Wednesday night was full of energy and warmth as we welcomed Balaji and Karthi into the Rotary family, and especially into the Rotary Club of Nunawading. The buzz in the room reflected the wonderful camaraderie we share, along with a genuine sense of community, connection and belonging.
It is always inspiring to hear about the meaningful work our members are involved in beyond Rotary. Gabby, wearing her Secretary hat for EERN (Eastern Emergency Relief Network), shared an excellent update on EERN and the recycling pilot projects they are helping bring to life.
Over the weekend, several club members attended the Waverley Garden and Floral Art Festival in support of Coral, our Club Sergeant and Membership Chair, in her role as President of the Waverley Garden Club, along with Len, who is also a member. For those who missed it, consider this your friendly warning: Len was on the door and knows exactly who was there, so a fine for non-attendance may be coming your way 😊
Finally, as we look ahead to the District Conference in March 2027, I warmly encourage anyone interested in attending to let Mike know your accommodation requirements if you have not already done so. It will be a wonderful opportunity to learn, connect, be inspired and share in the energy of the wider Rotary community.
Have a sensationally fun week, as we Create Lasting Impact together.
Balaji Ponmudi was inducted to the Rotary Club of Nunawading on Wednesday 26 August 2026.
Balaji manages Services Cyber Security Consultant at NTT DATA, based in Melbourne. He leads a 24/7 Security Operations Centre, with responsibilities spanning security operations, detection engineering, threat intelligence, and cyber security consulting.His career began in telco as systems engineering at Spark New Zealand before moving into security operations and MSSP consulting, giving me a strong IT systems and infrastructure foundation. Balaji comes to the Rotary Club of Nunawading from a Rotary family both his parents have been active Rotarians for over two decades through the Salem TexCity2980 club. Balaji originally graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Rathnavel Subramaniam College (India), followed by a Graduate Diploma in Information Science from Massey University, New Zealand. Balaji lived and worked in New Zealand for more than twenty years before relocating to Melbourne, Australia a year ago, where he is now living in Glen Waverly with his wife Karthikeyini and two boys: Thakkshan (16 Yrs) and Nithish (8Yrs). Balaji speaks Tamil, Kannada, and English, which aligns well with Rotary’s international and multicultural service ethos, especially given Rotary’s global presence.
Balaji does meet membership requirements; he has been a regular attender at dinner meetings over recent weeks, is enthusiastic, and has completed service work.
His father a Rotarian from India addressed club several weeks ago while on a visit to Australia.
Eastern Emergency Relief Network Inc (EERN) was created in 1995 by Keith Rooney out of his home garage in North Blackburn. Keith’s links with service clubs and his experience as a former Mayor of Nunawading established EERN as a vital community-based organisation providing support for families in crisis within the City of Whitehorse.
EERN addresses a need for a central collection point to recycle second-hand furniture and other household goods for re-distribution as emergency aid to families or individuals requiring these items.
We assist those who are identified by our partner community organisations as having urgent needs.
These needs are created by many factors such as long-term illness, unemployment, homelessness, loss of home and belongings through fire or domestic violence.
Members’ clients who have limited resources and are struggling to buy essentials such as furniture, other household goods and, even basic food packs and personal hygiene products can access these necessities at the EERN warehouse.
Recipients can only access the warehouse through an EERN partner Member Agency.
Funding EERN Activities:
Annual membership fees from Member agencies cover less than 1/4 of the annual costs of operating the EERN business.
Ongoing running costs of EERN and reinvestment and upgrading EERN equipment and facilities are dependent upon donations from our many generous supporters including:
The City of Whitehorse and philanthropic trusts,
Local service and common interest groups including Lions and Rotary Clubs
Several generous private donors whose donations are particularly appreciated.
Cash donations are used to directly support EERN operating activities or for capital projects.
As a registered charity, all donations to EERN ($2.00 and above) are tax deductible.
EERN has grown, and now own two warehouses from which EERN’s services are delivered.
EERN volunteers test and tag all electrical items assessed as fit for purpose and meet all legal requirements. Thanks to the generosity and support of the City of Whitehorse over several years, EERN has been able to purchase new pillows, doonas, sheet sets and blankets for beds distributed to Agency clients.
Make a bequest in your Will guarantees that your values, ideals and generosity in supporting the more vulnerable members of our community will continue to live on, long after you are unable to express them personally.
Volunteer to attend one morning per week to enable us to provide our much-needed service to the more vulnerable members of our community. If you have the time and want to make an invaluable contribution to our local community, volunteering with EERN is a rewarding way to be involved.
Donate items to be collected by our volunteers can be made by contacting our warehouse on 9874 8433 during business hours or by email to arrange a time for collection. This is preferred so we can assess if the items suit EERN’sneeds.
This Wednesday the Dementia Cafe was running their annual fund raiser - Dance against Dementia
Where all participants could join together with family and friends and kick up their heels and raise funds for the Dementia Cafe.
Currently we have put in for a couple of grants to help support the Umbrella Dementia organisation to give support and education for the caters of Dementia and speaking from personal experience this can sometimes be so challenging.
I had the opportunity to speak with Kirsty Porter CEO about how the carers are trying to do their best caring for their loved ones but have little understanding of the disease.
Kirsty will be talking at next years district conference and she will be singing the praises of Nunawading Rotary club and how we have made such a difference to the Burwood Dementia Cafe .
Hopefully the grants will come through and we will be able to support them financially as well as providing a well received afternoon tea.
Left Jess Conley - coordinator - Burwood Cafe
Right Kirsty Porter CEO and Founder of Umbrella Dementia Cafe
Thanks to Shia, Bob and Judy for this weeks spread.
The entertainer and philanthropist Dolly Parton died 25 August 2026. This Q&A was originally published in the March 2010 issue of The Rotarian (now Rotary) magazine. Later that year, she spoke at the Rotary International Convention in Montreal, Canada.
You can view this story and photo on My Rotary (you need to sign in).
Join us at our upcoming events! September Networking - Footy Fever!
Posted By Gabby Knaepple
Whitehorse Business Group event is on 4 September 2026 at the Donvale Football Netball Club. This is a collaboration with Manningham Business Group.
Start time is 5.30pm and end is 7pm
As the AFL Finals approach, join businesses from both municipalities for an evening of new connections, collaboration and community in a relaxed sporting atmosphere. Whether you're backing your team or simply looking to grow your network, this event is the perfect opportunity to meet professionals from across the eastern suburbs.
Your registration includes:
Light refreshments
Networking with members and guests from both organisations
Access to the club bar, with drinks available at bar prices
A fun AFL-themed atmosphere (team colours encouraged!)
Bring your business cards, invite a colleague and join us for an evening of meaningful connections before the finals kick off.
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