This week’s reflections from President Vijay Susarla
Meeting of 13 August 2025
A Cracking Presentation on Egg Farming by our Guest Speaker Brian Ahmed
It was all worthwhile hearing about how Brian landed in his family farming business and running it successfully for four decades, as a qualified mechanical engineer!!
I was pleased to attend two Rotary functions, one being the celebrations of 60th Anniversary of Rotary Club of Lilydale (sponsored by our Camberwell Rotary). There was a display of memorabilia going back for many years. President Cheryl Mackay gave a presentation on the Club’s timeline. I had an opportunity to take a photo of the attendance on the Charter meeting at Monash University.
I attended the launch Balwyn Blue Satellite Club (sponsored by Balwyn Rotary ). A total of nine Charter members were inducted from Victoria Police. It was emphasised in the presentations that Rotary Mentoring Program for Victoria Police has been running successfully for about 17 years and has had a positive impact on individual officers.
We bid farewell to Conochie Hall after about six decades of Club meetings at this venue. Robert Howell (Centre Manger) and Lokesh Matlas (Hospitality Manager) spoke highly about Rotary’s humanitarian projects, self-less service and acknowledged our long lasting bonding with the Conochie Hall for decades.
Jon Oppy and Geoff Heath gave presentations reminiscing ‘good old days’ and our Club members involvement in the development of the Conochie Hall as what is it today!! A great effort by our past and present members over the decades!!
As a token of appreciation Camberwell Rotary gave a gift to each of the current staff who have been looking after us for a number of years!!
Our Bulletin has a new section “Members’ News” for members to share their stories / achievements. Please email information to: susarla2008@gmail.com
“On the road to Darwin after travelling through western and NSW. 4000km trip then onto Bali. Returning home via Alice Springs to catch up with old friends”..
We began our trip of a lifetime in Milan, where Fulvia was born. The warm weather was very conducive to strolling down the streets of the “Fashion Quadrant.” Unfortunately, the poor conversion rate ($2 = 1 Euro) curtailed Fulvia’s shopping spree. We saw Il Duomo both inside and walked the terraces on top.
Naturally, a day trip to Lake Como was a must and of course we had tea with George and Amal Clooney. Ha Ha!
We drove to the Dolomites one day to an elevation of 2244 metres and Lake Carezza. Perfect picture postcard scenery!
We have now left Italy to begin our East European adventure. Stay tuned for our next instalment.
Dear George and everyone at the Rotary Club of Camberwell,
I hope this email finds you in good spirits.
We are delighted to inform you that Denis is about to complete his first year at university, thanks to your generous support. Denis and his peers are finishing up their final examinations before completing their first year.
Now that Denis is nearing the end of his academic year, we thought it would be a good time to share an update with you, reflecting on their first year of studies. Please find attached an update about Denis and what this academic year has been like for him. We hope you enjoy reading it, and if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
We deeply thank you, George and everyone at the Rotary Club of Camberwell, for your unwavering support. Your generosity is turning Denis’s dreams into reality.
Each Rotary Club will be given 5 minutes to provide any updates they wish to share.
If you are interested and available to attend, email to Fabienne: fabes.n@bigpond.net.auby Tuesday 03rd Sept. 2025, to send numbers attending from our Club to the Council.
A summary of an article in Rotary 360 | The official blog of Rotary International by Jeeten Bhambari, Rotary Chandigarh Midtown Club, India, 5 August 2025
Whether you are a seasoned veteran or a relative newcomer, it is worth reflecting on the immense benefits of Rotary membership. In his article, Jeeten Bhambari emphasises that Rotary offers far more than other clubs, delivering significant professional, personal, and wellbeing benefits to its members.
Networking & Professional Development
Rotary meetings, events, and service projects bring together leaders from diverse industries and backgrounds, creating an environment for exchanging ideas, sharing best practices, being mentored or becoming a mentor, and exploring business opportunities. Members can develop leadership and management skills through club roles and project coordination, with many forming lifelong friendships as well as enhancing their careers.
Personal Growth & Learning
Rotary fosters ongoing learning through guest speakers who are experts across a wide range of fields, expanding members’ knowledge and awareness of global and local issues. It offers practical skill-building opportunities such as public speaking, project management, and leadership through club and district positions. Members also gain cross-cultural understanding through international programs and experience the satisfaction of making a meaningful difference both locally and globally.
Health & Wellness
Membership supports mental and emotional health through regular social interaction, provides physical activity through hands-on service projects, reduces stress by engaging in purposeful work, and offers a strong sense of belonging and purpose — all vital for emotional well-being.
Jeeten Bhambari closes by noting that Rotary has over 1.2 million members worldwide who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change. With August designated as Membership Month, it is the perfect time to invite others to experience the warmth of our fellowship, the inspiration of our speakers, and the satisfaction of serving others
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)
