A heartfelt thank you to Rob for stepping into the role of President while I was away.
It is truly encouraging to know that we have people who are willing to step forward, support one another, and help keep everything running smoothly. Having that trust makes it possible for us to take time to rest, recharge, focus on ourselves, and enjoy the moment without worrying about what is happening in our absence.
It is often only when we pause, step away from our everyday routines, and give ourselves space to breathe that we remember how important it is to slow down, switch off, and appreciate the world around us.
This week has once again shown the energy, commitment, and community spirit of our members. From the Whitehorse Farmers Market committee meeting on Thursday night, to the Whitehorse Business Group Trivia Night on Friday, the Youth Committee meeting on Saturday morning, and the Whitehorse Farmers Market braving the cold on Sunday morning, there has been so much to celebrate.
Wishing everyone a sensationally fun week as we Create Lasting Impact together.
At last Wednesday night’s meeting, I was pleased to share our Strategic Plan for 2026–2029, along with this year’s board structure and the wonderful members leading or supporting the club’s committees and projects.
As promised, both documents are attached. Please take a look when you have a chance, and if you have any questions, comments, or suggested changes, I’d be very happy to hear them.
The structure shows who is leading each project. For example, Bob Davis is listed as the lead for both the Farmers Market and AED projects.
If your name is not on the spreadsheet, it simply means you are not part of the organising group for that activity at this stage — but you will absolutely still be invited to be involved when the event takes place.
Everything we achieve as a club comes from members working together, contributing where they can, and supporting one another. That shared effort is what keeps the club strong, welcoming, and able to do such great things.
Family Day held on Sunday 2 August and thanks go to Judith, Althea, Margaret, and Harvey who were able to attend from 3.30pm to 6.15pm and experienced the joy of 8- to 10-year-olds receive their trophies from the respective coaches.
Our club was frequently mentioned during the presentations.
Season ending function on Sunday 30 August from 12.00pm to 3.00pm.
Access to Heatherdale Reserve is from Purchase Street.
Club members will have seen that the invoice for their 2026/27 membership included some optional payments. One of those was to support the PBF. The Rotary Club of Nunawading has been a Corporate Member of PBF (Paraplegic Benefit Fund Australia) for over 25 years and have historically had around 20 members supporting the fund.
PBF Australia is a national not-for-profit organisation dedicated to reducing the impact and incidence of spinal cord injury. Founded in 1984 by world-renowned spinal surgeon, the late Sir George Bedbrook, PBF wants to see fewer Australians becoming permanently paralysed each year through accidents at home, work or play. They deliver injury prevention programs and provide much-needed financial support for members who sustain a total permanent traumatic spinal cord injury.
When you pay the small amount of $45 as part of our corporate membership you will be eligible for the following: benefits:
Eligibility to claim $250,000 benefit payment upon sustaining a permanent spinal cord injury
Protection 24 hours a day, every day of the year, both on and off the job
Rapid benefit payment, usually within weeks of injury diagnosis to assist with immediate costs
Extension of benefits to a direct family member where an inclusive membership exists
The next MUNA meeting will be held on Saturday August 15, at Lyndale Secondary College.
Registration is from 8.30am, with a 9am start and planned finish at 1pm.
Lyndale Secondary College is situated at 14 Halton Rd, Dandenong North. All Rotarians and visitors are welcome. As the venue is at a schhool it is preferable if you can bring your Working With Children card please.
Rotary of Nunawading's competing school is Forest Hill College who will have a team of six competing in this event.
Assistance is required by any able-bodied Rotarians at 4.30pm on Friday 14 August to help in set-up of furniture for the event.
Please contact Glenys to let her know if you are available.
Jennifer Clarke, Monash Rotaract Co-President, is reaching out to the Community Group to promote Monash Rotaract's Cluedo Event! Along with the information below, please note we are also still looking for vouchers/items/experiences to raffle in order to raise more funds for Medishare and we’d love to include a contribution from you! Please reach out to me if you would like to get involved further!
Monash Rotaract is calling all detectives to the scene of a murder! Some say it's an open-and-shut case. Others have no clue. Either way, you're on the case. Ask the right questions and you might find the culprit, the weapon, and the location.
DATE: Saturday 29 August
TIME: 2-4.30pm AEST
LOCATION: Glen Waverley Community Centre
RSVP: strictly by 9pm Wednesday 26 August
FOOD: Snacks and non alcoholic drinks will be provided
Play a life-sized version of Cluedo while raising funds for Rotary's Medishare program. MediShare Limited engages with a range of partners, government & not-for-profit organisations to add value to the infrastructure of health care in disadvantaged communities who face difficulties obtaining the affordable goods they need, through the provision and shipping of recovered usable medical consumables and equipment. Find out more at https://medishare.org.au/
I've heard back from some of you, but if you haven't yet reached out I'd like to know the following:
If you're planning to attend
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.
TIME: 2-4.30pm AEST
LOCATION: Glen Waverley Community Centre
RSVP: strictly by 9pm Wednesday 26 August
FOOD: Snacks and non alcoholic drinks will be provided
RAFFLE PRIZES TO BE WON
Lyndale Secondary College