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.
Don’t forget — our Facebook page is a great way to follow what’s happening in real time. If you haven’t connected with us yet, click here to follow us.
PRESIDENT'S UPDATE
👋 President’s Update
This week’s meeting featured a run-through for members ahead of the Dandenong All Holden Car Show. It was great to see everyone getting involved and preparing for the big day!
I’d also like to put out a call for more of our club members to help on the day. Belgrave Rotary has kindly offered 8 members to assist with car parking, and we’ll be donating to their club in appreciation of their support.
In addition, the District 9815 & 9830 Conference commenced today in Hobart, and several of our club members are attending. We look forward to hearing their updates and insights from the conference.
Ticket sales for the car show are going very well, with 162 pre-sold tickets. Judging ticket sales will finish on Sunday night to allow enough time to prepare judging sheets, and registrations are trending just as they have for our previous events.
Leanne has asked me to give a shout-out: as March is Water, Sanitisation and Hygiene Month, a Vocational Visit to Disaster Aid Australia has been organised for our Satellite Club, and all club members are invited as well. The Satellite members already have the invitation.
Date: Monday, 30 March 2026
Time: 6:30 pm for a 7:00 pm start
Cost for dinner: $25 per head
Note: Prompt bookings and payment are required, as numbers are limited to a maximum of 20.
To attend, please get in touch with Leanne.
📚 Exercise Book Appeal – Extended
The exercise book collection deadline has been extended to Tuesday, 24 March 2026. Alan Collier is coordinating the collection and ensuring delivery to Donations in Kind (DIK) at the end of March for distribution to children in developing nations.
This extension allows contributions from other clubs, including as far away as Traralgon. Thank you to everyone who has already contributed—please make sure your books are submitted by the revised date to ensure timely delivery.
🚗 Dandenong All Holden Car Show – Excitement is Building!
With just over two weeks to go, we’re getting closer to the 16th Dandenong All Holden Car Show on Sunday, 22 March 2026.
Registrations are already rolling in, with 162 pre-sold tickets. Judging ticket sales will finish on Sunday night to allow enough time to prepare judging sheets. Registrations are trending strongly, in line with the pattern we’ve seen for our previous events.
In preparation for the big day:
Tuesday, 17 March 2026 – Virtual show run-through at the Dandenong Club
Saturday, 21 March 2026 – Site walkthrough to familiarise ourselves with the venue, marshalling, vendor placement, and car club parking
🎤✨ Rotary’s Got Talent – Save the Date!
Mark your calendars for Saturday, 2 May 2026, as Jonathan Usher takes the stage live at the Lyndale Secondary College Theatre for an incredible night of entertainment.
Rotary’s Got Talent will showcase fantastic performances, plenty of laughs, and a wonderful community atmosphere — all while raising funds for the Monash Children's Hospital Cancer Centre Apheresis Therapy, supporting vital treatment for young patients.
📄 See the flyer in this newsletter for full details
🎟 Registrations will be opening soon, so keep an eye out
Save the date and get ready for a brilliant evening of talent, fun, and fundraising for an important cause!
🧠 Last Week’s Puzzle – Answers
Can you identify these well-known Rotarians?
1️⃣ This legendary American astronaut, the second person to walk on the moon, was a proud Rotarian. Answer: Buzz Aldrin
2️⃣ This famous American business leader and media personality, known for hosting The Apprentice, has been associated with Rotary. Answer: Donald Trump
3️⃣ This internationally recognised philanthropist and technology leader has supported global health and education initiatives and has addressed Rotary conventions. Answer: Melinda French Gates
🧩 Next Week’s Rotary Challenge
Test your Rotary knowledge with these three fun challenges!
1️⃣ Rotary History Challenge
Match the year to the Rotary milestone:
Years: 1905, 1921, 1985, 1988
Milestones:
A. The first Rotary club outside the U.S. is formed.
B. Rotary International begins the PolioPlus program.
C. The first Rotary club is founded in Chicago.
D. Rotary becomes the first service organisation to support polio eradication globally.
2️⃣ Rotary Project Challenge
Which of these is a real Rotary global project?
A. Clean Water for Communities Program
B. Rotary Solar Schools Initiative
C. Polio Eradication Campaign
D. Books for All Literacy Drive
3️⃣ Rotary Flags Challenge (Fun Visual/Trivia)
Rotary clubs around the world often exchange flags. Match the country to the flag tradition:
Japan
Australia
Brazil
United States
See how many you can get right — answers will be revealed next week!
📅 Upcoming Events
Tuesday, 17 March 2026 – Virtual run-through for the car show
Saturday, 21 March 2026 – Site walkthrough
Sunday, 22 March 2026 – 16th Dandenong All Holden Car Show
Tuesday, 24 March 2026 – Exercise Book Collection for DIK
Monday, 30 March 2026 – Vocational Visit to Disaster Aid Australia
Saturday, 2 May 2026 – Rotary’s Got Talent, Lyndale Secondary College Theatre
Saturday, 16 May 2026 – Dinner Dance (Theme TBC)
📅 Upcoming Meeting Tuesday Night Club Meeting Agenda highlights:
Virtual run-through for the car show
Discussion on charities for BBQ fundraising donations
General club updates
Make sure you come along and be part of the conversation!
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.
Rotary 9815 & 9830 District Conference
13th -15th March 2026
Hobart, Tasmania
RIDE FOR MEDICAL RESEARCH
The Ride for Medical Research is organised by the Rotary District 9815 Ride for Medical Research Team. Over the past 40 years, Rotary Districts 9810 and 9820 have raised an incredible $2,476,285 for Australian Rotary Health, supporting vital medical research across the country.
The next annual ride will be held 22–27 March 2026, marking 40 years of dedication to funding life-changing research. Riders will cover approximately 578 km, setting out each day from the Bendigo base and spending six days exploring the surrounding countryside.
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.
to Tuesday, 24 March 2026. Alan Collier is coordinating the collection and ensuring delivery to Donations in Kind (DIK) at the end of March for distribution to children in developing nations.
Riders will cover approximately 578 km, setting out each day from the Bendigo base and spending six days exploring the surrounding countryside.
