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.
Last Week's Meeting
13th May 2025
Club Meeting Presentation video transforming & revitalising clubs - membership
& travelogue from PF (Japan) & JP (Portugal)
This Week's Meeting
20th May 2025
Club Meeting Special Presentation by Dr Ahmed Sharif, Bangladesh Sheba
At our Club meeting this week, members enjoyed a video presentation that focused on transforming and revitalising Rotary clubs - an important topic as we continue to grow and adapt in a changing world. The session explored fresh ideas for strengthening membership and keeping our clubs vibrant and engaging.
We were also treated to a travelogue from two of our own: Peter Faulkner, who shared stories and insights from Japan, and John Peck, who took us on a journey through Portugal.
A big thank you to Hans Van Dyk for sending in a great photo from the evening—your contributions help bring our meetings to life for those who can’t be there in person.
Transforming & Revitalising Clubs
Last month, 85 Rotary Clubs from across Australia took part in the Fit For Purpose seminar held in Sydney. The focus of the event was to support Clubs in revitalising their operations and culture, with the goal of becoming more inclusive, engaging, and sustainable.
Eight Clubs from our District were represented at the seminar. Each of them is now working on an 18-month transformation plan, tailored to their own Club’s needs and goals.
The seminar materials, including presentations and videos, are now available online for all Club members to access.
One highlight on the site is an excellent video titled How did we get ourselves into the Membership crisis? It provides a thought-provoking look at the membership challenges many Clubs are currently facing.
Laughter for a Cause: Comedy Night Raises Over $7,000 for Disaster Aid Australia
A fantastic night of fun and fundraising took place at the Dandenong Club recently, where over $7,000 was raised to support future responses by Disaster Aid Australia. The Comedy Night, featuring talented comedians Chris Wainhouse, Matt O'Neill, and Evan Hocking, brought plenty of laughter while raising vital funds for a serious cause.
The event was made possible with the help of Comedy for a Cause, and the total raised was generously matched by the Payton Foundation, doubling the impact of the night’s efforts.
Additional fundraising on the night through the raffle, silent auction, and donations raised $1,930, with strong support from the local Rotary community. Special thanks go to:
Anthony and John Angwin, who made generous donations despite being unable to attend.
David Langworthy, who contributed items for the raffle and silent auction.
The Dandenong Club, for their generous donation of vouchers and wine, and for their support in keeping supper costs down.
The event was also well supported by fellow clubs:
Rotary Club of Noble Park Dingley, with ten members in attendance.
Rotary Club of Phillip Island and San Remo, which arrived in style via minibus with twenty members and enthusiastically participated in the fundraising.
The night was not only a great social occasion but a powerful reminder of what we can achieve together—with a bit of humour and a lot of heart. Congratulations to all involved!
Interact Club & Satellite Club Update
I'm pleased that 2 of our new Satellite Club members are very keen to assist me and become involved with Interact.
The Lyndale Secondary College Scholarship Grant has been finalized, therefore, the club will receive the $500 (matched District grants) within the next week or so.
MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID TRAINING for teachers and Year 10 students is well underway. The course started on Monday, 5th May, and sessions run for four weeks, finishing on May 26th.
This will be funded by a ‘matched’ District grant $4,500 our club and $4500 District 9815.
Our club is required to pay the $9K to the provider then once I submit the completion form, $4,500 will be reimbursed to the club.
PEACE POLES: We have funds in our account set aside for a PEACE POLE at LSC however no action has been taken.
We need to follow up with this and request one of our Rotarians does some investigation on how to go about purchasing OR making the peace pole.
LSC Interact Club are continuing to be very productive with their plan in place for the remainder of this school year.
2nd June: Tour of Parliament House
13th June: Birthing Kits Packing Day – the kits have been paid for by our club 200 x $5 each ($1,000) and the school will receive them approximate 2 weeks prior to the packing day.
28th July: Interact Recruitment Day - Rotary BBQ has been requested
12th September: Wheelchairs for Kids WHEELATHON – Rotary BBQ has been requested.
Term 4, date to be confirmed for their visits to Lyndale Greens PS and the local Aged Care facility which is their community project ‘Connecting the generations’.
