Welcome to this week's edition of the Gateway Bulletin!
We're here to provide you with the latest updates, events, and stories from our Rotary community. Whether it's new initiatives, upcoming meetings, or opportunities to get involved, we'll ensure you're kept informed and up to date.
Our Facebook page is also an excellent way to stay updated on our club's activities. If you haven't connected yet, click here to follow.
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Merry Christmas to our Rotary Team
Our Year in Review
2024 Events, projects and financial support
We kicked off the new Rotary Year with a fantastic BBQ at Hilton Laminating
Supported two students and the National Youth Science Forum in Canberra who came to the Club to give us an update on their amazing experiences
All Holden Car Show
Chinese New Year Fundraiser for Monash Children’s Cancer Centre at the Shangri La Inn Restaurant.
Chartered an Interact Club at Lyndale Secondary College: Their International Project was a Wheelchairs for Kids Wheelathon where they raised over $2,000 which was enough for 7 wheelchairs plus a donation. Our Club ran a Sausage Sizzle on the day.
Community Project: 'Connecting the Generations in the Community' with a visit to Lyndale Greens Primary School and a local Aged Care Facility.
Interactors visited the Shrine of Remembrance on November 11th
Both projects will be run again in the New Year
Provided Student Scholarships and Rotary Achievement Awards for 15 students at Lyndale Secondary College
President Elects Training in Traralgon which was concluded with a visit to Rotary Centenary House and a BBQ lunch
DISTRICT 9815 CHANGEOVER dinner at the Cardinia Cultural Centre
Monash Hospital Foundation Gala Dinner attended by approximately 100 Rotarians from various clubs
Rotary Overseas Recycled Playgrounds
Ride for Medical Research supporting Hans Van Dyk & the team of keen Rotary riders
Bunnings BBQ’s, Chisholm RUOK BBQ & Dandenong West Primary School Festival BBQ
Disaster Aid Australia
The Andrews Centre
Springvale Benevolent Society
Cornerstone
Asylum Seekers Resource Centre Service Project – packing rice followed by dinner at a Restaurant
Partner Project events: Shangri La Restaurant multi club fundraiser, Movie night & Screenflix and Trivia night organised by the Rotaractors, Colour Their Lives Gala Dinner
Visits to other Rotary Clubs and events (e.g. Boronia Trivia Night fundraiser for DAA)
Springvale Benevolent Society AGM
Brand New Day Lawn Mowing
GUESTS speakers included:
Visiting Rotarians from Sri Lanka and Thailand
MP Julian Hill
Soap Aid
Judy Martin – The Andrews Centre
Regards,
John Peck
President of the Rotary Club of Greater Dandenong and Endeavour Hills
The Musings of Socrates 470-399BC
Every action has its pleasure and its price
Do not do to others what angers you if done to you by others
The greatest way to live with honour in this world is to be what we pretend to be.
The Club concluded 2024 with a Christmas Dinner on Tuesday, 17th December. Members, partners, and guests gathered to celebrate with an evening of camaraderie and festive entertainment.
President John Peck opened the evening with a warm welcome and holiday greetings, setting the tone for a memorable celebration. The highlight of the evening was a performance by the talented Mark Smith. Mark, a member of the Rotary Club of Boronia, is well-known for his musical prowess. His connection to our Club added a familial touch, as he is married to Monique, the daughter of Gus and Greta De Hoogd, and niece of Martin and Wilma Pater.
The event provided a wonderful opportunity for members to reflect on the achievements of 2024 and to strengthen the bonds within our Club community.
Thank you to everyone who joined in and contributed to making the night a success.
Here’s to a prosperous and exciting 2025 ahead!
Please click the link below to view a special presentation on the highlights of our year. It features photos from events and moments that made this year memorable:
After a series of successful events in 2024, Chisholm is gearing up for another exciting year in 2025!
Currently, the team is in full planning mode for their highly anticipated Orientation Festival (OFEST), and they’ve extended a special invitation to the Rotary Club of Dandenong and Endeavour Hills to be involved in the celebrations.
