May 30 It is with regret that the Warrnambool Gem Club has to announce the passing of Helen Butrumulis. Helen's son Joshua (a club member), informed us that Helen had passed away last Saturday. Many of you will know that Helen served as club president for 5 years, from 2019 to 2024. It is only by the willingness of members such as Helen to take on such roles that clubs such as ours can continue. Helen was involved in promoting silversmithing work in our club and was a major contributor to the club's recent Gemshows; along with her son Joshua. Helen has contributed to the club over many years and was largely responsible for the decision to purchase the two new 'soft diamond wheel cabbing machines'. I know many club members are finding those machines to be really great for their cabbing work

June The two photos above are Top a Rhodonite pendant and below a Blue Lace Agate pendant. Both the gems were cut and polished by Therese who also did the silversmithing work. September 19th. Members from the Riverland Gem & Mineral Club, led by their President Paul Marshall, joined Warrnambool club members plus some members of the public up at the Mt Shadwell quarry at Mortlake. The weather was lovely with blue skys and light winds. Entry to the quarry requires booking online ( https://book.bookeasy.com/agent/port-fairy--region-visitor-information- centre/7091767/tours/mortlake-olivine-fossicking/148352 ). Costs are $10/adult, $5 concession or children). Geo picks, solid plastic buckets and protective glasses were provided for fossickers without their own equipment. The quarry has expanded massively since my last visit up there (see the two photos below, looking from the NW end of the quarry). The entrance to the quarry is at the far end of the quarry and ‘rehabilitation works have been carried out on the sides of the quarry. The vehicles in the quarry belonged to members from the ‘Riverland’ and Warrnambool clubs with the fossicking area in the foreground.