Welcomed all the guests and members of Rotary Club Monbulk and Belgrave introduced themselves.
- DG Colin Byron and Leanne
- DGN Emma Clark
- DG Elect Peter Behm
- Pres Peter Hayne and Rob Clark from Monbulk
- Pres Christine Anderson and Graeme Aspinall from Ferntree Gully
- Pres Wayne and Helen McKenzie
- Gus Rozycki – Community Group Leader
- Jan Burney President Upper Yarra Valley RC
Pres Kelly’s excellent speech about the Rotary Club of Emerald & District!!
Good evening, everyone! Welcome to our Rotary meeting tonight, where friendship, fellowship, and community spirit come alive!
I'd like to extend a warm welcome to our special guests, District Governor Colin Byron and Leanne, District Governor Nominee Emma Clark, District Governor Elect Peter Behm, Ferntree Gully Christine Anderson and Graeme Aspinall, Rob Dawson, Martin Howard, Allan Tierney, Joan Howard, Monbulk - Peter Hayne, Rob Clark, Belgrave – Wayne & Helen Mc Kenzie, Gus & Rebecca Rozycki, Sue Brown, Jessica Robbins and Jan Burney President Upper Yarra Club. We're thrilled to have you with us!
Before we begin, let's give a big round of applause to Gus Rozycki our Fierce Community Leader, the mastermind behind tonight's event. Your dedication to Rotary is truly inspiring, and we're grateful for your friendship and commitment.
Our club has a proud tradition of delivering a wide range of successful events and projects that have made a real difference in our community. From the energy of our Kids' Fun Run with Puffing Billy to the glamour of our Debutante Ball, we've brought people together and created lasting memories. We celebrate excellence with our Pride of Workmanship awards, showcase classic cars at our All American Car Display, and tackle tough conversations at our Mental Health Forum.
But that's not all. We're also passionate about supporting our local community through various initiatives. We sizzle sausages at Bunnings, spin the wheel at the Lost Woods Market and PAVE Festival, we host unique fundraisers like Paint 'n' Sip, cake decorating, and Halloween discos. We're proud of our partnerships with local schools, including our Breakfast Club at the secondary college and EarlyAct Club. We also support Wheelchairs for Kids, volunteer at the Toy Library, and join forces with other community groups in anything that is asked of us
What's more, thanks to the environment team, we have a comprehensive emergency recovery plan in place for the Emerald and surrounding communities.
While we're proud of our accomplishments and the impact we've made, we're also aware of the challenges that Rotary faces in maintaining its relevance and longevity. As an organization with a rich history, we recognize the need to evolve and adapt to the changing world around us. To that end, we're committed to exploring new ways to stay relevant and in touch with our community. Recently, our talented Membership and Marketing Chair, Past President PHF Fellow Kris Ash, attended the "Fit for Purpose" event in Sydney on behalf of our club. Kris has since shared her insights and ideas with the board and the club, and we're excited to implement some of the new initiatives and ideas that will help us continue to thrive and make a difference in our community.
But our club is more than just our events and projects. We're a close-knit family who genuinely care for and support each other. We're a team that laughs together, works together, and makes a real difference together.
While we're proud of our accomplishments and the impact we've made, we're also aware of the challenges that Rotary faces in maintaining its relevance and longevity. As an organization with a rich history, we recognize the need to evolve and adapt to the changing world around us. To that end, we're committed to exploring new ways to stay relevant and in touch with our community. Recently, our talented Membership and Marketing Chair, Past President PHF Fellow Kris Ash, attended the "Fit for Purpose" event in Sydney on behalf of our club. Kris has since shared her insights and ideas with the board and the club, and we're excited to implement some of the new initiatives and ideas that will help us continue to thrive and make a difference in our community.
As Rotarians, we're part of something special – a global network of like-minded individuals who share a passion for service, fellowship, and community. So tonight, let's celebrate our club's achievements and the friendships that make it all worthwhile. Im so proud to be a part of our Rotary family!
Chairperson – PP PHF Marcus Adams
Great to see so many people here. We don’t do enough together – hopefully we can all start working together more in the future.
