Welcome to this week's edition of the Gateway Bulletin!
We're here to keep you informed with the latest updates, events, and stories from our Rotary community. Whether it's new initiatives, upcoming meetings, or ways to get involved, we'll keep you informed and up-to-date.
Don’t forget — our Facebook page is a great way to follow what’s happening in real time. If you haven’t connected with us yet, click here to follow us.
PRESIDENT'S UPDATE
Honouring Glenn Reincastle & Celebrating Community Engagement.
Sad News We were deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Glenn Reincastle, Past President of the Rotary Club of Narre Warren. Glenn was a respected and dedicated Rotarian whose contributions to Rotary and community will be long remembered. His funeral service was held on Thursday, 28 August.
Earlier this year, Glenn played an active role in the Narre Warren North Time Capsule Project, which was opened and resealed with new artifacts in March 2025.
A bronze plaque reading “Supported by Rotary Narre Warren” was placed at the site to commemorate Rotary’s contribution. Glenn’s support and coordination were instrumental in making this meaningful community initiative a success.
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Tuesday Night’s Meeting – Sarah’s Hope 💜 This week’s meeting was vibrant and inspiring, with 25 guests joining us for a full house. We heard from Sarah’s Hope, a passionate initiative raising awareness and support for brain cancer research. Sarah’s story of resilience and determination moved everyone in attendance. By the end of the night, her merchandise—hats and beanies—was nearly sold out!
The fellowship and energy in the room reflected the very best of the Rotary spirit. 📸 Photos from the evening are included in this newsletter.
Two Truths and a Lie – John Peck 🎲 John Peck entertained the group with the classic game “Two Truths and a Lie.” Highlights included:
A fascinating story about a gold bracelet scam near the Eiffel Tower 🇫🇷, where a stranger handed him a bracelet he supposedly dropped—despite John never owning one!
A tale of a Melbourne Cup sweep 🏇 with a first prize of $1 million—John’s horse came fifth, narrowly missing out on the jackpot.
The lie? That Leonie proposed to him! 💍
Coming Up Next Week – Alan Roberts ⚖️
Next week, Alan Roberts will be taking the stage for Two Truths and a Lie. Being a solicitor, this promises to be an intriguing session full of surprises—definitely a meeting not to miss!
Fun Fact – The Gold Bracelet Scam in France 💡
This scam is a common trick in Paris. A scammer “finds” a gold ring or bracelet and asks if it’s yours. It appears valuable but is actually cheap copper. Accept it, and they may demand money; refuse, and an accomplice could distract you while stealing your belongings. Always exercise caution when approached with “found” items in busy tourist areas.
Satellite Club – Afri Aus Care Project 🌍 On Thursday night, Leanne, Selba, and President John attended the African Engagement Launch at RMIT’s Business and Law Centre. This event, part of the Satellite Club’s Afri Aus Care work, featured a panel discussion on strengthening ties between Africa and Australia, with a focus on supporting African communities locally.
The evening concluded with networking drinks 🍹, authentic African cuisine 🍲, and live entertainment 🎶. It was a fantastic initiative, highlighting the Satellite Club’s commitment to cultural engagement and community support.
Next Tuesday’s Meeting 📅
Date: Tuesday, 2 September Venue: The Dandenong Club Topic:Your Voice, Our Future: Survey Results Reveal
Join us for a special session as we present the results of our recent Club Members Survey. This is your opportunity to:
Discover valuable insights gathered from members 📝
Understand how these insights will shape our club’s future 🔍
Celebrate what’s working well and explore ways to make our club even stronger and more connected 🤝
Your feedback is shaping the future—don’t miss it!
Friday, 5th September Wheelchairs for Kids Wheelathon
The club will also be providing a BBQ for this fundraising event; we'd appreciate as many members as possible assisting on the day.
Tuesday, 16th September Police Presentation on Crime and Scam Prevention
We’re pleased to announce that we’ll be joined by Victoria Police Officer Brett Owen, who will deliver an important and informative presentation on Crime and Scam Prevention.
Plans for our 90th Centenary Celebration are well underway! We’re thrilled to announce that the Dandenong Club is booked. With special guests, great entertainment, and plenty of surprises in store, it promises to be an unforgettable evening. Save the date and celebrate this milestone in style!
Where Club meetings are listed as TBC, please refer to the Events Calendar on our club website for the latest updates.
ATTENDANCE
We’d love to see you at our meetings! Please use ClubRunner to let us know if you’ll be attending, and feel free to include any guests — especially for special events or partners’ nights.
