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
It’s been another action-packed week for our club, filled with community engagement, fellowship, and the spirit of Rotary. From supporting local initiatives to taking part in long-standing charitable events, our members continue to make a meaningful impact.
🎲 DAA Calcutta Night – Friday The much-anticipated DAA Calcutta Night at the Dandenong Club was filled with laughter, energy, and plenty of friendly banter. It was fantastic to see Rotarians from other clubs in attendance, including Monique and her team from Boronia. The event was strongly supported by the directors of Disaster Aid Australia, led by Martin Pater, who hosted a full table of guests. Two tables of Dandenong Club members also helped fill the room and contribute to the lively atmosphere.
While our table didn’t scoop any prizes overall, a big shout-out goes to Geoff Brown, who sniped a last-second bid for our horse — and by the looks of things, over the phone!
The horse may not have made it to the finish line first, but everyone on our table walked away a winner — with smiles, laughter, and a great story to tell.
Thanks to Geoff’s cash! 🙂
We also found out that Jean Langworthy had a birthday!
Now, I was brought up to never ask a lady about her age, but I’d be safe in saying she doesn’t look a day older than 21! 🎉🎂
Happy Birthday, Jean!
💧 Disaster Aid Australia Update
Philippine Earthquake Response
DAA Response Team is actively responding to the recent multiple earthquakes in Mindanao, Philippines. After picking up 3 Rapid Response Water Filter Packs on Friday, volunteers Dianne and Russell delivered them to Davao Oriental to provide much-needed assistance to the local communities.
The team has also planned and installed a Rapid Response Water Filter with the locals of Barangay San Ignacio, providing safe water and support where it was urgently needed.
⛳ Mayor of Monash Charity Golf Day – Monday Our Club proudly entered a team in the Mayor of Monash Charity Golf Day on Monday this week. Organised by the three Waverley Rotary Clubs, this event has a rich history spanning 40 years, raising over $1 million for local community charities.
This year, proceeds are going to the Cerebral Palsy Education Centre and the Monash Children’s Cancer Centre, supporting vital services and programs for children and families in need. Congratulations to our team and thanks to all involved in making the day a success! 🏌️♂️
🔜 Up Next
🍔 Dandenong West Primary School BBQ – Saturday, 25 October Our club will be putting on a BBQ at Dandenong West Primary School! We’ll be serving tasty sausages, bread, and sauces, and enjoying a fun day supporting the school and our community. Volunteers are always welcome to help make it a great day! 🌭
🛠️ Men’s Shed Update – Passion & Projects The Men’s Shed recently held its weekly session, featuring news, announcements, and plans for the coming weeks. Len Follett shared his lifelong passion for model planes, recalling his teenage achievements, including a National Championship and numerous Victorian wins. He exhibited four planes and gave an engaging presentation.
Jake delivered an informative talk on mental health and exercise, followed by a BBQ lunch organised by Stan, Graeme, and Bruno. While the music group entertained in the social area, woodworkers continued projects in the workshop. The completed BBQ bench was celebrated, with a second bench nearing completion.
🎓 Lyndale Secondary College Mock Interviews – Tuesday, 28 October Assistant Principal Diana Kennedy has invited Rotarians to participate in mock interview panels from 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm. Arrival from 1:00 pm to be briefed by staff. You will be paired with other panel interviewers and a teacher in the room. 👔
🦧 Tuesday, 28 October: Guest Speaker – Mark Jones Philanthropist Mark Jones will share his journey transforming his passion for wildlife into a global conservation movement through the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation. Learn how he used his professional expertise to deliver vital infrastructure and equipment for orangutan rehabilitation in Borneo. 🌿
🍽️ Thursday, 30 October: Cornerstone Meal Service – Dandenong Baptist Church Volunteers are needed to assist with cooking and serving meals at 25 James Street, Dandenong. Please contact Leanne if you can lend a hand. 🍲
🗳️ AGM Reminder – Tuesday, 11 November Our Annual General Meeting will be held on Tuesday, 11 November. Members are reminded to submit their nomination forms to Alan as soon as possible to be considered for a position. 📝
🌱 ASRC Garden Bed Upgrade – Wednesday, 12 November Our Endeavour Hills Men’s Shed team will be leading an upgrade of one of the ASRC garden beds on Wednesday, 12 November. The bed measures 3m x 7m, and the plan is to:
Spread the organic mushroom soil evenly
Plant new herbs and vegetables
Possibly add a fruit tree
Beams for the project have now been delivered — keep an eye out for photos in this newsletter! Volunteers are needed to help with planting and preparing the garden. It’s a great way to get involved, support the community, and enjoy some hands-on gardening fun!
📅 Quick Glance at Upcoming Events – Keep an Eye on Club Runner Remember to check Club Runner regularly and keep the calendar handy to stay up-to-date on our upcoming events. We’ve included a Quick Glance at Upcoming Events in this bulletin for easy reference, so you can see what’s coming up and plan to get involved. 📆
🌟 November – Rotary Foundation Month Rotary celebrates Foundation Month each November to highlight the global impact of Rotary’s charitable projects. Our club is planning a special Foundation Night to learn more about the Foundation, share stories of its impact, and discover ways members can contribute to its ongoing success.
💡 Fun Fact: Since 1985, Rotary’s PolioPlus program has helped vaccinate over 2.5 billion children in 122 countries, reducing polio cases by more than 99.9% worldwide — bringing the world closer than ever to eradicating this disease!
Join us for an inspiring evening with special guest Mark Jones, a business leader and philanthropist who transformed his passion for wildlife into a genuine global impact.
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.
Borneo Orangutan Survival Australia
Tuesday, 28 October
Safe Water for Every Kid: One Man’s Lifeline Mission
In the heart of Mindanao, a quiet promise has blossomed into a life-changing movement. Charlito “Kaloy” Manlupig, founder of Balay Mindanaw, embarked on a personal mission to provide clean, safe water to communities devastated by natural disasters. What began as a simple commitment has evolved into the “Safe Water for Every Child-Philippines” initiative, delivering sustainable water solutions to the country’s most remote villages.
Read the full story here to discover how one man’s mission is transforming lives through clean water in Mindanao.
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
We are delighted to present Edition 1 of the District 9815 & 9830 Joint Conference Newsletter, your go-to source for all the latest on our upcoming conference — from updates on speakers and programme highlights, to travel and accommodation tips, and recognition of our valued sponsors. Whether you're planning to attend or simply interested in what’s happening, this issue is packed with useful information and inspiration.
Rotary members are an imaginative bunch when it comes to making a difference on World Polio Day, observed on 24 October. A Missouri member rides his rickshaw bicycle in parades and at different clubs’ meetings, talking with passengers about polio eradication and Rotary. Italian members collaborate with city leaders to illuminate the Leaning Tower of Pisa with red floodlights. Get inspiration from these and other World Polio Day projects in Rotary magazine online.
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.
