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.
MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR
Our annual conference is one of the most important events in a Rotary Year.
I encourage every member to attend; it is an opportunity to have some fun—playing golf, joining the wine tour, attending the Pre-Conference Cocktail event, and enjoying the Saturday night Gala Dinner, which has this year’s theme, 'Rotary Rocks.
This is a chance to meet with other fellow Rotarians in District 9815, to learn about the work of Rotary, both locally and internationally, to visit the Rotary Expo to see and personally meet the Rotarians behind the many local and international Rotary Projects.
The District Conference gives you the opportunity to learn and become involved in the work Rotarians and Rotary Clubs do around the world to make our world a better place.
Five members of our Club are on the Conference Committee, including District Governor Colin, they deserve our collective support. Further information on the District Conference is included in this edition of the Gateway Bulletin.
At our upcoming Rotary meeting on 4th March, we are delighted to welcome Stephanie Joseph from the Dandenong Community & Learning Centre as our guest speaker.
The Dandenong Community & Learning Centre has been a pillar of support for individuals from diverse backgrounds, offering education, skills training, and community programs designed to empower and uplift. Through its various initiatives, the centre provides opportunities for personal growth, social connection, and pathways to employment, helping to strengthen the local community.
Stephanie, who plays an integral role at the centre, will share insights into the organisation’s mission, its programs, and the impact it has on the lives of those it serves. Her presentation will highlight the importance of community-based learning and engagement in fostering a more inclusive and supportive society.
We encourage all members to attend this special presentation and learn more about the invaluable work being done in our own backyard.
Join us on Tuesday, March 4th, to hear from Stephanie and be inspired by the incredible work of the Dandenong Community & Learning Centre.
Celebrating 120 Years of Rotary
and World Understanding & Peace Day
On February 23rd, Rotary International marked its 120th anniversary—a milestone that highlights over a century of service, leadership, and commitment to making the world a better place.
This date is also recognized as World Understanding and Peace Day, reinforcing Rotary’s ongoing mission to foster goodwill and create lasting change.
As we reflect on this legacy, we invite you to learn more about the significance of this day and how Rotary continues to champion peace and global understanding. Read more here.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Mike Allday (left) and John Ternel (right) at the site of the time capsule.
Going back in time
By Ethan Benedicto
Relics of the past are soon to be unveiled as the Narre Warren North community and surrounds prepare themselves for the opening of a 25-year-old time capsule.
Scheduled to take place on Saturday 15 March, the grand reveal of 36 capsules from 2000 is just under a month away, with artifacts placed underground by local schools, community organisations, and charities to be displayed for all to see.
John Ternel, Narre Warren North Community Association member said that he, his family, and many others are excited to unpack the treasures that were left behind.
Are you looking for a fun night out while supporting a great cause? Join us for Comedy for a Cause at the Dandenong Club and enjoy an evening of laughter, all while helping communities in need!
Rotary Disaster Aid Australia (DAA) presents Comedy for a Cause, featuring some of the best comedians from the Sydney and Melbourne International Comedy Festivals. Best of all, 100% of proceeds from this event will go directly to supporting the life-changing work of Rotary Disaster Aid Australia.
Event Date: Thursday, May 8, 2025 Doors Open: 7:00 PM | Showtime: 7:30 PM (Approx. 2-hour runtime) Venue: The Dandenong Club – 1579 Heatherton Rd, Dandenong North
Tickets: $45 per person (General Admission – first in, best dressed!)
Please Note: This is an 18+ event and may contain some low-level coarse language.
Inaugural District 9815 Conference 28 - 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.
Conference Volunteering Opportunities
To help ensure a smooth running and successful Conference, we require the assistance of volunteers to provide support in several areas.
A range of volunteering opportunities are available, including logistical assistance, coordinating, or packing Delegate bags, speaker/performer minders, reception/welcome desk, traffic control, set-up/pack-down crew, greeters, and ushers, to name a few.
If anyone is interested in volunteering, please get in touch with Tony Monley OAM (acmonley@gmail.com) and advise which dates/times you would be available. He will then explore your options with you.
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.
Step into Room 711 at Rotary International headquarters and connect with the roots of Rotary. On 23 February 1905, our founder Paul Harris sparked a global network based on service and friendship.
Today, this room keeps that vision alive, reminding us how far we've come.
Abigail Pratt speaks about partnering with Rotary and the Rotary Healthy Communities Challenge during the International Assembly 12 February 2025.
By Abigail Pratt, Gates Foundation malaria program —
As I sat down to prepare my remarks for the International Assembly, Rotary’s annual training event for incoming leaders, my little boy came down with a fever. As his temperature climbed, I felt that deep fear we all experience when caring for a sick child – whether you’re a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, or friend.
My immediate thought was: What do I need to do to help him now? I live in London. I live three minutes from a pharmacy, 10 minutes from urgent care, and I have a medicine cabinet stocked with treatments that work. That peace of mind is something I’m deeply grateful for.
February marks an important time in the Rotary calendar as we focus on one of our key areas of service—Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution. In a world where tensions and disputes can arise at every level, from local communities to international relations, Rotary plays a critical role in fostering peace and understanding.
Rotary International has long been committed to creating environments where peace can thrive. Through initiatives such as the Rotary Peace Fellowship program, we empower individuals with the skills needed to become effective peacebuilders. These fellows go on to work in areas such as diplomacy, conflict resolution, and humanitarian efforts, making a tangible difference in communities worldwide.
This month, we encourage all members to reflect on how we, as individuals and as a club, can contribute to a more peaceful world. Whether through small acts of kindness, fostering inclusive conversations, or participating in Rotary peace projects, every effort counts.
As Rotarians, we have the opportunity to be catalysts for change, promoting peace not just in February but throughout the year. Let’s continue working together to build a more harmonious and understanding world, one step at a time.
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.
