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.
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PRESIDENT'S UPDATE
👋 Welcome – Celebrating Rotary’s February Birthday
February is a special month for Rotary — it marks the anniversary of the very first Rotary meeting, way back on 23February1905. That night in Chicago, four men from very different professions got together and started something that none of them could have imagined would grow into a global movement.
At the centre of it all was Paul Harris, a young lawyer from Chicago. Born in 1868, Paul grew up in small-town America and saw the value of close-knit communities. He wanted to recreate that sense of friendship in a big city, bringing people together from all sorts of jobs and backgrounds. That idea became the foundation of Rotary.
That first meeting was held in the office of a mining engineer, Gustave Loehr, and included a coal dealer, Silvester Schiele, and a merchant tailor, Hiram Shorey. They called it “Rotary” because the meetings rotated between their offices. Simple, but brilliant. From that small gathering, Rotary quickly grew, spreading across the U.S. and eventually the world.
Paul Harris’s vision was always clear: friendship, service, and integrity. Even after he stepped back from day-to-day leadership, he remained a strong advocate for Service Above Self. Today, Rotary continues that legacy, with over a million members worldwide tackling everything from polio eradication to local community projects.
While Paul’s birthday is actually in April, 23 February is really Rotary’s “birthday” — the date when his idea became something real. It’s a good time to reflect on what Rotary started with: bringing people together, building friendships, and serving our communities. That spirit is still alive in our club today, and it’s something we can all celebrate this month.
What does it mean to be recognised as a Paul Harris Fellow?
It’s one of Rotary’s highest honours, recognising individuals who contribute, or have contributions made in their name, US$1000 to The Rotary Foundation. It reflects exceptional commitment to service and generosity.
Paul Harris Fellow recognition is named in honour of the founder of Rotary, Paul Harris. The recognition is marked by the presentation of a Paul Harris pin and citation. The importance? The money donated is used to fund the powerful work of this global philanthropy organisation.
🌙 Reflecting on Shared Traditions
This year brings a rare and remarkable convergence: Lent, Ramadan, and the start of the Lunar New Year all fall within roughly the same 24‑hour period. While these observances come from different faiths and cultural calendars, they share powerful themes: reflection, self‑discipline, renewal, and care for community.
As Rotarians, these shared values resonate deeply with our ethos of Service Above Self. Recognising and understanding these traditions is a wonderful way to celebrate diversity, foster goodwill, and strengthen connections with our members and the broader community.
💡 Did You Know?
· Lent lasts 40 days leading up to Easter and is observed by millions worldwide as a time of fasting, reflection, and giving.
· Ramadan follows the lunar Islamic calendar; the month begins with the sighting of the new moon and includes daily fasting from dawn to sunset.
· Many Lunar New Year traditions, including Chinese New Year, are based on a lunisolar calendar — the date shifts each year relative to the Gregorian calendar.
· This year, Lent, Ramadan, and Lunar New Year all begin within about 24 hours — a rare alignment that hasn’t occurred in over a century.
· Across all three traditions, common themes emerge: reflection, renewal, charity, and community — values that echo Rotary’s Service Above Self.
🚶♀️ Join Us — Monash Walk for Children 📅 Sunday, 1 March 2026
📍 Jells Park
⏰ Event Village opens at 8:30am
Step forward with purpose and community spirit at this year’s walk. The Event Village will be buzzing with activities for all ages — face painting, photo booth keepsakes, delicious food, and interactive fun. It’s a great chance to support children and families while enjoying a lively morning outdoors with fellow members, friends, and family.
🚗 Dandenong All Holden Car Show – Excitement is Building!
With just under a month to go, we’re getting closer to the 16th Dandenong All Holden Car Show on Sunday, 22 March 2026.
Registrations are already rolling in, with 70 online tickets sold in total, and vendor payments for stalls are coming through steadily.
In preparation for the big day:
Tuesday, 10 March 2026 – Show update covering car entry bookings, food, and stall holders
Tuesday, 17 March 2026 – Virtual show run-through at the Dandenong Club
Saturday, 21 March 2026 – Site walkthrough to familiarise ourselves with the venue, marshalling, vendor placement, and car club parking
📚 Exercise Book Appeal – Extended
The exercise book collection deadline has been extended to Tuesday, 24 March 2026. Alan Collier is coordinating collection and ensuring delivery to Donations in Kind (DIK) at the end of March, for distribution to children in developing nations.
This extension allows contributions from other clubs, including as far away as Traralgon. Thank you to everyone who has already contributed — please make sure your books are submitted by the revised date to ensure timely delivery.
