It has been a busy and productive start to the month, with plenty happening across the Club.
Last week’s Board Meeting was a significant one, with twelve matters requiring formal decisions. Most notably, the Board approved the Club’s new Strategic Plan, which now serves as the framework guiding our priorities and direction over the next five years. This marks an important milestone after a lengthy period of consultation, drafting, and refinement, and it provides us with a solid foundation for the Club’s continued growth and impact.
Our ability to work through a full agenda within the allocated time demonstrates the more efficient governance processes that have been gradually introduced in recent years, largely driven by our Club Secretary, Andrew Crockett. The clearer structure of Board papers, advance circulation of material, and more disciplined meeting procedures are helping the Board focus on making decisions rather than getting bogged down in process.
The Strategic Plan is not just a document to sit on a shelf but a guide for action. It aims to shape the Club’s work over the next five years by setting clear parameters, priorities, and directions for our projects, partnerships, and internal development. It emphasises strengthening our community impact, building collaborative relationships, supporting projects that promote peace and wellbeing, and ensuring the Club remains sustainable while retaining its warm and friendly atmosphere. A shorter summary will eventually be prepared to better communicate our priorities to the wider community and prospective members.
As I have mentioned before, and it is worth repeating, it is appropriate that the Plan has been adopted during Rotary’s Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention Month, remembering that peace is not only an international goal but also something fostered in homes, schools, and communities. Our recent SAFE Families discussions highlight this point; in that sense, the Strategic Plan offers a practical way to turn Rotary’s ideals into local action.
With a clear plan now adopted, we can move forward with confidence, building on our strengths, supporting one another’s efforts, and continuing the work of service that sits at the heart of Rotary.
Ian Bentley
President 2025-26
NEXT MEETING – ZOOM –24 February
Ginny Giorgio - One Less Victim, One Less Perpetrator
Ginny Giorgio is a retired family lawyer and former drama teacher dedicated to earlyintervention in domestic and family violence.
As Youth Director of Kingscliff Rotary, she founded Towards Respectful Relationships.
This is a filmmaking program providing supportive, trauma-informed assistance to young people directly and indirectly impacted by violence, helping them recognise respectful relationships early - aiming for one less victim and one less perpetrator.
Rotary Hawthorn is sponsoring a school to run this 8 week program in Term 2 this year.
We are planning to hold a Business Breakfast Event this year with the objective to attract potential new members.
We are seeking to have an inspiring Guest Speaker and thinking that a topic like The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Businesses would attract a large number of Small to Medium Business CEOs and their staff.
At this stage we are wondering whether anyone has knowledge of a speaker who may be willing to talk on this subject.
Other topics will also be considered by the Membership Committee if we can identify a suitable guest speaker.
If you can recommend someone please contact Mark Eldredge as follows:
The Club's International Committeeinvites you to join us for a meaningful and enjoyable community event — the 2026 Walk for REACH Siem Reap.
Whether you choose to walk alongside us or support our Rotary Hawthorn team with a donation, your involvement will help make a real difference.
Why this event? Reach Siem Reap was a great support in the World of Difference Police legacy tour lead by Katrina Flinn and we are considering partnering with Reach Siem Reap for another project in Cambodia.
Participating in this fundraising walk is a way of expressing our gratitude for their support and to support the wonderful work that they do for children and families in Cambodia.
Our Hawthorn Bookworms have been “worming” their way through the myriad of fantastic books to make their selection for you to enjoy both “reading and sharing” your unique reflections together in lively discussion.
If you haven’t joined one of our Bookworms’ evenings, you are most welcome and we love to have new perspectives.Contact Charlotte England please.
Our calendar is the following:
Wednesday 25 March: “A Year of Wonders” by Geraldine Brooks at Pam and Andrew Crockett’s home
Don't forget to read “Catcher in the Rye” by J.D.Salinger so that we can add it to our meeting conversation when Vincent gets back from overseas.
April:“Cherrywood” by Jock Serong
May: “Sweet Sweet Revenge Ltd” by Jonas Jonasson
Who Am I?
Clue 1: An academic with years of teaching young males!
Clue 2: I am a new member
Clue 3: I am thrilled to be invited to join the Board as Director of Youth & Vocation in 2026-27
Clue 3: I am best keeping out of the sun
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 3 March donated by the last prize winner.
2026 International Assembly creates Lasting Impact
Dennis Shore, TRF Trustee - February 14, 2026
Rotary’s second biggest gathering for the year is the International Assembly and, again, it didn’t disappoint.
Over 1200 Governors Elect, partners, senior Rotary leaders and staff gathered to unite for good and create lasting impact.
The Board of Trustees holds 4 in-person meetings annually. One of these meetings is scheduled in association with the annual International Assembly, which brings District Governors Elect together for intensive learning opportunities before they take office.
This is the fifth Assembly I have had the opportunity to attend and this probably featured the most memorable speakers and “moments” of those assemblies. READ MORE
YOUR CLUB BULLETIN NEEDS YOUR STORIES!
Editor note: I would like to thank members who actually contribute to your Bulletin. Members like Katrina Flinn, Big Mac, Charlotte England, Andrew Crockett who help to make this weekly newsletter easier.
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!
DID YOU KNOW?
1962-63: Donations were made for new accommodation for the weight-lifting division of the Hawthorn Citizens’ Youth Club.
Over a two-year period, £650 ($23,000 in 2022) was raised and handed over to complete:
· Hawthorn Citizens’ Youth Club project,
· Hawthorn Community Chest,
· Hawthorn-Kew Girl Guides Group,
· Hawthorn Meals on Wheels,
· Lady Nell Seeing Eye Dog Appeal,
· Freedom from Hunger and
· Angus Mitchell House for Crippled Children.
A Christmas toy appeal was again successful in providing toys to the Children’s Cottages, Kew.
Multi-District IMPACT SUMMIT - in Horsham!
Imagine the true Rotary spirit of connection and collaboration, District 9800 is joining in March with District 9780 (Western Victoria & SE South Australia) and District 9510 (Adelaide, northern SA & southern NT) for a vibrant, multi-district Conference in Horsham.
This is a chance to broaden your Rotary world — meet inspiring Rotarians with diverse stories, spark new ideas, refresh your Rotary experience, and most of all, have a lot of fun.
What to expect:
Inspiring Speakers: Hear from visionary leaders who are making a difference in their communities and around the world.
Collaborative Workshops: Engage in hands-on sessions designed to help you develop new skills and innovative strategies for service.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow members from across the districts, forging new friendships and partnerships.
Celebration of Service: We'll be showcasing amazing projects and celebrating the impact we've all made.
Experience Horsham: Discover the best of the Wimmera region with a Paddock to Plate-themed Gala Dinner and more.
Don't miss this unique opportunity to CONNECT, SHARE, and LEARN how we can make an even greater impact together. Mark your calendars and be part of this unforgettable experience.
Unite for Good. Unite in Horsham. Unite with us.
Dedicated to Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution, highlighting the goal of world understanding and peace, marked by the anniversary of Rotary's founding on February 23, 1905, often celebrated with special events like the Presidential Peace Conference. It's a time for clubs to focus programs on goodwill and peace, linking to Rotary's core mission.
Key Aspects of February in Rotary:
Theme: Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution (or World Understanding and Peace).
Anniversary: Celebrates the first Rotary meeting on February 23, 1905.
Activities: Clubs organize meetings, programs, and events to promote peace and ethical standards.
In essence, February serves as a focal point for Rotary's commitment to fostering peace and understanding globally, tied to its founding principles and the anniversary of its inception.