To help us plan with the Dandenong Club, please update your attendance by 5 pmon Monday. This ensures we can confirm numbers and make the most of our time together.
THOUGHT OF THE WEEK
If I were asked to give what I consider the single most useful bit of advice for all humanity, it would be this: Expect trouble as an inevitable part of life, and when it comes, hold your head high. Look it squarely in the eye, and say, 'I will be bigger than you. You cannot defeat me."
Ann Landers
Life will always bring challenges, but it’s howwe face them that counts. This quote encourages us to meet difficulties with courage and confidence, knowing that we have the strength to overcome and grow from every obstacle.
THE WEEK IN PICTURES
Tuesday Night’s Meeting:
African Engagement Launch:
District Governor Peter Behm shares powerful insights on how effective signage—whether brand new or refreshed—can boost your Rotary Club’s visibility and community impact. Discover how the right signs can attract new members, raise awareness, and showcase Rotary’s presence in your area. Watch now!
The club will also be providing a BBQ for this fundraising event; we'd appreciate as many members as possible assisting on the day.
The Interact club members have been planning both of these events throughout Term 2, designing flyers and coming up with innovative fundraising and fun activities.
Rotary 9815 & 9830 District Conference
13th -15th March 2026
Hobart, Tasmania
Welcome to the 2026 District Conference in Hobart, Tasmania!
I am thrilled to invite you to join us from March 13th to 15th, 2026, for an extraordinary event that promises to be both enriching and enjoyable. This year, we are excited to announce that the conference will be a collaborative effort with District 9830, representing Tasmania. Together, we aim to create an unforgettable experience filled with learning, networking, and cultural immersion.
Monique Smith, District 9815, Conference Chair 2025-26
ROTARY IN REVIEW
Divers with disabilities find peace in deep water
When Jim Elliott launched Diveheart in 2001, his vision was simple: He wanted to introduce people with limited mobility to scuba diving, a sport he loved. Elliott, a member of the Rotary Club of Downers Grove, Illinois, USA, thought people with specific disabilities – spinal cord injuries, for example – could benefit from the sensation of weightlessness in the water. Learn how his project, Diveheart, is making scuba more accessible and welcoming to all.
Rotary and Gates Foundation extend partnership to end polio
Rotary and the Gates Foundation are renewing their long-standing partnership to end polio. At the 2025 Rotary International Convention, they announced their joint commitment to keep supporting the global eradication effort.
Rotary will continue to raise US$50 million per year, with every dollar to be matched with two additional dollars from the Gates Foundation. Over three years, this renewed agreement will deliver up to US$450 million to support the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.
August is Membership and Extension Month, a time to celebrate the people who make our Rotary club strong and vibrant. Our members bring energy, ideas, and a shared commitment to making a difference in our community – and that’s something worth recognising!
This month is also a reminder to reflect on why we joined Rotary and what keeps us engaged. Every new member brings fresh perspectives and skills that help our club grow and thrive.
As we celebrate our current members, let’s also consider who in our circles might enjoy joining us. Sharing the Rotary experience not only strengthens our club but also helps more people get involved in meaningful service and fellowship.
Attendance and Participation: Regularly attend club meetings and participate actively in club activities and projects.
Service Projects: Engage in community service projects, both locally and internationally, aimed at addressing humanitarian needs, promoting goodwill, and fostering peace.
Fundraising: Contribute to fundraising efforts that support Rotary's service projects and charitable activities.
Vocational Expertise: Share their professional skills and expertise to benefit others within the club and in service projects.
Ethical Standards: Adhere to high ethical standards in their personal and professional lives, reflecting Rotary's commitment to integrity and ethical behavior.
Networking and Fellowship: Build relationships and network with other Rotarians and community leaders, fostering goodwill and understanding.
Membership Growth: Support efforts to grow Rotary's membership and extend invitations to prospective members who embody Rotary's ideals.
Rotary Foundation: Contribute financially to the Rotary Foundation, which funds international scholarships, humanitarian projects, and other charitable efforts.
Public Image: Promote Rotary's mission and achievements within the community and advocate for Rotary's values and initiatives.
Leadership: Serve in leadership roles within the club or district, providing guidance and direction to advance Rotary's goals.
Overall, Rotarians are dedicated to making a positive impact in their communities and the world at large through service, fellowship, and ethical leadership.
All members are invited to contribute to our newsletter.
If you have an interesting article or some great pictures, please share them with us by Thursday so we can include them in Friday's edition.
Send all articles and notifications to our Editor, David Langworthy, at david@bevmarks.com.au.
Narre Warren North Time Capsule Project, which was opened and resealed with new artifacts in March 2025. 
