Last Tuesday, being our Rotary Fireside Chat night, we were fortunate to have our District Governor, Peter Behm attend our meeting.
Peter spoke about his tenure in Rotary, from his days in Rotaract, through Club service, then onto District roles. Peter is passionate about club membership & marketing, and his belief, that to grow, Rotary needs to get our brand into the community. He gave us a simple example of how to reinforce & remember the moment by having more interesting photos, rather than the traditional 'firing squad' photograph. Our volunteers, being DGE Emma, PDG Ken and PP Marcus certainly embraced the invitation to display this new style of 'fun' photography.
It was also pleasing to have five members from RC Berwick attend our meeting, including President Jen Marshall. RC Berwick has an exciting initiative that on the last week of the month, their members visit other clubs instead of having a club meeting. This is certainly an interesting development for their club, and I believe we should monitor this initiative.
We also celebrated our legacy of supporting the graduate education of our youth, by presenting a McLeod Murphy Scholarship to Nicholas Adams. Nicholas is in his second year of a double degree at Monash University, studying Biomedical Science and Law. He is a most worthy recipient, and I'm continually impressed by the quality of people that we consider every year. To me, this growing collection of Rotary alumni will be the future of Rotary.
Next Tuesday, we have another very special guest; our Mayor, Councillor Jack Kowarzik. Please make him feel welcome.
Also, as its Australian Rotary Health 'Hat Day' on the 10th, please wear your favourite hat on Tuesday night. A donation of around $5.00 would be appreciated.
Also, on a personal note, I'll be on holidays for two weeks after Tuesday's meeting, and PE Gayle will be our President during my absence.
Yours in Rotary,
Peter Brock
Rotary Snippet - Lift the Lid - Hat Day
Hat Day is Australian Rotary Health's longest running mental health research fundraising event, held on the 10th of October every World Mental Health Day.
It is a day to wear an exciting hat and spread awareness of the 1 in 5 Australians suffering a mental health disorder.
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 7th October
Welcome & Opening:
Meeting started with a Rotary Invocation and toast to Australia and Rotary International.
International Toast - DGE Emma Clark
National Anthem - Vicki Van Den Bergen
President Peter Brock welcomed guests DG Peter Behm & Members from the Rotary Club of Berwick
Apologies read out by Lorna Shaw
Guest Speaker - DG Peter Behm
District Governor’s Presentation Summary
The District Governor delivered an inspiring speech emphasising the critical role of communication, community engagement, and strategic growth in Rotary. Key points included:
Importance of Communication:
Maintaining up-to-date and easily navigable club websites.
Using social media platforms like Facebook to showcase club activities.
Sharing engaging photographs that tell stories and increase visibility.
Membership Growth & Volunteerism:
Noting a positive trend with a net gain of 22 members in September and an overall increase in district membership for the first time in 10 years.
Highlighting the ongoing significance of volunteerism, with over 6 million volunteers in Australia alone.
Emphasizing the value of diverse membership styles to attract varied community members.
Leadership & Partnerships:
Encouraging strong, united club leadership.
Celebrating successful partnerships, such as the $40,000 sponsorship from Red Energy for district conferences.
Promoting collaboration with community and educational groups through new school-partner projects, aimed at supporting primary schools and increasing Rotary’s visibility.
Club Engagement & Experience:
Fostering a welcoming, inclusive club environment where members feel needed and valued.
Promoting fun and camaraderie as key ingredients to attract and retain members.
Highlighting the importance of quality photos from meetings and events, which can be shared across social media and promotional materials.
Branding & Visibility:
Encouraging members to wear Rotary gear and display signage, boosting public recognition.
Utilizing Google reviews and social media to enhance reputation and attract new members.
Highlighting the district’s support for signage upgrades, with district funds matched by club contributions.
Upcoming Initiatives & Events:
Introducing new district awards with diverse categories, managed by Shalini.
Launching a high-performance marketing team to provide websites, social media strategies, and promotional ideas.
Promoting the annual Victorian and Tasmanian Rotary Conference scheduled for March 13-15, 2025, with early booking encouraged for a full, immersive experience.
The presentation concluded with an emphasis on having fun, embracing innovative ideas, and working together to make Rotary clubs more dynamic and impactful in their communities.
Toast to the Elderly – PP PHF John Ritchie - Mary Monea
I was born and raised in Sandringham spending most of my teenage life there where l finished high school before going on to study nursing. I got my first nursing job at 18 and retired from nursing when l was 72. I enjoyed working in small country hospitals and specialised in midwifery working in Adelaide, Bendigo, the Alfred and Melbourne Women's hospitals before meeting a patient in Sandringham Hospital named Frank. Frank became my husband when l was 28 years old and we had 2 children together before we decided to get divorced. Our daughter Liz is the light of my life visiting me every Saturday and with her daughter Natalie. Before marrying l enjoyed travelling and was lucky enough to have visited the British Isles, France and Spain to name a few, l travelled with friends but always ended up on my own as l was more adventurous than them. I enjoy playing the piano, reading the newspaper and sitting in the sun. I enjoy the occasional Brandy and Dry or Whiskey on the rocks.
Presentation of Certificate for 100% Attendance for the 2024-2025 Rotary Year
Awarded to PP PHF John Ritchie
McLeod Murphy Scholarship Award - Nicholas Adams
Nicholas is in his second year of a double degree at Monash University,
studying Biomedical Science and Law.
Happy 75th Birthday Tina McInerney
PUFFING BILLY KIDS FUN RUN
Thank you email from Darrell Lea
Hello Tina,
Thank you so much for your lovely message!
It was an absolute pleasure having the Rotary Club of Emerald involved in the warehouse sale on the 20th of September. We're really glad to hear everyone had a great time, your group brought such positive energy to the day, and it certainly wouldn’t have been the same without you. We’re proud to have played a small part in supporting the incredible work you do for kids in the community.
We’d absolutely love to have you involved again next year. 🙂
Kindest Regards
Barbara Antonopoulos
Retail Store Manager
Darrell Lea Outlet Store
885 Wellington Rd
Rowville, 3178
Victoria
Roster for Promoting RKFR with Puffing Billy
Thank you to all for so kindly volunteering to assist with the PR stand at Lakeside to spread awareness of the Rotary Kids Fun Run with Puffing Billy.
Between the information Toni-Anne and Kris have received the below roster has been drafted. If for any reason your entry is wrong, please can you let Kris know.
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 $30.00
Chocolate Winner
Wayne
Duty Roster
Duty Roster - 7th October 2025
Chairperson
Shaw, Lorna
Fellowship
St. Clair, Anna
Furnishings
Moulday, Melinda
Furnishings
Brock, Peter
Response
Wakefield, Ian
Speaker Minder
Adams, Marcus
Duty Roster - 14th October 2025
Chairperson
Shaw, John
Fellowship
Adams, Greg
Furnishings
Ash, Ian
Furnishings
Adams, Greg
Response
Ash, Kristine
Speaker Minder
Bajaj, Sangeeta
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Member Birthdays
Christine McLeod
October 3
Ian Wakefield
October 14
Toni-Anne Griffin
October 23
Wayne McLeod
October 24
Susan Colic
October 25
Melinda Moulday
October 31
Spouse Birthdays
Heather
October 9
Gagan Singh
October 17
Anniversaries
Shalini Penny
Dave Penny
October 20
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
