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Service Above Self
Numurkah, VIC 3636
Australia
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Terry Brennan spoke to the club on his background as an A Grade Automotive Engineer. From 1924 to 1998 the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce trained and certified A Grade Automobile Engineers.
Terry, an apprentice with Rod Hurren, undertook the course with requirement, must be over 21 years, minimum of 7 years experience 2 year night school then sit for exam, which required a 70% pass rate.
In general, the candidate is expected to have a knowledge of the construction, operation, diagnosis, maintenance and repair of the various automotive systems and components. The syllabus included, Fitting and Machining, Welding, Electric Arc, Precision Tools and Trade Calculations, Engine Reconditioning, Transmissions, Final Drives, Electrical, Carburetors, Tuning, Adjusting & Diagnosis.
Examination is practical and theory written paper. with a 4 hour and another 8 hour theory exam.
Numurkah had a strong showing of A Grade Engineers, including among others, Doug Grenness, Doug Allchin, Frank Coonerty, Arnold Hern, Russell Blake, Don Chandler, Don Wilson and Adrian Doody. Numurkah had 44 mechanics when Terry started his apprenticeship.
Dr. Jennifer Coller, Cardiology lead G.V. Health, attended Melbourne University in 1997, with elective in fifth year served in Madras, India and Samoa. Returned for internship at RMH, then a year in UK. Returning for cariology training with PhD in Heart Failure at St Vincent's, then G.V. last seven years and in 2021 Cardiology Lead.
Cardiology Disease causes 1 in 4 deaths at a great cost to the Australian economy.
Patient story of a 62 year old women with Heart Failure.
- complex medical history, heart disease, arterial fibrillation and heart failure.
- managed by multiple specialists with multiple presentations to E.D.
- educated around heart failure.
- fluid retention.
- clear action plan devised.
- advanced care planning.
- no recent hospitalisations.
Outpatient consultation at G.V. Health consultation suites with establishment of two outreach clinics, consultations 1000/year. Specialties: heart failure, AF/arrhythmias, interventions, congenital heart disorder. Connected Cardiology with monthly outreach clinics focus on heart failure and echocardiography fortnightly.
Rapid Access Atrial Fibrillation Clinics with aim to early review of E.D. presentations. Cardiac Ambassadors Project with aim co-ordination of care. Heart Failure Collaborative with aim to reduce heart failure re-admissions.
300,000 in Australia with Heart Failure 1.5% of population. Symptoms - breathlessness, fatigue, waking up in night with very short breath, feeling breathless when lying down, swollen ankles.
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John Watson guest speaker spoke on Incitec Pivot and his involvement.
Pivot was formed in 1919 as a phosphate co-operative producing superphosphate with farmers only as shareholders, farmers initially purchasing shares at $10.
In 1997, corporate raider Doug Shears began buying shares to gain control of the company, with a move to demutualize the company. At that time, the company had 45,000 farmer shareholders and was the biggest co-op in Australia. Having 3 to 4 directors on his side, he ran candidates for the board to gain control.
John Watson and Allan McCallum ran a campaign opposing David Spears candidates, gaining 75% of votes cast. Chair and Deputy Chair controlled AGM and declared John & Allan lost on a technicality. Taking the case to the Victorian Supreme Court, John & Allan won. Following board meeting John was elected chairman.
New directors were recruited, but management was still a problem. Down the track, the CEO made a financial blunder, with banks moving to declare the company insolvent. Working through this in 2003 Pivot merged with Incitec.
In 2006 Southern Cross Fertilisers was purchased and in 2008 Incitec Pivot purchased Dyno-Nobel explosives business, becoming listed in the top 24 companies on the ASX.
In 2011 John retired. Of note, Incitec Pivot is the only manufacturer of urea in Australia, with Ad Blue now produced for the trucking industry.
Fr Joe Taylor as a young priest volunteered to serve in Papua New Guinea. PNG close to Australia, was a Dutch Colony and German Colony, with Australia administrating from World War II for 60 years before PNG established its sovereignty in 1975.
Based in Southern Highlands, 2,700m high in rugged country. RAAF used area for high level landing and take-off training.
Population of 5M with 780 different languages with Pidgin the predominant language. Parliament is in three languages, Pidgin, English and Huli.
Job was to set up schools, whilst in PNG he set up four primary schools. Within PNG education is becoming more important with assistance of four Nuns literacy, nutrition and health are emphasised.
In the six years in PNG, Fr. Joe learnt about himself, what is important and what is not important.
Beautiful country, with population rapidly growing and western clothing being adopted.
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Claire Birch, Community Engagement Officer from Indigo Power, spoke to the club on community energy in our region.
Power hubs are organised and run by volunteers with the aim of 100% renewable energy. Groups formed to carry out a variety of projects in type and size.
Benefit to communities include enabling equal access to the benefit of renewable energy, whilst combating and improving economies in regional towns. Projects provide a lasting legacy for future generations and provide management in times of emergency and disaster.
Community Power Hubs collaborate and support community engagement for communities to organise and implement renewable energy projects that benefit communities.
Projects underway in the North East include EV chargers and community storage batteries


