PRESIDENT'S UPDATE

G’day Rotarians,

 

We’ve had a terrific week of Rotary service and inspiration!

 

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💪 The Power of Rotary

Through forged friendships, Rotary brings together dedicated people who share a passion for community service and giving back.

Rotary District 9815 is working towards a transformative $1 million gift to Monash Children's Hospital Cancer Centre, with the aim of establishing a specialist Apheresis Program. This program will enable children with high-risk cancer to receive advanced treatment closer to home.

Leanne and Colin have been the driving force behind this project. It began with Leanne's DG Partner Project, which is now pursuing a Rotary Global Grant. By uniting under a shared vision, Rotary District 9815 and its supporters demonstrate the extraordinary power of community.

 

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👏 Lyndale Interact & BBQ Fundraiser

Last Friday’s BBQ with the Lyndale Interact Club was a great success, raising funds for their projects and showing real teamwork in action.

Even better, the Interactors have been fundraising for the Wheelathon through Shout For Good, where they’ve already raised $1,300 👉 Support the Wheelathon.

💙 Every $275 raised provides a child with a wheelchair—and a smile.
This means Lyndale has already helped change the lives of five children.

 

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📚 Tuesday Night Guest Speaker – Alex Williams

This week, we were privileged to hear from Alex Williams, who shared his life journey with Type 1 diabetes and his remarkable adventure competing in the Marathon Des Sables.

Alex spoke about the extensive research and preparation he undertook to manage his condition while tackling one of the toughest endurance races in the world. He detailed the meticulous planning required for nutrition, hydration, and glucose monitoring, and shared how this deep research and discipline helped him overcome both physical and mental challenges.

His story of resilience, determination, and dedication left us truly inspired!

📖 See attached flyer if you want to order a copy of Alex’s book. Alex also mentions it’s available for download on Kindle.

 

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💡 Monash Health Foundation Donor Appreciation – Update from Leanne

I spoke with Leanne regarding the Monash Health Foundation Donor Appreciation Event:

• My Partner Project to date has raised $142,000.00 – with $137K in the District Partner Project account and $5,500 via the Monash Fundraise for Purpose FB donation page.
• Leanne has been working on the Global Grant Application, and PDG Charlie Speirs is working on the Community Assessment.
• They are now requesting District Designated Funds from other clubs locally and globally.
• For members interested in how the Rotary Foundation Global Grants Process works, refer to the “Global Grants Process” slide for a clear overview of the steps and requirements.

Leanne notes that it’s imperative to complete this process quickly so that Apheresis Therapy (lifesaving therapy) can be made available at Monash Children’s Hospital. She has attached a flyer for more information on Apheresis, as well as the process for obtaining Rotary Foundation Global Grants, so members can understand the steps, requirements, and how clubs can support such important initiatives.

 

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🧠 Afri-Aus Care Mental Health Forum

Afri-Aus Care hosted an inspirational and meaningful Mental Health Forum on Wednesday night.

The panel of speakers was outstanding, discussing issues in the education system that negatively impact African students. They aimed to educate and empower parents with the tools to navigate the system and seek positive support for their children.

Congratulations to Selba and her team on organising such a successful, informative, and heartwarming event!

 

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🌟 Operation Newstart Casey – Intake 67

Intake 67 marks a significant milestone for young people who have successfully completed the 'Re-Engage' program—a dynamic initiative helping participants reconnect with education and build positive life skills.

Through activities such as rock climbing, boxing, creative workshops, and community volunteering, these students have developed confidence, resilience, and a renewed sense of purpose.

We have been invited to attend their graduation ceremony on Tuesday, 16th September 2025 at Balla Balla Community Centre at 10:30 AM, where their achievements will be celebrated alongside families, educators, and community partners.

Look out for the invite in ClubRunner events!

 

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👮 Next Week’s Meeting – Police Presentation on Crime & Scam Prevention

Next Tuesday, we’ll welcome Victoria Police Officer Brett Owen, who will deliver an important and informative presentation on local crime trends and scam prevention.

