The Gateway Newsletter
Edition #8
13th September 2026
'Improving Club Experience'
 PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE:
 
A quote by Evan Burrell Past District Governor - Rotary District 9660
"We are not in Rotary to be comfortable. We are here to change things. We are here to build a better world for everyone... Be fun, be positive, serve to change lives."
 
After 3 very busy weeks, I've finally made time for our 8th edition of the newsletter.

We've had a great deal of very positive and rewarding events and meetings over the past weeks.
 
The most recent of course, being Thursday night's
Multi Club District Governor Visit, hosted by our club at the Dandenong Club. 
 
What an absolute pleasure it was to have so many people in attendance for this special event;
District Governor Emma Clark's visit and presentation.
 
Thank you to Rotarians, partners and friends for joining us at this very important event.
 Rotary Clubs of Greater Dandenong Endeavour Hills, Noble Park Dingley, Springvale City, Casey Cardinia Rotaract Club and our Rotary Community Group 3 Leader, John Poke.
Thank you also, to our wonderful Local Community Leaders for joining us.
 
This event provided us with a perfect opportunity to induct our well deserving Honorary Members Graeme Coates, Martin Pater, Val Bennett, Irene Cantwell, Margaret Gunton and
Margaret McDonald, along with our new
Rotary Community Partner members,
Naomi Paterson - Cornerstone,
David Talathoti - Nourish DBC, and
Judy Martin - The Andrew's Centre.
 
We are proud to have the above Honorary Members and Community partners in our Club.  
We look forward to learning first-hand about the immediate needs in our community, along with receiving current ongoing updates.
 
We also presented a special Community Service Award to Joe Rechichi, who was accompanied by his lovely wife Teresa, both from Springvale Benevolent Society.
 
Yours in Rotary,
Leanne
The first of our monthly 'Coffee mornings' at 
La Baguette in Berwick, and what a great way to learn more about our fellow Rotarians and friends.
A recent local newspaper article highlighting the amazing work of our 'Endeavour Hills Men Shed', and of course our very own Brian Ashworth displaying the Disaster Aid,
Smart Aid Ultra Filter.
 A very rapid response was made by Brian Ashworth making contact with the Disaster Aid Nepal team to determine the immediate action required to best support local communities following the August 26th devastating flash floods and massive glacial collapse which struck Northern Nepal.
BE SURE TO STAY UP TO DATE by checking out 
DAA and our club Facebook pages.
A huge THANK YOU to Brian and his team.
 
On Monday night, our Board has a meeting, at which we will pass a motion regarding financial assistance from our club.
Support will be required for a very long time.
Donna Bananyal's inspirational & informative presentation
Donna Banaynal:  'Safe Water for Every Child' Philippines
Donna's presentation on September 3rd was very informative, and the timing couldn't have been more appropriate, following on from the recent devastation in Nepal.
Hans & Richard representing our club at Concern Australia: 'Hand Brake Turn'
On Wednesday September 2nd an Appreciation Event was held in recognition of MHF major donors.
Colin and I were invited to the event in recognition of the Rotary District 9815 Governor Partner Project.
 
Initial contact with the hospital to determine their needs was made back in early March 2023. It took quite some time to discover that the biggest need was to have the ability to provide 'Apheresis' Therapy at MCH, rather than patients having to transfer to RCH for treatment.
 
Past President Kam Pow and his wife Christine became involved very early on with their CNY fundraising event funds from two events going to the
Monash Children's Hospital Cancer Centre.
I extend my sincere thanks to Kam, Christine and all their family, friends and colleagues for their support
in getting this very worthy project off the ground.
 
The Apheresis project was financially supported by many District 9815 Rotary Clubs throughout Colin's year as DG which was themed
'The Magic of Rotary'.
 Our club's financial support was outstanding, along with club member attendances at fundraising events.
Assoc. Prof / Cancer Research Tam Nguyen, Colin, Leanne and MCH Cancer Centre Director and Pediatric Oncologist
Dr Michelle Martin.
It was wonderful to meet Tam for the first time and to hear about his connection with ROMAC (Rotary Oceana Medical Aid for Children), which provides us with hope, and an opportunity to re-establish a relationship with ROMAC.
Interact's promotional flyer
Interact: LSC 
supporting the local Dandenong community
 in need of personal care items. Donations to:
'Share the Dignity' 
 
Students line up for the delicious sausages.
The club provided everything to financially support
the project.
Rotarians at work and supporting the 'Care Packages' fundraising efforts.
FUNDS RAISED
$760
Master Chef Phil under Brian's watchful eye!
THANK YOU to Hans Van Dyk for representing our club at Operation Newstart's
Intake 71 Graduation on Thursday 10th September
District Governor Emma's Presentation
Our wonderful MC Phil / Photographer?
 
District 9815 Governor
Emma Clark
Our Honorary & Community Partner Members 
Our amazing Rotarians, friends and partners attending this very special Multi Club DG VISIT.
You're all invited to the Disaster Aid Conference 
Saturday 10th October at the Dandenong Club
Conference - 9:30am - 4:30pm 
Dinner - 6:30pm - 11pm 
Purchase your tickets @
daa.supporterhub.net.au
One of Rotary's Seven Areas of Focus, which
enhances Basic Education skills and Literacy.
This is essential in reducing poverty, improving health, encouraging community and economic development and promoting peace.
Book Into a Meeting
ASRC Rice Packing
Sep 17, 2026
5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Opening of Webster Street Level Crossing
Sep 20, 2026
11:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Noble Park Dingley/Springvale City
Sep 24, 2026
Coffee Morning
Sep 24, 2026
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
ClubRunner event - David Button TBC
Oct 01, 2026
6:30 PM – 10:08 PM
MUNA Students & LSC + 'Lift the Lid' HAT DAY
Oct 08, 2026
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
CALCUTTA (Caulfield Cup)
Oct 15, 2026
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Coffee Morning - La Baguette
Oct 22, 2026
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
View entire list
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Member Birthdays
Richard Dunstone
September 22
 
Spouse/Partner Birthdays
Lois Faulkner
September 12
 
Executives & Directors
President
 
President Elect
 
Executive Secretary
 
Treasurer
 
Rotary Foundation
 
Community Service
 
International Service
 
Youth Service
 
Public Relations
 
Club Protection Officer
 
Secretary
 
Satellite Co-Chair
 
Satellite Co-Chair
 
On to Conference
 
Club Young Leaders Contact
 
Club Foundation Chair
 
Club Service Projects Chair
 
Club Information
Greater Dandenong and Endeavour Hills
Thursdays at 6:30 PM
Dandenong Club
1579 Heatherton Road
Dandenong North, VIC 3175
Australia
Our Club meetings are held on the first THREE Thursdays of each month at the Dandenong Club. Cornerstone Contact Centre Meal Service on the 5th Thursday when applicable. Social night dates TO BE ADVISED
District Site Icon
District Site
Venue Map
Venue Map
REMINDER to ALL MEMBERS: 
 
PLEASE NOTE:   This week's meeting is our RICE PACKING and DINNER event on Thursday 17th September. 
SEE CLUBRUNNER EVENTS for all details. 
 
 
REGISTRATIONS on CLUBRUNNER are ESSENTIAL!