle tickets etc. at other opening times. · 2027 Art Show committee meeting held at Glenn’s with initial planning matters confirmed and tasks allocated. Friday 22nd January will be opening night with the Art Show closing on Tuesday 26th at 2pm.
Elizabeth, Sandy and Tai McQueen (L-R)
The caterers Deb Baynes and team were thanked, in absentia, for their delicious meal with Darryl noting that Deb ‘Makes the best crackling in Yea!’
Past President Darryl thanked Rosie for her attendance and presentation and wished her well for her future. Rose and family were then invited to sign the recently unearthed Visitors’ Book.
Next week’s guest speaker will be MS Councillor Paul Hildebrand, replacing Damien Gallagher who is an apology. The meeting closed at 8.15pm.
Past President Darryl thanked Rosie for her attendance and presentation and wished her well for her future. Rose and family were then invited to sign the recently unearthed Visitors’ Book.
Next week’s guest speaker will be MS Councillor Paul Hildebrand, replacing Damien Gallagher who is an apology. The meeting closed at 8.15pm.
Guest Speaker: Finn Mansbridge Mental Health and the LGBTIQ community. Finn, a Social Work student has been a LGBTIQ Mental Health Peer worker in 
the community and currently is a peer practitioner in a short term Mental Health residential service. In a pre recorded video using a combination of lived experiences and data from Aust Govt. sites he shared information around Mental Health and the LGBTIQ community in regional and remote towns. Finn charted his own journey with mental health, documenting experiencing major depression, anxiety, self harm and suicidal ideations in his early 20’s. By his mid to late 20’s he started his gender identity journey, accepting himself as a transgender man. He then began his healing journey, getting the supports he needed to live his authentic self. Mental health affects everyone. Finn spoke of how LGBTIQ people in rural locations are more likely to experience mental health differences (cf the Non LGBTIQ population) and have poorer access to health services that understand LGBTIQ health. He outlined suicide prevention that we all can do—and provided a range of family and carer support resources to access. Finn’s thought provoking and most relevant and helpful video can be accessed on You Tube at https://youtu.be/isrIIc5dv44
the community and currently is a peer practitioner in a short term Mental Health residential service. In a pre recorded video using a combination of lived experiences and data from Aust Govt. sites he shared information around Mental Health and the LGBTIQ community in regional and remote towns. Finn charted his own journey with mental health, documenting experiencing major depression, anxiety, self harm and suicidal ideations in his early 20’s. By his mid to late 20’s he started his gender identity journey, accepting himself as a transgender man. He then began his healing journey, getting the supports he needed to live his authentic self. Mental health affects everyone. Finn spoke of how LGBTIQ people in rural locations are more likely to experience mental health differences (cf the Non LGBTIQ population) and have poorer access to health services that understand LGBTIQ health. He outlined suicide prevention that we all can do—and provided a range of family and carer support resources to access. Finn’s thought provoking and most relevant and helpful video can be accessed on You Tube at https://youtu.be/isrIIc5dv44Chair Penny thanked Finn for his prerecorded informative video, noting that the Yea Hospital has now increased its Mental Health support and that after the coming weekend six more community members will be trained in Mental Health First Aid. Please reach out if you need support.
3 minuter Julie Lynch Julie spoke about the joy, curiosity and wonder sparked by birdwatching (not a twitcher!) an interest she shares with husband Ian. Bird watching offers the perfect opportunity to connect with nature; it provides mental health benefits and it’s an informal mindfulness practice. Together she and Ian always travel with their binoculars, camera, field guides, and the Merlin App. Shortly they are heading up to Lake Cargelligo in NSW– a well renowned birding hot spot where they will observe birds from purposefully constructed bird hides. But you don’t need to travel hundreds of kms to see a variety of birds– many species can be observed in your own back yard or local wetlands. The Great Aussie Bird Count is taking place from 19-25th October. Spend 20 minutes outside and discover your local birds, connect with nature and help build a national snapshot of our amazing birdlife!
Secretary’s Report: Glenda Woods Christmas Cake orders now being taken. Email from Anglican parish of St Luke’s requesting support for their Christmas hampers project. Invitation from Mitchell Shire to attend a Community Disaster Relief Network session (22nd October 10am to 12.30pm) at the Seymour Race Club. The session will be facilitated by Anne Leadbeater, a nationally recognised leader in disaster recovery and community resilience. Community Chairs Darryl and Sam, along with Secretary Glenda will attend a community evening at Seymour Bunnings.
