My subject is one of Rotary’s core value and that is the important topic of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene.  These will be international projects in Zambia & Zimbabwe, Africa.

Join us as we uncover the extraordinary true story of a Rotary Hawthorn member, who endured time in a Turkish jail. This gripping tale is filled with twists, resilience, and revelations that will leave you speechless.

Plus....there's so much more 

Come and listen to this amazing firsthand account—a journey of survival, hope, and the unexpected. You won’t want to miss it!

M.C. Ian Bentley

Photo: Vojtech Okenka via Pixels

Locked Up in a Turkish Jail: A Tale of Mystery and Danger

Join us as we uncover the extraodinary true story of a Rotary Hawthorn member, who endured time in a Turkish jail. This gripping tale is filled with twists, resillience, and revelations that will leave you speechless.

Plus ..... there's so much more

---- a journey of survival, hope, and the unexpected. 

You won't want to miss it!

Guest Speaker:  Mystery Member

Guest speaker for our International Women's Day Lunch will be Abiola Akinbiyi.

Abiola Akinbiyi is an award-winning healthcare professional, entrepreneur, speaker, and community leader. She has over 20 years of experience working in the health sector and with different Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities and not-for-profit organisations in Australia. Abiola is an experienced board member leading and chairing many community committees and initiatives that enhance the lives of migrant and minority groups in Australia. As the president of Changepreneurs, her passion for advocating for people from multicultural communities, aged care, women, and youth is evident in her work, particularly in her role as a commissioner and mentor to young  CALD and African-Australian women. Abiola holds undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications in Mathematics, Nursing, Gerontology, Mental health and information systems. 

She founded Changepreneurs, a not-for-profit organisation that mentors young women of colour through education and outreach to achieve their career goals. She aspires to lead with a culture of excellence and compassion for the community. She served as a Commissioner on the Victorian Multicultural Commission from 2021-2023. As an experienced board, she is currently on the board of the Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria and NWMPHN, As a lifelong learner and a Rotarian, Abiola continues to participate and volunteer in different multicultural initiatives, events, and programs that promote social cohesion and peace in the community, a winner of many awards, including the Spirit of Victoria University Alumni Award in 2021 and a Paul Harris Fellow. 

Katrina will be speaking on her recent experience leading a World of Difference social impact tour of Cambodia with a group of young adult legatees from Victoria Police Legacy.

Photo:  Vincent Gerbouin, via Pexels

Our guest speaker next Tuesday will be Katrina Flinn. 

She will speak about her recent experience leading a World of Difference Social Impact Tour of Cambodia with a group of young adult legatees from Victoria Police Legacy.

Evie Flynn, our Exchange Student to France:  Doug McLean will conduct a 'Q and A' session with Evie. 
She will share a short update on her amazing journey as an exchange student in France—diving into the culture, school life, exciting travels, and, of course, the delicious food!  So don’t miss the chance to hear her stories firsthand!

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Dr Gula Bezhan, CEOP of the Afghan's Women's Organisation will then share insights into the challenges faced by women in Afghanistan and the work we are doing here in Australia.

'President Dorothy Gilmour writes:  Mark, Angela and I met with the CEO of Afghan Women's Organisation Gula Bezhan OAM, and members.  Dr Gula Bezhan spoke so well and has many stories to share about women's appalling living conditions in Afghanistan and her work here in Australia'.

'Gulghotai (Gula) Bezhan has been working to empower the Afghan community and more specifically Afghan women and children for more than 20 years through her work in community services and international aid. Gula has become one of the leading community workers in Victoria for her committed work in piloting and running projects, programs and workshops for newly arrived women and families, such as the provision of Victorian drivers’ licenses, Australian citizenships, legal and government support. Gula has been working as a refugee settlement support case manager for more than 14 years, where she provides culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities with support and guidance in their assimilation and transition into Australian society'.

Please see more here 

M.C. Angela Taft

Photo: Chris Montgomery via Unsplash

Rochna Banerjee, C.O.O. COTA (Council of the Ageing)
Special Guest – Mayor of Boroondara, Sophie Torney

The Rotary Hawthorn Service to Seniors Award is a heartfelt tribute, created by the Rotary Club of Hawthorn to recognize extraordinary individuals who dedicate their time and energy to enriching the lives of seniors in the Boroondara community. This special award honors those who embody Rotary’s spirit of “Service Above Self,” making a real and lasting difference through their kindness, generosity, and commitment to supporting our older community members.

--
Speaker, Rochna Banjeree, is the Chief Operating Officer at COTA. She is an experienced commercially astute executive with over 20 years of experience leading teams in non-profit and for-profit organisations. She continues to serve on various NFP Boards. 

