I want to thank members who took the time out to come online on Friday to be part of Rotary SAFE Families’ launch to an international audience of Rotarians, DG’s, RI Directors from 30 countries.
It was reassuring to spot Doug, Geoff, Vincent, Ian, Ari, Andrew, Pam, Mark P. and I realised after the meeting that there were even more members who were not on screen.
If you would like to view the meeting on YouTube click on the following link: http://bit.ly/3XzbX3i. Also please remember to subscribe to the Rotary SAFE Families YouTube channel and 'Like' the video.
We received 400 questions before the meeting and there was a general theme from countries like Timor, Mexico, India, African countries around creating Government legislation against violence, especially child abuse.
I doubt whether Rotary International has any idea of the need for RI to step up and make prevention of violence an RI focus. There is much work needed and I hope I can count on some of our Hawthorn members to meet with me and to discuss how we can ensure success of our inroads into global violence.
My quote for the week: “To succeed in life, you need three things: a wishbone, a backbone, and a funny bone.”
NEXT MEETING
18 March at Kooyong
We look forward to hearing from Katrina Flinn, who led a group of Victoria Police Legatees and other Rotarians on the last World of Difference Social Impact Tour of Cambodia. Many great stories will be revealed.
PLUS: Katrina needs 6 female volunteers to assist repacking new women’s underwear at Donations in Kind on Thursday 20 March - 9.30am for a few hours.
The underwear is for our project “Small Comforts from Community” which in addition to care bags also provides new clothing to the inpatients of the mental health units of The Alfred as well as Box Hill’s Upton House. Please contact Katrina Flinn directly for address and more details.
PROJECT UPDATES
Thank you to our Andrew Crockett who provided a comprehensive update of Rotary Hawthorn Projects which I want to share with you all.
This is given to new members on joining our Club (READ MORE)
AUBURN HIGHSCHOOL UPDATE
Director of Youth Service, Doug McLean has been in conversation with Ross Pritchard, the Principal of Auburn High School.
We have a great working relationship with Auburn High School and are following up on their needs in the following areas:
Year 9 Mock Job interviews
An Auburn High team for the Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA) scheduled for 24-25 May 2025
Year 11-12 Rotary Scholarships for 2026-27
Support for students to attend National Youth Science Forum Jan 2026
Support for students to attend the Science Experience programs at RMIT and Melbourne University
Doug is also discussing the Rotary Youth Exchange program for 2026 and establishing a Rotary Interact (Leadership Development-Senior) Club at Auburn High.
We shall update members when plans are finalised.
SKYHYDRANT PROJECT
We are delighted to advise that Rotary Hawthorn has donated $2,000 to share the cost of a large SkyHydrant with Rotary Lakes Entrance.
Rotary Lakes Entrance has been active in Timor Leste and as you are aware, Rotary Hawthorn has also been active with water sanitation projects in Bacau in North Eastern Timor Leste in recent years.
The provision of this large SkyHydrant will provide safe daily drinking water for a community of 200 people at a cost of approximately A$6000. This calculation is based on 40 litres per person per day. This project came about from our most enjoyable visit to Walhalla/Lakes Entrance and Rotary Lakes Entrance last year.
IMPORTANT DATES
Katrina Flinn, World of Difference Social Impact Tour of Cambodia – Tuesday 18 March at Kooyong
25 March – Volunteers needed for a packing session at Notting Hill
March 25 – Zoom with Evie Flynn (returned Exchange student from France) and Dr Gula Bezhan – CEO Afghan Women’s Organisation
1 April at Kooyong: Awarding our Annual Service to Senior’s Award with CEO Senior’s Rights Vic. & COTA – Ben Rogers as Guest Speaker – Special Guest – Mayor of Boroondara, Sophie Torney
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!”
More fun and enjoyment:
10 June - Our Changeover Dinner will be a 'not to miss' event when we celebrate Ian Bentley as our President 2025-26 – Please diarise this date!
Our Home-Hosting Dinner has had to be rescheduled and we are waiting for our 5 Home Hosts to co-ordinate a dinner date that works.
12 August - A visit to the Bionics Institute.
Our much anticipated adventures at Beechworth/Milawa 18-20 November. Note: This adventure already has 20 “adventurers” booked. Please contact Noel Halford immediately if you would like to join us.
Noel’s Adventures are very popular now so we are nearly fully booked 9 months ahead.
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 18 March.
Clue 1: My hearing has definitely improved!
Clue 2: My wife is also a Rotarian!
Clue 3: Books – bit of a collector!
Clue 4: President 2000-2001!
WE NEED VOLUNTEERS - ARE YOU AVAILABLE?
The stock on the shelves needs to be repositioned and 4000 women’s briefs need to be put into boxes by size as well as delivery packs for Upton House for all clothing – Contact Katrina Flinn
Rotary SAFE Families needs volunteers – speak to Dorothy
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 – Please members. I know you will have pics and stories from your Christmas holidays – share them with us via Member Contributions. Email: Editor - Dorothy Gilmour
(Please note: If you would like some help with a Club project or event, you can post a notice in The Week Ahead and the Bulletin)
OTHER ROTARY CLUB EVENTS
2025 Rotary Emergency Services Community Awards
Multi-District Impact Summit
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
Your Garden - Our Future
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. If you are unable to attend, you may wish to make a donation.
To book, please click on the following link: BOOK NOW
