Sparkle 46#28 - 3rd February 2026 (Feb. 03, 2026)

Dear friends,

I hope that everyone coped with last week's heat and managed to keep cool whether it was at home, or off the hill.

Due to the extreme weather forecast, many members, including our scheduled speaker, were apologies which allowed our first meeting to be held in the Clematis Room of the Paradise Valley Hotel. As no guest speaker, Anna again stepped up and chaired our second general knowledge quiz, interspersed with Rotary questions. Many members showed good form in answering the challenging questions, with prizes awarded for the more difficult topics.

This week, as the weather has improved, we will hear from Dorothy Gilmore, talking about the SAFE organisation. SAFE Families was founded in 2018 by Rotarians Dorothy Gilmour and Mary Barry to address the underlying causes of family violence, elder abuse, and child abuse.

This week, we will be back on the verandah, and I look forward to catching up with everyone, including a couple of prospective members. Please introduce yourself and encourage them to return!

Rotary Snippet - Key Rotary dates

Rotary International birthday - Rotary International’s birthday is February 23rd celebrating the founding of the first club by Paul Harris and three friends in Chicago on February 23, 1905. Now known as World Rotary Day,

The Rotary Foundation - The Rotary Foundation was born on June 18, 1917, when Rotary International President Arch C. Klumph proposed the creation of an endowment fund "for the purpose of doing good in the world" at the Rotary Convention in Atlanta, Georgia. It began with a donation of $26.50 and was later renamed The Rotary Foundation in 1928.

Rotary in Australia - In 1921, Rotary International, already establishing a global footprint, saw the potential in the burgeoning nations of Australia and New Zealand. Two Canadians, James W. Davidson and J. Layton Ralston, were appointed as special commissioners tasked with introducing Rotary in Australia. Their most significant meeting was with Sir John Monash – a brilliant engineer, revered military commander, and a key figure in Australia's post-war development. Monash, along with other prominent figures like businessman Wilfrid Russell Grimwade, saw the value in Rotary's blend of fellowship and service. The conversations gained momentum, culminating in the official chartering of the Rotary Club of Melbourne on April 21, 1921 – the first club in Australia.

https://www.rotary.org/en/about-rotary/history

Yours in Rotary

Peter Brock

AGENDA For Tuesday 3rd February 2026

In order to confirm numbers for meetings at the pub, please ensure that you communicate the following to PP PHF Lorna: 0408 506 622

notify if NOT attending by 12 noon on the MONDAY before the meeting
and notify if bringing guests or visitor
notify at any time about future absences and holidays.

Thank You!

Club Meeting 27th January 2026

President Peter Brock wished everyone a Happy New Year and acknowledging the unusually small attendance, possibly the smallest in recent history. Members reflected fondly on meeting in the same room before the club grew and moved to the larger veranda.

First Meeting Back: Challenges & Adaptation

Christmas & Holiday Social Events

Strong appreciation is expressed for the beach party, described as a highlight of the summer break.
A big thankyou to the organisers.
Unfortunately, a planned 'burnt chop night' at Tina’s house was cancelled due to a last-minute illness.

Apologies

Instead of listing absentees, Peter noted it was easier to say who is present.

Birthdays

Greg Adams - January 23rd

John Henderson - January 25th (milestone birthday)

Wedding Anniversaries over December and January

John & Lorna Shaw (over five decades) January 31st

John & Angela Henderson - January 5th

Marcus & Sally Adams - January 27th

Busy Club Calendar Ahead

The next 5–6 months are described as especially busy, with many major events scheduled:

Major Upcoming Events:

Gembrook Classic & Custom Car Show (February)
District Conference (March)
Mental Health Forum (May)
Debutant Ball (June)
Club Changeover (June)
District Governor Changeover to Emma (4 July)

In addition:

Smaller activities are being planned (e.g. food packing).
A strong lineup of speakers are already booked.

Due to the original speaker cancelling, Anna organised an interactive quiz activity:

25 easy questions
Small prizes involved

Committee Reports:

EarlyAct - The tap has been installed on the School Oval. The EarlyActs donated $1,500 and RC Emerald $500

Community - Menzies Creek Primary School Project

A proposed hands-on skills project for a local primary school is discussed.

The program would involve:

Teaching practical skills (woodworking, concreting, cooking, metalwork, bricklaying).

Running in blocks of 6–7 weeks, one day per week, 1.5 hours per session.

The project Needs a coordinator and committee.

Does not have to rely solely on club members—external volunteers are welcome.

Has a keen and supportive school principal.

The school’s enrolment is currently low (~60 students), and the program could help with engagement and retention.

Members are encouraged to express interest or recommend skilled volunteers.

Environment - Clean Up Australia Day Sunday March 1st, 2026

The club will repeat last year’s successful model:
- Working alongside Scouts and a local Landcare group.
- A few hours of hands-on community clean-up.
Members are encouraged to wear Rotary shirts and participate.

Conference -

Upcoming conference, with 34 people attending. Costumes are being organized.

Bushfire Relief & RAWCS Donation

The club responded to recent fires across Victoria.
After consultation with the district, it was decided that financial donations were the most effective support.
The club donated $500 to RAWCS (Rotary Australia World Community Service), with additional member contributions.
Members were thanked for their support, and there is a plan to report back once outcomes from RAWCS are known.

Gembrook Classic & Custom Car Show & Swap Meet

All Hands On Deck - Save The Date PLEASE!

The new Emerald Village Association Newsletter is out with an article,

as usual penned by PP PHF Shalini Penny

CLICK HERE TO VIEW.

Emerald Rotary article on pages 16 & 17

Club Notices

Major Event Diary Dates:

Save the date - Conference 2026 is in Hobart!!! March 13th - 15th 2026. Nautical Theme

Other Items of Interest:

Feb 03, 2026

Dorothea Gilmour

SAFE

View entire list

Vision Statement

Thriving and resilient local

and global communities

Mission Statement

Working together to create positive change

in the well-being of our community and beyond

Rotary Invocation

For good food, good fellowship and the opportunity for service through Rotary we give thanks

Rotary Toast

To Australia and the people of Australia (toast) To Rotary International (toast)

4 Way Test

Of the things we think say and do

Is it the truth?

Is it fair to all concerned?

Will it build goodwill and better friendships?

Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

CHOCLOTTO JACKPOT $240.00

Chocolate Winner

Linda Culell

Duty Roster - 3rd February 2026

Chairperson

Adams, Greg

Fellowship

Adams, Marcus

Furnishings

Ash, Ian

Response

Ash, Kristine

Speaker Minder

Beckwith, Lyn

Toast To Glades

Ritchie, John

Duty Roster - 10th February 2026

Chairperson

Barrot, Gayle

Fellowship

Bowyer, Ali

Furnishings

Bowyer, Roy

Response

Cain, Carol

Member Birthdays

Emma Clark

February 10

Spouse/Partner Birthdays

James Clark

February 7

Aneesh Bajaj

February 11

Dave Penny

February 22

Sally Adams

February 24

Join Date

John Ritchie

February 1, 1986

40 years

Susan Colic

February 4, 2025

1 year

Community Notices

Events

We are regularly asked to share information on other Rotary Club or community group events. Rather than list all of them in Sparkle, please check out them out HERE

ABN: 82 067 243 051 Registration No: A0020847W Chartered 28 March 1980

PO Box 46, Emerald VIC 3782 Tel: 0408 769 491

www.emeraldrotary.org.au info@emeraldrotary.org.au

www.facebook.com/Rotaryclubemeralddistrictinc