M.C. President Dorothy Gilmour

Photo: COTA (Vic)

Next Tuesday's meeting at Kooyong will be our Service to Seniors Award Lunch, a special event on Rotary Hawthorn's calendar. Our second Annual Award will be presented to Coralie White, who has volunteered at Boroondara Community Outreach for 25 years. The Award will be presented by Rochna Banerjee, Chief Operating Officer of COTA (Vic).

We will also hear from special guest, Cr Sophie Torney, the Mayor of Boroondara, about Council projects that our Club might be able to participate in.

Please join us on Tuesday and bring a guest along too.

This is a test meeting to see if we have mastered the Nova system.

Michael is a foundation student of Monash University and chairs the alumni group The Monash Pioneers comprising students from the first five years 1961-65. In 2022 he was made a Fellow of the University.

His professional life included the cofounding of the Australian Centre for Retail Studies at the David Syme Business School at Monash University and from 1995 - 2014 Managing Director of Retail Synergy Group Pty Ltd.

In 2013 he initiated the Sir John Monash Sculptural Project at Monash University and chaired the Project Board.  The statue by Peter Corlett OAM was unveiled by the then Governor of Victoria the Honourable Alex Chernov AC QC in April 2015.

In 2016 former Deputy Prime Minister the Hon. Tim Fischer AC asked Michael to join the newly formed Saluting Monash Council as the Victorian Director with the objective to obtain an honorary rank of field marshal for Sir John Monash.

Michael is a former member of Military History and Heritage Victoria and is currently a member of The Spirit of Australia Foundation, an Affiliate Member of Box Hill RSL Sub- Branch and recognized authority on Sir John Monash.

M.C. Ian Bentley

Photo Credit: Australian War Memorial, ART 02986
 

Prepare yourself for a mind-blowing and funny storytelling session in which three imaginative brains will conjure up an incredible story around their mystery objects! 

The catch? While some aspects may be purely fictional, some may be accurate! Whether you believe it or not is up to you. Bring your creativity, put your investigative abilities to the test, and take pleasure in an exciting, surprising, and magical storytelling session!

This is also a fantastic opportunity to invite a special guest and share the excitement!

M.C.:  TBA

Photo:  Anna Shvets via Pexels

Chris Banks has worked in zoos since 1969, based mostly at Melbourne Zoo. From 1969 to the late 1980s, reptile and amphibian husbandry and management was a major focus, as keeper and curator. He initiated Zoos Victoria’s international conservation engagement in 2000, commencing with a suite of project support in south-east Asia in 2000. 

Chris transferred to Zoos Victoria’s Wildlife Conservation & Science Department in 2012 and now manages international conservation partnerships in Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Uganda, Rwanda and French Polynesia; and two sister zoo  partnerships in Papua New Guinea and Uganda. His portfolio also includes Zoos Victoria’s annual international conservation grants program.

M.C.: Henry Drury

Photo: Zoos Victoria   www.zoo.org.au 

Simon is a businessman and humanitarian. With 30 years of executive experience, including 22 years as CEO/Director of large private, public and not-for-profit organisations, he understands the complexities of business and the critical importance of building a culture that unites people around an inspiring purpose.

As the head of one of Australia’s largest private companies, he was responsible for 32 operating entities, employing over 14,000 people. In 2011, Simon changed his focus from pursuing success to pursuing significance. He left corporate life to take on a voluntary role with the United Nations, focusing on reducing food insecurity and poverty across sub-Saharan Africa. He remained in Africa without his family for 8 years.

Simon is a problem solver on a global scale. He has repeatedly demonstrated an ability to successfully lead commercial teams in overcoming seemingly impossible tasks. His leadership of a global consortium, responsible for identifying and addressing the systemic issues that cause food loss and poverty in developing countries, has resulted in over a million families living significantly better lives today.

Simon now shares his knowledge and proven expertise to develop successful managers into inspiring leaders. His clients in Australasia, the USA, Canada, and the UK range in scale and scope from sole proprietorships to large, international corporations across a broad range of industries. 100% of Simon’s coaching fees are given to charity.

• Simon was appointed Senior Officer of the Order of Australia for outstanding service to business and humanity.
• He was a finalist in the Australian of the Year Award.
• He received the Pride of Australia Medal for his selfless service to disadvantaged individuals both internationally and within Australian society.
• He received the Global Humanitarian Award from the UN for his impact and innovations in developing countries.
• His work in combating hunger was a critical component of the UN/WFP being awarded the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize.
• He has led teams that have been awarded the Australian Family Business of the Year and the Leading Supply Chain Company (Australasia).