🧠 Rotary Challenge — Paul Harris Fellow (Answers This Week)
Last week, we asked a few questions about the Paul Harris Fellow recognition. Here are the answers:
1️⃣ Who was Paul Harris?
Paul Harris was the founder of Rotary International. Born in 1868, he was a young lawyer from Chicago who wanted to bring together professionals from diverse backgrounds to foster friendship, integrity, and service — the very foundation of Rotary.
2️⃣ What does it mean to be recognised as a Paul Harris Fellow?
It’s one of Rotary’s highest honours, recognising individuals who contribute, or have contributions made in their name, to The Rotary Foundation. It reflects exceptional commitment to service and generosity.
3️⃣ What do sapphire or ruby pins represent?
· Sapphire pins indicate additional contributions beyond the initial Paul Harris Fellow recognition.
· Ruby pins signify even higher levels of contribution, showing ongoing support for The Rotary Foundation.
💎 Bonus: The Paul Harris Fellow recognition was introduced by Rotary International in 1957.
💡 Puzzle for Next Week — Famous Rotarians and Their Contributions
· Can you identify these well-known Rotarians from history or around the world and what they are famous for?
· Example: “This Rotary member helped eradicate polio and was a U.S. president — who is he?”
A fun way to test your knowledge about the people who shaped Rotary and its global impact!
🔥Join us for our first barbecue at the brand-new Bunnings Warehouse in Narre Warren — it’s fully undercover, equipped with electric barbecues, and we’re expecting to cook through 80–90 kilos of sausages a day, so we’ll need a strong team on deck… keep an eye out and get involved!
Where Club meetings are listed as TBC, please refer to the Events Calendar on our club website for the latest updates.
ATTENDANCE
We’d love to see you at our meetings! Please use ClubRunner to let us know if you’ll be attending, and feel free to include any guests — especially for special events or partners’ nights.
To help us plan with the Dandenong Club, please update your attendance by 5 pmon Monday. This ensures we can confirm numbers and make the most of our time together.
Chinese New Year Fundraising Update Author – Colin Byron
What an incredible night celebrating the final Annual Chinese New Year fundraising dinner organised by Club Rotarians Kam and Christine Pow. For 20 years, Kam and Christine have been running these dinners, raising over $100,000 to support numerous fantastic organisations — including our own Disaster Aid Australia.
The restaurant was fully booked again, and Rotary was well represented with 11 Club members attending, alongside 2 members from Warrandyte-Donvale and PDG Mark and Linda Humphries from the Rotary Club of Inverloch.
This year, all funds raised are going to Prostate Cancer, with a speaker from PCFA sharing the stark reality: over 26,000 men are diagnosed each year, and nearly 4,000 men die annually.
Kam and Christine were proudly awarded the inaugural Ken McDonald Rotary Service Award, named in honour of our Club’s Past District Governor who sadly passed away in November 2025.
Final proceeds for the night will be confirmed later this week.
We’re thrilled to see our upcoming Dandenong All Holden Car Show featured in the Berwick News! It’s wonderful to see the excitement building in the community as Holden enthusiasts prepare to showcase everything from classic Toranas and Commodores to Brock/HDT specials and modern HSVs. As hosts of this much-loved event, we’re proud to celebrate the legacy of an iconic Australian brand while bringing our community together for a fantastic day of cars, connection, and local spirit. Read the full article below and start counting down!
Please find a link below to the latest edition of the 2026 Conference Newsletter.
In it, you will find lots of fascinating news, including ideas for Friday night dinner if you haven't yet booked for your Club, QR code for the post Conference survey, and more information on some of our speakers.
Don't miss checking out the sponsor deals on page 9.
It’s David Button here — your District 9815 Communications Chair — and yes, I’m excited.
Across our District, Clubs are back in action. Projects are moving, leaders are stepping up and fresh ideas are taking shape. The momentum is real — and this month’s DG News captures it perfectly.
In this edition, District Governor Peter introduces the newly formed High Performance Marketing Team — created with one clear purpose: to help Clubs tell their story more powerfully.
Strengthen communication with members and supporters
Attract new members and partners
Position Rotary as vibrant, relevant and worth joining
Despite a lively filming environment (let’s just say microphones had a workout!), what shines through is the expertise and commitment of this team. They are a practical, accessible resource for every Club in D9815.
DG News isn’t just an update — it’s your connection point. A chance to see what’s happening across the District and identify opportunities for your Club.
