Sunday 26 April 2009, Benalla community groups rallied together to support victims of Black Saturday bushfire. A community day was held at Mudgegonga Hall in the Alpine Shire, where 200 local residents participated in the event.

Members of Rotary Club of Benalla and partners assisted at the event Colin and Jan McDonald, Noel and Sue Hutchins, Marty Burke, Terry Mack, Steve London and Kim Scanlon (Drought and Fire Relief Coordinator, Benalla Council). Rotarians were joined by five Benalla Lion members and their partners, along with Mayor Bill Hill, Peter Martin and Councillor Sue Martin.

Local residents were treated to a BBQ lunch, Benalla Lions Club provided the meat, salads, desserts and soft drinks. Whilst the Rotary Club of Benalla cooked the meat on the Benalla Rotary Club BBQ trailer. Residents chattered with friends, children played or relaxed. Residents were treated to pamper packs containing soaps, creams, personal care items and toys which were kindly donated by Benalla CWA.

The Rotary Club of Benalla donated 48 rolls of hay plus transport and a truck. A trailer load of fencing materials was donated from funds raised throughout the Benalla Community, 20 tonne of donated Oats is to be sent this week.

President Neil Smith said "There was a great feeling of community spirit amongst all who participated, with all three groups working together to assist those affected by the bushfires. Rotary will be organizing a series of working bees to do fencing in the region with Benalla people."

Benalla welcomes new member Bill Paris.

Bill was born in Brighton he has two brothers.  Bill is married to Jane and they have a son Richard. Bill lived at Upwey in the Dandengong’s and in 1987 Bill came to Benalla where he was employed as a Regional Construction Engineer at the SEC. Bill now is employed by SP AusNet, (previously known as SEC (until 1995) and TXU). TXU sold the company to SP AusNet (Singapore Power International) in about 2006.  Bill is an Electrical Engineer, one of his responsibilities  is organising Field Refresher Training for all SP AusNet employees across Victoria.

Bill’s interests include Golf, going to the Gym, food and wine. Bill’s main reason for joining rotary was to give something back to the community and fellowship.

Sabine Smyth with our President and AG Patti

Sabine is employed with NE Tracks Local Learning and Employment Network. NE Tracks is a federally funded organization that strives to assist 13 to 19 year olds make the transition from school to employment. In Benalla the group is involved with 1200 students covering students from Benalla College, FCJ College and Ed Space. The work in the Hume Region is monitored by a committee of management which two local Benalla people sit on the committee. 

Sabine outlined how the Vinson report listed Benalla in the top 5% of disadvantaged communities, 11.3% are unemployed and 20% low income. Sabine reported that the figures related to the most common background of early school leavers, how the “GAP” year for university students in the Hume Region was very high as families cannot afford to pay the education costs. This means the students have to try to earn enough to meet the Government Living Away from Home Allowance requirements during the Gap year. 

NE Track has various programs and projects that NE Tracks is implementing and providing around career and personal development advice. GO TAFE is hosting a “Work Readiness & Careers Skills Real World of Work” day during National Careers Development Week, a careers day will be held on 20 May 2009 in Benalla and is being supported by the Rotary Clubs of Wangaratta and Mansfield both are sponsoring / organizing careers days this year.

Rotary Club of Benalla is trialing a new membership called "Friends of Rotary". Friends of Rotary (FOR) is a new category of membership which allows prospective members to experience Rotary and determine if they desire to become a full Rotary member. Membership comprises of attending a minimum of 12 meetings per year and participate in club activities same as Rotary member. Each FOR member is supported by a mentor, who is responsible for showing / explaining / involving the FOR member in club activities.

Mentor Sally Matheson will assist Yve Ross. Yve is from Warrenbayne, a past Rotary GSE team member and works in Mansfield co-ordinating education for children with special needs. Mentor Doug Smith will assist Lexie Graham. Lexie is from Boho South, who works with people disabilities. Mentor Kim Scanlon will assist Liz Curnick . Liz is from Korong Vale, who is a Veterinarian and working with Benalla Rotarian Bruce McIntyre.

Rotary Club of Benalla President Neil Smith made a number of presentations at 4th June 2009 meeting held at Raffetys Receptions on behalf of the Rotary Club of Benalla.

A Microwave Oven was donated to the Goorambat Hall, presented to Mr Bill Burdett.

Whilst the Lurg Hall received 7 tables presented to Ms Tess Stow.

Ms Sally Mathieson accepted $1000 cheque on behalf of Rose City Band. Benalla Young Persons Sports Trust, Ms Kim Scanlon collected a cheque of $2000.

Ms Margaret Aldous $3000 on behalf of Cooinda Village and the Benalla Hospital $3000 cheque was presented to Mr Graeme Budd.

Helen Ellis presented Lucy Goudie Student of the Month for March 2009.

Lucy has been commended by her teachers for her tenacity and courage in overcoming a number of issues, Lucy is completing her final year at Benalla FCJ College.

Jenny was recently inducted into the Rotary Club of Benalla on 4th June 2009.

Jenny was born in Benalla and grew up on a farm at Greta West. Jenny attended school at the Greta West Primary School and Wangaratta High School before commencing Registered Nurse Division 1 training at the Wangaratta Hospital.

On completion of her training Jenny moved back to Benalla and commenced working at the Benalla and District Memorial Hospital where she was employed for 25 years. Jenny was Nursing Unit Manager of the Medical and Emergency Units prior to her current position as Clinical Care Coordinator at Cooinda Village.

Jenny has been involved in many community activities such as the Benalla Football Club, Benalla Lawn Tennis Club and the Committee of Management of Cooinda Village prior to my employment there.

Jenny has two adult children living in Melbourne and Benalla and spending time with her two grand daughters. In her spare time she enjoys traveling, meeting with family and friends, live theatre or shows, listening to music, reading, attending interesting seminars or listening to inspirational speakers, exercising, participating and watching sport.

Jenny is looking forward to becoming actively involved in local community activities and is very enthusiastic about joining the Rotary Club of Benalla

The Rotary name and logo are the exclusive property of Rotary International
and are used here under Rotary International Internet Policy Guidelines.

Special thanks to Tord Elfwendahl of the Stockholm Strand Rotaryklub (Sweden) for
his incredible Rotary graphic images which we have used throughout this web site.

Material on this site is Copyright
Rotary International; Rotary International District 9790 Inc; Tony Ladgrove, Phil MacDonald and Robin Chapple
and may not be reproduced without permission