In previous years, our Rotary team has proudly supported Chisholm events by running the BBQ and bringing along banners and signage to promote Rotary's presence in the community. It's been a great opportunity to connect with students, staff, and the broader Dandenong community—and this year will be no exception!
Event Details:
When: Tuesday, 4th February 2025, 11:00am – 1:00pm
This is a fantastic chance to showcase Rotary’s community spirit and support Chisholm’s efforts to welcome their students for the new year.
How to Get Involved:
If you are interested in volunteering and joining the Rotary team at OFEST, please contact Phil Thurgood by Friday, 17th January.
Once confirmed, detailed event information, including parking instructions, will be shared.
Photo from OFEST 2024
Generosity in Action
Last year David and Jean Langworthy visited and renewed friendships at the Rotary Club of Pozos del Rey in Montevideo Uruguay, a Club Jean and David visited and attended whilst living in Uruguay in 2014. At that meeting, David and Jean made a donation to one of the Club's projects.
The funds contributed helped provide essential items to the ETRO School, including chairs, tables, parasols, various electric appliances, and an 8-liter coffee machine now used in cooking classes.
The Rotary Club of Pozos del Rey reported:
"This equipment has transformed the school’s cooking program, enabling students to gain hands-on experience and prepare for meaningful careers. In fact, several students have already secured jobs using the skills they’ve acquired, overcoming challenges and finding a path toward brighter futures.
The Pozos del Rey Rotarians expressed heartfelt gratitude for David and Jean’s collaboration, calling it a testament to their generous hearts and unwavering friendship. Their gift not only strengthened the bond between our clubs but also brought real, tangible change to young lives.
We are proud to celebrate this wonderful example of Rotary’s mission in action. Thank you, David and Jean, for your extraordinary kindness and enduring commitment to making a difference."
DISTRICT EVENTS
Inaugural District 9815 Conference 8 - 30 March 2025
The Inaugural District 9815 Conference will be held in Bendigo from 28 to 30 March 2025. Partners, family, friends, potential members, supporters, and alumni are welcome.
Individual session details and costs are outlined on the booking site.
Please check out the menu on the left-hand side for useful links including FAQs, Accommodation, Tourist Information, Exclusive Winery Tour details, and Committee information.
We look forward to collaborating and celebrating with you in Bendigo.
The Annual Ride for Medical Research 2025
The next annual “Ride For Medical Research” will take place March 16 - 21, 2025, celebrating 40 years of fundraising. Having now raised over $1.32 million for Australian Rotary Health, we look forward to pushing this to over $ 1.4 million in the near future.
This will be the first ride organised under the banner of D9815.
Registration for this popular fundraising event will open in November 2024, with strictly limited places, so get in early to secure your place. (Cost for riders is $998.00, support crew/drivers $800.00)
For early bird registration, please pre-register your interest, in either riding or driving, please send an email to Stephen Spiers: - jsthecrest3154@outlook.com
(Registration will open approximately 2 weeks prior November for those who have pre-registered.)
Join us for the “Ruby Ramble” 2025, Baddaginnie to Benalla.
Approximately 580km over 6 days
Day 1: Baddaginnie - Wangaratta -76km
Day 2: Wangaratta-Chiltern-Rutherglen Loop-98km
Day 3: Wangaratta-Yackandandah-Myrtleford Loop – 125km
Day 4: Wangaratta-Yarrawonga Loop - 115km
Day 5: Wangaratta-Milawa-Eldorado Loop - 100km
Day 6: Wangaratta-Glenrowan-Benalla - 64km
(Distances subject to change due to road/traffic conditions.)
The ride this year will be centered around the greater Wangaratta region, taking in many of the towns in the area. See the website for more information and registration details: - https://rotaryrideforresearch.raisely.com
If you can’t make it why not consider joining in with the Mad March Cycle challenge which will run in conjunction. Details of this will be released closer to the date. https://madmarchcyclechallenge.raisely.com/
Please note, we are also seeking support drivers for the ride, if interested please see the website for contact details Stephen Spiers on: - 0411 675 330 (Cost for Support crew is $800.00)
Begun in 2021 as a way of helping to raise funds for Australian Rotary Health during Covid-19 lockdowns, it continues now as a compliment to the annual bike ride.
