Please refer to newsletters for Guest Speakers.

Newsletters

Our Guest Speaker for February is Gerald Kenneally

Our guest speaker for December - David Rosenberg

David was employed as a civilian by the United States National Security Agency (NSA) for 23 years, completing his last 18 years with the Agency managing his team in Operations at the Joint Defence Facility Pine Gap in Alice Springs. David was trained in Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) and has over 20 years experience in the Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) community, evaluating the function, capabilities, performance, and vulnerability assessment of all types of radar, associated weapon systems such as Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAMs), ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles, and countermeasure techniques / tactics. He has 18 years experience with all aspects of satellite surveillance resources, assets, equipment, and recording techniques and over 20 years experience in the production and reporting of intelligence across the global Intelligence Community. The third edition of David’s book “PINE GAP” will be available for purchase at the meeting so perhaps bring some cash with you, if interested.

Our Guest Speaker for November ANDREW MACDONALD

Andrew Macdonald is the RFS group officer, Macarthur, and Aviation Air Attack Supervisor. Andrew has been a volunteer with the NSW Rural Fire Service for more than 35 years. His association with firefighting started at an early age with his father being the captain of the local fire brigade. Firefighting has taken Adrew to Botswana to teach locals about firefighting techniques. This was a unique experience as it was not in a controlled environment which meant they were there with whatever animals came out of the bush- elephants, giraffes and lions. Andrew is also a Chartered Accountant (CA) and is the chair of NSW RFS and Brigades Donations Fund, his experience as a CA has served him well in that role Facebook during the 2019-20 fire season.

Our Guest Speaker for October Michael Elgey

Michael is the Curator Manager of the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan a 416 hectare site that, through its plantings, takes visitors on an exploration of Australia’s unique plant life. Michael is a passionate conservation horticulturist who enjoys connecting people to all things botanical and is the NSW Council Representative for Botanic Gardens Australia and New Zealand (BGANZ) a ‘not for profit’ peak industry body linking Australia and New Zealand gardens and relevant national and international bodies.

Our Guest Speaker for September John Matic

John has been a volunteer for the Thredbo Ski Patrol since 2005. As a patroller, John is responsible for ensuring the safety of skiers and snowboarders at Thredbo including providing first responder emergency treatment and over-snow patient transport to the ski field’s Medical Centre. In 2008, John won an award for the most inspirational patroller in a season and in 2011 another award for the highest rescue count in a season. John’s qualifications include: • PUA30400 Certificate III in Public Safety (SES Rescue) – Australian Alpine Training Institute. • Advanced Emergency Care and First Aid – Australian Ski Patrol Association (ASPA).

Marcia Shanahan (Guest Speaker Officer} and Mary Kennedy (Tour Officer) introduced Serina Pace from “Trade Travel” who was invited to talk to the members about ‘The Norfolk Island Experience” with the Gilead Probus Club planned for 28th April until the 5th of May 2024. 8 days/7nights.

An itinerary leaflet was given to the members at the meeting out lining each day’s fun activities.

Courtney expertly took us through the processes and considerations with estate planning. Courtney explained the importance of having a Will as 50% of people do not. Also, consideration should be given to having a Power of Attorney and/or an Enduring Power of Attorney and difference between them.
Courtney’s contact details: Cnr Queen & Dumaresq Streets, Campbelltown T: 02 4626 5077 Courtney is also prepared to make an appointment to come to Village.

Jim Gooch Our new Treasurer, Jim Gooch, was invited to talk to the meeting about his experiences as volunteering to be Santa at one of the local shopping centre, namely Westfield Liverpool. Jim started this journey in 2017 and one can only imagine the experiences he has had with his little munchkins sitting on his lap. Then there was “Covid” and of course many changes. Certificates needed, criminal checks and even a different Santa Suit when working with pets. Thanks Jim, for putting a smile on a lot of children’s faces and no doubt a few tears on some.

May - Louie and Michele Kelbert

Owner and founder KelBee Apiaries! Fresh Hive Honey!

Louie has been beekeeping and producing honey since he was nine (9) years of age. He is passionate about nature and his bees.

Based in the Illawarra Area Louie discussed the current critical situation with bees and what that means to all of us.

Louie had some jars of his fresh honey to taste and was available to purchase or order.

April - John Russell

A very entertaining and informative talk on John’s many adventures encountered whilst living in Vanuatu.

February - Rebecca Setchell from AATKings Travel Rebecca spoke to us about the varied range of travel companies which form part of AATKings, providing travel opportunities across Australia and around the world.