The Wentworth/ Muster Wednesday 12th May saw up to 67 travellers from all over Victoria and gather in Wentworth at the Willow Bend Caravan Park for our RVFR Southern Division May Muster. This was the third aempt to hold the Went- worth part of the muster—a number of years ago the area was washed out, and last year we couldn’t go anywhere. David and Judy Tulloch, with their extensive local knowledge did all the preliminary planning and Judy van der Vlugt (& Cat) took over to complete the nal details for this year. And what a great job they all did! Most of us headed down to the Crown Hotel for dinner aer arrival and the balance ended up “over the road” at the Royal Hotel.

Thursday 13th May 2021 WENTWORTH GAOL We le camp around 10.00 am and travelling in convoy and head- ed for the Wentworth Gaol. The gaol was quite impressive from the front but the inside is not a place you would want to stay. The men’s gaol cells were quite large unl I found out that they had to accommodate 3 men and then also found out that they slept on the oor on hessian mats. There was a ladies gaol secon with only 2 cells, they weren’t ex- pecng the Salvaon Army ladies (could be up to 14 at a me) who were also put into the cells for singing in the street. We saw lots memorabilia including the ogging rack with a sign below say- ing “Floggings will connue unl MORALE improves!”. The gaol was closed in 1927 and was then used as the Wentworth Area School with 100 pupils.

PIONEER MUSEUM

The Rotary Folk Museum rst opened in 1966 at another locaon and then in 1990 at a new locaon the current building was built with the name of the Rotary Club of Wentworth Pioneer Museum. The building is owned by the Rotary Club of Wentworth and operated by the Club members and some volunteers. At rst I didn’t like what I was seeing as I rec- ognised too many items which made me feel rather old, but in actual fact I loved the museum. Walking around seeing all the memorabilia and the memories ooding back was great and realising just how far we have come in technology and gadgets. Susan Nichols the Mayor of Wentworth aended and gave a welcome talk and the Rotary Club of Wentworth ladies supplied a fabulous morning tea.

FORT COURAGE Fort Courage is 86 acres of bush land with a 7 acre area for caravans on the frontage. It has had several owners and is currently owned by the Angling Club and is run by a commiee of 9. We had a self-tour of the Barry Doherty Lodge which has been turned into accommodaon (very rough style). A sand- wich lunch was provided which was enjoyed by all.

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PERRY SANDHILLS From Fort Courage we travelled onto the Perry Sandhills which sit on the edge of the ood plain. According to geolo- gists, the Perry Sandhills originated aer an ice age (40,000 years ago) and have been formed by the wind and erosion and are a unique land formaon of connuously shiing sand dunes.

JOINT MEETING with the Rotary Club of Wentworth and the Southern Zone Members of RVFR When we walked into the Coomealla Club in Dareton we knew it was going to be a great night and it was. Aer all the toasts and welcome from the Club President Joe Kervin, it was our own Terry Williams turn to talk. He talked about what the RVFR stands for and the type of things we do and places we have been to. Terry then presented the Rotary Club of Wentworth President with a gi. There were two speakers for the night, our very own David Tulloch who spoke on the “Grand ear of Paddle Steamers” plus more and was extremely interesng. The second speaker was David Tonkin who spoke on the “Life & Times in Broken Hill”, his talk was also very interesng. There were 5 rae prizes and I think the RVFR’s won the majority. They also had a quiz/trivia session which was fun with the ne money going to Opera- on Cle. Oh yes, the food was very good also. So all in all a great night.

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4 Friday 14th May Ron Gol Staon: O in a tag-along convoy about sixty kilometres upstream on the not knowing what to expect. On arrival we drove into the bush to park by the river. The welcoming commiee were owners of the property Andrew and Marina with their dog Diesel and pet sheep Clover, which proved to be very friendly and checked out what everyone had brought for lunch. Aer a cuppa we were taken on a tour of the almond grove with a great commen- tary by Andrew about the producon of almonds which was extremely interesng. They have 80 hectares planted with 20,000 almond trees which when in full produc- on will produce 8 – 10 kilos of fruit per tree each year, most of which is sold in Aus- tralia. On the roof of the huge machinery shed they have 600 solar panels producing elec- tricity for the whole property, this has reduced the power costs from $50,000 per year to $5,000. Water from the Darling River is reculated underground to all of the trees and controlled by a fully computerised system. It even includes a large lter that stops any sh and other aqua life being sucked up into the irrigaon network. The trees take about 7 years to reach full producon which lasts for about 25 years. Two variees are grown, one being used for table nuts and the other for processing into such things as snack bars and almond milk. The bulk of the work is done using a variety of machinery which we were able to view with a detailed explanaon from Andrew on how it all worked and what it was used for. Being an “organic” farm much of the machinery had been designed specially to suit. Andrew explained that that one harvester cost $100,000 to buy so he bought all of the parts and made it himself for $30,000.

Andrew and Marina work the property themselves with one full me employee and two part me employees during harvest which is done in February. The nuts are stored in a shed unl the factory is ready to take them. We were all, able to sample some that were waing to be picked up. Aer the tour it was back into the bush for lunch by the river around a couple if campres, then back to the caravan park for a much-appreciated rest.

