Greetings! We are fast approaching the end of this Rotary year and there is much activity and I thank all of you who are creating a splendid Changeover Dinner, our next round of mock interviews at Auburn High School, DV Safe Phone collection of used mobiles, the 2 Bunnings BBQs, our social lunch at the Auburn Hotel and the list goes on.
I think the change of seasons has re-energised us! Hopefully, this will be revealed when you all have booked and volunteered as appropriate.
Your President is practising her sausage sizzling skills for Thursday evening, when Bunnings will donate $200 to us when Mark Pinoli, his partner Patrick and I create a sizzle up for Bunnings Free Mother’s Day Family BBQ!
If you haven’t volunteered to help Terry and her team at the Bunnings BBQ on Saturday, 10 May, please do as we need more members and family support.
The Rotary Waverley/Barry & Warren Smith Autos Raffle is in full swing and I thank all of you who purchased a book of tickets and paid into Doug’s EFTPOS machine. For those who missed this opportunity, please let Terry know and we shall ensure safe delivery to your home (don’t quote me on this!) of raffle tickets.
Our Club Changeover Dinner is one of the most important dates on our calendar. Ian Bentley has stepped up to be our President. We all know this is a huge responsibility and Ian and Jane need to be encouraged, respected and welcomed and the Changeover Dinner provides all of these things. Please do not think you are not needed. You are a member of Rotary Hawthorn and this event needs you.
We look forward to lunching with you and your partner at the Auburn Hotel next week – Tuesday 13 May at 12.30. Please RSVP to Vincent Chen by Monday, 12 May at the latest! We had such a lovely lunch together in March that we want to repeat this. Please note, we are asking for a long, long table but not with bench seating and in the middle of the back room. See you there!
My quote for the week: “Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it.”
NEXT MEETING 20 May at Kooyong
Simon J Costa AO seen here at George Petrou’s book launch, after George painted Simon’s portrait. He is a businessman and humanitarian. With 30 years 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 and took a voluntary role with the United Nations, concentrating on reducing food insecurity and poverty across sub-Saharan Africa.
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 selfless service to the disadvantaged internationally and within Australian society.
He received a Global Humanitarian Award (UN) for impact and innovations in underdeveloped countries.
His work in combatting hunger was a critical component of the UN/WFP being awarded the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize.
He has led teams awarded the Australian Family Business of the Year and the Leading Supply Chain Company (Australasia).
PROJECT UPDATES:
Saturday 10 May:
Our Bunnings BBQ fundraiser. Terry Kitchen is looking for a couple more volunteers to assist in creating yummy sausages sizzled to perfection that will lure the public to our stand. That means a great fundraising event whilst having fun together!
If you haven't volunteered at one of our Bunnings BBQ's give it a go! It's a teriffic feeling knowing that you have made a difference!
Rotary SAFE Families needs more registrations for their second global Mega Meeting online Wednesday, 14 May at 7.00 pm AESTPlease Register here: https://bit.ly/441QfJc
We recently created a new promo video which is to be shown at the Multi-District Summit in May in Adelaide and the RI International Convention in June when Ian Bentley will be presenting Rotary SAFE Families to the world-wide audience. https://youtu.be/nzqI_FcxJvA?si=tmDhhTQ6bABQsf1c
May/June Camcare 2025
Rotary Hawthorn is once again contributing to Camcare’s Non-perishable Emergency Relief Food Parcel Collection.
Please bring your contributions to leave at the desk when meeting at Kooyong. We are accepting your contributions till Tuesday 17 June which is our last Kooyong meeting for June. Please make sure you read the attached for important information on food and other goods. <READ MORE>
DV Safe Phones - Your old phone could save a life!
For domestic violence (DV) victims, access to a safe phone can mean the difference between life and death. Perpetrators often use phones to control and monitor their victims, leaving them isolated and without a secure way to keep in contact with friends and family or seek help.
DV Safe Phone initiative gives your old phone a new purpose by helping DV victims stay connected, stay safe, and move forward towards a brighter future. They collect, repurpose and gift mobile phones to domestic violence (DV) victims. These 'safe phones' are a vital link to emergency services, support networks, and loved ones.Rotary SAFE Families and their goal is to get a safe phone into the hands of every Australian DV victim who needs one. With over two million known DV victims in Australia, there is no doubt they have a significant challenge on their hands. However, they know that with your help, we can break down barriers to accessing vital help when it is needed most.
You can play a vital role in ensuring every call for help is heard.Bring your old phone to a lunch meeting and Jane Bentley and I will ensure it is used to keep a victim “safer”.Our Collection boxes will be placed in Boroondara Council high traffic areas.<READ MORE>
IMPORTANT DATES
14 May: Lunch at the Auburn Hotel (see Vincent Chen/Dorothy Gilmour)
20 May: Simon J. Costa AO, Australian business executive, philanthropist, and humanitarian.
27 May: Zoom meeting with Dr Brad Tucker, Astrophysicist and Cosmologist from Canberra.
10 June: Our Changeover Dinner Ian is creating a beautiful Changeover celebrate Ian Bentley as our President 2025-26 – Please diarise this date!
24 June: Please note Care bag packing session is currently scheduled.
Mezzo-soprano Karen Van Spall will entertain us on the night. Karen is a regular guest artist with Opera Australia, a soloist with Victorian Opera, and a performer at the Melbourne Recital Centre.
CLUB ANNOUNCEMENTS
Who Am I?Email or message David Pisterman pisterman41@gmail.comwith your answer to this month’s Quiz. A prize is waiting for the winner at our lunch meeting 3 June.
Clue 1: “O” I can tell a good story!
Clue 2: Believe It or Not, I told a “porky pie”!
WE NEED VOLUNTEERS - ARE YOU AVAILABLE?
Assistance is required for another care bag packing session is currently scheduled for 24 June 2025.
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. Simply contact Ari Talantis at aritalantis2003@gmail.com with the details.
OTHER ROTARY CLUB EVENTS
The 2025 Camberwell Art Show is on again at the Advanced Technologies Centre at Swinburne University. So come along and experience the largest community Art Show in Australia where you can view and purchase artworks. Drop in on your way home from work! Your $22.00 Evening Session Ticket also entitles you to cheese & biscuits and a glass of wine.Ticket Prices: Public Entry $20.00 (no Concession available for evening sessions)Tickets: https://camberwellartshow.org.au/visitor-information/
Dates: Monday 30 June 2025 - Friday 4 July 2025 (UTC+10)
