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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Trial Dinner Meeting - Tower Hotel
We had a trial dinner meeting at the Tower Hotel on Wednesday 9th April. Thirty seven members and seven guests attend on the night. It was generally a successful event, however there are some items which need improvement, such as the PA system and the fact that there were some members of the public in our space which was not supposed to be the case. Teething matters which no doubt can be sorted out.
The Baked Barramundi / Chicken Kiev meals and presentation were very good as was the service on the night. Members would not have known but behind the screen was a large round table perfect for meetings, which is where the board held its meeting.
It has been proposed that we hold a second trial but before we do we want feedback from all members who attended on the night. Please be aware of a communication you will receive from Fellowship Chair Patrick Docherty seeking your feedback. Your response will be greatly appreciated.
Honorary Membership – Andy Spry
Member Behind the Badge
Our guest speaker on the night was none other than Lindy Anderson who recently completed one years’ membership with the club. Lindy is currently on the Youth and Vocation committee.
Lindy is married to member Murray Anderson, has three children and six grandchildren and her interests are Singing, Cycling, Car Racing, and having fun which I can attest to as we have been neighbours for over ten years.
Looking forward to seeing you back at Conochie Hall on 16th April when our Guest Speaker will be Ben Yosef, and his topic is “Dogs for Life”.
Let the Magic of Rotary continue to Create Hope in our Communities and the World!
Wednesday 16th April – Guest Speaker, Ben Yosef – Topic “Dogs for Life”
Wednesday 23rd April – Guest Speaker, Margaret Chipperfield – Topic “No Buts”
Wednesday 30th April – Guest Speaker – Felicity Sinfield – Leaders Mentoring Program’ co-run by the Central Melbourne Rotary Cub and Victoria Police.
Sunday 4th May - The District Learning and Engagement Forum (formerly District Assembly) will be held on 4th May at Torrens University, Flinders Street, Melbourne. This will run from approx 9am to 1pm. More detail will be provided soon and along with a TryBooking link to register
Thursday 8th May – Our Club will celebrate with North Balwyn their 45 Year Anniversary at the Green Acres Golf Club, East Kew. Greg Ross tells me that there will be fantastic entertainment.
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.
Help Rotary support flood victims in western Queensland
Dear Rotarian,
Following record-breaking rainfall, Western Queensland is being inundated by the worst floods to hit the region in fifty years, with more rain forecast for the next few days.
Hundreds of residents have been forced to evacuate, thousands of homes are at risk and farmers are losing substantial amounts of stock, significantly impacting their families and livelihoods.
The full scale of this situation is still unfolding, but it is expected to be severe.
Districts 9620 and 9560 are working together to support impacted communities. They have already appointed a disaster coordinator, conducted an initial needs assessment, and contacted state and local government authorities to collaborate. Addressing mental health issues will likely become a key focus of their efforts following the disaster.
How you can help
There are two ways you can support these efforts and be sure that the funds will help directly:
Donate to the District 9560 Disaster Fund Account (NO tax deductibility, therefore suitable for club and district donations, for immediate funding availability) - BSB 633000 and Account Number 186414595
and/or
Donate to the Rotary Foundation Disaster Response Fund (WITH tax deductibility in Australia, therefore suitable for individuals, in support of the Disaster Response Grant application that is being prepared by the districts) - DONATE HERE
Thank you kindly for your consideration.
Yours in Rotary,
Andrew Gillespie & Sue Mulraney
District Governors
Rotary International Districts 9560 & 9620
Myanmar & Thailand struck by devastating Earthquake
Dear ROTARY
ShelterBox is sending a team to Thailand, and we urgently need your help.
Myanmar and Thailand have been struck by a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake, causing widespread destruction. Tremors were felt as far as China when the earthquake hit central Myanmar
The full extent of the damage is still unknown, but early reports show enormous destruction across both Myanmar and Thailand.
This is a huge humanitarian crisis. We are deploying a team to Thailand.
Myanmar’s authorities have made a rare request for international humanitarian aid and declared a state of emergency across six regions. Similarly, Thai authorities have declared a state of emergency in Bangkok, where buildings are not designed to withstand such shocks. Vulnerable people in these countries will be homeless and in need of emergency shelter. They need your help.
ShelterBox is deploying a team to Thailand to coordinate efforts and determine how best to support those affected by the earthquake across the region. Your support is crucial in making this response possible.
We have experience supporting people in Myanmar and Thailand and urgently need your help while we understand the best way to respond.
Your donation today will help families made homeless by disaster or conflict, wherever the need is greatest.
30 April 2025: Last day for registration Register early to take advantage of discounted rates.
VALUE – Why you should go:
Conference Registration and all events separately priced for all budgets (club members generally attend both the Friday night cocktail event and the Saturday night gala event).
An investment in you and your club.
Establish relationships.
Networking across Districts.
Sharing of tools to achieve impactful community outcomes.
Enjoy the club’s ‘On to Conference’ tour – details to be advised separately
Registration costs
Standard cost - Attendance for 2-day summit program: $250pp
Friday night cocktail function: $55pp (not included in summit program above)
Saturday Gala evening: $95pp (not included in summit program above)
Sunday Foundation Breakfast: $45pp (not included in summit program above)
🌍 Spring 2025 Peace Week Starts Tuesday! Rotary International President Stephanie Urchick
introduces our Special Peace Week Activities at the Rosalyn and Jimmy Carter School of Peace and Conflict Resolution!
🗓️ Date: April 15, 2025
🕒 Time: 3:00 PM PT / 6:00 PM ET / 22:00 UTC
📍 Theme:Building Bridges for Peace – “Ya Gotta be BULLYPROOF!”
🎙️ Presented by: The Mega-Meeting & The FutureWAVE People-Powered Planet Podcast
