We had a great day at our regular Election Day BBQ at Genazzano, teaming up once again with our friends from North Balwyn Rotary.
The weather turned it on for us, the Coles gourmet sausages were sizzling, and—at the new market high of $5—they were snapped up enthusiastically by the good folk of Kew, with not a single complaint from our satisfied customers!
The Balwyn team—Ian Davidson, David Hobson, Frueh Inc, Brian McGuiness, Marc Mirams, Ken McQualter, Peter Little, Christine Huang, and Russell Jones—all arrived on time and worked their shifts with trademark Rotary energy and good humour.
We were pleased to be joined on the day by North Balwyn Rotary members John Burley,Imre Lele, Greg Ross, JaniePirret,Gretta Williams and Jane Pennington, who added to the great conversation and community spirit.
Despite a slow and steady voting turnout, around 600 sausages were sold over 7 hours, raising approximately $1,000 for each Club—an excellent result!
BO CUI JOINS THE TEAM
Looking ahead, we’re excited to induct new member Bo Cui into Community Service next week. Bo’s mentor will be Ken McQualter—welcome aboard, Bo!
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06-MAY: CLIFFORD COOKSON-PROTECT YOURSELF: STAYING SAFE FROM SCAMS
Join us for an engaging presentation by Cliiford Cookson (Tech instructor at ReadyTechGo), who will walk us through the latest scam tactics, how to recognise the warning signs, and what to do if you—or someone you know—gets caught up in one.
The Box Hill Miniature Steam Railway team has purchased a new locomotive—soon to be known as “Type 7284.”
Technically, it shares its underpinnings with the “T Class”: a modern 3-cylinder diesel engine of about 900 cc driving a hydraulic motor, which in turn powers the wheels. However, it is very different to drive.
There is no throttle, speedometer, or hydraulic engagement lever available to the driver. While these components still exist, they are all controlled by smart electronics and are hidden from view. The driver simply selects a desired speed (one of about six available) and presses the “Go” button. The only physical control is the air brake lever, which automatically cuts power when applied.
The new loco appears to be well-designed, particularly in terms of providing easy access to all mechanical parts.
All of this is impressive—it runs extremely smoothly, especially when hauling a full rake of carriages.
However, there are a few potential downsides:
Inexperienced drivers may have little understanding of what the smart electronics are doing, which could limit their learning about how to operate other locomotives or how to respond if something unexpected occurs.
Maintenance and troubleshooting of the electronic systems may be beyond the expertise of club members—which is fine, as long as nothing goes wrong!
CLARKE BALLARD
CSM REPORT: 27-APR-25
It was another long weekend at the market, following the 4-day Easter break and coinciding with Anzac Friday. The day started slowly with low crowd numbers, but by 10am, the weather improved, and the crowds began to trickle in. By 11am, the market was buzzing, with a large crowd filling the roadways.
As always, the traders were out in full force, and bargain hunters were up at the crack of dawn, starting their searches in the early morning darkness with nothing but torchlight to guide them.
A big thank you to Mark Read for helping with the setup, and later, to Jim Cary for lending a hand as well. Members from Chadstone / East Malvern, Camberwell, Canterbury, and North Balwyn arrived early for their shifts, ensuring a smooth and uneventful day.
Takings picked up after 10am, with around $2400 donated by the end of the day. It was also great to catch up with fellow Rotarians from other clubs and hear about the various activities happening in their communities.
All members: Philip Lambers sends out reminders a week before your shift.
If you are unable to do your rostered shift, you need to organize a swap and let Philip know.
Shift Times
OIC: 06:15 – 13:00
Set Up Crew: 06:30 – 12:30
Sunday 4th May
David Hobson (OIC),Ed Rayment, Mark Read / Pauline Wilson
Sunday 11th May Russell Jones( (OIC), Anthea Rutter / Margaret Silverton, Peter Frueh / Anne Frueh
Sunday 18th May
Mari Deak (OIC),Habib Chanzi, Ed Frost
Box Hill Miniature Steam Railway
Arrival time: 10:45
Trains depart: 11:00-16:00
Location: Elgar Park, corner of Belmore and Elgar Roads, Mont Albert North
Rosters are organised by Fred Gibbs and Clarke Ballard.
Any changes or alterations please send an email to bhmsr@balwynrotary.org.au
Rotary Controller: Clarke Ballard
Sunday 18th May
Tony O’Brien, Ed Rayment, Ed Frost, Ian Ridd, Ken McQualter, Alison McQualter, Clarke Ballard
Sunday 15th June
Clarke Ballard, Russell Jones, Philip Lambers, Peter O'Brien, Ed Rayment, Richard Seeley, Pauline Wilson
Sunday 20th July
David Jones, Marc Mirams, John Walker, Bill Goodwin, Michael Curry, Clarke Ballard
Sunday 17th August
Chris Finley, Ian Davidson, Angela Ciliberto, Clarke Ballard
RIMERN
Tuesday 13th May
Peter 0 Brien, Julie Mulhauser
Tuesday 27th May
Chris Finley, David Hobson
Tuesday 10th June
Murray Wilkinson, Ed Frost
Tuesday 24th June
Kevin Walsh, Peter Frueh
Volunteers
Chris Finley, David Hobson, Ed Frost, Julie Mulhauser, Ken McQualter, Kevin Walsh, Marc Mirams, Murray Wilkinson, Peter Frueh, Peter O’Brien, Russel Jones