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Jacque Phillips, CEO of NCN Health spoke to the club on Aged Care Services.
NCN Health has four residential aged care facilities. Pioneer Lodge and Karinya in Numurkah, Irvine House in Cobram and Banawah in Nathalia.
Short term respite offered in residential aged care facilities as well as transitional care beds in hospitals for up to 18 weeks.
What is offered: Home Care Packages, Home Support, Planned Activities Groups, In home Respite and Career Support available as well as a Retirement Village - Gwandalan Court in Numurkah.
Residential aged care short stay respite up to 63 days per year offered.
Commonwealth Home Support offers support at home for those over 65 years with careers, housework, personal care, meals, transport, shopping, allied health and social support available..
Home Care Packages with four levels. Must be assessed by My Care, referrals will be made, free assessment with Aged Care Assessment Services.
Australian Government subsidised Aged Care Homes, residents contribute to cost if they can afford to do so. Financial assessment is only valid for 120 days.
Basic daily fee is $53.56 per day. Some accommodation costs paid in full by the Government with a means test based on your income and assets. Accommodation costs can be paid in lump sum, daily or combination of both.
You can apply for as many homes as you like, all providing, all care needs, doctor, transport and social activities.
You choose a Home Care Service Provider that is right for you. Government pays provider on four package levels, Basic, Low Care, Intermediate and High Care. You are expected to contribute up to three levels.


Squish Davis conducted an entertaining Trivia Quiz, with results in 3rd Place: "Scratch Maker" and "Bikers Plus One" Tables, 2nd Place: "Yes" Table, 1st Place: "Distinction" Table.
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PRESIDENT GARY PHILLIPS welcomed members and our guests, Lions Club members, to the annual combined first meeting of the New Year held in the Numurkah Bowls clubrooms due to heat.
Gary thanked Geoff Holmes for organising the meal with thanks to Geoff Holmes, Gary Phillips and Ivan Routley as chefs.
The meal and fellowship was enjoyed by all present.
A relaxed evening on a beautiful night at the home of Rex Shields and Judy McDonald. After nibbles and drinks an entertaining floor show of "Celebrant in training", secretary Jennifer Rodger, presided over the renewing of vows on their 50th Wedding Anniversary, "played" by our hosts Rex and Judy.
A gourmet meal of ham, chicken, salmon and salads followed by pavlova, fruit salad and trifle dessert, was enjoyed by all.
Janine Connolly spoke to the club on her visit to India in 2020, the first time leaving Australia. After daughter Jade finished a two week surgical course in Ooty, India, Jade was joined by her mother Janine and brother Tim for an eleven day tour of India.
Spending time in Southern India, Sindita, Karnantaka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, then flew to Delhi in the north for three days visiting the "Golden Triangle" of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.
Travelled by car, boat, jeep safari and houseboat, visiting Agra Fort, Taj Mahal, Jaipur the pink city and Amber Fort, and Great Backwaters - 900km of waterway.
If travelling by car must have, good brakes, good horn and good luck, and watch out for the cows.
Presentation of Club Officers for 2022/2023 by President Elect Rex Shields.
President: Rex Shields.
Immediate Past President: Gary Phillips.
President Elect: Julie Andrew.
Secretary; Jennifer Rodger.
Treasurer: Stephen Mills.
Directors:
Youth: Michelle (Squish) Davis.
International: Kate Hodge.
Foundation: Geoff Austin.
Vocation: Chris Hardham.
Club Service; Gary Phillips.
Community: Julie Andrew.
Public Relations: Lou Hamon.

