Standing in for Stew today, it was great to welcome our guest speaker Lena Langendorf and President Joy Bruce from the RC Bendigo. Thanks, Lena, for the wonderful music.

Treasurer Madeleine reminded those members who haven’t yet paid their annual fees to please do so.

Kevin Reade gave a report on the outcome of Federation Picnic and advised us that he is starting the planning for the Swap Meet in November.

Geoff Michell has been exploring some options regarding our international scholarships following the inspiring talk last week.

Phil Britton bought us up to date with the amazing number of projects in the youth space at the moment. The combined clubs in Bendigo will be supporting 16 students to NYSF this year, there are 2 confirmed participants from Blue Light on the next sailing challenge, the peace poles project, youth community chat, street peace meals, connection with the Youth Council and development of the alumni are all progressing nicely.

Phil also let members know that there will be working bee at Lightning Reef on Sunday 27^th to get the weeds and grass back under control around the young trees.

Graeme Lynas gave an update on the recent support provided to house a new Karen refugee family. DIK has also informed Graeme that they have a large number of toys and equipment from some childcare centres that have closed down. Some members offered to help him collect what would be suitable for the Karen families in Bendigo.

Jim Rolfe advised members that there will be an industry visit to J.L. King on Wednesday 30^th Sept. 

Kathryn Mackenzie advised members of the upcoming Zone conference in Melbourne and the International Conference in Barcelona next year if members wanted to access the early bird prices.
Kathryn also asked members to think about a social activity they would like to do and some ideas for our Christmas function. Please let her know any thoughts/ideas you have.

President RC Bendigo, Joy Bruce, advised the members that they are welcome to attend their meeting on Tuesday 22nd Sept at 6.00 for 6.30 pm to hear Australian Sheep Breeders Association CEO Sue Opie speak about this year’s Sheep and Wool Show.

And finally, Ray let us know that Toni is recovering very well from her recent surgery and we will hopefully see her next week.

Cathie (for Stew who has “gone fishin”)

Our club hosted Lina as an exchange student for a year in 1993 and 1994. Lina is from an area north of Stockholm in Sweden. In choosing Australia as her destination for the exchange she was especially influenced by one of her friends who had a very positive experience during her stay in Australia. Lina attended Senior Secondary College. Members including John Canon and David Breaden have very fond memories of Lina. John and Barb have taken the opportunity to visit Lina in Sweden on several occasions over the years. During her stay in Australia Lina looked back at her diary entries over the years. At the time she often reflected about the difference in freedom between Sweden and Australia for people of her age.

Music  has played a big part in Lina's life. She expressed great excitement that Robert Forster's, a famed Australian musician, tour of Australia with his Swedish band was coinciding with her stay. She will have the opportunity to be part of his performances in Melbourne and Brisbane. Lina has visited Africa and has been influenced by the music there especially in relation to her chosen instrument, the saxophone. Members were treated to a lovely rendition of "The Wedding", a piece with a romantic tone which is often played at weddings. Lina also played this piece as part of the requirements for university entrance.

Lina shared with members in a very moving way her challenges with memory loss which she suffered as a result of the removal of a benign brain tumour. Fortunately the ability to maintain her passion for music hasn't been affected. She is able to achieve recall through constant review. Lina was able to remember The Shamrock and The Senior Secondary College during her recent tour of Bendigo. Lina's visit served to remind members of the benefits of the Rotary exchange program. We thank her for reconnecting with us and for her inspirational presentation.