This week’s reflections from President Vijay Susarla
Meeting of 6 August 2025
We enjoyed an excellent presentation from Carolyn Ingvarson from Electrify Boroondara, who clearly outlined a range of energy-saving and home electrification options—from heat pump hot water systems to replacing ducted heating and integrating solar solutions. Electrify Boroondara is helping households transition to clean energy.
Electrify Boroondara invites community members to get involved and take advantage of the resources available by attending Expo25 on Saturday, 12 October at Hawthorn Town Hall which will also provide Free home assessments. Carolyn was supported by her friends Lyndy Boyd and Frank Boyd, as our guests for the evening.
Priya Saikia from Rotary Club of Golaghat Elegance (State of Assma in the north east of India) attended our Club meeting. The Club (Chartered in 2023) has a number of projects providing education to the underprivileged, and improving the environment in the Golaghat region.
Farewell to Conochie Hall:
It is with a heavy heart we are relocating from the Canterbury Centre (BassCare - Conochie Hall) as the Centre is destined for a major development soon. Conochie Hall has been at the heart of our Club's activities for more than four decades and hold many memories for a number of members.
The Club would like to thank all staff at the BassCare, both management and
catering, past and present, who have been so obliging, professional and the friendliness extended to all our Club Members.
We are planning a ‘fitting farewell’ on the 13th August, our final meeting day at Conochie Hall. Murray Anderson has kindly agreed to compile a PowerPoint presentation reminiscing our activities over the years. Please send any special photos / videos to Murray.
Please attend our final meeting at Conochie Hall on the 13th August with your family / friends for this important and an emotional event, and enjoy FREE drinks !!!
We are relocating to the Tower Hotel, 686 Burwood Road, Hawthorn East for our weekly meetings from 20th August 2025.
Our Bulletin has a new section “Members’ News” for members to share their stories / achievements. Please email information to: susarla2008@gmail.com
Visiting a night market in Cha Am, Hua Hin, Thailand to check out a stall of an assortment of edible insects. Any one for lunch or a quick snack of grilled of worms or crickets?
After a very wet and cold 8 day drive up to Kilcoy where we are staying with our friends Chris and Leila Evans we are finally getting to enjoy some warm sunshine and blue sky days.
Weather on the way up from Melbourne was a shocker with ice in the puddles at Coonabarabran and a few inches of snow on the New England Hwy near Armidale, fortunately a couple on days after we drove through.
Attached are some photos of Chris and Leila's lovely old Queenslander home with our caravan parked right next door to their downstairs toilet. Most Convenient!!
One of the photos includes dogs inside the Caravan making it more like a mobile kennel than a van.
We are going to be here for a few more days and are debating whether to travel north up the coast or along an inland route. The weather has changed again since I started this email but at least it isn't too cold.
Will keep you posted on our travels from time to time.
It’s that time of year again, please put the dates 16 & 18 September in your diary for the Camberwell High School year 9 Mock Job Interviews. You will all be sent a Volunteer Signup Invitation shortly.
This year we have less students to interview: 64 on each day so we need 8 Desks each with 2 Interviewers, and each team will interview 8 Students over the course of the morning.
I will provide by email all the information you need for the process.
This is a call-out to all Members to create a strong presence from the Club. Everyone enjoyed this Rotary activity last year so please volunteer when you receive the Signup List Invitation.
Regionalization Update ZOOM from Rotary Community Leader –
Gary Goldsmith
WED 13 August – 7.30am Start – 8.30am Finish.
Southbank Elsternwick have invited Gary Goldsmith along to our clubs regular monthly virtual Zoom meeting to share with us any updates on how the regionalisation project is progressing. We have also asked Gary to share any words of wisdom or opportunities for the clubs in our group to collaborate on projects or friendship.
We are extending an invite to any Rotary club member in our group who may be interested in listening to Gary provide a regionalisation update. Details of the Zoom Link are:
Come and witness the official induction of members, the presentation of charters, and inspiring performances that reflect the unique energy and vision these clubs bring to our global Rotary family.
Together, we’ll set the stage for lasting impact and lifelong connections.
1. Clothing Sorting
We’ve received a significant donation of new clothing. Volunteers are needed to unpack items, remove packaging and tags, and separate branded from unbranded garments. Unbranded items will support local community programs, while branded clothing is sent to developing countries.
2. Packing School Backpacks
We fill school backpacks with essentials like a child’s T-shirt, notebook, pencils, a tote bag, and any other available items. These packs are then placed inside school desks and chairs, ready for shipment to schools in need.
3. First Aid Kit Assembly
We have many empty first aid boxes waiting to be filled. Once packed, these kits will be distributed to sporting clubs, remote Australian communities, and clinics in developing nations.
4. Birthing Kit Preparation
Thanks to our new partnership with Soap Aid, we now have most of what we need to assemble birthing kits. While our supply of kidney dishes is limited, we’re packing as many kits as possible while we can.
Come Lend a Hand!
You’re warmly invited to join us on any Tuesday or Thursday for a rewarding day of volunteering at DIK. Please let us know in advance if you’re coming – we want to be sure there’s enough milk in the fridge for your cuppa!
The Victorian Rotary Emergency Services Community Awards- (Vic RESCA) recognises the outstanding community Service of paid and volunteer members of Victorian Emergency Services making a difference in your communities and also supports Emergency Services Mental Health Research through the Emergency Services Foundation.
Patron: The Governor of Victoria- Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC
Join us for a memorable night of recognition and celebration.
Tickets are $100 per person.
"Tickets sales close midnight Thursday 28th August".
Saturday, 6 September, 6:30pm - 10:30pm AEST
Hyatt Place Event Centre - (entry at rear of building off Larkin Blvd)
