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
This week, we reflected on the life and legacy of Past District Governor Ken McDonald, sharing a farewell message with members and the broader Rotary community.
We also highlighted several recent club activities, including our Christmas Business Breakfast, the Operation Newstart Casey Intake 68 Graduation, and the presentation of a Paul Harris Fellow to James “Jimmy” Seeary. President-Elect Leanne and PDG Colin further represented our club at Lyndale Secondary College’s Presentation Night — a celebration of another outstanding year for the school and an opportunity to reinforce our strong partnership with this vibrant community.
A new newsletter feature is being introduced: a Rotary-themed puzzle! Puzzle 1 is included below – see if you can solve it, and the answer will be revealed in next week’s edition.
🕯 Farewell PDG Ken McDonald
On Thursday we said our final farewell to an ‘Officer and a Gentleman’, Ken McDonald, at the Police Academy Chapel. It was wonderful to see so many Past District Governors in attendance; Rob Marks, Janet McCahon, Tony Spring and wife Carla, Charlie Speirs, Janne Speirs and Colin Byron, along with Rotarians from a range of clubs including Jenny Dight from Noble Park Dingley and our Community Leader John Poke from Rowville Lysterfield.
The following update was provided by President-Elect - Leanne Byron.
"Representing Greater Dandenong and Endeavour Hills were, Colin & Leanne Byron, Phillip Thurgood, Anthony Brown, Vicki Collier, Martin & Wilma Pater, Ian & Janice Maxwell, Alan Roberts, Graeme & Margaret Coates and their daughter, Kam Pow, Ken & Lynn Tam, Bruce Fletcher, Brian & Doreen Waters, Irene Cantwell. There were also several others watching the live webcast.
A celebration of Ken’s life was highlighted by family, friends and colleagues. Ken was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, friend, a proud and dedicated Rotarian, Rotary Past District Governor and retired Police Officer. Ken’s Rotary journey began with the Rotary Club of Dandenong in 1985, where the idea of giving something back to the community inspired him to join. With his wonderful wife Margaret by his side, their Rotary experiences were something they would both cherish.
They had the privilege to attend 8 Rotary International Conventions and enjoyed a Friendship exchange in New Jersey, USA. Ken wasn’t someone who sought attention, instead, he led by example. Through his actions, his words and the consistency of his character, Ken became a role model not only within his Club but across our District.
In 2006, Ken was chosen to carry the Queen’s baton for the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, in recognition of his outstanding Rotary and community service. Ken served as a Club President, an Assistant Governor and District Governor, his impact, both locally and globally was commendable, from traveling to a remote region in Timor Leste to build a village school and to supporting a Rotary Interplast medical mission in Papua New Guinea as an observer where surgeons performed life-changing operations for those who otherwise had no access to care.
Ken, a very well deserving Paul Harris Fellow and Honorary Member of Greater Dandenong & Endeavour Hills, lived by the motto ‘SERVICE ABOVE SELF’ throughout all aspects of his life. Ken showed us that leadership is not about titles or positions, it’s about character, showing up, helping others, and doing the right thing even when no one is watching. In that sense, Ken was – and remains – one of our finest and most humble role models.
Throughout Ken’s District Governor year with the theme ‘Make Dreams Real’, the focus was on the global Rotary priority of reducing child mortality. For Ken, this theme was more than a slogan, it was a commitment to help the most vulnerable and build a future in which every child had the chance to thrive. We will miss Ken’s steadiness, kindness, humour and gentle wisdom. Ken’s spirit lives on in the clubs he strengthened, in the people he inspired and the community he dedicated his life to serve. Ken will be remembered with gratitude and love. May he rest in peace."
🎄 Christmas Business Breakfast – Tuesday Recap
A big thank you to all members who supported Tuesday’s Business Breakfast. Special thanks to Graeme, John, Phil, Terry, Ashton, Babar, and Anthony for attending and contributing to a highly successful event.
A special acknowledgement to Ashton and Babar, our International Directors – their leadership and hard work were instrumental in making the breakfast such a success. Ashton did an outstanding job planning the event and engaging his business network, while Babar delivered a compelling presentation on the Peter Weerasekera Orphanage Solar Power Project.
Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the presentation’s high quality and engagement. One guest was so inspired that they pledged $1,000 in support of the project.
Overall, guest feedback was excellent. Attendees praised our club’s warm and welcoming atmosphere, professionalism, and the friendliness of our members. Importantly, three guests expressed interest in joining our club and have also shown interest in attending our Christmas event.
I had the pleasure of attending the Term 4, 2025 graduation for students at Operation Newstart Casey Intake 68. It was also an honour to present James “Jimmy” Seeary with a Paul Harris Fellow recognition for his outstanding work with teenagers.
Jimmy’s work with Operation Newstart has been about showing up for young people—consistently, patiently, and wholeheartedly. He offers guidance when it is needed most, believes in students even before they learn to believe in themselves, and helps create opportunities that change the trajectory of lives. His dedication has strengthened the program, supported countless families, and helped young people discover resilience, purpose, and confidence.
A big thanks to Leanne for arranging the award and delivering a heartfelt speech highlighting Jimmy’s passion and the great work he does.
🎓Lyndale Secondary College Presentation Night
The following update was provided by President-Elect Leanne Byron:
Leanne and Colin, had the pleasure of attending the Presentation Night at Lyndale Secondary College on Thursday which was a celebration of another remarkable year at the school.
The evening reflected the outstanding leadership from the Principal Pam Robinson, Assistant Principal Diana Kennedy, Assistant Principal Inclusion, Wellbeing and Community Connections, Michelle Lewis and all other teaching staff.
Students were awarded Excellence Awards for all core subjects, School Dux,
musical, sporting achievements, and our twelve Rotary awards for students
outstanding school values of Respect, Resilience and Responsibility, which included book vouchers.
As Rotarians, we believe deeply in Service Above Self, integrity, and strengthening our communities.
What made last night especially meaningful is how closely these principles align with the values upheld at Lyndale.
Just like Rotary, Lyndale encourages students to contribute to their community, show respect for others, strive for personal excellence, and embrace diversity.
Both of our organisations share a commitment to developing young people who lead with character, compassion, and a sense of global citizenship.
We are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with such an inspiring school
community.
That is why these awards are so significant.
They recognise students who not only work hard, but who live by the values that Rotary and Lyndale both hold dear — values that help build stronger communities and a better world.
🛠️ Endeavour Hills Men’s Shed Update
It was inspiring to hear that the Endeavour Hills Men’s Shed has recently acquired a new laser cutter and engraver. The quality of the output is exceptional, and it represents a significant capability upgrade for the Shed. This new equipment will not only enhance the group’s creative and practical projects but also expand opportunities for community engagement, skill development, and fundraising initiatives.
Here’s a photo of some of the work they are doing.
🎅 Christmas Social Night – 16 December 2025
We have a total of 13 registrations to date, including 3 Club members. Don’t forget to register to join the festivities!
– Special Musical Treat
Get ready to be delighted! The Melbourne Youth Chorale will be performing at our Christmas Celebration, sharing the joy of music with their amazing voices. Come and enjoy a magical performance that will make our festive gathering even more special!
🤲 ASRC Rice Packing & Dinner Night – 9 December 2025
Join us to repack Basmati rice into 1kg bags to support vulnerable members of our local community. Every bag provides a meal for families in need.
🐘 From Orphaned Elephants to Empowered Children: A Journey of Compassion and Connection
I caught up with Mark Jones, who recently presented his Orangutan refuge work in Borneo. He shared his exciting new project, supporting children in Kenya through KOCH (Keep On Creating Hope), and has set up a GoFundMe fundraiser. Mark and his wife cover administrative costs themselves, so all funds go directly to the children and communities KOCH supports. Mark is booked to present to the club on 10 February.
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.
We’d love for you to join us for a special outing at the beautifully refurbished Palace Dendy in Brighton.
Settle into the new, ultra-comfortable recliner seats, enjoy the premiere of the latest Rotary commercial, and share a wonderful movie experience with fellow Rotarians, friends, and family.
