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.
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MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR
Our annual conference is one of the most important events in a Rotary Year.
I encourage every member to attend; it is an opportunity to have some fun—playing golf, joining the wine tour, attending the Pre-Conference Cocktail event, and enjoying the Saturday night Gala Dinner, which has this year’s theme, 'Rotary Rocks.
This is a chance to meet with other fellow Rotarians in District 9815, to learn about the work of Rotary, both locally and internationally, to visit the Rotary Expo to see and personally meet the Rotarians behind the many local and international Rotary Projects.
The District Conference gives you the opportunity to learn and become involved in the work Rotarians and Rotary Clubs do around the world to make our world a better place.
Five members of our Club are on the Conference Committee, including District Governor Colin, they deserve our collective support. Further information on the District Conference is included in this edition of the Gateway Bulletin.
Special Presentation: Sally Beard from Backpacks 4 VIC Kids
At our club meeting last Tuesday, we had the privilege of hearing from Sally Beard, CEO of Backpacks 4 VIC Kids.
It was an inspiring and informative session!
This incredible charity provides essential items to children who cannot live with their biological parents, ensuring they have the necessities to navigate challenging transitions.
Many of these children are placed in emergency care with little to no personal belongings. Backpacks 4 VIC Kids provides backpacks filled with age-appropriate essentials, including clothing, toiletries, and comfort items like a teddy bear or book. These small but meaningful gestures offer a sense of dignity, comfort, and security to children facing uncertainty.
Impact:
Since its inception, Backpacks 4 VIC Kids has distributed over 47,842 crisis packs, equating to $9.6 million in material aid across Victoria and beyond. In the 2023/24 financial year alone, the organization provided $2,351,728 worth of material aid to 10,131 children and young people. Their work is making a real difference in the lives of vulnerable children across the state.
Sally's presentation reinforced the vital role of community support in providing these vulnerable children with a sense of stability. The charity relies heavily on donations and volunteers to continue their important work, making it a fantastic project opportunity for our club and other Rotary Clubs.
Visit backpacks4vickids.org.au to learn more about Backpacks 4 VIC Kids and how you can support its mission.
Annual Chinese New Year Celebration Fundraising Dinner
The Annual Chinese New Year Celebration Fundraising Dinner, held on Wednesday, 12th February 2025, was a fantastic evening filled with delicious food, great company, and a strong spirit of generosity.
The event brought together 110 Rotarians, family, and friends to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Adding to the lively atmosphere were Kam’s friends, who truly know how to celebrate and have a great time!
The event raised an impressive $12,000 for Leanne’s partner project, a testament to the generosity and support of all who attended.
A heartfelt thank you to Kam and Christine for their incredible effort in making the night such a success. Their dedication and hard work in bringing everything together ensured a truly memorable evening.
To everyone who attended and contributed—thank you! Your support made this event one to remember.
Call for Volunteers Volunteers Needed for the District Conference!
The District Conference is fast approaching, and with Colin serving as District Governor and Leanne actively involved in her partner project, our club has an important role to play in ensuring the event runs smoothly.
We need volunteers, particularly those who can assist with registration. Your support would be greatly appreciated, even if you can only help on Friday and/or Saturday morning.
Let’s come together and make this event a success!
Call for Volunteers Holland Festival Parking Support
The Holland Festival is fast approaching, taking place on Saturday, March 15 at Caribbean Gardens, Scoresby. Once again, the Rotary Club of Casey has requested our assistance with parking management.
Last year, our club provided seven volunteers for this event, contributing to a very busy but rewarding day. In return, we received a generous $2,000 donation to support our projects.
Volunteer Details: Date: Saturday, March 15 Setup Time: 6:30 AM (finishing early/mid-afternoon) Location: Caribbean Gardens, Scoresby
We need to confirm our volunteer numbers by midday Monday. If you can assist, please let us know your availability as soon as possible.
This is a fantastic opportunity tosupport a fellow Rotary event, raise funds for our projects, and get involved in a hands-on way.
If you haven't had the chance to participate in other initiatives, this is a great way to contribute!