This is a fantastic opportunity to learn how to stay one step ahead of criminal activity and ensure we remain safe, informed, and vigilant.

Family, friends, and guests are warmly invited—please spread the word and bring them along.

 

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📋 Board Update

Here's some information on Emerson:

• Our Board will hold its 3rd meeting this Wednesday. Updates and outcomes will be shared with members afterwards.
• Club members have unanimously agreed to support Emerson students with their school camp. A motion to approve $2,500 funding will be presented to the Board for approval.

Please see attached for the good work Emerson does.
📹 The Vital Role of Specialist Education: Watch here

 

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🎲 Two Truths and a Lie – Peter Faulkner Edition

Peter shared three surprising “facts” about his life:

1️⃣ He once lived in India and got in trouble for an alcohol permit scam.
2️⃣ While umpiring, he broke a VFL player’s leg on the field.
3️⃣ In India, he accidentally converted vegetarians into “meat lovers” by mixing veg patties with rotating goat – the diners declared them the best vegetarian patties they’d ever eaten.

And the lie was… #1!
He did live in India, but he did not get in trouble—luckily, their permit scheme was open to interpretation.

Fun Fact: 🍻 In India, some states have had issues with fake tourist permits being used to smuggle alcohol. In Surat, a liquor smuggling racket was busted where individuals used forged tourist permits to transport large quantities of alcohol. The authorities clarified that actual tourist permits must be granted by the prohibition and excise department and only allow limited liquor for personal use. So it seems Peter wasn’t the only one trying to “mix things up” in India! 😄

 

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🎲 Two Truths and a Lie – Coming Up Next Week

Next week, Colin Byron takes the stage! Get ready for three surprising “facts” from Colin—can you spot the lie?

 

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See you Tuesday!

Club Meeting
Turning Survey Feedback into Action

IMPORTANT DATES

If you are filling the gaps between what you know and what you do not know,
You are making things up.

 

As Rotarians, our commitment to service and ethical leadership is grounded in knowledge, understanding, and thoughtful action. This quote reminds us that assumptions can lead us astray. True impact comes from asking questions, seeking guidance, and learning continuously, whether in our projects, our communities, or our personal growth. By bridging the gaps with curiosity rather than conjecture, we ensure our efforts are meaningful, effective, and aligned with Rotary’s values.

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

Invitation to 
Hobart District Conference Presentation
02 October 2025

We are excited to announce that DG Peter Behm and Conference Chair Monique Smith will be joining us to give a special presentation on the Hobart District Conference, taking place in March 2026!

Your Club is warmly invited to attend and hear first-hand about the exciting events and opportunities planned for this landmark Conference. Don’t miss this chance to learn, connect, and start planning for what promises to be an unforgettable experience.

📍 Venue: Keysborough Golf Club, 55 Hutton Rd, Keysborough
⏰ Time: 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
🍽 Dinner: Two-course meal $30 per person (drinks at bar prices)

Come along, bring your Club members, and be part of the excitement—this is a presentation you won’t want to miss!

Each September, Rotary shines a spotlight on one of our core areas of focus: Basic Education and Literacy. Across the world, more than 775 million people over the age of 15 are illiterate, and an estimated 250 million children lack basic reading and writing skills. These challenges affect more than education alone—they influence health, employment, and the ability to break the cycle of poverty.

Rotary clubs everywhere are working to change this story. From building schools and supplying books, to training teachers and mentoring students, our network helps to open doors to knowledge and opportunity. Literacy is more than just learning to read and write; it is a pathway to dignity, empowerment, and lasting change in communities.

Here at Rotary, we are encouraged to reflect on how we can contribute—locally and globally. Whether it’s supporting school programs, encouraging a love of reading at home, or partnering with organizations that provide educational resources, every effort helps strengthen the foundation for brighter futures.

This month, let us celebrate the gift of education and remember Rotary’s commitment to creating opportunities through learning. By investing in literacy, we invest in peace, prosperity, and a better tomorrow.