Abhinay (Aby) Dolar newly appointed Director Clinical Services NCN Health Numurkah, was guest speaker.
Born in India, mother a nurse. Trained in India and spent 2 years as an industrial nurse. Emigrated to Australia working at Toowoomba where he undertook further studies for Bachelor of Nursing, then moved to McKay Base Hospital for 4 years, spending some time relieving staff in smaller hospitals under McKay Base.
Moved to Melbourne for business studies. MBA, working at Royal Melbourne Hospital. Returning to India to marry. Moved to Adelaide for 1 year, then to a management position at Ceduna for 2 years, managing aged care, ED and ward.
Offered management role in Coober Pedy, operating an Oodnadatta clinic. Moved to Ballarat for 4 years then Royal Melbourne Hospital as managing director of vaccination hub. Administering 2,500 vaccines a day.
From RMH moved to Numurkah after good reports.



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Bernie Cook grew up with beehives in the backyard of the family home. He took charge of his first hive at just 11 years of age. With over 40 years experience of caring for hives both in the backyard and on a commercial scale, he is the quintessential ‘bee whisperer’. Bernie is larger-than-life, empathic and full of stories. He is in his element when helping others experience the magical synergy between humans and bees. Kim Carter became fascinated with bees when a neighbour’s swarm took up residence in her back yard 15 years ago. Kim has now been beekeeping for 5 years and is totally hooked. Kim is an artist and teacher who loves learning about these amazing creatures and sharing that knowledge with others. Bernie and Kim have studied Permaculture Design and have incorporated bees as an intrinsic part of their garden system. In January they established a company "The Art Of Bee-ing". Mission statement is"Bring bees and people together". The business creates mentoring and educating bee-keepers. It is estimated that one third of all food consumed by humans has been pollinated by a bee. So protecting our pollinators by creating a bee-friendly garden is a move towards protecting our own food security. Kim with her daughter has produced a colouring book, and the business is partnering with Numurkah Community Learning Centre with a range of products and training courses. Bees are disappearing for several reasons. Colony collapse due to disorder and varroa mite, the increase use of pesticides, climate change, with bees temperature sensitive, and loss of habitat, particularly through bushfires. Aim is to inspire people to welcome bees into their home by creating a bee friendly garden with plant diversity, plants with lots of colour, do not use pesticides, use of local native plants and provision of water. |
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Fizz Mayberry spoke to the club about his involvement with KidsFix Rally.
In 1998 participated in a Camp Quality Rally with a 1962 Pontiac wagon. Present Commodore last nine years. All donations go to the cause, with members of rally paying own expenses as well as car expenses. Originally Camp Quality had 5 on staff with 2 paid employees. After 15 rallies it had grown to 132 paid staff. Decided to do their own thing, starting a foundation dedicated to support sick and disadvantaged kids. First rally in 2013, from 2014 to 2020 raised over $750,000, with Board receiving requests for projects each year, with five selected.
Rally provides an instruction "Bible" with directions but no maps.
Last 2 years still fundraising as committed to projects, although no rally was able to be held.
Numurkah hospital has been the recipient with a children's playground and portable ultrasound equipment.
Other recipients have been Broken Hill Hospital, Gympie Hospital, Dental Outreach, Western Area Hospital NSW, Shoalhaven Hospital, Milton Ulladulla Hospital, Latrobe Regional Hospital, Dubbo Base Hospital, Bendigo Health.
Make many life-long friends, with participation the reward.



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2015 Royal Commission into Family Violence made 227 recommendations, which have been accepted by Government.
Findings were that agencies were struggling to support women and children, with victims not knowing where to go for services, and perpetrators were not kept in view. Victims often having to re-tell, and relive their traumatic experience over and over again to different agencies.
2016 Road Map to Recovery aim was to keep families together.
Orange Door aim is to provide safe consistent approach with one visible entry point with a wholistic, integrated approach.
28th April opened doors in Shepparton, serving 5 LGA, Moira, Mitchell, Strathbogie, Shepparton and Murrindindi, at 210 Corio Street Shepparton.
Staff of 65 building to 80.
Out Posting of staff planned to child care health service, and other services.
In Reach: Agencies will use building to assist clients, such as legal aid, financial services, mental health services.
Six agencies set up in Orange Door working together to provide a service no longer fragmented.
Screening/Triage Team work out predominant factor which could be housing, health, finance.
Assessment Teams plan referrals and case management.
Practice Leaders provide insight and overview.
60% referrals from police, remaining referrals from professionals.
Unique service with six work-forces coming together in the one space.