Supporting Youth Mental Health Through Music: Knox Rocks Concert
The Rotary Club of Boronia has been running an inspiring youth program called Knox Rocks, which teaches young people the art of songwriting as a means of self-expression. Participants not only learn how to write songs but also have their creations professionally recorded—giving them a lifelong keepsake while boosting confidence, self-belief, and mental well-being.
Previously funded by grants and club contributions, this year the program is taking a new approach by hosting a live concert to showcase the original songs written by participants. The event will feature an evening of music with six different acts, alongside the debut performances of the Knox Rocks songs.
Ticket sales from the concert will help fund future programs while also promoting Rotary in an exciting and progressive way. The Rotary Club of Greater Dandenong and Endeavour Hills is proud to support this initiative, with the Board recently approving a $500 donation to the cause.
We encourage all members to attend, share the event with friends, and help fill the venue for what promises to be a fantastic night of entertainment and community spirit.
For more details, please refer to the flyer below or contact Mark Smith from the Rotary Club of Boronia.
Let’s support this wonderful initiative and make a real difference in the lives of young people!
Inaugural District 9815 Conference 8 - 30 March 2025
The Inaugural District 9815 Conference will be held in Bendigo from 28 to 30 March 2025. Partners, family, friends, potential members, supporters, and alumni are welcome.
Individual session details and costs are outlined on the booking site.
Please check out the menu on the left-hand side for useful links including FAQs, Accommodation, Tourist Information, Exclusive Winery Tour details, and Committee information.
We look forward to collaborating and celebrating with you in Bendigo.
Conference Volunteering Opportunities
To help ensure a smooth running and successful Conference, we require the assistance of volunteers to provide support in several areas.
A range of volunteering opportunities are available, including logistical assistance, coordinating, or packing Delegate bags, speaker/performer minders, reception/welcome desk, traffic control, set-up/pack-down crew, greeters, and ushers, to name a few.
If anyone is interested in volunteering, please get in touch with Tony Monley OAM (acmonley@gmail.com) and advise which dates/times you would be available. He will then explore your options with you.
The Annual Ride for Medical Research 2025
The next annual “Ride For Medical Research” will take place March 16 - 21, 2025, celebrating 40 years of fundraising. Having now raised over $1.32 million for Australian Rotary Health, we look forward to pushing this to over $ 1.4 million in the near future.
This will be the first ride organised under the banner of D9815.
Registration for this popular fundraising event will open in November 2024, with strictly limited places, so get in early to secure your place. (Cost for riders is $998.00, support crew/drivers $800.00)
For early bird registration, please pre-register your interest, in either riding or driving, please send an email to Stephen Spiers: - jsthecrest3154@outlook.com
(Registration will open approximately 2 weeks prior November for those who have pre-registered.)
Join us for the “Ruby Ramble” 2025, Baddaginnie to Benalla.
Approximately 580km over 6 days
Day 1: Baddaginnie - Wangaratta -76km
Day 2: Wangaratta-Chiltern-Rutherglen Loop-98km
Day 3: Wangaratta-Yackandandah-Myrtleford Loop – 125km
Day 4: Wangaratta-Yarrawonga Loop - 115km
Day 5: Wangaratta-Milawa-Eldorado Loop - 100km
Day 6: Wangaratta-Glenrowan-Benalla - 64km
(Distances subject to change due to road/traffic conditions.)
The ride this year will be centered around the greater Wangaratta region, taking in many of the towns in the area. See the website for more information and registration details: - https://rotaryrideforresearch.raisely.com
If you can’t make it why not consider joining in with the Mad March Cycle challenge which will run in conjunction. Details of this will be released closer to the date. https://madmarchcyclechallenge.raisely.com/
Please note, we are also seeking support drivers for the ride, if interested please see the website for contact details Stephen Spiers on: - 0411 675 330 (Cost for Support crew is $800.00)
Begun in 2021 as a way of helping to raise funds for Australian Rotary Health during Covid-19 lockdowns, it continues now as a compliment to the annual bike ride.
