Welcome to this week's edition of the Gateway Bulletin!
We're here to keep you informed with the latest updates, events, and stories from our Rotary community. Whether it's new initiatives, upcoming meetings, or ways to get involved, we'll keep you informed and up-to-date.
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PRESIDENT'S UPDATE
This week has been one of tremendous community engagement and genuine Rotary impact.
Our ASRC Ricepacking Night set a new club record — over three-quarters of a ton of rice packed in a single session. It was an outstanding demonstration of what can be achieved when we come together in the spirit of Service Above Self 🤝, the cornerstone of Rotary.
I also had the privilege of attending the Dandenong West Primary School Grade 6 Graduation 🎓. It was an uplifting and memorable evening, showcasing the confidence, talent and remarkable growth of 36 graduating students. Their humour, creativity and aspirations for the future were inspiring, and I was proud to represent our club at such a significant community milestone.
We look forward to our Christmas Social Night on 16 December, and we close the week with a community partnership request from the Penny Foundation as they prepare to support local families this festive season.
Finally, our Rotary puzzle feature continues — below you will find Puzzle 1 (now answered) and this week’s new challenge.
🍚 ASRC Ricepacking Night – A Club Record
Tuesday night’s ASRC Rice Packing session was one of our strongest turnouts and performances to date. We had 17 attendees, including Marty and Wilma, Peter and Tina, John Poke (our Community Leader), Cam, Colin, Hans, Alan C, Alan R, Howard and Minh from Springvale City Council.
Together, the team packed ¾ of a ton of rice in under one hour — an exceptional achievement and a clear demonstration of Rotary’s commitment to Service Above Self.
After the incredible effort, the group celebrated with a well-earned dinner at Afghan Hayat, sharing fellowship and the satisfaction of a job well done.
🎓 Dandenong West Primary School – Grade 6 Graduation
I had the pleasure of attending the Grade 6 Graduation on Thursday evening.
Thirty-six students graduated, each demonstrating confidence, pride and maturity 🌟. The student presentations, reflections and pre-recorded video segments — including “If I were the Principal”, “My excuse for missing school”, and “What I want to be when I grow up” — were highlights. Soccer player and business person were common future ambitions and provided plenty of smiles.
Special thanks to President-Elect Leanne for her behind-the-scenes hard work. The special-award certificates were exceptional, and the gift vouchers supplied by our club were warmly received. For families doing it tough, these gestures made a genuine difference.
At the end of the ceremony, Principal Josh publicly thanked our club, and the students applauded — even calling me the “Big Boss Man” 😄. It was a warm reminder of the positive difference our club makes.
🎅 Christmas Social Night – 16 December 2025
We currently have 23 registrations, including 9 Club members. Please register to join the festivities 🎄✨.
🎶 Special Musical Treat
The Melbourne Youth Chorale will perform at our Christmas Celebration. Their voices and musicality will add a magical touch to the evening and make this year’s gathering especially memorable ✨🎵.
The Penny Foundation will host a free community Christmas event and food-hamper distribution on Sunday, 21 December 2025 🎄🤲, supporting local families in need.
They have requested our assistance with:
• Crowd control and general coordination 🚧
• The loan of 2–3 marquees ⛺
• Any contacts who can provide refrigerated or freezer truck hire 🚚❄️
This initiative aligns strongly with our club’s values. If you can assist or provide contacts, please get in touch.
🧩 Rotary Puzzle Corner
🧠 Puzzle 1 – Rotary Symbol Riddle (original text)
I have teeth but do not bite.
I have a wheel but do not roll.
I am a symbol of service across the globe.
What am I?
Answer: The Rotary wheel (the cog/gear used in the Rotary emblem) ⚙️
Posted by Sam McCurdy:
The oldest and most recognized symbol of Rotary by non-Rotarians globally, is undoubtedly the Rotary wheel. Its creation dates from 1905 when the first Rotary club was created in Chicago, USA
The wheel was said to illustrate "Civilization, Movement and Service work in action."
Most of the early clubs had some form of wagon wheel on their publications and letterheadsm, but in 1922, it was decided that all Rotary clubs should adopt a single design as the exclusive emblem of Rotarians.
The design has evolved since then, with the most recent changes to form the current golden wheel, finalised in August 2013.
The 24 teeth represent the 24 hours of the day, and the time that each Rotarian should reflect Rotary in action and thought.
The six rays represent the essential qualities of a Rotarian in relation to their family, community, friendship, profession, religious tolerance, and the Rotary institution.
The golden colour represents the nobility and legitimacy of Rotary purposes.
Fun fact: The Rotary wheel has been used for more than a century and symbolises movement, industry and practical service.
🧠 This Week’s Puzzle – Puzzle 2 Which global health milestone is Rotary internationally recognised for helping achieve, and what year did this effort officially begin?
(Answer revealed in next week’s edition.)
📅 Upcoming Events
Dec 16, 2025 – 🎅 Christmas Social Night, Dandenong Club
Dec 23, 2025 – Jan 20, 2026 – 🎄 Christmas Break
Jan 27, 2026 – 🎉 Social Night
Feb 10, 2026 – 🐘 Mark Jones Presentation: From Orphaned Elephants to Empowered Children
Feb 21, 2026 – 💃 Indian Dinner Dance
Feb 24, 2026 – 📜 Anniversary of Rotary’s Foundation
Feb 28, 2026 – 🔥 Bunnings Narre Warren BBQ
Mar 13, 2026 – 📅 Rotary 9815 & 9830 District Conference 13-15 Mar
Mar 22, 2026 – 🚗 16th Dandenong All Holden Car Show
Where Club meetings are listed as TBC, please refer to the Events Calendar on our club website for the latest updates.