Chair Penny thanked Finn for his pre recorded informative video, noting that the Yea Hospital has now increased its Mental Health support and that after the coming weekend six more community members will be trained in Mental Health First Aid. Please reach out if you need support.
 Lift the Lid: Peter Tull awarded best hat by barman and judge Michael |  Caterers: Kerry Tull and her family were thanked for a wonderful meal Kerry’s daughter Nicole and grandchildren had departed for home by the time the photographer appeared! |
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Guest Speaker: Ross Young : Sapphire Solar Sapphire Solar is a Melbourne family owned and operated company, founded in 2013 which supplies solar and battery packages to customers in northern Melbourne and regional Victoria. 
Ross explained that he leads the team of 18 electricians at Solar Sapphire and particularly enjoys promoting his business in country areas 
— Sapphire Solar has already completed 50 solar and battery installations in the local area. Before delving into the facts and figures around solar installation and battery use, Ross mentioned that Solar Sapphire supports the next generation, by sponsoring a junior golf program in Australia which ultimately supports youngsters competing in the world championships in the US. With the aid of a PowerPoint (and assisted by Angela the technical whiz) Ross provided explanations and visual prompts covering many areas of the industry, including the current battery market, the incredible uptake of solar, Govt rebates, Data centres, future of energy storage and different types of batteries. Ross concluded with ‘We should treat future technology as a bonus, not a reason to wait indefinitely.’ There were many questions put to Ross which he handled very knowledgeably. Will de Castella moved a vote of thanks to Ross and Angela, thanking them for a most informative presentation.
Ross explained that he leads the team of 18 electricians at Solar Sapphire and particularly enjoys promoting his business in country areas — Sapphire Solar has already completed 50 solar and battery installations in the local area. Before delving into the facts and figures around solar installation and battery use, Ross mentioned that Solar Sapphire supports the next generation, by sponsoring a junior golf program in Australia which ultimately supports youngsters competing in the world championships in the US. With the aid of a PowerPoint (and assisted by Angela the technical whiz) Ross provided explanations and visual prompts covering many areas of the industry, including the current battery market, the incredible uptake of solar, Govt rebates, Data centres, future of energy storage and different types of batteries. Ross concluded with ‘We should treat future technology as a bonus, not a reason to wait indefinitely.’ There were many questions put to Ross which he handled very knowledgeably. Will de Castella moved a vote of thanks to Ross and Angela, thanking them for a most informative presentation. 3 minuter Tony Jacobs Tony read a ‘fable’ titled “The Family Farm’ about a successful family farm worked by several generations. It had good land, good people and a proud history, but as the farmers grew older, fewer young people came to take their place. A neighbour posed a question to the old farmer ‘What if young people came here and said ‘We like what this farm stands for but some of the routines don’t really suit our lives. Could we do things a little differently? The farmer’s replied; That’s not how we do things here’ The neighbour responded; ‘Keep what matters, keep the friendships, keep the pride in doing something worthwhile, but don’t confuse the things that made the farm worth belonging to, with the routines that simply grew around it. Tony likened the moral of the story to the traditional Rotary model which has served our club extremely well, but people’s lives have changed! Our challenge is not to discard the Rotary we have built, but to be prepared to change things that no longer work for the people we hope will join us.
President Ann welcomed the Guest Speaker Ross Young and partner Angela from Sapphire Solar and all members Ann thanked Les for stepping in to tow the BBQ up to the Tallarook Ranges for the Victorian Rogaining Championships. Ann commented that it was a bit like following in the footsteps of Burke and Wills! She thanked team members, Darryl and Jill who also assisted her to feed 300+ athletes. Ann (and her dog Remi) represented the club at a media event with the Yea & District Hospital about the ‘Health on the Move’ partnership, particularly focusing on the Mouth Mapping initiative.
What's the "Plus" in PolioPlus?The "plus" in PolioPlus refers to all the other diseases that Rotary is fighting as it is doing its polio eradication work. All children who receive the oral vaccine also receive a dose of Vitamin A. The "cold chain" of refrigerators purchased to hold the polio vaccine also hold other critical vaccines, including tetanus (which significantly cuts deaths during childbirth). And when the Ebola virus first broke out in Africa ten years ago, the infrastructure developed by the Polio- Plus committee in Nigeria was instrumental in keeping the Ebola virus from spreading there.
Our caterers, Deb and Di were thanked for the delicious meal
they prepared. (roast pork with crackling!)
they prepared. (roast pork with crackling!)