I would also like to include the exciting news that our 'Satellite Club' has been approved, and all the current documentation is with RISPPO.
We have 10 membership forms already, 7 of which will be included in RCGDEH new member numbers, the other 3 are current members.
We also have another 4 - 6 membership forms to be submitted.
Leanne Byron
YOUTH CHAIR
Rotary Club of Greater Dandenong & Endeavour Hills
Phone: 0402 242 743
District Governor Partner
D9815
Photo of our 'Interactors in action' - planning their 'Recruitment Day':
Rotary D9815 District Assembly
The countdown is on! 🚀
Get ready to dive into an inspiring lineup of expert-led sessions to energise and empower your Rotary journey. Whether you're curious about Finance, passionate about Leadership, or eager to explore exciting new topics like Artificial Intelligence, project planning, membership growth, or even launching Companion or Cause-based clubs, there’s something for everyone!
These dynamic 45-minute sessions are open to all and packed with practical tips, fresh ideas, and innovative strategies – all from the comfort of your own home. You won’t want to miss a minute!
🗓️ Mark your calendar: Saturday, 17th May & Saturday, 24th May – your future in Rotary starts here!
Urgent call for Volunteers: RYDA Event, Tuesday 20th May
Once again, we’ve been invited to support the Rotary Youth Driver Awareness (RYDA) program, a fantastic local initiative focused on educating young drivers and promoting road safety.
We’re looking for sixvolunteers to assist on the day: Location: Sandown Dog Track Date: Tuesday, 20th May School Participating: Dandenong High School
This is a meaningful opportunity to engage with local youth and contribute to a program that truly makes a difference in our community. Morning tea and a hot lunch will be provided to all volunteers.
If you’re available and keen to help out, please get in touch with Alan Collier as soon as possible on 0418 355 607.
Would you like to know how a Rotary Club in Australia transformed to be relevant and grow its membership by 165%? How did this Rotary club attract corporate partners & connect better with their community?
This is a case study of how the Rotary Club of Ballina-on-Richmond, District 9640 Australia transformed the club and grew its membership of 33 in 2019 to 88 in 2025.
A 165% membership increase in 6 years! Transform, be relevant, find your identity.
Join in to learn more from PDG Dave & Robii Harmon on 21 May!
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.
No matter how long we’ve been with Rotary, we all benefit from the energy and fresh perspectives of our young leaders. It is my privilege to place this month’s presidential message in the capable hands of one young leader, Vitor Joventino. In his column, Vitor reminds us how teamwork and inclusivity can spark transformative change. As you read his message, I encourage you to reflect on its insights, share in his excitement, and embrace new opportunities to learn. — Stephanie Urchick
I remember the exact moment when I realized the power of Rotary’s youth programs. It was a Saturday morning in Australia during my year as a Rotary Youth Exchange student. I stood among a group of young leaders at a Rotary Youth Leadership Awards event. The organizers challenged us to stand on a large tarp spread across the floor and, without stepping off, find a way to fold it in half.
At first, the task seemed simple. But as we moved, strategized, and adjusted, the reality set in — it required teamwork, agility, and constant communication.
Each May, Rotary International shines a spotlight on one of the most dynamic and impactful areas of service – our youth. Youth Service Month is a time to recognise, celebrate, and actively support the young people in our communities, empowering them to become confident, capable leaders of tomorrow.
Our club is proud to support and engage with youth through meaningful programs and initiatives. Whether it's supporting Rotaract, Interact, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) or Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment (RYPEN), our club is committed to offering opportunities for young people to develop leadership skills, build confidence, and connect with mentors who care about their future.
Youth Service is more than just investing time – it’s about building hope and resilience in a rapidly changing world. By offering guidance, platforms for expression, and a sense of belonging, we help shape not only better individuals but stronger communities.
As part of Youth Service Month, we encourage all members to reflect on the role we play in shaping the next generation. Whether it’s through school-based projects, scholarship programs, career mentoring, or simply being a positive influence, our involvement matters.
Let us continue to lead by example – inspiring, supporting, and standing beside our youth as they take bold steps towards creating a better tomorrow.
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.
