Our most recent general meeting was very well attended, no doubt because of the speaker. Aiden Bloomfield, Community Engagement Officer for Crime Stoppers, provided a very engaging presentation. Crime Stoppers is a 100% anonymous reporting service that was established in 1987. It is funded through grants from the Justice Department. All calls to Crime Stoppers (1800 333 000) are reported to police. Reporters remain completely anonymous unless they choose to leave their details.
Given the number of questions that were posed, and that conversations took us over time, this topic was of great interest to our members (refer below for more information).
President Colleen regaled us with tales from the recent Grainlander Trip (refer below or more information) to the Mallee region of Victoria to explore and particularly to see some of the silo art that is expanding throughout regional Victoria, popping up in many rural outposts.
The train stretched some 500 metres and included all the sleeping, dining and lounge areas. Somewhat of a shock were the tiny sleeping arrangements, barely the size of a single bed! It was definitely not to the Ghan standard! No one slept the first night travelling to Swan Hill in rickety and noisy conditions.
Highlights included the story depicted in art of a 15-year-old lad, Ray Neville, who was called up to ride Brimfire in Melbourne Cup, winning the very first Melbourne Cup decided in a photo finish.
Another highlight was Lake Boga, where the Flying Boat Museum is located. The story of the Catalina flying boats used during WW11 was outlined and the decision to locate the maintenance centre there, as it was far enough from the coast so to avoid enemy bombing. Australia lost 16 Catalinas in the Broome and Darwin bombing.
Tony T updated us on the travels of past president Sue H (picture) who has just completed part of the Camino Trail walking some 800 km from France to Spain, including over the Pyrenees. Well done Sue!