We are going from strength to strength at Train of Lights, and it appears that this year, our revenue will be very close to lasts years total. This is an amazing effort considering that we have seven less days, and that the attendees have more vendors to choose from.
To those members that have supported this event, in body and spirit, thank you. To those that have been part of the nights where we sold more than 200 sausages, well done and I will personally thank everyone during the next club meeting on the 29th of July. I'm continually reminded that it’s not a competition, although as I've worked on the two busiest nights, maybe it is....
Last week was a special occasion for the club as we inducted our newest member, Kirsty Bates. Kirsty has already shown her community spirit by volunteering at Train of Lights and I'm sure we will see more of her enthusiasm over the coming months. We also have a number of prospective members attending our club meetings, so please make them feel welcome as we want them to enjoy the meetings as much as we do. Please remember that we are stronger together.
As we had no guest speaker last week, I took the opportunity to update the members on my vision for the year. In summary, I'm planning to focus on service and projects this year, and I'll do this by structuring the monthly meetings as follows:
Week 1 - a normal club meeting with an awesome guest speaker (thanks to Anna)
Week 2 - a club meeting with a guest speaker from a local service organisation (again, thanks to Anna)
Week 3 - a meeting focused on projects (in August this will be Youth focused meeting)
Week 4 - a night of fellowship in a social setting (thanks to Emma and Catherine - Fellowship Chairs)
Week 5 (four times per year) - a Fireside chat/Club Assembly night with a Rotary theme. In July this will be my Behind the Badge talk, and in September, District Governor Peter will be our guest.
I will also keep talking about succession planning, member engagement and participation in club activities as long as I can. Please, if you have a query, or know of a project that we could consider, let me know. Rotary is not all about the global projects, and if everyone can do something, whatever the impact, what a difference that would make.
Also, as mentioned by DGE Emma last week, on Tuesday the 22nd we will have our first social night of the year - Christmas in July. Please attend, have fun and reenergise after the 18-night Train of Lights activity.
On the following club meeting night, being the 29th, Kelly will update everyone on the 2026 District Conference in Hobart and as usual, our Club will strive to have the best theme and costume. Winning back to back titles is difficult, however I'm sure we'll give it a red hot go.
Rotary Snippet -
Rotary International is actively involved in the fight against malaria through its "Rotarians Against Malaria" (RAM) program. RAM focuses on preventing, controlling, and eliminating malaria, particularly in the South Pacific and other vulnerable regions. Our very own Gloria Hargreaves is an integral part of this project, in addition to being a passionate advocate of RAM.
In order to confirm numbers for meetings at the pub, please ensure that you communicate the following to PP PHF Lorna:
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!
Rotary Meeting Minutes
Opening & Welcome
Brief introduction and overview of the meeting's different approach.
Special recognition for volunteers and upcoming events, including a toast.
Guests & Prospective Members
Welcome to Mel from Rotary Club of Western Creek.
Prospective members present: Graham, Sally (noted for consecutive weeks), Kirsty with partner Ryan, Jess (second week).
Appreciation expressed for ongoing interest and return of prospective members.
Community Service & Fundraising
Current train of lights community service event: five nights, with high participation.
Highlighted success in leaderboards on sales creating a fun, competitive approach to the event; upcoming event Thursday with Metro Trains means we will be providing 400 pre-bought sausages.
Acknowledgment of ongoing effort and preparation.
Acknowledgements & Apologies
List of members with apologies for absence were read out
Details of members involved in train of lights volunteering, often working multiple nights.
Appreciation for consistent participation.
Celebrations
Birthday: Members celebrating—own birthday this week (Peter) and Ali's one-year anniversary (Wednesday).
Well wishes extended.
Toast to the Elderly – PP PHF John Ritchie – Joanne Van Leeuwen
I was born in Denhaik, Holland, in 1946, a year after the war ended, as the middle sister among two brothers and 3 sisters. My father worked as a pastry cook, and on Sundays, he would bring home cakes. In 1960, when I was 14, my family moved to Australia in search of a better life, settling in Dandenong, where my dad continued his work in pastry. I began working as a machinist in a stocking factory while taking painting classes at Caulfield to nurture my passion.