M.C.: Mark Pinoli

Photo: Provided by President Dorothy Gilmour

Dr Tucker is urrently a Fellow at the Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Mt. Stromlo Observatory at the Australian National University.

'I have my hand in a variety of things, but the majority of my work involves Exploding stars called Supernova and Cosmology, the study of the Universe. A certain type of supernova, called a type Ia, can be used as a standard candle that can trace our Universe's history.

For this work, I am involved with a number of supernova surveys. I have been working on the ESSENCE Project, The CfA Supernova Search, The Carnegie Supernova Project and also using Mt. Stromlo's new SkyMapper telescope. I am one of the leads of the Kepler Extra-Galactic Survey, KEGS, a Kepler Space Telescope Key Program, to understand why and how stars blow. I am leeading a project to build a network of ultraviolet telescopes in the upper atmosphere which are being built at Mt. Stromlo.

I originally hail from Sacramento, California, USA. I did my undergraduate studies in Physics, Philosophy, and Theology at the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, USA, and my PhD at Mt. Stromlo Observatory, the Australian National University, Canberra, Australia. In addition research, I frequently give talks to school groups and the general public about Astronomy and have regular segments on various radio stations talking about Astronomy news and events. Among other things, I have developed a series of Astronomy coins in conjunction with the Royal Australian Mint, consulted on science fiction movies, advised on Astronomy-themed art projects, and has been featured in specials on the National Geographic Channel'. 

M.C. Noel Halford

Photo:  The Australian National University, Dr Brad Tucker

Mel Key is the General Manager Programs and Operations of the Education Chances Foundation.

'Education CHANCES is passionate about supporting young people in Boroondara in Melbourne’s East, to achieve their ambitions and pursue their goals'.  Their Vision is 'to nurture and promote hope, self-belief and future pathways for young people in Boroondara'.

Mel will be joined by a scholarship recipient.

M.C.:  Doug McLean

Photo Credit: Education Chances Foundation 

M.C.  President Dorothy Gilmour

Photo Credit: Darrel Und via Pexels

After working extensively throughout Nepal in community development, Ross says 'After hearing so many horrific stories about innocent young women being trafficked, I got to a point where I could not stay on the sidelines of human trafficking, I had to do something'.

As the proud founder of EDM, Ross often speaks of the privilege it is to advocate for those who can’t speak for themselves and to ensure as many as possible find genuine hope and freedom.

More than 3,676 young women have been rescued and intercepted since the start of Every Daughter Matters

MC: Noel Halford

Ari is the Public Image and Website Chair at Rotary Hawthorn.

Join us for an engaging and informative session as Ari Talantis presents an interesting, motivating and helpful talk so our club can make the most of our club’s website and social media presence. 

Don't pass up this chance to gain knowledge from a social media enthusiast and leave with immediately useful information.

Photo Credit: Visual Tag Mx

'At It’s the Little Things Community, our meals are more than just nourishment—they are a symbol of care, dignity, and human connection. Each dish is thoughtfully prepared in a home-style manner, using fresh, wholesome ingredients and guided by compassion. We craft every meal with the goal of bringing comfort, warmth, and a sense of normalcy to those experiencing hardship.

Whether it’s a hearty casserole for a family seeking refuge from domestic violence, a nutritious lunch for someone experiencing homelessness, or a lovingly packed dinner for a child in hospital care, our meals reflect the kindness of the volunteers, schools, and businesses who come together to make them possible'.

M.C.:  

Photo Credit: Kampus Production via Pexels

Tony Coyle is a Boroondara resident of 26 years.

Electrify Boroondara is a community-led alliance dedicated to accelerating the transition to a clean energy future.Electrify Boroondara is non-partisan and has no affiliations with any political party; and does not support or endorse candidates in any elections.

M.C. TBA

Auburn HS

Elizabeth Drozd OAM

Elizabeth arrived in Australia in 1982 as a Special Humanitarian Entrant, escaping her life from a communist regime in Poland. 

During her life she experienced the whole gamut of migrant experiences ranging from having to learn English upon arrival to completing her Bachelor in Multicultural Studies, followed by Masters in Social Sciences. 

She was a Victorian Multicultural Commissioner between 2008-2015 and in 2019 won a Scholarship from the Harvard Club of Victoria to study at the Harvard Business School. 

In 2022, she won the National Executive Leader Award for her work and impact with migrant ageing communities. In 2023, she was awarded the Order of Australia for her 32 of service and achievements.

Up until June 2024 she was the CEO of the Australian Multicultural Community Services and since then has been enjoying life as a new gen retiree and is currently the President of the Rotary Club of Footscray.

M.C.: TBA

Photo: Prasad Sinhabahu