Over the past few weeks, our directors, working with their committees, have identified the Goals, Strategies, and Objectives that form the basis of our first draft of the next Strategic Plan. Their work has given us a strong starting point for shaping an ambitious plan to strengthen the club. The next step is to involve the whole club so every member has the opportunity to contribute. Our upcoming regional visit to Beechworth—sure to be a wonderful event—will delay this step only slightly. Once we return, we will move straight into full-club consultation.
Rotary’s history shows that when the world changes, Rotary responds. They say nothing is certain except death and taxes—and in Rotary’s case, we can probably add change to that list. Over the decades, the organisation has adapted to meet new needs: establishing the Rotary Foundation in 1917, launching Rotaract in 1968, and tackling polio eradication in the 1980s. More recently, Rotary has continued to modernise through the Vision Statement, DEI commitments, the People of Action campaign, and the Zone 8 Regionalisation Pilot, all designed to help clubs stay relevant and effective in a rapidly evolving world.
Clubs around the globe are doing exactly this. Many now blend online, in-person, and project-based gatherings. Satellite and passport clubs are expanding quickly, and those that have refreshed their approach—such as one in South Australia or Edmonton Whyte Avenue in Canada—are thriving by prioritising service and community engagement.
Here at Hawthorn, we’re making similar efforts. The Connecting Communities Lunch, Rotary SAFE Families, Small Comforts from Community, and our involvement in Boroondara Community Outreach’s “Buy in Store, Drop at the Door” project are all helping us become more visible and active locally. Sharing our story through social media and community partnerships will further strengthen this.
As we develop Hawthorn’s Strategic Plan, these examples remind us that Rotary’s strength lies in its ability to evolve—and to make a genuine difference.
NEXT WEEK’S MEETING Kooyong - 25 November
Roger Hunt,Author of Vindicta - Live From The UK
Roger Hunt has had a lifelong interest in history.
After a business career, most recently in executive search, he has researched the remarkable story of the Scottish Benedictine monk, James Robertson. Vindicta is a novel closely based on events in 1808.
A Scottish monk takes revenge on Napoleon. It is 1808. Napoleon is nearing the zenith of his power. Desperate to dent his supremacy, the British government sends James Robertson, a middle-aged, overweight monk on a secret mission to persuade a Spanish general to betray Napoleon.
This year's dinner will feature Matt Callan, a talented charismatic singer who will serenade you with all the songs you know and love.
ANNOUNCING OUR ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PRODUCE FUNDRAISER
Download the Order Form below and give it to friends and family or use it yourself to order our beautiful hams, Christmas Cakes and Puddings.
Orders need to be completed by 5 December emailed torflogan@yahoo.com
ANNUAL SERVICE TO SENIORS’ AWARD 2026
We are seeking nominations for our Annual Service to Seniors’ Award and suggest you may have someone you might like to nominate. Please read the attached details for nomination and the Application Form.
Award will be announced at our Kooyong meeting 21 April 2026.Our Award recognises a volunteer “who flies under the radar” supporting an older person in Boroondara.
Please put on your thinking cap!
Photo shows last year’s Awardee Coralie White and check out the smiles!
As an extension of our Club’s ongoing support for Box Hill Hospital’s Upton House, we are putting together Christmas gift packs for the inpatients of the mental health ward.
Upton House staff will assemble the packs themselves so they can tailor each one to individual needs.
Some of the items will come from our regular care bag products (such as deodorant, lip balm, moisturiser, and hairbrushes) in place of our usual December delivery of care bags. We’ll also include a few special treats for the inpatients to share during mutual help meetings.For items needed … READ MORE
UPDATE FROM ROTARY SAFE FAMILIES
I greatly appreciated the company of our newest member, Min Bell when I was invited to present Rotary SAFE Families at the incredible Zonta on the Yarra Melbourne Club.Forty professional and business women of all ages and the fellowship and energy at Amora Hotel, Richmond was fantastic.It was an eye-opener to both Min and me how these Zonta members are so energetic, focused and generous in making a difference to so many disadvantaged communities.They also make time for much socialising and family events.Zonta is 103 years old and commenced in the USA with Zonta Clubs throughout the world.
Photo shows from L-R:Min Bell, Dorothy Gilmour, Zonta President JenniferMarriott and Event Director Gail Neale.
Who Am I?
Email or message David Pisterman (pisterman41@gmail.comwith your answer to this month’s Quiz. A bottle of the best is waiting for the winner at our lunch meeting 16 December donated by the last prize winner.
YOUR CLUB BULLETIN NEEDS YOUR STORIES!
Please send a travel story, project update, story of interest and photographs to Editor, Dorothy Gilmour by Sunday afternoon and you will be Bulletin celebrity and be able to tell your children your stories are in print!
LAST WEEK’S MEETING
Shaun Graf - Former International Cricketer
Thank you David McNamara for creating a lively, engaging interview with Shaun Graf last week.
David’s relaxed interview style delivered a wealth of cricketing knowledge and stories from Shaun in his lifetime of playing the game.
DID YOU KNOW?
In the 1950’s, we were greatly helped by regular visits from members of Rotary Melbourne who supported Horace Bedggood strongly to ensure our club did not lose its way in its first years.
So many clubs suffer an early death due to lack of interest and support.
It is said that the spirit of Rotary is like the measles – you must be there to catch it.
Christmas Packs for Upton House Inpatients