Later, seeking a change of scenery, I moved to the Northern Territory, where I took on various odd jobs and became involved with the Aboriginal community, offering help wherever I could. Eventually, I returned to Melbourne, where I worked in an aged care home kitchen and later as a home carer, assisting individuals with daily tasks.
I visited Holland once to see my cousins. Though I never married or had children, I've filled my life with activities I love, particularly hiking and cycling. My landscape paintings adorn my room, and I keep photo albums of my travels, including hikes in Vietnam, New Zealand, and Nepal, as well as cross country skiing on Mount Kosciuszko. I regularly participated in the Great Vic Bike Ride from Adelaide to Melbourne, and one of my proudest achievements was a six -week hike from Perth to Albany at the age of 65.
District & Club Updates
Members attended District Changeover; Emma Clark now District Governor-elect.
Upcoming: Club board meeting Saturday, conference launch, and Hobart trip preparations.
Appreciation for existing club speakers, with programs secured for the rest of the year.
Induction of Newest Member - Kirsty Bates
Kirsty shared her excitement about joining and her enthusiasm for community service and Rotary activities.
Kirsty’s sponsor, Melinda,
Club Structure & Future Planning
Introduction of proposed new meeting schedule:
Week 1: Regular club night
Week 2: Service-focussed night
Week 3: Project-specific night (current focus)
Week 4: Fellowship night
Additional special nights for fifth weeks, including a Christmas in July event.
Focus on project development, leadership by project chairs (Gloria, Tina).
Emphasis on volunteer-led projects based on passion, rather than strict committee membership.
Project & Community Involvement
Ongoing projects: Youth programs, speech contests, breakfast club, etc.
Encouragement for members to propose new projects via a simple formal process, including board approval.
Flexibility in participation—members can choose projects aligned with their interests.
Discussion & Q&A
Clarification on how to volunteer for committees and projects.
Affirmation that projects can be initiated at any time with minimal formalities.
Emphasis on project-based involvement to streamline participation.
Reminder that all ongoing projects remain active unless deemed unnecessary or unsupported.
Other Items & Announcements
Upcoming events, including youth-focused project nights.
Tracking of club dates, events, and activities ongoing.
Appreciation for long-standing history and contributions.
Dementia Café Update
Planning phase; started a schedule and funding plan.
Deferred launch to September to allow volunteer training, equipment setup, and weather considerations.
Funding includes $2,000 from Cardinia Community Foundation (for equipment/activities) and potential sponsorships for up to $5,000.
The café will run every other Wednesday at the RSL, focusing on supporting both people with dementia and their carers.
Training and volunteer commitment (about 18 months) are needed for committee roles.
Aiming to have everything ready by end of August for a September start.
Social Function & Fellowship Committee
First event scheduled for next Tuesday at Catherine’s house, costing $5.
Activities include Christmas-themed refreshments, games, prizes, and dress-up.
Partners, guests, and children welcomed, RSVP via flyer.
Additional nibbles and contributions encouraged.
Future events planned every fourth week, with the first at Catherine’s house
Other Announcements
Recognition of recent efforts and upcoming opportunities to get involved.
Members encouraged to participate in events and projects.
Emphasis on welcoming new members and fostering engagement.
Closing
Members invited to connect with leaders for questions or ideas.
Lighthearted note about interpretive dance and upcoming initiatives.
Train Of Lights -
Sunday 13th Monday 14th Tuesday 15th
Wednesday 16th Thursday 17th Friday 18th
& Saturday 19th
District 9815 Changeover 12th July 2025
The new Emerald Village Association Newsletter is out with an article,
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 $125.00
Chocolate Winner
Graeme Heatley
Duty Roster
Chairperson
Fellowship
Furnishings
Response
Speaker Minder
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Member Birthdays
Peter Brock
July 17
Kelly McAllister
July 30
Spouse Birthdays
Milan Colic
July 11
Tanya Brock
July 11
Kelly McAllister
July 30
Anniversaries
Catherine Elfick
Dominic Elfick PP, PHF
July 28
Join Date
Emma Clark
July 2, 2002
23 years
Marcus Adams
July 2, 2002
23 years
John Henderson
July 5, 2016
9 years
Shalini Penny
July 5, 2016
9 years
Ali Bowyer
July 16, 2024
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 outHERE
