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President Elias opened the meeting with Acknowledgement to Country Peter Duras Chaired the meeting and proposed the toast to Rotary International. Guest Speakers: Gerard & Sabrina Watt – “Farming in a Flash” Peter introduced the ‘inspirational Merino farmers’ Gerard and Sabrina Watt who spoke from their property at Balmoral, Victoria. Gerard described himself as an accidental farmer, who has lived the world’s longest gap year on his multi-generational family property Woodbine. Gerard has been involved in producing fine wool, lamb and mutton since 1974 running around 7,000 sheep on their 2000-acre property. They produce 50,000 kg super fine wool which is largely exported to Europe via China for initial processing and 700 fat lambs pa. They factor in the significant variation in price they receive from their wool: $2-$16 per kg (current price). They noted significant labour shortages; the 57 average year of farmers; poor internet in country areas; and poor health outcomes for many on the land. Career highlights included becoming involved with a Benchmarking group in 1990; progressing extensive sustainability projects on the property to revegetate the environment which has significantly increased the biodiversity. They were pleased young people have been coming back to the land; Commodity prices are strong; technology such as solar pumps are working well; technological assistance with shearing and the use of drones. Best things include the variety; flexibility; strong bond to community; a good place to raise our family and connection to nature. Attendees were impressed with the most pristine shearing shed you have ever seen and 500-year-old redgums Member Milestones Member Birthdays Anne King 21st October Paul Fraser 22nd October Partner Birthdays
Nasima Heron, Bruce Heron’s partner 24th October Wedding Anniversaries Nil Date Joined Rotary Bernard Marchingo 1 year 20th October 2020 Member Notices - Rhys Williams reminded the Club 7 Women fundraiser film showing Tues night. s – A spirited journey
- Therese reminded us of the Paul Harris Breakfast on 23 Nov
- Campbell Chambers – sought raffles and prizes for Paul Harris Breakfast
Inquisition Brett Jones interviewed Adrian Hogan (son of Gerard Hogan) from Tokyo. Adrian grew up in Bendigo and did graphic design at Monash. He is a freelance Illustrator in Japan and has lived there for the last 8 years. Adrian has achieved working proficiency with spoken Japanese and is constantly practicing and improving his communication skills in the land of the rising sun. His client list includes Japanese and global companies: Apple, Starbucks and travel companies, to name a few. Adrian reports that Japan is a very compliant culture, so there are fewer lockdown restrictions. His favourite food just happens to be sushi. President's Announcements - Although restrictions easing, Zoom meetings will continue (at least to mid-November) until clear guidance about face-to-face meetings at the RACV Club is received.
- The Paul Harris Breakfast on 23 November will be an online event. The guest speaker is Georgie Harman, CEO of Beyond Blue. See invitation sent out to all members.
- Notice of Meeting: D9800 AGM which will be held on Monday 22 November at 5.30 pm on Zoom.
- 7th December meeting will be a Club Forum to allow the Avenue of Service Chairs to provide progress updates on service activities to members.
In late-breaking and welcome news, Kevin Love announced that Afghanistan was recommencing the administration of polio vaccines in the country.
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