What an absolutely glorious morning Sunday brought for the Whitehorse Spring Festival! We couldn’t have asked for better weather, and with our stall facing east, we enjoyed the morning sunshine followed by welcome afternoon shade—perfect! Once our stand was set up, Judith and Ray Mcleod Dryden from Box Hill Burwood kindly took the reins. We had already given away two bags of toys donated by EERN and invited the grateful mum to complete our survey, so the day was off to a wonderfully positive start.
Our members truly embody the spirit of community service, often wearing several volunteer hats at once. Gabby was busy at the EERN table, Ben was representing Neighbourhood Watch, and past member Neil was lending a hand at the Community Garden stand. Susan had also been there earlier, helping Lions prepare their sausage sizzle. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who gave their time and energy—you are a wonderful reminder of what we can achieve when we work together. I’m sure it was a sensationally fun and rewarding day for all!
This Wednesday night marks an exciting milestone: our first Youth Achievement Award night, where we will proudly recognise seven Grade 6 students from our local primary schools. If you haven’t registered yet, please do—we would love you to join us in celebrating these inspiring young people and cheering them on. We’ll be in the Atrium Room at the Blackburn Hotel; when you arrive, simply enter and turn left instead of right. It promises to be a truly uplifting evening!
BINGO on Friday 23rd October – Not too late to book your tickets and get ready for a fantastic night out! Book Bingo Tickets. It promises to be a fantastic night filled with fun, laughter and great company, so gather your friends and join us!
Wishing you a wonderfully fun and fulfilling week ahead. Let’s keep sharing kindness, celebrating fellowship and working together to Create Lasting Impact in our community.
Steve B. spoke about his family and his early days at school, university and cricket. Steve worked in industrial engineering manufacturing initially with Borg Warner in Australia and then in New Zealand. Steve next worked with Swan Components in Auckland manufacturing white good switches and components for Fisher & Paykel, Leonard, and Frigidaire for the new Zealand and Australian markets. Steve was National Sales Manager and based on customer service & quality products with the business becoming substantial. Steve left Swann Components to work as Marketing Director for the German industrial tool manufacturer, Metabo Pyt Ltd. overseeing national sales & marketing, overseas stock ordering & warehouse management. Steve left to work at Consolidated Technology maketing selling the Great Detector stud finder, though was retrench after 1 year. Steve became a partner in Par Distributers developing a range of fireplace and BBQ accessories. A year later Steve and Diane, his wife, set up their own business, marketing flue brushes etc to retailers who sold wood heaters, many of whom also sold BBQs, outdoor furniture & camping equipment. Though family support, the work challenges of travel in Australia and overseas, with over 800 customers in specialist stores and hardwear groups, the business successfully continued until sold in November 2022. Steve recently became a Rotarian and his presentation was interesting and very well received.
Eastland roster is now open—and every helping hand will make a difference. Choose a time that suits you and join in: Eastland Rotary Christmas Trailer Raffle 2026. Click here now to SIGN UP: https://signup.com/go/aPnUmbt
Please use the link to access further information in the document: Briefing for Rotarians Volunteering at Eastland
The 60th Whitehorse Art Show is a milestone event, and are seeking your support to help make it our most successful show yet.
This year, proceeds from our event, raffles and auctions will support WERS (Whitehorse Emergency Relief Services), an organisation that provides vital assistance to local individuals and families facing hardship. Every contribution helps us increase the support we can provide to those in need within our community.
The Art Show Committee has been working tirelessly to create a memorable celebration of this remarkable 60-year tradition, and we'd love to have you join us for the Gala Dinner. Co President Lyndon Smith and I would be delighted if your rotary club would consider supporting our 2026 Rotary Whitehorse Art Show by booking a table for our Gala Dinner on Wednesday 28th October 2026
It promises to be a fantastic evening featuring:
A delicious two-course meal
Wine and soft drinks
Great fellowship and fun
Special guest MC Jonathan Usher, New Zealand's magician extraordinaire
Most importantly, your attendance helps support both the Art Show and the community organisations that benefit from its success.
The club has accumulated 7.418kg of used stamps over the past year or so from a variety of sources. On 15 October, a box with used stamps was dropped off to the Monash Glen Waverley Op Shop. The Rotary Club of Monash Glen Waverley are the collection point for stamps. These stamps will eventually convert to funding directed to Polio Eradication.
Stuart has distributed a guide to our Fellowship Program for the year.
Tuesday 3rd November Cup Fellowship Day at Coral's place to watch the “Race that Stops the Nation” at 3 pm is now CANCELLED.
Harvey L. will provide further information regarding the Cup Sweeps for members and partners as held in previous years.
Club Christmas Party is booked at the Knox Club for Wed 2nd December 2026.
A 2 Course meal 50/50 split, Mains and Dessert plus entertainment will be provided for $52/person.
Shia has also organised with Darren Hill, the President of the Rotary Club of Knox, for them to join us for a joint Christmas celebration. A nice thought for this smaller Rotary club.
Mains: Ham & Turkey served with cranberry sauce & gravy. Roast Pork with crackle, apple sauce and gravy
Dessert: Plum Pudding with brandy custard . Brandy Snap Basket with strawberries & cream
A Christmas flyer will follow in November and a Clubrunner event provided with payment details
It's time to celebrate the incredible businesses that make our local community thrive!
The Whitehorse Business Group 2026 Excellence in Business Awards are now open for nominations, giving local businesses the opportunity to be recognised for their achievements, growth and contribution to the community.
Key Dates
Nominations Open: Now Nominations Close: Sunday, 8 November 2026 Awards Ceremony: March 2027 There are a range of categories recognising businesses across different industries and stages of growth, including:
City of Whitehorse Award
Home & Mobile Business Award
Trades Business Award
Retail Business Award
Franchise Business Award
Hospitality Business Award
Consumer Business Award
Business Services & Consulting Award
NFP & Social Enterprise Award
Health Business Award
Fitness Business Award
Overall Business Award
Know an outstanding local business? Nominate them!
Nominations are open now and close 8 November 2026.
We are also inviting businesses and organisations to sponsor an award category and be part of celebrating the achievements of our local business community.
If you would like to become an Award Sponsor, simply reply to this email and we'll send you through the sponsorship information.
We look forward to celebrating with you in March 2027!
Whether you'll book your own accommodation or would like me to organise this.
If you're looking for roommates to take advantage of some of the two and three bedroom accommodation options available at the Rydges resort in the Hunter Valley.
Your preference for a club-only dinner in town or the poolside 'Rotary Uncorked' Friday night option, which is a ticketed event you can pay for alongside your conference registration.
7:30pm start at Melbourne Baseball Club, Surrey Drive, Box Hill.
Rotaract is a worldwide organisation of young people aged 18+ working together to change our world through community service, international understanding, professional development, friendship & fun.
379-397 Whitehorse Road
