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
🌟 President’s Summary – 1 May 2026
Due to the sudden, tragic loss of an immediate family member, this week’s newsletter will be brief.
We share photos from our club’s ANZAC Day wreath laying, where I had the honour of laying the wreath on behalf of the club, with Leanne and Colin Byron also in attendance. It was a moment to pause and reflect on service, sacrifice, and remembrance. We also acknowledge Owen Carlton, who you will recall delivered a presentation to our club on the Rats of Tobruk, and whose cross was included among those placed at the Dandenong RSL in honour of diggers who have passed this year. Mauveen, Owen’s wife, was also present at the ceremony and brought Owen’s wreath that he brings to each event.
Times like these sharpen our perspective. The urgency of everyday life fades, and what remains is the importance of the people around us. Reaching out to family doesn’t need to be complicated — a phone call, a message, or a visit can mean more than we realise. 📞 It’s about being present, listening, and letting people know they matter.
If there’s someone you haven’t spoken to in a while, take the opportunity. If there’s something you’ve been meaning to say, say it. Tell your family you love them, express your appreciation, and don’t leave those words unspoken. ❤️ In the end, it’s not the big moments that define us, but the consistency of care, connection, and support we show one another over time.
🏫 Tuesday 28 April – The Tender Foot School
Presented by Rotarian Greg Adams (Rotary Club of Emerald and District), highlighting the remarkable Rotary-supported growth of a Kenyan school now educating over 320 students. Past Presidents Lorna Shaw and John Shaw from Rotary Emerald were also in attendance. John also gave an update on the District Conference bike ride, and Greg did an outstanding presentation on the Tender Foot School. They have been actively building IT classrooms in Kenya, funding school buses, and improving the lives of children. A child can be sponsored for $295 per year, and it can change their life forever. You can look them up through RAWS - Tender Food Rotary 1/2003-04.
Lorna also advised that the Rotary Club of Emerald and District's Golden Cafe Hour will be opening up from 6 May 2026 as a dedicated cafe for those living with dementia in the community and their family carers. Please see the attached brochure.
Leanne’s Update
The increased cost of living,has hit Dandenong locals hard.
Cornerstone has seen a huge influx of people needing food support amongst other things.
Many residents are facing rental uncertainty for the first time as everyday costs continue .
Even with the donations to Cornerstone from organisations, they are finding it difficult to keep up with the demand.
We were very warmly welcomed back last night, with many telling us how much they’ve missed us.
The expressions of gratefulness and thanks from those in attendance was heartwarming.
The appreciation of support from ‘Rotary’ was evident.
Mental Health issues are rising due to food and housing insecurity.
Jonathan Usher entertained everyone at their tables which they loved. They loved the table side magic along with his friendly chats.
He lent us a hand with cleaning too!
At Wednesdays meeting, the leadership group were appointed, consisting of 6 students.
President, Vice President, co Secretary’s and co Treasurers.
We had a very productive and orderly meeting which was run by Y12 student President Zam.
Each and every student spoke about their passions and project ideas.
The notes taken at last week’s meeting and again this week accurate and detailed.
It was decided that it will be best to alternate meeting days between Monday and Tuesday to best accommodate all students, the lead teacher and me.
Next week will be the final Wednesday meeting.
A number of the Interactors are on the Student School council and all are high achievers from Yrs 9, 10 & 11.
A date for the induction ceremony will be set next week.
🤹♂️🎤✨ Saturday 2 May – Rotary’s Got Talent
Tomorrow night will be an evening of outstanding entertainment, humour, and vibrant community spirit, while raising funds for the Monash Children’s Hospital Cancer Centre Apheresis Therapy—supporting critical treatment for young patients.
📄 See the flyer in this newsletter for full details
🎟 Tickets available via the QR code
🧩 This Week’s Rotary Puzzle
Which Australian city hosted Rotary International’s first Convention in the Southern Hemisphere?
Rotary and its partners scaled up a program to confront malaria by treating more people closer to home in Zambia to lower infections and deaths. The initiative grew out of a smaller partnership between Rotary members to distribute bed nets. Today, the Rotary Programs of Scale effort continues to spread across Africa through an expanded initiative, the Rotary Healthy Communities Challenge. Check out the program update: To scale up, go local.
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.