In the spirit of supporting healthy minds, bodies and communities, it allows anyone to take part in a manner that suits them anywhere in the world. (In fact, over the last 4 years we have had people join in from not only other parts of Australia, but also America, India, Indonesia and South Africa).
Participants can challenge the riders on the Annual Ride and see if they can cover 580km over the month of March, the Annual ride participants have to do it in 6 days, or they can choose their own form of exercise and set their own goals.
It is Free to join in, although not compulsory, all we ask is that participants try and raise some funds, via sponsorship, for Australian Rotary Health. The typical goal participants set is $200 and all donations of $2.00 or more are tax deductible.
All funds raised go direct to Australian Rotary Health.
So go on, challenge yourself, your Club and friends, join in the fun and Make A Differfence, to not only your health, help Australian Rotary Health make a difference to everyones health.
Bringing Safe Water to the Philippines:
A Rotary Project in Action
Brian Ashworth, representing Disaster Aid Australia (DAA), recently visited the Philippines to meet with our local partner, Safe Water for Every Child Philippines Inc. During his visit, Brian had the opportunity to see firsthand the impact of this long-running project and visit some of the many sites where clean water solutions have been delivered.
Through the Safe Water for Every Child initiative, Disaster Aid Australia has helped tens of thousands of people gain access to safe drinking water. This initiative has transformed lives, reducing the prevalence of waterborne diseases and improving overall community health.
During his trip, Brian met with local residents who have directly benefited from the project. One of the key moments of any site visit is the water tasting—a symbolic yet crucial step in ensuring the success of these clean water installations. Witnessing the gratitude of the communities served reinforced the importance of this life-changing initiative.
A special thank you goes to Safe Water for Every Child Philippines Inc. for hosting Brian and continuing to be a vital partner in this mission. Their dedication and collaboration have been instrumental in making this project a success.
Rotarians and community members who wish to support Disaster Aid Australia’s mission can contribute to bringing safe drinking water to even more communities. To donate or learn more, visit www.disasteraidaustralia.org.au/donate.
Together, we can make a difference—one drop at a time.
ROTARY IN REVIEW
Rotary CEO John Hewko reflects on Ukraine war
On the eve of the third anniversary of the war in Ukraine, John Hewko, General Secretary and CEO of Rotary International, took part in a panel discussion on “Healing the Wounds of War – Visible and Invisible” in Chicago. Hewko, whose parents fled Ukraine during World War II, visited Ukraine in 2023. He met with fellow Rotarians and observed the profound challenges faced by its people, as well as spending time with relatives. In his blog post for Rotary 360, Hewko reflects on the scale of recovery needed in Ukraine.
A day with the RI president at the Rotary Peace Center in Japan
Tom Gump (left), aide to RI President Stephanie Urchick, and Urchick at the entrance to Rotary’s Peace Center at International Christian University in Japan.
By Tom Gump —
Much has been written about RI President Stephanie Urchick’s initiative of using the Rotary Action Plan to grow Rotary. Recently, I witnessed her living another of her major initiatives – “Healing in a Divided World,” which focuses on Rotary’s peace efforts. Interesting trivia about our president – by the end of her term, she will have visited every Rotary Peace Center in the world. Stephanie’s trip to the Peace Center at International Christian University (ICU) in Japan on 11 December was a trip I will never forget.
February marks an important time in the Rotary calendar as we focus on one of our key areas of service—Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution. In a world where tensions and disputes can arise at every level, from local communities to international relations, Rotary plays a critical role in fostering peace and understanding.
Rotary International has long been committed to creating environments where peace can thrive. Through initiatives such as the Rotary Peace Fellowship program, we empower individuals with the skills needed to become effective peacebuilders. These fellows go on to work in areas such as diplomacy, conflict resolution, and humanitarian efforts, making a tangible difference in communities worldwide.
This month, we encourage all members to reflect on how we, as individuals and as a club, can contribute to a more peaceful world. Whether through small acts of kindness, fostering inclusive conversations, or participating in Rotary peace projects, every effort counts.
As Rotarians, we have the opportunity to be catalysts for change, promoting peace not just in February but throughout the year. Let’s continue working together to build a more harmonious and understanding world, one step at a time.
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.