10th August 2025

My utmost thanks to all the committee chairs and working group leaders who have been meeting and discussing to create the financial and volunteering plans for this year. Having a better understanding of what resources the club will need to do its work is critical to successful delivery.

Knowing what we're doing and sharing it with each other also makes it easier to share our activities and projects with others outside the club, both Rotarians and non-Rotarians. I have admitted before that I'm not a very good salesman, but even I know that the best product in the world doesn't result in sales unless you get people's attention. I'm going to talk a bit about elevator pitches on Wednesday, but I'd be interested in hearing from you on the subject. How do you describe our club and Rotary more broadly, in three or four sentences?

What's been happening?

  • By the time you read this the Whitehorse Farmers Market will have taken place. It was on track to be a fantastic, sunny day, so I expect it will have been a great success. The market committees are in the process of some work on improved signs, workflows and promotion as we head towards almost two decades of this joint venture. If you had a shift on Sunday, thank you.
  • We had a great presentation from Emily and Sarah-Jane from the Community Employment Partnership this past Wednesday. Being able to grow and stretch yourself in employment, working alongside and in collaboration with others, is something a lot of us take for granted. It's wonderful that this program is providing this chance for others, and that our club can be a part of that.

What's coming up?

  • This week on Tuesday there's the club social lunch at the Coach. It might not be too late if you've made a last-minute decision, but get in quick here or get in touch with Harvey directly.
  • Our speaker on Wednesday night will be Ken Mirams to speak about all things club protection. I'll be listening keenly as I go through paperwork.
  • We are sponsors of a great local sporting club, the Heathmont Jets, and as such we have an opportunity to represent our club at the awards afternoon on 31 August at Heatherdale Reserve. It's a chance to applaud young people who've put in a huge amount of effort over the season. Get in touch with Ian Evans for details.
  • And much more.

Importantly, THIS FRIDAY, 15 August at the TAFE campus near Lilydale Lake, our own Bob Williams will receive a BOC-sponsored award in recognition of the incredible work he's done for young drivers, learners and passengers in Victoria as part of the Ryda program. There's one of these available in all of Australia, and he's undoubtedly the most worthy recipient. The award will be given after a Ryda workshop day, so logistics may need to be discussed. There's no way to measure the number of accidents that didn't happen as a result of this program and Bob's work, but you can be assured that there are young people walking around today who wouldn't be able to without his efforts and the existence of Ryda. It would be great to have some club members there to witness Bob's accolade.

Looking forward to seeing you Wednesday night.

Mike Finke

August is Membership Month

Speakers from Belonging Matters

Belonging Matters is an organisation that aims to give people living with a disability a better life and equal opportunities to all others in the community. At last week's meeting Sarah-Jayne and Emily spoke on the Community Employment Partnership project, and how this helps create employment for those with intellectual disabilities.

Emily spoke from personal experience on how the scheme has benefitted and supported her.

Sarah Jayne and Emily are seen here talking with President Mike Finke and Past President Cr. Ben Stennett.

Umbrella Dementia Cafe

Just a quick reminder that the Umbrella Dementia Cafe is happening next week!

As always, a lovely afternoon tea is planned, contributions from you all to make it extra special. If you're able contribute anything — baked goods, sandwiches, or other treats — that would be fantastic.

I'll be collecting everything on Wednesday, 13th August. Please let me know what you could kindly contribute or if you have any questions. Thanks so much for your help!

Regards
Silvana

 Avenue of Service: Vocational Service 

Learn how to apply Vocational Service in your personal and professional life through Rotary

 

We’re excited to share the newly updated Vocational Service in Action publication, a comprehensive guide that: 

  • Defines Vocational Service and explains its importance in upholding ethical standards in our professional and personal lives
  • Offers project ideas for mentoring, skills training, and ethical-business initiatives
  • Includes inspiring real-world examples of members applying their professional expertise to serve communities
  • Shows how Vocational Service supports Rotary’s Action Plan by increasing our impact, expanding our reach, enhancing participant experience, and increasing our adaptability.

Download it now and integrate your vocation meaningfully and ethically into service. 

SPEAKERS
Aug 13, 2025
Youth Protection - updated information
Aug 20, 2025
Rotarian Behind the Badge
Aug 27, 2025
'Grandparents Club' at the Round.
Sep 03, 2025
RYLA experience
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Upcoming Events
Rotary Club Lunch
The Coach
Aug 12, 2025
12:15 pm – 2:15 pm
 
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Birthdays & Anniversaries
Member Birthdays
Bruce Simcox
August 2
 
Sue Warmington
August 3
 
Hank Gibcus
August 6
 
Susan Stennett
August 20
 
Col Read
August 26
 
Lesley Arnolda
August 27
 
Spouse Birthdays
Sue Warmington
August 3
 
Roslyn Wilson
August 5
 
Susan Stennett
August 20
 
Lesley Arnolda
August 27
 
Anniversaries
Russell Warmington
Sue Warmington
August 24
 
Join Date
Alex Ioannidis
August 12, 2015
10 years
 
Club Information
Wednesdays at 6:30 pm
Bucatini Restaurant
454 Whitehorse Road
Mitcham, VIC 3132
Australia
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