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.
The Musings of Socrates
470-399BC
He is not idle who does nothing, but he is idle who might be better employed.
There is no greater evil one can suffer than to hate reasonable discourse.
It is better to change an opinion than to persist in a wrong one.
On Tuesday, 10th December, members of our club gathered for a vocational visit to the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) in Dandenong. It was a meaningful evening spent supporting a vital cause.
The group participated in repacking rice for ASRC clients, an activity that not only offered practical assistance but also fostered a sense of community and shared purpose among all participants
After our time at the ASRC, we shared a delicious dinner at a nearby restaurant. It was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the evening’s efforts, connect, and enjoy good food in great company.
We extend our gratitude to everyone who attended and contributed to the success of this event. Your participation helps us continue making a positive impact on those in need.
Stay tuned for more opportunities to come together and make a difference!
Rotary in Action:
Supporting the Andrews Centre
On Wednesday, 11 December, President-Elect John Ternel delivered a generous donation of a swag to the Andrews Centre.
This contribution reflects our club's ongoing commitment to supporting local community organizations.
Spotlight on Environmental Stewardship
This week, we spotlight Terry Valentine’s recent presentation to the Beaumaris Rotary Club, delivered in September on behalf of Marine Care Ricketts Point and their Beach Patrol group. The presentation emphasized Rotary’s strong commitment to environmental sustainability, one of the key pillars. It highlighted how Rotarians are actively contributing to environmental care in ways that might often go unnoticed.
Marine Care Ricketts Point, supported by the dedicated efforts of its Beach Patrol group, focuses on preserving the natural beauty and ecological health of Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary. Terry’s involvement in this organization underscores the vital role Rotarians play in driving local environmental initiatives.
A central element of the presentation was a compelling video showcasing the Beach Patrol’s activities and their impact on the community and marine environment. The video offers a glimpse into the transformative work of these volunteers and can be viewed here: Beach Patrol Video.
The Beaumaris Rotary Club warmly received Terry’s presentation, sparking thoughtful discussions and raising awareness about the broader role Rotary can play in championing environmental causes.
🎄 Club Christmas Function 🎄
Celebrate the festive season with us at our Christmas Function on Tuesday, 17th December 2024.
Time: 6:30 PM for a 7:00 PM start Cost: $45 per person, including a delicious two-course traditional Christmas dinner Dress Code: Red & Green – embrace the holiday spirit! Drinks: Available at bar prices
Special Dietary Requirements: Please let us know when you RSVP.
Payments:
Rotary Admin
BSB: 013312
Account Number: 305698876
RSVP via the Club Runner event link, including your attendance and numbers.
Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate with fellow Rotarians and friends as we wrap up the year with festive cheer. We look forward to seeing you there!
DISTRICT EVENTS
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.
D 9815 Conference Newsletter #2
We’re pleased to share the latest updates as preparations for an unforgettable Rotary Conference are well underway! Inside this newsletter, you’ll find everything you need to stay informed and inspired.
Haven’t secured your spot yet? No problem—there’s still plenty of time and space! Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to connect, collaborate, and celebrate with your fellow Rotarians.
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.
Through the generous contributions of supporters like you, The Rotary Foundation has made a significant impact on communities worldwide. Your past support has helped implement sustainable solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Now, The Rotary Foundation invites you to join them once again in giving the gift of Rotary.
As they embark on new initiatives and continue their commitment to creating lasting change, your renewed support can make an even greater difference. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps empower Rotary members to carry out projects that improve lives, promote peace, and foster understanding across the globe.
Your gift will:
Provide clean water and sanitation to communities in need.
Support education and literacy programs.
Promote peacebuilding efforts in conflict-affected areas.
Advance disease prevention and treatment initiatives.
Address economic and community development challenges.
Together, a brighter future can be created for all. Your generosity fuels their mission and ensures that they can continue making a meaningful impact. Let’s work together to make lasting change possible.
To make a donation or learn more about their work, click HERE
Thank you for your continued support and dedication to creating a better world through Rotary.
Exciting Opportunity to Support Education Initiatives in Malaysia
We are thrilled to announce that after navigating significant red tape, we are ready to send two exceptional teachers to Malaysia for an incredible two-week program. This initiative includes school visits, parent education sessions, advocacy with education departments for developmental initiatives, and a presentation at an ASEAN-sanctioned conference.
While we are excited about this opportunity, the timing has posed challenges. The delays have resulted in increased flight costs, and we are seeking financial assistance to ensure this program’s success. The Rotary Club of Echuca Moama is requesting support from clubs in the Bendigo region to raise the $3,600 needed to cover flights and a modest stipend for incidental expenses for the participating teachers.
We believe this program represents a valuable opportunity for both professional growth and cultural exchange. If each club could contribute $450, we would meet our goal and ensure the program’s success. We kindly ask that you present this request to your board for consideration and respond at your earliest convenience.
Our team is more than happy to provide additional information, discuss the initiative, or deliver a presentation both before and after the trip. Furthermore, the teachers are eager to share their findings and successes with participating clubs upon their return.
Thank you for your support and commitment to advancing educational opportunities.
Yours in Rotary,
Rob Foran
President, 2023-25
Rotary Club of Echuca Moama
Nepal Landslides & Flood 2024 Support
In the wake of devastating landslides and floods that struck Nepal in 2024, the Rotary Club of Dhulikhel sprang into action, demonstrating the true spirit of community support and resilience. Immediately recognizing the urgent needs of over 300 families affected by the disaster, the club mobilized quickly to provide essential relief supplies. Food, warm blankets, mattresses, solar lights, water filters, and first aid kits were distributed, offering immediate comfort and safety to those impacted by the natural calamity.
In addition to these emergency supplies, the Rotary Club of Dhulikhel took a longer-term approach to aid recovery. The club distributed 50 Aqua boxes and installed a 10,000-meter water pipe, ensuring a sustainable source of safe drinking water for the affected communities. Recognizing the challenges faced by families in rebuilding their homes, the club is also working to construct low-cost, durable housing solutions to provide a sense of stability and security.
These vital initiatives were made possible through the support of international Rotary Clubs and partner organizations, whose generosity and commitment have been instrumental in helping those most in need. The Rotary Club of Dhulikhel’s relief efforts underscore the importance of global solidarity and the transformative power of local action in times of crisis. As the program progresses, the club looks forward to publicly acknowledging the contributions of all involved partners, reinforcing the collective impact of their efforts.
This compassionate response from The Rotary Club of Dhulikhel is a shining example of how communities come together to support one another in the face of adversity, making a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by natural disasters.
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.