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President's Message 28 June 2025
Kelly Binyon
President’s Message
Greetings and welcome to my last bulletin report as President. Thank you for joining our online news and updates over the last twelve months, I hope we have been able to keep you informed and enlightened on club activities and what’s been happening in the broader Rotary community.
Monday’s gathering was a social/vocational visit to All Aboard Disability Services. On an evening when the weather was absolutely abysmal, were given a very warm welcome on arrival. We were hosted by the "Tasty Tables" group who provided us with great food and outstanding table service. We were also very privileged to be entertained by the "See Me Sing" Auslan signing choir. To show their true professionalism, the choir also enthusiastically joined in with us to give a very special performance of Happy Birthday for Trevor Pickles – a pretty unique way to celebrate an 80th birthday. Thank you To Kate Marshall, staff, and clients for the opportunity to meet and mix with your community. I look forward to the next opportunity to witness the Choir perform “on mass”.
I will give a more detailed thank you to our club at the Changeover on Monday night, but for now I extend my thanks and appreciation to our Board and all members for making the club such a success this year. A particular thanks to Michelle Bodington for jumping in boots and all to take on the role of editing our Bulletin.
Member Updates
Our next social event is planned to be another “Christmas in July spectacular.” I believe the date for this will be Monday 28th July. In Neil’s absence, I am kicking things off seeking an expression of interest from 3 or 4 members who would love the privilege of hosting members at the homes for this event. As previously, catering methods can be decided by each group – whether that be each individual bringing particular course, contributing funds etc.
Please let me (almost past president Bruce) or Neil know if you would like to be a host, and how many you can “cope” with.
Recommended Reading: The work of the International Services Team has been nothing short of phenomenal. Here is a link to quite a comprehensive report on the progress of a number of projects International Service Board Report.
Save the Date
District Changeover - Sunday July 6th, 12pm @ Nhill Bowling Club - 3 Davis Avenue Nhill. Cost - $50 per person. You can now book for this event by following this link - Book Here (Bookings close Sunday 22nd June)
Neils Knitting Photo:
Satellite Club Discussion: The Rotary club of Global Music
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Spring Creek Valley - Removal of Spiny Rush Wed June 25th 0900 - 1130 am
Our work in the valley continues to progress well. However, sometimes things jump out of left field that we need assistance with in order to nip in the bud a potentially big environmental weed threat. For more info on Spiny Rush. See here
We have the opportunity to work on the property next to Ashmore Arts to remove a large cluster of Spiny Rush which threatens to invade the waterway of Spring Creek valley. It will be a 2 step operation. The first step being:
to cut all the mature seed heads off the existing population
once that is done it will allow the opportunity to spray and kill all the remaining plants. If we act now we can stop it infecting the waterway and mixing in with the native Sea Rush. Spiny Rush is native to the the Americas, parts of Europe and Africa. It is a declared noxious weed in Victoria.
We will be meeting at next Wednesday at 9am till 11:30am.
If you're interested can you let me know please?
Things to bring if you have them:
a pair of secateurs and probably best to wear gumboots if you have them (but not critical) as we will be working around the margins of some pond areas.
Safety glasses would also be good as the end points can be an eye hazard
Any large, sturdy bags (like 20kg chicken feed bags or similar) for putting the seed heads in would also be welcome if available.
My mobile is 0425 752 648 if you want more information.
Support Drought-Affected Communities in Western Victoria
Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS) is stepping up to support communities in Western Victoria devastated by severe drought. Through our network of local Rotary Clubs and in partnership with local support agencies, we’re providing vital assistance where it’s needed most.
Farming families are facing unimaginable hardships—parched land, dwindling water supplies, and a desperate shortage of livestock feed. Many are sacrificing their own wellbeing just to keep their animals alive. The emotional and mental toll is profound.
This RAWCS project is raising funds to deliver humanitarian relief to those doing it toughest in the drought-stricken regions of Western Victoria.
