We had a great start to the year with a strong turnout at this week’s meeting at Kooyong. The room was full of energy as friends reconnected after the summer break. It was good to see everyone catch up, share stories, and get back into Rotary.
Our guest speaker, Ed Kitchen, Managing Director of Uber Eats Australia, gave an excellent talk. He explained Uber’s role in the community, including access, job opportunities, partnerships, and social impact. His presentation sparked a lot of discussion and reflection.
A highlight of the meeting was the welcome back of Meredith Hayes, a returning member and Past President. With her extensive Rotary service, long history in the Club, including two terms as President, Meredith brings valuable experience and commitment that will help strengthen Hawthorn. We were glad to have her rejoin our membership.
As we start the second half of the Rotary year, I’m excited for what’s ahead. We have a busy schedule of activities and events, and there’s important work to do as we continue to grow and strengthen the Club. The coming months will need teamwork, new ideas, and ongoing involvement from everyone—things Hawthorn does well.
The Club’s Strategic Plan, developed with input from many members, is almost ready. It will give us a clear, practical foundation for our next steps, guiding our priorities, supporting our decisions, and helping us build a strong, lasting future together.
It’s been great to see Hawthorn featured in recent editions of The Networker, with three articles about our work. Congratulations to Katrina Flinn and Dorothy Gilmour for leading these projects and helping them reach more people. Their efforts not only move our work forward but also share Rotary Hawthorn’s story with the wider community.
Thank you to everyone for the positive start to the year. I look forward to what we will achieve together in the months ahead.
Ian Bentley
President 2025-26
NEXT MEETING – KOOYONG –17 February
Trudy Poole
Topic:Recycled Playgrounds, Play it Forward
Trudy Poole, Past President of Rotary Peninsula 2.0 will talk about Play it Forward a joint venture between, Heartprint (based in Siem Reap), Rotary Overseas Recycled Playgrounds & Rotary Peninsula 2.0 to deliver playgrounds from Australian communities to disadvantaged areas in Siem Reap, Cambodia. The initiative aims to give underprivileged children access to safe and imaginative spaces for play.
M.C. Katrina Flinn
UPCOMING SPEAKERS
10 February:No meeting
17 February:Trudy Poole, “Recycled Playgrounds, Play it Forward”
21 April: Annual Service to Senior’s Award, Ben Rogers, CEO COTA and Seniors Rights Victoria
28 April:Club Meeting at Kooyong
CLUB ANNOUNCEMENTS
SAVE THE DATE for our first social activity for 2026:
Barefoot Bowlsfor members and guests at Auburn Bowls Club
Date: Tuesday 10 March (non-meeting Tuesday) from 3pm - 6pm
Come along for a fun bowling activity under supervision of our very own super bowler, Katrina Flinn
Early dinner will be supplied by Chargrill Charlie’s.
Booking info and a Trybooking link for pre-payment will be circulated to members shortly. Pic: Nick Page for Unsplash
Latest news from Katrina:
Thank you Migoals for your support in providing diaries and planners for the care bags for the inpatients of the mental health units.
Katrina received this response from The Alfred MHU:“Hospital staff have consistently noted that journals and diaries play an important role in patients’ recovery and wellbeing. It has been wonderful to be able to provide such high-quality Migoals products as part of these care bags.READ MORE
“I was able to source an exercise bike for Servants Community Housing -Romana House. Mick and I delivered it before Christmas.
The House Manager has reported that the bike is being well used and is much appreciated by the residents , including Harry who is in the photo which is being shared with his permission.
As they say sometimes, it's just the little things...”
Our International Team Invitation
The Club's International Committee invites 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.
For those interested in what RSF is working on presently, please read the attached Report to Board – February 2026.READ MORE
Relocation of Alma Doepel – Andrew Crockett
As members know, the Club has sponsored a trainee bunk on the youth training vessel Alma Doepel. The restoration of the vessel is well advanced as the accompanying photograph shows, but uncertainty about the future of the restoration arose when the Victorian Government gave notice for the Alma and the other Victorian heritage vessels, the Enterprize and steam tug Wattle to leave their moorings at Shed 2 Docklands, so the area can be redeveloped.
Alma Doepel pictured recently with the Enterprize in the foreground.
Agreement has at last been reached with Development Victoria to relocate the Alma Doepel to the Seaworks Maritime Precinct in Williamstown. The Victorian Government has committed to funding three years of berthing and workshop costs at Williamstown.
Restoration work will continue at Williamstown, and the Foundation remains fully committed to returning Alma Doepel to full operations in the near future. At the same time, the search will continue for a permanent home for the vessel and Victoria’s broader maritime heritage.
Who Am I?
Clue 1: An academic with years of teaching young males!
Clue 2: An academic with years of teaching young males!
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!
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?
PP Noel McInnes (1995-96) and John Loutit led a team for our club to Western Samoa in 1993-94. The team included Graeme Dillon and Graham Armstrong and all had some interesting roles to play. It appears that on arrival, teams from some (not to be named) clubs preferred to undertake projects near the only hotel in the region!
Our team was requested to go to a more remote area, where the influence of the church deemed it a teetotal environment, but in keeping with the very best traditions of our movement in general, our team went with a ‘spirit’ of willingness and helpfulness! Bravo Hawthorn!
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.
Note: There are five members and partners already booked so talk with President Ian if you are interested in attending.
Horsham is the home of the magnificent Mackenzie Falls
One of Victoria’s most iconic waterfalls, just a short drive into the Grampians. The viewing deck offers breathtaking photo opportunities.
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.
