Welcome to this week's edition of the Gateway Bulletin!
We're here to provide you with the latest updates, events, and stories from our Rotary community. Whether it's new initiatives, upcoming meetings, or opportunities to get involved, we'll ensure you're kept informed and up to date.
Our Facebook page is also an excellent way to stay updated on our club's activities. If you haven't connected yet, click here to follow.
Powering Education in Uganda – One Panel at a Time
It's truly inspiring to see the impact of Rotary in action! The recent installation of solar panels on the roof of a school in Uganda is not only a step towards sustainable energy but a giant leap forward for the students who will benefit from reliable power every day.
This transformative project was made possible through a District Grant and a generous $5,000 donation from our Club. Our contribution is helping to provide essential energy for lighting, learning tools, and more, directly improving the educational experience for young learners.
Congratulations and heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in getting this project “off the ground” (quite literally!).
Call for Volunteers RYDA Program, Tuesday 20th May
Once again, we’ve been invited to support the Rotary Youth Driver Awareness (RYDA) program, a fantastic local initiative focused on educating young drivers and promoting road safety.
We’re looking for six Rotarians to assist on the day: Location: Sandown Dog Track Date: Tuesday, 20th May School Participating: Dandenong High School
This is a meaningful opportunity to engage with local youth and contribute to a program that truly makes a difference in our community. Morning tea and a hot lunch will be provided to all volunteers.
If you’re available and keen to help out, please get in touch with Alan Collier as soon as possible on 0418 355 607.
Conference Newsletter #5
Reflections on the D9815 2025 Conference: Connection, Celebration, and Community
The inaugural District 9815 Conference held in Bendigo from 28–30 March was a powerful reminder of Rotary’s enduring spirit of connection, purpose, and service. Now that the dust has settled and the final newsletter has landed, it's the perfect time to reflect on a truly memorable weekend.
From the friendly competition on the golf course and bowls green to the laughter and learning shared during inspiring conference sessions, the event had something for everyone. Congratulations to the Rotary Clubs of Noble Park – Dingley and Rowville – Lysterfield for taking out the golf and bowls honours respectively!
Attendees enjoyed a mix of engaging activities, including a morning tea at the gallery, a guided tour at Fortuna Villa, and standout entertainment that ranged from magic tricks to the vibrant Chinese Lion dancers. Saturday evening’s Gala Dinner at the Red Energy Arena was a night to remember, featuring live music from the Standard Procedure Band, fabulous fashion, and a delicious three-course meal.
The conference expo gave members the chance to explore Rotary projects and engage with partners and sponsors—over a cuppa or lunch, of course! Speaking of sponsors, heartfelt thanks go to Red Energy and all our generous supporters who made this event not just possible, but affordable.
Special recognition also goes to our keynote speakers, each of whom received a beautiful Bendigo Pottery plaque as a token of appreciation. Their messages stirred laughter, tears, and deep reflection, reinforcing the conference theme: We Belong – We are Better Together.
District Governor Colin Byron captured the mood perfectly in his closing message, encouraging us all to take the energy and inspiration from Bendigo back to our clubs and communities. A huge thank you to Conference Chair Wil Cornelissen and the incredible team behind the scenes who brought it all to life.
And now, with excitement building for the 2026 Conference in Hobart, we look forward to reconnecting and continuing our Rotary journey together.
Comedy for a Cause will feature some of the best comedians from the Sydney and Melbourne International Comedy Festivals. Best of all, 100% of proceeds from this event will go directly to supporting the life-changing work of Rotary Disaster Aid Australia.
Event Date: Thursday, May 8, 2025 Doors Open: 7:00 PM | Showtime: 7:30 PM (Approx. 2-hour runtime) Venue: The Dandenong Club – 1579 Heatherton Rd, Dandenong North
Tickets: $45 per person (General Admission – first in, best dressed!)
Drinks at bar prices.
Tea, coffee, and a light supper will be served at the interval
Please Note: This is an 18+ event and may contain some low-level coarse language.
Please note delegates will need to use the ‘Access Conference Rates Here’ button at the bottom of the screen and not the ‘search availability’ function at the top of the screen, otherwise they will not gain access to the discount rates!
If any delegates have any questions or concerns about the link, please feel free to reach out to the hotel directly.
Rotarians from all over the world met in Chicago, Illinois, USA 13-17 April to vote on the rules governing Rotary clubs. Representatives considered more than 75 proposals. The Council approved an increase in the dues that all members pay to Rotary International each year through 2028-29. The Board argued the increases were needed to keep providing valuable programs and services to members.The Council also approved allowing clubs to charter with as few as 15 members instead of 20. Read a summary of the proposals and see preliminary vote totals.
End Polio Now Newsletter: April 2025
World Immunization Week
During World Immunization Week, 24-30 April, we’ll stream two important conversations on Rotary’s Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube accounts (recordings will be available to watch afterwards).
For additional resources your club can use to promote World Immunization Week, visit the Brand Center.
April is Environmental Month in the Rotary calendar, a time to raise awareness and take action to protect our planet for future generations. As environmental challenges continue to grow, Rotary International recognises the urgent need for sustainability and conservation efforts worldwide.
Rotary clubs around the globe are actively engaged in projects that promote environmental stewardship. From tree planting initiatives and waste reduction programs to clean water projects and climate action efforts, Rotarians are committed to creating a healthier planet. These initiatives not only help combat climate change but also improve the quality of life for communities everywhere.
Here in our local community, our club continues to support initiatives that promote environmental sustainability. Whether through clean-up events, educational programs, or partnerships with organizations dedicated to environmental conservation, we play a role in making a difference. By working together, we can help protect natural resources and foster a greener, more sustainable future.
As we observe Environmental Month, let’s take this opportunity to reflect on how we can contribute to this critical cause. Whether by supporting global projects or making an impact right here in our own community, every effort counts. If you have ideas or would like to get involved in initiatives supporting environmental sustainability, we encourage you to reach out and join us in this important work.
Together, we can help build a cleaner, greener future for all.
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.
l, we’ll stream two important conversations on Rotary’s 