So take a few minutes, press play, and then:
Share it with your members
Discuss it at your next meeting
Act on one opportunity that stands out
Let’s make 2026 the year our stories are told as strongly as our service is delivered.
Rotary 9815 & 9830 District Conference
13th -15th March 2026
Hobart, Tasmania
RIDE FOR MEDICAL RESEARCH
The Ride for Medical Research is organised by the Rotary District 9815 Ride for Medical Research Team. Over the past 40 years, Rotary Districts 9810 and 9820 have raised an incredible $2,476,285 for Australian Rotary Health, supporting vital medical research across the country.
The next annual ride will be held 22–27 March 2026, marking 40 years of dedication to funding life-changing research. Riders will cover approximately 578 km, setting out each day from the Bendigo base and spending six days exploring the surrounding countryside.
📘 Stay Connected! 👉 Follow Rotary District 9815 on Facebook for updates on community projects, events, and ways to get involved.
Click Like & Follow now!
Symbiosis Rotary Peace Center to train professionals from across Asia
Leaders of Rotary International and Symbiosis International University gathered in Pune, India, this month to inaugurate a new Rotary Peace Center at the university. Supported through The Rotary Foundation, the center will provide experienced peacebuilders from across Asia with one-year professional development certificate fellowships to study subjects such as conflict transformation, sustainable development, and social change. Learn more about the newest peace center.
Book Into a Meeting
🔥New Venue, Big BBQ, Bigger Team Needed!
Feb 28, 2026 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
🔥Join us for our first barbecue at the brand-new Bunnings Warehouse in Narre Warren — it’s fully undercover, equipped with electric barbecues, and we’re expecting to cook through 80–90 kilos of sausages a day, so we’ll need a strong team on deck… keep an eye out and get involved!
Register here https://mchwalk.com.au/event-details
Join us at Jells Park!
Date & Time:
See you at Jells Park on Sunday March 1 from 8:30am!
Our Event Village opens at8:30am and will be full of fun for all ages! Get your face painted, grab a keepsake from the photo booth, enjoy tasty food, or get involved in the many activities on offer- there’s something for everyone!
Location:
Jells Park, Wheelers Hill (head towards the T-House)
Parking:
Free parking is available at Jells Park. We recommend parking at or near the T House at Jells and following the signs to Registration.
Key Times
8:30am– Event Village opens
9:30am – 1km Walk Wavebegins
10:00am – 10km Walk Wavebegins
10:25am – 5km Walk Wavebegins
10:40am – 5km Walk Wave 2 begins
** Please note that Wave Times are subject to change
Optional Early Bib Collection
We will have your Bibs ready at Registration on the day, but for the first time we are setting up some Optional Early Bib Collections!
Visit us near the Monash Children’s Hospital Reception between 11am and 2pm on Thursday 26 of Feb and Jells Park from 1pm-4pm on Saturday 28 Feb and skip the bib collection line on event day!
Jells Park, Wheelers Hill (head towards the T-House)
Scatter Meetings are a great chance to step outside our usual routine and connect with fellow Rotarians at neighbouring clubs.
By attending another club’s meeting, you may hear a new speaker, pick up fresh ideas, and strengthen the relationships that make Rotary such a powerful network. It’s also a reminder that we’re part of something much bigger than our own club.
I encourage everyone to take part and then share what you experienced and learned when we come back together. Your involvement helps keep our club connected, informed and energised.
Thank you for your ongoing commitment to Rotary and our community.
We warmly invite you to one of the most memorable experiences you’ll ever have at a District Conference—set in the stunning surrounds of Hobart, Tasmania.
With the uplifting theme “Be Inspired,” this event promises to energise, engage, and excite. You'll hear from an exceptional lineup of inspiring guest speakers, enjoy unforgettable social activities, and experience incredible value through a program crafted to leave a lasting impression.
In partnership with our friends from Rotary Tasmania, we’ll showcase the very best of this world-class destination—from its breathtaking scenery to its rich culture and hospitality. Together, we’ll celebrate the true spirit of Rotary: building connections, sparking ideas, and turning inspiration into meaningful action.
And don’t miss our Gala Night, featuring the fun and lively theme “A Nautical Night.” It’s your chance to get creative, dress up, and enjoy an evening of celebration, laughter, and camaraderie with your fellow Rotarians.
Whether you're a long-time member or new to Rotary, this is your opportunity to be part of something truly special.
Come along, be inspired, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
📅 Further details and registration at:- https://rotary9815.org.au/page/district-conference-2026
Grid the Site: Draw the physical boundaries of the venue on the board.