Guest Speaker: Jan Beer: The Murray Darling Basin Plan and its implications. Jan spoke passionately about increasing understandings of the devastating impact of the MD Basin Plan and how the recent deep cuts in water 
allocations to irrigated food production have been destructive for regional economies and communities – particularly in the irrigation districts in the southern Basin. Jan has contributed to the ‘Caught in the Current’ book published by a small group in the Southern basin community seeking to educate the broader community on issues with the Basin Plan, its history and implementation, as well as providing potential solutions.
allocations to irrigated food production have been destructive for regional economies and communities – particularly in the irrigation districts in the southern Basin. Jan has contributed to the ‘Caught in the Current’ book published by a small group in the Southern basin community seeking to educate the broader community on issues with the Basin Plan, its history and implementation, as well as providing potential solutions. Jan provided some facts about the MDBP · The MDB covers 14% of Australia’s land mass and is home to 2.45million people. · The southern Basin produces 40% of the food grown in Aus, yet 82% of the water taken, recovered, acquired under buybacks by the Federal Govt. for the environment has come from the southern Basin. · Many farmers now rely on buying low security water but while affordable at $140 per ML; it is not at $400-$500 per ML.
After the Millenium drought (1997-2009) the Federal Howard Govt legislated that the 2007 Water Act would include international water treaties, such as Ramsar, taking over control of water from the Basin states and recovering large amounts of water for the environment to satisfy these treaties. Instead of a 50/50 arrangement, the environment now has 72% of all basin surface flows, while consumptive use is restricted to 28%. Jan provided examples of the Basin Plan’s negative impacts on the dairy, vegetable, fruit and rice industries.
In summary, Jan believes that we now have a perfect storm approaching with war in the middle east, with oil shortages casing fuel and fertiliser prices to escalate, bird flu, disastrous Govt policies, and inevitably a prolonged drought, leading to food shortages.
Rotarian Hennie thanked Jan for her willingness to share her knowledge with the Club and her tenacious and passionate advocacy.
3 minuter Glenda Woods. Glenda spoke of the significant ‘tribes’ she belongs to — two of which are Rotary (20-year member) and Golf (45 years). Glenda played her first competitive event (with a handicap of 36) at Seymour Golf Club in 1981 and was immediately hooked. For the next decade or so she only played club golf but in 1995 Glenda had the opportunity to take leave from her employment to travel – and play golf. Her handicap improved down to 9 and she discovered a wider golf world with the Dalhousie District Golf (covering central Vic). For the next 15 years Glenda played 3 days of country teams golf all over Victoria, every year. Now she has graduated to the position of Dalhousie team manager and just recently returned from three days in Ballarat. Team management involves not only team selection but fund raising, uniform selection, and administrative tasks. Glenda has made many lifelong friends through her love of golfing and ‘wouldn’t swap it for quids’
Secretary’s Report: Glenda Woods No mail per se received but Glenda read out the contents of two emails received by the Garden Expo Chair Tony Jacobs. The emails were from two first-time vendors who thanked the club for their invitations to attend. Both vendors were effusive in their praise, commenting on the friendly country hospitality extended to them and they will definitely be returning next year. Glenda, on behalf of the Yea Wetlands Discovery Centre thanked the club for the opportunity to cater at the Garden Expo. The crew in the kiosk were kept busy all weekend (Glenda made 40 dozen scones!) and approx. $1800 was raised. This will be directed to fund weed management in the Wetlands
Any Other Business:
Garden Expo: Chair Tony Jacobs reported that the Garden Expo weekend was most successful with a great range of vendors and bumper crowds visiting from all over the state. Many positive comments were received from both vendors and visitors alike. Tony thanked all members for their contributions.
Glenn also reported that the Two Open Spring Gardens were very well attended. $500+ was raised for the Yea Fountain Appeal from Devonshire teas at The Grange (Glenn & Denise) and at David and Rosemary’s garden from the sale of coffee bags.
Foundation Snapshot
SUPPORTING COMMUNTIES WHEN DISASTER STRIKES
SUPPORTING COMMUNTIES WHEN DISASTER STRIKES
The Rotary Disaster Response Fund is one of the four main funds of The Rotary Foundation that Clubs and individuals can support financially. This Fund allows Rotary districts to access up to USD $25,000 that support critical situations on the ground. Contributions empower Clubs and Districts to address urgent needs through disaster response grants. Our District 9790 received two Disaster Response grants for the recent Longwood bushfire catastrophe.
BBQ team working hard catering for the Rogaining event in the Tallarook Ranges on
Friday 25th Sept. Thank you Darryl, Ann, Jill and Les
Our caterers, Kerry, Nicole and Kat
Service Above Self
Yea, VIC 3717
Australia