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
What a fantastic week it’s been for our club!
🍔 Bunnings BBQ Success
On Sunday, we fired up the BBQ at Bunnings Dandenong and had a terrific day serving the community. Thanks to everyone who volunteered their time—we raised net funds of $930, which is slightly down from our last BBQ as we had to replenish our soft drink stock to ensure we’re well prepared for future events.
📋 Board Meeting Highlights
Our second board meeting was held on Tuesday evening, and it was great to see the energy and ideas flowing. A big highlight was hearing from the International Committee, who are planning two exciting fundraising events—stay tuned for details soon!
The Community Committee is also hard at work preparing a plan to present to the club next month. It’s inspiring to see the commitment from our committees to make a real difference.
📍 Invitation from RC Noble Park Dingley
We’ve been invited to join the Rotary Club of Noble Park Dingley for a special meeting to learn about next year’s District Conference in Hobart.
📅 Date: Thursday, 2 October
🎤 Guests: DG Peter Behm and Conference Chair Monique Smith
📍 Venue: Keysborough Golf Club, 55 Hutton Rd, Keysborough
⏰ Time: 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
🍽 Meal: Two-course dinner $30 per person (drinks at bar prices)
This is a great opportunity to hear about the exciting plans for the Conference and connect with fellow Rotarians.
🌟 Coming Up – Sara’s Hope Presentation
Next Tuesday, 📅 26 August, we have a very special guest speaker: Sara from Sara’s Hope. She’ll share her inspiring journey with brain cancer and the incredible work her charity is doing to raise funds for brain cancer research and support families in our community.
Join us in supporting Sara’s Hope — a local charity with a big heart, raising funds to fight brain cancer and help families right here in our community. Come along, bring your friends, and be part of the hope that changes lives!
Sara has presented to a number of neighbouring clubs and is a fantastic speaker. We’ve already sent invitations to neighbouring clubs, and we’d love you to invite your friends along too—this is one meeting you don’t want to miss!
The Membership Survey will close 📅 next Friday. Please make sure you get your responses in! We reported 13 responses last week, and we’re still at 13 this week—let’s improve that!
Your feedback is essential because your club experience matters to us and you are a valued member. Have your say today:
🔗 Complete the survey here
Thank you all for your enthusiasm and commitment; together, we’re making great things happen! Let’s keep the momentum going.
Tuesday, 26th August Special Presentation by Sara’s Hope Join us in supporting Sara’s Hope — a local charity with a big heart, raising funds to fight brain cancer and help families right here in our community.
Friday, 5th September Wheelchairs for Kids Wheelathon
The club will also be providing a BBQ for this fundraising event; we'd appreciate as many members as possible assisting on the day.
Tuesday, 16th September Police Presentation on Crime and Scam Prevention
We’re pleased to announce that we’ll be joined by Victoria Police Officer Brett Owen, who will deliver an important and informative presentation on Crime and Scam Prevention.
Plans for our 90th Centenary Celebration are well underway! We’re thrilled to announce that the Dandenong Club is booked. With special guests, great entertainment, and plenty of surprises in store, it promises to be an unforgettable evening. Save the date and celebrate this milestone in style!
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.
Thought of the Week
"When a group of individuals become a 'We', a harmonious whole, they have reached as high as a human can reach."
This quote reminds us of the true spirit of Rotary — individuals joining together with a shared purpose to serve and support others. When we move from “me” to “we,” we create a stronger, more harmonious community, achieving far more together than we ever could alone.
Spotlight on Sara’s Hope Charity
Sara’s Hope Charity is dedicated to supporting families and individuals facing hardship, providing essential resources, guidance, and care. Through initiatives like food and care packages, educational support, and community programs, the charity helps ease immediate challenges while empowering people to build a brighter future.
Driven by a network of volunteers and generous donors, Sara’s Hope reaches more families each year, offering practical help and emotional support to those who need it most. Its work is a powerful reminder of what kindness and community can achieve.
Join us in supporting Sara’s Hope at our Club Meeting on Tuesday, 26th August 2025, and help make a real difference in our community.
Follow Sara’s Hope on social media to stay updated on their work:
What’s better than the smell of sausages on a Sunday? Seeing our Rotary volunteers behind the tongs with big smiles at the Bunnings BBQ!
Not only did we raise funds and spread the word about Rotary, but our crew has also been nominated for the Bunnings “Legends of the Tongs” competition.
Fingers crossed! – The prize is a sizzling $25,000 in Bunnings products and materials for our club.
A big thank-you to Hans Van Dyk for sending in the photo!
The club will also be providing a BBQ for this fundraising event; we'd appreciate as many members as possible assisting on the day.
The Interact club members have been planning both of these events throughout Term 2, designing flyers and coming up with innovative fundraising and fun activities.
Leanne Byron
President Elect (2025-2026)
Satellite Club Chair (2025-2026)
Rotary Club Greater Dandenong & Endeavour Hills
Phone: 0402 242 743
CLUB EVENTS
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
August is Membership and Extension Month, a time to celebrate the people who make our Rotary club strong and vibrant. Our members bring energy, ideas, and a shared commitment to making a difference in our community – and that’s something worth recognising!
This month is also a reminder to reflect on why we joined Rotary and what keeps us engaged. Every new member brings fresh perspectives and skills that help our club grow and thrive.
As we celebrate our current members, let’s also consider who in our circles might enjoy joining us. Sharing the Rotary experience not only strengthens our club but also helps more people get involved in meaningful service and fellowship.
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.
