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
👋 Welcome Back
Welcome back, everyone! I hope you had a chance to rest, recharge, and enjoy some quality time with family and friends. It’s great to be back together and looking forward to another active period of fellowship and service.
🍝 Social Night at Positano
We kicked off the return to Rotary with a relaxed social night at Positano on Tuesday evening. There was plenty of laughter, conversation, and good company — a perfect chance to reconnect outside our usual meeting format.
📜 Rotary History – Paul Harris
This week, we take a moment to reflect on Paul Percy Harris, the founder of Rotary. Born in 1868 in the United States, Paul Harris was a lawyer who believed strong communities are built on friendship, ethical business, and service to others.
In 1905, he brought together a small group of business colleagues in Chicago, rotating their meetings between members’ offices — and that’s how Rotary got its name! From those early gatherings, Rotary has grown into a worldwide organisation now active in more than 200 countries.
Paul Harris stayed closely involved with Rotary until his passing on 27 January 1947, requesting donations be made to The Rotary Foundation instead of flowers — a final testament to his commitment to service. His legacy lives on through Rotary’s work across the globe and the Paul Harris Fellow recognition 🌍
Appeal for Exercise Books
We’re calling on members to help with the purchase and delivery of exercise books, aiming to have them at the club by Tuesday, 10 February.
These books are very affordable — Kmart has them for around 10 cents each. You can grab them here: 48-page exercise book at Kmart
Many Rotary clubs are already pitching in, and we want our club to play its part. Even a small contribution of time or resources will make a real difference.
All exercise books collected will be sent via Donations in Kind to children in developing countries. Education is a powerful tool that helps children achieve their dreams, and our efforts can make a lasting impact.
If you can help, please purchase the books as soon as possible and arrange delivery to the club by the date above. Your support is greatly appreciated! I just placed an on-line order.
🎖️ Next Week’s Meeting – Fallen Diggers (Tuesday 3 February)
Next week, we welcome Fallen Diggers, a volunteer charity dedicated to finding missing Australian servicemen and women. Since 2013, they’ve been researching WWI and WWII military personnel, specialising in battlefield archaeology to ensure every soldier receives a dignified and honourable burial.
Vision: All fallen Australian servicemen and women have their name recorded and a known burial. Mission: Research, locate, and identify missing servicemen and women. Objective: Ensure these brave souls are given a dignified burial and their families have the chance to say goodbye.
Since 2013, Fallen Diggers has located 47 missing soldiers and currently has around 100 submissions under assessment. Don’t miss the chance to hear about their important work and the stories of these remarkable Australians.
🧠 Answer to Last Week’s Puzzle – Puzzle 2
🧠 Weekly Rotary Knowledge Puzzle
Our Rotary Knowledge Puzzle continues this year — a fun way to test your Rotary knowledge and spark a bit of discussion.
This week’s puzzle:
The very first Rotary meeting was held in 1905 — but not in a meeting hall or club room.
👉 Where was that first meeting held, and why did the organisation become known as “Rotary”?
Bonus question:
Can you name one of the three original members (other than Paul Harris) who attended that first meeting?
📌 Answers will be shared in next week’s newsletter.
🔔 Looking Ahead
With Rotary Anniversary Month coming in February, upcoming puzzles will focus on Rotary’s history, values, and impact.
Service Above Self 💙
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📅 Upcoming Events
Feb 3, 2026 – 🎖️ Fallen Diggers Feb 10, 2026 – 🐘 Mark Jones Presentation: From Orphaned Elephants to Empowered Children Feb 24, 2026 – 📜 Anniversary of Rotary’s Foundation Feb 28, 2026 – 🔥 Bunnings Narre Warren BBQ Mar 13, 2026 – 📅 Rotary 9815 & 9830 District Conference (13–15 Mar) Mar 22, 2026 – 🚗 16th Dandenong All Holden Car Show May 16, 2026 – 💃 Dinner Dance (Theme TBC)
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.
Rotary 9815 & 9830 District Conference
13th -15th March 2026
Hobart, Tasmania
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!
For the smallest and the sickest newborns, breast milk is often the safest, most viable nourishment. When mothers can’t breastfeed these newborns for any of a variety of reasons, milk banks provide liquid survival from donations by other moms. Learn about the fascinating history of milk banks, the meticulous safety steps, and how Rotary members are expanding milk storage for fragile infants. Go to Rotary magazine online to read “A mother’s gift.”
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.
