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.
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Hi Fellow Rotarians
First of all, I would like to thank Peter Faulkner and Brian Ashworth for helping to maintain the lawn and surroundings at Brand New Day. Coffee was great after we finished.
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Tuesday's meeting was inspiring to listen to Murray Wilson (DGN) to our community group and what we are doing and what we can do when we join together on projects.
He also spoke about regionalization of 9815 and how that is progressing and what we can look forward to in Rotary, more drive and enthusiasm.
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I would like to congratulate Colin Byron on receiving his 5th sapphire on his PHF and the work he continues to do by his many visits to other clubs, well done Colin
--Next Tuesday we will be visiting other clubs as a scatter meeting, so we can see how they perform.
We also had Richard visit us as a potential member, so make sure we all chat to him on his next visit.
In place of our regular club meeting on Tuesday, 25th March, we encourage all members to participate in our Scatter Meeting. This is a fantastic opportunity to visit other Rotary clubs, exchange ideas, and strengthen our Rotary connections.
You can choose to attend one of the following clubs:
Rotary Club of Berwick – Wednesday, 6:30 PM
Rotary Club of Casey – Monday, 6:00 PM
Rotary Club of Cranbourne – Tuesday, 6:30 PM
Rotary Club of Narre Warren – Wednesday, 6:30 PM
Rotary Club of Noble Park/Dingley – Tuesday, 6:30 PM
Rotary Club of Rowville-Lysterfield – Tuesday, 7:00 PM
Rotary Club of Springvale City – Thursday, 6:00 PM
Please RSVP to confirm which club you’ll be visiting. After the meeting, we’d love for you to share insights or experiences at our next gathering!
Dandenong Community and Learning Centre Open Day Showcases Life-Changing Programs
The Dandenong Community and Learning Centre opened its doors for a special Open Day, showcasing its vital programs that empower local residents, including refugees and vulnerable community members.
Event organiser Stephanie Joseph welcomed visitors, highlighting the Centre’s dedication to providing essential life skills and fostering a strong community spirit.
Visitors were given an inside look at the Centre’s community garden, where fresh vegetables are grown and used to teach refugees not only how to cultivate produce but also how to cook with it. This initiative promotes self-sufficiency among newly arrived Australians.
Another highlight was the woodworking shed, where participants learn practical craftsmanship by creating timber products. These workshops equip individuals with valuable skills that can lead to employment opportunities or personal development.
Incoming Rotary Club of Greater Dandenong and Endeavour Hills President John Ternel attended the event and praised the Centre’s efforts. “It’s incredible to see how deeply involved they are with the community. Teaching practical skills like gardening and woodworking not only helps people become more independent but also fosters a sense of belonging,” he said.
Also in attendance were representatives from Anglicare, whose support for community programs continues to have a meaningful impact, as well as Jasbir Singh from the Sikh Interfaith Council of Victoria, who added to the diverse range of voices and experiences shared during the day.
During his visit, John also met Emily, a single mother of two young children. She shared her struggles, including a moment that resonated deeply—her child’s glasses fell from the pram, causing the arms to dislodge. She worried about needing another repair and having to find the money for it when funds were already tight. Stories like Emily’s highlight the challenges many families face daily and reinforce the importance of community support.
John hopes to raise awareness about the Centre’s work and connect journalist Cameron with Emily to share her inspiring journey.
“The programs here change lives,” John added. “It’s important that we support and spread the word about these initiatives so more people can benefit.” He also highlighted one of his favourite sayings: “Teach someone how to fish, and they in turn will teach others how to fish. Essential skills can be passed on, and it’s such a simple, basic thing to do.”
John would also like to get Rotary more involved with community projects and encourages anyone who would like to help to reach out. “Your help can make someone’s life better, and you may find that you enjoy helping so much that you might even want to become a Rotarian yourself,” he said.
For those looking to get involved or support the Dandenong Community and Learning Centre, more information can be found on their website or by visiting in person.
Update from Hans:
The inaugural D9815 Rotary Ride for Research is now underway!
Pictured here are the riders and support crew at Baddaginnie, where the journey began.
From there, we rode 74 km to our base in Wangaratta, passing through beautiful countryside on quiet roads. A little rain added to the challenge, but spirits remain high, and all is going well!
End of day two at the traditional end-of-day Chardy club.
UPCOMING CLUB EVENTS
ASRC Food Hub Volunteering & Dinner
WHEN: Wednesday, 2nd April WHERE: ASRC Food Hub
Join us for a rewarding evening as we support the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) Food Hub. We'll be assisting with donations and rice repacking, followed by a group dinner.
