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
Our Christmas Party, held on Tuesday night, was a truly joyful and memorable occasion. A highlight of the evening was the performance by the Melbourne Youth Chorale, who were absolutely amazing. Their voices were nothing short of angelic, and it was clear from the emotion in the room that many were deeply moved by their performance.
We were also delighted to welcome special guests from Mauritius — Vicky and his wife, Latchmere, representing the Rotary Club of Souillac, Mauritius. It was wonderful to share fellowship with our international Rotary friends.
The food was thoroughly enjoyed by all, the atmosphere was warm and festive, and the evening wrapped up around 9.30 pm. A total of 26 people attended, making it a terrific night of connection, celebration, and Rotary spirit.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to making the evening such a success.
Christmas and New Year Message
As we approach the festive season, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a safe, happy New Year.
Each of you is a valued member of our club, and your commitment, generosity, and goodwill are what make our Rotary family so special. I sincerely look forward to working with you again next year as we continue to make a positive difference in our community.
We already have some exciting events ahead, including the Dandenong Car Show, Bunnings BBQs, and our Dinner Dance, which has been rescheduled to 16 May. I am confident 2026 will be another strong and rewarding year for our club.
Our club will be on break until the next Social Night at the Dandenong Club on Tuesday, 27 January 2026.
Thank you for all that you do, and enjoy a well-earned festive break.
We would like to warmly congratulate Leyanne and Kam on their outstanding efforts in raising funds for Monash Children’s Hospital. Their dedication, together with the collective support of our members, has directly contributed to our club’s recent donation of $50,000 towards the Apheresis (Stem Cell) Therapy initiative.
This milestone announcement at Monash Children’s Hospital marks the commencement of Apheresis therapy, a significant advancement that will make a real difference to the lives of children and families. Our club is proud to have played a meaningful role in this outcome and to have supported the District Governor Partner Project during the year of The Magic of Rotary, alongside fellow Rotary clubs across District 9815.
We commend everyone involved for exemplifying Rotary’s commitment to service above self, and we look forward to sharing further updates as this important work continues.
Facebook Post on 15 December
A very exciting morning at Monash Children’s Hospital, announcing the initiation of Apheresis (Stem cell) therapy, thanks to a donation of $204,000.00 🎉
Watch this space for fundraising updates!
A huge thanks to our club and all the Rotary clubs in District 9815 who financially supported the District Governor Partner Project during the year of ‘The Magic of Rotary’.💖✨🪄🙏🏻
🧠 Answer to Last Week’s Puzzle – Puzzle 2
Puzzle:Which global health milestone is Rotary internationally recognised for helping achieve, and what year did this effort officially begin?
Answer: Rotary is internationally recognised for its central role in the global effort to eradicate polio, an initiative that officially began with Rotary’s PolioPlus programme in 1985. In 1988, Rotary became a founding partner of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) alongside WHO, UNICEF, and the CDC. This campaign has reduced global polio cases by over 99.9 percent and immunised more than 2.5 billion children worldwide.
Fun Facts:
• Rotary’s first sponsored polio immunisation effort began in 1979 in the Philippines.
• The PolioPlus programme was the first large-scale international private-sector initiative focused on disease eradication.
• World Polio Day (24 October) commemorates Jonas Salk’s birthday and celebrates ongoing polio eradication efforts.
• Entire regions, including Africa, have been certified free of wild poliovirus in recent years.
Looking Ahead: A new Rotary Puzzle will return in next year’s newsletter, and 2 Truths and 1 Lie will recommence.
🎁 Penny Foundation – Request for Support
The Penny Foundation will host a free community Christmas event and food-hamper distribution on Sunday, 21 December 2025 🎄🤲, supporting local families in need.
They have requested our assistance with:
• Crowd control and general coordination 🚧
• The loan of 2–3 marquees ⛺
• Any contacts who can provide refrigerated or freezer truck hire 🚚❄️
This initiative aligns strongly with our club’s values. If you can assist or provide contacts, please get in touch.
📅 Upcoming Events
• Dec 23, 2025 – Jan 20, 2026 – 🎄 Christmas Break
• Jan 27, 2026 – 🎉 Social Night
• Feb 10, 2026 – 🐘 Mark Jones Presentation: From Orphaned Elephants to Empowered Children
• Feb 24, 2026 – 📜 Anniversary of Rotary’s Foundation
• Feb 28, 2026 – 🔥 Bunnings Narre Warren BBQ
• Mar 13, 2026 – 📅 Rotary 9815 & 9830 District Conference, 13–15 Mar
• Mar 22, 2026 – 🚗 16th Dandenong All Holden Car Show
• May 16, 2026 – 💃 Dinner Dance (Theme TBC)
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.
