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
Vale– Past District Governor Ken McDonald
I was saddened to hear of Ken McDonald’s passing. Rotary Greater Dandenong and Endeavour Hills posted on Facebook dated November 24 at 11:15 am:
Rest in Peace, Past District Governor Ken McDonald.
Today, we begin to mourn the loss of a true gentleman, dedicated Rotarian and friend. Ken’s leadership, integrity and quiet strength touched and changed many lives, locally and globally. Ken had an outstanding year as District Governor of D9820 during 2008-2009; his achievements throughout that year are to be admired.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Ken’s beautiful wife, Margaret and their entire family. May they all find comfort in knowing how deeply he was admired and respected, and how lasting his impact will be.
Thank you, Ken, for enriching all our lives, and to Margaret, for always being there to support your amazing husband and soulmate.
A special place will always be held in our hearts for PDG Ken.
Funeral Notice
Kenneth John McDonald (APM)
A service to honour and celebrate Ken’s life will be held at the Police Academy Chapel, 1 Mount View Road, Glen Waverley, on Wednesday, 3rd December 2025, at 1.00pm.
Private cremation to follow.
💼 Deferred AGM – Tuesday 25 November 2025
Congratulations to the following members appointed for President-Elect Leanne Byron’s 2026/2027 year:
Phil Thurgood – President-Elect
Colin Byron – Treasurer
Anthony Brown – Board Member
Kam Pow – Board Member
Peter Faulkner – Board Member
John Peck – Board Member
Leanne will assign portfolios, and the secretary position remains vacant. Members are encouraged to attend to support the incoming Executive Team and help shape the future of our club.
A big thanks to last year’s directors for their well-written and detailed annual reports that were of a high standard.
💙 Rotary Foundation- Foundation Month Reminder
This is Rotary Foundation Month! Members are encouraged to donate. Listed below is the information that Rotarians can use to register their donation:
Log into the RI website
In the top right-hand corner of the opening page, click on the dropdown box "My Account"
Scroll down to the giving section and complete your donation information
Your donation will be made in $A
Contribution and Recognition Programs:
Centurion Program: Supports the Annual Program Fund with an annual contribution of at least AUD$100. A portion of the money returns to the district for local projects.
Paul Harris Society: Honors individuals for their generous, ongoing support of The Rotary Foundation. Membership requires an annual donation of at least $1,000 to the Annual Fund, PolioPlus, or global grants.
Major Donor, Benefactor, and Bequest Society: These are recognition levels for substantial lifetime contributions to The Rotary Foundation.
Major Donor: Recognizes substantial giving at various levels.
Benefactor: Donors who have made a commitment to include The Rotary Foundation in their estate plan.
Bequest Society: Donors who have made a commitment in their will to leave a gift to The Rotary Foundation.
PolioPlus Society: A recognition program that encourages a pledge of at least US$100 (approximately AUD$160) per year to the PolioPlus Fund until polio is eradicated.
Ending Polio: Refers to Rotary's global initiative to eradicate the wild polio virus through the PolioPlus campaign. Contributions help fund immunisation days and the purchase of vaccines and equipment.
🎄 Christmas Business Breakfast – Tuesday 2 December (7:00–9:00 am)
Our Christmas Business Breakfast is a wonderful opportunity to invite business contacts, colleagues, and friends to network, share ideas, and celebrate the season.
We are excited to welcome Jacqui Weatherill CEO of Greater Dandenong Council, who will provide an overview of the council’s plans for Dandenong and answer questions from attendees.
Highlights:
Networking Opportunities: Connect with local business leaders, community members, and Rotary supporters over breakfast.
Council Insights: Learn about Dandenong’s development plans, upcoming projects, and community initiatives directly from Jacqui Weatherill.
Support Rotary Projects: Funds raised will contribute to our solar and battery project for the Peter Weerasekera Orphanage.
Festive Atmosphere: Enjoy a relaxed, professional breakfast while celebrating the spirit of Rotary and giving back.
🍚 ASRC Rice Packing and Dinner Night – 9 December 2025
Get ready for a hands-on, heartwarming event! As part of this much-loved tradition, we’ll purchase Basmati rice and repack it into 1kg bags to support vulnerable members of our local community. Every bag provides a meal for families in need, giving nourishment, hope, and care.
This event is about more than just packing rice — it’s a chance to come together, work as a team, and see the immediate impact of our efforts. After packing, we’ll enjoy a delicious dinner together, sharing fellowship and celebrating our contributions.
Space is limited for 14–16 people, so register early on Clubrunner and be part of this meaningful experience. 🙌💛
💃 Indian Dinner Dance – February 21, 2026
A night of fun, food, and fundraising for a great cause — supporting the Peter Weerasekera Orphanage solar and battery project.
We’re gearing up for a high-volume BBQ at the new Bunnings Narre Warren store. A big team will be needed — register early and be part of this fun, high-profile community event!