RSVP Required: To ensure we have enough spots for dinner, please confirm your attendance by Monday, 24th March.
Don't miss this opportunity to make a difference and enjoy a meal together afterward!
LEANNE'S PARTNER PROJECT
Join us for a special Fundraiser supporting Apheresis Therapy at Monash Children's Hospital
Comedy for a Cause will feature some of the best comedians from the Sydney and Melbourne International Comedy Festivals. Best of all, 100% of proceeds from this event will go directly to supporting the life-changing work of Rotary Disaster Aid Australia.
Event Date: Thursday, May 8, 2025 Doors Open: 7:00 PM | Showtime: 7:30 PM (Approx. 2-hour runtime) Venue: The Dandenong Club – 1579 Heatherton Rd, Dandenong North
Tickets: $45 per person (General Admission – first in, best dressed!)
Drinks at bar prices.
Tea, coffee, and a light supper will be served at the interval
Please Note: This is an 18+ event and may contain some low-level coarse language.
Inaugural District 9815 Conference 28 - 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 the menu on the left 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.
Disaster Aid Australia Update – January & February 2025
Disaster Aid Australia (DAA) has been actively working to provide aid and safe water solutions to communities in need across the globe. Here’s a summary of their recent activities:
Comedy Night Fundraiser
DAA invites you to a night of laughter for a great cause! A Comedy Night Fundraiser, organized by Director Martin Pater, will take place on Thursday, May 8th at the Dandenong Club. Be sure to save the date and share the flyer with friends and family who may be interested.
Delivery of Aid
DAA assessed potential responses to floods in Nepal and an earthquake in Vanuatu, offering support where feasible.
Brian and David King traveled to the Philippines, handing over a Rapid Response Pack sponsored by RC Youngtown to Safe Water for Every Child – Philippines.
A temporary SkyHydrant installed in Siargao after prolonged power outages was made permanent with sponsorship from Norman Disney Young.
SkyHydrants were shipped to Nepal, Bhutan, and Timor-Leste to support various safe water projects.
Advice was provided to Rotarians in Bhutan on applying for RI Global Grants.
Discussions are underway in Timor-Leste to involve the government in Safe Water projects for public schools.
10 SkyHydrants were prepared for shipment to Timor-Leste as part of the Safe Water initiative.
The Bangsamoro Health and Peace Project saw a SkyHydrant installation completed with sponsorship from RC Drouin.
Financial Update
Donations in early 2025 have been 10% lower compared to last year. However, February saw a boost with sponsorships from RC Traralgon and RC Boronia, along with final payments from D9815 Community Group 6 for Safe Water Timor-Leste. Excitingly, DAA received its first donation from an EarlyAct club—Foster Primary School raised $611 for Safe Water Timor-Leste.
Additionally, a report was submitted to the Lawrence Acland Foundation, which previously funded five Safe Water Mindanao installations, and a new grant application was submitted for next year’s projects.
Administrative Updates
Contact details for local clubs were updated.
Sponsors received installation status updates and certificates.
A board meeting was held on February 15th, where financial and donation trends were reviewed.
The DAA backyard saw improvements with a new fence and gate.
A workshop with a consultant was held to enhance corporate outreach.
The Annual Information Statement for the ACNC was completed.
Marketing & Promotions
DAA will have a stand at the 9790 District Conference House of Friendship.
Facebook updates have included news on the RRP handover, Brian’s visit to the Philippines, the Comedy Night Fundraiser, and the SkyHydrant shipment to Timor-Leste.
DAA continues to make a difference in communities worldwide, providing much-needed clean water and disaster relief. If you would like to support their work, consider attending the upcoming fundraiser or spreading the word about their initiatives.
Every year on March 22nd, the world comes together to recognize World Water Day, an important global observance that highlights the critical need for clean and accessible water. Water is a fundamental human right, yet millions of people across the world still struggle to access safe drinking water and proper sanitation. This year’s theme, "Water for Peace," emphasizes how water plays a key role in fostering stability and cooperation among communities and nations.
The Global Water Crisis
According to the United Nations, nearly 2.2 billion people worldwide lack access to safe drinking water, and 4.2 billion people live without adequate sanitation. Contaminated water and poor hygiene contribute to the spread of diseases, impacting health, education, and economic development. Without sustainable water management, conflicts over this precious resource are likely to increase, making access to clean water a crucial factor in global peace and security.