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Campre Dinner: We gathered in the shelter at the caravan park for dinner. A couple of campres were burning out front and there was a warm buzz of fellowship. Aer we all enjoyed a delicious dinner of four meats and a tasty variety of salads, chairman Ian introduced guest speaker Cheryl Rix, Chair of the Lower Murray Water Corpo- raon. Cheryl called on her assistant, husband Geo, and we were treated to a very in- teresng talk about the past, present and future, the control and the importance of the Murray-Darling water system to , South Australia and Victoria. They both had great knowledge about the topic and answered several quesons from our members. Drover Judy then played some music by our park host who is a renowned local country music arst. The res were warm, but the night was cold and we all soon dried o to dreamme at the end of a very good day. Ken Rook

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Saturday 15th May Our rst stop this morning was at the Dareton Men in a Shed group, where we were welcomed by President Peter Waters and Secretary Neil Plumridge. Wow what a great eort by a lot of members in restoring machinery, boats and a Sabre Jet plane and many other projects. We were told later that they even have a 12 and 21 year old as members. Aer a very scrumpous morning tea of sandwiches and scones jam and cream, which we since found out was prepared by the Went- worth Rotary Club members and their wives, we visited the Indigenous Barkindji

Wilmpatya Murray Art Gallery located next door. Unfortunately we could only see some of the local art work as they were restoring the gallery and some things were put into storage. We then made our way to the Coomealla Club in Dareton for a delicious lunch. The next leg of our journey was a visit to the Australian Inland Botanic Gardens. Half of the group were served aernoon tea and entertained by a local group of musicians called the “Stray Notes” some of our group were seen dancing to the memorable tunes, whilst the other half had a train ride around and through the arid gardens. Highlights of the tour through the gardens, which use part of a 150 acre crown land allotment and has 80 dierent specimens of birds, were many. Old Red Gums, a Cape Chestnut tree, Emu Bush, Bunya Pine, 1624 Roses and many arid Australian trees and shrubs including Mallee trees one of which was the famous “Wow Tree”, reputed to be 2500 years old. The open air bush Chapel and the Rotunda which was made of all sorts of local mbers. The gardens are mulched by grape waste from nearby wineries and drip irrigated. There are only 2 full me and 2 part me gardeners who are helped by many volunteers. Also of note was Marist Sion College War- ragul who sends an interest group of year 11 students to help out each year.

At 4.00pm we made our way back to the caravan park and had reecon me around the campre followed by our Zone Meeng. Thank you Bill Watson, for another wonderful poem on the highlights of the Lake Tyers muster. We were out again by 6.00pm to the Wentworth Bowls Club and a delicious meal. President Terry and the Ser- geants entertained us with a lively ne session. Home to our Vans and Cabins aer a very busy and fun day. Scribes Barry and Pauline Morris.

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Sunday 16th May Rowing Club

On Sunday morning we were invited to the Wentworth District Rowing Club– just a short walk from the cara- van park. Again, with the benet of family connecons, Geo Rix (David and Judy Tulloch’s nephew) explained the history and operaons of the Club.

Monday 17th May O to Broken Hill Around 55 people le the Wentworth Caravan park and travelled north to Broken Hill. Wildlife was scarce with a cou- ple of mobs of goats and the odd eagle spoed. The weather was pleasant and no wind which all caravaners are grateful for. Some of the group stopped for morning tea at a wayside stop while the majority of the group called at Coombah truck stop for a wee break and a cup of coee or ice cream. We arrived at Broken Hill Caravan Park in me for lunch.

The aernoon was spent relaxing before we gathered at the tent for our “much needed” happy hour and a few words from our boss drover Ian, as to our upcoming program. We then headed to the Musician’s Club for dinner with the Rotary Club of Broken Hill. A great night was had with about 20 Broken Hill Rotarians and partners spread among us. Terry gave a brief account of the RVFR and a member of Broken Hill Rotary told us of a few historical events. This was followed by George giving us an entertaining ne session. A great night of fellowship was had by all.

Deb & Kevin Reade

8 Tuesday 17th May

Our day started with a Heritage Walk around the central town area - with a very enthusiasc tour guide explaining the many historic points of interest.

These included the mining Head Frame, the Titanic Band Memorial, some of Pro Hart’s sculptures, many Civic buildings - including the Court House, Town Hall facade, Trades Hall and many hotels and another explanaon of the 1st January 1915 terrorist aack on the picnic train. An interesng quick visit to the Train Museum to look at the old carou- sel and carnival side- show games was fascinang. This walk was a good introducon to the history and life of Broken Hill.

A bus trip was enjoyed in the aernoon showing us a broader view of the township and were told stories of interest. - we saw the many buildings made of the local stone and corrugated iron - most homes in Broken Hill are made of a mixture of these material. - many of the streets are named aer minerals mined in this area and also prominent town’s people. - visited the place of the New Year picnic shoong and the White Rocks where the perpetrators were caught.

