Twice this week, I sat in a room where older Australians were at the centre of the conversation. Not as a demographic category or a government policy issue, but as people, and as a community responsibility.
At Tuesday’s Club meeting, we presented our Service to Seniors Award to Hilary Salmon, whose long-term service to seniors through meal preparation more than earned this recognition. Particular thanks are due to Dorothy, who again drove the process and made sure the award actually happened.
It was a special occasion, made all the more so by the presence of past recipients, our District Governor Peter Shepheard, and other guests who joined us for the presentation.
Samantha Clarke is an Ambassador for Mercy Ships Australia and is passionate about connecting people to meaningful impact.
With a background spanning business, community engagement and national politics, she now shares the story of Mercy Ships and the life changing work taking place through the world’s largest civilian hospital ships, bringing free surgery, training and hope to people in need.
19 May: Laraine Stephens, “Crime With a Twist Of History” at Kooyong
26 May: TBA Zoom meeting
2 June: No lunch – Changeover Dinner at Kooyong
9 June: No Meeting
2 June: Elder Abuse (15 June is Elder Abuse Awareness Day)
CLUB SERVICE NEWS
By Terry Kitchen
Our Club Changeover Dinner will be held on Tuesday 2 June at Kooyong. We hope to see all members at this special event where we will acknowledge and thank Ian for his outstanding contribution, and welcome incoming President Dorothy. Invitations will be emailed this week; be sure to register for yourself and your partner.
PROJECT UPDATES
Our Director of Youth & Vocation, Doug McLean writes: “I am pleased to advise Rotary Hawthorn will be the Host Club for Sebastian Flynn participating in a Rotary Youth Exchange- Short Term Exchange Program in 2026. Sebastian will be spending three months in Trieste Italy a very picturesque region of Northern Italy staying with the family of Mattia Gaspardo.
Later this year Mattia will come to Melbourne for a three month stay with Sebastian's family and attend school either at Scotch College or Auburn High, we are assisting the family to organise this part of the exchange.
We plan to invite Sebastian and Mattia to attend a Rotary Hawthorn meeting during the Melbourne visit to enable them to share their experiences over the Exchange journey.”
ROTARY WERRIBEE - SUPPORTS ROTARY SAFE FAMILIES
Rotary SAFE Families is so appreciative of the energy and generosity of Rotary Werribee in creating the most fantastic event at Wyndham Harbour with all proceeds donated to Rotary SAFE Families Towards Respectful Relationships program in schools. Dorothy does not have the final count for the donation, but it is at least $8,000.
Hundreds of families spent the day amongst the 200 classic cars on display, enjoying the live music, and free children’s activities. Rotary SAFE Families handed out hundreds of booklets and flyers and we could not have achieved this without Min Bell who assisted Dorothy from Rotary Hawthorn and five Rotarians from Caroline Springs, Melbourne. It was terrific to have our DG Peter Shepheard’s support on the day too.
Last week, our small number of member attendees was assisted by eleven guests to acknowledge Hilary Salmon, our Annual Service to Seniors Award recipient.
Hilary was nominated by Rev. Natalie Dixon-Moru, CEO of the highly respected Boroondara Community Outreach. This organisation supports people who are socially isolated or living with a mental illness, to live with dignity and engage in community.
Clue 1: I am a passionate Rotarian especially regarding “Who Am I?”
Clue 2: Married to a Glenferrie Rotarian
Clue 3: Much time spent around Op Shop!
Clue 4: Fierce supporter of Who Am I?
Clue 5: Do you really need another clue?
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 5 May donated by the last prize winner.
Be afraid! Do not incur the wrath of DP!
SOME ROTARY NEWS - REGIONALISATION
Over the next four weeks, Editor is providing some “Rotarian reading” about Regionalisation of Rotary Zone 8 and what it all means.
Please remember to send Editor a story from the past, present or future! My desk is waiting to make your Bulletin interesting and a “must read”!
REFLECTION from DENNIS SHORE
Over its more than 70 years, Rotary Hawthorn has been distinguished by many things but none more so than its strong fellowship. This was demonstrated by strong District Conference attendance, which so often included road trips with memorable adventures along the way and a shared sense of belonging.
Rotary Hawthorn members also loved nothing better than sharing their musical talents (or in some cases total lack of talent) but always with enthusiasm and energy. Sorting through the archives we found some wonderful records of those halcyon times.
Jill Weeks joined us in 2001 and is respected as a Rotary “quiet achiever”, a stalwart of Rotary Hawthorn providing tireless skills and energy in many ways. Some of these are ongoing positions and include:
Hundreds of families spent the day amongst the 200 classic cars on display, enjoying the live music, and free children’s activities. Rotary SAFE Families handed out hundreds of booklets and flyers and we could not have achieved this without Min Bell who assisted Dorothy from Rotary Hawthorn and five Rotarians from Caroline Springs, Melbourne. It was terrific to have our DG Peter Shepheard’s support on the day too.
Over its more than 70 years, Rotary Hawthorn has been distinguished by many things but none more so than its strong fellowship. This was demonstrated by strong District Conference attendance, which so often included road trips with memorable adventures along the way and a shared sense of belonging.