We Are So Proud of Our Lynda
The Daylesford Neighbourhood Centre (DNC) Committee of Management, staff, and volunteers are immensely proud of Lynda (Daisy) Poke, who was recently inducted into the Heather Mutimer Roll of Honour.
In investing Lynda, Cr Lesley Hewitt praised her exceptional advocacy for gender equity and access to essential services. Lynda has contributed her extensive expertise in finance, governance, and strategic planning to numerous community organisations, including the DNC and the Dharma School Daylesford. Her role on the Hepburn Shire Diversity and Equality Advisory Committee helped keep gender equity central in community planning.
Lynda was instrumental in establishing Health Futures Australia, a local health promotion charity, enabling it to provide nutritious meals to six local schools. As General Manager of Springs Medical Centre for nine years, she introduced innovative programs, leading to its recognition as Victorian General Practice of the Year in 2018.
She has led grassroots efforts to protect vulnerable community members and continues to inspire through her leadership. Lynda’s dedication to community well-being is extraordinary, and we are grateful for her tireless efforts. Her impact is profound, and we are incredibly proud of her.
Click to see the full Honour Roll Citation for Lynda (Daisy) Poke
Leveraging her extensive skills, Lynda has provided invaluable voluntary support to several local community organisations. She served as a member of the Committee of Management of the Daylesford Neighbourhood Centre and the Dharma School Daylesford for three years each. Additionally, her role on the Hepburn Shire Diversity and Equality Advisory Committee ensured that gender equity remained a central focus in community planning and inclusion.
Lynda played a pivotal role in establishing Health Futures Australia, a local health promotion charity and social enterprise, over a five-year period. She contributed essential start-up services that enabled the organisation to operate the Healthy Lunch Kitchen, providing nutritious meals to six local schools.
As General Manager of Springs Medical Centre for nine years, Lynda was instrumental in developing a thriving General Practice, introducing innovative services such as the “Spring in Your Step” lifestyle modification program for high-risk community members. Under her leadership, Springs Medical Centre was recognised as the Victorian General Practice of the Year by the Royal Australasian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) in 2018.
Lynda consistently demonstrates outstanding community leadership, particularly in advocating for at-risk and vulnerable populations, including women and children. Her voluntary contributions of financial, governance and operational expertise to local charities and non-profit organisations are a testament to her commitment to community well-being.
Notably, Lynda co-led a grassroots effort challenging the Victorian Liquor Licensing Commission regarding a new liquor outlet in Daylesford. This initiative, which spanned several years, aimed to protect vulnerable community members, especially women and children, from the potential harms of alcohol-related issues. Through her tireless efforts in both voluntary and professional capacities, Lynda inspires others, particularly women, to lead and govern with strength, compassion and conviction. She is a trailblazer in the business and finance sector, specialising in support for small businesses and community organisations. These areas are traditionally underrepresented by women who have often had to work harder to forge their paths.
Bring your Kids to Join local artist/educator, Penelope Cato for some creative fun!
PRE SCHOOL ART CLUB: (Guardian Assisted) 3-5yrs
Explore a range of themes, mediums and techniques. Paint, stamp, draw and make art with like-minded pre-schoolers and carers. All materials supplied.
Dates: Each Tuesday May 6th-Tuesday June 3rd; 2.00-3.00pm. Cost $130 per term.
ART CLUB FOR KIDS: Prep –Grade 4
Explore a range of themes, mediums and techniques. Sketch, weave, print, paint and draw with like-minded individuals. Week one trial class is free and open to anyone who wishes to give Art Club a try! All materials supplied.
Dates: Each Tuesday April 29th-Tuesday June 24th; 3.45pm-5.00pm: Cost $208 per term.
Our Tutor: Local artist/educator, Penelope Cato, is eager to share her experience and knowledge with budding young artists. Penelope has an abiding interest in nature and a love for patterning and Japanese design. A multi-disciplinary artist, Penelope has a background in design across disciplines and creates imaginative works with aesthetic appeal and subtle layers of meaning. Her experience directing, inspiring and engaging students together with her passion for art make her an asset to our junior artistic community.
Bookings: To Book your child’s place for either (or both) class/es, call DNC at 5348 3569.
DNC Joke of The Week
A talking frog shows up in the offices of a posh downtown Melbourne bank. He proceeds to ask the bank officer for a loan of $1 million. Patty Whak , the loan officer , said she didn’t understand, and he says “Well, my name is Kermit and my father is Mick Jagger. We have banked at various branches of this institution several times.”
The loan officer still protested and said for that size of a loan they would need some type of collateral, so Kermit produced a small ceramic elephant and placed it on her desk.
Patty was very confused and excused herself to go speak with the manager carrying the trinket with her. When she relayed the crazy story to her manager, she showed him the small ceramic elephant and said “I don’t know what to do, what even is this?”
The bank manager replied “It’s a knickknack, Patty Whak. Give the frog a loan. His old man is a Rolling Stone.”
