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.
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📰 PRESIDENT'S UPDATE 📰
This will be my final newsletter update as I prepare to hand the presidency to President-Elect Leanne Byron, and my time with this Club will come to an end on 30 June.
In the coming days, Selina and I will travel to North Queensland to be with family following the sudden and tragic passing of her brother. Together, we will mourn his loss and celebrate his life. It has been a difficult time for our family, and we look forward to supporting one another in the days ahead.
Reflecting on the year, there is much to be proud of. We celebrated our Club’s 90th Anniversary, contributed $50,000 to the Monash Children’s Hospital Apheresis Program, and continued supporting local schools, youth programs, and community initiatives.
Our Business Breakfast opened up networking opportunities and provided the community with insight into our Club’s fundraising work, including international projects such as the Peter Weerasekera Children’s Home Solar Project, “Lighting Hope. Powering Futures.” Fundraising for this initiative will continue under the incoming Board.
The 16th Dandenong All Holden Day netted more than $16,000 for a range of local charities. At the same time, our broader community, youth, vocational, and international service activities continued to make a positive impact throughout the year.
A particular highlight was receiving the District 9815 Governor’s Excellence Silver Award — the first District recognition in our Club’s history and a reflection of the efforts of many members.
Work is now well underway on the 2025/2026 Annual Report, which will be published and distributed in due course.
A sincere thank you to David Langworthy for his outstanding support in assisting with the weekly newsletter throughout the year. His contribution has been greatly appreciated.
A selection of highlight photos from across the year has also been included with this update.
As I step away from the presidency and my time with the Club comes to an end, I do so with sincere gratitude for the opportunity to serve, and I extend my best wishes for the Club’s continued success. I thank members for their support, friendship, and commitment throughout the year.
John Ternel
President 2025/2026
Rotary Club of Greater Dandenong & Endeavour Hills
👥 Membership Update – 2026/2027 Rotary Year
As we move into the new Rotary year, the incoming Board is finalising membership records and preparing for the year ahead.
Membership invoices will be issued in mid-June, with payment due in July. Members may also elect to pay in two instalments (50% in July and 50% in December).
Please do not make any payments before 1 July 2026, as banking arrangements are being updated and revised details will be provided with invoices.
Members who continue their membership are not required to take any action unless their contact details have changed.
Members considering resignation or retirement are requested to advise Incoming Secretary Phillip Thurgood in writing by 15 June 2026, where possible.
For membership enquiries, please contact President-Elect Leanne Byron or Incoming Secretary Phillip Thurgood.
🔄 Club Changeover Dinner – Tuesday 30 June
Join us for our annual Club Changeover as we formally conclude the Rotary year and welcome the incoming leadership team for 2026–27.
📍 Venue: Dandenong Club
📅 Date: Tuesday 30 June
🕡 Arrival: 6.30 pm for 7.00 pm start
A key event in our Club calendar, recognising outgoing Board members, thanking members for their contribution, and formally installing the new leadership team.
🎟️ Bookings are open via ClubRunner. Please secure tickets early to assist with final numbers.
📌 Operation Newstart – Tuesday 23 June 2026
Registrations are now open for Intake 70 Graduation, celebrating young people completing the Operation Newstart “Casey – Re-engage” program.
📅 Tuesday 23 June 2026
🕚 11.00 am
📍 Unit 7/9 Selandra Blvd, Clyde North
Please refer to Jimmy’s flyer for registration details.
🎉 District 9815 Changeover 2026
Join Rotarians, partners, and guests for an evening of fellowship, recognition, and celebration as District Governor Peter Behm concludes his year of leadership and District Governor Emma Clark is welcomed for 2026/2027.
📅 Saturday 4 July 2026
🕕 6.00pm – 11.30pm
📍 Cardinia Cultural Centre
The evening provides an opportunity to reconnect across the District, reflect on achievements, and look ahead to the new Rotary year.
📅 Friday 30 October – Sunday 1 November 2026
📍 Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
An opportunity for members to engage with sessions on Indigenous partnerships, sustainability, Pacific engagement, peacebuilding, membership growth, and club development.
Members are encouraged to consider attending.
📌 Closing Message
There is no meeting next week. The following week will be our Changeover Meeting.
Please ensure you register and attend. Brochure and registration details are in this newsletter.
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.
