Monthly Theme for February 2025 

Another fantastic and energetic meeting with 3344! We had the privilege of kicking off with a special presentation—honouring Ross Giorgio with a Paul Harris Fellow in recognition of his ongoing support and dedication to our Ring Pull Project. Congratulations Ross!
A big thank you to everyone who provided feedback on the Group 7 Repurposing Playground Project. It’s exciting to see such enthusiasm, and the green light for this initiative is truly encouraging. Given that it’s a group project, I believe it’s well within our club’s capabilities. On Thursday night, I attended the Group 7 meeting to deliver the great news that our club fully supports the project. As a group, we’re taking a measured approach to ensure its success, with an estimated timeline of up to six months for proper setup. In the meantime, each club needs to nominate a contact person—someone who can act as a coordinator should a playground in our area need attention or if assistance is needed in another region.
Our club continues to achieve incredible things, and it’s humbling to serve as president of such a dynamic and dedicated team. The impact of our work is visible throughout the community—through initiatives like scholarships, the Rotary Says No to Domestic Violence campaign, the Airshow, and more. These projects reinforce Rotary’s reputation as a service club of choice in our region.
Some members have expressed concern about our club’s aging demographic and whether we’ll be able to sustain our efforts in the years ahead. However, I firmly believe that our ongoing projects are already attracting new members. If we assume our club won’t continue, then that will become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Instead, we must recognize the valuable new members we’ve already gained and remain confident that our meaningful work will continue to draw in fresh faces. Please believe this will happen.
Our enthusiasm and energy remain strong! Together, we will ensure that the Barossa Rotary Club remains the leading service organization in our community.
And remember—share our story with your friends!

 

Rotarian President Steve Ahrens with Ross Giorgio.

I joined the Veterinary Practice in Gawler as an Associate Veterinarian and worked under the mentorship of Bill Hayward and Dick Allen. The other partner in the business was Bruce Eastick who had moved into politics as the local member in State Parliament. I replaced him as the third vet in the practice. He was the founder of the practice in 1952.

The work in the early days was predominantly livestock and equine cases with about 20% devoted to dogs and cats. The work was varied and the learning curve was very steep and a far cry from the work that current Vets do every day. The expectation in those early years was that the Veterinarian needed to provide a 24/7 service for emergencies (must be available themselves or refer to another practice). The phone needed to be answered at all times. This requirement was onerous for the family but we all survived.

After a couple of years (1975) I was offered a partnership in the practice with the two New Zealand Vets just mentioned. Dick passed away suddenly in 1983 and Bill and I operated with just two vets for a couple of years. We eventually employed other vets as associates. We employed a mixture of new graduates and experienced vets to help us with our work.

Over the years the percentage of small animal work grew as the large animal component decreased. Bill Hayward retired in 1996 and I took over the full ownership as a sole trader. The practice converted to small animal practice only, in 2002 which coincided with the purchase of the Tanunda clinic which was sold last year due to a shortage of vets in the profession.

Our main hospital in Gawler established in 1952 operated on its original site in Bright St Willaston until 2019 when we moved to our current site on Redbanks Road. This has been a great move for the business as it gives us main road exposure and vastly more modern facilities.

We practice very differently today than we did 50 years ago. I tell people that I have only had one job over 52 years working in the same business. The reality is every day is different, and the development of new drugs and medical procedures and equipment is so constant that to stand still means going backwards very quickly.

I still enjoy my work. I am very proud of my profession and remain grateful for the career I have enjoyed over many years.