Well, what a week it has been in Rotary. At our regular meeting we were treated to a great surprise with the presentation of a magnificent framed and decorated scale of Dai Gum Loong, Bendigo’s newest Golden Dragon.

Presented by Doug Lougoon and Cr Matt Emond, the gift to our club, is in recognition of the donation of $10,000.oo towards the project to design and manufacture such a brilliant piece of craftsmanship, a treasure for Bendigo.  For those of us who were in town on Sunday, we were witness to an absolutely fantastic experience. Congratulations to everyone involved and to Doug and Kerry, enjoy your well-deserved break at the New Orleans’s Jazz Festival.

 

The Easter markets were a great success. Blessed with fantastic weather Ted and the team of willing helpers bumped in a record number of site holders on Friday morning, without fuss or fanfare. Kev and the rest had the bbq up and running early to supply those eagerly awaited egg and bacon rolls after such an early start. The food was supplemented by our coffee vendors who “donated” their first cups to caffeine deprived Rotarians to be able to continue for the rest of the day. Sunday was a repeat of Friday, however with less numbers of site holders, the “new” traffic management” system left a few stressed before they started.

You may have noticed that members jumped in to help the Eppalock Primary school team on Sunday during the busy time and also Rob was seen helping over at RC Bendigo South who were ‘flat out”. Accolades for the structure, organisation and management of the markets were frequent and many.

One first time site holder was heard to say. “Did you see that? Nine gentlemen just picked up that young girl’s trailer and put in behind her site. Never, ever, seen such help at any markets I have ever been to. Brilliant.”

Many ask, what is the Four Way Test? Well, the whole community was witness to our motto over the weekend. Congratulations to everyone and remember we have the Gunfire breakfast at 5.30 am on ANZAC day and Groovin the Moo on the 4^th to keep you busy.

 

Chairman Doug had great pleasure in introducing Cr Matt Emond, Bendigo City Councillor representing Lockwood Ward who was our guest speaker.

 

 

 

Cathie-gave a brief report on the dinner at the National Hotel for the 4 F’s night- 14 were present for a good night of fellowship.

 

Ted gave a quick outline of the market in anticipation of a good weekend.

 

Judy-Thanked members for their support for Wayne and Linda.

 

Toni will be attending the President Elects Training Seminar (PETS) on April 28^th and also urged new board members and any Rotarian to attend the District Assembly in Melton on May 26^th.

 

George made mention of the magnificent support provided by Maurice Woodburn in organising First Aid and Ambulance for the Dai Gum Loong relocation. Thanks George and Maurice for your invaluable support to getting our newest Golden Dragon to its new home.

 

 

Matt a Bendigonian born and bred had an interesting childhood, influenced by strong parents of German, Irish and Scottish heritage, he was encouraged to work hard, read widely, ask questions and be a contributor.

Starting his working life as a Primary School teacher, Matt has worked in the Royal Children’s Hospital to support young children who were in care, then into the performing arts such as the Malthouse Theatre amongst others. This was when he first witnessed the difficulties that performing artists had, infrequent work, limited capacity to save, no superannuation. This lead to 3 years in Canberra as an Arts Adviser.  He also became involved in the Victorian Actors Benevolence Trust where it was very obvious that female actors had little to no support structure in place for a safe and secure life. After being away from Bendigo for many Years, Matt returned 7 years ago. With a strong social conscience, Matt’s dad said “put up or shut up”, hence Matt has become involved in a wide range of programs and projects in the region related to the Arts, Environmental and Heritage preservation.

Deeming it “an honour and privilege” to be a Councillor for the City of Greater Bendigo, Matt is now utilizing his skills and knowledge across a range  of areas, including a bid for Heritage Serial Listing for the Goldfields region, Rosalind Park, a Bendigo Museum and the Art Gallery amongst many others

As expected Matt, was bombarded with many questions across a variety of topics which are currently hot on the agenda.

Thanks Matt for a great and down to earth presentation, covering a wide range of topics about your life, interests and challenges you see for our communities, both here in Bendigo and nationally.

 

Graeme