Club Meeting 11 April 2018

Guest Speaker Cr David Thurley is originally from Tasmania. He graduated from the University of Tasmania Bachelor of Science with Honours and began his career with Australian Newsprint Mills, now Norske Skog. Cr Thurley moved to Albury Wodonga in 1980 to work as the Technical Manager for the paper mill. He has had wide involvement with communities along the Murray as well as the Murray Valley League, the forerunner of the present Murray Darling Association.  He began his own environmental consultancy in 1994, specialising in water treatment and environmental planning matters. Cr Thurley was first elected to Council in 2012 and was recently re-elected. He has a strong interest in government at all levels and enjoys the opportunity to contribute to the community. He has been a member of all Council committees and has represented Council on a number of external bodies including as National President of the Murray Darling Association. In addition to his Council duties, Cr Thurley is also President of the Astronomical Society of Albury Wodonga. Outside Council you might find him doing volunteer science teaching at some schools in the region, riding his push-bike, reading or devising fun science experiments for his grandchildren. He hopes to continue to ensure good governance and the implementation of environmental sustainability initiatives and to provide feedback from residents and ratepayers of the City. He says Albury has everything one needs to have a great life whether it be sporting or cultural attractions, our great medical facilities or the wonderful environment that surrounds us here.

Community Service

Albury Hume cares for the Homeless

What a fabulous result thus far. What started off with a few donations of socks is now a full time club project. A big thanks to all members who have given so generously – not only socks but all types of Guys and Gals clothing, shoes and Julie’s hygienic goods. A big thanks to Margaret McDonald for her wonderful beanies great for the oncoming winter. To Gordon Shaw last week with a pile of clothes that would not fit into Baza’s already full boot. And not forgetting our club’s donation to the shower project at St Matthews.

President’s Message

Seven Club members headed down to Benalla for the District Assembly and training day for the new board members. Our next leader (this time he was happy with the coffee freshly brewed by Rod) myself and Rod in one car with Justin Gill and Meredith in another (Steve is always there well before us). It is always great to catch with other clubs, met up with old friends and find a few new ones. I attended the Foundation & Grants workshop. Turned around to shake the hand on the gent next to me to see it was a man I worked on an organising committee for a Bushwalking Victoria event back in 2006. Small world! It is always great to hear about the great work of The Rotary Foundation. The question was posed how many people in the room give to charity each year, every hand went up. Then we were asked how many people use Foundation as your charity of choice. Nearly every hand went down. But why would you not choose Foundation we were asked when 100% of the money donated ends up with the people that need it. Not one cent is spent on wages, on office tower accommodation or on fancy cars. It got me thinking that we really need to get Every Rotarian Every Year going within our Club – something I will raise with the board. $100 a year each is not a big ask.

Club Meeting 28 March 2018

Guest Speaker, Lauren Murphy was our outbound exchange student in 2017 to Switzerland. Lauren is from Benalla.  Lauren successfully completed the exchange student program and this photo is of Lauren receiving her certificate from Bruce McIntyre, chair of student exchange for district 9790. This week Lauren spoke to us about her year in Switzerland