We gather together on the lands of the traditional custodians, the Wurundjeri people. We pay our respects to all of Melbourne’s First Peoples, to their ancestors and Elders, and to our shared future together.
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Presidential Press
Sincere thanks to Past President Fabienne Nichola for standing in for me at late notice last week and to Teresa for taking on the role of chair. Fabienne provided the following summary.
I understand that we had similar issues in our second trial at the Tower Hotel to the first trial – mainly with the PA system. I have asked our Fellowship chair and one other member to assist to get this matter resolved so we can decide on our new venue.
Looking forward to next week 4th June – Art Show Sponsors Night. An important meeting for our club as we progress toward our Art Show. Guest Speaker Chris White is our judge this year and his topic will be the future of performing and visual arts in Australia. Also in attendance will be our major sponsor Bendigo Bank so I look forward to seeing as many members there as possible.
Let the Magic of Rotary continue to Create Hope in our Communities and the World!
On behalf of the board, I am extremely pleased and excited to advise the following:
Vijay Susarla will fill the vacant President Elect role for 2024 -2025 and naturally Vijay will take on the President role in the 2025 - 2026 Rotary year. Vijay is a former Club Secretary and President Elect with our club
Daya Govender will take on the role of President Elect in the 2025 - 2026 Rotary year
Nadia Hamilton will take up the recently vacated role of Chair – Community Services in the 2025 – 2026 year. Nadia is a Royce Abbey Recipient and has been an effective member of this committee for a number of years.
Both Vijay and Daya are experienced Rotarians and past presidents, and the board has no doubt that they will lead the club well over the next couple of years.
This is fantastic news for our club and District 9800.
Wednesday 4th June – Art Show Sponsors Night – Guest Speaker Chris White is our judge this year and his topic will be the future of performing and visual arts in Australia.
Over the years Chris has been a great supporter of Rotary having judged numerous art shows and as a featured exhibitor.
Also in attendance will be our major sponsor Bendigo Bank.
Wednesday 11th June – Member Victor Wang will deliver a Member Behind the Badge presentation. We will also introduce our 2025 – 2026 President Vijay Susarla and 2025 – 2026 President Elect Daya Govender so would love to see as many members there as possible – especially our newer members.
Wednesday 18th June – Art Show update session for members in preparation for the upcoming Art Show.
Wednesday 25th June – No Dinner Meeting as we will be setting up the Art Show.
Wednesday 2nd July – No Dinner Meeting as we will be running the Art Show.
Saturday 5th July – District Changeover – Grand Star Receptions, Altona
Wednesday 9th July – “Club Changeover” Venue to be advised
This project is being delivered with the support of a number of Rotary clubs and a District Grant from the Rotary Foundation.
Vijay Susarla and John Walmsley arrived in Dili on Friday 25th May and on the following day met with the Director and Superintendent of the Education Department in Bacau with whom they completed an MoU.
Since then, they have visited more than a dozen villages with Ms Leo Guterres who is the in country Coordinator where they inspected potential Toilet and Water Tanks sites.
They have more meetings arranged for next week in Bacau and Dili and are due to back in Melbourne on Friday 6th June after a “red eye “ flight from Darwin.
By now you would have received a number of Signup Confirmation emails from Alan Lorenzini. Alan has allocated you to these Shifts based on your previous availability and workload.
It's important you record these Volunteer Shifts in your diary/calendar, and if you use a digital calendar, you can click on the "event-details-ics" file at the bottom of the email - this will put the shift straight into your digital diary.
But would you like to see a list of all your Shifts in one place? Of course you would, and it's easily done:
Go to our Club website. Make sure you are logged in
Click on "Member's Services" on the Home Page Menu Line, and select "My ClubRunner"
Select the "Commitments" option, and there are all your Volunteer Tasks listed:
So you now can check and make sure all your Shifts are in your Calendar, either manual or digital. Remember the Art Show does not function efficiently if people do not attend for their allocated Shifts.
Membership is on the rise in Rotary South Pacific (Zone 8)
Report from PDG Andy Rajapakse
Director and Membership Portfolio Lead, RI Zone 8 Regional Council
Rotary Zone 8 is one of 11 Rotary Zones in the world that is showing net membership gains as of 30 April 2025 compared to their performances on 30 April 2024. Zone 8 net growth was +250 members since 1st July 2024. As of 20th May this growth has increased to a net +294 members. Zone 8 growth this year is better than many Rotary Zones in the USA, Europe and South America.
We congratulate our amazing members, Club Presidents, Rotary Community Leaders, District Governors, RISPPO Staff, Regional Council Directors, Steering Committee Members and the Zone 8 Membership Team for growing Rotary in Zone 8.
