The last time a District Conference was held in Western Victoria, it was in Warrnambool, where sixteen representatives from our Club attended. I remember that conference well, not just for its fellowship, but for its education, entertainment and inspiration. The RIPPR (Rotary International President’s Personal Representative) challenged us to use the event to develop our own “elevator pitch” for Rotary: what would we say, in a minute or two, that explains what Rotary is and why it matters?
It is a good question to revisit. What doesset Rotary apart from most other charitable and humanitarian organisations? On my list would be 1. Rotary’s global reach, 2. the generous can-do spirit of our members, 3. the breadth of skills and experience we bring, and 4. the financial strength that allows us to turn ideas into action. Even at a conference in a small Victorian country town, we are connected to something genuinely global. Conferences remind us of that connection. They bring people together, challenge our thinking, and often send us home with fresh ideas and renewed energy.
I have to admit I was something of a conference junkie throughout my professional life. What I valued most was the chance to step outside my usual circle of colleagues and the culture of my own workplace. The in-person conversations, the networking, and the sense of shared purpose almost always exposed me to different ways of thinking, sparked new ideas, and gave me a burst of renewed enthusiasm for whatever work lay ahead. Rotary conferences offer just these opportunities; they widen our perspective, re-energise us, and send us back to our clubs with purpose.
PDG Dennis Shore reminded us at last week’s meeting that the Multidistrict Impact Summit in Horsham, 27th - 29th March 2026, will feature Past RI President Jennifer Jones as the RIPPR Jennifer is widely regarded as one of Rotary’s most engaging and insightful communicators, and many who have heard her speak say the opportunity alone makes the conference worthwhile.
If you have been considering attending the Horsham Summit but have not yet decided, I encourage you to take another look (https://www.rotaryimpactsummit.org/). The program is strong, the distance manageable, and the opportunity to reconnect with the wider Rotary story is well worth it.
Ian Bentley
President 2025-26
NEXT MEETING – KOOYONG –3 MARCH
Emily Wilkinson and Voleak Pham – Topic “Reach Siem Reap”
Speakers are Emily Wilkinson, the founder and program manager and Voleak Pham, Communications Co-ordinator of ‘REACH Siem Reap.
A 'variety of programs which work to lift children and their families out of poverty are offered. No single program alone can achieve this.
They have identified the programs which operate simultaneously to make breaking the poverty cycle a reality:“We are passionate about keeping families together.”
21 April: Annual Service to Senior’s Award, Ben Rogers, CEO COTA and Seniors Rights Victoria
28 April:Club Meeting by Zoom
CLUB ANNOUNCEMENTS
SPECIAL NOTICES from TERRY:
Social Bowling
We have had a slow response to our Social Bowling activity on Tuesday 10th March between 3pm - 6pm.
Please confirm your attendance by purchasing tickets using the link below. If you can’t bowl but would like to join us for dinner, there is a Dinner ticket option.
We are hoping to have 20 members and guests, given this is a non-meeting Tuesday.
https://www.trybooking.com/DJMOL
Pic: Nick Page for Unsplash
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.
Rotary Hawthorn Business Breakfast
We are planning to hold a Business Breakfast Event this year with the objective to attract potential new members.
We are seeking to have an inspiring Guest Speaker and thinking that a topic like The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Businesses would attract a large number of Small to Medium Business CEOs and their staff.
Other topics will also be considered by the Membership Committee if we can identify a suitable guest speaker.
Photo shows P David Rush chairing our Business Breakfast in 1992. Let’s get together and make this Breakfast happen in 2026!
All systems “GO” as we prepare our Rotary Hawthorn showcase for the 2026 Boroondara Volunteer Expo
We are delighted to accept their offer for Rotary Hawthorn to host a showcase at the 2026 Boroondara Volunteer Expo on Wednesday 18 March at Hawthorn Arts Centre, 360 Burwood Rd. Hawthorn!
The Club's International Committeeinvites 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.
Last Tuesday night, Min Bell, Peter Berg – Rotary Melbourne and Dorothy set off down the Princes Highway to present Rotary SAFE Families to the terrific members and guests of Rotary Werribee.We searched for the “Tunnel” but to no avail and it was the usual bumper to bumper at that time of the night.
The audience also included an officer from the Family Violence Victoria Police and members from Rotary Hoppers Crossing and Caroline Springs who wanted to know more about our work in prevention of family violence.READ MORE
Small regional charity stops thousands of Nepali girls being trafficked
At 18 years old, Priya* was barely earning enough to eat, lugging bricks in a construction site for a wage in a Nepalese town, Butwal.
A Project of Rotary Brighton North in 2026 with partner Rotary Kathmandu, with the support of Rotary Chadstone / East Malvern, Hawthorn and Beaumaris along with a District 9800 International grant will be supporting Every Daughter Matters (EDM), in partnership with Aashish Social Service Nepal (ASSN), to establish a Computer Training Program within its Safe Home in Butwal Nepal. READ MORE
As many of you are aware, l am on a mission to learn as much as possible, as quickly as l can, about Rotary. I call it my Rotary Homework.
My very wise mentor has reminded me, on a number of occasions, that slow and steady wins the race. I must listen.
When l was given the opportunity to register for The Rotary Leadership Institute Course, l jumped at the chance. READ MORE
Who Am I?
Clue 1: An academic with years of teaching young males!
Clue 2: I am a new member
Clue 3: I am thrilled to be invited to join the Board as Director of Youth & Vocation in 2026-27
Clue 4: I am best keeping out of the sun
Clue 5: If you attended our meeting last week, you will know Who I Am!!!
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.
MEMBERS BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES
Happy Belated Birthday Richard Logan – 19 February
Happy Birthday to our March Birthday Members
Gordon Cheyne March 11
Ian Macfarlane March 30
Thank you to our Members who celebrate their anniversaries
Noel McInnes: 58 years 11 months
Katrina Flinn: 24 years 11 months
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!
DID YOU KNOW?
1962-63: Donations were made for new accommodation for the weight-lifting division of the Hawthorn Citizens’ Youth Club.
Over a two-year period, £650 ($23,000 in 2022) was raised and handed over to complete:
· Hawthorn Citizens’ Youth Club project,
· Hawthorn Community Chest,
· Hawthorn-Kew Girl Guides Group,
· Hawthorn Meals on Wheels,
· Lady Nell Seeing Eye Dog Appeal,
· Freedom from Hunger and
· Angus Mitchell House for Crippled Children.
A Christmas toy appeal was again successful in providing toys to the Children’s Cottages, Kew.
ROTARY NOTICEBOARD
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 Essendon has announced its Annual Duck Race on the Maribyrnong Riveron Sunday 1 March 2026.
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.
Unite for Good. Unite in Horsham. Unite with us.
AN INSPIRATIONAL READ:
“Rotary grounded me. It pulled me out of my privileged world and put me in touch with the realities of my community.”
In a powerful interview with Rotary magazine senior staff writer Diana Schoberg, Rotary International President Elect, Olaykina "Yinka" Hakeem Babalola, shares how Rotary has shaped his journey—from Rotaractor in 1984 to Rotarian in 1994, to now embarking on the highest position in Rotary.
His story is a reminder of the difference we can make when we step outside our comfort zones. and he now urges you as members to share your stories.
A Project of Rotary Brighton North in 2026 with partner Rotary Kathmandu, with the support of Rotary Chadstone / East Malvern, Hawthorn and Beaumaris along with a District 9800 International grant will be supporting Every Daughter Matters (EDM), in partnership with Aashish Social Service Nepal (ASSN), to establish a Computer Training Program within its Safe Home in Butwal Nepal. 
