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 Update
Tuesday evening's joint meeting with the Rotary Club of Noble Park–Dingley was both informative and inspiring. We were privileged to hear from Brian Ashworth of Disaster Aid Australia, who presented on the remarkable SmartAid UltraFilter program.
These innovative filtration systems are capable of providing thousands of litres of safe, bacteria-free drinking water every day for many years, making a life-changing difference in communities affected by disaster or lacking access to clean water.
Brian also demonstrated a portable personal water filter small enough to fit in carry-on luggage. Members watched with amazement as he poured dirty black water into the device and, moments later, produced crystal-clear drinking water which he confidently drank on the spot. It was a powerful demonstration of the technology's effectiveness and the practical impact Disaster Aid Australia is making around the world.
In a wonderful show of support for this important work, the Rotary Club of Noble Park–Dingley presented a donation of $500 towards the program. We thank them for their generosity and for hosting such an excellent evening of fellowship and learning.
Club members also assisted with the RYDA Road Safety Program, in which Year 10 students participated in a structured safe-driving education program. The program explored responsible driving behaviour, stopping distances at varying speeds, and the real-life consequences of road trauma.
Colin provided an excellent update on the day, and I was proud to see our Club once again represented in the community. Programs such as RYDA demonstrate Rotary at its best—working alongside partners to educate, support, and make a positive difference in the lives of young people.
As we approach the conclusion of another successful Rotary year, it is pleasing to reflect on the many ways our Club continues to support both local and international communities. Whether through service projects, youth programs, fundraising activities, or initiatives such as Disaster Aid Australia, our members continue to demonstrate Rotary's commitment to making a meaningful difference.
Conference arrangements for 2027 have now been finalised. The District Conference will be held from 12th –14th March 2027 at Rydges Resort Hunter Valley. A Conference Launch Evening will be held on Friday 10th July at the Cardinia Cultural Centre. I encourage members to keep an eye out for the flyer included in this newsletter and consider supporting what promises to be an outstanding District event.
📌 Next Week’s Meeting – Dandenong West Primary School Update
Guest Speaker: Diana Ma’u
We are delighted to welcome Diana Ma’u, Assistant Principal – Wellbeing & Inclusion at Dandenong West Primary School, who will be joined by a colleague for next week’s meeting.
Diana will present an insightful update on the recent school camp held from 4th to the 6th May, offering reflections on its impact in strengthening student confidence, connection, and wellbeing. She will also speak to the broader wellbeing and inclusion priorities shaping the school’s culture and student experience.
Importantly, Diana will highlight the meaningful contribution our Club has made in supporting the school’s programs throughout the year. This includes the community sausage sizzle delivered during the school’s 100-year celebration, support for the school camp experience, and end-of-year student recognition through certificates and vouchers.
These initiatives represent more than assistance—they reflect a genuine partnership focused on student wellbeing, engagement, and positive educational outcomes.
This presentation offers a valuable opportunity to see firsthand how targeted community support translates into real impact within a local school environment, and how our Club continues to play a role in strengthening outcomes for young people.
🔄 Club Changeover Dinner – Tuesday 30th June
Join us for our annual Club Changeover as we formally conclude the Rotary year and welcome the incoming leadership team for 2026/2027.
📍 Venue: Dandenong Club
📅 Date: Tuesday 30th June
🕡 Arrival: 6.30 pm for a 7.00 pm start
🎉 A key event in our Club calendar, recognising the contribution of members, thanking outgoing Board members, and formally installing the new leadership team.
🎟️ Bookings are now open via ClubRunner. Please secure your tickets early to assist with final numbers.
We look forward to a strong turnout for an enjoyable and fitting conclusion to the Rotary year.
👥 Membership Update – 2026/2027 Rotary Year
As we move towards the new Rotary year, the incoming Board is finalising membership records and preparing for the year ahead.
Membership invoices for 2026/2027 will be issued in mid-June, with payment due in July. Members may also elect to pay in two instalments (50% in July and 50% in December).
Please do not make any payments before 1st July 2026, as banking arrangements are being updated and revised details will be provided with invoices.
Members intending to continue their membership are not required to take any action unless contact details have changed.
Members considering resignation or retirement are requested to advise Incoming Secretary Phillip Thurgood in writing by 15th June 2026, where possible. This assists with accurate records, planning, budgeting, and Rotary reporting requirements.
For any membership enquiries, don't hesitate to get in touch with President-Elect Leanne Byron or Incoming Secretary Phillip Thurgood.
We thank all members for their ongoing commitment, service, and fellowship and look forward to the year ahead.
🎲 Rotaract Monash and Casey Cardinia Games and Trivia Night
The Rotaract Clubs of Casey Cardinia and Monash have invited us to attend their Games and Trivia Night on Saturday, 13th June.
A number of our Club members attended last year's event, and it proved to be a fantastic evening filled with fun, fellowship, and strong engagement between Rotary and Rotaract members.
Supporting Rotaract initiatives and events is incredibly important as we continue to encourage and develop the next generation of community leaders and future Rotarians.
Please see the attached flyer for booking and event details.
🎯 District Conference 2027 – Save the Date
📅 12th–14th March 2027
📍 Rydges Resort Hunter Valley
Planning is now underway for the 2027 District Conference, which promises to be an outstanding opportunity for fellowship, learning, and inspiration.
📍 District Conference Launch Evening
📅 Friday 10 July 2026
📍 Cardinia Cultural Centre
A formal Conference Launch Evening will be held on Friday 10 July at the Cardinia Cultural Centre, providing members with an early preview of the program and opportunities to participate.
This event will bring together Rotarians from across the District to share ideas, strengthen connections, and showcase the impact of Rotary service across our communities and internationally.
Members are encouraged to keep an eye out for further details and consider supporting what will be a major highlight of the Rotary calendar.
Please see flyer in the rear section of this bulletin.
🌏 Rotary South Pacific Conference 2026
The Rotary South Pacific Conference 2026 will be held from Friday, 30th October to Sunday, 1st November 2026 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
The conference will feature an outstanding program of speakers and sessions focusing on Indigenous partnerships, environmental sustainability, Pacific engagement, peacebuilding, membership growth, club vibrancy, and updates on Rotary Regionalisation.
Members and clubs seeking fresh ideas, practical tools, and renewed inspiration are encouraged to consider attending.
Further information is available via the Rotary South Pacific Conference 2026 website.
Please see the attached flyers and registration information.
💧 Disaster Aid Australia – Safe Water Projects
Following Brian Ashworth's presentation, members were reminded of the extraordinary impact Disaster Aid Australia continues to have through its SmartAid UltraFilter program.
These projects provide sustainable access to safe drinking water for communities facing significant challenges and demonstrate Rotary's ability to deliver practical, life-changing assistance where it is needed most.
If you would like to support Disaster Aid Australia's ongoing work delivering clean water, disaster relief, and humanitarian assistance both within Australia and internationally, donations can be made via the link below:
On Monday evening, our 10th Board Meeting for the year will be held, marking the conclusion of this year’s Board cycle. With this milestone, the handover to the incoming Board is now well underway as we transition into the 2026/2027 Rotary year.
As we enter the final weeks of the Rotary year, thank you all for your continued service, friendship, and commitment to our Club. Together, we have achieved much, and I look forward to celebrating another successful year before we begin an exciting new chapter.
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.
