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 make sure you stay in the loop.

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.

No Club Meeting

Changeover on Saturday Night

IMPORTANT DATES

Saturday, 12th July
District Changeover
📍 Pakenham Racecourse, Tynong
Celebrate the incoming District team and connect with fellow Rotarians.
🎟️ Bookings essential via Humanitix.

Saturday, 19th July
Club Changeover
📍 Stella’s Kitchen, Lysterfield
Come along as we celebrate the past year and welcome our new Club leadership team. Click to view the Video Invitation
🎟️ Bookings via TryBooking.com.

Also on Saturday, 19th July
Bunnings BBQ Fundraiser
📍 Bunnings (Location TBA)
We need volunteers for our Bunnings BBQ fundraiser - even a couple of hours makes a big difference!

Tuesday, 29th July
Club Meeting – Police Presentation on Crime and Scam Prevention
📍 Dandenong Club
Hear from local police about staying safe and informed on current crime and scam trends.

NB: Where Club meetings are listed as TBC, please refer to the Events Calendar on our club website for the latest updates.

It is with deep sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Past District Governor Noel Wheeldon, who passed away peacefully at 8:15 pm, surrounded by his beloved wife Rhonda and their loving family.

Noel was a true Rotarian in every sense of the word. A man of action, he dedicated so much of his life to the service of others, living the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self” with unwavering commitment. Noel served as District Governor for D9820 in 2001–2002 and was one of only two Rotary District Governors to come from Bairnsdale.

Throughout his time in Rotary, Noel inspired many with his leadership, compassion, and tireless efforts to make a difference. His legacy will continue to shine as an example for all Rotarians to follow.

Noel's funeral service will be held at St John’s Anglican Church, Bairnsdale, on Friday 4th July 2025 at 11:00am.
To view a live stream of Noel's funeral service, please click here.

We give thanks for Noel’s life – a life well led, and a light that will continue to guide and inspire.

This past Thursday, a group of our members had the unique opportunity to tour Soap Aid’s recycling facility — a behind-the-scenes look at how this remarkable organisation transforms discarded hotel soap into life-saving hygiene products.

The tour offered a firsthand insight into the recycling process, from collection and sanitation to re-manufacturing. It was both fascinating and inspiring to witness the scale of operations and the real-world impact that something as simple as soap can have on public health.

The visit was a powerful reminder of the role we can all play in creating sustainable solutions and improving lives, both locally and globally.

To learn more about Soap Aid’s work or how to get involved, visit www.soapaid.org.

I am delighted to share with you a copy of our very first Annual Report. 

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for welcoming us into your dream and for the unwavering passion that inspires us daily. Your commitment, demonstrated by investing your personal resources into this fledgling organization, speaks volumes about your belief in our mission. 

Thank you for being such integral partners on this journey. Together, we are building something truly special.

Warm regards,

Kaloy

To view - Click the Link below:

We’ve received a request for volunteer support at the upcoming RYDA (Rotary Youth Driver Awareness) day on Tuesday, 5th August, at the Sandown Greyhound Complex. The participating school will be Killester College, and we’re looking for six volunteers to assist from 9:00am to 2:30pm.

If you haven’t been involved in RYDA before, it’s a truly rewarding Rotary initiative that equips young people with the tools and knowledge to stay safe on the roads. Having participated myself, I can confidently say it’s a life-saving program that makes a visible impact.

If you’re available to help, please contact Alan Collier as soon as possible on 0418 355 607.

P.S. The lunch provided is superb!

Francesco Arezzo
President 2025-26

Cari amici,

Two weeks ago, I was in my living room playing with my grandchildren. A few days later, I was on a plane to Calgary, suddenly carrying the responsibility of leading this incredible organization. Life comes fast, but so often, it brings us exactly where we’re meant to be.

We begin this year with a clear message: Unite for Good. It is a simple phrase, but a powerful one. Because behind every successful Rotary effort, every act of service, every new member welcomed, every global challenge met – there are two things that matter most: friendship and trust.

This is how we build strong clubs. It’s how we create meaningful partnerships and transform global problems into local solutions. It’s also how we lead—not through titles or applause, but with humility, humanity, and heart. But let me be honest with you—this kind of leadership is not always easy. We’re human and yes, we make mistakes. We sometimes disagree, but in Rotary, we are called to something greater. Let us reflect on the full vision of Rotary:

Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.

That last part is essential, because transformation doesn’t start with strategy. It starts with character and the way we treat one another. It starts with how we listen, how we support, and how we serve.

This year, I ask you to lead with that spirit. To grow Rotary through relationships. To make your clubs more welcoming, more flexible, more open to new ideas. To think big—but also to think beyond one year. Our term is short, but our impact can be lasting if we plan and act with continuity and vision.

Let us remember our key priorities: membership, polio, and peace. We are closer than ever to ending polio. We cannot stop now. We must keep the promise we made to the children of the world. And as for peace—Rotary has been building it for over a century. Every clean water system, every youth exchange, every maternal health project is a step toward peace.

I joined Rotary as a young professional, eager to help but terrified of public speaking. My fellow Rotarians believed in me and encouraged me to take on new roles, and in doing so, Rotary changed my life. It gave me courage and purpose, but above all, it gave me you: my friends, my team, my family around the world.

So now, my friends…  take out your dreams tucked away in a drawer, especially those you thought were too big or bold to achieve. Let’s bring them into the light. Let’s Unite for Good—for our clubs, our communities, and our world. And let’s make this a year not only of service, but of joy, of connection, and of love.

With gratitude and affection,
Francesco Arezzo
President, Rotary International, 2025-26

July’s theme focuses on Maternal and Child Health — a vital area in which Rotary makes a lasting impact.

Around the world, Rotary projects work to reduce maternal and child mortality by improving access to essential medical care, clean birthing conditions, nutrition, education, and immunisations. These efforts help ensure mothers can give birth safely and children have the chance to grow and thrive.

Maternal and child health care is also recognised as one of Rotary’s Seven Areas of Focus — a key pillar of our global mission to create lasting change.

As a club, this theme invites us to reflect on how we can support local initiatives, raise awareness, or contribute to projects that strengthen families and communities.

Together, we can help give every mother and child the best possible start in life.

To learn more and read about Rotary’s work in this area, click here.