ATTENDANCE
We’d love to see you at our meetings! Please use ClubRunner to let us know if you’ll be attending, and feel free to include any guests — especially for special events or partners’ nights.
To help us plan with the Dandenong Club, please update your attendance by 5 pmon Monday. This ensures we can confirm numbers and make the most of our time together.
I’m excited to share the fifth edition of our District News video with District Governor Peter Behm — and this month’s update is a powerful one. We’re shining a spotlight on The Rotary Foundation and the very real impact it has across our District. The Rotary Foundation fuels Club projects in ways that only a dedicated Rotary fund can — delivering outcomes without the overheads and amplifying the good our Clubs can do.
This edition is only a few minutes long, but it packs a punch. Peter is joined by our Foundation Chair, PDG Alma Reynolds, who takes us behind the scenes of several impactful projects already underway. Her insights show how Foundation grants can lift a great idea into meaningful action — and, with any luck, spark fresh thinking in Clubs looking to broaden their horizons.
Even if Rotary videos usually slip down your watchlist, this one is well worth your time. It’s relevant, practical, and full of examples that might shape your Club’s next big step.
Watch the November (except it is December) DG News here:
And if you’re curious, inspired, or ready to explore how your Club can tap into Foundation opportunities, PDG Alma Reynolds is your best point of contact. alma.reynolds@rotary9815.org.au
Let’s keep the momentum building — and make this new chapter in Rotary truly matter.
Yours in Rotary
David Button District 9815 Communications Chair 2024-26 District 9815 Webmaster 2024-2026
E: david.button@rotary9815.org.au Email is the best way to reach me — I appreciate your understanding that my family and business commitments mean I may not be available by phone.
Rotary 9815 & 9830 District Conference
13th -15th March 2026
Hobart, Tasmania
Have You Booked for Hobart Yet?Early Bird Ends Soon
How would you like a FREE Ticket to the Conference?
Have you booked your tickets yet for our combined District 9815 & 9830 Conference in Hobart, 13–15 March 2026?
Early Bird registrations close in just 5 weeks – on 31 December 2025.
To make it even more exciting, everyone who books during the Early Bird period will go into the draw to win a FREE Conference ticket! The lucky winner will be announced early in the New Year.
A Full Conference Experience Ticket (value $295) will be reimbursed to the lucky winner!
Now is your chance to lock in the lower price and be in the running for a free ticket – don’t miss out!
About the Conference – “Be Inspired!”
Our 2026 Conference will be held at the Hotel Grand Chancellor, Hobart, and will bring together Rotarians, Rotaractors, partners, family and friends from both Districts for a weekend of inspiration, connection and fun.
Here’s a snapshot of what to expect:
Inspiring Speakers – Hear from an outstanding lineup including
Rob Pennicott – Tasmanian tourism legend, conservationist and incredible supporter of End Polio.
Dr Kirk Williams (Interplast) – Sharing powerful stories of life-changing medical programs.
Captain Sarah Parry AM – Leadership, community and the story behind Tasmania’s tall ship.
Saroo Brierley – The remarkable true story behind the book and film Lion.
Dynamic MCs – The program will be hosted by Evan Burrell and Maree McPherson, bringing energy, humour and insight to the stage.
Gala Dinner – “A Nautical Night” – Dress to the nautical theme, enjoy a fabulous meal and dance the night away with your fellow Rotarians.
Pre-Conference Activities (Friday) – Optional ticketed experiences including golf, bowls, storytelling at MACq 01, whisky and gin experiences, and more along the Hobart waterfront.
Rotary Expo & Networking – Explore projects, action groups and initiatives from across both Districts, plus dedicated events like the First Timers’ Breakfast, Foundation Breakfast, Alumni Lunch and Making Connections Dinner.
Special Extras – Every attendee receives a complimentary Conference polo shirt, and there are special deals on accommodation, travel and local experiences in and around Hobart.
Early Bird Registration
Early Bird (until 31 December 2025):
Full Conference (sessions + Gala Dinner): $295
Conference Only: $185
Gala Dinner Only: $140
From 1 January 2026, the Full Conference price increases to $340, so now is the perfect time to secure your spot.
We can’t wait to welcome you to Hobart, to Be Inspired, build connections and celebrate the incredible impact of Rotary – and remember, if you book during the Early Bird period, you could be the one enjoying the Conference for free!
Attendance and Participation: Regularly attend club meetings and participate actively in club activities and projects.
Service Projects: Engage in community service projects, both locally and internationally, aimed at addressing humanitarian needs, promoting goodwill, and fostering peace.
Fundraising: Contribute to fundraising efforts that support Rotary's service projects and charitable activities.
Vocational Expertise: Share their professional skills and expertise to benefit others within the club and in service projects.
Ethical Standards: Adhere to high ethical standards in their personal and professional lives, reflecting Rotary's commitment to integrity and ethical behavior.
Networking and Fellowship: Build relationships and network with other Rotarians and community leaders, fostering goodwill and understanding.
Membership Growth: Support efforts to grow Rotary's membership and extend invitations to prospective members who embody Rotary's ideals.
Rotary Foundation: Contribute financially to the Rotary Foundation, which funds international scholarships, humanitarian projects, and other charitable efforts.
Public Image: Promote Rotary's mission and achievements within the community and advocate for Rotary's values and initiatives.
Leadership: Serve in leadership roles within the club or district, providing guidance and direction to advance Rotary's goals.
Overall, Rotarians are dedicated to making a positive impact in their communities and the world at large through service, fellowship, and ethical leadership.
All members are invited to contribute to our newsletter.
If you have an interesting article or some great pictures, please share them with us by Thursday so we can include them in Friday's edition.
Send all articles and notifications to our Editor, David Langworthy, at david@bevmarks.com.au.
