On Monday, Gayle and I attended the Bendigo Bank Community Bonus night whereby our club was one of 50 local community organisations which received funds to help us continue 'to do good in the world'. Thank you to Bendigo Bank for your contribution of $628 to our club, and the $60,000 distributed throughout our community.
On Tuesday, Gayle and I had the privilege of attending the Emerald Secondar College Year 12 Valedictory Dinner. Our club has been providing two citizenship awards for thirty years, and the gift of a watch to each recipient is a significant recognition, from our club, and by the College, of the importance of these awards. To see the 92 students finish their secondary schooling, filled with so much promise and expectation, makes me feel optimistic for the future.
The recipients of the Citizenship Award were Luka Kill and Toby Storer. Well done to both students. We'll add more information regarding Luka and Toby to our website.
Now to the other significant event held on Tuesday.
Share the Dignity.
It’s activities like these that define who we are and what we stand for. Emma started with an idea for a project, Melinda stepped up to assist, then our club and community rallied behind.
This is what Rotary does - clubs helping the community whilst ‘doing good in the world!’
A very big shout out to Emma, Melinda, Gayle, Kris, Catherine, Chris, Kirsty & Sue for initiating. planning and executing a wonderful activity in a very short time. Every member should be proud of their participation in helping to ‘share the dignity’ throughout our community and beyond, with 81 bags packed.
I couldn’t be more thankful that I belong to a club that helps others, especially in their hour of need, without knowing where, or when, this help will be needed.
On Wednesday we had our monthly Board Meeting, then Friday night was a District Presidents meeting attended by me, Ken, Kris and Shalini (for those that don't know, next year Shalini will be District Secretary!)
On Saturday morning, a few members went to explore Wrights Forrest to find our 25 nesting boxes, and pleasingly, many had signs of activity, some with eggs. We look forward to continually helping our native birds return to the forest after last year's storms and controlled burn offs. These nesting boxes wouldn't have happened without the support of Ken Miller and his effort in securing a District Grant.
Last night (Saturday), eight members attended the RC Boronia Bingo & Trivia night, and although we came fourth (of twelve teams), we all had an enjoyable night, and today (Sunday), eight of our members, walked from Emerald to Kallista. This will be our last Sunday walk before many of us travel to Tasmania to walk the Three Capes trail.'
Now for a rest before the annual Rotary Kids Fun Run enters its final week of preparation with a meeting on Tuesday, showbag packing on Thursday, then set up on Saturday before we kick off on Sunday.
Please note - there is NO CLUB MEETING on Tuesday as we have Showbag Packing on Thursday night at 5:30pm at the Gembrook Railway Station, followed by dinner at the Local
Rotary Snippet - RAWCS - "Rotary Australia World Community Service"
Founded in 1966, RAWCS delivers Rotary’s humanitarian, development, and disaster relief projects both in Australia and internationally. Over the years, we have contributed $0.5 billion in aid and completed thousands of projects, benefiting hundreds of thousands of people across 45 countries.
At RAWCS, we are committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion to achieve our goal of making a positive impact on communities in need, both in Australia and developing countries. Upholding human rights principles is fundamental to all aspects of our operations. RAWCS carries out all its humanitarian work in accordance with the humanitarian principles: humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence.
We are dedicated to respecting, protecting, and promoting human rights for all individuals, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, indigeneity, disability, age, displacement, caste, gender, gender identity, sexuality, sexual orientation, poverty, class, or socio-economic status.
RAWCS is dedicated to eliminating racial injustice and promoting an ongoing process of healing and reconciliation. Embedded within our core values of Service, Leadership, Diversity, Integrity, and Fellowship is a commitment to integrating human rights considerations throughout our projects’ development, implementation, and assessment phases.
The District Governor of each Australian Rotary District is a member of the RAWCS Company. This membership elects a Board of Directors to govern the company on their behalf. We are a large organisation, seen by the outside world as the face of Australian Rotary enabling global good.
Choose adult or teen bag—contents must match accordingly.
Each bag needs:
Essential hygiene items
A handwritten anonymous notecard (e.g., “You are loved”)
An Adult/Teen and Mums with Bubs label
Select items proportional to bag size (larger bag → larger products).
Committee Reports
PUFFING BILLY KIDS FUN RUN
Past District Governor Ken shared updates on the upcoming Kids’ Fun Run.
There’s been an excellent response so far, and we’ll be teaming up again with Eastern Health and their Teddy Bear Hospital — where kids can bandage toy animals and take them home.
Special thanks to Sarah Bartels (Eastern Health) for her inspiring talk and to all volunteers coordinating logistics and setup for the big day.
The Event 30th November briefing: Sunday morning, 8:00 AM.
Please check your assigned volunteer shifts and let Roy know if you have any scheduling issues.
Dementia Cafe
The club received a $2,000 entry grant to support the launch and operations of the Dementia Café.
Thanks to Kris & Tina for their effort in attaining this D9815 Grant, and for the work of the Dementia Cafe committee for bringing this project to reality.
Well done and congratulations.
Fundraising Committee(Sangeeta):
Carols by Candlelight set for 12 December. Volunteer shifts requested.
The Emerald Lake Carols by Candlelight Event is on Friday 12th of December, 5:00pm to 9:30pm.
Rotary is doing the BBQ again and volunteers are required, please contact Sangeeta.
Christmas Party
Date: 14 December
Venue: The Bowyer's (tentative)
Cost: $35 per head
47 attendees already confirmed
Attendance payment required (no refunds if absent).
RSVP strictly enforced for catering purposes.
Rebranding of the “All-American” Car Show
The former All-American event has been renamed to the “Gembrook Classic and Custom Car Show and Swap Meet.”
Officially ratified by the board.
The organizing committee from last year has mostly returned.
Decision made to expand the event beyond American cars to include all classic cars, which has been met with strong community enthusiasm.
The event remains a key fundraiser.
The new event will take place on Sunday, February 22.
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 $167.00
Chocolate Winner
Melinda Moulday
Duty Roster
Duty Roster - 25th November 2025
No Meeting
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Member Birthdays
Kerry Champness
November 1
Kristine Ash
November 6
Sally Randall
November 10
Spouse Birthdays
Kristine Ash
November 6
Dominic Elfick PP, PHF
November 17
Anniversaries
Peter Brock
Tanya Brock
November 30
Join Date
Kerry Champness
November 1, 1989
36 years
Greg Adams
November 8, 2005
20 years
Roy Bowyer
November 26, 2019
6 years
Dennis Jones
November 30, 2004
21 years
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
