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.
It’s always encouraging to see Rotary projects making headlines, and the recent SkyHydrant installation in the Philippines is no exception.
We’re pleased to share a published article from the Philippines Journal featuring the installation of a SkyHydrant water filtration system at Iligan City Jail, helping to provide safe, clean water for Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL).
With permission to share the accompanying photo, we’ve included it here along with a link to the full story: Iligan City Jail Receives SkyHydrant
It’s fantastic to see this project receiving wider recognition and to be reminded of the positive impact Rotary continues to have in the region.
Photos courtesy of Hans Van Dyk.
Making a Difference:
Interact Club Packs 200 Life-Saving Kits
On Friday 13th June 2025, the schools Interact Club held a highly successful and meaningful community event. Members of the club successfully packed 200 life-saving birthing kits to be sent to remote communities and developing countries.
These kits were supplied by the Birthing Kits Foundation Australia. This incredible charity works to supply clean birthing kits for overseas countries where access to proper healthcare is limited. Each kit contains supplies that significantly reduce the risk of infection for both mothers and newborns, ultimately saving lives.
Each of the kits packed costs $5. The event was proudly sponsored by the Rotary Club of Greater Dandenong & Endeavour Hills. The Interact Club would like to thank Leanne Byron from Rotary for her support in making this impactful event possible.
The Interact Club is incredibly proud to contribute to such a meaningful cause. This event showcased how Interact Club members are actively making a positive impact on the world.
Written by: Alisha Torelli
Upcoming Event: Soap Aid Recycling Plant Tour
Join us for a tour of Soap Aid's recycling facility, where discarded hotel soaps are transformed into life-saving hygiene products for communities in need.
During the approximately 45-minute tour, attendees will witness the soap sorting process firsthand, gain insights into the recycling operations, and learn about the equipment involved.
This event offers a unique opportunity to understand how Soap Aid's partnership with the accommodation industry helps divert waste from landfills and supports global hygiene initiatives.
Don't miss this chance to see the impactful work being done to promote sustainability and improve lives through hygiene.
Upcoming Bunnings BBQ
Volunteers Needed!
BBQs are not only a great fundraising opportunity for our club, but also a wonderful way to build fellowship among members and connect with our local community.
Our next BBQ is scheduled for Saturday, 19th July, and we need your help to fill the volunteer roster. Even just a couple of hours of your time can make a big difference.
Here’s the current roster and the spots we still need to fill:
Saturday, 19th July:
8am – 10am: Phil T / …… / …… / ……
10am – 12pm: Alan C / …… / …… / ……
12pm – 2pm: …… / …… / …… / ……
2pm – 4pm: John P / Joe / …… / ……
If you can assist, please contact Phil Thurgood as soon as possible.
Ph: 0407 325 241
Please note delegates will need to use the ‘Access Conference Rates Here’ button at the bottom of the screen and not the ‘search availability’ function at the top of the screen, otherwise they will not gain access to the discount rates!
If any delegates have any questions or concerns about the link, please feel free to reach out to the hotel directly.
In moments of change the strength and resilience of our Rotary family shine brightest. Following the unexpected resignation of Mário César Martins de Camargo, the Rotary International Board moved swiftly and thoughtfully, in accordance with our bylaws, to ensure continuity in our mission and leadership.
I am proud to share that Francesco Arezzo of the Rotary Club of Ragusa, Italy has accepted the nomination to serve as Rotary International President for 2025–26.
Francesco Arezzo has been a member of Rotary for more than 30 years and is a Benefactor of The Rotary Foundation.
His dedication to Rotary values and vision for a better world make him a remarkable choice to lead us forward.
This transition reminds us that Rotary is more than any one individual—it is a global movement, deeply rooted in fellowship and service, capable of adapting and thriving no matter the challenge.
Now is the time to Unite for Good under Francesco’s leadership, and together we will propel Rotary into a future defined by hope, action, and community.
Warmest regards,
Stephanie A. Urchick
President, Rotary International, 2024–25
Creative Fundraising:
Rotary Broadwater Club Restores Chapel
Here’s a great example of creative fundraising from one of our fellow Rotary Clubs.
The Rotary Club of Broadwater took on the ambitious task of transporting and restoring a historic chapel. The project wasn’t just about preserving a piece of local history — it’s also become an ongoing fundraiser for the club, with the chapel now used as a venue for weddings and special occasions.
It’s always inspiring to see how other clubs think outside the box to support their work in the community. Projects like this highlight the creativity, dedication, and community spirit that Rotary is known for.
Thanks to Con Meehan for sharing this story with us.
June is Rotary Fellowships Month — a special time for Rotary clubs around the world to celebrate the incredible diversity and camaraderie found within Rotary Fellowships. These international groups bring together Rotarians, family members, and friends who share common interests, hobbies, or professions, fostering lifelong friendships and collaboration beyond traditional club boundaries.
Rotary Fellowships provide unique opportunities to connect, learn, and grow with like-minded people across the globe. Whether your passion lies in photography, hiking, wine appreciation, aviation, or countless other areas, there’s likely a fellowship that fits your interests. These groups offer a wonderful way to deepen your Rotary experience while promoting goodwill and understanding internationally.
We encourage members to explore and join fellowships that inspire them. It’s a fantastic way to expand your network, exchange ideas, and enhance your service projects with fresh perspectives and expertise.
Let’s use this month to celebrate the diverse passions that unite us as Rotarians and to strengthen the bonds of friendship that make Rotary such a powerful global community.
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.
