So last week we had the PB RONALD Dinner and the following is the report submitted re night by our own Stephanie Jamieson
 
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This week’s club meeting was replaced to host the P.B. Ronald memorial trust dinner at the Pakenham Racing Club.  A warm welcome was given by George who reminded everyone of turning their phones off but thankfully Sergeant Fish was on the ball and knew who would have their phones on and gave Mr Young, a call to see if he understood the request.  Mr Bill Ronald informed the room of the trusts history and importance of its continuance for the Agricultural and Horticultural Industry of the area and Australia.  Some notable facts were that China is leading the way in buying Australian land to support its culture with food for the future, Australian’s Primary Industry provides enough to feed 61 million people around the world each year and 93% of fresh produce is supplied by Australia.  Primary Industries are being undervalued though the education system and this year the committee were pressed to find recipients for the award.
 
 Luckily two young ladies submitted applications and were successful in both receiving much need assistance for future studies.  The first awardee was Courtney Dickson who is in her last year of Vet Science at James Cook University in Townsville and will return to the Pakenham district and her family on completion of her studies. The second awardee was Isabella Ronald who explained how far the Primary Industries have come regarding technology as she is completing a Computer Technology degree and explained how technology is changing the ways out in the field.  Both recipients will no doubt benefit from the award both financially and academically for their resumes.
 
Rotary Club of Pakenham, Cardinia Shire Council, Pakenham Show Society and Pakenham Racing clubs have all donated a cheque for future recipients and some extra cash was raised on the night with a raffle of lots of baskets of fresh produce (either fruit/veg baskets or wines) with some plants and a painting all raffled off.  Rotary members did well with Jennifer, Loris Begg, George, Louise Jackel, Goran and Geof Young, all heading home with some extra goodies to sample.  A special thank-you to Tim Ahern for being the MC of the evening which created a wonderful night by all who attended, and we look forward to next year’s event already.
 
    
 
More pictures can be seen by clicking here photoalbums/pb-ronald-dinner-2019