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
VALE – Owen John William Carlton 1934 – 2025
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our esteemed friend, Corporal Owen Carlton, who last year shared with us his moving presentation on the Rats of Tobruk.
Owen proudly served in the 51st Battalion, Far North Queensland Regiment, and was a passionate advocate for the Rats of Tobruk Association, dedicating many years to research and preserving their legacy.
A devoted husband to Maurveen and a dedicated family man, Owen was also a much-loved presence at the Dandenong RSL, where he was a regular Friday night patron. He was well known for his warm character, his fondness for Bundaberg Ginger Beer, and his unwavering support of the Hawthorn Football Club.
He will be deeply missed by the Dandenong RSL family, our Rotary community, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Lest We Forget.
🎲 Two Truths and a Lie – Peter Behm
Peter entertained us this week with three cracking tales:
While on a group study trip to Japan, he accidentally called a lady a “pumpkin” instead of “beautiful.”
He ran a marathon in Melbourne in under 3 hours in 1995.
As a Rotaractor on a trip to WA, his bus had to stop for a toilet break.
🎉 The lie? Number 2 – Peter has never run a marathon! Thanks, Peter, for the laughs.
Fun Stories – Language Misadventures
Lost in Translation in Japan: During a trip to Japan, Peter attempted to compliment a local lady by saying "beautiful" in Japanese. However, he accidentally said "pumpkin" instead, leading to laughter from both the locals and himself.
A Misunderstood Request in Spain: While in Spain, a traveller tried to praise a dancer by saying "bonita" (beautiful). Unfortunately, he mistakenly said "botella" (bottle), causing a mix-up that left everyone chuckling.
A Giraffe Proposal in South Africa: On a safari in South Africa, a traveller intended to express their love for giraffes by saying, "I love giraffes." However, due to a translation error, it came out as "I want to marry a giraffe," resulting in laughter among the group.
These stories serve as delightful reminders that even small language slips can create memorable and humorous moments while travelling. Embracing these misadventures can lead to shared laughter and unexpected connections.
Combined Meeting Update
Last night we held a combined meeting with Noble Park, Mordialloc, Springvale South, and Greater Dandenong & Endeavour Hills.
We were inspired by Monique Smith, who gave an update on next year’s Conference in Hobart. It was great to see Rotarians from across the district working together—the energy, ideas, and fellowship in the room were truly exciting.
🌸 90th Centenary Celebration
We are celebrating 90 years of Rotary in Dandenong at the Dandenong Club tomorrow, Saturday 4th October.
It’s a wonderful opportunity to:
Connect with former Rotarians
Explore our history and projects
Celebrate our achievements with entertainment and surprises
A huge thank you to Peter Faulkner and Leanne Byron for preparing a professional and impressive booklet covering our club’s rich history.
🔥 Bunnings BBQ – Grand Final Eve
Our Bunnings Dandenong BBQ last Friday was a great success! Thank you to Phil and all members who helped out. The BBQ raised $1,300, and Phil will be presenting recommendations on how these funds can support Lift the Lid for Mental Health and End Polio Now.
💉 Polio Month – October
Polio eradication remains one of Rotary’s greatest global missions. With World Polio Day on 24 October, we encourage all members to raise awareness in our communities. Polio anywhere remains a threat everywhere—together we can help finish the fight.
🧢 Lift the Lid for Mental Health – Fun Hat Night
We’re delighted to welcome Colleen from Rotary’s Donations in Kind (DIK) – West Footscray as our special guest speaker.
DIK is a volunteer-powered global initiative transforming surplus goods from businesses, hospitals, and schools into life-changing resources for communities in need worldwide.
This meeting will also be a fundraising night for Lift the Lid for Mental Health! Bring your funniest, craziest, or most stylish hat to show off while raising funds.
Exciting activities planned for the night:
Trivia – test your knowledge and have fun with fellow Rotarians
Raffles – win great prizes while supporting mental health initiatives
Let’s make this a night of laughter, friendly competition, and giving back—all while supporting an incredibly important cause.
🫖 High Tea Fundraiser – Monash Children’s Cancer Centre
Date: Saturday, 12 October Venue: Lifestyle Kaduna Park Purpose: Apheresis Therapy is a life-saving treatment for children with cancer—and you can help make it a reality!
Join us to support this vital cause and help give children a brighter future.
📅 Important Dates
Saturday, 4 Oct – 90th Centenary Celebration, Dandenong Club
Saturday, 12 Oct – High Tea Fundraiser, Monash Children’s Cancer Centre, Lifestyle Kaduna Park
Monday, 13 Oct – Board Meeting #4
Tuesday, 14 Oct – Donations in Kind Presentation & Lift the Lid Fundraising Night, Rotary Club Meeting
Thursday, 24 Oct – World Polio Day Awareness Activities
✨ Your presence, energy, and contribution make all the difference. Let’s come together to serve, celebrate, and support causes that truly matter!
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.
Remembering Vale Paul Harvey
It is with great sadness that the Rotary Club of Mt. Eliza shares the passing of their esteemed Honorary Member and Past President, Paul Harvey, on Sunday, 28 September.
Paul was an international business executive who lived and worked in several countries, including South Africa and Germany, before settling with his wife Pat in Mt. Eliza in 2003. Upon joining the club in May of that year, he quickly became a valued and respected member.
Throughout his many years of service, Paul contributed greatly as a Board Member and as Club President, and for several years, he also served as Foundation Chair for the former Rotary District 9820. A Paul Harris Fellow with Sapphire, Paul was further honoured in 2018 with the prestigious Royce Abbey Award, a recognition he accepted with characteristic humility for his outstanding commitment to the Rotary Foundation.
