Matamata Rotary is in the heart of the Waikato’s dairy farming region and always looking for ways to support their local community. One way we have been able to do this is to support the work of the Waikato-Hauraki-Coromandel Rural Support Trust.
Following a presentation on the Trust’s work by coordinator Wanda Leadbetter in 2017 Rotarians, led by Rotary Foundation Committee Chair Lynette Stanley, arranged a Rural Urban fundraising dinner and invited author of The Resilient Farmer, Doug Avery to address the community.
'Resilient Farmer' Doug Avery addresses Rotary Matamata's Rural-Urban dinner
Doug and his wife Wendy farm in Grassmere near Seddon. In 1998, after several years of farming through drought Doug realised he had to change, both his attitude and his farming practices. He needed to develop resilience. And so his journey began. It changed his life and now, he is using his experiences to support others with a particular focus on the mental health of farmers.
The ticketed dinner held on Tuesday, April 17 2018 was the first event to be held at the new Matamata-Piako Civic Centre Te Whare Whakamaharatanga o Te Hāpori o Matamata-Piako. Catering was provided by Two Tones catering and a dessert auction was conducted by John Price.
"Which desserts should we bid on?"
Auctioneer John Price assisted by Rotarian Fred Barrett
The evening was a huge success both in raising community awareness and as a great social event.
Rotary Matamata was delighted to present the Rural Support Trust with a cheque for $10,000 at a Rotary meeting on 8 May 2018.
(L-R) President Peter Vossen, Wanda Leadbeater Tirau-based Rural Support Co-ordinator, Neil Bateup ONZM Chair of Waikato-Hauraki-Coromandel Rural Support Trust and President Elect David Gasquione.