📅 Upcoming Events (in date order and in ClubRunner)
Dec 02, 2025 – 🎄 Christmas Business Breakfast, Dandenong Club (7–9 am)
Dec 09, 2025 – 🍚 ASRC Rice Packing and Dinner Night
Dec 16, 2025 – 🎅 Christmas Social Night, Dandenong Club
Dec 23, 2025 – Jan 20, 2026 – 🎄 Christmas Break
Jan 27, 2026 – 🎉 Social Night
Feb 21, 2026 – 💃 Indian Dinner Dance
Feb 28, 2026 – 🔥 Bunnings Narre Warren BBQ – Updated Date: 28 February 2026
Feb 24, 2026 – 📜 Anniversary of Rotary’s Foundation (Feb 23)
Let’s come together to celebrate the joy of Christmas, the spirit of fellowship, and another wonderful year of Rotary service!
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CLUB MEETINGS
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.
Governor's Excellence Awards
The Governor’s Excellence Awards are a wonderful opportunity for Rotary clubs across District 9815 to be recognised for the great work they do throughout the year.
These awards celebrate clubs that demonstrate strong community impact, member engagement, growth, and collaboration. Points can be earned through a wide range of activities — from supporting local projects and growing membership to attending district events and connecting with other clubs.
A full overview of the criteria is linked below for anyone interested in seeing how our club can get involved and contribute.
📘 Stay Connected! 👉 Follow Rotary District 9815 on Facebook for updates on community projects, events, and ways to get involved.
Click Like & Follow now!
New Regional Council Directors
Rotary South Pacific is excited to announce the newly nominated leaders who will guide our Regional Council through the next phase of the Regionalisation Pilot in Zone 8 from 1 January 2026.
Subject to ratification by Rotary International and providing there are no successful objections, the nominations will be confirmed on 5 December 2025.
The Directors bring a wealth of experience and passion to their roles and will collaborate to create lasting impact across the zone. Please join us in congratulating these leaders as they step into their roles in the new year.
Regional Council Chair, Jennie Herring
Jennie Herring will lead the work of the Regional Council and oversee the management of all Regional Council activities.
Jennie Herring has been a dedicated Rotarian for 27 years, joining the Rotary Club of Ōtāhuhu in 1997. She has served in key leadership roles including District Governor (D9920, 2015-2016) and Endowment and Major Gifts Advisor for Zone 8. Jennie is a multiple Paul Harris Fellow, Major Donor, and received the Rotarian of the Year Award for D9920 (2024/25).
Jennie possesses the strategic management skills, financial acumen, and resilient leadership needed to navigate the challenges of regionalisation. She aims to provide experienced governance to lead the Regional Council to significantly increase the reach and impact of Rotary and Rotaract in Australia, New Zealand the Pacific Islands.
Liz Courtney will create opportunities for members to learn, develop, and thrive in the South Pacific.
Liz Courtney is known for her ability to bridge vision and action across all levels of the organisation. A Past District Governor (D9970, 2014-15), Liz has held multiple roles including Rotary Public Image Coordinator for Zone 7B (2017-2020), Assistant Rotary Public Image Coordinator for Zone 8 (2015-16 & 2020-2022), and has served as Zone 8 Public Image Advisor (2022-24). She is Chair of the Rotary International Joint Learning and Development Committee (2023-26), shaping global learning strategies for Rotary Leaders. Liz has also held roles as Vice Chair of RDU and Vice Chair of RozOps Limited (Rotary Oceania).
Liz’s facilitation expertise spans Rotary Leadership Institute, International Assembly and Global Institutes, and she led the Governor Elects Learning Seminar and Governor Nominee Learning Seminar programmes for 2025-26, mentoring new facilitators and collaborating with RISPPO staff and regional leaders. Her strategic acumen has guided national learning initiatives, including co-chairing South Pacific Presidents Elect Seminars across New Zealand and the Pacific region.
Fundraising, Partnerships and GrantsDirector, Peter Rogers AM (incumbent)
Peter Rogers will drive initiatives to secure resources and partnerships that enable sustainable programs and innovative projects for Rotary in the South Pacific.
Peter joined Rotary in 1990 and has held numerous leadership roles, including serving as President of the Rotary Club of Melbourne (2015–16). During his presidency they contributed $55,166 to The Rotary Foundation Annual Fund and under his leadership, the club earned a Rotary Presidential Citation. He played a key role in facilitating Council on Legislation approval for corporate membership—a change that earned District 9800 the Rotary Innovation Award. Peter is a multiple Paul Harris Fellow.
With a corporate and university background as a Director, Peter has raised over $100 million for Monash University and continues to leverage his expertise to help Rotary secure funding and achieve greater prominence with government and partners in line with the Regional Council’s One Voice Strategy. He is Emeritus Chair of Monash University’s Engineering and IT Foundation. Throughout his career, Peter has sourced millions of dollars for critical projects, including research into regenerative medicine. Peter is a Member of the Order of Australia.
Filling the position of Membership Director is still in progress as we work to identify the most suitable candidate for this important role. We appreciate your patience and will provide an update as soon as a decision is confirmed.
Rotary Action Groups have a lot to teach
When Rotary club members thousands of miles apart decide to collaborate, something has to bind them together. For Marion Bunch and Stephen Mwanje, it was a shared awareness of the devastation of AIDS. Bunch lost her son to the disease, and Mwanje saw how it ravaged his country. Together with the Rotary Action Group for Family Health and AIDS Prevention, they made AIDS testing and a variety of other health services widely accessible throughout Africa. As Rotary Action Groups celebrate their 20th anniversary, read more about their successes and the lessons they offer.
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.