Rotary’s Commitment to Clean Water
Rotary International has long been committed to addressing the global water crisis through projects that provide sustainable water solutions. From drilling wells and installing filtration systems to educating communities on sanitation and hygiene, Rotary clubs around the world work tirelessly to ensure that more people have access to clean, safe water.
Locally and internationally, Rotary’s Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) programs help transform communities by improving health outcomes and creating opportunities for education and economic growth. By working together, we can make a lasting impact and bring clean water to those in need.
How You Can Make a Difference
On this World Water Day, consider joining the movement to provide safe and sustainable water solutions. Your support can help bring life-changing clean water to those who need it most.
Every drop counts. Together, we can turn the tide on the global water crisis and build a future where clean water is a reality for all.
ROTARY FOUNDATION
ROTARY FOUNDATION WEBINAR
We are excited to invite you to an important webinar hosted by the three Regional Volunteer Leaders of The Rotary Foundation in the South Pacific region. This event is designed to inform and inspire all members across our 1180+ South Pacific clubs about the critical role of the Rotary Foundation in supporting international humanitarian initiatives.
Date: Wednesday, 9 April 2025 Time: 2PM AWST / 3.30PM ACDT / 5PM AEST / 7PM NZT Please register here:Zoom link
During this webinar, we will delve into how you can make a difference to the impact of all Rotarians around the world through the Rotary Foundation.
Our goal is to reach every member across our region and impress upon you the importance of supporting the Foundation, particularly within the clubs that have not yet contributed to The Rotary Foundation. Your contributions and involvement are vital in making a significant impact on communities worldwide. This is a unique opportunity to learn how you can be part of a global movement for positive change.
Please mark your calendars and join us for this enlightening session. Please ensure that at least one, and preferably more representatives from your club attend the webinar. We want your club members to understand the value of investing in our Foundation. (The webinar will be recorded and made available on demand, too.)
Together, we can make a difference!
With warm regards,
David Anderson
Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinator
Jennie Herring
Endowment & Major Gifts Advisor
Murray Verso
End Polio Now Coordinator
The Rotary Foundation
ROTARY IN REVIEW
What it takes to heal a divided world
Rotary’s commitment to peace was on display at the presidential peace conference, “Healing in a Divided World,” held on 20-22 February in Istanbul. Participants from various backgrounds outlined what it takes to achieve peace. It is “not something we can achieve quickly or easily. It takes an intentional commitment over time,” noted Rotary International President Stephanie A. Urchick, who convened the conference. Attendees included the first 13 Rotary Peace Fellows at the Otto and Fran Walter Rotary Peace Center at Bahçeşehir University in Istanbul. Read more about the conference.
World Water Day - March 22
Since 1993, the United Nations has recognized March 22 as World Water Day, to bring attention to the importance of clean water. The theme this year is "Save Our Glaciers."
At first, you may not think that relates to the activities of the WASH Rotary Action Group. However, it might.
As part of a Rotary project, we might build a sand dam to create a water reserve, or construct an open-topped tank, create a sewage lagoon, and build flush toilets. All of these can be a safety hazard.
Drowning is the second-largest cause of death globally for people of all ages. For children under five, it is the leading cause of death.
When we create an open water source, we need to fence it off. When bringing water to communities, we need to educate parents that two minutes in two inches of water can drown a child.
March is Rotary’s Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Month, a time to focus on one of the most critical areas of need around the world. Access to clean water and adequate sanitation is a fundamental human right, yet millions of people still lack these basic necessities.
Rotary International has made water and sanitation a priority, recognizing that safe drinking water, proper sanitation, and hygiene education can transform communities, prevent disease, and improve overall quality of life. By ensuring clean water access, Rotary helps reduce child mortality rates, increase school attendance—especially among girls—and support economic development.
Rotary clubs worldwide participate in projects to provide sustainable water solutions, such as:
Installing wells, boreholes, and rainwater harvesting systems in water-scarce areas.
Building and maintaining sanitation facilities in schools and communities.
Providing hygiene education to ensure lasting behavioral change.
Partnering with organizations to develop long-term water management systems.
Through these efforts, Rotary creates lasting change by addressing the immediate need for clean water and the long-term sustainability of water and sanitation systems.
By focusing on water and sanitation this March, Rotarians continue to make a meaningful impact, bringing hope, health, and opportunity to communities worldwide.
Clean water changes lives—let’s be part of the solution!
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.
As part of a Rotary project, we might build a sand dam to create a water reserve, or construct an open-topped tank, create a sewage lagoon, and build flush toilets. All of these can be a safety hazard..png)
