“My name is Adelaide Kovac, and I am the proud recipient of the Rotary Club Wagga Wagga Wollundry scholarship. I am currently in my first year of a Bachelor of Equine Science at Charles Sturt University Wagga and completely appreciating it. I have always had an interest in the equine world throughout my life, and I have had experience working in the thoroughbred racing world at Caulfield racecourse in Melbourne. I thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of it, particularly the more hands-on activities that involved direct contact with the racehorses at my old work. I have always known that I wanted to continue my studies to foster my education with equine science. As the equine industry contributes billions of dollars to the Australian economy each year, it is clear that it is a very important part of Australian culture, and there should be more of a focus on training students such as myself to work at a high level within the industry.
I would like to thank the Rotary Club and any other individuals that were involved in developing my passion, for this scholarship. It will and has already provided a wonderful opportunity for me to live my university life to the full, and allows me to really focus on my studies. I have already gained experience in the real world, particularly the equine industry, through many practical classes – from learning restraint of a horse to physically training young horses. So far, life at uni has been an absolute whirlwind, and I have loved absolutely every minute of it.
As this is the first time for me living away from home, the scholarship allows me to settle in even better to life on campus. The stresses of having to pay for rent, groceries, petrol and everything else in between, are all made so much more simple, for not just me, but my family as well, to whom I owe thanks for supporting me as I move into the next chapter of my life. With this gift, YOU will be helping shape my future and I hope for generations to come they experience the same. Thank you sincerely for this incredible opportunity.”
Wollundry Rotary members are confident that you will do well Adelaide and look forward to return visits to update us on your progress.
DEFIBRILATOR PROJECT
Travis Downie announced that the launch of Wollundry Defib will take place next Tuesday at Rawlings Park, Lake Albert at 11am.
Our members are urged to attend if possible and our regular Rotary Meeting will be held commencing around 12 pm at the same venue.
There will be no meeting at the Commercial Club next week 7th June.
Travis announced that Jam Media have come aboard and have produced a media kit which will include a radio commercial playing on two stations and featuring AFL legend Chris Daniher. Travis thanked Paul Murray for producing a web page which you can visit at wollundrydefib.org.au Present at the launch will be Sue Buckman founder of defib for life.
Jam Media have been crucial in securing funds for commercials. Next weeks launch will see the completion of stage 2 of the five stage project.
MEMBER UPDATE
Josh Walsh who is our youngest member at age 32, has done us all favour and dropped the average age of members considerably.
Born in Kyabram Vic. Josh moved to Ballarat at 18 to complete a Bachelor of Education where he met his wife Sophie (Osborne).
Teaching and AFL occupied his life for the next twelve years, taking him to Cairns and then Wagga where he taught for a time at the Riverina Anglican College.
Josh and Sophie bought a venue called St Edwards (Burmo's former property) and host events, mainly weddings. They can seat 200 guests and their main seasons are Autumn and Spring. They also have another project at Brucedale. This year they will host 55 weddings. They want to make Wagga a destination wedding venue. Introduced to the Club by Col Duff, Josh looks forward to a long and interesting time at Wollundry.
SNOWY HYDRO/SOUTHCARE HELICOPTER
We had the privilege of a visit from the CEO of Snowy Hydro Chris Kimball who was in town and took the opportunity to visit our club to thank us for the support our Club and other Rotary Clubs have given to the Snowy Hydro Southcare Helicopter Service.
The service is an aero medical rescue helicopter and has been flying since 1998. Funding started in 1996 and without Rotary Clubs' support the service would not exist. State and Federal Governments only agreed to part funding dependant on community funds being raised.
Chris told us that the service covers a geographical area bigger than England and is the busiest rescue helicopter in the country doing 500 operations a year. The service provides critical response to accidents, provides secondary transfers, offers Bushfire support and search and rescue. The one helicopter carries a pilot, a doctor and a paramedic and is fitted out to provide intensive care services.
Chris thanked our Club in particular for our "generous support".
Laure Blowes proposed a vote of thanks to Chris which was supported by applause.