It’s the perfect chance to relax, connect, and enjoy a great film together for the very inviting, discounted price of $17/head.
Please see the attached invitation. You're welcome to bring family and friends.
Please RSVP asap direct to Gael Traa at Gael.Traa@rotary9815.com.au with numbers of those who will be accompanying you, so that we can advise the cinema on the number of attendees.
We hope to see you there!
Kind Regards
PeterBehm
District Governor
Rotary 9815 & 9830 District Conference
13th -15th March 2026
Hobart, Tasmania
Edition 2 of the District 9815 & 9830 Joint Conference Newsletter is here, packed with fresh updates and inspiration. In this latest issue, you’ll find a presenter spotlight on Captain Sarah Parry of the Tall Ship STV Windeward Bound, as well as a feature on Rob Pennicott, a celebrated Tasmanian eco-tourism planner. There’s also plenty of other interesting conference news and updates to explore.
Have You Booked for Hobart Yet?Early Bird Ends Soon
How would you like a FREE Ticket to the Conference?
Have you booked your tickets yet for our combined District 9815 & 9830 Conference in Hobart, 13–15 March 2026?
Early Bird registrations close in just 5 weeks – on 31 December 2025.
To make it even more exciting, everyone who books during the Early Bird period will go into the draw to win a FREE Conference ticket! The lucky winner will be announced early in the New Year.
A Full Conference Experience Ticket (value $295) will be reimbursed to the lucky winner!
Now is your chance to lock in the lower price and be in the running for a free ticket – don’t miss out!
About the Conference – “Be Inspired!”
Our 2026 Conference will be held at the Hotel Grand Chancellor, Hobart, and will bring together Rotarians, Rotaractors, partners, family and friends from both Districts for a weekend of inspiration, connection and fun.
Here’s a snapshot of what to expect:
Inspiring Speakers – Hear from an outstanding lineup including
Rob Pennicott – Tasmanian tourism legend, conservationist and incredible supporter of End Polio.
Dr Kirk Williams (Interplast) – Sharing powerful stories of life-changing medical programs.
Captain Sarah Parry AM – Leadership, community and the story behind Tasmania’s tall ship.
Saroo Brierley – The remarkable true story behind the book and film Lion.
Dynamic MCs – The program will be hosted by Evan Burrell and Maree McPherson, bringing energy, humour and insight to the stage.
Gala Dinner – “A Nautical Night” – Dress to the nautical theme, enjoy a fabulous meal and dance the night away with your fellow Rotarians.
Pre-Conference Activities (Friday) – Optional ticketed experiences including golf, bowls, storytelling at MACq 01, whisky and gin experiences, and more along the Hobart waterfront.
Rotary Expo & Networking – Explore projects, action groups and initiatives from across both Districts, plus dedicated events like the First Timers’ Breakfast, Foundation Breakfast, Alumni Lunch and Making Connections Dinner.
Special Extras – Every attendee receives a complimentary Conference polo shirt, and there are special deals on accommodation, travel and local experiences in and around Hobart.
Early Bird Registration
Early Bird (until 31 December 2025):
Full Conference (sessions + Gala Dinner): $295
Conference Only: $185
Gala Dinner Only: $140
From 1 January 2026, the Full Conference price increases to $340, so now is the perfect time to secure your spot.
We can’t wait to welcome you to Hobart, to Be Inspired, build connections and celebrate the incredible impact of Rotary – and remember, if you book during the Early Bird period, you could be the one enjoying the Conference for free!
📘 Stay Connected! 👉 Follow Rotary District 9815 on Facebook for updates on community projects, events, and ways to get involved.
Click Like & Follow now!
Welcome to our next instalment of Rotary Connections, where you can listen to one of the AFL greats in Ted Whitten Jnr, along with our very own Rotarian Greg Mossop and CEO from RULE Foundation, Mark Harrison.
This is the latest podcast, which contains information on a heartfelt, Men’s Health project, that has the potential to improve the lives of men right throughout the community.
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.
