The guest speaker was Dan Duggan.

Mr Duggan announced the progress of a yabby farm being developed at Lockington under the guidance of the Dja Dja Wurrung Corporation.

“The farm in Lockington will comprise total of 40-50 ponds. It will be built over the next two years that will produce approximately 12-15 tonnes of yabbies a year,” Mr Duggan said.

Questions from the audience related to if local businesses would be used in the planning, building and ongoing maintenance.

Mr Duggan said local businesses from Lockington and Rochester would be the primary considerations as part of the farm’s development before looking to other towns.

Following Mr Duggan, member Jan Childs informed those in attendance of her plan to raise funds to find a cure for MND.

In late September, Jan will remain silent for a total of six hours while raising funds for MND research.

“As many who suffer from MND are unable to talk due to the devastating disease, I will be raising funds in support of those patients no longer able to speak,” Mrs Childs said.

“If I do speak, I will be donating additional funds to MND research.”

CCLLEN executive officer Jane Reid also spoke on the day.

CCLLEN provides a range of services to young adults aged 15-25 years, including the L2P program.

The L2P program, which helps young drivers gain experience behind the wheel, runs throughout the region.

“We are looking to recruit additional driving instructors who can volunteer their time and assist a young person living in rural areas build their hours,” Ms Reid said.

“You can donate as little as one hour a week, and the young drivers really appreciate the time that is provided to learner drivers.”