Rotary Connects the World

The toast was given by Deb Williams and grace read by Mark Smeaton

Meeting 3102 was officially opened by chairperson Mark Forgie.

Mark F welcomed members and special guest speaker Larry Cavallaro to the meeting. Apologies were received from Bob Ahrens, Patsy Johnson, John Lyons, Kevin Clarke, Lance Hatcher, Brian Burt, Tom Kelly, Dino Donati, Andrea Johns and Daniel Barratt.

Mark invited directors to come forward for their spots and make any announcements.

Announced that we are looking for volunteers to undertake COVID marshal training to assist at the Gawler ANZAC Day dawn service to be held at Pioneer Park. The area will be fenced off and limited to 2000 people. Bookings will be via Eventbrite for people to attend.

Kim Potger informed members that he spoke to Lance and his son in law is recovering well from his recent surgery. Also Anthea Johns has tested positive to Covid and everyone wished her all the best for a speedy recovery.

After a brief fellowship Mark introduced “beautiful bashful Barry” for his sergeant session. Wheel winners this week were Bob Hinderwell and Chris Edmonds. The usual Bunyip roundup and entertaining quotes and jokes followed.

Mark introduced Past member Larry Cavallaro as guest speaker.

Larry is a proud past member of Gawler Rotary. His family moved from Findon to Gawler River and had a fruit and vegetable stall at the Adelaide central markets. The move to Gawler River due to nematodes in the soil at Findon. These bugs meant that “good” soil was limited for fruit and vegetable growth. Larry’s dad visited Gawler River in 1947 when the River was in full flow then again in 1948 -again the River was flowing. In 1949 he bought the property but the river at this time was dry so Larry’s dad was caught out without water.  In 1954/55 a neighbour started digging a bore and struck water at 270ft. He then sent the machinery and operator over to Larry’s dad. He started digging but there was still no water and Larry’s dad told him to stop as he couldn’t afford to for him to dig anymore. He believed that was the end because without water he couldn’t continue to grow vegetables. The operator came back the next week with an extension but was told he couldn’t dig anymore because he couldn’t be paid. He however did dig and eventually found water when he reached 292ft. He then went on and drilled a bore on 7 more properties in the area. The Italian philosophy is about sharing the wealth, so they help each other.

Larry remembers fondly travelling around Gawler with his grandpa on horse and cart selling the vegetables. The Italian community used to set up their stalls outside the many pubs in Gawler then rotate to the next one. One of his favourite memories is waiting with the horse while grandpa collected the money while enjoying a drink at the pubs. By the end of the day Grandpa fell asleep and the horse took them home! Larry said that the Gawler community was very welcoming to the Italian’s, and it was a two-way street and they beneficial to each other.  

At the conclusion of Larry’s talk Mark F thanked him and President Mark presented him with his certificate of appreciation. Larry was invited to return and tell us more about his life growing up.

President Mark then gave his weekly wrap up.

On Australia Day Bob Ahrens was presented with a Mayoral Certificate of inspiration from Light Regional Mayor Bill O’Brien for his “leadership, generosity, hardwork and community spirit” Bob was very surprised but a deserving recipient.

Mark thanked Barry and John Lyon’s for representing the club to help out at the Australia Day breakfast.

Last Thursday Mark met with Tony Piccolo and the Black Ops boys. Things are moving along with Gawler council donating the land, Mark had helped write a grant application for $20.000 and this was successful and Tony Piccolo is campaigning for Special project grant from the government for $250.000. The drawings for the shed have been completed ready for submission to council.

A reminder to everyone about the bowls night and inviting friends and family to join us.

Mark closed the meeting with the four way test.