This year in our Zone, we see that 239 Rotary Clubs that had not recorded a net growth in the last 4 years, are now showing net member gains. That is 20% of our Rotary clubs! The first Rotary Club to be formed in Australia, the Rotary Club of Melbourne is one of them, with a record growth of net +15 members and still the largest Rotary club in our Zone with 158 members.
See the full article in the Rotary South Pacific “In Unison” Newsletter _______________________________________________________________________
Support Needed for New South Wales Flood Emergency
Dear Member,
As communities across New South Wales face one of the most devastating flood emergencies in recent memory, we are once again called to act with compassion and urgency.
In just two days, parts of the state have received four months’ worth of rain, triggering flash floods that have inundated homes, cut off entire towns, and tragically claimed lives. Over 50,000 residents have been warned to evacuate or prepare for isolation, with major flooding affecting areas such as Taree, Wingham, Dungog, and the Mid North Coast.
Emergency services are stretched thin, conducting hundreds of rescues while many residents remain stranded. The full scale of the disaster is still unfolding, and the need for coordinated support is growing by the hour.
Rotary District 9660 is mobilising to assist affected communities. Disaster coordinators are being appointed, and collaboration with local authorities is underway. As with the Queensland response, mental health support will be a critical focus in the recovery phase.
How You Can Help:
There are two trusted ways to contribute:
District 9660 Disaster Fund Account (For immediate use by clubs and districts – not tax deductible)
Rotary Foundation Disaster Response Fund (Tax-deductible in Australia – ideal for individual donations,in support of the Disaster Response Grant application that is being prepared by the district) DONATE HERE
Your generosity will directly support those in need, helping to provide emergency supplies, shelter, and long-term recovery assistance.
Thank you all, across our region, for standing with our Australian communities during this time of crisis.
Yours in Rotary Service,
DG Bruce George
Rotary District 9660
M: 0419380059 bkg5762@activ8.net.au
Calling All Star Bakers in the Rotary Community! 🍰
Do You Know Australia’s Next Star Baker?
The Great Australian Bake Off is Back – Casting Now for Season 9!
Fire up the oven and dust off that apron — The Great Australian Bake Off is returning for its 9th season, and we’re on the hunt for amateur bakers from every corner of the country to stepinto the Bake Off Shed and show us what they’ve got!
This feel-good, taste-better telly favourite is casting right now, and we’re calling on communities big and small to help us find the next Star Baker. Whether you bake for the love, the laughs or the local show, we want to hear from you.
Maybe it’s the ribbon-winning sponge queen of the local show, or the legend who brings baked brilliance to smoko every week. From kitchen benches to lunchroom tables, Bake Off wants to showcase Aussies who rise to the occasion — and yes, that includes the fellas!
Let’s be honest — baking’s not just a CWA affair (though we do love a lace doily). We know plenty of blokes who are rolling dough, icing masterpieces and smashing out sourdough before sunrise. So, if your mate, mum, neighbour or Nonna’s got what it takes, give them a
nudge to apply.
We want to see flavours as diverse as the country itself — a true melting pot of cultures, styles and sweet (or savoury!) traditions. Whether it’s a childhood favourite or your own signature twist, we welcome bakers of all backgrounds and baking styles.
So, we ask you:
Are you passionate about pastry?
Does your sponge rise to the challenge?
Do you know someone who brings a showstopper to every birthday or barbecue?
It’s time to apply!
APPLY NOW: www.greataustralianbakeoff.com Eligibility:
✔ You must be 16 years or over
✔ You must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
🎬 Filming will take place mid-August to early October 2025, so make sure you’re free to whisk, fold and bake up a storm.
For: Media Enquiries, interviews with past contestants or producers, or access to
promotional materials please email: Casting.BakeOffAU@bbc.com
Join me on the Cape to Cape Trek for Disaster Relief 🥾
Dear ROTARY
ShelterBox Australia is heading to Western Australia in October to take on the iconic Cape to Cape track—all to raise crucial funds for families who have lost everything to disaster. And we want you with us!
Join me and an incredible team of supporters (including Dr Rob Walliser Chair of the ShelterBox Australia Board), for this unforgettable journey on one of the world’s great coastal walks.
About Cape to Cape
You’ll be trekking in Western Australia over 7 days.
With rugged headlands, steep ridges, and coastal cliffs to conquer, each day offers an exhilarating test of endurance, culminating in a triumphant finish at the iconic Cape Leeuwin.
You will be rewarded with breathtaking coastal vistas and towering limestone cliffs set against the backdrop of Margaret River’s unique landscapes.
While you take on this epic challenge, raise vital funds for emergency shelter and tools for families robbed of their homes by disaster, and help to transform despair into hope.
Over the past few years, intrepid supporters taking part in our 'Trek 4 Shelter' campaign have raised over $350,000!
Join us today or share this email with your friends and family and help ensure no family goes without shelter following disaster.
Register before the 30th of June for just one dollar using the discount code
