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
I woke this morning to discover I had become a headline in the ABC News feed after an email circulated by a political party incorrectly reported that I had passed away. Thankfully, it was an unfortunate mistake, and I am very much still here to continue serving as your President.
Since then, I have received numerous calls and messages from concerned members and friends, and I sincerely thank everyone who reached out. I’m pleased to report that I am perfectly fine. I also had a live interview on ABC Radio with Raf Epstein, who wanted to confirm I was indeed alive and to discuss how the situation unfolded. It certainly made for an unexpected start to the day.
🏡 Guest Speaker – Nurse Next Door Home Care Services
At Tuesday evening’s meeting, we welcomed Claire from Nurse Next Door Home Care Services as our guest speaker.
Claire provided an informative presentation on the organisation’s approach as a premium home care provider focused on improving the lives of clients, families, and the wider community. Members gained valuable insight into the tailored caregiving and nursing services available through the organisation, including support for NDIS participants, aged care recipients through the Support at Home Program, and privately funded care options.
Their philosophy of doing “Whatever It Takes to Bring You Peace of Mind” aligns strongly with Rotary’s own values of care, compassion, and service to the community. We thank Claire for taking the time to share the important work being undertaken by Nurse Next Door.
⛳ Golf Week – Darwin
Several club members have headed north to Darwin to participate in the Annual Rotary Golf Week.
Representing our club alongside John O’Reilly, we wish all participants the very best for a fantastic week of fellowship, competition, and Rotary spirit. 🏌️♂️🏌️♀️⛳
We look forward to hearing all about the trip next week — and whether anyone managed the elusive hole-in-one!
🕊️ Rotary Club of Casey Upcoming Speaker – Rob Evans | Monday 25 May 2026
Rob Evans, the 2026 Cardinia Citizen of the Year, will be the guest speaker at the Rotary Club of Casey meeting on Monday, 25 May 2026, at The Hill, Parkhill, Berwick (Parkhill Drive, Berwick VIC 3806).
Rob will share the powerful and deeply personal story behind Liv’s Legacy, along with the important advocacy work now being undertaken to raise awareness of mental health challenges and eating disorders within our community, following the tragic loss of his daughter, Liv, to anorexia nervosa in April 2023 at just 15 years of age.
Since that time, Rob has become a dedicated advocate for young people and families through initiatives such as the 36 Months Project, helping to drive vital conversations around early intervention, improved support services, and stronger community awareness.
His story has been featured in the Pakenham Officer Star News under the headline: “Dad’s tragic appeal for change”.
Members are encouraged to extend this invitation to friends and family, as all are warmly welcome to attend.
🌏 Rescheduled Disaster Aid Visit Confirmed
The rescheduled Disaster Aid Australia visit for pre-registered members will now be held next Tuesday, 19 May.
For members who were unable to register, I encourage you to consider attending a meeting at another Rotary club during the week to maintain fellowship and continue engaging with the broader Rotary community.
📚 District Assembly 2026 – Saturday 23 May
District 9815’s annual District Assembly will be held online on Saturday, 23 May 2026, providing an engaging day of learning and development for Rotarians and Rotaractors of all experience levels.
This year’s flexible format allows members to register for individual sessions or attend multiple sessions throughout the day, with each 45-minute session led by experienced District specialists. The program is designed to support incoming Club Executives, Directors, and members preparing for the new Rotary year commencing 1 July 2026.
🧭 District Assembly Session Program
9.00am – 9.45am | Marketing & Communication (PDG Shia Smart)
Discover how to tell your club’s story with impact, strengthen your brand, and stand out in a crowded digital landscape.
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tjT-RvxqSqKLwFOs8s1P5Q
10.00am – 10.45am | Foundation (PDG & DFC Alma Reynolds)
Explore how The Rotary Foundation transforms contributions into meaningful, life-changing projects and how clubs can maximise their impact.
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/7gziovMMSA66ta38n6-YZA
Members are encouraged to register for one or multiple sessions based on their interests. This is an excellent opportunity to connect, learn, and strengthen club capability ahead of the new Rotary year.
We hope to see many of our members participating online.
🌏 Rotary South Pacific Conference 2026
The Rotary South Pacific Conference 2026 will be held from Friday, 30 October to Sunday, 1 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.
📘 Stay Connected! 👉 Follow Rotary District 9815 on Facebook for updates on community projects, events, and ways to get involved.
Click Like & Follow now!
From Right to Left: DG Gabriel Rodriguez, PDG Jorge Arao, His wife Cuca, and me
Recently, I was invited to speak at the District 4100 District Conference in Los Mochis, Sinaloa. District 4100 is the district in Mexico that is directly over the border.
My topic was “Building Bridges of Change and Transforming Communities Through Rotary”, as requested by their organizing committee, which is a perfect fit for our Rotary International June Theme of “Fellowship Month”.
The conference included over 550 participants and went from Thursday to Sunday.
The conference was a mix of informational speakers, to project sharing, to outstanding social events.
Why do I say this is related to Fellowship month?
I was asked to invite a contingent of members from our district to their conference next year to share our projects as they share theirs in an effort to create partnerships within our clubs. The 2027 conference will be in Ensenada on May 13-16.
This was a result of my presentation, which was very well received. The presentation just before mine was on AI (Artificial Intelligence), and I jokingly asked the presenter if he could make me look younger (see photo).
My aide was PDG Jorge Arao, who was of Japanese descent and whose family came here in the early 1900s, but settled in Mexico instead of the US, like my family. We are also DG Classmates, so all these connections kept coming up.
Rotary friendships can leverage your projects and create networks globally. Please consider taking advantage of these contacts and consider using a Global Grant for your community projects, because all it takes is an international partner for you to qualify for one.
The success of any project is when it becomes sustainable, then becomes a continuing program that keeps growing. It is essential to continue nurturing these friendships if you want your projects to succeed. These projects should not be a “gift” but instead an investment to assist a life-long friendship.
AI Version of a “Young” Wade after they found out I was a BMX Champion
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.