Paul will be remembered as a gentleman, a dedicated Rotarian, and a wonderful family man. He will be deeply missed.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Pat, and the Harvey family at this difficult time.
D9815 Foundation Video News: Sept 2025
This month, Rotary District 9815 shines a spotlight on the incredible work of the Rotary Foundation and the difference it makes in our communities and around the world. As we move into October, we prepare for World Polio Day (24 October)—a time to recognise Rotary’s leadership in the global fight to eradicate polio.
Together with our partners, Rotary has reduced polio cases by 99.9% worldwide. But the job isn’t done, and we need your continued support to finish the fight. In this update, discover how your contributions to the Foundation are powering life-changing projects—from local initiatives right here in our District to international efforts that bring hope, health, and opportunity to millions.
Every action counts. Together, we are People of Action creating a world where no child ever has to fear polio again.
On October 24, Rotary joins with partners around the globe to mark World Polio Day — a time to reflect on the incredible progress made and the work that still lies ahead in eradicating polio.
Since Rotary helped launch the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) in 1988, polio cases worldwide have dropped by more than 99%. What was once a disease that paralysed hundreds of thousands of children every year is now confined to just two countries: Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Polio is a highly infectious viral disease that can cause lifelong paralysis and even death. The good news is that it is entirely preventable. Safe, effective vaccines protect children for life, and Rotary members have been at the forefront of making sure those vaccines reach even the most remote communities.
But the fight isn’t over. The final push is the hardest — ensuring every child is vaccinated, maintaining strong surveillance, and responding quickly to outbreaks. Until polio is gone everywhere, no country is safe from its return.
Rotary has contributed more than US$2.6 billion and countless volunteer hours to the effort. Each vaccination campaign brings us one step closer to a world free of this devastating disease.
This World Polio Day, let’s celebrate how far we’ve come — and recommit to finishing the job. Together, we can make polio the second human disease ever eradicated.
DAA Annual Conference 2025 Celebrating 15 Years of Saving Lives and Rebuilding Communities!
Disaster Aid Australia warmly invites you to attend their annual conference, celebrating 15 years of saving lives by rebuilding communities after major disasters and delivering Safe Water for Every Child installations.
📅 When Saturday, 11th October 2025
9:30 am – 4:00 pm | Conference
6:30 pm – 11:00 pm | Dinner
📍 Where The Dandenong Club
1579 Heatherton Road
Dandenong North VIC 3175
🔗 For more information and to register, click here
Support Disaster Aid Australia Join the Calcutta Cup Night!
Join us for a fantastic evening in support of Disaster Aid Australia at the Calcutta Cup event:
📅 Date & Time
Friday, 17 October • 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm
📍 Venue
The Heatherton Room, Dandenong Club
💵 Cost & Inclusions
$40 per person, which includes a 2-course dinner
Full bar service will be available throughout the evening
👗 Dress Code
Neat casual is fine — or dress up if you like
🎲 What to Expect
An entertaining auction & raffle during the evening
Form a table of 10 and contribute $10 each toward your table’s horse for the Caulfield Cup
A fun and social atmosphere in support of a meaningful cause
October is Mental Health Month – Lift the Lid Hat Day
Did you know that one in five Australians is affected by mental illness? Rotary is playing its part in supporting vital mental health research through Australian Rotary Health’s Lift the Lid Hat Day.
Throughout October, clubs across District 9815 are encouraged to dedicate a meeting to this initiative. It’s simple and fun: members wear a hat – the quirkier, the better – make a small donation, and help raise awareness for mental health.
Lift the Lid isn’t just about the hats; it’s about making a difference. Funds raised support prevention, early intervention, and education programs that change lives.
Let’s lift the lid, raise awareness, and support the incredible work of Australian Rotary Health — one hat at a time.
WORLD POLIO DAY 24 OCTOBER 2025 Movie Fundraising Offer
This is a courtesy reminder to ensure you have seen our invitation to host a Polio Movie Event this year for Rotary’s number one priority, Ending Polio. Our partner Sony Pictures is making the major release THE TRAVELLERS available for your special events and exciting social gatherings - great opportunities for Rotary members and people in our communities to come together. You might also consider inviting other clubs in your area to go to your event!
With warm wishes,
Anke and The Rotary Foundation Team
ANKE TIMM
Philanthropy Supervisor, THE ROTARY FOUNDATION – South Pacific and Philippines
Rotary International rotary.org
Direct Line: (612) 8894 9840
Office Line: (612) 8894 9800
Rotary 9815 & 9830 District Conference
13th -15th March 2026
Hobart, Tasmania
Welcome to the 2026 District Conference in Hobart, Tasmania!
I am thrilled to invite you to join us from March 13th to 15th, 2026, for an extraordinary event that promises to be both enriching and enjoyable. This year, we are excited to announce that the conference will be a collaborative effort with District 9830, representing Tasmania. Together, we aim to create an unforgettable experience filled with learning, networking, and cultural immersion.
Monique Smith, District 9815, Conference Chair 2025-26
ROTARY IN REVIEW
Creative thinking funds early childhood education
Providing care for young children doesn’t just change their lives, it changes society. Patrick Moore, a Rotary member in Louisiana, USA, found a way to make donors see that. Read more about this project for Basic Education and Literacy month.
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.
Mt. Eliza shares the passing of their esteemed Honorary Member and Past President, Paul Harvey, on Sunday, 28 September. 