DG Peter’s Christmas Special
Marks the Close of 2025
The final District Governor video for 2025 has been released, providing Rotarians with an opportunity to reflect on the year’s achievements and look ahead to the festive season and the New Year.
Filmed on the Frankston foreshore, DG Peter’s Christmas Special captures both the resilience and good humour that characterise Rotary. Despite challenging weather conditions during filming, the message delivers a thoughtful and engaging conclusion to the District Governor Video series for the year.
Throughout 2025, the DG Video series has played an important role in communicating key initiatives and priorities across the District. Under DG Peter’s leadership, and with the support of the District Leadership Team, these initiatives have created new opportunities for Clubs to grow, strengthen their service activities, and expand their impact within local communities.
The Christmas Special offers viewers the chance to reflect on what has been achieved over the past year, hear from Rotarians who contribute behind the scenes, and receive a brief update on the upcoming District Conference. It also provides a timely reminder of the collective effort that supports the smooth operation of District committees, programs and services.
DG Peter, together with those working across the District, extends warm wishes to all Rotarians, their families, friends and extended Rotary networks for a happy and safe Christmas, and a prosperous and engaging New Year.
As the year comes to a close, Rotarians are encouraged to enjoy a well-earned break and take pride in the difference made through shared knowledge, experience and service. Rotary continues to be a place where diverse friendships are formed, ideas are transformed into action, and meaningful contributions are made to communities near and far.
Rotary 9815 & 9830 District Conference
13th -15th March 2026
Hobart, Tasmania
Have You Booked for Hobart Yet?Early Bird Ends Soon
How would you like a FREE Ticket to the Conference?
Have you booked your tickets yet for our combined District 9815 & 9830 Conference in Hobart, 13–15 March 2026?
Early Bird registrations close in just 5 weeks – on 31 December 2025.
To make it even more exciting, everyone who books during the Early Bird period will go into the draw to win a FREE Conference ticket! The lucky winner will be announced early in the New Year.
A Full Conference Experience Ticket (value $295) will be reimbursed to the lucky winner!
Now is your chance to lock in the lower price and be in the running for a free ticket – don’t miss out!
About the Conference – “Be Inspired!”
Our 2026 Conference will be held at the Hotel Grand Chancellor, Hobart, and will bring together Rotarians, Rotaractors, partners, family and friends from both Districts for a weekend of inspiration, connection and fun.
Here’s a snapshot of what to expect:
Inspiring Speakers – Hear from an outstanding lineup including
Rob Pennicott – Tasmanian tourism legend, conservationist and incredible supporter of End Polio.
Dr Kirk Williams (Interplast) – Sharing powerful stories of life-changing medical programs.
Captain Sarah Parry AM – Leadership, community and the story behind Tasmania’s tall ship.
Saroo Brierley – The remarkable true story behind the book and film Lion.
Dynamic MCs – The program will be hosted by Evan Burrell and Maree McPherson, bringing energy, humour and insight to the stage.
Gala Dinner – “A Nautical Night” – Dress to the nautical theme, enjoy a fabulous meal and dance the night away with your fellow Rotarians.
Pre-Conference Activities (Friday) – Optional ticketed experiences including golf, bowls, storytelling at MACq 01, whisky and gin experiences, and more along the Hobart waterfront.
Rotary Expo & Networking – Explore projects, action groups and initiatives from across both Districts, plus dedicated events like the First Timers’ Breakfast, Foundation Breakfast, Alumni Lunch and Making Connections Dinner.
Special Extras – Every attendee receives a complimentary Conference polo shirt, and there are special deals on accommodation, travel and local experiences in and around Hobart.
Early Bird Registration
Early Bird (until 31 December 2025):
Full Conference (sessions + Gala Dinner): $295
Conference Only: $185
Gala Dinner Only: $140
From 1 January 2026, the Full Conference price increases to $340, so now is the perfect time to secure your spot.
We can’t wait to welcome you to Hobart, to Be Inspired, build connections and celebrate the incredible impact of Rotary – and remember, if you book during the Early Bird period, you could be the one enjoying the Conference for free!
For the smallest and the sickest newborns, breast milk is often the safest, most viable nourishment. When mothers can’t breastfeed these newborns for any of a variety of reasons, milk banks provide liquid survival from donations by other moms. Learn about the fascinating history of milk banks, the meticulous safety steps, and how Rotary members are expanding milk storage for fragile infants. Go to Rotary magazine online to read “A mother’s gift.”
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.
