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.
Don’t forget — our Facebook page is a great way to follow what’s happening in real time. If you haven’t connected with us yet, click here to follow us.
PRESIDENT'S UPDATE
👋 President’s Update
In my absence over the Easter/school holiday break, I extend my sincere thanks to Leanne for organising and hosting a highly successful joint meeting with the Rotary Club of Rowville - Lysterfield. By all accounts, it was an engaging and well-attended evening that reflected the strength of collaboration across our clubs. Please see Leanne’s update in this newsletter for further details on the joint meeting, along with photos from the evening.
A number of members were recognised for their outstanding contributions. Kam Pow was awarded a PHF +1 in recognition of raising $100,000 over the years for charitable causes, most recently supporting Prostate Cancer Australia following his recovery from a Stage 4 diagnosis.
Christine Pow received a Service Above Self Award for her commitment to the community, and Anne Diez was inducted into the Satellite Club (Impact Collective), acknowledging her resilience and dedication to supporting others.
Project updates showcased the breadth and depth of Rotary’s work:
In Sri Lanka, fundraising continues for solar panels at a highland orphanage to improve food security for 80–100 children.
In Kirawina, PNG, a refurbished rescue boat—supported by our club—has already saved 35 lives.
In Uganda, the Family Care initiative continues to expand, providing solar power, a battery system, a maize grinder, and educational resources to support a boarding school for daughters of former child soldiers.
Disaster Aid Australia has now installed over 400 Sky Hydrants across 140 locations, delivering safe drinking water alongside community training.
The Melbourne Youth Chorale continues to provide inclusive music education to 150 children across six choirs.
The evening clearly demonstrated the power of Rotary working together—sharing stories, strengthening relationships, and reinforcing our commitment to unite for good.
A new Earlyact initiative is also underway at St Paul Apostle South Primary School in Endeavour Hills, with 14 students ready to participate and a Lead Teacher bringing forward some excellent ideas.
On a more personal note, we have a couple of members currently facing health challenges. Paul Morris is in Mulgrave Private Hospital recovering from multiple broken bones, and Honorary Member Graeme Coates is recuperating following heart surgery after undergoing an aortic valve replacement in early March. Graeme’s wife, Marlene, is also back in Dandenong Hospital with a leg fracture and may require surgery. Our thoughts are with Paul, Graeme, and Marlene, and we wish them all a smooth and speedy recovery.
Photo: Paul Morris with flowers from the Club
Finally, we note that Mario has departed for Europe with his family for an eight-week holiday. We wish him safe travels and an enjoyable, well-earned break.
🤝 Leanne’s Joint Club Meeting Update
Oh what a night! Thank you to each and everyone who attended our joint meeting with Rowville/Lysterfield last night.😍
It was a vibrant, fun and informative event.
Congratulations to Kam Pow on your well deserved PHF+1 and Christine Pow, on your ‘Service Above Self’ Award, you are both so inspirational.
We are so proud to have a new Rotarian. Anne was inducted into our Satellite Club Impact Collective. She had already been very actively participating at meetings, events, and fundraisers over the past few months. You are a great asset to GDEH. Congratulations Anne.💖
A huge thanks to Howard de Zylva, Alan Lunghusen, Brian Ashworth and Alan Lachman for their excellent presentations on their International and local projects.
The Power of Rotary truly shone through; the positive outcomes and impact of the Peter Weeresakera Home in Sr Lanka, the Kiriwina Rescue boat, Ugandan school Solar Panels, DAA ultra filters for clean water in Bhutan and here at home, the Melbourne Youth Chorale.
All these projects are changing lives forever. 💖
🎤 Rotary’s Got Talent – Save the Date! ✨
Mark your calendars for Saturday, 2 May 2026, as Jonathan Usher takes the stage live at the Lyndale Secondary College Theatre for what promises to be an incredible night of entertainment.
Rotary’s Got Talent will showcase fantastic performances, plenty of laughs, and a wonderful community atmosphere — all while raising funds for the Monash Children's Hospital Cancer Centre Apheresis Therapy, supporting vital treatment for young patients.
📄 See the flyer in this newsletter for full details.
🎟 See the QR code for online registrations.
Tickets are now available — members are encouraged to purchase early to avoid missing out.
🙏 Community Invitation – Vaisakhi Celebration
Our good friends at Officer Gurdwara 'Siri Guru Nanak Drabar' have kindly invited our members to join them in celebrating Vaisakhi, the foundation day of the Sikh faith established in 1699.
This is a significant cultural and spiritual event, and a wonderful opportunity to connect with the community and learn more about Sikh traditions grounded in equality, service, and prosperity for all.
Members are warmly invited to attend on one of the following dates:
Tuesday, 14th April, around 12:30 pm
Tuesday, 14th April, around 6:00 pm
Thursday, 16th April, around 6:30 pm
Open days on 17–18th April (please advise your availability)
Sunday, 19th April, around 11:30 am (featuring student kirtan singing)
Please see the flyer in the ensuing sections of this newsletter for full details.
We thank Harpreet S Kandra for the invitation and encourage members to attend if available.
🧩 Rotary Puzzle – “The Four-Way Cipher.”
Below is a coded message inspired by Rotary principles. Each line relates to one part of the Four-Way Test — but the words have been scrambled using a consistent pattern.
Can you decode the message?
SI TI HET HTURT?
SI TI RIAF OT LLA NRECNOCED?
LLIW TI DIULB DOGO LLIW DNA RETTEB SDNEIRFSPHI?
LLIW TI EB FENEBLAIC OT LLA NRECNOCED?
Hint:
Each word has been reversed — but you’ll still need to interpret the meaning correctly.
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.
📘 Stay Connected! 👉 Follow Rotary District 9815 on Facebook for updates on community projects, events, and ways to get involved.
Click Like & Follow now!
Meet six young leaders who are about to change the world
Rotary International has recognized six club members aged 30 or younger as People of Action: Champions of Tomorrow. Based in Colombia, India, Italy, the Philippines, Uganda, and the U.S., the recipients have led transformative initiatives by and for young people. They’ve worked with Deaf communities, expanded access to education, and raised awareness about mental health. Read more about the honorees.
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.