Anchor Points: Mark out the "non-negotiables": Toilets, Power Hubs, First Aid, and Water.
Zone Allocation: Use different coloured markers to shade in the Food Precinct, Trade Stall Alley, and the various Car Categories (e.g., Classics in blue, Muscle in red).
2. The "Arrows" (Traffic & Crowd Flow)
The In-Gate: Trace the path of a display car from the main road to its parking spot. Where does the driver get their "goodie bag" or check-in?
The Public Entry: Trace the walking path for patrons. Does it cross over the car entry path? (If so, we need a marshal there).
The "Choke Points": Identify where queues are likely to form (Coffee vans, entry gates) and draw "overflow" areas to keep the paths clear.
3. The Timeline (The Horizontal Axis)
Draw a long horizontal line across the board from 6:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Bump-in: Plot when the first coffee van arrives vs. when the first car club is allowed on the grass.
The "Gold Hour": Mark the peak period (likely 10:00 am – 1:00 pm) when we need maximum volunteer presence.
Bump-out: How do we get the cars out safely if the public is still walking around?
4. The "Who’s Where" (Volunteer Grid)
Create a grid on the side of the board: Location vs. Time Slot.
Physically write names into the slots for:
Entry Gate (Check-ins)
Parking Marshals
Roving "Help Desk"
Safety/COVID-Marshall (if required)
5. The "What If?" (Red Pen Items)
Scenario A (Rain): If the field is soggy, where is the hard-stand backup parking?
Scenario B (No-Show): If a major food vendor cancels at 7:00 am, who is the backup?
Scenario C (Over-capacity): Where do we put the "201st car" if we only planned for 200?
1. The Physical Walk-Through (The "Patron’s Journey")
The Approach: Start at the main road entry. Are the "Event Ahead" signs visible from a driver’s perspective?
The Check-In Point: Stand where the gate marshals will be. Is there enough room for three cars to queue without blocking the street?
The Walking Path: Walk from the spectator parking to the food area. Is the ground even, or do we need "Watch Your Step" signs for trip hazards?
2. Stakeholder & Vendor Positioning
Stall Mark-out: Physically mark (using chalk, cones, or stakes) exactly where the food trucks and trade stalls will sit.
Power & Services: Open every power box and test every tap. Ensure we have enough heavy-duty cable protectors for any leads crossing pedestrian paths.
The "Main Stage" / PA Check: Stand at the furthest corner of the site while someone speaks into the PA system. Can everyone hear the announcements?
3. Vehicle Placement & "Tight Spots"
Spacing Test: Use a club member’s car to test the "Display Gap." Ensure there is enough room for people to walk between cars without touching them.
Turning Circles: Check the "dead ends." If a car needs to leave early, is there a clear exit path that doesn't require a 20-point turn?
Ground Condition Audit: Identify any soft patches or "boggy" areas. Mark these as "No-Park Zones" if there’s been recent rain.
4. Safety & Emergency Drills
Emergency Lane: Walk the "Clear Zone." Ensure no vendor or display car has encroached on the lane required for an ambulance or fire truck.
First Aid Post: Confirm the First Aid tent has a clear line of sight to the busiest part of the show.
Evacuation Points: Point out the muster areas to all key volunteers present.
5. Communications & Radio "Dead Zones"
The Signal Test: Have team members stand at opposite ends of the site (e.g., the Gate vs. the far Parking Lot) to test walkie-talkie or mobile phone reception.
Marshall Briefing: Do a final "handover" of high-vis vests and lanyards to the leads so they know their physical stations.
The iconic Dandenong All Holden Car Show is back!
From classic Kingswoods and Monaros to newer Holdens, HSVs, Brock/HDT specials and Walkinshaw performance builds — this is the ultimate celebration of Holden pride.
Bring the family for a massive day of:
- Holden displays across every era
- Trophies & prizes
- Live music & entertainment
- BBQ, food trucks & kids’ activities
- Stall holders specialising in car products and services — detailing, performance, parts, tyres & more
- Raffles supporting local charities
Car entries & judging: Opening in January — stay tuned for the registration link
Tag your mates, polish your Holden, and let’s make 2026 the biggest show yet!
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.
Riders will cover approximately 578 km, setting out each day from the Bendigo base and spending six days exploring the surrounding countryside.
Bunnings Narre Warren
We warmly invite you to one of the most memorable experiences you’ll ever have at a District Conference—set in the stunning surrounds of Hobart, Tasmania.
