Wednesday night’s very own Footy Show was a fantastic way to kick off grand final week! Stuart led the evening brilliantly, with Russell stepping off the bench for an injured Bob W, who is recovering well. There was plenty of laughter, footy satire and trivia—even some of our die-hard fans were put to the test—along with a sea of red and blue from our many Melbourne supporters. A warm thank you to Stuart and Russell for creating such an entertaining and enjoyable evening.
On Thursday night, Judith, Gabby and I had the pleasure of attending the RC Springvale City and RC Noble Park-Dingley Books in Schools program. It was inspiring to see this wonderful initiative in action: every dollar raised on the night is matched by Dymocks Children’s Charities, helping to fill the libraries of local primary schools with even more books for young readers to discover and enjoy.
This week, we are delighted to welcome members from RC Maroondah to our meeting. They will share all the details of their Christmas raffle at Eastland and explain how we can lend a hand. Andrew will show us how easy it is to book a time in December to get involved. This is a wonderful opportunity to support another club, showcase Rotary to the wider community and raise valuable funds—so please consider choosing a time that suits you. If you cannot join us on Wednesday night, the booking details have already been emailed to all members, making it easy to select the date or dates when you can help.
For our Youth Achievement Award show bags, we would like to include copies of the Sept/Oct RDU magazine. So, once you have enjoyed yours, please pass it on to me.
Wishing you a sensationally fun week ahead as we continue to share kindness, enjoy fellowship, and Create Lasting Impact together.
At the Wednesday night meeting members and partners dressed to impress in their club footy gear of beanies and scarves for an evening of jokes and footy banter
Stuart and Russell provided the entertainment with reviews of footy highlights of the year. Stuart led the footy quiz for each table. There were 2 winning tables each scoring 6 correct answers.
A Grand Final footy tipping completion was held to nominate the likely interstate winning team of either Fremantle or Brisbane, and margin at the half and full time breaks. The evening closed with members reminiscing past footy game experiences.
There were 22 entries for the tipping competition. This means the pool is $220. The pool will be split $110 for half time results and the same for full time, with 1st prize $80 2nd $20 3rd $10 for both the half time and full time.
The range of tipping for both half time and full time the findings are as follows:
Half Time : 10 for Fremantle 12 for Brisbane
Full time: 10 for Fremantle 12 for Brisbane
Members are clearly Fremantle or Brisbane supporters, only marginally Brisbane.
The range of margins chosen are fairly close together so if the actual margin result is not chosen then the closest margin to the final result will be the winner. If the winning margin is between two recorded numbers the prize will be shared by those numbers. Thanks for your support and the winners will be advised at next weeks meeting.
Rob Jackson has alerted us to a method of donating direct to Nepal via one of his RORP mates. Individual members may like to contribute by this method or the RAWCS channel
Disclosed last week. The Board was impressed and has decided to send $1000 via this method and $1050 via RAWCS. This will not affect the other budget items approved for spending by the
People First Community Lottery has officially kicked off for 2026!
Lottery closes 11.59pm ACDT 8 October 2026. All prizes (other than the Early Bird prize) drawn 15 October 2026 at 11:00am ACDT. Winning ticket numbers for the main draw will be published in The Australian and on communitylottery.com.au on or before 23 October 2026
Tickets are only $2, and 100% of all proceeds go directly to the participating community groups. So, what are you waiting for?
Stuart has distributed a guide to our Fellowship Program for the year. I hope the dates have been diarised by members.
I would like to assist by providing some further detail for the up coming programs prior to Christmas.
Tuesday 3rd November is Melbourne Cup Day. We will run a number of Cup Sweeps for members and partners as previously. We had 3 sweeps last year to satisfy member requests. This year 2 sweeps are planned offering 48 horses. $5 / horse as previously. First in best dressed.
This year we are organising a Cup Fellowship Day at Coral's place with a chance to watch the “Race that Stops the Nation” at 3 pm. The day will be a BBQ with BYO everything. I am looking for a volunteers to bring a few salads and others some desserts to make the catering easy for everybody. Those coming to Cup luncheon will have their own sweep on the day. Start time around 1 pm.
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!
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.
Blackburn Hotel