In the spirit of supporting healthy minds, bodies and communities, it allows anyone to take part in a manner that suits them anywhere in the world. (In fact, over the last 4 years we have had people join in from not only other parts of Australia, but also America, India, Indonesia and South Africa).
Participants can challenge the riders on the Annual Ride and see if they can cover 580km over the month of March, the Annual ride participants have to do it in 6 days, or they can choose their own form of exercise and set their own goals.
It is Free to join in, although not compulsory, all we ask is that participants try and raise some funds, via sponsorship, for Australian Rotary Health. The typical goal participants set is $200 and all donations of $2.00 or more are tax deductible.
All funds raised go direct to Australian Rotary Health.
So go on, challenge yourself, your Club and friends, join in the fun and Make A Differfence, to not only your health, help Australian Rotary Health make a difference to everyones health.
Explore, Volunteer, Transform:
RAWCS Kenyan Project Awaits You in 2025
As a Rotarian, are you ready for a journey that combines making a difference with exploring the wonders of Kenya? Whether I’ve spoken at your Rotary Club, your club has supported us before, may still be an amazing supporter of ours, or you’re just discovering us, this opportunity could be life-changing—for you and the children we support and members of our community.
About the Umoja Orphanage Kenya Project
We are proud to be a Rotary Australia World Community Service Project, now nearing our 14th year—an incredible achievement for a grassroots initiative in a faraway country. By June 2025, 213 volunteers, most of them Rotarians, will have worked alongside us in Kenya to change lives and create a sustainable future for Kenyan children and Umoja community. Volunteers from all states of Australia, except Western Australia, have come to work on the project, so we are waiting for you WA!
Voluntourism with a Personal Touch
When you volunteer with us, you’ll have the guidance and support of our founder and director, Cathy Booth, (Teacher and Rotarian) every step of the way. Cathy will ensure your experience is meaningful, rewarding, and well-organised. With her leadership, travel experience, and passion, you’ll:
✅ Contribute hands-on to life-changing projects that uplift children and our local community.
✅ Gain deep insights into Kenyan culture and everyday life.
✅ Make a lasting impact that continues long after you’ve left by your efforts at the project.
The Adventure Doesn’t End There—We Go On Safari!
After your volunteer experience, you will explore Kenya’s incredible landscapes and wildlife on a custom safari made just for you. Our safari company, Surprise Tours & Safaris, is unlike any other:
Why?
🔸 100% of our net profit goes directly to the Umoja Orphanage Kenya Project.
🔸 We are local & experienced —your safari dollars stay in Kenya, supporting local businesses and communities.
🔸 Every safari is designed with care and expertise, offering an authentic, unforgettable experience with our professional and skilled tour guides and drivers.
Not Ready to Volunteer? Safari With Us in 2025!
Even if volunteering isn’t your focus right now, booking a safari with us is a way to make a difference and you'll know you see the ‘real Kenya.’ Every safari taken with us helps fund our work at the orphanage and supports Kenyan families. Read our blog as to why Surprise Tours & Safaris was created.
📧 Register Your Interest Today
Ready to join this life-changing experience? Contact us at cathy@umojahome.com to register your interest. Website (new website coming soon), or Facebook to learn more and if you like you can arrange a time to chat with Cathy about either the voluntour or doing a safari in 2025.
📢 Spread the Word
Can’t volunteer or travel right now? Share this opportunity with someone who might be looking for an adventure that gives back, or who is looking for a safari company they can trust, where they can be assisted by Cathy with the planning, from her years of experience working and traveling in Kenya.
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.
The next annual “Ride For Medical Research” will take place March 16 - 21, 2025, celebrating 40 years of fundraising. Having now raised over $1.32 million for Australian Rotary Health, we look forward to pushing this to over $ 1.4 million in the near future.
Begun in 2021 as a way of helping to raise funds for Australian Rotary Health during Covid-19 lockdowns, it continues now as a compliment to the annual bike ride.