We stopped and visited JP Keenan's Lookout and the Broken Earth Cafe and the very sombre but beaufully presented Miners Memorial.

A good trip giving us a comprehensive overview of Broken Hill and sur- rounds.

As sunset approached many of us took the opportunity to visit the Living Desert Sculpture Park. Looking at the 12 very dierent sculptures as the light of beauful red/orange sunset bathed the area in a very peaceful but eerie ambiance was very special.

A very full and enjoyable day.

Jill Graham

9 Wednesday 18th May

Wednesday was a free day with everyone heading out to see the sights of their choice. Ian Johnson and I picked up my friend, Jodie Lawrence (who lives in Broken Hill and previously lived at 9 mile Sta- on where the windmills are situated.) We travelled to Silverton and perused a couple of the galleries, meeng several familiar faces en route. With a toilet stop becoming a necessity we found the pub....and er....a few Proseccos later and a bite to eat we headed out to the Mundi Mundi lookout.

Aer dropping Jodie home, Ian and I visited both Pro Hart and Jack Absalom galleries and then drove to the Living Desert and Sculptures for a sunset experience. Upon returning we joined happy hour and enjoyed a wonderful spit roast in a very noisy and happy marquee. Jenny Fox

Some members took the opportunity to visit the Daydream Mine on the way to Silverton.

10 Thursday 19th

Thursday at Broken Hill muster was a "free" day. which gave us a chance to explore some of the many interesng plac- es in the town.

First up for us was a visit to the "Royal Flying Doctor Service". For decades the R.F.D.S has provided health services to the communies surrounding Broken Hill and beyond A very interesng visitors' centre as it emphasised the im- portance of this service to the people of the outback and may they connue to save lives for generaons to come.

Our next visit was the Railway Museum. A very informave and well set up exhibion of Railway life in the past. A walk through the Silver Train bought back memories of travelling on the "Old Red Ralers"

A visit to the "Silver City Art Centre" which is home to "the Big Picture" which was painted by Peter Anderson {"Ando"} This is the world's largest painng on canvas and is 100 Meters long and over 12 meters high and painted with nine tonnes of paint. The Painng features natural and manmade landmarks within 300 kms of Broken Hill. Topping up with chocolates to take home, it was a very interesng exhibion.

Last on the list was a visit to Whites Mine. A museum of mineral art and living mining artefacts. Run by Kevin and his wife Bey it was interesng and a huge collecon. Kevin gave us an explanaon of his Crushed Mineral Collage art works.

But the Highlight of our very busy day would have to be the night out at the "Palace Hotel" for dinner and show. The Palace Hotel is a majesc old Hotel with Murals painted on every wall and ceiling. Arriving at the Palace we were greeted by "Amanda". She/he gave us a show of singing (maybe miming) and dancing of songs we could all sing to. A 2 course dinner was served during the show. Aer the music show of wooing our "Young" gentlemen Amanda was prepared to pose for photos. Nearly all the gentlemen with smiles beaming on their faces, wanted to get a photo with Amanda. The fellows of the group had a great night of fun while the ladies just sat back and watched. George was heard to say " He/she has great legs" and apparently Carron "had a ripper night". I am sure Wakey enjoyed it also. Well done Wakey.

Tim and Jan Ahern

11 Friday 17th

The plans for today included a drive to Menindee Lakes and the oer of a boat trip on the lake…many enjoyed the boat ride on an unexpectedly large water area, the fate of the large gum trees in the water worried some of our mem- bers.

For those not wanng to drive to Menindee there were sll plenty of opons le. We went on an hours walk through the Living Desert Naonal Park enabling us to see the huge range of nave plants placed in that beauful outback area, labelled and obviously irrigated and well maintained. Further on to the stone sculptures in daylight presenng great art and their stories were easy to read and understand. Such an ambious project involving seven sculptures from all round the world which will be part of our heritage for ever.

Next to the Pro Hart gallery, now a magnicent portrayal of his work, from his early life as a miner to his becoming a prolic arst. The old Railway Museum closed far too early and we could not enter. So the day nished in the marquee with a pizza dinner and farewell to all our friends. Box aer box of pizzas arrived and we all enjoyed the feast. A surprise nes session with a dierence in that Bronwyn selected the members for a whole range of reasons and each received an appropriate prize, lots of laughter. Well done Bron!! We all gave our hearelt thanks to the organisers of our rallies, it was obvious we had all enjoyed ourselves and we appreciated the hard work of our teams. We take away from here great respect for the people who have built and cared for this great outback region.

Brian and Alison

12 Saturday 18th May Beth & I were very pleased with the number of parcipants who went to Broken Hill(55). We all had a great me, starng with the Broken Hill Rotary Club meeng where George was the sergeant and Sue won the rae. The herit- age walk around the town was well supported as was the coach tour. Everyone appreciated the two free days to be able to do their own thing and the “Priscilla in Drag” was a fun thing to do. The trip to Menindee and the river cruise on the Friday was well worth doing and it was great to see water owing into the lake systems and Darling River. In all we had a great muster. Ian & Beth

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