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.
Our Facebook page is also an excellent way to stay updated on our club's activities. If you haven't connected yet, click here to follow.
Last Week's Meeting
20th May 2025
Club Meeting Special Presentation by Dr Ahmed Sharif, Bangladesh Sheba
This Week's Meeting
27th May 2025
No Club Meeting * Social Night - Endeavour Hills Men's Shed *
Next Week's Meeting
3rd June 2025
Club Meeting Planning meeting (Events & Projects for 2025-2026)
Club Meeting, 20th May 2025
At our recent Rotary meeting, we had the privilege of hearing from Dr Ahmed Sharif of Bangladesh Sheba, who shared an inspiring update on the Bangladesh Eye Care Program - a transformative initiative making a real difference in the lives of thousands.
Launched in 2023, the program aims to combat preventable blindness and improve eye health outcomes in some of Bangladesh’s most underserved regions. It began with the first eye camps held in Kazihal, Fulbari, and Dinajpur, where access to basic eye care is limited or non-existent.
Driven by a deep commitment to community health, the initiative combined medical outreach with an impactful awareness campaign that reached more than 30,000 people. This effort helped encourage early intervention and reduce stigma around seeking treatment.
The program set an ambitious target of screening 3,000 individuals through 25 dedicated eye camps. Thanks to the work of local healthcare teams and volunteers, many received much-needed diagnoses, treatments, and even sight-restoring surgeries.
Dr Sharif’s presentation reminded us of the power of practical, targeted action and the life-changing difference Rotary-supported initiatives can make.
Photo courtesy of Hans Van Dyk.
Upcoming Social Night: Tuesday, 27th May
Men’s Shed Endeavour Hills
Join us for an enjoyable evening at the Men’s Shed Endeavour Hills on Tuesday, 27 May 2025, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM.
Location:
Sydney Pargeter Reserve
289 Power Road
Endeavour Hills VIC 3802
Pizzas will be provided
We look forward to seeing you there for a night of camaraderie and fun!
Another Playground on Its Way to Bougainville
On Tuesday, 20 May 2025, Rotarians Terry and Melinda rolled up their sleeves once again to help remove another playground under the Rotary Overseas Recycled Playground (RORP) program. This time, the dismantling took place in Noble Park, with the equipment set to begin its journey toward a new life in Bougainville.
Before heading overseas, the playground will make a stop in Mt Martha. There, fellow Rotarian Wayne will oversee the inspection and any necessary repairs or refurbishments to ensure the equipment is safe and ready for use in its new community.
The RORP initiative continues to make a global impact by giving retired playgrounds a second life, bringing joy to children in under-resourced communities while reducing landfill waste here at home.
To learn more about the incredible work being done through RORP, check out the Rotary Down Under article featuring Wayne Jenkins: Harvesting Joy for Generations to Come
Please note delegates will need to use the ‘Access Conference Rates Here’ button at the bottom of the screen and not the ‘search availability’ function at the top of the screen, otherwise they will not gain access to the discount rates!
If any delegates have any questions or concerns about the link, please feel free to reach out to the hotel directly.
More than 350,000 young people every year develop leadership skills and a desire for community service through Rotary youth programs. During Rotary Youth Service Month in May, Rotary members celebrate these future leaders' impact on the world. Find ways to highlight youth programs and read this blog post from Ivan Vianna, who has more than 50 years’ experience in the Rotary Youth Exchange program. Ivan took part in his exchange from Brazil to the United States in 1968.
Each May, Rotary International shines a spotlight on one of the most dynamic and impactful areas of service – our youth. Youth Service Month is a time to recognise, celebrate, and actively support the young people in our communities, empowering them to become confident, capable leaders of tomorrow.
Our club is proud to support and engage with youth through meaningful programs and initiatives. Whether it's supporting Rotaract, Interact, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) or Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment (RYPEN), our club is committed to offering opportunities for young people to develop leadership skills, build confidence, and connect with mentors who care about their future.
Youth Service is more than just investing time – it’s about building hope and resilience in a rapidly changing world. By offering guidance, platforms for expression, and a sense of belonging, we help shape not only better individuals but stronger communities.
As part of Youth Service Month, we encourage all members to reflect on the role we play in shaping the next generation. Whether it’s through school-based projects, scholarship programs, career mentoring, or simply being a positive influence, our involvement matters.
Let us continue to lead by example – inspiring, supporting, and standing beside our youth as they take bold steps towards creating a better tomorrow.
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.
