I think it is a sign of the times, to disappointingly acknowledge that Rotary does not have the priority it had in years gone by. All of us have different priorities and I am the first to put up my hand and remind myself: 'We are all volunteers! Family is our priority.' So where does Rotary fit in our lives? I return to the 'core'principles of Rotary: 'The mission of Rotary is to provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.'
Rotary vision is cited as: 'Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.'
A question to ponder: 'Has Rotary membership changed your outlook on the world and your priorities?'
My quote for the week: 'Don’t worry about the world coming to an end today. It’s already tomorrow in Australia.'- Charles Schulz
NEXT MEETING
15 April is our ANZAC Theme Meeting
This year, I have invited Michael Headberry to present to us. His topic: Sir John Monash - Australia’s National Possession.
In 2013 Michael 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 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.
AVEO, one of our sponsors, is offering us $500 again this year! All we need to do is for 10 of us to enjoy a free morning tea and tour of Lisson Manor, Hawthorn on Tuesday, 8 April.
Perhaps you know someone who is wanting to relocate to a retirement village with extra care services?
If I don’t receive any acceptances for this Morning Tea and Tour by April 2, I shall need to cancel with Aveo.
PLEASE NOTE: The $500 donation from AVEO supplies the extras to Upton House and Alfred Hospital Psychiatric Unit.
Small Comforts: Community Service – Katrina Flinn
We’ve been extremely busy over the last few weeks with the Small Comforts from Community (SCFC) project, which provides care bags and clothing to several public hospital mental health units.
This project is a collaboration between the Rotary Clubs of Hawthorn (the lead club), Brighton North, Glenferrie, Malvern, Port Phillip, and Williamstown, as well as Donations in Kind.
Recently Pauline Eldredge, Terry Kitchen, and I were joined by Chi from Williamstown and Lyn from Brighton North Rotary at Donations in Kind. The team successfully repacked 3,500 pairs of ladies' underwear into delivery packs. The underwear was purchased (imported direct) with funds provided by a grant from the Rotary Club of Balwyn.
Each month, our project supplies The Alfred and Box Hill’s Upton House with a range of new clothing, including men’s and women’s track pants and tops, t-shirts, and underwear. While much of the clothing is donated by corporations, we occasionally purchase items in bulk to fill any gaps in our supply, like the underwear. READ MORE
Saturday 10 May:
Our Bunnings BBQ will be held. Terry Kitchen is looking for volunteers to assist in creating yummy sausage sizzler smells that will lure the public to our stand. That means a great fundraising event whilst having fun together!
These Vaudeville sausage sizzlers are: Doug McLean, Andrew Crockett, Terry Kitchen and Denbigh Richards.
IMPORTANT DATES
April 15 - Special guest, Michael Headberry – Sir John Monash Humanitarian at our ANZAC theme meeting at Kooyong
April 29 is a meeting where you must bring a guest. Grandchild, child, friend or foe! We shall be entertained with a 'Believe It Or Not!'
24 June: Please note Care bag packing session is currently scheduled
More fun and enjoyment:
Our Changeover Dinner will be a not-to-be-missed event when we celebrate Ian Bentley as our President 2025-26 – Please diarise this date!
12 August - A visit to the Bionics Institute.
CLUB ANNOUNCEMENTS
Who Am I?
Email or message David Pisterman at pisterman41@gmail.com with your answer to this month’s Quiz. A prize is waiting for the winner at our lunch meeting 29 April.
Clue 1: Country Women’s Association is fortunate to have me!
Clue 2: I might have been related to a 'Davie'!
Clue 3: My initials might be: PC or ?
WE NEED VOLUNTEERS - ARE YOU AVAILABLE?
Please note: Another care bag packing session is currently scheduled for 24 June 2025.
Meeting Photographers needed – We need to capture our meetings and events and this is a very important role in our Club to maintain a record for our history – Please speak to Dorothy if you can assist.
Photos of travels, funny pics, member stories – Members I know you will have pics and stories from your holidays – share them with us via Member Contributions. Email: Editor - Dorothy Gilmour
Did you know that if you needed help with a club project, or event, that you could post a notice in The Week Ahead and the Bulletin?
Rotary's Monthly Theme: April is Environment Month
OTHER ROTARY CLUB EVENTS
The Multi-District Impact Summit PowerPoint presentation is available to us and is designed to inform, inspire, and encourage participation in this unique event.
It provides all the essential details about registering to attend the Multi-District Impact Summit. www.rotaryimpactsummit.org
A special evening celebrating gardens, bees and our shared environment
The event will feature distinguished speakers including Costa Georgiadis, Andrew Laidlaw, Fiona Chambers and Aris Petratis discussing pollinators and creating a more sustainable future.
There will also be auctions, raffles and lots more.
This year, I have invited Michael Headberry to present to us. His topic: Sir John Monash - Australia’s National Possession.
We’ve been extremely busy over the last few weeks with the Small Comforts from Community (SCFC) project, which provides care bags and clothing to several public hospital mental health units.
Our Bunnings BBQ will be held. Terry Kitchen is looking for volunteers to assist in creating yummy sausage sizzler smells that will lure the public to our stand. That means a great fundraising event whilst having fun together!
