This weeks’ meeting was highlighted by the fact we were treated to two guest speakers in Bonnie Barkmeyer and Karen Armstrong.
Bonnie is Bendigo-born, an alumna of Bendigo Senior Secondary College, and is now a news reporter for local television station WINTV. She gave us an illuminating account of how regional TV operates these days, with its challenges and rewards for her. A lot has changed in this industry since regional TV was in its pomp some decades ago, and we can only hope that the voice of regional and rural Victorians, and indeed Australians in general, continues to be heard and recognised as valuable and necessary, by the television networks that operate in our country. Jim’s fuller summation of Bonnie’s address is further along in this bulletin.
Major Karen Armstrong, of the Salvation Army, is also a member of the Eaglehawk Rotary Club. Karen has had several postings around the country in her ministry, and always tries to join a Rotary club in the local district on each occasion. By now, Karen must know what a good Rotary club looks like, and hopefully we are in that category …
Karen’s presentation was about asking our local Rotary clubs to consider assisting the Salvation Army’s winter appeal next year, thereby helping to make it more successful while simultaneously promoting Rotary’s image locally. It sounded to us two like a worthy project for the club to get involved in, but ultimately it’s up to members to decide if this happens. Again, Jim has a more detailed account of Karen’s presentation in this bulletin.
Overseas trips. Next week, Brian and Jan Hodge are off to Uganda to deliver sought-after personal items for needy children at the Blue Kangaroo Kindergarten and School, in the village of Buyala. These were sourced from the Donations In Kind warehouse in West Footscray, and add to the personal and financial support Brian and Jan have made over several years to the kinder and school in this impoverished district of Uganda. As well, they will be overseeing the construction and delivery of school chairs and desks from locally-sourced materials and tradesmen with funds provided by our club. A good club project, indeed.
Also, Graeme and Merrin Lynas are off to Malaysia to visit and stay with the two Special Education teachers they home hosted for a week early last year. The two ladies were members of a team from Malaysia that came to our area on a tour to study the Australian approach to special education provision and delivery of services. The friendships made have led to the trip, which will also involve visiting the Rotary clubs that sponsored the ladies’ visit to Bendigo and Echuca/Moama last year. We wish Graeme and Merrin a safe and happy trip, and look forward to hearing of their experiences upon their return next month.
We look forward to seeing you all again next week.
