The Rotary Club of Narrabri officially welcomed its newest member at its dinner meeting held at the Tourist Hotel on Thursday, May 11.
Nicole Power was inducted into the club by president Dylan Smith, alongside her sponsoring member Karen Kirkby who also serves as vice president of the club.
Following her induction, Rotarians extended the Rotary hand of friendship to welcome their newest member.
Earlier in the evening, club members enjoyed hearing from Narrabri resident Clare Felton-Taylor.
Clare gave an excellent presentation on how her family had become involved in growing jojoba and selling a range of products produced from its oil.
After a few dry seasons in the 1980s, Clare’s parents looked to diversify.
They chose a plant that is native to the Sonoran desert in north west Mexico/South west USA which was adapted to a rainfall below 250mm.
Jump forward to the present and they have developed a successful business selling a range of skin products made from the waxy “oil” extracted from their Jojoba seed.
With her parents looking to retire in the near future, Clare has started to establish her own jojoba plantation on her 40 acre farm just out of Narrabri.
She described the many issues she has had in trying to establish a desert plant, which is difficult to strike from cuttings, in the recent wet years during the COVID pandemic.
Rotarians greatly appreciated the opportunity to take home some samples of the products.
The club welcomed Clare Felton-Taylor as the guest speaker. Pictured, back, Kirk Harvey, front, Sue Duncan, Clare and Karen Kirkby.