DG Colin Byron
Colin spoke provided insights as follows:
The essence of Rotary lies in its community spirit, emphasising the power of collaboration as we move forward together. We extend our gratitude to Gus, Kelly, and the Rotary Club of Emerald for their contributions to this mission. Among us today are Peter Behm and Emma Clark from the G Train, and it is great to confirm that Murray Wilson is the District Governor Nominee from Rowville Lysterfield.
This past year has marked a significant period of transformation for Rotary. We have successfully merged two districts, bringing together 2,000 members from 76 clubs, alongside four Rotaract clubs, 22 Interact clubs, and 12 EarlyAct clubs. This shift aims to enhance and expand the reach of Rotary, fostering an operating model centered on collaboration and connection. To this end, we have established seven new community groups, with Gus at the helm of one such group, focused on delivering impactful projects that address community needs.
One example initiative was led by the Frankston Sunrise Club, which spearheaded a project addressing prostate cancer in partnership with Peninsula Health. On a memorable night, 10 clubs and 80 Rotarians from Mt Eliza came together to raise significant funds for this cause. As we strive to grow Rotary, we are pleased to report a net gain of 38 new members this Rotary year as of February 2025, marking our third-highest growth in the region.
In adapting to the evolving interests of the younger generation, we are shifting our approach away from traditional dinner meeting to other forms such as coffee clubs. We are exploring new opportunities with Rotaract clubs, as well as Environment and focus community clubs. There is interest in developing a pilot program in Officer, and we are also in discussions with an Indian community group to help organise their initiatives.
We are excited about Leanne’s cause-based project that aims to support children battling cancer. However, we recognise the need to establish Rotary's presence in the Cardinia growth corridor, which presents an untapped opportunity for outreach and engagement.
Award was presented to RC Emerald – End Polio Now more than $1500 US raised in the last Rotary year.
Chairperson – Thank you Colin for pulling the district together.
DGE Peter Behm from Noble Park-Dingley
Changeover Saturday 12 July 2025 - Pakenham Racecourse
A hallmark of a great Rotary club is the joy of camaraderie among its members, and we are on the brink of exciting times ahead. One of the highlights of this year will be the International Convention, which will host participants from 179 different countries in Orlando.
A memorable moment occurred during a bi-lingual class, where we encountered a room filled with Japanese attendees. They presented Peter with their business cards and badges, while he shared small gifts of koalas with them. This exchange highlighted our shared challenges and led to fruitful discussions that were both insightful and worthwhile. Meanwhile, the District Governors Elect showcased their spirit with Australian hats and checkered t-shirts, and the Brazilian group captivated us with their stunning headdresses. Their warm hospitality extended further when we surprised them with Vegemite which wasn't a hit and TimTams, (which were a hit)!
As we move forward, it’s vital to attract individuals who can appreciate the aspects of Rotary we cherish. To achieve this, we should consider refreshing our meeting formats to make them more appealing and engaging for both current members and prospective ones.
Chairperson - Looking forward to Peter’s year. Work the 3 of you have been doing is fantastic.
DGN PP PHF Emma Clark
About a year ago, I was appointed District Governor Nominee (DGND), and I recognised the vital importance of the G-Train in navigating this new world where we are all focused on creating a better tomorrow. This connection has provided valuable advice and a supportive environment for growth.
Discussions within our club are centered around fostering a sense of community and wholeness. Rather than simply asking individuals to become members, we need to encourage them to join us as volunteers, allowing them to engage with our initiatives and see the impact we can make together.
As I watch and learn from Peter, who is currently on his Ls, I’m reminded of my own journey, now advancing on my P's, while Colin leads with his full license. This progression highlights the collaborative spirit within the G-Train.
I want to extend my gratitude to Colin, Leanne, Peter, and Gayle for their unwavering support, which has been invaluable. Leanne’s project, in particular, has strengthened our connection through the Kids Fun Run with Puffing Billy.
I feel a strong sense of support from my club, with half our members joining me on this journey in volunteering to accompany me to meetings. I look forward to visiting and sharing experiences with the clubs in the District.
Chair – we talk about collaboration – we have excitement with Monbulk and Belgrave at the District Conference. We are looking forward to the Changeover and to supporting Emma. 9 people in room are past Rotaractors.
