Last week at our AGM the club members confirmed Toni-Anne as our President Nominee for RY 2027/28. Our club is very fortunate to have members who have the capability, time and the desire, to lead our club. As we have a diverse and growing membership, and with the continued push to provide more community focused projects in addition to continuing our legacy events, the effective governance of the Board is vital to our overall success. I wish Toni-Anne the very best in her role as President Nominee & Secretary for the remainder of this Rotary Year, and for many years to come.
Last week, our club also received a District Grant of $2,000 to assist with the start up & operation of the Dementia Cafe. This is a significant achievement and shows the power of Rotary in helping clubs 'to do good in the world'. Many thanks to Tina & the Dementia project team in writing the grant application.
This coming Tuesday night is another hands on packing activity whereby we will be packing 'Share the Dignity' bags with products not only donated by our members, but by local businesses and our community. We are very fortunate to live in the hills and have many generous supporters. Next week we'll publicly thank all those people and businesses that have contributed to this campaign.
As November is a very busy month, it is unfortunate that both Gayle and I will not be attending the Share the Dignity event as we will be presenting Citizenship awards at the Emerald Secondary College Year 12 Valedictory dinner. We look forward to meeting with everyone again at the Rotary Kids Fun Run packing evening on Thursday 27th November as there will be no meeting on Tuesday 25th November.
Yours in Rotary,
Peter Brock
Rotary Snippet - People of Action
"Rotary People of Action" is the public image slogan and campaign used by Rotary International to describe its members as leaders who take action to improve communities and the world. It highlights Rotarians as problem-solvers who collaborate on projects that address local and global challenges, such as poverty, disease, and environmental issues. The campaign encourages members to share their stories and demonstrates the organization's impact through initiatives like promoting health, supporting education, and fostering peace.
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!
Last Week's Rotary Meeting 11th November
Rotary Club of Emerald and District meeting that served as both a Remembrance Day commemoration and the 45th Annual General Meeting (AGM).
President Peter Brock opened the meeting thanking to Gaylefor serving as President during his absences and acknowledgment of the club’s recent activities (school speech contest, Cup Day, and community events).
Guests were introduced:
Sarah Bartels, Eastern Health Foundation
Tess Dawson, Mural Artist
Andrew Gardner, Bendigo Bank
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Birthdays:
Melinda (31 Oct), Kerry Champness (1 Nov, 85 years), Kris Ash (6 Nov), Tom Watson (7 Nov, now in care).
Anniversaries:
Kerry Champness joined Rotary 1989(originally 1985).
Greg Adams joined 8 Nov 2005.
Apologies were read for members unable to attend.
Remembrance Day Tribute
John Shaw gave a thoughtful commemoration speech:
Reflected on the Armistice of 1918 and the 107th anniversary of WWI’s end.
Emphasized remembrance rather than celebration.
Cited over 60,000 Australian lives lost in WWI and 40,000 in WWII.
Led a minute of silence and the recitation: “They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old…”
Peter Brock & Cr David Nickell at the Remembrance Day Service
Annual General Meeting (AGM)
Chair: President Peter Brock
Officially opened the 45th Annual General Meeting.
Members sang Advance Australia Fair and gave an Acknowledgement of Country.
Motions Passed:
Minutes of the AGM (26 Nov 2024) confirmed.
Acceptance of audited financial statements for the 2025 financial year.
Elections:
President Nominee (2027–2028): Toni-Anne
Treasurer (2026–2027): Sangeeta
Secretary (2026–2027): Greg Adams
President Peter Brock thanked all members for their contributions.
Guest Speakers: Eastern Health Foundation & Artist Presentation
Sarah Bartels (Eastern Health Foundation)
Described four main focus areas:
Patient Wellbeing (art therapy, pet therapy, gardens)
Technology & Equipment (e.g., PET scanner, biplane for stroke treatment)
Staff Development & Scholarships
Medical Research
Explained how murals and colour in hospitals (like Box Hill) improve emotional and physical healing for children and staff.
Tess Dawson (Mural Artist)
Showcased her Box Hill Children’s Ward mural project, supported by Rotary.
Introduced upcoming mural plans for Angliss Hospital, to include:
Seven short-stay bays and a large play area mural.
Themes based on local landmarks (tulip farm, Puffing Billy, native animals).
Children’s self-portraits from the Kids’ Fun Run event will be integrated into the design.
Completion expected by mid-2026.
Emphasized the project’s community connection and healing impact on children.
SHARE THE DIGNITY – PACKING PARTY!
At out meeting on Tuesday 18th November, we are going to host a “Packing Party”, where we will be packing support bags for women and teenagers experiencing domestic violence and/or homelessness.
There are three types of bags you can create/pack (visual examples below): Adult Bags
Teen Bags
Mum & Bub Bags
Please see a list attached of the “Essential Items” to include, which will be our focus on the night.
Collection of bags and items is under way by a few members – thanks team!
What can you do in preparation?
Bring along any good-condition used (or new!) shoulder bags or handbags on the night.
Bring along any items from the essential list attached which you may have at home or be willing to donate (ie. shampoo/conditioner/soap/toothpaste/toothbrush/roll-on deodorant/packets of pads or tampons.)
Source any bulk items from the list from any contacts you have.
Start a collection of items at your workplace or community group.
Share some info via your social networking online sites (see Mel or Catherine’s Facebook posts as examples!)
Go to these links to see a video of some women describing the difference a small gift of one of these bags made to them:
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 $137.00
Chocolate Winner
Kerith Cummins
Duty Roster
Duty Roster - 18th November 2025
Chairperson
Clark, Emma
Fellowship
McInerney, Tina
Furnishings
McAllister, Andrew
Furnishings
McAllister, Kelly
Response
Clark, Emma
Speaker Minder
Miller, Ken
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
