As early as the 1840s and 1850s, Ignaz Semmelweis in Vienna and John Snow in London helped lay the foundations of modern public health. Semmelweis demonstrated that simple handwashing could dramatically reduce maternal deaths in hospitals, while Snow traced a deadly cholera outbreak to a contaminated public water pump in Soho.
Yet, 150 years later, a quarter of the way through the twenty-first century, millions of people around the world still lack reliable access to clean drinking water or safe sanitation. Diseases caused by contaminated water and poor hygiene remain among the leading causes of illness in many parts of the world.
This is why Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) remains one of Rotary’s key areas of focus and is highlighted in Rotary’s March theme.
Hawthorn has consistently supported WASH programs, including building toilets in the Philippines, a water project in Baguia (Timor Leste), and SkyHydrant filtration systems in Myanmar and villages in another region of Timor Leste.
We at Hawthorn should be proud that our club plays a small, ongoing role in Rotary’s global mission to provide clean water and safe sanitation for all. Even modest, practical initiatives can profoundly transform lives.
Ian Bentley
President 2025-26
NEXT MEETING – KOOYONG –17 MARCH
Member Behind the Badge – Min Bell
We are delighted to have our newest member Aminda (Min) Bell present her Member Behind the Badge presentation.
Join us and welcome Min who has generously accepted the position of Director for Youth and Vocation 2026-27.
31 March:Maire Ruance, CEO of the FREO2 Foundation
7 April:Easter Tuesday, No meeting
14 April:Club Meeting at Kooyong
21 April: Annual Service to Senior’s Award, Ben Rogers, CEO COTA and Seniors Rights Victoria
28 April:Club Meeting by Zoom
5 May:Assoc. Prof. David Szmulewicz, Principal research fellow Bionics Institute
CLUB ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Little Things Connecting Communities morning tea
We were well represented last week at The Little Things Connecting Communities morning tea when they launched their new platform designed to bring like-minded groups together — creating space to share ideas, resources and support one another. They believe collaboration is more powerful than competition, and that real impact happens when organisations unite around a shared purpose web application database for connection and latest news on community organisations, events and fundraising. This app will be an excellent platform for Rotary Hawthorn to use for membership and event promotions.
CLUB SERVICE NEWS – Terry Kitchen
SOCIAL BOWLS ACTIVITY. We have 23 members and guests participating in our social bowls activity on Tuesday 10 March. Katrina and David have organised a “Scroungers” competition for us, along with drinks and dinner.
CLUSTER CLUBS QUIZ NIGHT. Our Club is taking part in the Cluster Clubs Quiz Competition on Thursday 12 March, which has been organised by Rotary North Balwyn. Our team of experts, comprising David Rush, Dennis Shore and Meredith Hayes, have been doing their research and are looking forward to pitting their Rotary knowledge against the other Boroondara Clubs.
We are once again taking part in the GWS COMMUNITY RAFFLE. Last year we raised over $600 through the raffle, so our challenge is to do better this time round. Please support this activity as it will contribute to our annual fundraising; tickets will be on sale at our Club meetings.
Save the date for our BUNNINGS BBQ on SUNDAY 31 MAY. This will be an important fundraiser for the Club. I will be looking for members to sign up to the roster, which will be available at Club meetings.
UPDATE ON OUR PROJECT – HOPE IN A SUITCASE
Editor met up with Julie Armstrong, Victorian manager for Hope in a Suitcase at the It’s the Little Things morning tea.Julie presented to our lunch meeting 18 months ago.
Julie’s outstanding commitment to children entering out of home care throughout Victoria has continued and grown.
Julie told me: “Last year we gave 1,573 cases to children entering out of home care throughout the state, including regional Victoria. This year so far we have given 200 cases and have orders for another 220.”
Anne Scott is a very generous supplier of her beautifully hand crafted quilts to Hope in a Suitcase along with great support from Margot Boyle, our first Annual Service to Seniors Awardee.
The pic. shows one of Anne’s lovely children’s quilts.
Storage of Rotary Hawthorn Material
Many of you would know that Noel Halford has, for many years, stored RCH material at his factory. That arrangement will soon come to an end as Noel is looking to sell the factory. We have a few items that need a new home, nothing too bulky. If you think you might be able to store something at your home or beach house, please let Terry Kitchen know ASAP.
Who Am I?
Clue 1: I am the “greatest” collector of anything that can be donated.
Clue 2: My other “half” may be our President!
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.
YOUR CLUB BULLETIN NEEDS YOUR STORIES!
Editor note: 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 know you have made a difference by contributing!
MEMBER NEWS
Hearty congratulations to our “Big Mac” who was given the Cricket Victoria 50 Year Service Award at Caulfield Cricket Club during their Hall of Fame event -Saturday 28 February 2026.
Big Mac is seen here with his wife Karun.READ MORE
DID YOU KNOW?
In PP Andrew Crockett’s year 2021-22, Rotary 100 Year Yarra Bank Reserve Playground Centenary Project came to fruition.
After a collaboration over two years between the Rotary Clubs of Glenferrie, Camberwell, Canterbury, and Hawthorn, the Rotary Foundation, and the City of Boroondara, the playground was officially opened on 21 November 2021. Denbigh Richards was our representative on the project committee.
In June 2022, the project was awarded District Recognition as a successful community project that involved collaboration between partner clubs and the local council, engaged Rotarians and members of the community, was well implemented, and publicised and left a legacy of strengthened relationships.
ROTARY NOTICEBOARD
Upcoming GardenDesignfest
A request from a visiting Rotarian from Rotary Kew last week, Pennie Cornwell for their upcoming GardenDesignfest in November.
Kew Rotary are in the planning stages of our major fundraiser, to be held 21/22 November 2026. We have several great designers and gardens signed up, but always looking for more. If you have or know of a great designer, wonderful garden and owners willing to support Rotary, please get in touch with Pennie. 0425714316
Rotary Caroline Springs Charity Golf Day
ROTARY WERRIBEE’S ‘RHYTHMS & RIDES for CHANGE’
Sunday April 26 at Wyndham Harbour
Multi-District IMPACT SUMMIT - in Horsham!
Join us for the Multi-District Impact Summit in the vibrant regional city of Horsham, Victoria. This isn't just another conference; it's a powerful collaboration where Districts 9800, 9780 and 9510 will Unite for Good.
This year's summit brings together three districts to amplify our collective power and drive meaningful change. We'll be focusing on the incredible things we can achieve when we work together, sharing our successes, and planning our future impact. Check the flyer for information or click on: https://www.rotaryimpactsummit.org/
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.