Gus Rozycki – Community Group Leader
Important to bring the clubs together in an official capacity
Pres Jan Burney –Upper Yarra
Our small club has the privilege of having a president who is serving a second consecutive year, showcasing stability and continuity in our leadership. One of our key projects focuses on Disaster Aid and Safe Water, exemplified by our initiative to support the installation of SkyHydrants. Each contribution of $500 helps in this commendable effort to provide clean water in disaster-stricken areas.
Members who have been with Emerald for a longer time will recall that this project was close to the heart of the late Peter Hadwen, a dedicated member of our club who demonstrated immense passion for Disaster Aid and the SkyHydrants.
For more information about this initiative, you can visit Disaster Aid Australia.
Pres. Christine Anderson – Ferntree Gully
In the past two months, our club has seen a positive growth spurt with the addition of two new female members. This increase reflects our commitment to engaging in major projects that connect with our community and attract membership.
One of our significant initiatives has been with Foothills Community Care, which we have been actively involved with since 2009. All our club members take a hands-on approach to support this organisation. We provide essential food supplies and are heavily involved in organizing the Christmas lunch, which serves 500 people. Our contributions include long-life milk and gifts for male guests, as well as regular barbecues to foster community spirit. Additionally, we’ve collaborated with two other clubs to purchase a marquee to support their events.
We also lend a helping hand to the FTG Salvation Army Pantry, providing assistance 365 days a year. Our members regularly unpack pallets of food from FoodShare for distribution through Second Bite, ensuring that essential nourishment reaches those in need.
One special program we are excited about is the Knox Nocturnal Program, developed in partnership with Rowville Lysterfield and Boronia. This initiative provides a safe space for 12 to 18-year-olds, particularly those with ADHD or limited social skills, to make friends and develop life skills without judgment. Youth workers engage directly with these young individuals in schools, working closely with Wellbeing Officers to ensure they receive the necessary support. Importantly, participants have the opportunity to return as young volunteers after turning 18, fostering a sense of continuity and contribution to the community.
Chair – well done for fostering an environment that people want to join.
Pres. Peter Hayne & Rob Clark – Monbulk Rotary Club
We’ve enjoyed being associated with Emerald and Belgrave, where I was part of the Mental Health Forum Committee. Peter and I took a stand, and since then, the club has continued to thrive.
Our focus has been on transformation and growth. With the Rotary Monbulk Club Retirees, a group of 20 guys, we play on Mondays and Thursdays, and we’ve successfully gotten 10 of them into Rotary.
Through our involvement with Bikes for Humanity in Altona, we’re working to collect bikes for Africa. This week, they’re picking up a container of 700 bikes that will help children ride to school.
Our club has also been involved in organizing events like the Caravan Safari and the Australia Day Breakfast, which have been great community activities.
Additionally, we sponsored Monbulk College to participate in the RYDA (Rotary Youth Driver Awareness) program.
Another important initiative was the installation of a defibrillator at The Patch Store, ensuring safety and preparedness for the community.
Overall, we’re a proud and happy club, always keen to collaborate on special projects that make a difference.
Wayne McKenzie – Belgrave Rotary Club
Changing our approach and fostering collaboration is essential for our path forward. Pres James has made impressive strides in his first year, bringing a range of innovative ideas to the table.
Our club remains committed to supporting emergency services and local arts, such as the 1812 Theatre. This Saturday, we will be participating in a festival, which not only allows us to contribute to the community but also offers an opportunity for fundraising that will benefit our club.
In addition, we are excited about an upcoming Bingo Night, which has successfully raised $4,500 in the past. Over the years, our concerts have collectively generated an impressive $50,000, demonstrating the effectiveness of our fundraising efforts.
Looking ahead, we are exploring the establishment of a Business Breakfast, aiming to connect local professionals and foster networking opportunities. To keep pace with the evolving landscape, we recognised the importance of developing a robust website that will serve as a portal for growth and engagement.
Ultimately, the essence of our progress lies in the importance of working together as clubs, leveraging our collective strengths to create a positive impact in our community and beyond.
Response Gayle Barrot
G-Train Rotary is truly in remarkable hands, guided by visionary leaders who are committed to our mission. As we evolve, it is crucial for us to step up our efforts to attract new and younger members, paving the way for the future of our organization.
Wrap Up Pres. Kelly
