Ben Hill and Lachlan Hall reported on recent activities of the Rotaract Club. 

 

They stated that membership has grown significantly, so the use of social media has obviously worked wonders.  It also confirms that the Rotaract experience appeals to the younger people and the club is prospering.

 

Gus and Gaetano had attended the Rotaract Club meeting recently, where two new members, Sarah Jane and Julian were inducted. 

 

Ben and Lachlan thanked  the Rotary Clubs of Narre Warren and Berwick for their mentorship and support.  

 

They proposed that two Rotaract members should attend Rotary Club meetings each month, to strengthen the relationship.

 

Ben added that incoming President Campbell de Kretser has big plans, based on the support from both Rotary Clubs.

PE Isobel Caulfield and PP Laury Gordyn presented an very informative summary of their experiences on the Canning Stock Route.  Isobel used a very professional PowerPoint presentation to convey the essence of the trip.

 

The Canning Stock Route is a track that runs from Wiluna in the mid-west region to Halls Creek in the Kimberley region of Western Australia.  With a total distance of around 1,850 km it is the longest historic stock route in the world.  There is a string of 51 wells along the route that were used to water stock.

 

To get to the starting point at Wiluna, they had to travel 3,500 km from Melbourne, making the overall journey to Halls Creek 5,350 km - a massive undertaking.  However, they set off with anticipation taking their trusty Ford Ranger (Caulfields) and Toyota Sahara (Gordyns), both of which were customised with sleeping quarters and a kitchen in the back box.

 

Some interesting facts on the two vehicles were provided, as follows:

 

Despite the fuel the vehicles carried, at one point both had to be topped up at $3.21 per litre, thus making a sale for the outback Bowser of $600 in one hit.

 

A feature of the trip was that 'sand flags' had to be displayed on both vehicles to warn oncoming vehicles of their position in the high dunes, or high spinifex.

 

Many interesting people were met during the trip, as people traveling North to South stopped to compare notes in the middle of nowhere.  This included people who knew someone in Berwick, or who were actually from this locality.

 

No major problems were encountered on the long journey, although the Ford Ranger did get bogged once and had to be pulled out by the Sahara.  On another occasion, the Sahara had to be towed up a dune by the Ford Ranger, thus providing reciprocated appreciation.

 

By the end of the journey the vehicles and their passengers were badly in need of a good wash to get rid of the red dust that clung everywhere.

 

The journey was thoroughly enjoyed by both families and the level of camaraderie that it produced was exceptional.

 

In conclusion, Laury thanked Isobel for putting together such a professional presentation.

This week's lucky number was 39, which was held by Betty Tudge.

 

Betty carefully split the deck to find that she had selected the King of Diamonds.  There are now 45 cards and the Joker left in the deck. 

 

However, the Jackpot of $465.25 is safe for a few weeks, as we will not be meeting at Holm Park Reserve again until Wednesday 29 May.